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Matt Cain, SF Giants Open Set With Arizona Diamondbacks

The San Francisco Giants will attempt to regain some ground in the NL West Friday night when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first game of their three-game weekend series.

Friday’s game starts at 10:15 p.m. (ET) at AT&T Park as Matt Cain and Joe Saunders get the starts for their respective clubs.

Just over a month ago (July 28), San Francisco held a four-game lead over Arizona, and looked to be in good position to take the division and defend their World Series title. But since that point, the Giants are 11-21 (-18.40 units) and the Diamondbacks are 21-11 (+10.80 units), resulting in a 10-game swing to give Arizona its current six-game lead in the NL West.

Arizona (78-59) has been an extremely streaky team in the month of August. The Diamondbacks started a streak of seven straight wins (+8.15 units) on August 9, followed that with a streak of six straight losses (-6.00 units), and then began their current winning streak, which sits at nine games (+9.30 units).

Saunders (9-11, 3.82 ERA) will look to extend the winning streak to 10. Saunders has pitched fairly poorly of late, giving up at least four earned runs in four of his last five starts. His most recent start was a strong one though, as he held San Diego to no earned runs over seven innings.

The southpaw has just two career starts against the Giants, and is 0-2 with a 5.27 ERA. Saunders gave up three runs in seven innings in a loss to San Francisco on June 15 this season.

San Francisco (72-65) has struggled with offense all season, and it has only become worse in August. Deadline-acquisition Carlos Beltran has been a total bust, batting just .260 with four RBI in 20 games with the Giants. If San Francisco is going to make a playoff push, winning this series is critical.

Cain (10-9, 2.87 ERA) has given up three earned runs or less in his last five games, and two runs or less in four of the five. Still, the efforts haven't translated to wins as the Giants are 1-4 (-4.35 units) over that stretch.

The 7-year veteran is 9-5 with a 3.52 ERA in 21 career starts against the Diamondbacks. Arizona has been one of the few teams Cain has received run support against this year. Despite an unspectacular 4.50 ERA in four starts against the Diamondbacks this season, Matt Cain and the Giants are 3-1.

San Francisco has won three of the four series these two teams have played, and are 8-4 overall against Arizona. The ‘total’ in the season series has trended ‘under’ slightly at 6-5-1.

Arizona has been a profitable betting option on the road this season at 36-33 (+11.00 units), while San Francisco is 39-30 at AT&T Park (-2.95 units).

The weather is expected to be slightly chilly with winds of up to 7 mph. Staff aces Ian Kennedy and Tim Lincecum will take the mound in Saturday’s contest.

Texas Rangers At Boston Red Sox MLB Betting Preview

The Texas Rangers will be looking for revenge when they visit the Boston Red Sox for a weekend series beginning Friday night.

First pitch from Fenway Park will be at 7:10 p.m. (ET). It’s an all lefty pitching matchup with Andrew Miller against Derek Holland. The odds will be released shortly.

These teams met last week in Texas and it started well for the Rangers with a 4-0 victory. However, Boston stormed back to win the next three by a combined score of 30-7.

That series was a great boost for the Red Sox’ psyche. They were just 2-11 in their prior 13 games in the Lone Star State before the barrage. They will feel much more comfortable if they return down South for a potential playoff series.

The Rangers (77-60) first have to make the postseason, holding a 3.5-game lead over the Angels in the AL West. They took two of three versus the Angels after battling Boston and are playing the rubber match with Tampa Bay on Thursday night.

Texas is a 145 favorite behind C.J. Wilson, who now won’t be available for this series.

Holland (12-5, 4.30 ERA) hasn’t faced Boston this year, most recently pitching Friday versus the Angels and allowing one run over 6 2/3 innings. It was a great performance in a big game, but he’s been streaky with several poor outings to go along with great ones.

The ‘over’ is 8-2 in Holland’s last 10 starts following a quality start.

The 24-year-old did get one start at Fenway as a rookie in 2009. He surrendered four earned runs over 4 2/3 innings in an 8-1 loss. The jitters should be less Friday than in that game and he has pitched well away (6-3, 3.76 ERA) this year.

The Red Sox (83-52) are also playing a rubber match against the Yankees on Thursday. They’re a big 200 favorite behind Jon Lester and will have the AL East lead no matter the outcome.

There’s a theory that Boston is mentally exhausted after playing these grueling Yankees series. However, the stats show the team is 7-1 in the last eight Game 1’s of a series after playing New York.

Boston should also have a big addition to the lineup on Friday in third baseman Kevin Youkilis. He’s been out since August 17 with a back injury.

Miller (6-1, 4.42 ERA) is a very interesting pitcher who was acquired from Florida after flaming out as a high No. 1 pick by the Tigers. The pressure is much less with the Red Sox as a spot starter and they’ve won nine of his 10 starts, scoring a whopping 7.9 runs per game.

The 26-year-old lefty last pitched Thursday at Texas, allowing no runs on three hits over 6 1/3 innings (6-0 win). It was his longest outing of the season and he only walked two batters. Walks have been a problem this year (5.24 per nine innings).

Miller hasn’t had a home start since July 26. His home ERA is just 6.88, but it’s a small sample size of four appearances (three starts).

The Red Sox are 14-5 in their last 19 home games against a lefty starter. The Rangers are 2-5 in their last seven road games versus a lefty.

Boston is 41-26 at home this year, but for -2.7 betting units. The home record the last 16 games is just 8-8.

Texas is 34-32 away this year (+1.2 units), but hasn’t played at Fenway. It went 4-3 there last season.

The Rangers just activated third baseman Adrian Beltre from the disabled list following his stint away with a hamstring injury. But they're still missing outfielder Nelson Cruz who is also nursing a hamstring pull. Texas has scored just three total runs in the two games since Cruz went out.

Weather should be clear and in the 60s. Saturday’s matchup is Colby Lewis against Erik Bedard.

Around the Horn - Friday

September 1, 2011

NATIONAL LEAGUE


Pittsburgh at Chicago - 2:20 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Burres (5-9, 4.66 ERA at AAA) 1-6 L7 1-5 L6 away on Fridays
Dempster (10-10, 4.76 ERA) 2-5 L7 5-1 L6 home on Fridays


Pirates lost to Dodgers, 6-4 on Thursday
Cubs lost to Giants, 4-0 on Wednesday

N.Y. Mets at Washington - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Dickey (6-11, 3.57 ERA) 6-1 L7 10-3 L13 away Game 1's
Detwiler (2-4, 2.86 ERA) 1-7 L8 OVER 5-1 L6 home Game 1's


Mets beat Marlins, 7-5 on Thursday

Philadelphia at Florida - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Oswalt (6-8, 3.77 ERA) 6-2 L8 8-2 L10 away Game 1's
Hand (1-4, 4.08 ERA) 3-7 L10 OVER 7-1 L11 home vs division


Phillies beat Reds, 6-4 on Thursday
Marlins lost to Mets, 7-5 on Thursday

Los Angeles at Atlanta - 7:35 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Billingsley (10-10, 4.08 ERA) 9-1 L10 OVER 7-2 away on Fridays
Beachy (7-2, 3.31 ERA) 7-3 L10 5-0 L5 home on Fridays


Dodgers beat Braves, 6-4 on Thursday

Milwaukee at Houston - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Greinke (13-5, 4.05 ERA) 5-5 L10 6-3 L9 away off loss
Harrell (0-0, 7.20 ERA) 5-2 L7 5-1 L6 home off win


Brewers lost to Cardinals, 8-4 on Thursday
Astros beat Pirates, 2-0 on Wednesday

Cincinnati at St. Louis - 8:15 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Cueto (9-5, 2.05 ERA) 0-4 L4 6-3 L9 away off loss
Carpenter (8-9, 3.76 ERA) 7-1 L8 6-3 home on Fridays


Reds lost to Phillies, 6-4 on Thursday
Cardinals beat Brewers, 8-4 on Thursday

Colorado at San Diego - 10:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Millwood (1-1, 4.26 ERA) 1-5 L6 UNDER 8-3 away on Fridays
Harang (12-4, 3.92 ERA) 0-7 L7 1-5 L6 home Game 1's

Rockies lost to Diamondbacks, 4-2 on Wednesday
Padres lost to Dodgers, 4-2 on Wednesday

Arizona at San Francisco - 10:15 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Saunders (9-11, 3.82 ERA) 9-0 L9 5-2 L7 away Game 2's
Cain (10-9, 2.87 ERA) 5-5 L10 7-4 home on Fridays


Diamondbacks beat Rockies, 4-2 on Wednesday
Giants beat Cubs, 4-0 on Wednesday

AMERICAN LEAGUE


Toronto at N.Y. Yankees - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Morrow (9-9, 4.79 ERA) 3-5 L8 9-2 away on Fridays
Nova (14-4, 3.96 ERA) 5-5 L10 2-7 home on Fridays


Blue Jays beat Orioles, 8-6 on Thursday

Chicago at Detroit - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Danks (6-9, 3.63 ERA) 5-1 L6 8-2 L10 away off loss
Verlander (20-5, 2.38 ERA) 5-3 L8 3-7 L10 home Game 1's


White Sox lost to Twins, 7-6 on Wednesday
Tigers lost to Royals, 11-8 on Thursday

Texas at Boston - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Holland (12-5, 4.30 ERA) 3-5 L8 7-2 L9 away Game 1's
Miller (6-1, 4.42 ERA) 6-2 L8 0-6 L6 home Game 1's




Baltimore at Tampa Bay - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Britton (8-9, 4.28 ERA) 1-4 L5 5-1 L6 away Game 1's
Price (12-11, 3.40 ERA) 4-2 L6 6-1 home on Fridays




Cleveland at Kansas City - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Masterson (10-8, 2.83 ERA) 5-2 L7 OVER 7-2 away off loss
Chen (10-5, 3.94 ERA) 5-5 L10 1-5 L6 home off win


Indians lost to Athletics, 7-0 on Thursday
Royals beat Tigers, 11-8 on Thursday

Minnesota at Los Angeles - 10:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Pavano (6-11, 4.62 ERA) 2-8 L10 0-6 L6 away off win
Weaver (15-7, 2.28 ERA) 2-4 L6 6-2 L8 home Game 1's


Twins beat White Sox, 7-6 on Wednesday

Seattle at Oakland - 10:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Vargas (7-12, 4.52 ERA) 2-4 L6 1-7 L8 away on Game 1's
Moscoso (6-8, 3.80 ERA) 1-5 L6 OVER 5-0 L5 home Game 1's


Athletics beat Indians, 7-0 on Thursda

Friday’s betting tips: NCAAF home field overrated?

Who’s hot

NCAAF: TCU is 4-0 ATS in its last four games against Baylor

NFL: The Oakland Raiders have lost their first three preseason games and have been outscored by 40 points in the process.

MLB: Arizona had won nine straight games heading into Thursday’s action.

MLB: Colorado is 7-2 in its last nine trips to San Diego.

WNBA: Minnesota has covered in five of its last six against New York.

Who’s not

NCAAF: Michigan State has dropped four of its last five against the spread.

MLB: Minnesota is 6-20 in its last 26 overall.

MLB: Kansas City is 7-16 in its last 23.

WNBA: Atlanta is 6-15-1 against the spread in its last 22 home games.

Key stat

44.06 – Is home-field advantage overrated in college football? Last season home underdogs covered only 44.06 percent of the time. Baylor is set as a 3.5-point home underdog against TCU Friday.

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox – Youkilis has been activated from the DL and is expected to start Friday’s game against the Texas Rangers. The slugger has been on the shelf since Aug. 18 with a lower-back strain.

Game of the day

TCU at Baylor (3.5, 53.5)

Notable quotable

"I like to play to win and I haven't won yet. It's pissing me off. That might be why I'm pissed." – Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jackson. The Raiders have been hammered in preseason play so far and are set as 3.5-point underdogs at Seattle on Friday night.

Notes and tips

The Michigan State Spartans are looking to avoid taking a step back after winning a school-record 11 games last season, tied for second with Wisconsin in the Big Ten. The past four times they managed to put together a winning record, they fell below .500 the following year. MSU finished 7-6 against the spread last season and are set as 34.5-point favorites at home to Youngstown State Friday.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is expected to take some snaps Friday against Oakland, but he may not have many other starters with him. Wideouts Sidney Rice (shoulder), Mike Williams (toe) and Ben Obomanu (head) are all banged up, as are Marshawn Lynch (ankle) and offensive tackle Russell Okung (ankle). Seattle has won six of its last nine preseason games with Oakland straight up.

Friday's six-pack

The six teams the furthest under the NFL's salary cap, and the six teams that are closest to being at the cap.......

Team/amount under cap

Chiefs $32.7M...........................Texans $2.2M

Buccaneers $29.5M....................Steelers $2.2M

Bengals $29M............................Falcons $1.8M

Jaguars $28M.............................Rams $750K

Broncos $24.5M........................Lions $730K

Bills $24.4M..............................Vikings $370K


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Friday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud.........

13) NBA owners/players actually met Wednesday, first time in four weeks. No hurry fellas, not like the season starts in eight weeks or anything. Oh wait, its less than that?

12) Derrek Lee holds a record that may never be broken; from 2003-06, he homered on his birthday every year. That’s a tough one to break.

11) Apparently last year, the Marlins asked the White Sox about the possibility of hiring Ozzie Guillen away as manager; Chicago asked for Logan Morrison in return. If the Sox asked Florida for Morrison today, they might get him.

10) Speaking of the Marlins, they’ll be known as the Miami Marlins starting next season, when they move into their new retractable domed stadium, on the site of the old Orange Bowl.

9) Mets 1B Ike Davis hurt his ankle on a harmless looking play, catching a popup near the mound on May 10; not only hasn’t he played since, but the Mets’ crack medical staff still hasn’t decided whether or not to operate on the ankle. Hope they’re at least looking at the correct leg.

8) Nashville is making some noise as wanting the Tampa Bay Rays to move there; if that happens, no whining from Music City when a Canadian city poaches their hockey team in a couple years.

7) Could someone explain to me why the Kentucky-Western Kentucky game is being played in Nashville? Nashville is still in Tennessee, right?

6) Want to know why the Red Sox traded for Conor Jackson? JD Drew has come to bat with a man on first base 81 times this year, and not once has he knocked the guy in. They'll need production from rightfield.

5) Juwan Howard Jr, who averaged 9.3 ppg for 21-13 Western Michigan LY, has left the squad and will transfer. Curious to see where he is going to wind up, but his dad played for Steve Fisher, right? Fisher has San Diego State rolling; could young Howard be headed there?

4) Carlos Quentin has been hit by 23 pitches this season, most in MLB.

3) Ed O’Neill, the terrific actor who played the sportswriter in Blue Chips and Al Bundy in Married with Children, is getting his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Good for him.

2) NFL referee Ed Hochuli, who still has really big arms, played football at UTEP, where he was a linebacker. He still looks like a linebacker.

1) Congrats to our friend Nevada Smith on being named head basketball coach at Keystone College in La Plume (outside Scranton), PA. Keystone was 21-6 LY, so he has big shoes to fill. Good luck.

CFL
Dunkel


Week 10

BC at Toronto
The Argonauts look to take advantage of a BC team that is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games against teams with a losing record. Toronto is the pick (+1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Argonauts favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+1 1/2). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Game 291-292: BC at Toronto (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: BC 109.263; Toronto 110.625
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 48
Vegas Line: BC by 1 1/2; 51
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+1 1/2); Under


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Game 293-294: Winnipeg at Saskatchewan (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 117.270; Saskatchewan 107.750
Dunkel Line: Winnipeg by 9 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: Winnipeg by 3; 49
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (-3); Over


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Game 295-296: Montreal at Hamilton (1:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Montreal 116.673; Hamilton 111.084
Dunkel Line: Montreal by 5 1/2; 51
Vegas Line: Montreal by 2 1/2; 55 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Montreal (-2 1/2); Under

Game 297-298: Edmonton at Calgary (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 112.450; Calgary 118.638
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 6; 53
Vegas Line: Calgary by 9; 48
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (+9); Over




CFL
Long Sheet


Week 10

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Friday, September 2

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BRITISH COLUMBIA (2 - 6) at TORONTO (2 - 6) - 9/2/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 over the last 2 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 40-64 ATS (-30.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 50-29 ATS (+18.1 Units) in road games off a division game since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 30-15 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games off a win over a division rival since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-1 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Sunday, September 4

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WINNIPEG (7 - 1) at SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 7) - 9/4/2011, 4:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 60-36 ATS (+20.4 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 100-64 ATS (+29.6 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
WINNIPEG is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all games this season.
WINNIPEG is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in all lined games this season.
WINNIPEG is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in games played on turf this season.
WINNIPEG is 11-1 ATS (+9.9 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all games this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in all lined games this season.
SASKATCHEWAN is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in games played on turf this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 2-2 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-1 straight up against WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Monday, September 5

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MONTREAL (5 - 3) at HAMILTON (4 - 4) - 9/5/2011, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HAMILTON is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in a home game where the total is greater than or equal to 52 over the last 3 seasons.
HAMILTON is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in a home game where the total is between 52.5 and 56 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 4-3 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 5-2 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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EDMONTON (5 - 3) at CALGARY (6 - 2) - 9/5/2011, 4:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-3 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 7-2 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CFL


Week 10

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Trend Report
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Friday, September 2

7:30 PM
BRITISH COLUMBIA vs. TORONTO
British Columbia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of British Columbia's last 6 games
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against British Columbia
Toronto is 4-7-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing British Columbia


Sunday, Septmber 4

4:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. SASKATCHEWAN
Winnipeg is 7-0-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Winnipeg is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Saskatchewan's last 6 games
Saskatchewan is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Winnipeg


Monday, September 5

1:00 PM
MONTREAL vs. HAMILTON
Montreal is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Hamilton
Montreal is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games when playing Hamilton
Hamilton is 4-20 SU in its last 24 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Hamilton's last 8 games when playing Montreal

4:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. CALGARY
Edmonton is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Edmonton is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Calgary's last 22 games
Calgary is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games


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CFL


Week10

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Canadian Bacon: CFL Week 10 odds and picks
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B.C. Lions at Toronto Argonauts (+1.5, 51)

The Lions play against a familiar face in Toronto where former teammate Ricky Foley chose to pursue his career last fall after being cut by the N.Y. Jets.

The decision made a lot of very unhappy folks in Vancouver, particularly the guys in Wally Buono’s dressing room. The players say its old news but you can expect emotions to by on the edge against Foley and the Argos.

The Lions have had another bad start but things seem to be shaping up in. The club is playing to the level of its talent and expectations. The blowout win against Edmonton should be a warning to all, and against an Argos team that has many flaws, you can expect another lopsided affair.

QB Cleo Lemon is off the mark and his OL hasn’t provided much protection lately. The possible absence of DT Kevin Huntley won’t help.

In Toronto, they’re already talking about a possible replacement of Cleo Lemon by former Bomber Steven Jyles who will be out of the nine-week injury list next week.

Pick: B.C.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Saskatchewan Roughriders (+3, 49.5)

The Blue Bombers are the team to beat in the CFL and you might think there is no hope for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

But with Ken Miller back on the sidelines, you can expect a burst of passion and energy from these Riders. Since offensive coordinator Doug Berry was fired, QB Darian Durant said much was done to improve the playbook and he seems confident that he can cause confusion in the Blue Bombers defense, whatever mastermind Tim Burke may bring to the table.

Durant will have a new target with Dallas Baker dressing up for his first game with the Riders after being traded by the Alouettes for DE Luc Mullinder a few weeks ago. Defensively the Riders have improved since LB James Patrick return to play, picking up two of the six Saskatchewan interceptions.

In the hostile environment of Mosaic Stadium, where you arguably find the loudest fans in the country, all is in place to see the Roughriders get back on track and upset the Bombers.

Keep an eye on wide receiver Scott McHenry who, after being released by Winnipeg, will have a chance to face his former teammates. This will be the 47th Labour Day showdown between these two rivals, Saskatchewan having the edge with 29 wins.

Pick: Saskatchewan

Montreal Alouettes at Hamilton Tiger Cats (+2.5, 55)

Montreal’s secondary has been pretty banged up and the coaching staff had to fill many holes before heading to Hamilton where the Tiger Cats are hoping to prove they can win a big game against the Alouettes.

Already without DB Jerald Brown and S Etienne Boulay, the Alouettes will have to manage without CB Mark Estelle for the reminder of the season. LB Diamond Ferri has been hospitalized earlier this week with a pancreatitis, DE Jermaine McElveen is still nursing a knee injury and that MLB Shae Emry suffered a concussion that might prevent him of playing.

That means the Als head to Hamilton missing seven of their 12 defensive starters.

The Tiger Cats can still make a run for first place in the East and, if not for a few bad calls from their coaches, should have won against Winnipeg last week. With a great group of young receivers (Chris Williams, Aaron Kelly and Bakari Grant) at his disposal, QB Kevin Glenn will also welcome the return of Maurice Mann.

Pick: Hamilton

Edmonton Eskimos at Calgary Stampeders (-8.5, 48)

If you were only going by the standings you might think this is a game between the two best teams in the West. It’s not the case.
The Eskimos are depleted by injuries and we still can’t figure out who Ricky Ray will throw the ball on Labour Day for this showdown between Alberta’s archrivals.

C Aaron Fiacconi is the latest casualty and will be out for the rest of season which is no good news for a QB who has been sacked 18 times in the last three games, all losses.

Also note that since they released Arkee Whitlock after Week 5, the Eskimos ground game has been stalled.

Henry Burris and the Stampeders offense are rolling on all wheels and gave a stupendous demonstration of their potential last Saturday against the Alouettes. Burris and WR Johnny Forzani were named Offensive and Canadian player of the month in August, leading the Stampeders to three wins in as many games.

The Stampeders have won the last four Labour Day “Battle of Albertas”.

Pick: Calgary

WNBA
Long Sheet


Friday, September 2

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INDIANA (19 - 10) at CONNECTICUT (18 - 12) - 9/2/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 75-109 ATS (-44.9 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 21-9 ATS (+11.1 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
INDIANA is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 7-4 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-5 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (5 - 24) at ATLANTA (16 - 13) - 9/2/2011, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 209-258 ATS (-74.8 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 125-164 ATS (-55.4 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 130-168 ATS (-54.8 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 6-6 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-6 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

NEW YORK (17 - 13) at MINNESOTA (24 - 6) - 9/2/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) against Western conference opponents this season.
NEW YORK is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
NEW YORK is 73-49 ATS (+19.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
NEW YORK is 46-26 ATS (+17.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 2-2 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

SEATTLE (17 - 13) at TULSA (3 - 26) - 9/2/2011, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 50-72 ATS (-29.2 Units) in road games after a division game since 1997.
SEATTLE is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 25-37 ATS (-15.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 18-31 ATS (-16.1 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-3 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 8-2 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

MLB


Friday, September 2

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Friday’s streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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STREAKING

John Danks (6-9, 3.63 ERA), Chicago White Sox

On May 29, Jon Danks gave up nine runs in four innings of work and picked up his eighth loss of the season. The summer months have been much kinder to the Chi-Sox righty.

Chicago is 9-2 in Danks starts since and the club was never a bigger fave that -155. Danks is 6-1 with a 2.03 ERA over his last 11 trips to the bump and the under is 9-1-1 over the stretch.

“Wow,” White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen told reporters after Danks’ most recent start, a complete game shutout with 10 K’s to boot. “He’s been throwing the ball pretty good the last six or seven starts. I think today was the best he’s thrown the ball in a long time.”

Bruce Chen (10-5, 3.94 ERA), Kansas City Royals

The Royals win 68.4 percent of this journeyman hurler toes the rubber. Anytime a starting pitcher has that type of success playing for a team as poor as Kansas City, you know baseball bettors will be following.

Chen is the seven best bet in baseball and our starter money list shows that you’d be up 9.89 units if you bet the lefty in each of his starts this season. The Royals are 5-0 in his last five appearances and the under is 4-1 over the same period.


SLUMPING

Chris Carpenter (8-9, 3.76 ERA), St. Louis Cardinals

We’re not sure if it’s Carpenter or just the Cards that are struggling. Either way the net result isn’t good. Carpenter owns a respectable 3.86 ERA over his last seven trips to the hill but the Cardinals are just 2-5 over the stretch.

St. Louis is averaging just 2.3 runs per game in the former Cy Young winners’ last seven starts. That’s not going to help Cardinal backers

MLB


Friday, September 2

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Hot lines: Friday’s best MLB bets
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Cincinnati Reds at St. Louis Cardinals (-135, 7)

It was only fitting that as the calendar turned from August to September, Albert Pujols powered the Cardinals to a huge win over the Brewers.

Pujols went 4-for-4 with a grand slam, a solo homer and five RBIs in St. Louis’ sweep-clinching 8-4 win over Milwaukee at Miller Park Thursday. Pujols is a career .344 hitter in September and now the Cards now sit 7 ½ games back of the Brewers in the NL Central.

"As many games as we have left, if we keep playing the way we did here, then we still have a pretty good chance," Pujols told reporters after the win.

It would take a real collapse from the Brewers for St. Louis to end up at the top of the division, but it’s not out of the question. With Chris Carpenter on the hill, the Cards should get a little closer Friday when they ride their momentum into this home series against the Reds.

Pick: Cardinals


Texas Rangers at Boston Red Sox (-135, 10.5)

Andrew Miller might not be the biggest name in Boston’s starting rotation, but he definitely deserves to be there. He has allowed just one run over his last two starts and is coming off an impressive win over these Rangers.

The big lefty threw 6 1/3 shutout innings, allowing just one batter to reach third base – and that was on an error. He struck out six and walked two while improving to 6-1 on the year.

“It was fun to watch,” Boston manager Terry Francona told reporters of Miller’s performance. “I think the biggest thing he did was he repeated his pitches. We’ve always seen glimpses, but he just kept going out there and repeating. He threw fastball, breaking ball, change-up, against a lineup that is pretty dangerous and he did a really good job.”

The Rangers have a pretty tough lineup to shut down in back-to-back starts but we’ve seen enough from him to at least put down an under bet.

Pick: Under

MLB Series Outlook: Chicago White Sox at Detroit

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (68-66, -3.7 Units)

at DETROIT TIGERS (75-62, +5.6 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: Detroit -180, Chicago +140

Detroit looks to deliver a knockout blow in the AL Central race when it hosts the White Sox for a three-game set starting Friday night.

But while the Tigers have won an impressive 10 of 14, the White Sox have kept pace. Chicago has won five of its past six. They Sox have also been the American League’s best road team since the All-Star break, winning 14 of 20 away from home, including a series victory in Comerica Park July 15-17. They obviously have their work cut out for them against Justin Verlander on Friday, but the Sox have the pitching edge in both weekend games. The FoxSheets provide another reason why underdog CHICAGO is the pick to win the series.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX are 15-6 (71.4%, +10.2 Units) against the money line in road games vs. AL teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game in the second half of the season this season. The average score was CHICAGO WHITE SOX 4.4, OPPONENT 2.7 - (Rating = 2*)

Pitching Probables for Friday, September 2 – 7:05 ET
Friday line: Detroit -205, Chi. White Sox +187, Total: 7
CHW: 10-12 (-3.7 Units) when John Danks starts
DET: 21-8 (+9.9 Units) when Justin Verlander starts
Danks (6-9, 3.63 ERA) is coming off his second career shutout, blanking the Mariners with a three-hitter in Seattle last Saturday, striking out 10 and walking just one. It was his third straight quality start, and his fifth in seven outings since returning from an oblique injury in mid-July. He’s posted a 2.47 ERA during that span, while the White Sox are 5-2 in his starts. However, even after the shutout in Seattle, Danks is just 2-6 with a 4.27 ERA on the road, and Chicago is 3-7 in his road outings.
Verlander (20-5, 2.38 ERA) has added to his Cy Young résumé with a personal eight-game winning streak, but his last outing wasn’t one of his best. In Minnesota on Saturday, he allowed four runs and 11 base runners over six innings against a weak Twins lineup. Verlander is 8-1 with a 1.67 ERA over his past 10 home starts (nine of them Tigers wins), but the lone loss was to the White Sox. Chicago got to him for five runs (four earned) over six innings on July 15. But Verlander is still 8-1 with a 2.67 ERA against Chicago over the past three seasons.

Pitching Probables for Saturday, September 3 – 4:10 ET
Saturday line: TBD
CHW: 13-12 (-0.8 Units) when Gavin Floyd starts
DET: 12-14 (-1.6 Units) when Brad Penny starts
After a disastrous start to August (including the Yankees torching him for 10 runs on August 3), Floyd (12-10, 4.36 ERA) has put together back-to-back strong outings. He shut out the Rangers for seven innings on August 21, then held the Mariners to two runs over 7.1 innings on Sunday. The White Sox have won seven of his eight starts since the All-Star break. He’s also been far better on the road this year, going 8-5 with a 3.08 ERA (as opposed to 4-5 with a 6.36 ERA at home). He’s 6-1 with a 3.31 ERA against Detroit over 15 career starts (11 of them White Sox wins).
Penny (9-10, 5.07 ERA) was knocked around in Minnesota on Sunday, allowing seven runs and 10 base runners over five innings. The White Sox will be a welcome site for him, though. Penny is 3-0 with a 2.89 ERA against Chicago this year. He has pitched relatively well in Comerica Park this season, where he’s posted a 4.02 ERA. However, Detroit has lost six of his past eight home outings.

Pitching Probables for Sunday, September 4 - 8:05 ET
Sunday line: TBD
CHW: 17-9 (+8.0 Units) when Mark Buehrle starts
DET: 17-11 (+3.6 Units) when Max Scherzer starts
Buehrle (11-6, 3.05 ERA) threw 7.2 shutout innings against the Twins on Monday, adding to a very nice run of starts. In his past 15 outings, he’s 7-2 with a 2.44 ERA, and Chicago is 11-4 in those games. He’s beaten the Tigers the last two times he’s faced them, though both starts were at home and neither was very impressive. He allowed five runs (three earned) and 22 base runners over 12 innings.
Scherzer (13-8, 4.52 ERA) continues to be unable to put it all together. He allowed seven runs and 10 hits—including three homers—to the Royals in an ugly home loss on Monday. But he has typically thrown better at Comerica Park this year, where he has a 4.03 ERA and the Tigers are 10-5 in his starts. Detroit is just 2-5 against the White Sox when Scherzer starts, but the righty has pitched well in those games. He has a career 2.61 ERA against Chicago, including a 1.80 ERA over his past four outings against them.

MLB Series Outlook: Arizona at San Francisco

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (78-59, +22.3 Units)

at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (72-65, -5.9 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: San Francisco -170, Arizona +135

The streaky Diamondbacks have gotten red-hot again. They’ll ride a nine-game winning streak into San Francisco with a chance to put the NL West away when the teams meet up for a three-game set starting Friday night.

Pitching hasn’t been a problem for the Giants, especially when Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum or Ryan Vogelsong have taken the hill, and the defending champs are 8-4 against Arizona this year. But this offense has been baseball’s worst. Since acquiring OF Carlos Beltran at the trade deadline, they’ve averaged an MLB-low 2.64 runs per game. Beltran’s DL stint for hand and wrist problems didn’t help, they’ve been even worse in the 20 games he’s been in the lineup (2.35 runs per game, 7-13 record); Beltran’s OPS is just .664 with the Giants after a .904 OPS with the Mets this year. Considering the D-backs will have their top three starters going this weekend, and they took two of three in San Francisco the last time the teams met (with the Cain-Lincecum-Vogelsong trio pitching in that series), there’s no legitimate reason the Giants should be as heavily favored as they are. The FoxSheets provide another trend siding with ARIZONA to win the series.

ARIZONA is 38-21 (64.4%, +17.6 Units) against the money line vs. terrible power teams - averaging 0.75 or less HR's/game this season. The average score was ARIZONA 4.7, OPPONENT 3.9 - (Rating = 2*).

Pitching Probables for Friday, September 2 - 10:15 ET
Friday line: San Francisco -165, Arizona +155, Total: 6.5
ARI: 13-14 (-0.1 Units) when Joe Saunders starts
SF: 15-13 (-0.3 Units) when Matt Cain starts
Saunders (9-11, 3.82 ERA) got back on track last week, throwing seven shutout innings in a victory over the Padres last Saturday. But it was the only bright spot in August, where the lefty posted a 5.04 ERA over five starts in the month. He’s 0-2 with a 5.27 ERA in two starts against the Giants, but he’s fared well on the road overall this year (6-6, 3.28 ERA).
Cain (10-9, 2.87 ERA) has delivered five consecutive quality starts, but has just one win during this streak. The Giants have lost all six of Cain’s home starts since the All-Star break despite his solid 3.63 ERA. The righty has had a lot of success against Arizona over the past two seasons, going 5-1 with a 2.92 ERA in seven outings (six San Francisco wins). But he’s allowed five runs each of the past two times he’s faced them, including a loss at home on August 1 (5.2 IP, 5 ER).

Pitching Probables for Saturday, September 3 - 9:05 ET
Saturday line: TBD
ARI: 20-8 (+12.3 Units) when Ian Kennedy starts
SF: 16-12 (-1.9 Units) when Tim Lincecum starts
Kennedy (17-4, 3.03 ERA) has pitched himself into the Cy Young conversation by going 9-1 with a 2.35 ERA over his past 10 starts. He’s given up just one run over his past two starts, dominating the Nationals and Padres. The D-backs are 10-3 in Kennedy’s road starts, and he’s posted a 0.75 ERA over three starts against San Francisco this year.
Lincecum (12-11, 2.58 ERA) is coming off a shaky outing against the Cubs at home, as he allowed five runs (four earned) over six innings in Monday’s loss. He was on a tear before that, posting a 1.17 ERA over his previous nine starts. Lincecum has actually pitched worse at home this year, where he’s 5-6 with a 3.15 ERA. He allowed two runs over seven innings in a loss to Arizona on August 2.

Pitching Probables for Sunday, September 4 – 4:05 ET
Sunday line: TBD
ARI: 17-11 (+4.6 Units) when Daniel Hudson starts
SF: 13-10 (-0.2 Units) when Ryan Vogelsong starts
Hudson (14-9, 3.61 ERA) threw seven shutout innings against the Rockies on Monday, following up a near-complete game win in Washington in his previous start. The Giants have beaten him twice in three tries this year, though they haven’t exactly lit him up. Hudson has a 3.48 ERA against the Giants and has struck out 20 in 20.2 innings.
Vogelsong (10-5, 2.63 ERA) has been a surprise success story all year, but he seems to be running out of steam. He’s 1-4 with a 4.22 ERA over his past five starts, and he’s given up an additional three unearned runs over 32 innings. He has a 2.27 ERA in 13 starts at AT&T Park this year, though he’s lost his past three home starts while posting a 5.71 ERA. He’s been effective in his two starts against the D-backs this year, allowing three runs over 12 innings while striking out 13.

CFL
Write-Up


Week 10

BCLions (2-6) @ Toronto (2-6)-- Pair of struggling teams both coming off wins; Lions won two of last three games after 0-5 start- they're 1-3 on road, 1-3 as a favorite, losing away games by 4 at Montreal, 16 at Edmonton, 5 at Winnipeg, before last week's big 36-1 win in Edmonton. Last four Lion games stayed under the total, but five of last six Toronto games went over. Argos are 1-2 at home, losing by 9-13 points.

Winnipeg (7-1) @ Saskatchewan (1-7)-- In-season coaching changes are basically always useless, but defending West champ Roughriders are in a desperate way, losing last four games by average score of 29-21. Riders are 0-4 at home, losing by 14-14-4-10 points. Bombers are 3-0 on road, winning by 8-9-13 points- they're 2-1 as a favorite. Six of eight Bomber games, five of last six Saskatchewan games stayed under total.

Montreal (5-3) @ Hamilton (5-3)-- Alouettes (-3.5) lost 34-26 here back in Week 5; Als are 2-2 on road, winning in Regina (39-25), Toronto (36-23), losing here and in Calgary (38-31). Six of last eight Montreal games and last five TiCat games went over the total. Hamilton is 3-0 at home, winning by 30-8-5 points, scoring 34.7 ppg. TiCats are 4-2 vs spread as an underdog- they scored 33+ points in four of their five wins.

Edmonton (5-3) @ Calgary (6-2)-- Eskimos (+3.5) won 34-19 here back in Week 4, but after an unlikely 5-0 start, Edmonton lost its last three in a row by 12-23-35 points, getting outscored 63-5 in its last two games. Stampeders won/covered last four games, scoring 34.3 ppg- they won last two home games by 12-7 points after losing their first two at home this season. Six of last seven Eskimo games stayed under; Calgary's last three games went over the total.

WNBA


Friday, September 2

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Washington's last 16 games
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing Washington

7:30 PM
INDIANA vs. CONNECTICUT
Indiana is 15-7-1 ATS in its last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 7 games when playing Connecticut
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Connecticut's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Connecticut's last 7 games when playing Indiana

8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of New York's last 18 games
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing at home against New York

8:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. TULSA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Tulsa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Tulsa's last 10 games

MLB
Dunkel


NY Mets at Washington
The Mets look to build on their 6-2 record in R.A. Dickey's last 8 starts in Game 1 of a series. New York is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Mets favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Game 901-902: Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Burres) 13.917; Cubs (Dempster) 14.432
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 903-904: NY Mets at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Dickey) 15.040; Washington (Detwiler) 14.067
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-110); Over

Game 905-906: Philadelphia at Florida (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Oswalt) 16.101; Florida (Hand) 14.296
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 2; 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 907-908: LA Dodgers at Atlanta (7:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 15.482; Atlanta (Beachy) 15.960
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-160); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-160); Under

Game 909-910: Milwaukee at Houston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Greinke) 14.739; Houston (Harrell) 15.396
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-220); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+190); Over

Game 911-912: Cincinnati at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 16.104; St. Louis (Carpenter) 15.454
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 7
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+120); Under

Game 913-914: Colorado at San Diego (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Millwood) 15.055; San Diego (Harang) 14.014
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+105); Over

Game 915-916: Arizona at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Saunders) 15.069; San Francisco (Cain) 15.136
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-165); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-165); Under

Game 917-918: Chicago White Sox at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Danks) 14.695; Detroit (Verlander) 15.719
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-205); 7
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-205); Over

Game 919-920: Toronto at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Morrow) 16.586; NY Yankees (Nova) 15.866
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+150); Under

Game 921-922: Baltimore at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Britton) 15.573; Tampa Bay (Price) 14.446
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-210); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+180); Over

Game 923-924: Texas at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Holland) 15.958; Boston (Miller) 16.624
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-135); Under

Game 925-926: Cleveland at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Masterson) 15.242; Kansas City (Chen) 14.641
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-120); Under

Game 927-928: Seattle at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Vargas) 14.702; Oakland (Moscoso) 15.190
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-140); 7
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-140); Over

Game 929-930: Minnesota at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Pavano) 14.135; LA Angels (Chatwood) 15.425
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-230); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-230); Over

MLB
Write-Up


Friday, September 2

Hot pitchers
-- Dickey is 1-0, 2.21 in his last three starts.
-- Beachy is 4-0, 2.97 in his last six starts.
-- Greinke is 7-0, 1.33 in his last seven starts.
-- Reds won Cueto's last four starts (2-0, 2.00). Carpenter is 2-1, 3.37 in his last five starts.
-- Harang is 3-1, 4.88 in his last five starts. Millwood is 1-0, 4.42 in his last three starts.
-- Cain has a 2.92 RA in his last five starts.

-- Verlander is 8-0, 2.91 in his last eight starts. Danks is 2-0, 1.64 in his last three starts.
-- Nova is 7-0, 3.40 in his last seven starts.
-- Price is 3-1, 0.87 in his last four starts. Britton is 2-0, 0.75 in his last couple starts.
-- Indians won five of last six Masterson starts (2-1, 4.00).
-- Miller is 2-0, 2.08 in his last three starts.
-- Chen is 5-0, 2.81 in his last five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Dempster is 0-2, 5.29 in his last three starts. Burres is 5-9, 4.66 in 23 AAA starts this season; he is 17-25, 5.83 in 54 career MLB starts.
-- Detwiler is 1-4, 4.08 in his last five starts.
-- Oswalt is 2-4, 5.14 in his last six starts. Hand is 0-1, 6.59 in his last three starts.
-- Billingsley is 1-2, 5.89 in his last six starts.
-- Harrell is 12-5, 2.63 in 21 AAA starts this season. He was 1-0, 4.88 in three starts for the White Sox LY.
-- Saunders is 1-3, 5.64 in his last five starts.

-- Morrow is 1-4, 6.75 in his last five starts.
-- Holland has a 6.15 RA in his last five starts.
-- Moscoso is 2-3, 5.65 in his last five starts. Vargas is 0-2, 10.26 in his last three outings.
-- Weaver is 1-2, 5.84 in his last four starts. Pavano is 0-5, 8.00 in his last eight starts.

Totals
-- Four of Pirates' last five games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Washington home games stayed under total.
-- Seven of Philly's last nine games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2 in Dodgers' last seven road games.
-- Five of last six Milwaukee road games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine St Louis games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in San Diego's last seven home games.
-- Under is 9-5 in San Francisco's last fourteen home games.

-- Over is 6-2-2 in Detroit's last ten home games.
-- Seven of last eight Toronto games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-2-1 in Tampa Bay's last eleven home games.
-- Over is 7-3 in Rangers' last ten road games.
-- Four of Royals' last five home games stayed under total.
-- Last five Oakland games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-3-1 in Angels' last twelve road games.

Hot Teams
-- Mets won six of their last seven games.
-- Braves won nine of their last twelve games. Dodgers are 11-3 in their last fourteen games.
-- Phillies are 9-4 in their last thirteen games.
-- Cardinals won six of their last seven games.
-- Astros won last four games, outscoring foes 21-9.
-- Arizona won its last nine games, allowing 12 runs.

-- Orioles won seven of their last eleven games.
-- Indians won five of their last seven games.
-- Bronx won four of its last five games. Toronto won three of four.
-- Red Sox won six of their last nine games.
-- Tigers won 10 of their last 14 games. White Sox won seven of their last ten games.
-- Angels won their last six home games, allowing 39 runs.

Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost 12 of their last 16 games. Cubs lost eight of last 11.
-- Cincinnati lost its last four games, scoring six runs.
-- Marlins lost 14 of their last 18 games.
-- Washington lost eight of its last nine games.
-- Brewers lost their last three games, scoring eight runs.
-- Rockies lost five of their last six games. San Diego lost its last seven games, scoring 11 runs.
-- Giants lost 12 of their last 19 home games.

-- Tampa Bay lost three of its last four games.
-- Rangers are 5-7 in their last twelve games.
-- Royals lost seven of their last ten home games.
-- Seattle lost eleven of its last sixteen games. Oakland lost five of its last six games.
-- Minnesota lost nine of its last eleven games.

MLB


Friday, September 2

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Trend Report
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2:20 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh

7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 13-5 SU in their last 18 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Detroit's last 23 games when playing Chi White Sox

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 14 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
NY Yankees are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games at home

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games
Washington is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TAMPA BAY
Baltimore is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 15 games when playing Baltimore
Tampa Bay is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Baltimore

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. FLORIDA
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Florida's last 11 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Florida is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing Philadelphia

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

7:35 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ATLANTA
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games

8:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. HOUSTON
Milwaukee is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
Milwaukee is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 13 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Houston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY
Cleveland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 11 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Kansas City is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Cleveland

8:15 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ST. LOUIS
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 7 of St. Louis's last 9 games

10:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN DIEGO
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Colorado's last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games at home
San Diego is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

10:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games

10:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Angels's last 9 games

10:15 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing Arizona
San Francisco is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Arizona

MLB


Friday, September 2

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September good and bad month starting pitchers
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Like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters have expanded to accommodate the final month of the season.

And as college football and the NFL barge onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail. Which ones can we count on and which ones figure to belly up? Check it out.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts, winning 33 percent or less of their efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the last three years.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Zack Grienke * 10-5
Milwaukee has established itself as no worse than the second best team in the National League in part because Greinke has turned into the pitcher they had seen at Kansas City. In his last 10 starts his ERA is 2.41 and his strikeout to walk ratio is better than 4-to-1.

Jair Jurrjens * 10-3
The Atlanta right-hander looks to be healthy from his stint on the DL, being able to work both sides of the plate. Hitters in the right side batter’s box are batting just .226 versus Jurrjens.

Jon Lester * 12-3
All this Boston southpaw does is win month after month once he gets into May. He’s lowered his ERA over a half a run in his last 10 starts and is on pace to have the lowest WHIP of his career.

Ted Lilly * 11-5
Maybe the Dodgers lefty can finish strong, but Lilly is guaranteed his second straight losing campaign. It’s easy to trace his problems. He’s giving up nearly a hit an inning for the first time since 2006 and he on pace to allow a career high in home runs because of his lack of command.

Wandy Rodriguez * 8-4
Always a .500 pitcher throughout his entire eight-year career, Rodriguez has usually had a strong close to the season. That could be a challenge pitching for this Astros club who will lose 100 or more games for the first time in franchise history.

CC Sabathia * 14-2
The Yankees ace didn’t have his typical outstanding August, getting the fastball up and permitting more hits than normal. One extra day between starts might be the tonic the big man needs to finish lights the rest of the season.

Joe Saunders * 10-5
If Arizona could win three of Saunders five projected starts this month, you would have to think they would be thrilled. For Saunders to be effective, he has to own the inside corner against right-handed batters below the waist and mix in the change low and away to all hitters.

Kevin Correia * 8-3
Is on the DL with a strained left oblique and Pittsburgh would like to have him back in their quest to finish above .500 for the first time in 20 years.

Joe Blanton * 10-5
Has nerve damage in right elbow and is not expected to pitch again this season.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Matt Cain * 5-10
His numbers this season are similar to career stats, but throughout his time in Giants uniform has received poor run support. Another way to look at Cain is thru the eyes of Yogi Berra who might say this about Cain, “He pitches good enough to lose”.

Zach Duke * 3-8
The left-hander is relegated to the Arizona bullpen where he belongs and that’s a maybe. How can a guy still pitch in the big leagues since 2005 with opposing teams batting .306 against him lifetime?

Matt Garza * 5-10
Once believed to be a pitcher with top of the rotation stuff, his mental makeup has not allowed him to throw consistently start after start. Though his home runs totals are way down compared to prior seasons, Garza will have two strong starts and then be shelled.

Tim Lincecum * 4-9
The diminutive San Francisco righty has at times seemed to wear down. Don’t look for that to happen this season as Lincecum has a 1.49 ERA in his past 10 starts and is conceding just one hit for every four outs in this stretch.

Pat Maholm * 3-7
The Pittsburgh port-sider was placed on the DL for the first time in his career on Aug. 18 with left shoulder strain. His return is unknown at this time.

WNBA
Dunkel


New York at Minnesota
The Lynx look to build on their 12-3 ATS record in their last 15 games against Eastern Conference teams. Minnesota is the pick (-7) according to Dunkel, which has the Lynx favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-7). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Game 601-602: Indiana at Connecticut (7:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 112.945; Connecticut 118.608
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 5 1/2; 146
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 3; 150 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-3); Under

Game 603-604: Washington at Atlanta (7:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 105.639; Atlanta 112.984
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 7 1/2; 161
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 11; 157
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+11); Over

Game 605-606: New York at Minnesota (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 112.072; Minnesota 121.800
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 9; 154
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 7; 149 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-7); Over

Game 607-608: Seattle at Tulsa (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 108.080; Tulsa 105.435
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 2 1/2; 136
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 9; 140
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+9); Under

Friday, September 2

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Chi. White Sox - 7:05 PM ET Chi. White Sox +195 500
Detroit - Under 7 500

Toronto - 7:05 PM ET NY Yankees -168 500
NY Yankees - Under 9.5 500

NY Mets - 7:05 PM ET NY Mets -103 500
Washington - Under 8 500

Texas - 7:10 PM ET Texas +125 500
Boston - Over 10.5 500

Baltimore - 7:10 PM ET Tampa Bay -210 500
Tampa Bay - Over 7.5 500

Philadelphia - 7:10 PM ET Philadelphia -157 500
Florida - Over 8 500

LA Dodgers - 7:35 PM ET LA Dodgers +150 500
Atlanta - Over 7.5 500

Milwaukee - 8:05 PM ET Houston +199 500
Houston - Over 8 500

Cleveland - 8:10 PM ET Cleveland -120 500
Kansas City - Under 8 500

Cincinnati - 8:15 PM ET Cincinnati +131 500
St. Louis - Over 7 500

Minnesota - 10:05 PM ET Minnesota +215 500
LA Angels - Under 7 500

Colorado - 10:05 PM ET San Diego -110 500
San Diego - Under 7.5 500

Seattle - 10:05 PM ET Oakland -140 500
Oakland - Under 7 500

Arizona - 10:15 PM ET Arizona +153 500 [/B
]San Francisco - Over 6.5 500

Friday, September 2

Game Score Status Pick Amount

BC Lions - 7:30 PM ET Toronto +1 500

Toronto - Under 51 500