Cnotes Sports Page For Friday June 19th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[CNOTES]

Finding the best craps odds in Las Vegas casinos


Jun 18, 2015


Like any Vegas junkie, I was checking out my Vegas social media feeds over the weekend. Yes, I have specific lists to follow everything that's happening in Vegas. I have a similar list for when I wager on baseball so it’s not entirely strange. Over the weekend I noticed a post for a casino that offered a “great value” with $3 craps. While $3 craps is the lowest limit you’ll find for craps anywhere in Vegas, this game wasn’t exactly a “value.”

Just because something is cheap doesn’t make it good value. Discussing value goes for just about everything in life from gambling to steak dinner to buying a house. This $3 craps game is cheap but it isn’t a comparatively good value. The particular casino mentioned that it only offers 2x odds on wagers. That’s the lowest craps odds that you’ll find in Las Vegas.

While a house edge of 0.572 percent on a 2x odds craps wager isn’t bad, you can find better opportunities and values. If price is your main concern, you may find a few $3 craps games around at Casino Royale or El Cortez depending on the time of day. If you step up your low rolling from $3 to $5 you’ll find better “value” at many casinos in Vegas. If the minimum wager isn’t your concern you’ll certainly find better odds in just about every casino in town.

Here is a look at the best craps odds and their corresponding house edge for each casino on the Vegas Strip and Downtown Vegas. (I’ll let you guess which 2x odds casino I was referring to earlier)

20x Odds
Main Street Station
Casino Royale (also offers 100x odds)
House Edge: 0.099%
Don’t Pass: 0.065%

10x Odds
The D
El Cortez
Golden Gate
Stratosphere
House Edge: 0.184%
Don’t Pass: 0.124%

5x Odds
Binion’s
Four Queens
House Edge: 0.326%
Don’t Pass: 0.227%

3x-4x-5x Odds
Downtown Grand
Golden Nugget
Las Vegas Club
Plaza
(Everywhere other casino not listed here.)
House Edge: 0.374%
Don’t Pass: 0.273%

2x Odds
California
Fremont
Circus Circus
House Edge: 0.572%
Don’t Pass: 0.431%

Truth be told, betting the pass line or don’t pass line are two of the best bets in a casino regardless of the odds a casino offers. That said, there are some casinos that offer better odds and better value than others. While Main Street Station has the best odds and offers the best value, I’m not comfortable playing 20x odds on a pass line wager.

I'd rather extend my bankroll and play slightly smaller odds. My favorite craps games to play have 10x odds. I feel comfortable playing max odds on these wagers.


Coincidentally (or not), I enjoy rolling dice at most of the casinos that offer these games. Golden Gate and El Cortez are my favorite places to play craps. The mix of a small house edge and interesting crowd offer the best entertainment value to me.

 

[CNOTES]

CFL season betting preview: How to bet the East Division

The 2015 season will begin on Thursday night, with the Montreal Alouettes hosting the Ottawa Redblacks. We didn't see a single team in the East Division finish with a winning record last year, and the bookmakers are expecting the West to be superior again this season. According to the Grey Cup odds, Hamilton is the front runner in a jam-packed East.

Here's a look at how the teams in the East Division stack up entering the new campaign.

EAST DIVISION

Hamilton Tigers-Cats (2014: 9-9 SU, 9-9 ATS)

Odds to win Grey Cup: +660

Why bet the Tiger-Cats: Hamilton lost to Calgary in the Grey Cup last year, and finished first in the division during the regular season despite a .500 record. The Ti-Cats appear to be in good hands with a young quarterback in Zack Collaros, who comes off an outstanding rookie campaign. The 26 year old showed steady improvement throughout his first season as a starter, and his coach is expecting him to be even better in 2015. “He’s got some Doug Flutie in him,” said head coach Kent Austin, comparing him to one of the greatest quarterbacks the league has ever seen.

Why not to bet the Tiger-Cats: They were terrible on the road last year, winning just two of their nine games away from Tim Hortons Field. They might struggle to improve on that record with a young defense in 2015, and they'll have a tough time replacing Delvin Breaux, who left for the NFL. C.J. Gable, Nic Grigsby and Mossis Madu gave them depth in the backfield last year, but nobody stepped up as a true No. 1 running back.

Grey Cup Outlook: Good as long as Collaros can stay healthy.

Montreal Alouettes (2014: 9-9 SU, 9-9 ATS)

Odds to win the Grey Cup: +820

Why bet the Alouettes: Montreal finished last season winning eight of its last 10 games, and won its first playoff game in a 50-17 rout of the B.C. Lions. The Als are deep at running back with Brandon Whitaker, Brandon Rutley, Rainey and Logan, and they signed receivers Fred Stamps, Nik Lewis and Sam Giguere. The defense remains a strength, with Chip Cox and John Bowman both resigning.

Why not to bet the Alouettes: Jonathan Crompton took the team to the playoffs in 2014, but GM Jim Popp isn't convinced he has what it takes to be the starting quarterback. “Crompton won the job last year. The bottom line is can we win with him?” said Popp. Rakeem Cato led the Als in passing in their first preseason game, a 26-9 win over Ottawa. Brandon Bridge threw for 52 yards and a TD, while Crompton was just 2-of-6 for 17 yards. Who will start on opening night is anybody's guess.

Grey Cup Outlook: Fair. If they can find themselves a capable quarterback, they should be as good as anybody in the East.

Toronto Argonauts (2014: 8-10 SU, 7-11 ATS)

Odds to win the Grey Cup: +950

Why bet the Argos: While the Argos will begin the season with Trevor Harris filling in for Ricky Ray at quarterback, he'll have a stout offensive line protecting him. He's looked capable so far in the preseason. The receiving corps looks strong with Chad Owens and Andre Durie returning and a handful of veterans all competing for a roster spot. Rookie Tori Gurley impressed with seven catches for 188 yards and a TD in his first appearance of the preseason.

Why not to bet the Argos: Toronto hopes to make improvements on the defensive side of the ball, but it has a long way to go as its secondary allowed the most touchdowns in the CFL last season. The Argos’ success will likely depend on how Ricky Ray recovers from offseason shoulder surgery, and we saw last season how Travis Lulay struggled for B.C. coming off the same injury. Top it all off with a nightmare of a schedule to start the season, and the Argos have plenty to overcome.

Grey Cup Outlook: Poor. There are too many question marks surrounding this team, and if Ray has any setbacks returning from injury, the season will likely be a disaster.

Ottawa Redblacks (2014: 2-16 SU, 7-11 ATS)

Odds to win the Grey Cup: +3550

Why bet on the Redblacks: Ottawa added a lot of star power on offense heading into this season, with Maurice Price, Ernest Jackson and Greg Ellingson coming into to bolster the receiving corps. Ellingson has established chemistry with veteran quarterback Henry Burris from their time together in Hamilton. Chris Williams returns after spending the last two seasons in the NFL, and he'll give them a boost on offense as well as special teams.

Why not to bet on the Redblacks: While improvement appears inevitable for Ottawa, its got a long way to go after winning just two games all of last season. The prognosis on the defensive side of the ball is a lot less positive than it is on offense, and there’s a lot riding on the 40-year-old arm of Burris.

Grey Cup Outlook: Poor. This team should be vastly improved but they've still got a long way to go before they can expect to complete with the best teams in the league.

 

[CNOTES]

Harbaugh fires back to coaches' criticism of satellite camps


Jun 17, 2015


Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, who has been criticized for holding 11 satellite camps in seven states, is firing back at those critics.


"In my America, you're allowed to cross state borders," Harbaugh told USA Today Sports regarding his camps. "That's the America I know."


Alabama coach Nick Saban, for one, has voiced his opposition since the Southeastern Conference no longer allows its coaches to participate in satellite camps.


"If we're going to have a playoff between these conferences then we should try to level the playing field as much as possible," Saban said recently on the Dan Patrick Show. "After eight years in the NFL, I look at their model. They do try to create parity and competitive balance, so it's even."


ACC commissioner John Swofford recently said the satellite camps weren't a healthy part of the recruiting process.


Mississippi State's Dan Mullen became the latest satellite camp detractor by labeling Harbaugh's camps a "recruiting fair."


"I imagine Jim Harbaugh, if he's going to have a camp, would want to coach the kids in Michigan, the young kids in Michigan, maybe how to be better football players," Mullen said Tuesday on HeadtoHead Radio in Mississippi. "So why do they need one all over the place? The only purpose obviously is for recruiting, which I don't think is the right purpose for camps."


Harbaugh told USA Today the satellite camps weren't about recruiting or rebuilding the brand.


"I don't know what that means, a brand," Harbaugh said, adding his motivation was about "sharing a love for football."


On Saturday, Michigan will present "A4: Ann Arbor's Aerial Assault," a quarterback-specific camp billed as an elite training school held on campus. More than 200 quarterbacks are expected to participate.


The coaching roster includes eight former Michigan quarterbacks, including Harbaugh, and several NFL quarterbacks, including Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears and Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.


"It is not about Michigan," Jedd Fisch, the Wolverines' passing game coordinator and quarterbacks/receivers coach who dreamed up the camp with Harbaugh, told USA Today. "This is truly using Coach Harbaugh's and my relationships (with high-profile quarterbacks) for the betterment of the game.


"My message to the kids that have asked about it is, 'Are you kidding me? You have an opportunity. This has never been done before. To be able just to be around these guys and to learn from them -- I feel like some people have thought it's more than that, and it's really not more than that."

 

[CNOTES]

Four LSU players suspended after arrests


Jun 18, 2015


Four LSU players were suspended by coach Les Miles after arrests in the past two days in Baton Rouge, La.


Starting quarterback Anthony Jennings and defensive lineman Maquedius Bain were arrested for felony unauthorized entry of a dwelling and defensive back Dwayne Thomas were arrested on the same charge and also for misdemeanor simple burglary. All three were booked at the East Baton Rouge (La.) Parish Prison.


Their arrests come two days after defensive lineman Trey Lealaimatafao was arrested for allegedly striking a woman.


Lealaimatafao, a redshirt freshman, was suspended from the team indefinitely after he was charged with misdemeanor attempted simple battery and attempted simple robbery.


Miles issued a statement on Thursday night saying Jennings, Bain and Thomas were also suspended.


Jennings, a junior, has started at quarterback since 2013. Last season, Jennings passed for 1,611 yards and 11 touchdowns with seven interceptions.


"It has been our policy to suspend players who have been involved in legal issues," Miles said. "I have met with all three players extensively. We are still working with campus housing and the authorities to determine what exactly took place. This is an ongoing investigation and our players will cooperate fully."


Lealaimatafao was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly shoved and punched a woman in the face outside a campus bar. The Baton Route police report indicated that Lealaimatafao was allegedly taking money from the pants of an unconscious person on the ground in the parking lot when his girlfriend yelled at him to stop.


"When she approached him, he pushed her away," the Baton Rouge Police report stated. "She continued to scream at him to stop, and he hit her in the face with a closed fist, causing her to fall to the ground."

 

[CNOTES]

Rangers' Fielder is surprise AL batting leader


Jun 19, 2015


LOS ANGELES -- After a herniated disk ruined his first season with the Texas Rangers in 2014, first baseman Prince Fielder is making a significant contribution in an unexpected area.


The 275-pound Fielder, known for his power, leads the American League with a .344 batting average after 67 games. Fielder is just ahead of Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (.342) as Friday's play begins.


When was the last time Fielder had such a high average this late in the season?


"I don't know," he said. "Probably never."


During his 10 years in the major leagues, Fielder finished a season batting higher than .300 just once. In 2012, he hit .313 in his first season as Cabrera's teammate in Detroit.


Fielder batted .279 for the Tigers in 2013, then hit just .247 in only 42 games with the Rangers last year.


Before sustaining the herniated disk, Fielder hit as many as 50 homers in a season. However, returning to full-time duty meant developing a simpler approach to hitting.


"As I got older, I realized that you can't try to hit a homer," Fielder said. "You can't try to go big. You've just got to try to hit the ball hard, put it in play and just see what happens."


That approach enables Fielder to sabotage opposing pitchers' continued attempts to defuse his power.


"They've pitched him tough," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "He really hasn't had a whole lot of pitches out over the plate. They really try to stay inside and hard on him, and he hasn't been able to get extended on a lot of pitches."


Yet Fielder, who has 11 home runs this year, can use his new mindset to generate the long ball. In the top of the ninth inning Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, Fielder propelled a 99 mph fastball down the left field line for his 299th career homer.


"As I matured, I just realized that you just have to try to hit the ball hard," Fielder said. "You don't have to hit it far. If you hit it hard, good things will happen."


Fielder got a night off Thursday as the Rangers fell 1-0 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

[CNOTES]

Hope you did not put the house on the over Thursday


Jun 19, 2015


If you went to your sportsbook of choice and blindly slapped money down on the under in every game Thursday, you walked away with some cash in your pocket. Of the 14 games to take to the diamond Thursday, 10 ended up going below the closing total (3-10-1 over/under).


The day was dictated by a lack of offense with seven teams failing to score more than one run. The average combined score of the games Thursday was 6.5 with an average closing total of 8.9.


Over the past week games have been trending under, with a 41-50 O/U mark.


There are 15 games scheduled to take to the diamond Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

Report: Cavs' Marion to call it quits


Jun 18, 2015


Cleveland Cavaliers guard Shawn Marion plans to retire after 16 seasons in the NBA, according to an ESPN report Thursday.


The 37-year-old Marion, a four-time All-Star, did not see action in the NBA Finals for the Cavaliers in their 4-2 loss to the Golden State Warriors.


Marion signed with the Cavs before last season after a long and successful career with the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks, with whom he won an NBA title in 2011. He contemplated retirement in 2014 but joined the Cavs with the hope of winning a second championship.


In 57 games for the Cavs during the regular season, Marion averaged 4.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 19.3 minutes. He played in six postseason games.


Marion will end his career with 1,163 regular-season games played and averages of 15.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

 

[CNOTES]

Granger takes contract option with Suns


Jun 17, 2015


Phoenix Suns forward Danny Granger exercised on Wednesday a one-year, $2.1 million player option in his contract for next season.


The 10-year NBA veteran and former All-Star came to the Suns in February in a trade with the Miami Heat that involved guard Goran Dragic but didn't play in a game for Phoenix last season.


The oft-injured Granger had until June 29 to make a decision on his contract. He has played in just 76 games the past three seasons because of a variety of ailments.


The 32-year-old Granger has career averages of 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 586 games with the Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers and the Heat. In 30 games with the Heat last season, he averaged 6.3 points and shot 40 percent from the field.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

-- Hale Irwin (45) is oldest golfer to win US Open, back in 1990.

-- Americans won only three of the last eleven US Opens.

-- Miami Hurricanes lost last four bowls; their last bowl win was 21-20 vs Nevada back in 2006.

-- Michigan State won its last four bowls, all by 4 or less points; they were the dog in all four of those games.

-- Since 2006, Rutgers is 21-10 vs spread as a road underdog; who knew?

-- Mets musn't have liked Dillon Gee much; they gave his #35 away already.

**********

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here.......

13) When Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon beat feet out of St Pete last fall, it was widely assumed that the Rays would fall apart; well it is June 19, and here are how the three teams involved are doing this season.......

Dodgers (Andrew Friedman's team): 38-29 with a budget of $271,608,629
Cubs (Joe Maddon's team): 35-29, with a budget of $120,337,385
Rays (their old team): 38-30, with a budget of $75,794,234

My friend John identified pitching coach Jim Hickey as the real star in Tampa.

12) Trouble in Boston; Pablo Sandoval got benched last night, after they found out he was on his cellphone during Wednesday's game, surfing Internet and approving pics from attractive ladies on Instagram while he was in the men's room. Tremendous.

11) Eldrick Woods shot 80 Thursday; it looks like he would rather not be on a golf course right now, but he is and it is hard to watch. There was an over/under on what his highest score would be on any hole Thursday-- over 6.5 hit very early in his round.

10) Golfers are pretty spoiled; they go ballistic if a cellphone takes a picture during their swing, but there are railroad tracks running alongside this course, with very large trains going by as golfers hit their tee shots. Wonder how Bubba Watson likes that?

9) Then there is Sergio Garcia, who complained about the surface of the greens, then said he was only saying what everyone else is thinking. Oy.

8) As if the Phillies' season isn't horrendous enough, Cole Hamels is out with a sore hamstring and will miss his start tonight. Over their last 24 games. Philly starting pitchers are 0-14 with ten no-decisions. Last win by a starter? May 23.

7) Last July 31, Baltimore added reliever Andrew Miller for the stretch drive, but it came at a price- they traded young pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez to Boston. Rodriguez is now in the Red Sox rotation, and is their most promising young pitcher. Orioles could sure use him, especially with Miller bolting to the Bronx as a free agent last winter.

6) Turns out Babe Ruth's first professional home run came in Toronto, at a ballpark named Hanlan's Point Stadium.

5) Former Arkansas hooper Michael Qualls tore his ACL in a pre-draft workout; sad thing for a kid trying to make it in pro basketball. NBA should have a rule where he could go back to college (he has one year of eligibility left plus a redshirt year), rehab his knee next winter, play for the Razorbacks in 2016-17, then turn pro.

Now Qualls has to hope some NBA team likes him enough to sign him and stash him while he rehabs the knee. It is not a sure thing.

4) Apparently Tim Duncan got bilked out of $25M; athletes should take courses in college on how to handle their own money. Very hard to trust anyone where money is involved; Billy Joel once got scammed by his own brother-in-law.

3) Texas Longhorns are playing Washington in China November 14; it is easy to see billions of Chinese wearing burnt orange t-shirts at $25 a pop, and we know that $$$ talks in this world. Texas' problem in this; they also play in the Bahamas seven days later, in one of those 3-day tournaments.

When exactly do the Texas players go to class? China one week, Bahamas the next-- hard to visualize kids having study hall on the long flight from Asia. Apparently the AD at Texas signed up for the game in China without consulting with Rick Barnes, who was the basketball coach at the time. Now he isn't.

2) Speaking of Texas, former QB Chris Simms had this to say this week:

"They didn't pay me, but there may have been cash going around to some other players. I'm not going to deny that. I may have gotten a few $100 handshakes every now and then to sign some autographs for alumni. I don't care how rich your upbringing was. Yes, I grew up with a silver spoon, but if you give me a few extra $100 as a college kid, that's great."

Young Simms is a real gem; rich kid pockets the money, then years later to further his radio career, he opens his yap and spills the beans on the Longhorns' boosters. You take the money, just shut your mouth, its not that hard.

1) Mets' OF Juan Lagares has an elbow injury that may need Tommy John surgery; he will try and play through it, but may not be able to. Not good when your CF can't throw, but Lagares is a great fielder who is valuable even without throwing.

 

[CNOTES]

Report: Texas accused of more academic fraud


Jun 10, 2015


The University of Texas, already facing allegations of academic fraud, has new charges to deal with in the wake of another report by the Chronicle of Higher Education.


According to the report published Wednesday, Texas may have engaged in academic misconduct involving three basketball players during Rick Barnes' tenure as coach. Barnes is now at Tennessee.


Martez Walker allegedly was caught using his phone to cheat on a test and still passed the class and made the Big 12 honor roll. Meanwhile, according to the Chronicle, J'Covan Brown and P.J. Tucker each had papers written for them.


Texas already is investigating a report by the Chronicle that hundreds of athletes, including two former basketball players, gained NCAA eligibility via bogus online coursework.


Barnes, who left Texas for Tennessee this year, denied any knowledge of the latest alleged academic fraud. Barnes was fired by Texas after 17 seasons and was hired by Tennessee to replace Donnie Tyndall, who was fired because he is being investigated by the NCAA for alleged violations at Southern Mississippi.


Texas is not the only school dealing with an academic scandal. North Carolina is being investigated by the NCAA regarding academic irregularities first discovered in 2011.

 

[CNOTES]

Minicamp analysis: Eagles hope to eliminate X factor


Jun 18, 2015


PHILADELPHIA -- In March, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly was asked what his team needed to do to avoid missing the playoffs for the second straight year this season.


"I think we have to improve on defense overall," he said. "We have to be better on the back end. We weren't good in the secondary. We had too many X plays (pass plays of 20 yards or more) over our heads.


"Offensively, we have to clean up the turnovers. They were at an all-time high for any system I've ever been in. And we have to improve our depth at inside linebacker and in the secondary."


As Kelly's Eagles completed their mandatory minicamp Thursday and went on hiatus for six weeks before training camp opens on Aug. 2, they appear to have accomplished all three of those goals.


They have completely made over their secondary, getting rid of three of last season's four starters. They signed the top-rated cornerback on the free-agent market - Byron Maxwell, and spent a second-round pick on another top young corner - Eric Rowe.


Kelly is hoping last season's turnover problem - the Eagles had 36 giveaways, including a league-high 21 interceptions - has been solved with the March trade acquisition of injury-plagued quarterback Sam Bradford.


Bradford has the fourth lowest interception percentage in NFL history, and appears to be ideally suited to run Kelly's tempo spread offense. The question with him is whether he can stay healthy. He's coming off back-to-back ACL tears that limited him to seven starts the last two years.


He still has not completely recovered from the second ACL tear. He did not participate in any 11-on-11 work in the Eagles' spring camps. But he was confident this week that he'll be ready to go for the start of training camp. "If I can't do 11-on-11 work in training camp," he said this week," Bradford said, "then something has gone terribly wrong."


As far as improving their depth at inside linebacker, the Eagles acquired one of the league's top young inside 'backers, Kiko Alonso, in a March trade with Buffalo, giving up their star running back, LeSean McCoy. Alonso, like Bradford, is coming off a torn ACL, but he was a full participant in spring drills.


The Eagles replaced McCoy with two of the top running backs on the free-agent market -- league rushing champ DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews.


The biggest offensive question, next to Bradford's health, is the offensive line. Kelly released both of his veteran starting guards - two-time Pro Bowler Evan Mathis and Todd Herremans. Their projected replacements - Allen Barbre and Matt Tobin - have a combined 15 career starts.


Asked what he learned about his team during OTAs and minicamp that he didn't know before, Kelly said, "I think their capacity to work is the biggest thing our staff has been impressed with in terms of the amount that we've gotten in since April 20 with this group. It's an extremely thirsty group in terms of they always want something more and they want something new."

 

[CNOTES]

Diamond Trends - Friday


June 19, 2015




SU TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Yankees are 11-0 SU since Aug 03, 2012 as a favorite after scoring 6+ runs in a home game and it is the first game of a series.


PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:


-- When Carlos Carrasco starts the Indians are 0-12 since June 02, 2011 when their team used 5+ pitchers yesterday for a net profit of $1368 when playing against.


MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:


-- The Phillies are 1-12 since July 15, 2010 as a dog after a win in which they had six or fewer hits and allowed at least four hits.


CHOICE TREND:


-- The Twins are 0-11 SU since Jun 16, 2014 as a dog when their starter is off a quality start and it is the first game of a series.


ACTIVE TRENDS:


-- The Tigers are 12-0 OU (4.96 ppg) since Apr 16, 2010 as a dog after a game in which they had more strike outs than hits and it is the first game of a series.

 

[CNOTES]

Friday's Tip Sheet


June 19, 2015




New York Mets at Atlanta Braves | 7:35 p.m. EST


There's a big series in the NL East this weekend, as the Braves and Mets meet at Turner Field for a three-game set. In the opener, the Mets will have reigning NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom (7-4, 2.33 ERA) going for them, and he's somewhat surprisingly been their best pitcher this year -- a distinction that everyone thought would belong to "The Dar Knight" himself Matt Harvey. Instead, it's deGrom who has paced the staff, and appears to be well on his way towards an All Star berth on the NL squad. In addition, he's been throwing his best ball as of late, having a remarkable 1.25 ERA in his last six starts. In the process, he's amassed a 53/6 K/BB ratio over that same stretch, spanning 43.3 innings.


His opponent will be the main prospect Atlanta picked up from San Diego in the Craig Kimbrel deal, that being right-hander Matt Wisler (0-0, 0.00 ERA). The 2011 seventh-round draft pick becomes the latest starting pitcher to make his debut in '15 (is it just me or does it seem like there's a record number of starting pitchers who have made their big league debut up to this point of the season?), and brings so-so minor league numbers on the year. However, like deGrom, he's been at his best most recently, after registering an impressive 1.78 ERA in six May starts while at Triple-A Gwinnett. He's opened as a +130 home 'dog against the red-hot deGrom.


Texas Rangers at Chicago White Sox | 8:10 p.m. EST


There’s no pitcher in baseball hotter than Chris Sale (6-3, 3.01 ERA) right now, and he proved it once again on Sunday when he recorded his fifth straight double-digit strikeout performance at Tampa Bay, while pitching into the seventh inning for the seventh consecutive time. Sale now has 105 K’s on the season, good for second in the American League, and he’s also only walked 20 batters for one of the best K/BB ratios in all of baseball. Over his current five-game run, Sale has an eye-opening 61/7 K/BB mark, spanning 37.1 innings. He’s also on a streak having cashed six of seven ‘under’ bets, and given how incredible he’s been, Sale is a -175 home favorite.


The southpaw’s amazing run also includes a superb outing against the Rangers, who were dominated by Sale just over two weeks ago in Arlington. For tonight’s series opener at U.S. Cellular Field, Texas is going with Colby Lewis (6-3, 4.37 ERA), who has been surprisingly very steady in 2015. After a down campaign last year that might have indicated the end of the line for the 35-year-old, Lewis has proven he still belongs, with a solid 61/17 K/BB ratio in 80.1 innings, while going five innings or more in all but one of his 13 assignments. He’s also allowed three runs or less in nine of them. One of those successful starts came against these White Sox when he held them to two runs in seven innings, but he’ll have his work cut out for him trying to out-duel Sale. Working in his favor, however, is the fact that Chicago has lost seven in a row coming into tonight.


San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks | 9:40 p.m. EST


Interestingly, the linesmakers have opened tonight’s game in the desert with an over/under line of 8.5, rather than 9, with a matchup consisting of two of baseball’s top ‘over’ pitchers in 2015. Padres ace James Shields (7-0, 3.59 ERA), despite maintaining a perfect win-loss record into the latter portion of June, actually has the best overs record amongst all starters, being 12-2 towards such bets. While his ERA and WHIP (1.22) are certainly below his standards, it’s quite ironic that he holds this distinction, as he’s still having his typically good year, with one of the best K/9 ratios in the game (10.72), not to mention while going five or more innings in all 14 of his starts this season (12 of which being six-plus innings). It’s also worth noting that “Big Game” James loves these types of situations trying to steer his team back in the right direction after a losing stretch; the Padres have lost four of five entering this series.


Starting for Arizona is another pitcher who has been very good to 'over' backers, Rubby De La Rosa (5-3, 5.27 ERA), owning a 9-4 record for overs. Unlike with Shields, De La Rosa has been a large reason for that considering his overall numbers, and the fact that he’s allowed three runs or more in nine of his 13 outings. Other than that, though, De La Rosa has actually been relatively solid, especially in the strikeouts department where he holds an impressive 77/21 K/BB ratio in 82 innings. He’s coming off his best outing of the year this past Sunday when he blanked the defending World Champion Giants on the road over eight efficient innings, so perhaps the linesmakers view him being on the upswing right away. That’s apparent with their current odds for moneyline bets, as both De La Rosa and the undefeated Shields are -110 at most books.


Houston Astros at Seattle Mariners | 10:10 p.m. EST


Guess which starting pitcher in all of Major League Baseball has the best record for ‘under’ bets this year. Give up? That would be one of my sleepers from last year, Mariners southpaw Roenis Elias (3-4, 3.67 ERA), who has been outstanding in his second season despite not even breaking camp with the big league club (although that had more to do with Taijuan Walker’s unbelievable spring). Elias was very impressive as a rookie, and since being called up on April 26, he’s consistently been proving his success as a freshman was no fluke whatsoever. It’s certainly reflected in his record for ‘under’ bets, being 9-1. In fact, his last time out was actually his first ‘over’ of the year, which was mostly on him after giving up eight runs (seven earned) in 3.1 innings -- that came against these same Astros.


For this series opener, first-place Houston is countering with rookie Lance McCullers (3-1, 2.00 ERA), who, considering his lackluster minor league numbers prior to coming up a month ago, has been a very nice surprise for the club. In fact, he’s been mostly terrific, having surrendered two runs or less in all but one of his starts and also possesses a tremendous 40/10 K/BB ratio in 36 innings of work. Like Elias, he faced tonight’s opponent his last time out, but was more successful, when he no-hit the Mariners over five shutout innings before giving way to the bullpen in a 13-0 rout. McCullers has certainly been one of the better rookie starting pitchers thus far, and he’s a -120 road favorite at Safeco Field tonight.


Other Friday Notes


-- Little-recognized fact: Nationals 22-year-old rookie right-hander Joe Ross (1-1, 3.46 ERA) is the younger brother of Padres stud pitcher Tyson Ross. He makes the third start of his career tonight opposing A.J. Burnett (6-2, 1.89 ERA) and the streaking Pirates, who enter this series with eight straight victories -- their second winning streak already this season of seven games or more. Pittsburgh is a -120 road favorite for the opener.


-- Justin Verlander (0-0, 3.60 ERA) made his long-awaited season debut last weekend and looked decent in a five-inning, two-run effort against the Indians. For his second assignment, he is tasked with going into Yankee Stadium and taking on Adam Warren (4-4, 3.78), who has been very serviceable for the Bronx Bombers at the back-end of the rotation. The Yankees are 8-4 in his 12 starts and will be -120 favorites in this MLB Network Friday night affair.

 

[CNOTES]

Tigers visit the Bronx


June 19, 2015




DETROIT TIGERS (34-32) at NEW YORK YANKEES (36-30)


Sportsbook.ag Line: New York -125, Detroit +115, Total: 8.5


Two American League teams, the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees, do battle in the Bronx as they attempt to stay in contention in their respective divisions.


The Tigers have shown a ton of inconsistency in the 2015 season, but seem to be coming around as the weather begins to heat up and are 6-4 in their last 10 games played. They failed to do much in their recent three against the Reds, though, and after winning the first contest by a score of 6-0, failed to win each of the next two by a combined score of 13-6.


Thursday’s game was postponed, so their last contest was on Wednesday and they lost a heartbreaker after 3B Todd Frazier broke a 4-4 tie in the 13th inning with a grand slam. Three of their runs came off of a three-run homer from 1B Miguel Cabrera (.342) who is currently riding a six-game hitting streak, going 11-for-22 (.500) with two doubles, three home runs, 12 RBIs and six runs during the stretch.


The Yankees have been very streaky this year and that has been seen in the month of June as they started it out with seven consecutive wins, but are just 3-5 since while sitting a game back in the AL East standings. Recently, they played four straight against the Marlins, losing the first two on the road, but then sweeping them in the two contests in New York. The Yankees offense put up a solid performance in Thursday’s 9-4 victory, tallying 15 hits as all 10 players who had an at-bat got on base. DH Alex Rodriguez (.278) put himself just a hit away from 3,000 with his 2-for-4 night and has multi-hit games in three of his last six outings.


On the mound to start in this one will be RHP Justin Verlander (0-0, 3.60 ERA) for the visitors as he takes on RHP Adam Warren (4-4, 3.78 ERA) of New York. Detroit hasn’t been horrible on the road with its 16-14 record away from home as the Yankees are 18-11 when playing in the Bronx. These clubs have seen each other plenty over the past three seasons with New York holding a 10-7 edge overall and are 5-2 at home during that time.


This year, the Yankees were able to take 3-of-4 games in Detroit, outscoring them 21-9. Trends show that when Simon is pitching during the first half of the season since the start of last year, his teams are 22-7 (.759) while the Tigers are a meager 15-23 (.395) in night games this year. C Alex Avila (Knee) and DH Victor Martinez (Knee) continue to ride the DL for Detroit as New York is without the services of OF Jacoby Ellsbury (Knee) and closer Andrew Miller (Forearm).


Justin Verlander made his first start of the season on Jun. 13, and he pitched five innings and only allowed two earned runs. The former ace threw 87 pitches in the game and should be able to go a little deeper into the game in his second start. Over the past three seasons, Verlander is just 1-3 against the Yankees but his ERA is just 3.46 in those games. He’ll have to find a way to avoid the bat of 3B Alex Rodriguez, who is 10-for-28 with four homers and 9 RBIs lifetime against him.


The Detroit bullpen has improved over past years and is 9-7 with a 3.36 ERA (1.28 WHIP) while saving 17-of-26 (65%) games. Joakim Soria (2.45 ERA, 16 saves) has now allowed three homers in his last four appearances (3 IP), but has shown impressive control overall with a 20:4 K/BB ratio in his 25.2 innings on the year.


Warren was formally an effective reliever and in 2014 he pitched in 69 games (78.2 IP) with a 2.97 ERA and a strikeout rate of 8.7 K/9. The necessity for starters pushed him into the Yanks rotation and the results have been positive thus far as New York has won three of his past four outings. He has not allowed more than three runs in any of his last seven starts as he begins to work deeper into games. The 27-year-old has not been able to strike out as many batters (5.6 K/9) as when he was coming out of the bullpen, but he has benefitted from hitters going .257 BABIP against. His only start against Detroit came earlier this year when he earned the win after a subpar outing (5.2 IP, 4 ER, 5 H, 3 K) as the offense scored 13 runs.


SS Jose Iglesias is not really known for his bat, but is 4-for-6 with an RBI against Warren in his career. On the other hand, OF J.D. Martinez, 2B Ian Kinsler and OF Yoenis Cespedes are a collective 2-for-18 (.111) with five strikeouts. The Yankees relievers have been solid in 2015, going 11-7 with a 3.26 ERA (1.18 WHIP) and have successfully saved 22-of-26 (85%) contests. Dellin Betances (0.26 ERA, 4 saves) is currently filling in for Miller, but has been equally as dominant in the ninth as the lefty and has 57 strikeouts over 35 innings this year (14.7 K/9).

 

[CNOTES]

Bryce Harper hurts leg in RF, limps off


June 18, 2015


WASHINGTON (AP) - Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper has been injured while making a throw and left a game against Tampa Bay.


The All-Star took awkward tumble while throwing home, held his left leg while down on the ground and then gingerly walked off the field Thursday night.


There was no immediate word on his injury.


Harper was hurt in the sixth inning. The mishap occurred on wet turf after an earlier rain delay at Nationals Park.


Harper fielded a single by Asdrubal Cabrera and tried to throw home. As he planted his right foot, it slipped and his left leg buckled. The throw went wild.


The slugger stayed down on the grass for a few minutes. He eventually rose to his feet and walked off under his own power, escorted by members of the Nationals' training staff.


Harper is hitting .344 with 22 home runs and 52 RBIs.


Harper has dealt with several lower body injuries through his career. He had surgery on his left knee after the 2013 season.

 

[CNOTES]

Twins release injured OF Schafer


June 19, 2015


MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Twins have released injured outfielder Jordan Schafer.


Schafer was the center fielder in Minnesota's opening day lineup this year after being claimed off waivers from Atlanta last August. He has been on the disabled list because of a medial collateral sprain in his right knee since mid-May and hit only .217 in 69 at_bats.


Shane Robinson and Aaron Hicks passed Schafer on the outfield depth chart, and the organization's top prospect, Byron Buxton, was promoted from Double-A last week.


The move was made late Thursday, putting the Twins on the hook for the remainder of Schafer's $1.55 million salary for this season. This also opened a spot on the 40-man roster, which will be needed when right-hander Ervin Santana's 80-game suspension expires in July.

 

[CNOTES]

Heston, Giants love playing as underdogs


When listed as an underdog, the San Francisco Giants are 4-0 in Chris Heston's last four starts.


San Fran (+128) finds themselves in that territory today behind Heston when they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in L.A. The Dodgers are scheduled to counter with Michael Bolsinger.


The total for the game currently sits at 7.

 

[CNOTES]

Holy $hit betting stat of the day: It's always Sonny when Gray faces Angels


Jun 19, 2015


Oakland A's ace Sonny Gray has been excellent against the Los Angeles Angels throughout his career, but this season he's taken his dominance to new levels.
In three starts against the Halos in 2015, Gray has a record of 3-0, an ERA of 1.19 and WHIP of 0.706. The righty has given up just three earned runs in 22 2/3 innings of work against the A's AL West rivals.


Gray was stellar over 7 2/3 innings in his last start against the Angels on June 14. He surrendered one run (unearned) on five hits while fanning nine.


In nine career appearances (eight starts) against L.A., Gray is 5-1 with a 2.11 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.


Gray's numbers are staggeringly good overall this season. He has a personal record of 8-3 (Oakland is 8-6 straight up in his 14 starts), a 1.60 ERA and 0.93 WHIP heading into Friday's start against the Angels.


The A's are presently -154 at home Friday, while the Angels, who are expected to counter with Matt Shoemaker on the bump, are +142


Here is a look at career batting averages for Angels players with at least 10 AB against Gray


Erick Aybar - 6 for 23, 0 HR, 4 RBI


Kole Calhoun - 3 for 24, 0 HR, 0 RBI


David Freese - 5 for 17, 0 HR, 2 RBI


Chris Iannetta - 0 for 10, 0 HR, 0 RBI


Matt Joyce - 4 for 15, 0 HR, 0 RBI


Albert Pujols - 4 for 22, 0 HR, 2 RBI


Mike Trout - 4 for 22, 2 HR, 2 RBI

 

[CNOTES]

Jays have turned things around behind Estrada


After enduring a rough May, the Toronto Blue Jays are loving life behind Marco Estrada lately.


Fresh off an ugly May that saw the Jays go 0-5 in the righty's starts, the Bluebirds are 3-0 in Estrada's three outings in the month of June.


He's expected to be on the mound once again Friday when the Baltimore Orioles invade the Rogers Centre. Mike Wright is slated to counter for the O's.


As of this writing, sportsbooks were dealing Toronto in the -131 ballpark.

 

[CNOTES]

Futile offense has this team cashing under bets


The St. Louis Cardinals' offense has struggled of late, scoring four runs or fewer in each of the past 12 games heading into Friday's visit to the Philadelphia Phillies.


Thanks to the quiet bats, however, the Cardinals have been a goldmine for Under bettors as the Over/Under count is 1-11 in those previous 12 games.


Through their first 66 games, the Cards are the best Under wager in the bigs at 22-42-2.


With Tyler Lyons expected to start for the Cards and Phillippe Aumont slated for the Phils, oddsmakers have a total of 8 on the board.