Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians (+138, 7.5)
The Royals haven’t been able to beat many teams this season. But when it comes to the Indians, they have held their own.
Kansas City is 7-8 againt the Tribe and has won four straight overall, including a sweep of the AL Central-leading Tigers. And don’t look for the Indians to turn things around anytime soon. Cleveland has lost eight of its past 10 and is doing it in poor fashion, allowing an average of more than six runs per game in those loses.
Not that the Royals should need that many to win.
With ace Zach Greinke, who has allowed three earned runs or less in four starts against Cleveland, Kansas City should need minimal run support to pick up a win in Ohio.
Pick: Royals -130
Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs (-209)
If there’s one thing the Reds don’t want to see on the mound, it’s a right-handed pitcher. Good luck against Rich Harden, guys.
Cincinnati is batting an MLB-low .239 against righties and averaging a pathetic 3.05 runs per game. Even worse, the squad has only 168 doubles. In its past 10 games overall, the team is averaging only 4.3 runs per game.
And it’s not like the Reds have done well against Chicago. Cincinnati is just 4-8 against the Cubs this season and are just 2-4 in the Windy City. Meantime, the Cubs are starting to heat up. Chicago has won four of five, including a three-game sweep of the Pirates in Pittsburgh.
The Reds need a miracle to survive a losing season, and don’t expect them to get any hope at Wrigley Field.
Pick: Cubs -209
Kansas City Royals at Cleveland Indians (+138, 7.5)
The Royals haven’t been able to beat many teams this season. But when it comes to the Indians, they have held their own.
Kansas City is 7-8 againt the Tribe and has won four straight overall, including a sweep of the AL Central-leading Tigers. And don’t look for the Indians to turn things around anytime soon. Cleveland has lost eight of its past 10 and is doing it in poor fashion, allowing an average of more than six runs per game in those loses.
Not that the Royals should need that many to win.
With ace Zach Greinke, who has allowed three earned runs or less in four starts against Cleveland, Kansas City should need minimal run support to pick up a win in Ohio.
Pick: Royals -130
Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs (-209)
If there’s one thing the Reds don’t want to see on the mound, it’s a right-handed pitcher. Good luck against Rich Harden, guys.
Cincinnati is batting an MLB-low .239 against righties and averaging a pathetic 3.05 runs per game. Even worse, the squad has only 168 doubles. In its past 10 games overall, the team is averaging only 4.3 runs per game.
And it’s not like the Reds have done well against Chicago. Cincinnati is just 4-8 against the Cubs this season and are just 2-4 in the Windy City. Meantime, the Cubs are starting to heat up. Chicago has won four of five, including a three-game sweep of the Pirates in Pittsburgh.
The Reds need a miracle to survive a losing season, and don’t expect them to get any hope at Wrigley Field.
Pick: Cubs -209
Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
Streaking
Matt Cain (San Francisco Giants)
The right-hander just keeps pitching better as the race for the NL Wild Card tightens.
Cain (13-4, 2.51 ERA) has allowed just 11 runs over the past 35 1-3 innings and hasn’t lost since early August. His ERA is among the lowest in the league and he leads the senior circuit with four complete games. The only flaw so far for Cain is his control. He is sometimes erratic and is 12th in the NL with 65 walks.
But getting to first base against Cain, no matter what way, is no easy task.
"He's bull strong," Giants manager Bruce Bochy told the Associated Press. "He's had some tough luck, but he's more of a pitcher now and he's keeping his composure out there."
Jair Jurrjens (Atlanta Braves)
The 23 year old has pitched as well as any player in the majors over his past five starts. But with the pathetic run support he receives, you’d never know it.
Jurrjens (10-10, 2.93 ERA) has strung together five straight quality starts, lasting at least seven innings four times during that span. In his most recent outing, the Reds managed just three runs on three hits over seven innings against the hurler.
The right-hander has won only once since July 22, but he keeps his team in every game and should give the Braves a chance again on Friday.
"I don't know what to say anymore,” he told the Associated Press. “It's getting frustrating, considering how important these games are."
Slumping
Kevin Millwood (Texas Rangers)
If the Rangers have any chance of catching Boston for the AL Wild Card, Millwood (10-9, 3.77 ERA) has to be better.
The 34 year old has allowed at least five earned runs in three of his past four starts and hasn’t lasted past the sixth inning since July 1. In his past four starts overall, Millwood has yielded 17 earned runs on 27 hits in just 22 1-3 innings.
He also has walked a staggering 14 batters over that span.
"I just pitched bad. I don't know what to say," Millwood told the Associated Press. "I thought pitch selection was bad, location was bad."
Brian Tallet (Toronto Blue Jays)
The 31 year old should have stayed in the bullpen.
Tallet (6-9, 5.31 ERA) has been touched in each of his two recent starts, giving up a whopping nine earned runs in just 10 innings. In his most recent outing against the Yankees, he allowed five earned runs on eight hits over just five innings. The key for Tallet is his command. The former LSU standout is fourth in the AL with a staggering 67 walks.
Streaking
Matt Cain (San Francisco Giants)
The right-hander just keeps pitching better as the race for the NL Wild Card tightens.
Cain (13-4, 2.51 ERA) has allowed just 11 runs over the past 35 1-3 innings and hasn’t lost since early August. His ERA is among the lowest in the league and he leads the senior circuit with four complete games. The only flaw so far for Cain is his control. He is sometimes erratic and is 12th in the NL with 65 walks.
But getting to first base against Cain, no matter what way, is no easy task.
"He's bull strong," Giants manager Bruce Bochy told the Associated Press. "He's had some tough luck, but he's more of a pitcher now and he's keeping his composure out there."
Jair Jurrjens (Atlanta Braves)
The 23 year old has pitched as well as any player in the majors over his past five starts. But with the pathetic run support he receives, you’d never know it.
Jurrjens (10-10, 2.93 ERA) has strung together five straight quality starts, lasting at least seven innings four times during that span. In his most recent outing, the Reds managed just three runs on three hits over seven innings against the hurler.
The right-hander has won only once since July 22, but he keeps his team in every game and should give the Braves a chance again on Friday.
"I don't know what to say anymore,” he told the Associated Press. “It's getting frustrating, considering how important these games are."
Slumping
Kevin Millwood (Texas Rangers)
If the Rangers have any chance of catching Boston for the AL Wild Card, Millwood (10-9, 3.77 ERA) has to be better.
The 34 year old has allowed at least five earned runs in three of his past four starts and hasn’t lasted past the sixth inning since July 1. In his past four starts overall, Millwood has yielded 17 earned runs on 27 hits in just 22 1-3 innings.
He also has walked a staggering 14 batters over that span.
"I just pitched bad. I don't know what to say," Millwood told the Associated Press. "I thought pitch selection was bad, location was bad."
Brian Tallet (Toronto Blue Jays)
The 31 year old should have stayed in the bullpen.
Tallet (6-9, 5.31 ERA) has been touched in each of his two recent starts, giving up a whopping nine earned runs in just 10 innings. In his most recent outing against the Yankees, he allowed five earned runs on eight hits over just five innings. The key for Tallet is his command. The former LSU standout is fourth in the AL with a staggering 67 walks.
MLB Weekend Cheat Sheet
Going head-to-head with NFL, the 2009 MLB season inches closer to the finish line this weekend as the pennant races continue to heat up.
This week we present the top four series this weekend. Remember, all results are within the series and all pitcher records are ‘team starts’ (the team’s record in games in which the pitcher starts) versus this opponent.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals
Most Recent Series Result: Cardinals 9-3 last 12 games (2-1 this season)
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Cardinals 5-1 last six games home
Key Day/Month Stat: Cardinals 9-1 Fridays; Braves 0-4 Fridays
Best Arm in the Series: Cardinals Carpenter 5-0, 3.95 ERA career team starts
Worst Arm in the Series: Braves Vazquez 1-6, 4.31 ERA last seven team starts
Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants
Most Recent Series Result: Dodgers 7-5 last 12 games (7-5 this season)
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Dodgers 3-2 last five games away (3-3 this season)
Key Day/Month Stat: Giants 7-0 home Saturdays; Dodgers 1-4 away Saturdays
Best Arm in the Series: Giants Penny 3-1, 2.89 ERA away career team starts
Worst Arm in the Series: Giants Sanchez 1-5, 5.51 ERA career team starts
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox
Most Recent Series Result: Rays 9-5 last 14 games (9-6 this season)
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Rays 7-4 last 11 games away (3-3 this season)
Key Day/Month Stat: Rays 8-1 Saturdays away
Best Arm in the Series: Rays Garza 11-2, 2.89 ERA career team starts
Worst Arm in the Series: Rays Shields 0-5, 9.00 away career team starts
Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels
Most Recent Series Result: White Sox 7-3 last 10 games (4-2 this season)
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: White Sox 14-5 last 19 games away (2-1 this season)
Key Day/Month Stat: Angels 16-4 Sundays home; White Sox 5-15 Sundays
Best Arm in the Series: Angels Kazmir 5-3, 2.84 ERA career team starts
Worst Arm in the Series: Angels Saunders 0-2, 9.00 ERA career team starts
Going head-to-head with NFL, the 2009 MLB season inches closer to the finish line this weekend as the pennant races continue to heat up.
This week we present the top four series this weekend. Remember, all results are within the series and all pitcher records are ‘team starts’ (the team’s record in games in which the pitcher starts) versus this opponent.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals
Most Recent Series Result: Cardinals 9-3 last 12 games (2-1 this season)
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Cardinals 5-1 last six games home
Key Day/Month Stat: Cardinals 9-1 Fridays; Braves 0-4 Fridays
Best Arm in the Series: Cardinals Carpenter 5-0, 3.95 ERA career team starts
Worst Arm in the Series: Braves Vazquez 1-6, 4.31 ERA last seven team starts
Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants
Most Recent Series Result: Dodgers 7-5 last 12 games (7-5 this season)
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Dodgers 3-2 last five games away (3-3 this season)
Key Day/Month Stat: Giants 7-0 home Saturdays; Dodgers 1-4 away Saturdays
Best Arm in the Series: Giants Penny 3-1, 2.89 ERA away career team starts
Worst Arm in the Series: Giants Sanchez 1-5, 5.51 ERA career team starts
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox
Most Recent Series Result: Rays 9-5 last 14 games (9-6 this season)
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Rays 7-4 last 11 games away (3-3 this season)
Key Day/Month Stat: Rays 8-1 Saturdays away
Best Arm in the Series: Rays Garza 11-2, 2.89 ERA career team starts
Worst Arm in the Series: Rays Shields 0-5, 9.00 away career team starts
Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels
Most Recent Series Result: White Sox 7-3 last 10 games (4-2 this season)
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: White Sox 14-5 last 19 games away (2-1 this season)
Key Day/Month Stat: Angels 16-4 Sundays home; White Sox 5-15 Sundays
Best Arm in the Series: Angels Kazmir 5-3, 2.84 ERA career team starts
Worst Arm in the Series: Angels Saunders 0-2, 9.00 ERA career team starts
Bobby Maxwell
Tonight's Bonus Play comes from San Francisco as the Dodgers move up the coast to battle their division rivals. Los Angeles is the far superior team and will get the easy win tonight.
Tonight I'm seeing a big win for the boys in blue as the Dodgers will take care of business in this series opener. Things are getting tight for Los Angeles, leading the Rockies by just two games, so they know they are under the gun a bit.
Hiroki Kuroda (5-6, 4.15 ERA) is on the hill for the Dodgers and he's got a 2.76 ERA in his last three starts, of which one was an August 10 outing in San Francisco when he shut the Giants down for 6.1 innings on one run to give the Dodgers a 4-2 win. Kuroda has always seemed to deliver agaisnt San Francisco, holding the Giants to three runs or less in four of his five career starts against them, including all three in northern California.
The Dodgers are on several positive streaks right now, including 38-18 against the N.L. West, 36-15 after a loss and 4-1 on the road. Los Angeles has also beaten tonight's starter for the Giants, Matt Cain (13-4, 2.51) eight of the last 11 times they've faced him.
Last time Cain saw the Dodgers was April 15, allowing two runs in six innings, but the Giants lost the game 5-4. He's had some tough luck against Los Angeles, and the way San Francisco is going right now, that is likely to continue tonight.
I'm playing the Dodgers in this one to hold on and win a close one.
3? L.A. DODGERS
Tonight's Bonus Play comes from San Francisco as the Dodgers move up the coast to battle their division rivals. Los Angeles is the far superior team and will get the easy win tonight.
Tonight I'm seeing a big win for the boys in blue as the Dodgers will take care of business in this series opener. Things are getting tight for Los Angeles, leading the Rockies by just two games, so they know they are under the gun a bit.
Hiroki Kuroda (5-6, 4.15 ERA) is on the hill for the Dodgers and he's got a 2.76 ERA in his last three starts, of which one was an August 10 outing in San Francisco when he shut the Giants down for 6.1 innings on one run to give the Dodgers a 4-2 win. Kuroda has always seemed to deliver agaisnt San Francisco, holding the Giants to three runs or less in four of his five career starts against them, including all three in northern California.
The Dodgers are on several positive streaks right now, including 38-18 against the N.L. West, 36-15 after a loss and 4-1 on the road. Los Angeles has also beaten tonight's starter for the Giants, Matt Cain (13-4, 2.51) eight of the last 11 times they've faced him.
Last time Cain saw the Dodgers was April 15, allowing two runs in six innings, but the Giants lost the game 5-4. He's had some tough luck against Los Angeles, and the way San Francisco is going right now, that is likely to continue tonight.
I'm playing the Dodgers in this one to hold on and win a close one.
3? L.A. DODGERS
Karl Garrett
Baltimore and New York have at it one more time this season, as these teams just met to end August, and head into September.
In that series, 2 of the 3 meetings went well OVER the posted total, and the G-Man likes this series opener to also head OVER the posted price.
New York starter Andy Pettitte has been quite stingy against the O's of late, allowing just 6 earned runs over his last 34 innings of work against them, but Pettitte did just allow 4 runs in a 6 inning win over Toronto, and his season ERA at the new Yankee Stadium still stands at 4.65.
Rookie Chris Tillman counters, and is fresh off absorbing a loss to Texas in which he allowed 5 runs in 6 innings of work.
9 of the 15 meetings this season have played HIGH, and Baltimore does come into this game having played a pair of OVERS in their last pair of games in Boston.
G-Man likes the HIGH in this baby.
2♦ OVER
Baltimore and New York have at it one more time this season, as these teams just met to end August, and head into September.
In that series, 2 of the 3 meetings went well OVER the posted total, and the G-Man likes this series opener to also head OVER the posted price.
New York starter Andy Pettitte has been quite stingy against the O's of late, allowing just 6 earned runs over his last 34 innings of work against them, but Pettitte did just allow 4 runs in a 6 inning win over Toronto, and his season ERA at the new Yankee Stadium still stands at 4.65.
Rookie Chris Tillman counters, and is fresh off absorbing a loss to Texas in which he allowed 5 runs in 6 innings of work.
9 of the 15 meetings this season have played HIGH, and Baltimore does come into this game having played a pair of OVERS in their last pair of games in Boston.
G-Man likes the HIGH in this baby.
2♦ OVER
DC Riley
San Francisco Giants Under 7 (-110) 1*Unit Bonus Play
Listed Pitchers: H.Kuroda/M.Cain
Play On: Under
After 4 straight losing seasons the San Francisco Giants are in the thick of a Wild Card and Divisional Playoff Race. Sporting a marvelous 76-64 record the Giants have been riding the tails of ’08 Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum and today’s starter Matt Cain(13-4). Many tell the tale of pitching and defense winning ball games and championships, the Giants definitely have solid pitching leading the league in fewest runs allowed and leading in strike outs. With that being said the Giants are not the biggest threat with the bats as they are bottom in runs scored. Combine those with a tight playoff atmosphere and a 1st place divisional team opponent how lead the league in hits and are runner ups in the fewest runs department this game as all the makings of an under.
The current line is set at 7 and we have many trends to support that this number may even be a tad high. Lets take the under in a game that sets up to be a pitching duel from start to finish.
**some trends and situations to support**:
• SF Under 7-1 LT8 overall
• SF Under 11-4 LT15 as favorite -110 to -150
• SF Under 4-0 LT4 Cain starts and 11-4 LT15
• SF Under 20-8-2 LT30 on Friday nights
• LAD Under 9-1 Kuroda LT10 and 16-5 LT21 Vs. Winning Teams
• LAD Under 11-1 Kuroda LT12 as listed Dog
• LAD Under 6-1 LT7 overall
• LAD Under 7-2 LT9 Kuroda road starts
• 2-1 Under LT3 Head to Head
MLB Free Pick: San Francisco Under 7 (-110) 1*Unit
San Francisco Giants Under 7 (-110) 1*Unit Bonus Play
Listed Pitchers: H.Kuroda/M.Cain
Play On: Under
After 4 straight losing seasons the San Francisco Giants are in the thick of a Wild Card and Divisional Playoff Race. Sporting a marvelous 76-64 record the Giants have been riding the tails of ’08 Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum and today’s starter Matt Cain(13-4). Many tell the tale of pitching and defense winning ball games and championships, the Giants definitely have solid pitching leading the league in fewest runs allowed and leading in strike outs. With that being said the Giants are not the biggest threat with the bats as they are bottom in runs scored. Combine those with a tight playoff atmosphere and a 1st place divisional team opponent how lead the league in hits and are runner ups in the fewest runs department this game as all the makings of an under.
The current line is set at 7 and we have many trends to support that this number may even be a tad high. Lets take the under in a game that sets up to be a pitching duel from start to finish.
**some trends and situations to support**:
• SF Under 7-1 LT8 overall
• SF Under 11-4 LT15 as favorite -110 to -150
• SF Under 4-0 LT4 Cain starts and 11-4 LT15
• SF Under 20-8-2 LT30 on Friday nights
• LAD Under 9-1 Kuroda LT10 and 16-5 LT21 Vs. Winning Teams
• LAD Under 11-1 Kuroda LT12 as listed Dog
• LAD Under 6-1 LT7 overall
• LAD Under 7-2 LT9 Kuroda road starts
• 2-1 Under LT3 Head to Head
MLB Free Pick: San Francisco Under 7 (-110) 1*Unit
Brad Diamond Sports
FREE MLB Selection
Play on: St. Louis (960) over Atlanta
The Braves ran into some tough luck in Houston and now they face an old nemesis St. Louis, no less on the road. The Cardinals have won 9 of 12 in this series and 4 of 5 in Busch Stadium. Also, we find the Cards 8-0 with a day of rest, 9-1 on Friday and 21-5 in game #1 of a series. With veteran RHP Pineiro hitting the bump, the Redbirds are 11-1 in his team starts. Go Cardinals!
FREE MLB Selection
Play on: St. Louis (960) over Atlanta
The Braves ran into some tough luck in Houston and now they face an old nemesis St. Louis, no less on the road. The Cardinals have won 9 of 12 in this series and 4 of 5 in Busch Stadium. Also, we find the Cards 8-0 with a day of rest, 9-1 on Friday and 21-5 in game #1 of a series. With veteran RHP Pineiro hitting the bump, the Redbirds are 11-1 in his team starts. Go Cardinals!
Frank Jordan
Free Football Friday
Colorado vs. Toledo (NCAAF) - Sep 11, 2009 9:00 PM EDT
Play: Point Spread: Colorado -3.5
Both teams dropped their first game of the year with Colorado losing at home 23-17 to Colorado State and Toledo losing on the road 52-31 to Purdue. The good news is that one of these teams will have a win, but some one will be 0-2 also. In this one look for Colorado to get its first win on the year on the road at Toledo Friday Night. Play Colorado
Free Football Friday
Colorado vs. Toledo (NCAAF) - Sep 11, 2009 9:00 PM EDT
Play: Point Spread: Colorado -3.5
Both teams dropped their first game of the year with Colorado losing at home 23-17 to Colorado State and Toledo losing on the road 52-31 to Purdue. The good news is that one of these teams will have a win, but some one will be 0-2 also. In this one look for Colorado to get its first win on the year on the road at Toledo Friday Night. Play Colorado
Marc Lawrence
Bonus Play
Game: Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels Sep 11 2009 10:05PM
Prediction: Chicago White Sox
Reason: Play On: White Sox with Floyd vs. Saunders
Note: The White Sox send Gavin Floyd to the mound in Los Angeles to take on Joe Saunders and the Angels in the opener of a three-game series tonight. Floyd enters tonight's fray in terrific current form with 1 walk and 19 strikeouts in his last three starts, while sporting a 2.87 ERA in those games. On the other side of the coin, Saunders owns a gaudy 8.59 ERA in his last five home starts and is 0-2 at home with a 9.00 ERA in his career starts against the Pale Hose. With that we'll fade the Halos here this evening.
Bonus Play
Game: Chicago White Sox at Los Angeles Angels Sep 11 2009 10:05PM
Prediction: Chicago White Sox
Reason: Play On: White Sox with Floyd vs. Saunders
Note: The White Sox send Gavin Floyd to the mound in Los Angeles to take on Joe Saunders and the Angels in the opener of a three-game series tonight. Floyd enters tonight's fray in terrific current form with 1 walk and 19 strikeouts in his last three starts, while sporting a 2.87 ERA in those games. On the other side of the coin, Saunders owns a gaudy 8.59 ERA in his last five home starts and is 0-2 at home with a 9.00 ERA in his career starts against the Pale Hose. With that we'll fade the Halos here this evening.
Sports Gambling Hotline
Our Bonus Play run is a sweet 32-16-3 the last 51 days!
There is a reason Seattle pitcher Brandon Morrow hasn't started a game since July 10th, and the major reason is, he hasn't been able to get batters out on a consistant basis.
Morrow is 0-4 for the year with a 5.28 ERA, and the way the Rangers are mashing the ball right now, we highly doubt Morrow or the Seattle bullpen are going to be able to keep this game from heading OVER the posted total.
Texas just scored 31 runs in their 3 game sweep of the Cleveland Indians, and tonight they take on a Seattle team that was in action last night in Anaheim. We get the feeling the M's are going to be dragging just a little in this game, and the runs will pile up.
Kevin Millwood has hit a rough patch, and sports an over 6 ERA for his last 3 starts. Millwood has also allowed 9 runs in his 13 innings of work against the Mariners this season.
Play on the OVER in this Friday nighter.
5? OVER
Our Bonus Play run is a sweet 32-16-3 the last 51 days!
There is a reason Seattle pitcher Brandon Morrow hasn't started a game since July 10th, and the major reason is, he hasn't been able to get batters out on a consistant basis.
Morrow is 0-4 for the year with a 5.28 ERA, and the way the Rangers are mashing the ball right now, we highly doubt Morrow or the Seattle bullpen are going to be able to keep this game from heading OVER the posted total.
Texas just scored 31 runs in their 3 game sweep of the Cleveland Indians, and tonight they take on a Seattle team that was in action last night in Anaheim. We get the feeling the M's are going to be dragging just a little in this game, and the runs will pile up.
Kevin Millwood has hit a rough patch, and sports an over 6 ERA for his last 3 starts. Millwood has also allowed 9 runs in his 13 innings of work against the Mariners this season.
Play on the OVER in this Friday nighter.
5? OVER
Dominic Fazzini
I still can't believe the Tigers were swept by the Royals on Thursday, but it happened. That's not stopping me, however, from gaining a win with my complimentary selection tonight!
Colorado and Toledo both got whipped in their season openers last week. But I think the Rockets are in better shape to secure a cover for me tonight.
The Buffaloes will probably be able to run the ball against Toledo, but CU quarerback Cody Hawkins doesn't pose too much of a threat vs. the Rockets.
Toledo's passing attack, however, should be able to light up the scoreboard against the Buffs, who are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
First-year Toledo coach Tim Beckman is quite familiar with Colorado's personnel after two seasons as Oklahoma State's defensive coordinator, which should benefit the Rockets greatly tonight.
Toledo is 8-3 ATS as a home underdog this decade, with seven outright victories, while the Buffaloes have lost four straight nonconference road games by an average of 15 points per game. The Rockets also are 5-2 ATS as a 'dog of 3 points or more at the Glass Bowl since 2004. Take Toledo in this one.
2♦ TOLEDO
I still can't believe the Tigers were swept by the Royals on Thursday, but it happened. That's not stopping me, however, from gaining a win with my complimentary selection tonight!
Colorado and Toledo both got whipped in their season openers last week. But I think the Rockets are in better shape to secure a cover for me tonight.
The Buffaloes will probably be able to run the ball against Toledo, but CU quarerback Cody Hawkins doesn't pose too much of a threat vs. the Rockets.
Toledo's passing attack, however, should be able to light up the scoreboard against the Buffs, who are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
First-year Toledo coach Tim Beckman is quite familiar with Colorado's personnel after two seasons as Oklahoma State's defensive coordinator, which should benefit the Rockets greatly tonight.
Toledo is 8-3 ATS as a home underdog this decade, with seven outright victories, while the Buffaloes have lost four straight nonconference road games by an average of 15 points per game. The Rockets also are 5-2 ATS as a 'dog of 3 points or more at the Glass Bowl since 2004. Take Toledo in this one.
2♦ TOLEDO
Jim Feist
(971) TORONTO BLUE JAYS
(972) DETROIT TIGERS
Take "Over"
A couple of starters on the hill with below average stuff. Brian Tallet of the Blue Jays has a 5.31 ERA and in 6 of his last 8 starts, the teams have combined for 10 or more runs. He comes off a thumping even though they won the game, a 14-8 win over the Yankees. Detroit goes with soft throwing lefty Nate Robertson who is recently back from a DL stint, with a 5.40 ERA allowing 50 base runners in 31 innings. This looks like an American League offensive show, play the Blue Jays/Tigers Over the total.
(971) TORONTO BLUE JAYS
(972) DETROIT TIGERS
Take "Over"
A couple of starters on the hill with below average stuff. Brian Tallet of the Blue Jays has a 5.31 ERA and in 6 of his last 8 starts, the teams have combined for 10 or more runs. He comes off a thumping even though they won the game, a 14-8 win over the Yankees. Detroit goes with soft throwing lefty Nate Robertson who is recently back from a DL stint, with a 5.40 ERA allowing 50 base runners in 31 innings. This looks like an American League offensive show, play the Blue Jays/Tigers Over the total.
MLB WRITE-UP
Friday, September 11
Hot Pitchers
-- Harden is 2-1, 3.30 in his last five starts. Lehr is 4-1, 4.31 in his last six starts.
-- Hamels has a 1.57 RA in his last three starts.
-- Johnson is 6-2, 3.39 in his last ten starts.
-- Jurrjens has a 2.86 RA in his last five starts. Cardinals are 11-1 in last twelve Pineiro starts.
-- Looper is 1-0, 3.24 in his last four starts.
-- Colorado is 14-3 in last 17 de la Rosa starts.
-- Cain is 1-0, 1.89 in his last four starts. Kuroda is 2-1, 3.62 in his last four starts.
-- Greinke is 2-0, 1.08 in his last three starts.
-- Bronx won Pettitte's last seven starts.
-- Lester is 3-0, 2.12 in his last seven starts.
-- Floyd has a 2.88 RA in his last five starts. Saunders is 3-0, 2.08 in his last three starts.
Cold Pitchers
-- Figueroa is 1-4, 5.61 in five starts this season.
-- Martin is 1-2, 4.44 in his last four starts.
-- Norris is 1-3, 9.68 in his last four starts. Morton is 1-2, 9.82 in his last four outings.
-- Mujica has pitched 77 innings in 63 relief appearances this season, so this is a pitching-by-commitee game for the Padres.
-- Davis is 0-2, 5.47 in his last four starts.
-- Masterson is 0-3, 5.60 in his last three starts.
-- Tillman is 0-3, 4.43 in his last four starts.
-- Robertson has a 1.80 RA in his first two '09 starts. Tallet is 1-4, 8.83 in his last seven starts.
-- Shields has a 6.23 RA in his last six starts.
-- Seattle is 1-5 when Morrow starts (0-1, 5.20). Millwood is 1-2, 6.25 in his last four starts.
-- Blackburn is 1-6, 9.00 in his last ten starts. Mortensen is 0-2, 9.82 in his two major league starts.
Hot Teams
-- Cubs won four of their last five games.
-- Marlins won seven of their last eight games.
-- Astros won five of their last seven games.
-- Cardinals won 14 of their last 17 games.
-- Rockies won nine of their last ten games. Padres are 11-4 in their last fifteen games.
-- Dodgers are 9-1 in game after their last ten losses. Giants won seven of last ten home games, but lost last two.
-- Royals won their last four games, scoring 25 runs.
-- Bronx won 12 of its last 14 games.
-- Red Sox won three of their last four games.
-- Rangers won their last three games, scoring 31 runs.
-- A's won three of their last four games. Minnesota won six of its last nine home games.
-- Angels won six of their last seven games. White Sox won six of eight.
Cold Teams
-- Reds lost their last four games, scoring eight runs.
-- Nationals lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Mets lost 15 of their last 21 games. Phillies lost five of their last seven games, but are 7-2 in their last nine home games.
-- Pirates lost 11 of last 12 games, giving up 26 runs in last four.
-- Braves lost six of their last eight games.
-- Diamondbacks lost six of their last seven games. Brewers lost seven of their last nine contests.
-- Indians lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Orioles lost six of their last eight games.
-- Blue Jays lost 10 of their last 15 games. Detroit lost last three games, giving up 19 runs.
-- Rays lost last eight games; bullpen took loss in six of last seven.
-- Mariners are 4-10 in their last fourteen road games.
Totals
-- Under is 13-3-2 in last eighteen Cincinnati road games.
-- 11 of Phillies' last 15 games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Washington road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 11-3 in last 14 games at Minute Maid Park.
-- Eight of last eleven Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in Arizona's last five home games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in Colorado's last six road games.
-- Under is 14-4-2 in Dodgers' last 20 road games.
-- Five of Royals' last seven road games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Bronx home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Detroit home games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 15-5 in last twenty games at Fenway Park.
-- Under is 12-6-1 in Seattle's last nineteen games.
-- 13 of last 14 Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten White Sox road games stayed under.
Friday, September 11
Hot Pitchers
-- Harden is 2-1, 3.30 in his last five starts. Lehr is 4-1, 4.31 in his last six starts.
-- Hamels has a 1.57 RA in his last three starts.
-- Johnson is 6-2, 3.39 in his last ten starts.
-- Jurrjens has a 2.86 RA in his last five starts. Cardinals are 11-1 in last twelve Pineiro starts.
-- Looper is 1-0, 3.24 in his last four starts.
-- Colorado is 14-3 in last 17 de la Rosa starts.
-- Cain is 1-0, 1.89 in his last four starts. Kuroda is 2-1, 3.62 in his last four starts.
-- Greinke is 2-0, 1.08 in his last three starts.
-- Bronx won Pettitte's last seven starts.
-- Lester is 3-0, 2.12 in his last seven starts.
-- Floyd has a 2.88 RA in his last five starts. Saunders is 3-0, 2.08 in his last three starts.
Cold Pitchers
-- Figueroa is 1-4, 5.61 in five starts this season.
-- Martin is 1-2, 4.44 in his last four starts.
-- Norris is 1-3, 9.68 in his last four starts. Morton is 1-2, 9.82 in his last four outings.
-- Mujica has pitched 77 innings in 63 relief appearances this season, so this is a pitching-by-commitee game for the Padres.
-- Davis is 0-2, 5.47 in his last four starts.
-- Masterson is 0-3, 5.60 in his last three starts.
-- Tillman is 0-3, 4.43 in his last four starts.
-- Robertson has a 1.80 RA in his first two '09 starts. Tallet is 1-4, 8.83 in his last seven starts.
-- Shields has a 6.23 RA in his last six starts.
-- Seattle is 1-5 when Morrow starts (0-1, 5.20). Millwood is 1-2, 6.25 in his last four starts.
-- Blackburn is 1-6, 9.00 in his last ten starts. Mortensen is 0-2, 9.82 in his two major league starts.
Hot Teams
-- Cubs won four of their last five games.
-- Marlins won seven of their last eight games.
-- Astros won five of their last seven games.
-- Cardinals won 14 of their last 17 games.
-- Rockies won nine of their last ten games. Padres are 11-4 in their last fifteen games.
-- Dodgers are 9-1 in game after their last ten losses. Giants won seven of last ten home games, but lost last two.
-- Royals won their last four games, scoring 25 runs.
-- Bronx won 12 of its last 14 games.
-- Red Sox won three of their last four games.
-- Rangers won their last three games, scoring 31 runs.
-- A's won three of their last four games. Minnesota won six of its last nine home games.
-- Angels won six of their last seven games. White Sox won six of eight.
Cold Teams
-- Reds lost their last four games, scoring eight runs.
-- Nationals lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Mets lost 15 of their last 21 games. Phillies lost five of their last seven games, but are 7-2 in their last nine home games.
-- Pirates lost 11 of last 12 games, giving up 26 runs in last four.
-- Braves lost six of their last eight games.
-- Diamondbacks lost six of their last seven games. Brewers lost seven of their last nine contests.
-- Indians lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Orioles lost six of their last eight games.
-- Blue Jays lost 10 of their last 15 games. Detroit lost last three games, giving up 19 runs.
-- Rays lost last eight games; bullpen took loss in six of last seven.
-- Mariners are 4-10 in their last fourteen road games.
Totals
-- Under is 13-3-2 in last eighteen Cincinnati road games.
-- 11 of Phillies' last 15 games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Washington road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 11-3 in last 14 games at Minute Maid Park.
-- Eight of last eleven Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-0-1 in Arizona's last five home games.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in Colorado's last six road games.
-- Under is 14-4-2 in Dodgers' last 20 road games.
-- Five of Royals' last seven road games went over the total.
-- Seven of last eight Bronx home games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Detroit home games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 15-5 in last twenty games at Fenway Park.
-- Under is 12-6-1 in Seattle's last nineteen games.
-- 13 of last 14 Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last ten White Sox road games stayed under.
Trend Report
2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
Cincinnati is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games
7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. NY YANKEES
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Baltimore's last 18 games
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Kansas City's last 13 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
7:05 PM
NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing NY Mets
7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. DETROIT
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Boston's last 20 games at home
7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. FLORIDA
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
Washington is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing Florida
Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games
8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
Pittsburgh is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing Houston
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
8:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. TEXAS
Seattle is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Seattle
8:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Oakland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland
8:15 PM
ATLANTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Atlanta is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
St. Louis is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Atlanta
9:40 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ARIZONA
Milwaukee is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games at home
10:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. LA ANGELS
Chi White Sox are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chi White Sox's last 15 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 9 games at home
10:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN DIEGO
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Colorado
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
10:15 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of LA Dodgers's last 19 games
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Francisco is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
Cincinnati is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games
7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. NY YANKEES
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Baltimore's last 18 games
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Kansas City's last 13 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
7:05 PM
NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing NY Mets
7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. DETROIT
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Toronto
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Boston's last 20 games at home
7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. FLORIDA
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Florida
Washington is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing Florida
Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games
8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
Pittsburgh is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing Houston
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
8:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. TEXAS
Seattle is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Seattle
8:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Oakland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland
8:15 PM
ATLANTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Atlanta is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
St. Louis is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Atlanta
9:40 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ARIZONA
Milwaukee is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games at home
10:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. LA ANGELS
Chi White Sox are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Chi White Sox's last 15 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 9 games at home
10:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN DIEGO
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Colorado
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado
10:15 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of LA Dodgers's last 19 games
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Francisco is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
