Orlando isn't an illusion: Expect Magic to levitate
By ASHTON GREWAL
Well, I think it’s safe to say the Orlando Magic quickly learned the differences between their last opponent and their current. The matchup advantages Stan Van Gundy’s squad enjoyed against the Cleveland Cavaliers were not there against the Los Angeles Lakers.
That still doesn’t mean Magic backers should write off their futures ticket and go hang out on a deserted island with Evangeline Lilly for the next week or two.
Many people expected some opening-game jitters from Orlando, but we didn’t see that in the first quarter. The Eastern Conference champs seemed comfortable in their sets, going to Hedo Turkoglu early in the pick-and-roll offense.
Unfortunately for Magic fans, their club couldn’t equal the Lakers’ intensity when Kobe Bryant pulled a Nigel Tufnel and turned his amplifier up to 11.
Bryant was feeling out how the Magic would defend him and quickly found out that he would have room to get his perimeter shot off whenever he wanted.
While Bryant was hitting his shots, Orlando went ice cold. Normally, the club responds by pushing the pace and nailing run-stopping 3-pointers. But Los Angeles’ defense excels in transition. Its big men run the floor like gazelles, swiftly challenging spot-up shooters. And when the Magic did get clean looks, they didn’t cash in.
Van Gundy has some adjustments to make.
He’ll have to do something about Pau Gasol’s passing in the high post (the Spaniard found open cutters for easy lay-ins too often) and Courtney Lee might as well be a pylon when guarding Kobe Bryant.
The Magic coaching staff have to make a decision on which point guard to give the bulk of playing time. I don’t think it’s a good plan to split the minutes between the returning Jameer Nelson and Rafer Alston.
Nelson was impressive in his first game back since February. He wasn’t afraid of contact and took the ball into the teeth of the Lakers’ defense several times. It was apparent, however, that he isn’t confident in his 3-point stroke yet and that could be a problem.
The Magic’s offense only works when it has four capable and willing shooters beyond the arc to deter opposing defenders from collapsing on Dwight Howard.
And don’t get down on D-12’s Game 1 numbers. He was doing the right thing passing out of those double teams and trusting his teammates to make their open looks.
Rashard Lewis has to play much better than his performance in Game 1. If he’s not contributing offensively, he’s useless to his club. And there’s no legitimate alternative to him in the Magic’s lineup at the power forward. (Did you see how it was 4-on-5 whenever Tony Battie came into the game? Gasol was just letting the Orlando reserve take whatever shot he wanted – and rightfully so).
Despite all these issues for Orlando – this series isn’t close to being over.
It really pisses me off when I see ESPN’s Jon Barry dismissing the Magic as some fluke Finals club that’s overly reliant on the 3-pointer and will never be able to play with the Purple and Gold.
Orlando will start hitting its long distance shots and this series will be closer. I originally said the Lakers would win in seven games and I’m not going to jump of that prediction after one blowout.
And don't forget how good of a road team Orlando has been this season (26-14-1 against the spread in the regular season). Van Gundy's boys have bounced back from numerous tough breaks and let downs in the postseason. They are not easily jarred.
Total players should be careful too. Just because Game 1 was a bricklayers’ convention doesn’t mean we should expect more games in this series finishing with 175-point totals.
The over/under number opened at 203.5 and has already moved down to 202. I liked the under in Game 1 (set at 206.5) but I think the over has a lot of value – especially if it drops any farther.
By ASHTON GREWAL
Well, I think it’s safe to say the Orlando Magic quickly learned the differences between their last opponent and their current. The matchup advantages Stan Van Gundy’s squad enjoyed against the Cleveland Cavaliers were not there against the Los Angeles Lakers.
That still doesn’t mean Magic backers should write off their futures ticket and go hang out on a deserted island with Evangeline Lilly for the next week or two.
Many people expected some opening-game jitters from Orlando, but we didn’t see that in the first quarter. The Eastern Conference champs seemed comfortable in their sets, going to Hedo Turkoglu early in the pick-and-roll offense.
Unfortunately for Magic fans, their club couldn’t equal the Lakers’ intensity when Kobe Bryant pulled a Nigel Tufnel and turned his amplifier up to 11.
Bryant was feeling out how the Magic would defend him and quickly found out that he would have room to get his perimeter shot off whenever he wanted.
While Bryant was hitting his shots, Orlando went ice cold. Normally, the club responds by pushing the pace and nailing run-stopping 3-pointers. But Los Angeles’ defense excels in transition. Its big men run the floor like gazelles, swiftly challenging spot-up shooters. And when the Magic did get clean looks, they didn’t cash in.
Van Gundy has some adjustments to make.
He’ll have to do something about Pau Gasol’s passing in the high post (the Spaniard found open cutters for easy lay-ins too often) and Courtney Lee might as well be a pylon when guarding Kobe Bryant.
The Magic coaching staff have to make a decision on which point guard to give the bulk of playing time. I don’t think it’s a good plan to split the minutes between the returning Jameer Nelson and Rafer Alston.
Nelson was impressive in his first game back since February. He wasn’t afraid of contact and took the ball into the teeth of the Lakers’ defense several times. It was apparent, however, that he isn’t confident in his 3-point stroke yet and that could be a problem.
The Magic’s offense only works when it has four capable and willing shooters beyond the arc to deter opposing defenders from collapsing on Dwight Howard.
And don’t get down on D-12’s Game 1 numbers. He was doing the right thing passing out of those double teams and trusting his teammates to make their open looks.
Rashard Lewis has to play much better than his performance in Game 1. If he’s not contributing offensively, he’s useless to his club. And there’s no legitimate alternative to him in the Magic’s lineup at the power forward. (Did you see how it was 4-on-5 whenever Tony Battie came into the game? Gasol was just letting the Orlando reserve take whatever shot he wanted – and rightfully so).
Despite all these issues for Orlando – this series isn’t close to being over.
It really pisses me off when I see ESPN’s Jon Barry dismissing the Magic as some fluke Finals club that’s overly reliant on the 3-pointer and will never be able to play with the Purple and Gold.
Orlando will start hitting its long distance shots and this series will be closer. I originally said the Lakers would win in seven games and I’m not going to jump of that prediction after one blowout.
And don't forget how good of a road team Orlando has been this season (26-14-1 against the spread in the regular season). Van Gundy's boys have bounced back from numerous tough breaks and let downs in the postseason. They are not easily jarred.
Total players should be careful too. Just because Game 1 was a bricklayers’ convention doesn’t mean we should expect more games in this series finishing with 175-point totals.
The over/under number opened at 203.5 and has already moved down to 202. I liked the under in Game 1 (set at 206.5) but I think the over has a lot of value – especially if it drops any farther.
WNBA Best Bets
Covers
Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx (-2, 152.5)
The timing wasn't ideal for the Minnesota Lynx, who were forced to replace their coach just three days before the season opener.
The Lynx will play their first game under new coach Jennifer Gillom on Saturday night when they host the Chicago Sky, who enter their fourth season in the league looking for their first winning record.
Minnesota suffered its fourth straight losing season in 2008 with a 16-18 mark, but opted to bring back coach Don Zierden for a third season. The Minneapolis native, though, surprised the franchise Wednesday when he resigned to become an assistant with the Washington Wizards.
That left the Lynx in a bind, and they turned to Gillom, who played in the WNBA from 1997-2003 and was an assistant under Zierden last year.
Pick: Chicago +2
San Antonio Silver Stars at Phoenix Mercury (-2, 163)
After its first WNBA finals experience ended with a major disappointment, San Antonio has championship expectations in 2009.
The defending Western Conference champion Silver Stars open their season Saturday night at US Airways Center where they'll face a Phoenix Mercury team looking to regain its championship form.
San Antonio finished with a franchise-best 24-10 record last season, going 14-0 versus Eastern Conference teams. The Silver Stars, though, lost the first two games of the finals at home then were swept in three by the Detroit Shock.
However, with Becky Hammon, Sophia Young and Vickie Johnson back, San Antonio is targeting much more than just the league's best regular-season record and another conference championship banner.
"We're going to continue to grow and try to win a championship," Johnson said.
Hammon averaged 17.6 points and 4.9 assists per game last season while Young finished fourth in MVP voting, averaging 17.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
The Silver Stars will be without center Ann Wauters until later in the season due to personal reasons. She scored 14.7 points per game in 2008 and was sixth in the league in rebounding (7.5).
Ruth Riley and 6-foot-8 Katie Mattera, signed in the offseason, will try to fill the void left by Wauters.
Guard Shanna Crossley is back after missing last season with a torn ACL, and Belinda Snell signed with San Antonio in the offseason after not playing in the WNBA in 2008. She averaged 3.4 points in three seasons (2005-07) with the Mercury.
Pick: San Antonio +2
Covers
Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx (-2, 152.5)
The timing wasn't ideal for the Minnesota Lynx, who were forced to replace their coach just three days before the season opener.
The Lynx will play their first game under new coach Jennifer Gillom on Saturday night when they host the Chicago Sky, who enter their fourth season in the league looking for their first winning record.
Minnesota suffered its fourth straight losing season in 2008 with a 16-18 mark, but opted to bring back coach Don Zierden for a third season. The Minneapolis native, though, surprised the franchise Wednesday when he resigned to become an assistant with the Washington Wizards.
That left the Lynx in a bind, and they turned to Gillom, who played in the WNBA from 1997-2003 and was an assistant under Zierden last year.
Pick: Chicago +2
San Antonio Silver Stars at Phoenix Mercury (-2, 163)
After its first WNBA finals experience ended with a major disappointment, San Antonio has championship expectations in 2009.
The defending Western Conference champion Silver Stars open their season Saturday night at US Airways Center where they'll face a Phoenix Mercury team looking to regain its championship form.
San Antonio finished with a franchise-best 24-10 record last season, going 14-0 versus Eastern Conference teams. The Silver Stars, though, lost the first two games of the finals at home then were swept in three by the Detroit Shock.
However, with Becky Hammon, Sophia Young and Vickie Johnson back, San Antonio is targeting much more than just the league's best regular-season record and another conference championship banner.
"We're going to continue to grow and try to win a championship," Johnson said.
Hammon averaged 17.6 points and 4.9 assists per game last season while Young finished fourth in MVP voting, averaging 17.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
The Silver Stars will be without center Ann Wauters until later in the season due to personal reasons. She scored 14.7 points per game in 2008 and was sixth in the league in rebounding (7.5).
Ruth Riley and 6-foot-8 Katie Mattera, signed in the offseason, will try to fill the void left by Wauters.
Guard Shanna Crossley is back after missing last season with a torn ACL, and Belinda Snell signed with San Antonio in the offseason after not playing in the WNBA in 2008. She averaged 3.4 points in three seasons (2005-07) with the Mercury.
Pick: San Antonio +2
DETROIT (29 - 14) at LOS ANGELES (23 - 17)
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 3-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 2-2 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON (10 - 24) at CONNECTICUT (22 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 96-133 ATS (-50.3 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 78-107 ATS (-39.7 Units) in road games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 115-149 ATS (-48.9 Units) in May, June, or July games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 100-133 ATS (-46.3 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-3 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 4-4 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE (23 - 14) at SACRAMENTO (19 - 18)
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 4-3 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA (18 - 19) at ATLANTA (4 - 30)
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 64-93 ATS (-38.3 Units) in road games since 1997.
INDIANA is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in road games on Saturday games since 1997.
ATLANTA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 3-1 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (12 - 22) at MINNESOTA (16 - 18)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (28 - 15) at PHOENIX (16 - 18)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 115-83 ATS (+23.7 Units) in home games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 73-50 ATS (+18.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-4 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 3-1 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 2-2 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON (10 - 24) at CONNECTICUT (22 - 15)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 96-133 ATS (-50.3 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 78-107 ATS (-39.7 Units) in road games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 115-149 ATS (-48.9 Units) in May, June, or July games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 100-133 ATS (-46.3 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-3 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 4-4 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE (23 - 14) at SACRAMENTO (19 - 18)
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-3 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 4-3 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA (18 - 19) at ATLANTA (4 - 30)
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 64-93 ATS (-38.3 Units) in road games since 1997.
INDIANA is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in road games on Saturday games since 1997.
ATLANTA is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 3-1 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO (12 - 22) at MINNESOTA (16 - 18)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-1 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO (28 - 15) at PHOENIX (16 - 18)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 115-83 ATS (+23.7 Units) in home games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 73-50 ATS (+18.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 4-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 5-4 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
MLB ADDITIONAL
Saturday, June 6
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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games when playing NY Yankees
Tampa Bay is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games at home
NY Yankees are 17-5 SU in their last 22 games
1:07 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TORONTO
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Toronto is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
4:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
4:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 15 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle's last 10 games
4:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. LA DODGERS
Philadelphia is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Philadelphia is 10-4 SU in their last 14 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games
LA Dodgers are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games at home
6:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. FLORIDA
San Francisco is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Florida
San Francisco is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Florida is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games at home
7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
7:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. DETROIT
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
7:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Mets are 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 11 of NY Mets's last 15 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing NY Mets
7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
Chi Cubs are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games on the road
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
7:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ATLANTA
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. BOSTON
Texas is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
7:15 PM
COLORADO vs. ST. LOUIS
Colorado is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing St. Louis
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
St. Louis is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Colorado
St. Louis is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Colorado
9:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. OAKLAND
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games at home
10:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN DIEGO
Arizona is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Arizona
Saturday, June 6
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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games when playing NY Yankees
Tampa Bay is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games at home
NY Yankees are 17-5 SU in their last 22 games
1:07 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TORONTO
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Toronto is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
4:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
4:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 15 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle's last 10 games
4:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. LA DODGERS
Philadelphia is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Philadelphia is 10-4 SU in their last 14 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games
LA Dodgers are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games at home
6:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. FLORIDA
San Francisco is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Florida
San Francisco is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Florida is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games at home
7:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. HOUSTON
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
7:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. DETROIT
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
7:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Mets are 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 11 of NY Mets's last 15 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing NY Mets
7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
Chi Cubs are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games on the road
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
7:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ATLANTA
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. BOSTON
Texas is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
7:15 PM
COLORADO vs. ST. LOUIS
Colorado is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing St. Louis
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
St. Louis is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Colorado
St. Louis is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Colorado
9:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. OAKLAND
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games at home
10:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN DIEGO
Arizona is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing Arizona
Saturday, June 6
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PITTSBURGH (59-34-0-10, 128 pts.) at DETROIT (65-25-0-12, 142 pts.) - 6/6/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 90-36 ATS (+0.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
DETROIT is 56-18 ATS (+15.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 120-85 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 81-49 ATS (+18.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 67-52 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 29-15 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 8-5 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-5-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.9 Units)
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PITTSBURGH (59-34-0-10, 128 pts.) at DETROIT (65-25-0-12, 142 pts.) - 6/6/2009, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 90-36 ATS (+0.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
DETROIT is 56-18 ATS (+15.4 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 120-85 ATS (+14.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 81-49 ATS (+18.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 67-52 ATS (+13.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 29-15 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 8-5 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 8-5-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.9 Units)
Trend Report
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8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. DETROIT
Pittsburgh is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Detroit
Pittsburgh is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
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8:00 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. DETROIT
Pittsburgh is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Detroit
Pittsburgh is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Detroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
WNBA ADDITIONAL
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Lady Luck: WNBA best bets
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Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx (-2, 152.5)
The timing wasn't ideal for the Minnesota Lynx, who were forced to replace their coach just three days before the season opener.
The Lynx will play their first game under new coach Jennifer Gillom on Saturday night when they host the Chicago Sky, who enter their fourth season in the league looking for their first winning record.
Minnesota suffered its fourth straight losing season in 2008 with a 16-18 mark, but opted to bring back coach Don Zierden for a third season. The Minneapolis native, though, surprised the franchise Wednesday when he resigned to become an assistant with the Washington Wizards.
That left the Lynx in a bind, and they turned to Gillom, who played in the WNBA from 1997-2003 and was an assistant under Zierden last year.
Pick: Chicago +2
San Antonio Silver Stars at Phoenix Mercury (-2, 163)
After its first WNBA finals experience ended with a major disappointment, San Antonio has championship expectations in 2009.
The defending Western Conference champion Silver Stars open their season Saturday night at US Airways Center where they'll face a Phoenix Mercury team looking to regain its championship form.
San Antonio finished with a franchise-best 24-10 record last season, going 14-0 versus Eastern Conference teams. The Silver Stars, though, lost the first two games of the finals at home then were swept in three by the Detroit Shock.
However, with Becky Hammon, Sophia Young and Vickie Johnson back, San Antonio is targeting much more than just the league's best regular-season record and another conference championship banner.
"We're going to continue to grow and try to win a championship," Johnson said.
Hammon averaged 17.6 points and 4.9 assists per game last season while Young finished fourth in MVP voting, averaging 17.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
The Silver Stars will be without center Ann Wauters until later in the season due to personal reasons. She scored 14.7 points per game in 2008 and was sixth in the league in rebounding (7.5).
Ruth Riley and 6-foot-8 Katie Mattera, signed in the offseason, will try to fill the void left by Wauters.
Guard Shanna Crossley is back after missing last season with a torn ACL, and Belinda Snell signed with San Antonio in the offseason after not playing in the WNBA in 2008. She averaged 3.4 points in three seasons (2005-07) with the Mercury.
Pick: San Antonio +2
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Lady Luck: WNBA best bets
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Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx (-2, 152.5)
The timing wasn't ideal for the Minnesota Lynx, who were forced to replace their coach just three days before the season opener.
The Lynx will play their first game under new coach Jennifer Gillom on Saturday night when they host the Chicago Sky, who enter their fourth season in the league looking for their first winning record.
Minnesota suffered its fourth straight losing season in 2008 with a 16-18 mark, but opted to bring back coach Don Zierden for a third season. The Minneapolis native, though, surprised the franchise Wednesday when he resigned to become an assistant with the Washington Wizards.
That left the Lynx in a bind, and they turned to Gillom, who played in the WNBA from 1997-2003 and was an assistant under Zierden last year.
Pick: Chicago +2
San Antonio Silver Stars at Phoenix Mercury (-2, 163)
After its first WNBA finals experience ended with a major disappointment, San Antonio has championship expectations in 2009.
The defending Western Conference champion Silver Stars open their season Saturday night at US Airways Center where they'll face a Phoenix Mercury team looking to regain its championship form.
San Antonio finished with a franchise-best 24-10 record last season, going 14-0 versus Eastern Conference teams. The Silver Stars, though, lost the first two games of the finals at home then were swept in three by the Detroit Shock.
However, with Becky Hammon, Sophia Young and Vickie Johnson back, San Antonio is targeting much more than just the league's best regular-season record and another conference championship banner.
"We're going to continue to grow and try to win a championship," Johnson said.
Hammon averaged 17.6 points and 4.9 assists per game last season while Young finished fourth in MVP voting, averaging 17.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
The Silver Stars will be without center Ann Wauters until later in the season due to personal reasons. She scored 14.7 points per game in 2008 and was sixth in the league in rebounding (7.5).
Ruth Riley and 6-foot-8 Katie Mattera, signed in the offseason, will try to fill the void left by Wauters.
Guard Shanna Crossley is back after missing last season with a torn ACL, and Belinda Snell signed with San Antonio in the offseason after not playing in the WNBA in 2008. She averaged 3.4 points in three seasons (2005-07) with the Mercury.
Pick: San Antonio +2
Cajun Sports MLB 2* Complimentary Selection- Saturday
Date/Time: Saturday June 6 / 7:15PM EST
Sport/Type: MLB / Side
Game: Colorado Rockies @ St. Louis Cardinals
Graded Selection: 2* St. Louis Cardinals -135
Analysis:
Colorado took game one of this four-game set between the Rockies and the Cardinals at Bush Stadium on Friday evening 11 to 4. The Cards will be looking to rebound from a poor performance sending Todd Wellemeyer to the bump with his 5-5 W/L record with an ERA of 5.05. His record at home is 2-4 W/L but the Cards have managed to win one more of his starts for a record of 3-4 W/L on the year. St. Louis is 19-11 W/L at Bush this season for +4.5 units and playing at night the Cards are 20-13 W/L for +4.6 units. Wellemeyer is 2-0 W/L with an ERA of 3.60 for a profit of +2.6 units versus the Colorado Rockies. Colorado will send Aaron Cook to the hill with a road record of 1-2 W/L with an ERA of 5.81 but the team record in his six starts on the highway is 1-5 W/L. The news doesn’t get any better when he faces the Cardinals Cook is 0-4 W/L with an ERA of 6.56 and his team is 0-6 W/L for -7.1 units. Colorado is 4-14 (-11.4) versus National League teams allowing 4.3 or less runs per game this season. We are backing the host as the Cardinals grab game two and even the series on Saturday at Bush Stadium in St. Louis.
Graded Selection: 2* St. Louis Cardinals 5 Colorado Rockies 3
Date/Time: Saturday June 6 / 7:15PM EST
Sport/Type: MLB / Side
Game: Colorado Rockies @ St. Louis Cardinals
Graded Selection: 2* St. Louis Cardinals -135
Analysis:
Colorado took game one of this four-game set between the Rockies and the Cardinals at Bush Stadium on Friday evening 11 to 4. The Cards will be looking to rebound from a poor performance sending Todd Wellemeyer to the bump with his 5-5 W/L record with an ERA of 5.05. His record at home is 2-4 W/L but the Cards have managed to win one more of his starts for a record of 3-4 W/L on the year. St. Louis is 19-11 W/L at Bush this season for +4.5 units and playing at night the Cards are 20-13 W/L for +4.6 units. Wellemeyer is 2-0 W/L with an ERA of 3.60 for a profit of +2.6 units versus the Colorado Rockies. Colorado will send Aaron Cook to the hill with a road record of 1-2 W/L with an ERA of 5.81 but the team record in his six starts on the highway is 1-5 W/L. The news doesn’t get any better when he faces the Cardinals Cook is 0-4 W/L with an ERA of 6.56 and his team is 0-6 W/L for -7.1 units. Colorado is 4-14 (-11.4) versus National League teams allowing 4.3 or less runs per game this season. We are backing the host as the Cardinals grab game two and even the series on Saturday at Bush Stadium in St. Louis.
Graded Selection: 2* St. Louis Cardinals 5 Colorado Rockies 3
Marc Lawrence MLB Bonus Play! - Saturday 6/6
Play On: Atlanta w/Vazquez
Note: When the Braves host the Brewers in Game Two of this three-game series tonight they will send Javier Vazquez to the mound knowing he is 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his last six home starts against Milwaukee. With Vazquez in commanding KW form with 8 walks and 44 strikeouts in his last five home starts, and Milwaukee's Jeff Suppan 5-13 in his last 18 road starts in June, look for Atlanta to imporve to 6-2 lifetime against Suppan here tonight.
Play On: Atlanta w/Vazquez
Note: When the Braves host the Brewers in Game Two of this three-game series tonight they will send Javier Vazquez to the mound knowing he is 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his last six home starts against Milwaukee. With Vazquez in commanding KW form with 8 walks and 44 strikeouts in his last five home starts, and Milwaukee's Jeff Suppan 5-13 in his last 18 road starts in June, look for Atlanta to imporve to 6-2 lifetime against Suppan here tonight.
Baltimore at OAKLAND (-120)
Bobby Maxwell Bonus Play
Got the FREE winner easily on Friday night with the Diamondbacks taking care of the Padres in San Diego and running our comp play mark to 5-2 with our last seven on the diamond. Tonight we'll do it again as we play the A's at home to beat the Orioles.
Oakland scored six runs in the first inning on Friday night and cruised to the 9-1 victory over the Orioles, a team the A's just dominate for some reason.
Oakland has won six straight over Baltimore and allowed the Orioles just 12 runs in those six games, with five coming in an extra-inning affair last season.
The last three times these teams have met the A's have outscored the Orioles 25-4. It's been completely one-sided. Go back even farther and the Orioles are just 16-46 in the last 62 meetings between these two teams.
On the mound for Oakland today is Trevor Cahill (2-5, 4.33 ERA) as he goes up against Baltimore's Jason Berken (1-1, 2.25 ERA). Even though his record has shown it, Cahill has pitched well lately, allowing just two earned runs in each of his last three games, but the offense has produced just four runs in those three games.
Baltimore is on further slides of 5-11 on Saturdays and 16-36 in their last 52 on the road. Oakland is 6-1 in their last seven as a home favorite and 5-1 in their last six overall.
We love the A's in this situation and expect them to deliver for us. Play Oakland.
3? OAKLAND
Bobby Maxwell Bonus Play
Got the FREE winner easily on Friday night with the Diamondbacks taking care of the Padres in San Diego and running our comp play mark to 5-2 with our last seven on the diamond. Tonight we'll do it again as we play the A's at home to beat the Orioles.
Oakland scored six runs in the first inning on Friday night and cruised to the 9-1 victory over the Orioles, a team the A's just dominate for some reason.
Oakland has won six straight over Baltimore and allowed the Orioles just 12 runs in those six games, with five coming in an extra-inning affair last season.
The last three times these teams have met the A's have outscored the Orioles 25-4. It's been completely one-sided. Go back even farther and the Orioles are just 16-46 in the last 62 meetings between these two teams.
On the mound for Oakland today is Trevor Cahill (2-5, 4.33 ERA) as he goes up against Baltimore's Jason Berken (1-1, 2.25 ERA). Even though his record has shown it, Cahill has pitched well lately, allowing just two earned runs in each of his last three games, but the offense has produced just four runs in those three games.
Baltimore is on further slides of 5-11 on Saturdays and 16-36 in their last 52 on the road. Oakland is 6-1 in their last seven as a home favorite and 5-1 in their last six overall.
We love the A's in this situation and expect them to deliver for us. Play Oakland.
3? OAKLAND
Cleveland at CHI. WHITE SOX (-135)
Drew Gordon Bonus Play
Another solid Bonus Play winner with the Brewers (+110) over the Braves 4-0 last night! Now 8-2 run with my L10 Freebies, and I've got another winner on tap Saturday afternoon...
Looking for the White Sox to get back on track this afternoon, and they've got just the pitching match up to do it. Losers of 4 straight, Chicago's offense has all but dissipated of late, but they'll get just what the doctor ordered with a match up against the Indiand Jeremy Sowers today.
Speaking of Sowers, he's been nothing short a liability, going 1-2 with an ugly 6.16 ERA in 4 games (3 starts). What's worse, is he's been a utter disaster against the White Sox, going 0-3 with a 6.87 ERA in 4 career starts, including getting roughed up in his only start against them this season, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits over just 4 innings! In his only road start this season, he surrendered 7 runs over 5 innings at Fenway, and while the White Sox bats may no be nearly as potent at this point, they'll get more than their fair share of chances in this one.
On the flip side, the White Sox Gavin Floyd has clearly got his groove back, going 1-1 with an outstanding 1.96 ERA over his last 3 starts! He dominated the Pirates and Athletics in his last 2 at the Cell, and while his numbers vs the Tribe are nothing to write home about, if you've seen him pitch of late, you know he's not to be trifled right now.
Finally, besides the obvious edge with their starter, the White Sox pen is also head and shoulders better than the Indians, posting a 3.16 ERA on the year, as compared to Cleveland's pathetic 5.15 bullpen ERA. In the end, expect the White Sox bats to give Floyd more than enough support, as they snap their 4-game losing streak this afternoon at home.
Take the Chicago White Sox behind Floyd over Cleveland and Sowers in this MLB match up.
3? CHI. WHITE SOX
Drew Gordon Bonus Play
Another solid Bonus Play winner with the Brewers (+110) over the Braves 4-0 last night! Now 8-2 run with my L10 Freebies, and I've got another winner on tap Saturday afternoon...
Looking for the White Sox to get back on track this afternoon, and they've got just the pitching match up to do it. Losers of 4 straight, Chicago's offense has all but dissipated of late, but they'll get just what the doctor ordered with a match up against the Indiand Jeremy Sowers today.
Speaking of Sowers, he's been nothing short a liability, going 1-2 with an ugly 6.16 ERA in 4 games (3 starts). What's worse, is he's been a utter disaster against the White Sox, going 0-3 with a 6.87 ERA in 4 career starts, including getting roughed up in his only start against them this season, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits over just 4 innings! In his only road start this season, he surrendered 7 runs over 5 innings at Fenway, and while the White Sox bats may no be nearly as potent at this point, they'll get more than their fair share of chances in this one.
On the flip side, the White Sox Gavin Floyd has clearly got his groove back, going 1-1 with an outstanding 1.96 ERA over his last 3 starts! He dominated the Pirates and Athletics in his last 2 at the Cell, and while his numbers vs the Tribe are nothing to write home about, if you've seen him pitch of late, you know he's not to be trifled right now.
Finally, besides the obvious edge with their starter, the White Sox pen is also head and shoulders better than the Indians, posting a 3.16 ERA on the year, as compared to Cleveland's pathetic 5.15 bullpen ERA. In the end, expect the White Sox bats to give Floyd more than enough support, as they snap their 4-game losing streak this afternoon at home.
Take the Chicago White Sox behind Floyd over Cleveland and Sowers in this MLB match up.
3? CHI. WHITE SOX
Baltimore at OAKLAND (-125)
By Sports Gambling Hotline, Featured Handicapper
Last night we gave you a comp play winner on Oakland to make it a 39-29-4 comp play run.
We will come right back tonight with the A's over the O's once again, as Oakland is playing their best baseball of the year right now, and we all know Baltimore stinks on the road.
The Athletics have now won 4 in a row, and 5 of their last 6, while the Orioles loss last night drops them to just 8-18 away from Camden Yards this year.
Jason Berken is making just his 3rd start at this level, and while he has pitched well, you have to wonder how his last start will affect him, as he went 7 innings and allowed just 1 earned run in taking the loss against Detroit.
Trevor Cahill is still looking for some traction, as he is 2-5 for the season, but the fact Oakland is now 6-0 against the Orioles since last year has us on the A's to extend their winning ways.
4♦ OAKLAND
By Sports Gambling Hotline, Featured Handicapper
Last night we gave you a comp play winner on Oakland to make it a 39-29-4 comp play run.
We will come right back tonight with the A's over the O's once again, as Oakland is playing their best baseball of the year right now, and we all know Baltimore stinks on the road.
The Athletics have now won 4 in a row, and 5 of their last 6, while the Orioles loss last night drops them to just 8-18 away from Camden Yards this year.
Jason Berken is making just his 3rd start at this level, and while he has pitched well, you have to wonder how his last start will affect him, as he went 7 innings and allowed just 1 earned run in taking the loss against Detroit.
Trevor Cahill is still looking for some traction, as he is 2-5 for the season, but the fact Oakland is now 6-0 against the Orioles since last year has us on the A's to extend their winning ways.
4♦ OAKLAND
N.Y. Mets at WASHINGTON (+125)
Chris Jordan Bonus Play
Seems too easy to me, to take the Mets against Washington tonight so I’m going to play the home pup and list both pitchers. John Lannan may be 2-5 on the year with a 4.21 ERA, but he’s pitched well enough to win in several starts and just might need some run support.
After all, In his past nine starts, Lannan has a 3.23 ERA with five quality starts. As for the run support, it shouldn’t be much to ask against John Maine, who has a 4.04 ERA in 10 career starts against Washington.
He’s never pitched in Nationals Park, and may I remind everyone that prior to his last outing against Washington (which was a strong performance) he was 0-2 with a 7.47 ERA in his first three starts of the season. Washington is due for an offensive outburst, and I’ll bank on today to be the game it happens.
1? NATIONALS (LIST LANNAN AND MAINE)
Chris Jordan Bonus Play
Seems too easy to me, to take the Mets against Washington tonight so I’m going to play the home pup and list both pitchers. John Lannan may be 2-5 on the year with a 4.21 ERA, but he’s pitched well enough to win in several starts and just might need some run support.
After all, In his past nine starts, Lannan has a 3.23 ERA with five quality starts. As for the run support, it shouldn’t be much to ask against John Maine, who has a 4.04 ERA in 10 career starts against Washington.
He’s never pitched in Nationals Park, and may I remind everyone that prior to his last outing against Washington (which was a strong performance) he was 0-2 with a 7.47 ERA in his first three starts of the season. Washington is due for an offensive outburst, and I’ll bank on today to be the game it happens.
1? NATIONALS (LIST LANNAN AND MAINE)
Karl Garrett Bonus Play
G-Man with a Friday night comp play winner on the Rangers over the Red Sox.
Now 12-5 the last 17 days with my FREE selections!
NL baseball tonight, and the G-Man rolls strong with the Cubs over the Reds.
Chicago edged Cincy last night, and despite a dormant offense, the Cubs have been able to win their last pair, 4 of 6, and 6 of their last 9 overall. Cubs hurler Ryan Dempster is fresh off 7 shutout innings in a win over Los Angeles, and Dempster is 2-1 the last 3 times he has faced the Reds as well.
Cincy will go with Matt Maloney making his season debut tonight in front of the home fans.
The Reds have been slumping of late, losers of 6 of their last 8, and the G-Man will go against Cincinnati once again tonight to drop their 7th in their last 9 games.
Take the Cubbies!
3? CUBS
G-Man with a Friday night comp play winner on the Rangers over the Red Sox.
Now 12-5 the last 17 days with my FREE selections!
NL baseball tonight, and the G-Man rolls strong with the Cubs over the Reds.
Chicago edged Cincy last night, and despite a dormant offense, the Cubs have been able to win their last pair, 4 of 6, and 6 of their last 9 overall. Cubs hurler Ryan Dempster is fresh off 7 shutout innings in a win over Los Angeles, and Dempster is 2-1 the last 3 times he has faced the Reds as well.
Cincy will go with Matt Maloney making his season debut tonight in front of the home fans.
The Reds have been slumping of late, losers of 6 of their last 8, and the G-Man will go against Cincinnati once again tonight to drop their 7th in their last 9 games.
Take the Cubbies!
3? CUBS
Jeff Benton Bonus Play
For Saturday’s Bonus Play on the diamond, we’ll lay the chalk with the White Sox at home against the Indians.
This is more or less a play on Chicago starter Gavin Floyd, who has really turned his season around in the last two weeks. After starting out 2-4 with a 7.71 ERA through his first eight starts, Floyd has been brilliant over his last three outings, giving up a combined five runs and 13 hits in 23 innings (1.96 ERA), with Chicago winning two of those three games, both at home (2-0 over Pittsburgh, 6-2 over Oakland).
As for Floyd’s opposition today – young lefty Jeremy Sowers – it’s been one poor start after another so far. Since being called up in early May, Sowers has made four appearances (three starts) and given up 13 runs on 17 hits in 14 innings, with the Indians losing all three of his starts by scores of 13-3, 7-4 and 5-2. In fact, going back to last year, the Tribe are 2-7 in Sowers’ last nine starts.
Among those seven defeats, two came against the White Sox (one this year, one last year), with Sowers allowing a combined nine runs in 9 1/3 innings. In fact, Sowers is 0-3 with a 6.87 ERA in four career starts against the White Sox, with Cleveland losing all four games.
Throw in the fact that Sowers is 5-12 with a 6.36 ERA in 25 career road starts, while Floyd is 11-8 with a 4.08 ERA at U.S. Cellular Field (3.34 ERA this season), and this is a no-brainer. Lay the cheap price with the ChiSox, who will get their bats going today after back-to-back shutout losses.
2? CHICAGO (BASED ON A 1? TO 10? SCALE)
For Saturday’s Bonus Play on the diamond, we’ll lay the chalk with the White Sox at home against the Indians.
This is more or less a play on Chicago starter Gavin Floyd, who has really turned his season around in the last two weeks. After starting out 2-4 with a 7.71 ERA through his first eight starts, Floyd has been brilliant over his last three outings, giving up a combined five runs and 13 hits in 23 innings (1.96 ERA), with Chicago winning two of those three games, both at home (2-0 over Pittsburgh, 6-2 over Oakland).
As for Floyd’s opposition today – young lefty Jeremy Sowers – it’s been one poor start after another so far. Since being called up in early May, Sowers has made four appearances (three starts) and given up 13 runs on 17 hits in 14 innings, with the Indians losing all three of his starts by scores of 13-3, 7-4 and 5-2. In fact, going back to last year, the Tribe are 2-7 in Sowers’ last nine starts.
Among those seven defeats, two came against the White Sox (one this year, one last year), with Sowers allowing a combined nine runs in 9 1/3 innings. In fact, Sowers is 0-3 with a 6.87 ERA in four career starts against the White Sox, with Cleveland losing all four games.
Throw in the fact that Sowers is 5-12 with a 6.36 ERA in 25 career road starts, while Floyd is 11-8 with a 4.08 ERA at U.S. Cellular Field (3.34 ERA this season), and this is a no-brainer. Lay the cheap price with the ChiSox, who will get their bats going today after back-to-back shutout losses.
2? CHICAGO (BASED ON A 1? TO 10? SCALE)
