Saturday 08/01/09 service plays chatter/comps/requests & gm strategy...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday 08/01/09 service plays chatter/comps/requests & gm strategy...

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FYI, let's limit the comps to the first 2 pages, I need this thread to be used for chatter and what games members would like to pick up or split. Service thread getting way to much chatter. Ty.

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trend Report

Saturday, August 1

1:00 PM
WINNIPEG vs. TORONTO
Winnipeg is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Winnipeg's last 5 games
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Winnipeg

9:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. CALGARY
Saskatchewan is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Saskatchewan's last 15 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 8-2 ATS in its last 10 games
Calgary is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Canadian Bacon: CFL Week 5 preview and picks

Saturday, August 1

Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-2) at Calgary Stampeders (2-2) -10, 61

The Stamps are back on track after losing their first two games this season. They outscored their last two opponents by 92 points. The Riders, meanwhile, have allowed 81 points in their last two games, which should be a serious indicator of the game we can expect between these two.

The Stamps learned some very bad news yesterday: Their star receiver Ken-Yon Rambo won’t play again this season because of a right knee injury. Nonetheless, Calgary QB Henry Burris has other options and the Grey Cup defending champions have much more depth than their rivals from Regina.

Pick: Calgary


Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1-3) at Toronto Argonauts (2-2) -4.5, 44.5

Michael Bishop is back in the CFL and is hoping to jump start Winnipeg’s anaemic offence. It might be too little, too late. The Bombers have deeper problems than a simple lack of production at quarterback.

The Argos have problems of their own. They just gave away their best receiver to Hamilton (Arland Bruce III) and have too many injured bodies. Adriano Belli has a serious knee injury and receiver Andre Talbot needs crutches to walk (ankle).

I expect the Argos to prevail but it won’t be pretty.

Pick: Toronto

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Lady Luck: Today's WNBA best bets

Los Angeles Sparks at Sacramento Monarchs (-3, 145.5)

As the Sparks conclude a seven-game road trip a short drive from their own gym, they learned an important lesson: They aren’t a good road team.

Los Angeles is just 2-9 on the road this season and has dropped four of six away games heading into the final test of its trip. The problem for the Sparks has been finding consistent scoring. With an injury to center Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker not fully in game shape as she returns from pregnancy leave, the club has struggled with veteran Tina Thompson as its most reliable player.

But help is on the way. Parker has led the team with double-digit rebounds each of the past two games. When her MVP shooting stroke returns, the Sparks should again be considered contenders.

For now, they must focus on a Monarchs team they already beat by 20 once this season. Sacramento has lost three of its past five games.

Pick: Sparks


San Antonio Silver Stars at Seattle Storm (-6.5, 140)

Home teams haven’t just held an edge when these two squads tangle – they dominate.

Since 2006, the home team has won eight of 10 meetings between these two sides, including splitting a pair of games won by the host team this year. But then again, the Storm are a tough opponent for any visiting club.

Seattle is 7-2 in its own gym this year, winning those games by an average of 8.5 points per game. The Silver Stars figure to have a slight mental edge over the Storm after beating them, 74-71 in Texas on Tuesday. San Antonio, however, won the game on a last-second, 21-foot three, and the Silver Stars are unlikely to shoot 41.4 percent from down town again.

Pick: Storm

 

[STACKSONDECK]

ask wil if he needs the service forum chat cleanup mod

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets

Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds (+140, 9)

Neither of these clubs will set the world on fire with their bats. But between the starters they trot out on Saturday and the way these teams have been playing, expect plenty of runs.

The Reds are one of the worst hitting teams in baseball, batting a meager .244 as a team. But at home, the Reds have an over/under mark of 23-23-2. Also, pitcher Homer Bailey will be on the mound for the home nine, and each of his past three starts have gone over the total.

The Rockies don’t swing nearly as good a stick away from Coors Field, but still are batting .257 as a team to go along with 116 homers. And again, two of the past three starts by Colorado pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez have surpassed the number.

Pick: Over


Toronto Blue Jays at Oakland Athletics (+107, 9)

The Blue Jays haven’t managed to do much consistently this season, but one thing they have excelled at is beating the Athletics.

Toronto entered the weekend have won four of six against Oakland this year, including two of three on the West Coast. The key for the Blue Jays has been their dominant pitching, as the Athletics average just over three runs per game againt Toronto. The A’s also are hitting just .201 (37-for-184) in those games.

The Blue Jays also are a decent road pitching team, posting a 4.44 ERA away from home to go with 354 strikeouts. Meantime, Oakland is hitting only .251 overall at home to go with a meager 82 doubles in their own park.

The Blue Jays aren’t a bunch of road warriors, but against Oakland, they don’t have to be.

Pick: Blue Jays

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaking and Slumping Pitchers

Streaking

Joe Blanton (Philadelphia Phillies)

Has the 28-year-old emerged as the team’s ace? With Cole Hamels struggling to pitch consistently and Cliff Lee just recently acquired, Blanton has submitted a July that says he deserves the ball when his team needs a win.

The right-hander is 3-0 this month with a 1.21 ERA. In his most recent outing, Blanton (7-4, 4.11 ERA) allowed just two runs on seven hits over eight innings of a 9-2 win over the Cardinals. In that game, he also struck out six against only one walk. Blanton has allowed more than three earned runs only once since May 21 and has won six of his past seven decisions.

"He's surprised me from the time I saw him in Oakland to coming over here," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told the Associated Press.

A.J. Burnett (New York Yankees)

If only Burnett put a season together like this in Toronto. The 32-year-old has won five straight decisions as he's emerged as a contender for the AL Cy Young award.

Burnett (10-4, 3.53 ERA) needs to cut down his walks – an AL-leading, 63 – but has been dominant otherwise, not allowing more than three earned runs in a start since May 22. In his most recent outing, Burnett gave up just two hits and an unearned run over seven innings in an 11-4 blowout of Tampa Bay.

Overall, the Yankees have won in each of his past six starts.


Slumping

Oliver Perez (New York Mets)

Reliable is the least-likely word Mets fans would use to describe Perez.

His erratic play has been a huge issue this season for New York, as Perez is 2-3 with a 7.42 ERA. Since coming off the disabled list in early July, he has failed to last more than six innings in any of his starts and walked at least four batters in each of them. Perez’s 2.02 WHIP (walks + hits over innings pitched) is easily one of the worst marks by a starter in either league.

"I'm really concerned about him,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel told the Associated Press earlier this year. “I don't know what we should do.”

Bruce Chen (Kansas City Royals)

The day the Royals decided to buy Chen’s Triple-A contract in late June, he wasn’t just penciled into a starting spot – he was penciled in as a regular in our “Slumping” section.

Chen (0-5, 6.39 ERA) has allowed seven home runs in six starts this season, but that shouldn’t be surprising. He's recorded 78 outs via fly balls, compared to just 25 groundouts. Also, He hasn’t lasted past the sixth inning this month and the team has won only one of his starts.

In his two most recent outings, he has yielded six runs on 15 hits over 10 innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Weekend Cheat Sheet

The trade deadline is about to be behind and with that, the division and wild card races will take the forefront again.

Let’s focus in on the top two series on both the American and National League slate this edition of the MLB Weekend Cheat Sheet.

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

Chicago Cubs at Florida Marlins

Most recent series result: Cubs are 6-2 in their last eight games (3-1 this season)

Most recent series result at the site: Marlins are 7-2 in their last nine games home

Key day/month stat: Cubs are 7-2 on Fridays; Marlins are 3-8 on Fridays

Best arm in the series: Cub pitcher Zambrano is 8-0 with a 3.17 ERA in his last eight starts

Worst arm in the series: Florida hurler Volstad is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA at home

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves

Most recent series result: Braves are 6-2 in last their eight games

Most recent series result at the site: Braves are 6-1 in their last seven games home

Key day/month stat: Dodgers are 17-5 on Saturdays; Braves are 1-8 on Saturdays

Best arm in the series: Braves’ Jurrjens is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA

Worst arm in the series: Dodgers’ Schmidt is 1-4 with a 6.73 ERA in his last six games away


American League

New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox

Most recent series result: Yankees are 10-3 in their last 13 games

Most recent series result at the site: Yankees are 5-1 in their last six games away

Key day/month stat: Yankees are 6-4 on Fridays; White Sox are 5-12 on Fridays

Best arm in the series: Yankees’ Burnett is 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in his last three games

Worst arm in the series: White Sox’ Buerhle is 1-7 with a 6.11 ERA career

Los Angeles Angels at Minnesota Twins

Most recent series result: Angels are 12-7 in their last 19 games (3-4 this season)

Most recent series result at the site: Twins are 3-0 in their last three games home

Key day/month stat: Twins are 12-4 on Fridays

Best arm in the series: Twins’ Perkins is 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA

Worst arm in the series: Twins’ Baker is 1-5 with a 5.89 ERA

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Craig Trapp

MLB | Aug 01
Chicago Cubs vs. Florida Marlins Chicago Cubs
-150 at BETUS > 12h.

CHC -142: Two of the hottest teams in the NL go for game 2 tonight. CHC go to there ace BIG Z who has been great in his last month of starts. He is 3-0 with a 2.92 ERA in his last four outings. Even better he is 5-1 with a 3.09 ERA in 10 starts versus the Marlins. The Cubs had struggled to score runs before the break but since then they have started to heat up. Starting for FLA today is reliever Badenshop who will be severely over matched today. Look for FLA to have to go to the pen within the first 4 innings. This one will not be close. SCORE CHC 7 - FLA 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Big Al McMordie

MLB | Aug 01
Houston Astros vs. St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals
-220 at SPBOOK > 12h.
At 7:15 pm our complimentary selection is on the St. Louis Cardinals over the Houston Astros. The Cards have thrown down the gauntlet and have shown they are serious about not only making a run at the Division Pennant but also about trying to get back to the World Series. This was clearly illustrated when St. Louis brought outfielder Matt Holliday back to the National League via trade after he spent less than a year in Oakland. And it didn't take long for Holliday to make a positive impression on his new team as he produced six hits and nine total bases in his first two games with the Cards and he's obviously excited to be back with a contender, and playing with guys like Albert Pujols and tonight's starter, righthander Chris Carpenter. You can pretty much wrap up the NL Comeback Player of the Year Award for 2009 and hand it to the 12-year veteran right now as Carpenter has been nothing short of spectacular this season with a 9-3 record and 2.19 ERA through his first 16 starts (after missing 99% of the last two seasons due to injury). And what is especially scary for the Astros and Wandy Rodriguez tonight is that Carpenter is even better at home in Busch Stadium than he is on the road as he has five wins in six starts with a 1.76 ERA when pitching in front of the Cardinal faithful. Take the Cards. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Gamblers Data

SATURDAY NYY -132

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

(905) WASHINGTON NATIONALS
(906) PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Take "(905) WASHINGTON NATIONALS"

The Pirates may play their best baseball at home, but it's tough to win anywhere the way Virgil Vasquez (1-5, 6.21 ERAis throwing. His last three starts he's averaged 4 innings and is 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA. Go ahead and laugh at Washington (we all do), but the Nationals' offense isn't bad, and is a strong 7th in OBP in all of baseball. Starter Craig Stammen has been decent, with few walks and the team is 3-1 his last 4 starts. Play the Nationals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

(909) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
(910) NEW YORK METS
Take "(909) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS"

The Diamondbacks are pretty soft offensively vs. lefties but they're facing Oliver Perez tonight. Perez continues to be big league baseball's wildest pitcher, and it doesn't take more than a couple of well times hits to put up crooked numbers vs. a pitcher who walks this many hitters. Max Scherzer warrants a commanding edge on the mound here. Though the Mets have done well at home recently, I'll try my luck with Arizona here.

 

[brady1983]

Budin 25 dimer.

Who wants to split it?

Based on the RL play, gotta be fading Chen on the road and taking TB.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Gamehunter

UNDER WASH/PITT 9 RUNS (-115) (2 UNITS)

CINCINNATI +144 (1.25 UNITS)

CUBS -130 (1.5 UNITS)

PHILADELPHIA +143 (1.5 UNITS)

HOUSTON +206 (1 UNIT)

SAN DIEGO -110 (1.75 UNITS)

UNDER YANKS/WHITE SOX 8.5 RUNS (+100) (2 UNITS)

UNDER BOS/BALT 8.5 RUNS (+102) (1.5 UNITS)

OVER DET/CLE 9.5 RUNS (-107) (1.75 UNITS)

UNDER SEA/TEX 8.5 RUNS (+103) (1.5 UNITS)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB LONG SHEET


Saturday, August 1

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HOUSTON (51 - 52) at ST LOUIS (57 - 49) - 7:15 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. CHRIS CARPENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 143-125 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 143-125 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 64-66 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 25-21 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 137-127 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 21-9 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 133-125 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 100-95 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-3 (+0.7 Units) against HOUSTON this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 3-7 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.136.
His team's record is 4-7 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-3. (+2.4 units)

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CARPENTER is 6-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.075.
His team's record is 9-5 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.5 units)

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LA DODGERS (64 - 39) at ATLANTA (52 - 51) - 4:10 PM
RANDY WOLF (L) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 4-12 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 46-28 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 64-39 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 30-22 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 64-39 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WOLF is 103-83 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 62-51 (+20.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 52-51 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 64-74 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 52-51 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 25-31 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

RANDY WOLF vs. ATLANTA since 1997
WOLF is 4-11 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.31 and a WHIP of 1.532.
His team's record is 10-13 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-13. (-5.4 units)

DEREK LOWE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LOWE is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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WASHINGTON (32 - 71) at PITTSBURGH (44 - 58) - 7:05 PM
CRAIG STAMMEN (R) vs. VIRGIL VASQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 32-68 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 21-52 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 24-53 (-24.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-50 (-27.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 32-71 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-33 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 33-53 (-25.5 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 12-38 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 27-19 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 7-0 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 27-19 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 20-12 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 84-90 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-1 (+3.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CRAIG STAMMEN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
STAMMEN is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.69 and a WHIP of 0.790.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

VIRGIL VASQUEZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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COLORADO (56 - 47) at CINCINNATI (45 - 57) - 7:10 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 46-58 (-21.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
JIMENEZ is 23-32 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 8-21 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 23-32 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 23-16 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 76-103 (-30.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 251-269 (-59.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 4-12 (-9.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
BAILEY is 2-13 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 1-8 (-8.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 2-13 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 0-9 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
JIMENEZ is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. COLORADO since 1997
BAILEY is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.71 and a WHIP of 3.426.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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ARIZONA (45 - 58) at NY METS (49 - 53) - 7:10 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. OLIVER PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 17-30 (-15.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 45-58 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 90-92 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 10-20 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 15-29 (-16.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 45-58 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

OLIVER PEREZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
PEREZ is 1-5 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.02 and a WHIP of 1.479.
His team's record is 1-7 (-7.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.7 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (54 - 47) at FLORIDA (54 - 49) - 7:10 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. BURKE BADENHOP (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1011-1056 (-188.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-28 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 150-191 (-57.9 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-28 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-28 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 93-91 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 30-23 (+8.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
FLORIDA is 67-66 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 258-271 (+47.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
FLORIDA is 54-49 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 21-12 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
FLORIDA is 51-46 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 96-93 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ZAMBRANO is 69-46 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 28-13 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 32-20 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 9-20 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-2 (+0.5 Units) against FLORIDA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. FLORIDA since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 5-2 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.373.
His team's record is 8-4 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-3. (+4.9 units)

BURKE BADENHOP vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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PHILADELPHIA (59 - 42) at SAN FRANCISCO (56 - 47) - 9:05 PM
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. TIM LINCECUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-47 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-32 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-36 (+6.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-20 (+7.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-47 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 35-16 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 56-39 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-14 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-11 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-21 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-10 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-22 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 59-42 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-17 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BLANTON is 12-5 (+11.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 12-2 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JOE BLANTON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BLANTON is 1-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.74 and a WHIP of 1.612.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LINCECUM is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.240.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.3 units)

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NY YANKEES (62 - 41) at CHI WHITE SOX (53 - 51) - 4:10 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 23-34 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 53-51 (+2.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 33-23 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 84-51 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 12-4 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 49-41 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DANKS is 14-5 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 84-48 (+21.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-0 (+2.4 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BURNETT is 2-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.78 and a WHIP of 1.052.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DANKS is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.10 and a WHIP of 1.646.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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KANSAS CITY (40 - 62) at TAMPA BAY (56 - 47) - 4:10 pM
BRUCE CHEN (L) vs. JEFF NIEMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 26-39 (-12.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-40 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 7-19 (-13.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-62 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 95-47 (+33.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 103-54 (+34.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 94-66 (+19.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 161-120 (+29.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 94-44 (+35.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 21-7 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
NIEMANN is 13-5 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
NIEMANN is 12-3 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 7-0 (+7.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
CHEN is 3-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.178.
His team's record is 7-2 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.5 units)

JEFF NIEMANN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
NIEMANN is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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DETROIT (53 - 48) at CLEVELAND (43 - 60) - 7:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. JEREMY SOWERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 79-90 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 62-72 (-19.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 127-136 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 61-67 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-33 (-17.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 56-79 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 11-17 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 49-62 (-24.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 51-40 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-53 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-21 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 28-46 (-21.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-29 (-17.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 9-19 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-60 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 42-60 (-23.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 21-28 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 6-16 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
SOWERS is 2-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-3 (+3.1 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PORCELLO is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JEREMY SOWERS vs. DETROIT since 1997
SOWERS is 2-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.66 and a WHIP of 1.558.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.5 units)

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BOSTON (60 - 42) at BALTIMORE (44 - 58) - 7:05 PM
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. DAVID HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 76-41 (+22.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-12 (+11.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 148-87 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 494-534 (-107.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 234-290 (-85.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 80-142 (-42.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-45 (-21.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 494-534 (-107.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 7-21 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 36-75 (-28.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 9-2 (+6.1 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BECKETT is 5-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.186.
His team's record is 8-3 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.9 units)

DAVID HERNANDEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (61 - 40) at MINNESOTA (52 - 51) - 7:10 PM
JOE SAUNDERS (L) vs. ANTHONY SWARZAK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 87-53 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 97-79 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 87-56 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 32-10 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-16 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 43-21 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 84-49 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 57-39 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 107-77 (+19.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 37-23 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 74-52 (+20.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 61-40 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 29-20 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAUNDERS is 36-17 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 27-14 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 23-11 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-4 (+0.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
7 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.0 Units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SAUNDERS is 2-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.033.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

ANTHONY SWARZAK vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SWARZAK is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 1.049.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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SEATTLE (53 - 50) at TEXAS (58 - 43) - 8:05 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. TOMMY HUNTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 73-105 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 75-103 (-26.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 26-54 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 57-41 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 45-30 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 36-29 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 34-22 (+13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 103-109 (+17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 58-43 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 17-11 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 36-20 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 20-8 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 50-46 (+4.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 53-50 (+4.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 14-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HERNANDEZ is 10-2 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 9-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 9-1 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 15-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 8-3 (+5.9 Units) against SEATTLE this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 5-9 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.283.
His team's record is 6-13 (-12.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-7. (+4.6 units)

TOMMY HUNTER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HUNTER is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TORONTO (49 - 54) at OAKLAND (44 - 58) - 9:05 PM
BRETT CECIL (L) vs. TREVOR CAHILL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 80-89 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 49-54 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 11-23 (-14.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 207-134 (+65.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-3 (+0.6 Units) against OAKLAND this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

BRETT CECIL vs. OAKLAND since 1997
CECIL is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

TREVOR CAHILL vs. TORONTO since 1997
CAHILL is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.876.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Matt Fargo

Game: Washington Nationals at Pittsburgh Pirates Aug 1 2009 7:05PM

Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates

Reason: I am real surprised that the Nationals are favored again tonight. This is a team that has won 12 road games on the entire season and is a road chalk for a second straight night. The Pirates were coming off a dreadful road trip where they went 1-6 including losses in five straight games. They took Game One last night and they are now 27-19 at PNC Park Pittsburgh is one of only eight teams in all of baseball that has yet to lose 20 games on their home field. Virgil Vazquez does not put a lot of confidence into this with his monster ERA but like most Pirates pitchers, he has been solid at home. He has a 3.38 ERA in three home starts and all have been quality outings. Craig Stammen has been solid this season for Washington but he is coming off a very poor start in Milwaukee and I could see that carrying over here. Only five of his 13 season starts have been quality outings including just three of seven roadies.

3* Pittsburgh Pirates

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Matt Rivers

Complimentary Selection

For Saturday take the Phillies by the Bay.

Tim Lincecum is the reigning NL Cy Young award winner and a guy who most certainly frightens the BeJesus out of me. The Giants righthander is great and can shut down any team at anytime. Lincecum is an absolute blue chip stud and a bona fide ace but the Phillies are the World Champions for a reason and a club that seriously may be better right now than they were when winning the title.


If any club can get to the so-called "Freak" it is Charlie Manual's. They have phenomenal hitters from the left side in Utley, Howard and Ibanez and others quality quality hitters like Werth and Victorino. All five are professional guys who have been there and done that and will step right in there against the young flamethrower and feel confident they can get the job done.


Joe Blanton is opposing Lincecum and the Philadelphia righthander has been phenomenal of late. Overall I wouldn't categorize Blanton as anything better than good but when you allow only four earned runs in your last 29.2 Innings you are doing something very right. Also dating back a little futher Blanton has hurled a quality start in six straight starts and 10 of the last 11. Honestly over the past few months you can't find too many guys that have even come close to that kind of production.


I am not going to be silly and say that Blanton is on the same level as Lincecum but with the major offensive advantage and with Blanton's red hot roll I will gladly grab some cash with the World Champs!

2♦ Phillies (out of 5♦)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Delaney

Off a huge underdog winner on the Indians in a shocker against the Tigers last night, we're siding with a value price on the Yankees tonight.


Lay the easy money with the Bombers, and I'll tell you why they win by 11 a.m. eastern


1♦ YANKEES (WITH Burnett only)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons

MIN (-150) vs ANA

Analysis: Member Play: Los Angeles was swept in a three-game series at the Metrodome in April, getting outscored 23-12. The Angels again trailed early in the latest meeting, but scored twice in the seventh and once in the eighth to tie it before erupting for six runs in the 11th. Los Angeles will try to extend its winning streak Saturday when it hands the ball to Joe Saunders (8-6, 5.02 ERA), who is 0-2 with a 9.39 ERA in six starts since beating Colorado on June 24. He gave up four runs and a season-high 10 hits in five innings against Cleveland on Monday and I'm expecting him to be in tough again tonight. Minnesota sends rookie Anthony Swarzak (3-3, 3.74) to the mound. The right-hander pitched very well for the second straight start on Sunday, limiting the Angels to one run and four hits in 6 2-3 innings of a 10-1 victory. Look for the TWINS to improve to 14-6 (+5.9 units) as a home favorite of -125 to -150!