WNBA DUNKEL
Detroit at Chicago
The Sky look to bounce back from their loss to Phoenix and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games following a SU defeat. Chicago is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Sky favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-3). Here are all of today's picks.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Game 651-652: Minnesota at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 108.737; Connecticut 115.974
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 7; 149 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 4 1/2; 158 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-4 1/2); Under
Game 653-654: Detroit at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 109.520; Chicago 113.178
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 3 1/2; 147 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 3; 148 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-3); Under
Game 655-656: Washington at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 110.261; Sacramento 108.962
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 157 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 3; 150
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3); Over
Game 657-658: Indiana at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 110.109; Seattle 113.243
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 3; 139
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 2; 142 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-2); Under
WNBA LONG SHEET
Saturday, August 22
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MINNESOTA (11 - 14) at CONNECTICUT (13 - 12) - 8/22/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games against Eastern conference opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-1 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 3-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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DETROIT (9 - 14) at CHICAGO (13 - 13) - 8/22/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
CHICAGO is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-3 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WASHINGTON (13 - 13) at SACRAMENTO (8 - 18) - 8/22/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 173-220 ATS (-69.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 105-137 ATS (-45.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 13-29 ATS (-18.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 26-47 ATS (-25.7 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 136-92 ATS (+34.8 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 4-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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INDIANA (19 - 6) at SEATTLE (14 - 11) - 8/22/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 66-94 ATS (-37.4 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 71-98 ATS (-36.8 Units) in road games since 1997.
INDIANA is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in road games on Saturday games since 1997.
INDIANA is 46-73 ATS (-34.3 Units) against Western conference opponents since 1997.
INDIANA is 46-73 ATS (-34.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in August or September games this season.
SEATTLE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) against Eastern conference opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SEATTLE is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
SEATTLE is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 3-2 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Detroit at Chicago
The Sky look to bounce back from their loss to Phoenix and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 games following a SU defeat. Chicago is the pick (-3) according to Dunkel, which has the Sky favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-3). Here are all of today's picks.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Game 651-652: Minnesota at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 108.737; Connecticut 115.974
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 7; 149 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 4 1/2; 158 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (-4 1/2); Under
Game 653-654: Detroit at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 109.520; Chicago 113.178
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 3 1/2; 147 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 3; 148 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-3); Under
Game 655-656: Washington at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 110.261; Sacramento 108.962
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 1 1/2; 157 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Sacramento by 3; 150
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3); Over
Game 657-658: Indiana at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 110.109; Seattle 113.243
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 3; 139
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 2; 142 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-2); Under
WNBA LONG SHEET
Saturday, August 22
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MINNESOTA (11 - 14) at CONNECTICUT (13 - 12) - 8/22/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in road games in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
MINNESOTA is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games against Eastern conference opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 21-35 ATS (-17.5 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-1 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 3-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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DETROIT (9 - 14) at CHICAGO (13 - 13) - 8/22/2009, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
CHICAGO is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-3 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WASHINGTON (13 - 13) at SACRAMENTO (8 - 18) - 8/22/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 173-220 ATS (-69.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 105-137 ATS (-45.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 13-29 ATS (-18.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 26-47 ATS (-25.7 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 136-92 ATS (+34.8 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 17-4 ATS (+12.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 4-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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INDIANA (19 - 6) at SEATTLE (14 - 11) - 8/22/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 66-94 ATS (-37.4 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 71-98 ATS (-36.8 Units) in road games since 1997.
INDIANA is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in road games on Saturday games since 1997.
INDIANA is 46-73 ATS (-34.3 Units) against Western conference opponents since 1997.
INDIANA is 46-73 ATS (-34.3 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in August or September games this season.
SEATTLE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) against Eastern conference opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SEATTLE is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
SEATTLE is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 3-2 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
The Sports Investing Professional - Saturday
Yesterday's Recap -That, my friends, was a very very tough pill to
swallow. I don't have any regrets about the runline though as I still
don't rate that game anywhere near worth -200
Todays Play(s) - Again we are in a position with no plays
I don't feel any of the matchups are worth the investment.
May The Ball Bounce Your Way,
The Sports Investing Professional
Record (37-22) +$4,809
Yesterday's Recap -That, my friends, was a very very tough pill to
swallow. I don't have any regrets about the runline though as I still
don't rate that game anywhere near worth -200
Todays Play(s) - Again we are in a position with no plays
I don't feel any of the matchups are worth the investment.
May The Ball Bounce Your Way,
The Sports Investing Professional
Record (37-22) +$4,809
FantasySportsGametime
MLB Baseball
50* Play New York Yankees (-155) over Boston (MLB)
New York has won 8 of the last 10 games and they have also won 10 of the last 14 road games as a favorite of -150 to -175. AJ Burnett is 5-1 vs. Boston over his career with an ERA of 3.39 and he has an ERA of 2.49 over the last 3 overall starts.
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50* Play Atlanta (-175) over Florida (MLB)
Tommy Hanson has won 5 of the last 6 games as a favorite of -150 or higher and he has also won 5 of the last 6 home games when the total posted is between 8.5 and 10 runs. Tommy Hanson is 3-0 over the last 3 starts with an ERA of 2.41.
MLB Baseball
50* Play New York Yankees (-155) over Boston (MLB)
New York has won 8 of the last 10 games and they have also won 10 of the last 14 road games as a favorite of -150 to -175. AJ Burnett is 5-1 vs. Boston over his career with an ERA of 3.39 and he has an ERA of 2.49 over the last 3 overall starts.
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50* Play Atlanta (-175) over Florida (MLB)
Tommy Hanson has won 5 of the last 6 games as a favorite of -150 or higher and he has also won 5 of the last 6 home games when the total posted is between 8.5 and 10 runs. Tommy Hanson is 3-0 over the last 3 starts with an ERA of 2.41.
Mr. A's
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 4:10 PM EST.
New York Yankees (77-45) at Boston Red Sox (69-52)
(R) A.J. Burnett (10-6) vs. (R) Junichi Tazawa (1-2)
Oddsmakers: New York as a -165 road favorite with the total listed at 10½ 'over'.
New York Yankees -165
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 10:05 PM EST.
St. Louis Cardinals (70-54) at San Diego Padres (52-72)
(R) Chris Carpenter (13-3) vs. (R) Kevin Correia (8-9)
Oddsmakers: St. Louis as a -230 road favorite with the total listed at 7 'over'.
St. Louis Cardinals -230
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 4:10 PM EST.
New York Yankees (77-45) at Boston Red Sox (69-52)
(R) A.J. Burnett (10-6) vs. (R) Junichi Tazawa (1-2)
Oddsmakers: New York as a -165 road favorite with the total listed at 10½ 'over'.
New York Yankees -165
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 10:05 PM EST.
St. Louis Cardinals (70-54) at San Diego Padres (52-72)
(R) Chris Carpenter (13-3) vs. (R) Kevin Correia (8-9)
Oddsmakers: St. Louis as a -230 road favorite with the total listed at 7 'over'.
St. Louis Cardinals -230
Gina
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 7:05 p.m. est.
Texas Rangers (68-53) at Tampa Bay Rays (66-55) 7:08 pm
(R) Tommy Hunter (6-2) vs. (R) Matt Garza (7-8)
Texas' Tommy Hunter (6-2, 2.64 ERA) is 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA in his last three starts. The Rangers are 5-1 in the right-hander's last 6 starts. In his only appearance against Tampa Bay, Hunter allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings in a 3-1 victory over the Rays on July 3.
Tampa Bay's Matt Garza (7-8, 3.73) is 0-0 with a 4.11 ERA in his last three starts. The right-hander is 3-2 with a 3.06 ERA in five career starts against the Rangers
Go with the hot Rays in a close home battle to grab a second straight victory against the Rangers. Tampa Bay has won six straight games at home and nine of the last ten contests versus Texas at Tropicana Field, including Friday's, 5-2 win. In addition, they have won eight of Matt Garza last 11 home starts.
Tampa Bay Rays-170
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 7:05 p.m. est.
Texas Rangers (68-53) at Tampa Bay Rays (66-55) 7:08 pm
(R) Tommy Hunter (6-2) vs. (R) Matt Garza (7-8)
Texas' Tommy Hunter (6-2, 2.64 ERA) is 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA in his last three starts. The Rangers are 5-1 in the right-hander's last 6 starts. In his only appearance against Tampa Bay, Hunter allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings in a 3-1 victory over the Rays on July 3.
Tampa Bay's Matt Garza (7-8, 3.73) is 0-0 with a 4.11 ERA in his last three starts. The right-hander is 3-2 with a 3.06 ERA in five career starts against the Rangers
Go with the hot Rays in a close home battle to grab a second straight victory against the Rangers. Tampa Bay has won six straight games at home and nine of the last ten contests versus Texas at Tropicana Field, including Friday's, 5-2 win. In addition, they have won eight of Matt Garza last 11 home starts.
Tampa Bay Rays-170
We Cover Spreads
*1 49'ers-2.5
Raiders Coach Tom Cable has a lot more on his plate then just this upcoming game. Word is Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson has hired an attorney and is expected to cooperate with police after Head Coach Tom Cable allegedly broke his jaw earlier this week in a scrap during practice which will result in felony charges against the Raiders head coach.
The effect this incident could have on such a young team is huge. It may be showing already this week in practice. This week the 49'ers and the Raiders sqaured off in a couple of practices which were completely dominated by the San Francisco 49'ers; and mainly by their defense. Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky has to be very pleased with his units showing this week against the Raiders. Niners veteran corner back Nate Clements said it was the best defensive practice he'd ever been a part of. He intercepted 3 passes when the two teams faced off, Dre Bly and Diyral Briggs also snatched two passes from Raiders QB's.
Both Raider QB's Jamarcus Russell and Bruce Gradowski struggled. Gradowski threw two picks in the red zone and Jamarcus Russell threw back to back picks in the red zone drill as well. This really revved up the 49'ers defense after Raiders players were talking smack in the beginning of practice. For the rest of the practice the Raiders offense was dead silent as they got back in their huddles before the next snap. While all this was unraveling Al Davis sat in his golf cart dead silent as well. After practice Raiders players were humbled to say they were flat out dominated.
The 49'ers QB's didn't throw any interceptions and were said to have a solid practice besides a couple deep routes being off target because of being forced around the pocket. We really like the QB rotation for the 49'ers here in preseason with Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, and Damon Huard; who completed 14 of 18 passes for 2 TD's and 0 turnovers as a group against Denver in the 17-16 loss in their opener. As far as experience goes they have the definite edge here over Oakland.
This is Mike Singletarys first full season here as Head Coach and we expect him to have these guys plenty motivated for this game and use the energy form their great practices this week to feed off of coming into this game. The 49'ers were a dismal 2-5 ATS last year before Mike came in and he went 5-3-1 ATS to close out the season.
This line is available for -2.5 at almost all of the Vegas books and a good amount of the offshore books right now; so try to shop and find the best line available.
*1 49'ers-2.5
Raiders Coach Tom Cable has a lot more on his plate then just this upcoming game. Word is Raiders assistant coach Randy Hanson has hired an attorney and is expected to cooperate with police after Head Coach Tom Cable allegedly broke his jaw earlier this week in a scrap during practice which will result in felony charges against the Raiders head coach.
The effect this incident could have on such a young team is huge. It may be showing already this week in practice. This week the 49'ers and the Raiders sqaured off in a couple of practices which were completely dominated by the San Francisco 49'ers; and mainly by their defense. Defensive Coordinator Greg Manusky has to be very pleased with his units showing this week against the Raiders. Niners veteran corner back Nate Clements said it was the best defensive practice he'd ever been a part of. He intercepted 3 passes when the two teams faced off, Dre Bly and Diyral Briggs also snatched two passes from Raiders QB's.
Both Raider QB's Jamarcus Russell and Bruce Gradowski struggled. Gradowski threw two picks in the red zone and Jamarcus Russell threw back to back picks in the red zone drill as well. This really revved up the 49'ers defense after Raiders players were talking smack in the beginning of practice. For the rest of the practice the Raiders offense was dead silent as they got back in their huddles before the next snap. While all this was unraveling Al Davis sat in his golf cart dead silent as well. After practice Raiders players were humbled to say they were flat out dominated.
The 49'ers QB's didn't throw any interceptions and were said to have a solid practice besides a couple deep routes being off target because of being forced around the pocket. We really like the QB rotation for the 49'ers here in preseason with Alex Smith, Shaun Hill, and Damon Huard; who completed 14 of 18 passes for 2 TD's and 0 turnovers as a group against Denver in the 17-16 loss in their opener. As far as experience goes they have the definite edge here over Oakland.
This is Mike Singletarys first full season here as Head Coach and we expect him to have these guys plenty motivated for this game and use the energy form their great practices this week to feed off of coming into this game. The 49'ers were a dismal 2-5 ATS last year before Mike came in and he went 5-3-1 ATS to close out the season.
This line is available for -2.5 at almost all of the Vegas books and a good amount of the offshore books right now; so try to shop and find the best line available.
KELSO STURGEON HIGHROLLERS MLB PICK for TODAY
Highrollers Baseball
Saturday, August 22, 2009
15 UnitsAthletics {T.Cahill} (+100) over Tigers {A.Galarraga}
9:05 PM -- Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Pitching for Oakland: RH Trevor Cahill (6-12, 4.97)
Pitching for Detroit: RH Armando Galarraga (6-10, 5.16)
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to center field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 65.
Highrollers Baseball
Saturday, August 22, 2009
15 UnitsAthletics {T.Cahill} (+100) over Tigers {A.Galarraga}
9:05 PM -- Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Pitching for Oakland: RH Trevor Cahill (6-12, 4.97)
Pitching for Detroit: RH Armando Galarraga (6-10, 5.16)
Partly cloudy. Winds blowing out to center field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game-time temperature: Around 65.
Sam Clayton
25 DIME - ANGELS
Absolutely love the value we're getting with the Halos Saturday morning because Los Angeles is not going to lose this game. Those that have been following me know that I've been preaching all season long about the motivation (or lack thereof) that arises after a one-run loss. When great teams come oh so close and drop ball games by one run, the fire in the belly stirs up and the majority of the time, they come out firing and win the ensuing game running away. Now, I'm not a forecasting a blowout and I'm not suggesting you play the runline, but I will say that chances are extremely good that the second best team in baseball is going to come out victorious tomorrow afternoon across the border.
Aside from being the best road team (37-25) in the American League, the Angels are an offensive juggernaut. Los Angeles boasts the Majors' highest batting average (.290), and they lead the bigs in hits, runs scored and runs batted in. Los Angeles also ranks second in on-base percentage and fifth in slugging. This isn't exactly the type of offense that Scott Richmond (6-6, 4.01), a middle-aged, inexperienced starter is going to be able to handle. Richmond is 0-1 with a 7.00 ERA in two starts since the All-Star break and the Blue Jays have lost five of his last seven starts. Ervin Santana gets the call for the Halos and while his season statistics aren't the greatest as a whole, he's finally beginning to show flashes of brilliance that the Angels' organization has expected all along. Unlike Richmond, Santana has been a boss lately, posting a 3-0 mark with a 3.00 ERA his last three outings and he's won five of his last six decisions. More importantly though, his fastball is gaining speed and life, his breaking ball looks sharp and he's going deeper into games.
Important intangibles always pull me in and I've found yet another one for today: the Angels have lost three consecutive games only three times this season and it hasn't happened since before the All-Star break back on June 20-22. Los Angeles lost 11-3 to the Tribe on Thursday and as mentioned earlier, they dropped a heartbreaker last night 5-4 to the Jays. I'm extremely confident that Mike Scoscia pulls out all the stops and that the Angels come out determined and hungry today. These two teams are going in two completely different directions what with the Angels leading the AL West and Toronto 20 games behind the Yanks out east. L.A. has won 7 of 10 games while the Jays have lost 7 of 10. And with Vegas continuing to discredit Santana and setting a very low line, I'm laying the chalk. Play the Halos.
25 DIME - ANGELS
Absolutely love the value we're getting with the Halos Saturday morning because Los Angeles is not going to lose this game. Those that have been following me know that I've been preaching all season long about the motivation (or lack thereof) that arises after a one-run loss. When great teams come oh so close and drop ball games by one run, the fire in the belly stirs up and the majority of the time, they come out firing and win the ensuing game running away. Now, I'm not a forecasting a blowout and I'm not suggesting you play the runline, but I will say that chances are extremely good that the second best team in baseball is going to come out victorious tomorrow afternoon across the border.
Aside from being the best road team (37-25) in the American League, the Angels are an offensive juggernaut. Los Angeles boasts the Majors' highest batting average (.290), and they lead the bigs in hits, runs scored and runs batted in. Los Angeles also ranks second in on-base percentage and fifth in slugging. This isn't exactly the type of offense that Scott Richmond (6-6, 4.01), a middle-aged, inexperienced starter is going to be able to handle. Richmond is 0-1 with a 7.00 ERA in two starts since the All-Star break and the Blue Jays have lost five of his last seven starts. Ervin Santana gets the call for the Halos and while his season statistics aren't the greatest as a whole, he's finally beginning to show flashes of brilliance that the Angels' organization has expected all along. Unlike Richmond, Santana has been a boss lately, posting a 3-0 mark with a 3.00 ERA his last three outings and he's won five of his last six decisions. More importantly though, his fastball is gaining speed and life, his breaking ball looks sharp and he's going deeper into games.
Important intangibles always pull me in and I've found yet another one for today: the Angels have lost three consecutive games only three times this season and it hasn't happened since before the All-Star break back on June 20-22. Los Angeles lost 11-3 to the Tribe on Thursday and as mentioned earlier, they dropped a heartbreaker last night 5-4 to the Jays. I'm extremely confident that Mike Scoscia pulls out all the stops and that the Angels come out determined and hungry today. These two teams are going in two completely different directions what with the Angels leading the AL West and Toronto 20 games behind the Yanks out east. L.A. has won 7 of 10 games while the Jays have lost 7 of 10. And with Vegas continuing to discredit Santana and setting a very low line, I'm laying the chalk. Play the Halos.
Bob Balfe
Redskins -3 over Steelers
Pittsburgh had a huge scare when Big Ben left practice the other day. Tonight the Steelers are going to play allot of young guys and the last thing they need is a backup QB to get hurt. Washington is at home and will play their starters a little more. The Redskins also have four QB's that are capable of putting up points. Take the Skins at home.
Browns -3 over Lions
Detroit finally won a preseason game last week after going 0-16 last year. Detroit has improved, but can they win on the road and can they win against a 3-4 defense like the Browns. The 3-4 is confusing especially to youngster Matthew Stafford. The Browns maybe in more trouble then the Lions. Cleveland was dominated in every phase of the game last week in Green Bay. The Browns have not scored a offensive TD dating back to November of last year. The Lions were one of the worst defenses in the league so it would be nice to see the Browns put together some solid drives. This is a team that needs to play well at home today. Take Cleveland.
Pirates -135 over Reds
Duke/Lehr
Redskins -3 over Steelers
Pittsburgh had a huge scare when Big Ben left practice the other day. Tonight the Steelers are going to play allot of young guys and the last thing they need is a backup QB to get hurt. Washington is at home and will play their starters a little more. The Redskins also have four QB's that are capable of putting up points. Take the Skins at home.
Browns -3 over Lions
Detroit finally won a preseason game last week after going 0-16 last year. Detroit has improved, but can they win on the road and can they win against a 3-4 defense like the Browns. The 3-4 is confusing especially to youngster Matthew Stafford. The Browns maybe in more trouble then the Lions. Cleveland was dominated in every phase of the game last week in Green Bay. The Browns have not scored a offensive TD dating back to November of last year. The Lions were one of the worst defenses in the league so it would be nice to see the Browns put together some solid drives. This is a team that needs to play well at home today. Take Cleveland.
Pirates -135 over Reds
Duke/Lehr
