Wunderdog Sports
Free Pick
Game: Washington Nationals @ Chicago Cubs
Time: Saturday 06/28 1:05 PM Eastern
Pick: Washington -157
The Washington Nationals have to be hungry to erase the first two games of this series as they have dropped both to the lowly Cubs. Gio Gonzalez will get the ball today for Washington. And after a stellar 2013 season, he has struggled this year, at least until his last start. Gonzalez checked the Brewers on three hits over six scoreless innings, and he looks to be ready to make a strong run. The Cubs are short on pitching and will summon Dallas Beeler to take the ball in the first game of this twinbill. Beeler was not exactly killing it at AAA where he pitched to a 4.03 ERA. Gonzalez has made a living in his MLB career vs. losing teams where he is 16-3 in his last 19 starts against them. The Cubs are just 13-40 following a game where their opponent scored two runs or less. Play Washington in game one of the doubleheader.
Free Pick
Game: Washington Nationals @ Chicago Cubs
Time: Saturday 06/28 1:05 PM Eastern
Pick: Washington -157
The Washington Nationals have to be hungry to erase the first two games of this series as they have dropped both to the lowly Cubs. Gio Gonzalez will get the ball today for Washington. And after a stellar 2013 season, he has struggled this year, at least until his last start. Gonzalez checked the Brewers on three hits over six scoreless innings, and he looks to be ready to make a strong run. The Cubs are short on pitching and will summon Dallas Beeler to take the ball in the first game of this twinbill. Beeler was not exactly killing it at AAA where he pitched to a 4.03 ERA. Gonzalez has made a living in his MLB career vs. losing teams where he is 16-3 in his last 19 starts against them. The Cubs are just 13-40 following a game where their opponent scored two runs or less. Play Washington in game one of the doubleheader.
MLB
Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are slumpin', the funk had reached 4-12 heading into Friday's action a span in which the club has platted just 3.3 runs/game while the pitching staff had given up 4.8 per/contest a number that would be higher if not for Lincecums' No-No. Giants try to put a win in the column Saturday handing the ball to struggling Matt Cain (1-6 4.82 ERA) who has a 8.83 ERA the past three on the mound. Getting the attention of sports handicappers doing the research, Giants have not done well recently with Cain against Cinci losing 6-of-9 including 1-3 at home. Giants are also on a 3-7 skid in Cain's last ten June starts. However, the most compelling numbers found that favor Cinci are those compiled by their starter Alfredo Simon (10-3 2.92 ERA). A very reliable pitcher, Reds have won each of his five June starts, twelve of his fifteen trips to the mound this season and since moving to the rotation Reds have won 8-of-9 in any road stadium with the hurler. The numbers above clearly illustrate that Cincinnati is the right choice.
Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are slumpin', the funk had reached 4-12 heading into Friday's action a span in which the club has platted just 3.3 runs/game while the pitching staff had given up 4.8 per/contest a number that would be higher if not for Lincecums' No-No. Giants try to put a win in the column Saturday handing the ball to struggling Matt Cain (1-6 4.82 ERA) who has a 8.83 ERA the past three on the mound. Getting the attention of sports handicappers doing the research, Giants have not done well recently with Cain against Cinci losing 6-of-9 including 1-3 at home. Giants are also on a 3-7 skid in Cain's last ten June starts. However, the most compelling numbers found that favor Cinci are those compiled by their starter Alfredo Simon (10-3 2.92 ERA). A very reliable pitcher, Reds have won each of his five June starts, twelve of his fifteen trips to the mound this season and since moving to the rotation Reds have won 8-of-9 in any road stadium with the hurler. The numbers above clearly illustrate that Cincinnati is the right choice.
MLB weekend betting cheat sheet: Cardinals are Kershaw's Kryptonite
Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for this weekend's major league action:
Brewers Best at the Midway Point
The Milwaukee Brewers reached the midway point of their season in style, defeating the Colorado Rockies 7-4 Thursday to improve to a National League-best 49-32. The Brewers lead the majors in money won at +$1,534 and have a 42-35-4 O/U record.
Toronto Averse to Big Totals
The Toronto Blue Jays (-165, 9.5) face another big total Friday as they face the visiting Chicago White Sox in the second of a four-game series. The Blue Jays have seen plenty of lofty numbers of late but have largely underwhelmed, going 3-11-1 O/U in their last 15 games with the total set at nine or higher.
Phenomenal Phil
The Minnesota Twins send Phil Hughes to the hill Saturday to face Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers. Hughes enters Friday as the top money-winner in the majors at +$1,050, with the Twins going an impressive 11-4 in his 15 starts so far.
Kershaw's Kryptonite?
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will look to end a curious career trend Sunday as he faces the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. Kershaw is just 4-5 in 12 career starts, with a 3.75 ERA - his highest against any National League opponent.
Pitching Notes
* Arizona right-hander Brandon McCarthy has been bad news for the Diamondbacks, who are 2-14 in his 16 starts entering Friday's game against host San Diego (-133, 6.5). But both of those victories came against the Padres, who are coming off a no-hitter loss to San Francisco.
* San Francisco fans will undoubtedly be pleased that their Saturday tilt with visiting Cincinnati takes place under the lights. Reds starter Alfredo Simon is just 4-2 with a 4.01 ERA and 3-4 O/U in night starts this season, compared to a 6-1 mark with a 2.11 ERA and 1-7 O/U in afternoon action.
* Milwaukee hurler Yovani Gallardo appears to have turned things around entering Sunday's start against visiting Colorado. Gallardo has allowed just three runs - and zero homers - over his past four starts after surrendering 24 runs - and eight home runs - in his previous six outings.
Hitting Notes
* Brewers second baseman Scooter Gennett is having a month to remember, batting an even .400 so far in June entering Friday's encounter with the Rockies (+179, 9). Gennett has 11 RBIs over his previous nine games, during which Milwaukee is 7-2 SU and 6-2-1 O/U.
* It could be tough sledding for Houston hitters in their Saturday encounter with the host Detroit Tigers. Members of the Astros roster are hitting just .159 with 24 strikeouts in 69 at-bats against Tigers starter Max Scherzer.
* Chicago White Sox rookie Jose Abreu may find things difficult in Sunday's series finale with the Toronto Blue Jays. Abreu enters Friday hitting just .242 versus left-handed pitching, and will face one of the league's hottest southpaws in Toronto's Mark Buehrle.
Totals Streak
Colorado Rockies (6-1-1 O/U): How big is too big a total? That has been a difficult question to answer for oddsmakers who continue to struggle with the high-scoring Rockies; Colorado faced three totals of 11 or higher in a six-game stretch, and promptly went 2-0-1 O/U.
Prop of the Day
The Brewers are a strong bet at -4.5, paying +400 against a Rockies team that ranks last in the majors in team ERA (4.93).
Injury Notes
* An MRI on Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez's right shoulder revealed no structural damage, meaning he'll likely avoid a DL stint. The Dodgers are 6-2 SU, 2-6 O/U and +422 units in eight games without Ramirez so far in 2014.
* Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado will take batting practice Friday as he continues to rehab a fractured left middle finger. The Rockies have scuffled in his absence, going 9-22 SU, 18-10-3 O/U and losing a whopping -1,185 units over that stretch.
* Washington outfielder Bryce Harper may return from a torn thumb ligament as soon as Monday. Harper has been on the disabled list since late-April with the injury; the Nationals are 28-26 SU, 22-27-5 O/U and -270 units in his absence.
Weather Watch
* Fans at The Ballpark in Arlington are in for some unusual weather Friday, with wind blowing in from center field at 17 mph for the game between the host Rangers (-133, 9.5) and Minnesota. Texas played just two games under similar conditions last season, with teams combining to hit a paltry .168.
* Wind at Wrigley Field will be blowing out to left field Saturday when the Cubs entertain the Nationals. Teams averaged a whopping 11.33 runs and three home runs under similar conditions a season ago, well above stadium averages.
Umpire Note of the Day
The home team is 8-0 in umpire Dale Scott's last eight Friday games behind home plate involving Colorado. That's bad news for the Rockies, who visit red-hot Milwaukee.
Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for this weekend's major league action:
Brewers Best at the Midway Point
The Milwaukee Brewers reached the midway point of their season in style, defeating the Colorado Rockies 7-4 Thursday to improve to a National League-best 49-32. The Brewers lead the majors in money won at +$1,534 and have a 42-35-4 O/U record.
Toronto Averse to Big Totals
The Toronto Blue Jays (-165, 9.5) face another big total Friday as they face the visiting Chicago White Sox in the second of a four-game series. The Blue Jays have seen plenty of lofty numbers of late but have largely underwhelmed, going 3-11-1 O/U in their last 15 games with the total set at nine or higher.
Phenomenal Phil
The Minnesota Twins send Phil Hughes to the hill Saturday to face Yu Darvish and the Texas Rangers. Hughes enters Friday as the top money-winner in the majors at +$1,050, with the Twins going an impressive 11-4 in his 15 starts so far.
Kershaw's Kryptonite?
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw will look to end a curious career trend Sunday as he faces the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. Kershaw is just 4-5 in 12 career starts, with a 3.75 ERA - his highest against any National League opponent.
Pitching Notes
* Arizona right-hander Brandon McCarthy has been bad news for the Diamondbacks, who are 2-14 in his 16 starts entering Friday's game against host San Diego (-133, 6.5). But both of those victories came against the Padres, who are coming off a no-hitter loss to San Francisco.
* San Francisco fans will undoubtedly be pleased that their Saturday tilt with visiting Cincinnati takes place under the lights. Reds starter Alfredo Simon is just 4-2 with a 4.01 ERA and 3-4 O/U in night starts this season, compared to a 6-1 mark with a 2.11 ERA and 1-7 O/U in afternoon action.
* Milwaukee hurler Yovani Gallardo appears to have turned things around entering Sunday's start against visiting Colorado. Gallardo has allowed just three runs - and zero homers - over his past four starts after surrendering 24 runs - and eight home runs - in his previous six outings.
Hitting Notes
* Brewers second baseman Scooter Gennett is having a month to remember, batting an even .400 so far in June entering Friday's encounter with the Rockies (+179, 9). Gennett has 11 RBIs over his previous nine games, during which Milwaukee is 7-2 SU and 6-2-1 O/U.
* It could be tough sledding for Houston hitters in their Saturday encounter with the host Detroit Tigers. Members of the Astros roster are hitting just .159 with 24 strikeouts in 69 at-bats against Tigers starter Max Scherzer.
* Chicago White Sox rookie Jose Abreu may find things difficult in Sunday's series finale with the Toronto Blue Jays. Abreu enters Friday hitting just .242 versus left-handed pitching, and will face one of the league's hottest southpaws in Toronto's Mark Buehrle.
Totals Streak
Colorado Rockies (6-1-1 O/U): How big is too big a total? That has been a difficult question to answer for oddsmakers who continue to struggle with the high-scoring Rockies; Colorado faced three totals of 11 or higher in a six-game stretch, and promptly went 2-0-1 O/U.
Prop of the Day
The Brewers are a strong bet at -4.5, paying +400 against a Rockies team that ranks last in the majors in team ERA (4.93).
Injury Notes
* An MRI on Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez's right shoulder revealed no structural damage, meaning he'll likely avoid a DL stint. The Dodgers are 6-2 SU, 2-6 O/U and +422 units in eight games without Ramirez so far in 2014.
* Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado will take batting practice Friday as he continues to rehab a fractured left middle finger. The Rockies have scuffled in his absence, going 9-22 SU, 18-10-3 O/U and losing a whopping -1,185 units over that stretch.
* Washington outfielder Bryce Harper may return from a torn thumb ligament as soon as Monday. Harper has been on the disabled list since late-April with the injury; the Nationals are 28-26 SU, 22-27-5 O/U and -270 units in his absence.
Weather Watch
* Fans at The Ballpark in Arlington are in for some unusual weather Friday, with wind blowing in from center field at 17 mph for the game between the host Rangers (-133, 9.5) and Minnesota. Texas played just two games under similar conditions last season, with teams combining to hit a paltry .168.
* Wind at Wrigley Field will be blowing out to left field Saturday when the Cubs entertain the Nationals. Teams averaged a whopping 11.33 runs and three home runs under similar conditions a season ago, well above stadium averages.
Umpire Note of the Day
The home team is 8-0 in umpire Dale Scott's last eight Friday games behind home plate involving Colorado. That's bad news for the Rockies, who visit red-hot Milwaukee.
Diamond Trends - Saturday
By Vince Akins
VegasInsider
SU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Astros are 0-12 since April 24, 2011 as a dog after an extra inning win for a net profit of $1200 when playing against.
PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:
When Gio Gonzalez starts the Nationals are 10-0 since April 17, 2012 as a 140+ favorite after facing 25 or fewer hitters for a net profit of $1000.
MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:
Zack Greinke has produced a team record of 31-1 (+$2,927) since 2011 as a home favorite of more than -140, if there were between 2 and 12 combined runs scored in his last start.
CHOICE TREND
The Red Sox are 0-10 since May 16, 2014 vs a team that has won at least their last two games and it is not the last game of a series for a net profit of $1030 when playing against.
ACTIVE TRENDS:
When Jeff Samardzija starts the Cubs are 1-11 since June 01, 2013 at home after a quality start for a net profit of $1075 when playing against.
By Vince Akins
VegasInsider
SU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Astros are 0-12 since April 24, 2011 as a dog after an extra inning win for a net profit of $1200 when playing against.
PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:
When Gio Gonzalez starts the Nationals are 10-0 since April 17, 2012 as a 140+ favorite after facing 25 or fewer hitters for a net profit of $1000.
MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:
Zack Greinke has produced a team record of 31-1 (+$2,927) since 2011 as a home favorite of more than -140, if there were between 2 and 12 combined runs scored in his last start.
CHOICE TREND
The Red Sox are 0-10 since May 16, 2014 vs a team that has won at least their last two games and it is not the last game of a series for a net profit of $1030 when playing against.
ACTIVE TRENDS:
When Jeff Samardzija starts the Cubs are 1-11 since June 01, 2013 at home after a quality start for a net profit of $1075 when playing against.
Alex Smart
CFL
Montreal Alouettes vs. Calgary Stampeders
Play: Under 53½
Calgary's Bo Levi Mitchell and Montreal's Troy Smith will be the starting quarterbacks in a CFL season-opener for the first time in their careers. Im betting both offenses will slowly get acclimated to their signal callers which will translate into both teams taking some time to consistently move the ball and score points. Last season the Stampeders had a top tier defense that allowed 22.9 ppg, and should once again be a CFL force. Meanwhile, the Als did not have the same success on defense, but with four time all star and defensive player of the year Chip Cox back, the team has the ability to be solid.
CFL
Montreal Alouettes vs. Calgary Stampeders
Play: Under 53½
Calgary's Bo Levi Mitchell and Montreal's Troy Smith will be the starting quarterbacks in a CFL season-opener for the first time in their careers. Im betting both offenses will slowly get acclimated to their signal callers which will translate into both teams taking some time to consistently move the ball and score points. Last season the Stampeders had a top tier defense that allowed 22.9 ppg, and should once again be a CFL force. Meanwhile, the Als did not have the same success on defense, but with four time all star and defensive player of the year Chip Cox back, the team has the ability to be solid.
EuroBetMover - Seems to have access to the biggest European Syndicates and has been red hot - has some bets already and they move MLB, WNBA, CFL, SOCCER...
MLB: 1969 White Sox 1st 5 (-125)
MLB: 965 Cincinnati Reds +107
MLB: 982 Seattle (-118)
CFL: 324 Mont/Calg Under 54 (-110)
WNBA: 602 Tulsa +1.5 (-110)
MLB: 1969 White Sox 1st 5 (-125)
MLB: 965 Cincinnati Reds +107
MLB: 982 Seattle (-118)
CFL: 324 Mont/Calg Under 54 (-110)
WNBA: 602 Tulsa +1.5 (-110)
Dave Aquino
We have been fighting the change for years. A number of you have made it clear to us that our main problem is too many plays. We believed that giving you every advantage play was the way to go. Our selection methods are solid. Beginning today we will only select one play, (if there is one), per sport. This is a game changer.
Today's Selections
MLB: Rockies/Brewers Over 8.5
We have been fighting the change for years. A number of you have made it clear to us that our main problem is too many plays. We believed that giving you every advantage play was the way to go. Our selection methods are solid. Beginning today we will only select one play, (if there is one), per sport. This is a game changer.
Today's Selections
MLB: Rockies/Brewers Over 8.5
Game of the Day: Eskimos at Lions
Edmonton Eskimos at BC Lions (-7, 52)
New Edmonton Eskimos coach Chris Jones starts his tenure when his team visits the BC Lions on Saturday. The Lions hope to pick up where they left off at home last season, when they were 8-1 in the friendly confines of BC Place. The stadium will play host to the 102nd Grey Cup Final in November and the Lions would like nothing more than to continue the trend of host victories they started in 2011.
Edmonton is banking on Mike Reilly as its starting quarterback, extending him through 2016 after he threw for 4,207 yards last season. The Eskimos had trouble protecting Reilly, but might have an easier time against a Lions’ defence in transition, lacking veterans like Keron Williams, Korey Banks and Anton McKenzie. BC is shorthanded on offence due to key injuries, most notably missing starting quarterback Travis Lulay.
TV: 6 p.m. ET, TSN
LINE HISTORY: The line opened as high as BC -7.5 and dipped to a touchdown. However, some markets have moved back to the half-point hook. The total opened at 52 and has climbed to 52.5 at some books.
INJURY REPORT: Edmonton – Adarius Bowman SB (Ques/Undisclosed), JC Sherritt LB (Doubt/Undisclosed). BC – Travis Lulay, QB (Out/Shoulder), Marco Iannuzzi WR (Out/Undisclosed), Garrett Chisolm T (Out/Suspension), Brandon Jordan DT (Out/Shoulder)
WHAT SHARPS SAY: “The Lions offensive line is young and inexperienced. It won’t matter who is taking the snaps if the line can’t protect. We’ve seen this story play out before, with the Lions receiving plenty of hype prior to the start of the season, only to disappoint. We’ll see if that holds true this year.” – Sean Murphy.
WHAT BOOKS SAY: “Opening weekend of the CFL continues tonight as the Eskimos go into BC Place to face the perennial favorite Lions. The Lions are a 7-point favorite in this game, but the Eskimos are seeing all the early action at that number. I suspect we will start seeing Lions money come in as we get closer to game time. We have the Lions listed as 7-2 favorites to win this years Grey Cup while the Eskimos are listed at 10-1.” – Michael Stewart of Carbon Sports.
ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (2013: 4-14, 8-10 ATS): Edmonton released veteran running back Hugh Charles in a surprising preseason move and will rely on rookie Tyler Thomas to generate yards along the ground. Offensive linemen D’Anthony Batiste and Selvish Capers are on the injured list to start the season, leaving Reilly a little more exposed than the team would like. Fred Stamps led the league in receiving yards with 1,259 in 2013 and will be one of Reilly’s primary targets Saturday.
ABOUT THE LIONS (2013: 11-7, 9-9 ATS): Receivers Emmanuel Arceneaux and Marco Iannuzzi are also injured, leaving BC with limited options. Veteran Kevin Glenn will start at quarterback and the team hopes his chemistry with Stefan Logan carries over from the preseason. Defensive back Brandon McDonald is set to make his CFL debut after six seasons in the NFL, bolstering a Lions’ defence in need of experience.
TRENDS:
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in BC.
* Eskimos are 1-6 ATS in their last seven meetings in BC.
* Eskimos are 0-4 ATS in their last four meetings.
CONSENSUS: 59 percent of bets are on BC -7 while 52 percent of bets are on the Over 52 points.
Edmonton Eskimos at BC Lions (-7, 52)
New Edmonton Eskimos coach Chris Jones starts his tenure when his team visits the BC Lions on Saturday. The Lions hope to pick up where they left off at home last season, when they were 8-1 in the friendly confines of BC Place. The stadium will play host to the 102nd Grey Cup Final in November and the Lions would like nothing more than to continue the trend of host victories they started in 2011.
Edmonton is banking on Mike Reilly as its starting quarterback, extending him through 2016 after he threw for 4,207 yards last season. The Eskimos had trouble protecting Reilly, but might have an easier time against a Lions’ defence in transition, lacking veterans like Keron Williams, Korey Banks and Anton McKenzie. BC is shorthanded on offence due to key injuries, most notably missing starting quarterback Travis Lulay.
TV: 6 p.m. ET, TSN
LINE HISTORY: The line opened as high as BC -7.5 and dipped to a touchdown. However, some markets have moved back to the half-point hook. The total opened at 52 and has climbed to 52.5 at some books.
INJURY REPORT: Edmonton – Adarius Bowman SB (Ques/Undisclosed), JC Sherritt LB (Doubt/Undisclosed). BC – Travis Lulay, QB (Out/Shoulder), Marco Iannuzzi WR (Out/Undisclosed), Garrett Chisolm T (Out/Suspension), Brandon Jordan DT (Out/Shoulder)
WHAT SHARPS SAY: “The Lions offensive line is young and inexperienced. It won’t matter who is taking the snaps if the line can’t protect. We’ve seen this story play out before, with the Lions receiving plenty of hype prior to the start of the season, only to disappoint. We’ll see if that holds true this year.” – Sean Murphy.
WHAT BOOKS SAY: “Opening weekend of the CFL continues tonight as the Eskimos go into BC Place to face the perennial favorite Lions. The Lions are a 7-point favorite in this game, but the Eskimos are seeing all the early action at that number. I suspect we will start seeing Lions money come in as we get closer to game time. We have the Lions listed as 7-2 favorites to win this years Grey Cup while the Eskimos are listed at 10-1.” – Michael Stewart of Carbon Sports.
ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (2013: 4-14, 8-10 ATS): Edmonton released veteran running back Hugh Charles in a surprising preseason move and will rely on rookie Tyler Thomas to generate yards along the ground. Offensive linemen D’Anthony Batiste and Selvish Capers are on the injured list to start the season, leaving Reilly a little more exposed than the team would like. Fred Stamps led the league in receiving yards with 1,259 in 2013 and will be one of Reilly’s primary targets Saturday.
ABOUT THE LIONS (2013: 11-7, 9-9 ATS): Receivers Emmanuel Arceneaux and Marco Iannuzzi are also injured, leaving BC with limited options. Veteran Kevin Glenn will start at quarterback and the team hopes his chemistry with Stefan Logan carries over from the preseason. Defensive back Brandon McDonald is set to make his CFL debut after six seasons in the NFL, bolstering a Lions’ defence in need of experience.
TRENDS:
* Over is 4-1 in the last five meetings in BC.
* Eskimos are 1-6 ATS in their last seven meetings in BC.
* Eskimos are 0-4 ATS in their last four meetings.
CONSENSUS: 59 percent of bets are on BC -7 while 52 percent of bets are on the Over 52 points.
