Saturday 08/22/09 service plays chatter/comps/requests & gm strategy...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday 08/22/09 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]

Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets

Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals (-104, 9.5)

Yankee Stadium isn’t the only ballpark in the majors putting up big numbers. Bats have gotten a slight boost from a renovated Kauffman Stadium. Buildings added along the outfield have closed in the stadium and kept winds swirling about, giving balls a bit more giddy up.

"I'll be standing there and feeling the wind blowing against my pants one way and the next thing you know, the same inning a few batters later, it'll be blowing my pants the other way," left fielder David DeJesus told MLB.com. "You've just got to keep your eye on it."

Heading into Thursday, there have been 103 home runs at Kauffman Stadium in 2009 compared to the 96 dingers registered in the first 61 home games in 2008. The Royals have 48 home runs at home this season. Last year at this time, they had just 38 round-trippers inside Kauffman Stadium. Triples are also on the rise at Kauffman, with 40 three-baggers – third most in the bigs.

Kauffman Stadium has always been considered more of a pitcher’s park until this year. The ballpark currently ranks as the third-best hitter's park in the majors with a 1.166 rating. (Anything above 1.000 is considered a hitter's park.)

That bump in power may not seem like a lot but it’s produced a 32-26-2 over/under mark at Kauffman Stadium. That’s a huge difference when compared to Kansas City’s 20-35-4 over/under record on the road.

Pick: Over 9.5


Los Angeles Angels at Toronto Blue Jays (+102, 10)

The Blue Jays have got the runs.

No, not the type of runs you get when mixing a tainted $12 ballpark footlong with eight $10 ballpark beers. We’re talking the type of runs that cause a team to hemorrhage score after score.

Toronto has sharted out 37 runs during its five-game losing skid, including handing over 24 scores in a three-game sweep to the Boston Red Sox. The Jays have a collective ERA of 5.54 in the past week and have watched their starters get beat up and their bullpen give up late runs.

Now, Toronto faces the best hitting team in baseball when the Angels enter the Rogers Center Friday for a three-game weekend stay. Los Angeles is averaging just under six runs per game and hitting a major league-best .289 this season.

The Halos are 23-10 versus the American League East and have won seven of their last 10 meetings with the Blue Jays.

Pick: Los Angeles -110

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Streaking and Slumping Pitchers

Streaking

Aaron Laffey, Cleveland Indians (7-3, 3.61 ERA)

Here’s a guy oddsmakers haven’t caught on to yet. The 24-year-old lefty has won four of his last five starts and the highest odds he saw during that stretch was -114.

Laffey was recalled from Columbus Triple-A in April and has been competing with a group of other prospects to stay in the bigs for the remainder of this season and next. His ERA is just 1.35 over his past three starts and he has shown a knack for getting himself out of jams.

Laffey doesn’t punch out a ton of batters but he also doesn’t give up many long balls. He has only given up three home runs in 17 appearances this season.

Tommy Hunter, Texas Rangers (6-2, 2.64)

For Hunter’s first six games, in what is really his rookie season, he was God’s gift to under bettors. The under went 6-0 and oddsmakers were slow to bump him down from lofty totals like 11 and 10.5.

That’s changed now. But the good news is that he’s winning. The Rangers have won seven of Hunter’s 10 starts. He’s especially impressive on the road, where he is 2-0 and carries a 0.87 ERA.

Hunter visits the Tampa Bay Rays Saturday.


Slumping

Tim Redding, New York Mets (1-4, 6.53 ERA)

The Mets are stinking it up so bad right right now, they’re turning to an arm they relegated to the bullpen even though he’s given some of his worst relief efforts lately.

Redding gave up three runs in each of his last two outings despite only pitching a total of four innings. But the move is necessary after the Mets dumped Livan Hernandez Thursday, in part to make room for returning closer Billy Wagner. They also have three starting pitchers on the DL, so they’re forced to go with the journeyman for at least one start.

Redding faces a red-hot J.A. Happ and the Phillies Saturday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Weekend Cheat Sheet

The hot summer days are warming up the MLB pennant races. The Boston Red Sox should have fire in their eyes at Fenway Park when they look to avenge a four-game series sweep suffered two weeks in the Big Apple.

Along with that series, let’s take a look into the top four series on the base paths this weekend. Remember, all results are within the series and all pitcher records are “team starts” (the team’s record in games in which the pitcher starts) versus this opponent.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Florida Marlins at Atlanta Braves

Most Recent Series Result: Marlins 6-3 last nine games (5-3 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Marlins 3-0 away (3-0 this season)

Key Day/Month Stat: Marlins 4-0 Fridays; Braves 1-4 home Fridays

Best Arm in the Series: Braves’ Jurrjens 2-0, 11.00 ERA home career team starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Braves’ Vazquez 0-4, 5.62 ERA last four home team starts

Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers

Most Recent Series Result: Dodgers 7-3 last 10 games (2-2 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Dodgers 9-5 home

Key Day/Month Stat: Cubs 6-0 Saturdays; Dodgers 2-6 Saturdays

Best Arm in the Series: Cubs’ Dempster 6-1 3.03 ERA career team starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Dodgers’ Billingsley 1-3 3.33 ERA career team starts

AMERICAN LEAGUE

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

Most Recent Series Result: Yankees 4-0 last four games (4-7 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Red Sox 7-0 last seven home (6-0 this season)

Key Day/Month Stat: Yankees 16-4 Fridays; Red Sox 2-4 home Fridays

Best Arm in the Series: Red Sox’ Penny 4-0, 2.28 ERA career team starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Yankees’ Sabathia 2-8, 4.74 ERA last 10 team starts

Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays

Most Recent Series Result: Rays 3-0 last three games (3-0 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Rays 12-4 last 16 home

Key Day/Month Stat: Rays 13-2 Saturdays; Rangers 2-9 Saturdays

Best Arm in the Series: Kazmir 4-0, 1.89 home career teams starts; Garza 2-0, 1.89 ERA home career team starts

Worst Arm in the Series: None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Carlo Campanella

NFL | Aug 22
Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins Carolina Panthers
+3-115 at 5DIMES > 19h.
The Panthers lost 17-24 to the NY Giants on the last play of the game to open the Preseason last Monday night. Carolina failed to cover the spread in that game, but still remain one of the most profitable teams in the road Dog role during Preseason play while owning a 29-15 ATS record behind Head Coach John Fox. Take the points with the Panthers on Saturday in Miami against a Dolphins squad that only put up 12 points last week. These Dolphins will struggled once again to put points on the scoreboard as they won 11 games last season in the Wild Cat offense and committing an NFL low 13 Turnovers. With the starters on the bench, the back-ups won't run the Wild Cat effectively and they shouldn't be expected to not commit turnovers- Panthers win outright!

7* Play On Carolina (+3)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Vernon Croy

MLB| Aug 22
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Washington Nationals Milwaukee Brewers
+120 at SPBOOK > 18h.
1* Take the Milwaukee Brewers on the Moneyline, I had the Brewers last night as my MLB Smash and tonight I will take them again at a great price against a very bad Nationals team. The Brewers have been hitting the ball extremely well with 10 or more hits in eight of their last ten games and they were hitting .309 as a team before last night's game. Mike Burns (3-4, 5.36 ERA) pitched solid in his last outing allowing just 4 hits and 2 earned runs over 7 innings and John Lannan (8-9, 3.68 ERA) has allowed 7 or more hits in seven of his last nine starts. The Nationals are just 6-12 in Lannan's last 18 starts at night and I look for the Brewers to continue to hit the ball hard here Saturday night. Take the Milwaukee Brewers as my MLB Bonus Play for Saturday night.

 

[AC2008]

how reliable is campanella

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB SHORT SHEET

Saturday, August 22

CHICAGO CUBS (61 - 58) at LA DODGERS (72 - 50) - 4:10 PM
TED LILLY (L) vs. CHARLIE HAEGER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 61-58 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 3-12 (-8.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 26-36 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 157-202 (-63.9 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 61-58 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 22-29 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-32 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 72-50 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 72-50 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LILLY is 17-6 (+11.2 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 DODGERS is 3-2 (+1.5 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

TED LILLY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LILLY is 3-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

CHARLIE HAEGER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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CINCINNATI (51 - 69) at PITTSBURGH (49 - 70) - 7:05 PM
JUSTIN LEHR (R) vs. ZACH DUKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 51-69 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 4-15 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
CINCINNATI is 50-67 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 54-68 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 8-1 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 24-18 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 474-557 (+40.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 315-363 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 1-7 (-8.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-2 (+0.9 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

JUSTIN LEHR vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

ZACH DUKE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
DUKE is 2-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.455.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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MILWAUKEE (58 - 62) at WASHINGTON (43 - 78) - 7:05 PM
MIKE BURNS (R) vs. JOHN LANNAN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 58-62 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 58-59 (-6.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-39 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-16 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 117-116 (+34.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 69-55 (+22.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 25-22 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 92-92 (+23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 50-43 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 43-78 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-75 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-59 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-60 (-18.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-2 (+1.2 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

MIKE BURNS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHN LANNAN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LANNAN is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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ARIZONA (54 - 68) at HOUSTON (59 - 62) - 7:05 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. BRIAN MOEHLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 54-68 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 60-80 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 54-68 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 98-98 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 97-105 (-22.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 145-137 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 26-18 (+10.6 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 80-60 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-19 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 141-135 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 102-99 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 47-47 (+2.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 66-50 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MOEHLER is 26-21 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOEHLER is 20-14 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against ARIZONA this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

BRIAN MOEHLER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MOEHLER is 2-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.612.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

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FLORIDA (64 - 57) at ATLANTA (64 - 57) - 7:10 PM
CHRIS VOLSTAD (R) vs. TOMMY HANSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 38-28 (+7.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA is 64-57 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 404-371 (+44.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
FLORIDA is 69-70 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 14-7 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
FLORIDA is 61-54 (+5.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 103-99 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 100-96 (+9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 35-32 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA is 35-30 (+12.7 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.
VOLSTAD is 12-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLSTAD is 12-5 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 136-147 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 31-34 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 135-145 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 94-100 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 11-21 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-3 (+3.4 Units) against ATLANTA this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.7 Units)

CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. ATLANTA since 1997
VOLSTAD is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.316.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.1 units)

TOMMY HANSON vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

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PHILADELPHIA (69 - 49) at NY METS (56 - 65) - 7:10 PM
J.A. HAPP (L) vs. TIM REDDING (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 34-15 (+17.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
REDDING is 23-19 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 23-19 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 69-49 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-20 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-8 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 66-46 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-15 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-13 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 145-138 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 96-91 (-27.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 145-138 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-4 (+2.0 Units) against NY METS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.4 Units)

J.A. HAPP vs. NY METS since 1997
HAPP is 0-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.700.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

TIM REDDING vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
REDDING is 5-3 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.142.
His team's record is 6-6 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-9. (-6.6 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (66 - 55) at COLORADO (68 - 53) - 8:10 PM
JOE MARTINEZ (R) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 68-53 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 68-53 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 169-150 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-35 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 115-100 (+30.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 61-43 (+24.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-55 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-55 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 701-592 (+84.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
COLORADO is 50-66 (-22.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-4 (+0.3 Units) against COLORADO this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

JOE MARTINEZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 4-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.38 and a WHIP of 0.949.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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ST LOUIS (70 - 53) at SAN DIEGO (51 - 72) - 10:05 PM
CHRIS CARPENTER (R) vs. KEVIN CORREIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CORREIA is 25-13 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 25-13 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 28-20 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 8-2 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 156-129 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 156-129 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 106-82 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 106-84 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 114-170 (-50.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 114-170 (-50.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 82-123 (-35.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 74-112 (-32.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 42-81 (-33.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-0 (+4.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
CARPENTER is 5-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.98 and a WHIP of 1.215.
His team's record is 5-3 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.0 units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CORREIA is 1-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.98 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (73 - 46) at TORONTO (55 - 64) - 1:07 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. SCOTT RICHMOND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 58-43 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 73-46 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 37-24 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA ANGELS are 22-13 (+10.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 26-9 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
LA ANGELS are 46-35 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-17 (+15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 23-10 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 55-64 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 142-166 (-56.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. TORONTO since 1997
SANTANA is 1-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.28 and a WHIP of 1.604.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

SCOTT RICHMOND vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY YANKEES (76 - 45) at BOSTON (69 - 51) - 4:10 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. JUNICHI TAZAWA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 4-15 (-14.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 25-34 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 96-46 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-2 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BOSTON is 18-4 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 154-94 (+28.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 4-12 (-9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-4 (+4.4 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.3 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. BOSTON since 1997
BURNETT is 5-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.297.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-2.9 units)

JUNICHI TAZAWA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trend Report

1:07 PM
LA ANGELS vs. TORONTO
LA Angels are 14-5 SU in their last 19 games on the road
LA Angels are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games at home

4:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. LA DODGERS
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
LA Dodgers are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing Chi Cubs

4:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
NY Yankees are 15-3 SU in their last 18 games
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Boston
Boston is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
Boston is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

7:00 PM
ARIZONA vs. HOUSTON
Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Arizona is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona

7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Baltimore is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games on the road
Baltimore is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
No trends available

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. PITTSBURGH
Cincinnati is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games

7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. WASHINGTON
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Milwaukee
Washington is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. CLEVELAND
Seattle is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Seattle
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:08 PM
TEXAS vs. TAMPA BAY
Texas is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Florida is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
Atlanta is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. KANSAS CITY
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Minnesota is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games at home
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

8:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Colorado is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

9:05 PM
DETROIT vs. OAKLAND
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Detroit is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Oakland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit

10:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. SAN DIEGO
St. Louis is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games
St. Louis is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing St. Louis
San Diego is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Matt Fargo

NFL | Aug 22
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins Washington Redskins
-3-115 at BODOG > 11h.
Washington was embarrassed in its preseason opener at Baltimore as it was shutout while tallying just 196 total yards of offense. Facing Pittsburgh may not seem like the way to bounce back but playing their first home game with some extra motivation is a big benefit. Washington head coach Jim Zorn's noted that a lot of the Redskins played “soft” and you know that the effort will be better this week. The intensity level was noticeably higher at the first two practices after that game and carrying that over into Saturday is the goal. The Ravens didn't allow Washington inside the 30-yard line and they stopped the Redskins on 10 of 11 third down attempts. However, Washington players admitted it wasn't the Ravens who held the Redskins scoreless as much as it was the Redskins committing too many mistakes. The big concern heading into the preseason was the offensive line as that was considered the main cause for the second-half meltdown last season. Against Baltimore, the coaching staff was pleased about the line's performance in pass protection. The first-team unit struggled throughout camp but fared well in its two series against the Ravens. The play of veteran quarterback Todd Collins was especially positive as he completed 8 of 11 passes for 70 yards. He looked very smooth running the offense which was much better than at this point last season when he was frustrated playing behind bad protection and with subpar receivers. The Steelers won their preseason opener against the Cardinals in a Super Bowl rematch but the 20-10 score was a little deceiving. The Cardinals ended up outgaining Pittsburgh, 329-259 and that should be favorable this weekend. Pittsburgh had trouble running the ball, gaining just 90 yards on 32 carries (2.8 ypc) and it allowed Cardinals quarterbacks to complete over 53 percent of their passes. Those are two areas that Washington will work on. We catch a solid number here as well as last week’s results have pushed Pittsburgh into the role of road favorite and at this point of the preseason that should not be the case. 3* Washington Redskins

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Gamblers Data

SATURDAY PHILS -1.5 -135

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Big AL

(973) SEATTLE MARINERS
(974) CLEVELAND INDIANS
Take "(974) CLEVELAND INDIANS"

At 7:05pm our complimentary selection is on the Cleveland Indians over the Seattle Mariners. Cleveland lefthander Aaron Laffey has been one of the few bright spots for this team in 2009, going 7-3 with a 3.38 ERA. And Laffey seems to be doing it with smoke and mirrors so far as the third year southpaw does not throw hard and has a strikeouts to walks ratio of just slightly over 1:1. But you can't argue with success and Laffey has won his last three starts and four out of his last five, having beaten the Twins twice, the Rangers, and tonight's opposition, the Mariners back on July 24. Seattle rookie righthander Doug Fister has been impressive in his first three Major League appearances (two starts) but this is a guy who has never pitched above the AA level in the Minors and last season at AA West Tennessee, Fister was anything but impressive, going 6-14 with a 5.43 ERA, so there is no reason to believe that the 25-year-old will continue his winning ways in the Major Leagues much longer. Supposedly Fister has a fastball that rarely reaches the 90 MPH mark, and that could be trouble tonight in a ballpark that's not very kind to batting practice-type pitchers. Laffey is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA against the Mariners in two starts this year and he has struck out 10 in 13 innings against Seattle. Take the Indians. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

(421) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
(422) HOUSTON TEXANS
Take "(421) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS"

The Saints-Texans clash has suddenly gotten very interesting for a meaningless pre-season contest. That's thanks to some nasty activity in Thursday's scrimmage between the two teams. There were a number of fights, and one of them apparently went beyond what usually takes place in these scraps. Some of the Texans referred to some of the Saints as cheap shot artists, and I suspect there could be a decent level of intensity on both sides tonight. Both teams did a good job last week, however the Texans were very poor in third down situations. I prefer the New Orleans QB rotation, so I'll go the Saints way tonight in what shapes up as a potentially physical confrontation.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

(979) DETROIT TIGERS
(980) OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Take "(979) DETROIT TIGERS"

While Oakland is looking to get out of last place, the Tigers are maintaining their slim lead on first place in the AL Central. It's been a good run, while winning 5 of 7 games. They take on a light hitting Oakland team. A's starter Trevor Cahill (6-12, 4.97 ERA) has struggled all season and the Tigers smacked him around hard (7 hits, 7 runs in 2+ innings) in the one team he faced them. Cahill has an 0-2 record and a 4.74 ERA his last three starts. Play the Tigers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ben Burns

Game: New York Giants at Chicago Bears Aug 22 2009 8:00PM

Prediction: Chicago Bears

Reason: I successfully played against the Bears in their Week 1 loss at Buffalo. This should be a good spot to play on them though. For starters, they're now at home, playing their preseason home opener. They're also catching the Giants playing on a short week, as New York played vs. Carolina on Monday night. Additionally, with Cutler and co. anxious to improve on their Week 1 performance, we should get a highly motivated performance from the players.

Cutler, in particular, should be anxious to play well. After a sub-par outing in his Chicago debut, he was quoted as saying: "I feel fine. There's no reason for anybody to start to panic or anything like that..."

The Giants, on the other hand, have little to prove. They're two years off a World Championship and they won the division again last season. Additionally, they already won their preseason home opener. In other words, they shouldn't be feeling any pressure to come up with a win here.

With the Giants having lost three straight preseason road games, consider a play on Chicago

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence


Game: Detroit Tigers at Oakland Athletics Aug 22 2009 9:05PM

Prediction: Oakland Athletics

Reason: Play On: Oakland w/Cahill vs Galarraga
Note: When Oakland sends Trevor Cahill to the mound against Armando Galarraga at the Coliseum this evening they will do so knowing Galarraga has dropped 6 of his last 7 team starts and 9 of his last 13 on the road. With Cahill cashing in 6 of his last 9 home team starts, look for the A's to improve to 10-2 the last twelve games as a host in this series tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Vegas Dave

With Tom Cable "allegedly" punching a another staff member in the face, sports news sources have been running wild with that story and brushing the much more important story under the table; Chaz Schilens, the receiver that had a breakout game in the first preseason game against the Cowboys, broke a bone in his left foot and is done for the preseason and likely part of the regular season.

The Raiders’ already paper-thin wide receiver depth got even thinner with that news. With Javon Walker still out while recovering from offseason knee surgery and Louis Murphy nursing a hip-injury that will likely force him out of action, the Raiders are without three of their top four projected receivers heading into the season. That leaves only Heyward-Bey, who will be an obvious choice to double cover, and likely won’t play too many snaps.

This is a game that the Oakland Raiders will be playing extremely conservatively in my estimation. As much as Heyward-Bey needs the experience, they simply can not afford to lose him to injury with Schilens already out. They also can’t afford to play an injured Louis Murphy. It is also looking more and more like the Raiders will just have to keep on relying on their three headed monster of RBs in Fargas, McFadden, and Bush; and losing any of them (especially McFadden) would be catastrophic to the season.

With no one to pass to and preserving the health of the RB core at the utmost importance, the Raiders will probably just be looking to survive this game without too much concern about winning it. The 49ers, meanwhile, will be happy to get the home town fans another win while continuing to try to figure out their QB situation.

The Pick: San Francisco 49ers -3, +100

San Francisco 49ers -3.0 (+100) over Oakland Raiders

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tony George

ANA (-119) vs TOR

LA Angels -120

I like LA here, they are 8-0 the last 8 Saturdays and I have rode them for 3 of those 8 wins as featured plays. Coming off a 1 run loss with their starter Sean OSullivan getting just 1 inning of work, I like them to bounce back today with Ervin Santana on the mound who is 3-0 his last 3 starts with a 3.00 ERA. The bullpen for Toronto is approaching a 6 ERS their last 3 and I fully expect the Angels bats to take full advantage of that scenario today late in the game. Toronto just 4-9 their last 13 home games and Scott Richmond their starter is just.500 at home this year as a starter.

Bonus Play on the Angels

NOTE: I would look real hard at the NY Yankees today too. WOW, they lit up Bostons bullpen last night, they are red hot. Boston seems lost right now...The Yankees have their ears pinned back for this series and looked ready to play...although they did give up 11 runs while scoring 20, the Yanks are hot at the plate hitting .315 as a team against right handers their last 10 games!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sports Gambling Hotline

Friday night comp play winner on the Dodgers, as we are now on a 21-9-1 comp play run the last 31 days.

Last night's OVER marked the 8th time in Boston's last 9 home games that they have eclipsed the posted total.

The way the New York sticks swung the bats with a vengeance last night leads us to believe that the Yankees will be capable of putting up another big number in this late day contest at Fenway on Saturday.

Expect another OVER between the Yankees and the Red Sox in game two of their weekend set.

AJ Burnett has allowed 6 runs over his last 14 innings of work, and in his 2 season starts at Fenway Park, Burnett has surrendered 11 runs in just 8 innings of work.

His couterpart Junichi Tazawa allowed 4 runs in his last start which lasted just 5 innings in a loss at Texas.

New York has played 3 of their last 5 OVER the total, while Boston has been OVER in 3 of their last 4.

Just too much offense being flexed right now by the Bronx Bombers for us to think that we are staying UNDER in this one.

Play on the OVER.

2♦ OVER

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Karl Garrett

Friday comp play winner on the Yankees for ya!

On to Saturday, and the Blue Jays barely held on last night, leading 5-0 in the 9th before securing a 5-4 win to snap their 5 game slide.

G-Man expects Toronto to head right back to the loss column this Saturday afternoon, as the Angels are still a whopping 22-8 their last 30 on the road, and they have also been a winner their last 8 Saturday contests this season.

In head-to-head meetings, the Halos have garnered the "W" in 7 of the last 11 meetings, and they will have the resurgent Ervin Santana on the mound.

Santana has won his last 3 starts, and is 5-1 his last 7 season starts to even his record at 6-6.

Toronto starter Scott Richmond is also 6-6, but he comes into this start with an 0-2 mark his last 3 starts, and a 1-3 mark his last 5 trips to the bump.

To get the Angels at this low of a price is an offer too good to pass on.

G-Man backing LA to even things in this weekend set on Saturday afternoon.

3♦ LA ANGELS