STATSYSTEMS SPORTS MLB REPORT
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th 2014
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
____________________________________
***** Tuesday, 8/19/14 MLB Information *****
(ALL RESULTS VS. ML) - Against The Money-Line - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Each and every day during the 2014 Major League Baseball season we will analyze all of your daily baseball action, featuring on hot and cold pitchers, hot and cold teams, over/unders and home plate umpire trends. We will also highlight some of our Highly-Rated (Situational & Match-up) Power Trends, along with some of our Situational Analysis (Betting Systems) that pertain to some of that days match-ups.
_____________________________________________________
MLB Betting News and Notes - Week #21
The plot continues to thicken as we race towards the playoffs in Major League Baseball betting action. However, there are some teams that are lagging behind in the American League, all of which were in the playoffs last season. The three teams haven't changed at the bottom of the American League standings, but have they gotten any closer? Systems Analyst James Vogel takes a closer look to see here at StatSystems Sports.
•Texas Rangers (48-76, -$2,972)
In a word for Texas? No. Things aren't getting any better, and they aren't going to get any better. Forget about all of the injuries. Even the men who are playing are playing lousy ball. SS Elvis Andrus, a man who could be counted upon for a .300 average every season, is batting just .272 with 61 runs scored. OF Shin-Soo Choo, a man who figured to kill the ball in the hot air of Arlington, has just 12 homers for the season and is batting .241, and he has struck out 127 times already in 439 at bats. RHP Yu Darvish has been battling injuries, but he is only 10-7 with a 3.06 ERA, numbers which just aren't what we are used to seeing. Manager Ron Washington very well could pay the price for as bad as this year has been.
•Boston Red Sox(56-68, -$2,261)
Did you really expect things to get better for the Red Sox after they traded away all of their pitchers? The last time we addressed who was cold in the American League, Boston featured a rotation with Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, and Jake Peavy. Now, the rotation features Rubby De La Rosa, Brandon Workman, Joe Kelly, Allen Webster, and Buchholz. Yikes. The Red Sox underwent a 10-hour period like no team we have ever seen in the bigs with all of the trades that they made to various contending teams, and though we believe that they are setup well for 2015, the rest of this year is probably going to be a disaster without any legitimate starting pitching.
•Tampa Bay Rays (61-63, -$1,668)
We give the Rays all sorts of credit. They sold their biggest asset at the trade deadline in LHP David Price, and at least in the immediate, they basically only got back LHP Drew Smyly. Don't get us wrong. We're big time Smyly believers. But he's not David Price. That said, Tampa Bay managed to become the first team in baseball history to improve from 18-games under .500 to get back to the .500 mark at 61-61. That said, two straight losses feel like they have taken the air out of this team just a bit. If the Rays can figure this out and get into the playoffs this year in spite of the bad start to the season and in spite of the fact that they traded away Price, both GM Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon should be enshrined into the Hall of Fame right now. Of the three teams on this list, Tampa Bay is the one with the best shot of getting off of it by the end of the year, but the team is still over nine units away from the closest team, the Detroit Tigers (-$747).
Around The League
--Carlos Pena accepted a demotion to Triple-A after being designated for assignment by the Rangers last month, but now Texas has released the veteran first baseman. Pena played pretty well at Triple-A, batting .297 with four homers and an .850 OPS in 20 games, but he hit just .136 in 18 games for the Rangers before the demotion and has hit a combined .196 with a .661 OPS in 267 games as a big leaguer dating back to 2012. Pena can still draw walks and hit the occasional homer, but at age 36 he’s likely running out of chances to get back to the majors.
--The Washington Nationals signed outfielder Nate Schierholtz to a minor league contract, the team announced Monday. Schierholtz became a free agent on Aug. 13 after he cleared waivers. Schierholtz was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 6. Schierholtz will be assigned to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Schierholtz is a .254 career hitter with 117 doubles, 51 home runs and 224 RBIs in 776 career games with the Cubs (2013-14), Philadelphia Phillies (2012) and San Francisco Giants (2007-2012). Earlier this season, he tallied 19 extra-base hits (10 doubles, three triples, six home runs) in 99 games for the Cubs. A left-handed hitter, the 30-year-old Schierholtz is one season removed from his finest offensive campaign. In 2013, his first year with the Cubs, he hit .251 and established career highs in home runs (21), doubles (32), extra-base hits (56), RBIs (68) and runs scored (56).
--According to manager Clint Hurdle, Charlie Morton has felt pain in his right hip for months. On Sunday, the Pirates took action, disabling the right-hander after the hip pain influenced Morton's production and simultaneously creating an opening in the rotation for Gerrit Cole. The Pirates put Morton on the 15-day disabled list because of what they called inflammation in the right hip. The move opened a spot for Cole, himself on the DL because of pain and tightness in the right latissimus dorsi muscle in his back is ready to return. Cole will start Wednesday in Morton's place.
--First-round draft pick Carlos Rodon and Chris Sale have a few things in common, and it's no secret the White Sox have Rodon on the "Sale Plan" for success. Rodon, the third selection in the 2014 draft, was rewarded with the largest bonus of any draftee ($6.58 million), and advanced from Class A Winston-Salem to Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday after only four appearances covering 9 2/3 innings. But before the Sox held off the Blue Jays in a 7-5 win on Sunday, general manager Rick Hahn tried to temper comparisons between their hot prospect and their dominant ace.
"I understand if you're talking about polished college left-handers on the fast track and, frankly, with similar repertoires, the comparisons are natural," Hahn said. "But really, the only relevancy of Chris' path is the fact we have experience with guys making that transition (to the majors) fairly quickly. "That doesn't mean Carlos is going to do it. It just means we've been through it... which can only help Carlos should we get to that point." Most expect "that point" to come in September, after three or four starts at Charlotte, including his first one there on Tuesday night.
--Rockies' Michael Cuddyer hits for cycle. A five-run eighth inning set the stage for both team and individual accomplishments Sunday. The rally gave the Colorado Rockies a 10-5 win and a doubleheader sweep of the Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field. It also gave Cuddyer another chance to hit. As the seventh batter in the inning, Cuddyer cracked a two-run double off Manny Parra to complete the seventh cycle in franchise history. Cuddyer became the first player in the majors to hit for the cycle this season. It was the second time Cuddyer hit for the cycle, the other being May 22, 2009, with the Minnesota Twins against the Milwaukee Brewers. In that game, Cuddyer had three of his hits -- the single, double and homer -- against Parra.
Cuddyer is the third player in major league history to hit for the cycle in both leagues. Bob Watson did it with the Houston Astros in 1977 and the Boston Red Sox in 1979. John Olerud did it with the New York Mets in 1997 and the Seattle Mariners in 2001. Cuddyer's cycle went triple, strikeout, home run, single and double. All seven Rockies cycles came at Coors Field. Cuddyer's was the first since Carlos Gonzalez accomplished the feat July 31, 2010, against the Chicago Cubs. Sunday marked Cuddyer's first action since he was activated from the disabled list Saturday. After missing 60 games with a fractured left shoulder socket, he went 1-for-5 in Sunday's opener.
The other Rockies cycles were by Dante Bichette on June 10, 1996, against the Texas rangers; Neifi Perez on July 25, 1998, against the St. Louis Cardinals; Todd Helton on June 19, 1999, against the Florida Marlins; Mike Lansing on June 18, 2000, against the Arizona Diamondbacks; and Troy Tulowitzki on Aug. 10, 2009, against the Chicago Cubs. Five opposing players hit for the cycle against the Rockies, all at Coors Field: St. Louis' John Mabry on May 18, 1996; Houston's Craig Biggio on April 8, 2002; the San Francisco Giants' Fred Lewis on May 13, 2007; San Francisco's Pablo Sandoval on Sept. 15, 2011; and the Mets' Scott Hairston on April 27, 2012.
--The Detroit Tigers have been seeking reliable bullpen options all season. Jim Johnson was looking to revive his career after a disastrous stint in Oakland. The two parties converged this weekend when Johnson had his contract purchased from Triple-A Toledo. The veteran right-hander will initially be used in a sixth- and seventh-inning role. "His velocity was really good the whole time, even when he was in Oakland and he scuffled," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "It was more about location. It wasn't so much about his stuff, so a lot of times a change of scenery helps." It didn't work out that way in his Tigers' debut Sunday.
Johnson gave up a double to the first batter he faced, Seattle shortstop Chris Taylor, and went on to allow three runs, though two were unearned. Left fielder Rajai Davis dropped a short fly ball that could have ended the inning. "I know he gave up a run there but he didn't get much help on that pop fly," Ausmus said. "Overall, I thought it was a good first outing." Johnson, who saved 101 games for Baltimore the last two seasons, got off to a woeful start with the A's after signing a one-year, $10 million contract and never recovered. He allowed seven runs in his first five appearances and was removed from the closer's role. He continued to struggle with his command and after he allowed 12 runs in a four-game stretch in July, Oakland ate his contract and released him.
The Tigers snapped him up and sent Johnson to Toledo to smooth out his mechanics. Johnson allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings with the Mud Hens, including a two-inning scoreless stint on Wednesday. He tossed another inning on Friday, allowing one earned run, before he was recalled. "The last outing I threw down there I felt very similar to how I felt in Baltimore last year and the year before," Johnson said. "The first couple of outings, I had a little rust but each time out things got better and better. I feel I'm exactly where I need to be to help the ballclub here."
Johnson felt that he never got a chance to work out his issues in Oakland because of spotty usage. His sinker showed more bite during his trip to the minors. "Pitching is such a timing and rhythm thing," he said. "It's just getting that constant work and just being able to get that little rhythm back. So, I feel good where I'm at. I'm excited to help them out. With the way things went in the first part of the season for me, this is going to be a lot more fun." Johnson is just the latest veteran the Tigers have acquired to fortify their shaky bullpen. They won a bidding war for former Pittsburgh and Boston closer Joel Hanrahan but Hanrahan was slow to recover from Tommy John surgery and won't pitch this season. They also traded for Texas closer Joakim Soria, who suffered an oblique strain during their last road trip and was placed on the disabled list.
___________________________________________
Betting Notes - Tuesday
National League
•Braves-Pirates - 7:05 PM
--Braves lost last six Harang starts (0-1, 3.71).
--Liriano is 2-2, 2.13 in his last six starts.
--Braves won five of their last six games.
--Pittsburgh lost its last six games, allowing 35 runs.
--Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Pittsburgh games.
•Diamondbacks-Nationals - 7:05 PM
--Anderson is 2-0, 2.19 in his last six starts.
--Strasburg is 2-2, 3.12 in his last four starts.
--Arizona lost six of its last eight games.
--Nationals won ten of their last twelve games.
--Under is 4-1-1 in last six Strasburg starts.
•Giants-Cubs - 8:05 PM
--Vogelsong is 2-0, 1.64 in his last three starts.
--Wada is 2-0, 2.49 in his last four starts.
--San Francisco won three of its last four games.
--Cubs are 7-9 in their last sixteen 16 home games.
--Eight of last ten Cub games stayed under total.
•Reds-Cardinals - 8:15 PM
--Simon is 0-5, 6.61 in his last six starts.
--Lackey is 1-0, 2.57 in two home starts for St Louis.
--Cincinnati lost eight of its last ten games.
--St Louis won five of its last six games.
--Five of Reds' last six games went over the total.
•Padres-Dodgers - 10:10 PM
--Kennedy is 2-1, 3.25 in his last six starts.
--Correia is 1-0, 3.00 in his last three starts.
--San Diego lost three of its last four games.
--Dodgers lost four of their last five games.
--11 of 12 Kennedy road starts stayed under total.
_______________________________________
Double Perfect MLB Super Play
StatSystemsSports.net Red-Hot hand on the base paths continues on Tuesday with another Super Situational selection supported with a pair of 100% perfect Awesome Winning Angles inside the game. Best of all it's yours - if you act now!
Be sure to check out today's complete MLB Report... You'll be amazed at what you learn!
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American League
•Astros-Yankees - 7:05 PM
--Oberholtzer is 2-1, 2.60 in his last five starts.
--Capuano is 1-2, 4.26 in his last three starts.
--Astros lost seven of their last nine road games.
--New York is 4-5 in its last nine home games.
--Five of last six Houston road games went over, under is 5-1-1 in last seven Yankees games.
•Angels-Red Sox - 7:10 PM
--Angels won nine of last 11 Weaver starts (2-2, 5.48 in last four).
--Webster is 3-1, 5.23 in four starts for Boston.
--Angels won five of their last six games.
--Red Sox lost three of their last four games.
--Six of last seven Angel games stayed under total.
•Tigers-Rays - 7:10 PM
--Scherzer 3-1, 1.66 in his last five starts.
--Archer is 2-0, 2.84 in his last three starts.
--Tigers lost ten of their last twelve road games.
--Tampa Bay lost five of its last seven home games.
--Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Tampa Bay games.
•Indians-Twins - 8:10 PM
--Bauer is 0-3, 5.59 in his last five starts.
--Gibson 3-1, 3.37 in his last four starts.
--Indians won five of their last seven games.
--Minnesota lost eight of its last twelve games.
--Last seven Cleveland games stayed under total.
•Orioles-White Sox - 8:10 PM
--Tillman is 2-0, 1.74 in his last three starts.
--White Sox lost last three Quintana starts (0-2, 4.67).
--Baltimore won 18 of its last 26 games.
--White Sox lost six of their last nine home games.
--Four of last five White Sox games went over.
Interleague
•Mariners-Phillies - 7:05 PM
--Iwakuma is 3-1, 1.27 in his last four starts.
--Burnett is 0-5, 7.67 in his last six starts.
--Mariners won 10 of their last 13 games.
--Phillies lost seven of their last ten games.
--Last six Iwakuma starts stayed under total.
•Rangers-Marlins - 7:10 PM
--Mikolas is 0-3, 8.34 in his last four starts.
--Cosart is 1-1, 2.92 in two starts for Miami.
--Texas lost seven of its last ten games.
--Marlins won seven of their last ten games.
--Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Texas games.
•Blue Jays-Brewers - 8:10 PM
--Happ is 0-3, 3.76 in his last four starts.
--Fiers is 2-0, 0.64 in two starts for Milwaukee.
--Toronto lost five of its last six games.
--Brewers won last four games, scoring 22 runs.
--Five of last seven Toronto games went over.
•Royals-Rockies - 8:40 PM
--Shields is 3-0, 1.96 in his last three starts.
--Matzek is 0-3, 9.60 in his last three starts.
--Royals won 16 of their last 19 games.
--Colorado won three of its last four games.
--Four of last five Colorado games went over total.
•Mets-Athletics - 10:05 PM
--Gee is 0-4, 5.60 in his last six starts.
--Kazmir is 1-2, 5.49 in his last three starts.
--Mets lost five of their last seven games.
--Oakland lost seven of its last eight games.
--Five of last six New York games stayed under total.
•Incredible Stat of the Day
Cincinnati Reds Alfredo Simon is 14-3 against the money line (82.3%) in his team starts versus an National League team with an on base percentage .315 or worse, and has recorded a spot-less 9-0 team mark against division opponents this season.
Although, the right-hander is 0-5 with a 5.46 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break after giving up a career-high seven runs (five earned) in five innings of a 7-3 loss at Colorado on Thursday. He has lasted five innings or fewer in five of those six outings after getting through at least six frames in 16 of 18 starts prior to the break. The 33-year-old, who has 14 career games but no starts against St. Louis, has eight strikeouts against nine walks in his last three appearances.
___________________________________________________________
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th 2014
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
____________________________________
***** Tuesday, 8/19/14 MLB Information *****
(ALL RESULTS VS. ML) - Against The Money-Line - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Each and every day during the 2014 Major League Baseball season we will analyze all of your daily baseball action, featuring on hot and cold pitchers, hot and cold teams, over/unders and home plate umpire trends. We will also highlight some of our Highly-Rated (Situational & Match-up) Power Trends, along with some of our Situational Analysis (Betting Systems) that pertain to some of that days match-ups.
_____________________________________________________
MLB Betting News and Notes - Week #21
The plot continues to thicken as we race towards the playoffs in Major League Baseball betting action. However, there are some teams that are lagging behind in the American League, all of which were in the playoffs last season. The three teams haven't changed at the bottom of the American League standings, but have they gotten any closer? Systems Analyst James Vogel takes a closer look to see here at StatSystems Sports.
•Texas Rangers (48-76, -$2,972)
In a word for Texas? No. Things aren't getting any better, and they aren't going to get any better. Forget about all of the injuries. Even the men who are playing are playing lousy ball. SS Elvis Andrus, a man who could be counted upon for a .300 average every season, is batting just .272 with 61 runs scored. OF Shin-Soo Choo, a man who figured to kill the ball in the hot air of Arlington, has just 12 homers for the season and is batting .241, and he has struck out 127 times already in 439 at bats. RHP Yu Darvish has been battling injuries, but he is only 10-7 with a 3.06 ERA, numbers which just aren't what we are used to seeing. Manager Ron Washington very well could pay the price for as bad as this year has been.
•Boston Red Sox(56-68, -$2,261)
Did you really expect things to get better for the Red Sox after they traded away all of their pitchers? The last time we addressed who was cold in the American League, Boston featured a rotation with Jon Lester, John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, and Jake Peavy. Now, the rotation features Rubby De La Rosa, Brandon Workman, Joe Kelly, Allen Webster, and Buchholz. Yikes. The Red Sox underwent a 10-hour period like no team we have ever seen in the bigs with all of the trades that they made to various contending teams, and though we believe that they are setup well for 2015, the rest of this year is probably going to be a disaster without any legitimate starting pitching.
•Tampa Bay Rays (61-63, -$1,668)
We give the Rays all sorts of credit. They sold their biggest asset at the trade deadline in LHP David Price, and at least in the immediate, they basically only got back LHP Drew Smyly. Don't get us wrong. We're big time Smyly believers. But he's not David Price. That said, Tampa Bay managed to become the first team in baseball history to improve from 18-games under .500 to get back to the .500 mark at 61-61. That said, two straight losses feel like they have taken the air out of this team just a bit. If the Rays can figure this out and get into the playoffs this year in spite of the bad start to the season and in spite of the fact that they traded away Price, both GM Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon should be enshrined into the Hall of Fame right now. Of the three teams on this list, Tampa Bay is the one with the best shot of getting off of it by the end of the year, but the team is still over nine units away from the closest team, the Detroit Tigers (-$747).
Around The League
--Carlos Pena accepted a demotion to Triple-A after being designated for assignment by the Rangers last month, but now Texas has released the veteran first baseman. Pena played pretty well at Triple-A, batting .297 with four homers and an .850 OPS in 20 games, but he hit just .136 in 18 games for the Rangers before the demotion and has hit a combined .196 with a .661 OPS in 267 games as a big leaguer dating back to 2012. Pena can still draw walks and hit the occasional homer, but at age 36 he’s likely running out of chances to get back to the majors.
--The Washington Nationals signed outfielder Nate Schierholtz to a minor league contract, the team announced Monday. Schierholtz became a free agent on Aug. 13 after he cleared waivers. Schierholtz was designated for assignment by the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 6. Schierholtz will be assigned to Syracuse of the Triple-A International League. Schierholtz is a .254 career hitter with 117 doubles, 51 home runs and 224 RBIs in 776 career games with the Cubs (2013-14), Philadelphia Phillies (2012) and San Francisco Giants (2007-2012). Earlier this season, he tallied 19 extra-base hits (10 doubles, three triples, six home runs) in 99 games for the Cubs. A left-handed hitter, the 30-year-old Schierholtz is one season removed from his finest offensive campaign. In 2013, his first year with the Cubs, he hit .251 and established career highs in home runs (21), doubles (32), extra-base hits (56), RBIs (68) and runs scored (56).
--According to manager Clint Hurdle, Charlie Morton has felt pain in his right hip for months. On Sunday, the Pirates took action, disabling the right-hander after the hip pain influenced Morton's production and simultaneously creating an opening in the rotation for Gerrit Cole. The Pirates put Morton on the 15-day disabled list because of what they called inflammation in the right hip. The move opened a spot for Cole, himself on the DL because of pain and tightness in the right latissimus dorsi muscle in his back is ready to return. Cole will start Wednesday in Morton's place.
--First-round draft pick Carlos Rodon and Chris Sale have a few things in common, and it's no secret the White Sox have Rodon on the "Sale Plan" for success. Rodon, the third selection in the 2014 draft, was rewarded with the largest bonus of any draftee ($6.58 million), and advanced from Class A Winston-Salem to Triple-A Charlotte on Saturday after only four appearances covering 9 2/3 innings. But before the Sox held off the Blue Jays in a 7-5 win on Sunday, general manager Rick Hahn tried to temper comparisons between their hot prospect and their dominant ace.
"I understand if you're talking about polished college left-handers on the fast track and, frankly, with similar repertoires, the comparisons are natural," Hahn said. "But really, the only relevancy of Chris' path is the fact we have experience with guys making that transition (to the majors) fairly quickly. "That doesn't mean Carlos is going to do it. It just means we've been through it... which can only help Carlos should we get to that point." Most expect "that point" to come in September, after three or four starts at Charlotte, including his first one there on Tuesday night.
--Rockies' Michael Cuddyer hits for cycle. A five-run eighth inning set the stage for both team and individual accomplishments Sunday. The rally gave the Colorado Rockies a 10-5 win and a doubleheader sweep of the Cincinnati Reds at Coors Field. It also gave Cuddyer another chance to hit. As the seventh batter in the inning, Cuddyer cracked a two-run double off Manny Parra to complete the seventh cycle in franchise history. Cuddyer became the first player in the majors to hit for the cycle this season. It was the second time Cuddyer hit for the cycle, the other being May 22, 2009, with the Minnesota Twins against the Milwaukee Brewers. In that game, Cuddyer had three of his hits -- the single, double and homer -- against Parra.
Cuddyer is the third player in major league history to hit for the cycle in both leagues. Bob Watson did it with the Houston Astros in 1977 and the Boston Red Sox in 1979. John Olerud did it with the New York Mets in 1997 and the Seattle Mariners in 2001. Cuddyer's cycle went triple, strikeout, home run, single and double. All seven Rockies cycles came at Coors Field. Cuddyer's was the first since Carlos Gonzalez accomplished the feat July 31, 2010, against the Chicago Cubs. Sunday marked Cuddyer's first action since he was activated from the disabled list Saturday. After missing 60 games with a fractured left shoulder socket, he went 1-for-5 in Sunday's opener.
The other Rockies cycles were by Dante Bichette on June 10, 1996, against the Texas rangers; Neifi Perez on July 25, 1998, against the St. Louis Cardinals; Todd Helton on June 19, 1999, against the Florida Marlins; Mike Lansing on June 18, 2000, against the Arizona Diamondbacks; and Troy Tulowitzki on Aug. 10, 2009, against the Chicago Cubs. Five opposing players hit for the cycle against the Rockies, all at Coors Field: St. Louis' John Mabry on May 18, 1996; Houston's Craig Biggio on April 8, 2002; the San Francisco Giants' Fred Lewis on May 13, 2007; San Francisco's Pablo Sandoval on Sept. 15, 2011; and the Mets' Scott Hairston on April 27, 2012.
--The Detroit Tigers have been seeking reliable bullpen options all season. Jim Johnson was looking to revive his career after a disastrous stint in Oakland. The two parties converged this weekend when Johnson had his contract purchased from Triple-A Toledo. The veteran right-hander will initially be used in a sixth- and seventh-inning role. "His velocity was really good the whole time, even when he was in Oakland and he scuffled," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "It was more about location. It wasn't so much about his stuff, so a lot of times a change of scenery helps." It didn't work out that way in his Tigers' debut Sunday.
Johnson gave up a double to the first batter he faced, Seattle shortstop Chris Taylor, and went on to allow three runs, though two were unearned. Left fielder Rajai Davis dropped a short fly ball that could have ended the inning. "I know he gave up a run there but he didn't get much help on that pop fly," Ausmus said. "Overall, I thought it was a good first outing." Johnson, who saved 101 games for Baltimore the last two seasons, got off to a woeful start with the A's after signing a one-year, $10 million contract and never recovered. He allowed seven runs in his first five appearances and was removed from the closer's role. He continued to struggle with his command and after he allowed 12 runs in a four-game stretch in July, Oakland ate his contract and released him.
The Tigers snapped him up and sent Johnson to Toledo to smooth out his mechanics. Johnson allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings with the Mud Hens, including a two-inning scoreless stint on Wednesday. He tossed another inning on Friday, allowing one earned run, before he was recalled. "The last outing I threw down there I felt very similar to how I felt in Baltimore last year and the year before," Johnson said. "The first couple of outings, I had a little rust but each time out things got better and better. I feel I'm exactly where I need to be to help the ballclub here."
Johnson felt that he never got a chance to work out his issues in Oakland because of spotty usage. His sinker showed more bite during his trip to the minors. "Pitching is such a timing and rhythm thing," he said. "It's just getting that constant work and just being able to get that little rhythm back. So, I feel good where I'm at. I'm excited to help them out. With the way things went in the first part of the season for me, this is going to be a lot more fun." Johnson is just the latest veteran the Tigers have acquired to fortify their shaky bullpen. They won a bidding war for former Pittsburgh and Boston closer Joel Hanrahan but Hanrahan was slow to recover from Tommy John surgery and won't pitch this season. They also traded for Texas closer Joakim Soria, who suffered an oblique strain during their last road trip and was placed on the disabled list.
___________________________________________
Betting Notes - Tuesday
National League
•Braves-Pirates - 7:05 PM
--Braves lost last six Harang starts (0-1, 3.71).
--Liriano is 2-2, 2.13 in his last six starts.
--Braves won five of their last six games.
--Pittsburgh lost its last six games, allowing 35 runs.
--Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Pittsburgh games.
•Diamondbacks-Nationals - 7:05 PM
--Anderson is 2-0, 2.19 in his last six starts.
--Strasburg is 2-2, 3.12 in his last four starts.
--Arizona lost six of its last eight games.
--Nationals won ten of their last twelve games.
--Under is 4-1-1 in last six Strasburg starts.
•Giants-Cubs - 8:05 PM
--Vogelsong is 2-0, 1.64 in his last three starts.
--Wada is 2-0, 2.49 in his last four starts.
--San Francisco won three of its last four games.
--Cubs are 7-9 in their last sixteen 16 home games.
--Eight of last ten Cub games stayed under total.
•Reds-Cardinals - 8:15 PM
--Simon is 0-5, 6.61 in his last six starts.
--Lackey is 1-0, 2.57 in two home starts for St Louis.
--Cincinnati lost eight of its last ten games.
--St Louis won five of its last six games.
--Five of Reds' last six games went over the total.
•Padres-Dodgers - 10:10 PM
--Kennedy is 2-1, 3.25 in his last six starts.
--Correia is 1-0, 3.00 in his last three starts.
--San Diego lost three of its last four games.
--Dodgers lost four of their last five games.
--11 of 12 Kennedy road starts stayed under total.
_______________________________________
Double Perfect MLB Super Play
StatSystemsSports.net Red-Hot hand on the base paths continues on Tuesday with another Super Situational selection supported with a pair of 100% perfect Awesome Winning Angles inside the game. Best of all it's yours - if you act now!
Be sure to check out today's complete MLB Report... You'll be amazed at what you learn!
StatSystems Sports has delivered over 65% winners over the last 12 months. Yes, you read that right. Do the math and figure out how much you would have won.
Get the BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
"Get a monthly package now - you'll be real glad you did!"
______________________________________________
American League
•Astros-Yankees - 7:05 PM
--Oberholtzer is 2-1, 2.60 in his last five starts.
--Capuano is 1-2, 4.26 in his last three starts.
--Astros lost seven of their last nine road games.
--New York is 4-5 in its last nine home games.
--Five of last six Houston road games went over, under is 5-1-1 in last seven Yankees games.
•Angels-Red Sox - 7:10 PM
--Angels won nine of last 11 Weaver starts (2-2, 5.48 in last four).
--Webster is 3-1, 5.23 in four starts for Boston.
--Angels won five of their last six games.
--Red Sox lost three of their last four games.
--Six of last seven Angel games stayed under total.
•Tigers-Rays - 7:10 PM
--Scherzer 3-1, 1.66 in his last five starts.
--Archer is 2-0, 2.84 in his last three starts.
--Tigers lost ten of their last twelve road games.
--Tampa Bay lost five of its last seven home games.
--Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Tampa Bay games.
•Indians-Twins - 8:10 PM
--Bauer is 0-3, 5.59 in his last five starts.
--Gibson 3-1, 3.37 in his last four starts.
--Indians won five of their last seven games.
--Minnesota lost eight of its last twelve games.
--Last seven Cleveland games stayed under total.
•Orioles-White Sox - 8:10 PM
--Tillman is 2-0, 1.74 in his last three starts.
--White Sox lost last three Quintana starts (0-2, 4.67).
--Baltimore won 18 of its last 26 games.
--White Sox lost six of their last nine home games.
--Four of last five White Sox games went over.
Interleague
•Mariners-Phillies - 7:05 PM
--Iwakuma is 3-1, 1.27 in his last four starts.
--Burnett is 0-5, 7.67 in his last six starts.
--Mariners won 10 of their last 13 games.
--Phillies lost seven of their last ten games.
--Last six Iwakuma starts stayed under total.
•Rangers-Marlins - 7:10 PM
--Mikolas is 0-3, 8.34 in his last four starts.
--Cosart is 1-1, 2.92 in two starts for Miami.
--Texas lost seven of its last ten games.
--Marlins won seven of their last ten games.
--Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Texas games.
•Blue Jays-Brewers - 8:10 PM
--Happ is 0-3, 3.76 in his last four starts.
--Fiers is 2-0, 0.64 in two starts for Milwaukee.
--Toronto lost five of its last six games.
--Brewers won last four games, scoring 22 runs.
--Five of last seven Toronto games went over.
•Royals-Rockies - 8:40 PM
--Shields is 3-0, 1.96 in his last three starts.
--Matzek is 0-3, 9.60 in his last three starts.
--Royals won 16 of their last 19 games.
--Colorado won three of its last four games.
--Four of last five Colorado games went over total.
•Mets-Athletics - 10:05 PM
--Gee is 0-4, 5.60 in his last six starts.
--Kazmir is 1-2, 5.49 in his last three starts.
--Mets lost five of their last seven games.
--Oakland lost seven of its last eight games.
--Five of last six New York games stayed under total.
•Incredible Stat of the Day
Cincinnati Reds Alfredo Simon is 14-3 against the money line (82.3%) in his team starts versus an National League team with an on base percentage .315 or worse, and has recorded a spot-less 9-0 team mark against division opponents this season.
Although, the right-hander is 0-5 with a 5.46 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break after giving up a career-high seven runs (five earned) in five innings of a 7-3 loss at Colorado on Thursday. He has lasted five innings or fewer in five of those six outings after getting through at least six frames in 16 of 18 starts prior to the break. The 33-year-old, who has 14 career games but no starts against St. Louis, has eight strikeouts against nine walks in his last three appearances.
___________________________________________________________
Ecks and Bacon
Ben lee won on Monday in MLB in the National League with the Nationals -$200/Diamondbacks.
For Tuesday in MLB in the National League "Mr Chalk" likes the Pirates -$140/Braves.
Ben lee is 1-0 +$50 for week forty three 191-221-5 -$2912
"Mr Chalk" is 65-47 -$305 for the 2014 MLB season.
All E&B selections will be for $50 unless noted.
Ben lee won on Monday in MLB in the National League with the Nationals -$200/Diamondbacks.
For Tuesday in MLB in the National League "Mr Chalk" likes the Pirates -$140/Braves.
Ben lee is 1-0 +$50 for week forty three 191-221-5 -$2912
"Mr Chalk" is 65-47 -$305 for the 2014 MLB season.
All E&B selections will be for $50 unless noted.
Advanced sports investments
perry’s soccer club (-3.70)
uefa – champions league
arsenal fc @ besiktas jk – under 2.5 -105 (245pm)
england – championship
blackburn rovers @ norwich city – over 2.5 +100 (245pm)
england – league 1
bradford city @ crawley town – under 2.5 -140 (245pm)
england – league 2
exeter city @ burton albion – under 2.5 -145 (245pm)
perry’s soccer club (-3.70)
uefa – champions league
arsenal fc @ besiktas jk – under 2.5 -105 (245pm)
england – championship
blackburn rovers @ norwich city – over 2.5 +100 (245pm)
england – league 1
bradford city @ crawley town – under 2.5 -140 (245pm)
england – league 2
exeter city @ burton albion – under 2.5 -145 (245pm)
CHASE DIAMOND
10* MLB DIAMOND DOG
LA Angels vs. Boston, 08/19/2014 19:10
Money Line: +120 Boston Red Sox
This game has the 73-50 Angels at the 56-68 Red Sox. Huge steam move on this game coming into my office and I want to share this game with all my clients free. Boston has played better lately winning 6 of their last 10. Jered Weaver has struggled lately and he faces off with Boston young gun Allen Webster. 80% of the public are riding the road Angels here yet this line has moved like 19 cents showing us very major sharp play is in place on Boston tonight. Take Boston at nice plus money for a 10* winner.
10* MLB DIAMOND DOG
LA Angels vs. Boston, 08/19/2014 19:10
Money Line: +120 Boston Red Sox
This game has the 73-50 Angels at the 56-68 Red Sox. Huge steam move on this game coming into my office and I want to share this game with all my clients free. Boston has played better lately winning 6 of their last 10. Jered Weaver has struggled lately and he faces off with Boston young gun Allen Webster. 80% of the public are riding the road Angels here yet this line has moved like 19 cents showing us very major sharp play is in place on Boston tonight. Take Boston at nice plus money for a 10* winner.
STATSYSTEMS SPORTS NL PITCHING REPORT
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th 2014
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_____________________________________
#951 ATLANTA @ #952 PITTSBURGH - 7:05 PM
•Braves RH Aaron Harang (9-7, 3.51 ERA, WHIP: 1.412) - Harang is winless over his last six starts despite posting a 3.47 ERA in that span. The worst outing of the stretch came Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who got to the veteran for five runs in 4 1/3 innings. Harang is 9-4 with a 4.25 ERA in 13 starts at Pittsburgh and 15-7 all-time versus the Pirates.
--KEY STAT: HARANG is 9-23 (-15.6 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HARANG 3.2, OPPONENT 4.2.
--HARANG is 10-1 OVER (+9.1 Units) as an underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HARANG 3.0, OPPONENT 7.7.
•Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (3-9, 3.78 ERA, WHIP: 1.286) - Liriano has a 2.36 ERA in seven starts since returning from the disabled list but just two wins to show for it. He let up two runs and struck out nine in six strong innings Thursday in Detroit, but the Pirates wound up on the wrong end of a 5-2 decision. Liriano, who has let up two earned runs or fewer in each of his last four home outings, has not faced Atlanta since June 11, 2010, when as a member of the Minnesota Twins he fanned 11 and yielded one run in eight outstanding innings.
--KEY STAT: LIRIANO is 8-0 (+8.2 Units) against the money line after 2 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LIRIANO 4.5, OPPONENT 1.4.
--LIRIANO is 20-7 UNDER (+12.1 Units) after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LIRIANO 3.5, OPPONENT 3.1.
#953 ARIZONA @ #954 WASHINGTON - 7:05 PM
•Diamondbacks RH Chase Anderson (7-4, 3.16 ERA, WHIP: 1.301) - Anderson enters with a six-start unbeaten streak during which he is 2-0 while allowing more than two runs only once. The 26-year-old settled for a no-decision at Miami on Thursday, when he yielded three runs on nine hits and two walks in six innings. Anderson won his first two road outings of the season but is 0-2 in four turns away from home since emerging victorious at Colorado on June 3.
•Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (9-10, 3.53 ERA, WHIP: 1.206) - Strasburg is coming off a dominant performance against the Mets in New York on Thursday, when he allowed just an unearned run and three hits while striking out eight over seven innings. The 26-year-old has won two of three following a three-start losing streak, yielding one unearned run and six hits with 18 strikeouts over 14 frames in the victories. Strasburg suffered his first loss in five career starts against the Diamondbacks on May 13 at Arizona despite giving up only three runs in seven innings.
--KEY STAT: STRASBURG is 12-29 against the run line (-19.6 Units) when the total is 7 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was STRASBURG 3.5, OPPONENT 3.8.
--STRASBURG is 23-12 OVER (+10.8 Units) versus teams whose hitters draw 3 walks or less/game over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was STRASBURG 4.4, OPPONENT 4.1.
--STRASBURG is 24-9 OVER (+14.6 Units) after giving up 1 or less earned runs last outing over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was STRASBURG 4.5, OPPONENT 4.7.
#955 SAN FRANCISCO @ #956 CHICAGO CUBS - 8:05 PM
•Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (7-8, 3.71 ERA, WHIP: 1.251) - Vogelsong turned in his third straight strong start last Tuesday, but settled for a no-decision despite giving up two runs on three hits in seven frames in a 3-2 home setback to the Chicago White Sox. The Giants have lost each of the 10-year-veteran’s last seven turns at home, but won each of his previous three road outings. Vogelsong, who is 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in three August turns after going 0-4 with a 4.55 ERA in July, is 5-5 with a 5.75 ERA in 16 all-time appearances (10 starts) against the Cubs.
--KEY STAT: VOGELSONG is 8-0 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 5.1, OPPONENT 2.8.
--VOGELSONG is 15-4 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.3, OPPONENT 2.8.
--VOGELSONG is 9-0 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games versus an National League team with an on base percentage .325 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 5.3, OPPONENT 2.9.
--VOGELSONG is 9-1 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.8, OPPONENT 3.1.
--VOGELSONG is 31-9 against the run line (+21.5 Units) in road games versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.8, OPPONENT 3.5.
--VOGELSONG is 30-10 against the run line (+18.6 Units) in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.9, OPPONENT 3.9.
•Cubs LH Tsuyoshi Wada (2-1, 3.15 ERA, WHIP: 1.165) - Despite surrendering two home runs for the first time in six career turns, Wada allowed only three other hits over 6 2/3 innings in a 4-2 victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday. The 33-year-old Japanese import has posted a 2-0 record and 2.49 ERA over his last four outings – yielding two runs or fewer each time. Wada, who will face San Francisco for the first time, has limited opponents to a .218 average over his four home starts and held left-handed batters to a .143 mark.
__________________________________________________
How Was Your Football Season Last Year?
If you didn’t go 25-6 during August and September (80.6%), you weren’t with us here at StatSystems Sports! That was our win-loss record the first two months of the season with our Huge *5-Star Selections.
And aside from winning a documented $2,980 in net profits last season, we were also a "Spot-Less" 4-0 with our Highly-Rated *6-Star College releases throughout the regular season! Best of all, when you join StatSystemsSports.net this football season in August – in time for the NFL regular season – you will not only save $300 on the spot but also receive the #1 Rated Sports Betting Publication in the Country Today! Our Weekly NFL & NCAA College Football Newsletter Report FREE!
"Remember, don't make a move without it, You'll be glad you did" Stan!
___________________________________________________
#957 CINCINNATI @ #958 ST LOUIS - 8:15 PM
•Reds RH Alfredo Simon (12-8, 3.28 ERA, WHIP: 1.182) - Simon is 0-5 with a 5.46 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break after giving up a career-high seven runs (five earned) in five innings of a 7-3 loss at Colorado on Thursday. He has lasted five innings or fewer in five of those six outings after getting through at least six frames in 16 of 18 starts prior to the break. The 33-year-old, who has 14 career games but no starts against St. Louis, has eight strikeouts against nine walks in his last three appearances.
--KEY STAT: SIMON is 14-3 (+11.8 Units) against the money line versus an National League team with a team batting average of .255 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SIMON 3.9, OPPONENT 2.2.
--SIMON is 15-4 (+12.1 Units) against the money line versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SIMON 4.2, OPPONENT 2.5.
--SIMON is 14-3 (+11.7 Units) against the money line versus an National League team with an on base percentage .315 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SIMON 3.9, OPPONENT 2.3.
--SIMON is 14-3 UNDER (+10.5 Units) versus an National League team with an on base percentage .315 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SIMON 3.9, OPPONENT 2.3.
•Cardinals RH John Lackey (12-8, 3.91 ERA, WHIP: 1.273) - Lackey rebounded from a rocky outings at Baltimore on Aug. 9 with seven solid innings in a no-decision against San Diego on Thursday. He let up two runs in seven innings in a game the Cardinals would eventually win 4-3. Lackey, who yielded one earned run in six innings in his only prior start against Cincinnati, has allowed two earned runs or fewer in five of his last six outings overall.
--KEY STAT: LACKEY is 12-0 UNDER (+12.0 Units) versus an National League team with a team batting average of .250 or worse since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 2.8, OPPONENT 2.1.
--LACKEY is 15-4 UNDER (+10.5 Units) in home games versus teams whose hitters draw 3 walks or less/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 4.1, OPPONENT 3.2.
--LACKEY is 12-3 UNDER (+8.8 Units) in home games versus teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 3.9, OPPONENT 3.2.
--LACKEY is 13-2 UNDER (+10.6 Units) versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 3.3, OPPONENT 2.9.
--LACKEY is 11-1 UNDER (+9.8 Units) versus an National League team with an on base percentage .315 or worse since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 3.4, OPPONENT 2.7.
#959 SAN DIEGO @ #960 LA DODGERS - 10:10 PM
•Padres RH Ian Kennedy (9-10, 3.54 ERA, WHIP: 1.247) - Kennedy has allowed three or fewer runs in seven of his last eight starts, including last Wednesday when he limited Colorado to three runs over six frames in a 5-3 victory. “I made some mistakes with my changeup, but for the most part I was pretty happy with how I felt,” Kennedy told MLB.com. “Best I’ve felt in a while.” Andre Ethier is 11-for-34 with two homers against the Huntington Beach, Calif. native, who is 5-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 14 career starts against the Dodgers.
--KEY STAT: KENNEDY is 11-1 UNDER (+9.8 Units) in road games versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was KENNEDY 2.7, OPPONENT 2.5.
--KENNEDY is 16-5 UNDER (+10.1 Units) in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was KENNEDY 4.0, OPPONENT 3.2.
•Dodgers RH Kevin Correia (6-13, 4.79 ERA, WHIP: 1.426) - Correia made an impressive Dodgers debut against Atlanta last Monday while yielding one run over six frames in a 6-2 victory. The San Diego native, who pitched for the Padres for two seasons from 2009-2010, went 5-13 with a 4.94 ERA with Minnesota before he was acquired by Los Angeles on Aug. 9. Correia is 4-3 with a 4.77 ERA in 24 career games (10 starts) against San Diego, and he held the Padres to three runs over six innings in his final start for the Twins on Aug. 6.
--KEY STAT: CORREIA is 6-21 (-12.7 Units) against the money line versus poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was CORREIA 3.1, OPPONENT 5.1.
--CORREIA is 43-25 (+26.6 Units) against the money line versus an National League team with a team batting average of .255 or worse since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CORREIA 4.7, OPPONENT 3.7.
--CORREIA is 28-13 (+17.7 Units) against the money line versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CORREIA 5.1, OPPONENT 4.0.
--CORREIA is 7-24 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was CORREIA 3.0, OPPONENT 5.0.
________________________________________________
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th 2014
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_____________________________________
#951 ATLANTA @ #952 PITTSBURGH - 7:05 PM
•Braves RH Aaron Harang (9-7, 3.51 ERA, WHIP: 1.412) - Harang is winless over his last six starts despite posting a 3.47 ERA in that span. The worst outing of the stretch came Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who got to the veteran for five runs in 4 1/3 innings. Harang is 9-4 with a 4.25 ERA in 13 starts at Pittsburgh and 15-7 all-time versus the Pirates.
--KEY STAT: HARANG is 9-23 (-15.6 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HARANG 3.2, OPPONENT 4.2.
--HARANG is 10-1 OVER (+9.1 Units) as an underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was HARANG 3.0, OPPONENT 7.7.
•Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (3-9, 3.78 ERA, WHIP: 1.286) - Liriano has a 2.36 ERA in seven starts since returning from the disabled list but just two wins to show for it. He let up two runs and struck out nine in six strong innings Thursday in Detroit, but the Pirates wound up on the wrong end of a 5-2 decision. Liriano, who has let up two earned runs or fewer in each of his last four home outings, has not faced Atlanta since June 11, 2010, when as a member of the Minnesota Twins he fanned 11 and yielded one run in eight outstanding innings.
--KEY STAT: LIRIANO is 8-0 (+8.2 Units) against the money line after 2 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LIRIANO 4.5, OPPONENT 1.4.
--LIRIANO is 20-7 UNDER (+12.1 Units) after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LIRIANO 3.5, OPPONENT 3.1.
#953 ARIZONA @ #954 WASHINGTON - 7:05 PM
•Diamondbacks RH Chase Anderson (7-4, 3.16 ERA, WHIP: 1.301) - Anderson enters with a six-start unbeaten streak during which he is 2-0 while allowing more than two runs only once. The 26-year-old settled for a no-decision at Miami on Thursday, when he yielded three runs on nine hits and two walks in six innings. Anderson won his first two road outings of the season but is 0-2 in four turns away from home since emerging victorious at Colorado on June 3.
•Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (9-10, 3.53 ERA, WHIP: 1.206) - Strasburg is coming off a dominant performance against the Mets in New York on Thursday, when he allowed just an unearned run and three hits while striking out eight over seven innings. The 26-year-old has won two of three following a three-start losing streak, yielding one unearned run and six hits with 18 strikeouts over 14 frames in the victories. Strasburg suffered his first loss in five career starts against the Diamondbacks on May 13 at Arizona despite giving up only three runs in seven innings.
--KEY STAT: STRASBURG is 12-29 against the run line (-19.6 Units) when the total is 7 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was STRASBURG 3.5, OPPONENT 3.8.
--STRASBURG is 23-12 OVER (+10.8 Units) versus teams whose hitters draw 3 walks or less/game over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was STRASBURG 4.4, OPPONENT 4.1.
--STRASBURG is 24-9 OVER (+14.6 Units) after giving up 1 or less earned runs last outing over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was STRASBURG 4.5, OPPONENT 4.7.
#955 SAN FRANCISCO @ #956 CHICAGO CUBS - 8:05 PM
•Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (7-8, 3.71 ERA, WHIP: 1.251) - Vogelsong turned in his third straight strong start last Tuesday, but settled for a no-decision despite giving up two runs on three hits in seven frames in a 3-2 home setback to the Chicago White Sox. The Giants have lost each of the 10-year-veteran’s last seven turns at home, but won each of his previous three road outings. Vogelsong, who is 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA in three August turns after going 0-4 with a 4.55 ERA in July, is 5-5 with a 5.75 ERA in 16 all-time appearances (10 starts) against the Cubs.
--KEY STAT: VOGELSONG is 8-0 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 5.1, OPPONENT 2.8.
--VOGELSONG is 15-4 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.3, OPPONENT 2.8.
--VOGELSONG is 9-0 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games versus an National League team with an on base percentage .325 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 5.3, OPPONENT 2.9.
--VOGELSONG is 9-1 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.8, OPPONENT 3.1.
--VOGELSONG is 31-9 against the run line (+21.5 Units) in road games versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.8, OPPONENT 3.5.
--VOGELSONG is 30-10 against the run line (+18.6 Units) in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was VOGELSONG 4.9, OPPONENT 3.9.
•Cubs LH Tsuyoshi Wada (2-1, 3.15 ERA, WHIP: 1.165) - Despite surrendering two home runs for the first time in six career turns, Wada allowed only three other hits over 6 2/3 innings in a 4-2 victory over Milwaukee on Wednesday. The 33-year-old Japanese import has posted a 2-0 record and 2.49 ERA over his last four outings – yielding two runs or fewer each time. Wada, who will face San Francisco for the first time, has limited opponents to a .218 average over his four home starts and held left-handed batters to a .143 mark.
__________________________________________________
How Was Your Football Season Last Year?
If you didn’t go 25-6 during August and September (80.6%), you weren’t with us here at StatSystems Sports! That was our win-loss record the first two months of the season with our Huge *5-Star Selections.
And aside from winning a documented $2,980 in net profits last season, we were also a "Spot-Less" 4-0 with our Highly-Rated *6-Star College releases throughout the regular season! Best of all, when you join StatSystemsSports.net this football season in August – in time for the NFL regular season – you will not only save $300 on the spot but also receive the #1 Rated Sports Betting Publication in the Country Today! Our Weekly NFL & NCAA College Football Newsletter Report FREE!
"Remember, don't make a move without it, You'll be glad you did" Stan!
___________________________________________________
#957 CINCINNATI @ #958 ST LOUIS - 8:15 PM
•Reds RH Alfredo Simon (12-8, 3.28 ERA, WHIP: 1.182) - Simon is 0-5 with a 5.46 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break after giving up a career-high seven runs (five earned) in five innings of a 7-3 loss at Colorado on Thursday. He has lasted five innings or fewer in five of those six outings after getting through at least six frames in 16 of 18 starts prior to the break. The 33-year-old, who has 14 career games but no starts against St. Louis, has eight strikeouts against nine walks in his last three appearances.
--KEY STAT: SIMON is 14-3 (+11.8 Units) against the money line versus an National League team with a team batting average of .255 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SIMON 3.9, OPPONENT 2.2.
--SIMON is 15-4 (+12.1 Units) against the money line versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SIMON 4.2, OPPONENT 2.5.
--SIMON is 14-3 (+11.7 Units) against the money line versus an National League team with an on base percentage .315 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SIMON 3.9, OPPONENT 2.3.
--SIMON is 14-3 UNDER (+10.5 Units) versus an National League team with an on base percentage .315 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was SIMON 3.9, OPPONENT 2.3.
•Cardinals RH John Lackey (12-8, 3.91 ERA, WHIP: 1.273) - Lackey rebounded from a rocky outings at Baltimore on Aug. 9 with seven solid innings in a no-decision against San Diego on Thursday. He let up two runs in seven innings in a game the Cardinals would eventually win 4-3. Lackey, who yielded one earned run in six innings in his only prior start against Cincinnati, has allowed two earned runs or fewer in five of his last six outings overall.
--KEY STAT: LACKEY is 12-0 UNDER (+12.0 Units) versus an National League team with a team batting average of .250 or worse since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 2.8, OPPONENT 2.1.
--LACKEY is 15-4 UNDER (+10.5 Units) in home games versus teams whose hitters draw 3 walks or less/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 4.1, OPPONENT 3.2.
--LACKEY is 12-3 UNDER (+8.8 Units) in home games versus teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 3.9, OPPONENT 3.2.
--LACKEY is 13-2 UNDER (+10.6 Units) versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 3.3, OPPONENT 2.9.
--LACKEY is 11-1 UNDER (+9.8 Units) versus an National League team with an on base percentage .315 or worse since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was LACKEY 3.4, OPPONENT 2.7.
#959 SAN DIEGO @ #960 LA DODGERS - 10:10 PM
•Padres RH Ian Kennedy (9-10, 3.54 ERA, WHIP: 1.247) - Kennedy has allowed three or fewer runs in seven of his last eight starts, including last Wednesday when he limited Colorado to three runs over six frames in a 5-3 victory. “I made some mistakes with my changeup, but for the most part I was pretty happy with how I felt,” Kennedy told MLB.com. “Best I’ve felt in a while.” Andre Ethier is 11-for-34 with two homers against the Huntington Beach, Calif. native, who is 5-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 14 career starts against the Dodgers.
--KEY STAT: KENNEDY is 11-1 UNDER (+9.8 Units) in road games versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was KENNEDY 2.7, OPPONENT 2.5.
--KENNEDY is 16-5 UNDER (+10.1 Units) in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was KENNEDY 4.0, OPPONENT 3.2.
•Dodgers RH Kevin Correia (6-13, 4.79 ERA, WHIP: 1.426) - Correia made an impressive Dodgers debut against Atlanta last Monday while yielding one run over six frames in a 6-2 victory. The San Diego native, who pitched for the Padres for two seasons from 2009-2010, went 5-13 with a 4.94 ERA with Minnesota before he was acquired by Los Angeles on Aug. 9. Correia is 4-3 with a 4.77 ERA in 24 career games (10 starts) against San Diego, and he held the Padres to three runs over six innings in his final start for the Twins on Aug. 6.
--KEY STAT: CORREIA is 6-21 (-12.7 Units) against the money line versus poor power teams - averaging 0.9 or less HR's/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was CORREIA 3.1, OPPONENT 5.1.
--CORREIA is 43-25 (+26.6 Units) against the money line versus an National League team with a team batting average of .255 or worse since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CORREIA 4.7, OPPONENT 3.7.
--CORREIA is 28-13 (+17.7 Units) against the money line versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CORREIA 5.1, OPPONENT 4.0.
--CORREIA is 7-24 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was CORREIA 3.0, OPPONENT 5.0.
________________________________________________
STATSYSTEMS SPORTS AL PITCHING REPORT
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th 2014
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_____________________________________
#961 HOUSTON @ #962 NY YANKEES - 7:05 PM
•Astros LH Brett Oberholtzer (4-8, 3.87 ERA, WHIP: 1.318) - Oberholtzer suffered his first loss since July 3 despite yielding just one run on six hits in seven innings en route to a 3-1 setback to Minnesota on Wednesday. The 25-year-old has lowered his ERA after each of his last six starts, shaving nearly a full run in the process. Oberholtzer has dropped both career meetings with the Yankees, permitting three runs in 5 2/3 innings in his last encounter on April 3.
--KEY STAT: OBERHOLTZER is 9-1 UNDER (+7.8 Units) versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was OBERHOLTZER 2.9, OPPONENT 3.6.
•Yankees LH Chris Capuano (1-3, 4.13 ERA, WHIP: 1.376) - Capuano will be pitching on his 36th birthday and would love to give himself a nifty present by notching his first victory with his new team. The veteran fell to 0-2 with a 3.60 ERA in four starts with New York after allowing four runs on six hits in as many innings en route to an 11-3 loss versus Baltimore on Aug. 11. Capuano owns an impressive 7-4 mark with a 3.15 ERA in his career against Houston.
--KEY STAT: CAPUANO is 23-39 (-21.2 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CAPUANO 4.2, OPPONENT 5.0.
--CAPUANO is 29-12 UNDER (+15.9 Units) after a game where he did not walk a batter since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CAPUANO 3.6, OPPONENT 4.0.
#963 LA ANGELS @ #964 BOSTON - 7:10 PM
•Angels RH Jered Weaver (13-7, 3.66 ERA, WHIP: 1.207) - Weaver had a nine-start unbeaten streak snapped by Boston on Aug. 8, when he surrendering four runs and seven hits over six innings to drop to 4-6 lifetime in 15 career starts against the Red Sox. Weaver bounced back to limit Philadelphia to two runs over six innings on Wednesday to improve to 6-1 in his last 11 turns. Former teammate Mike Napoli has tormented Weaver, collecting 10 hits and hitting three homers in 29 at-bats.
--KEY STAT: WEAVER is 8-1 OVER (+7.0 Units) in road games versus an American League team with a team batting average of .260 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was WEAVER 6.2, OPPONENT 5.2.
--WEAVER is 41-13 UNDER (+26.4 Units) versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was WEAVER 3.6, OPPONENT 3.2.
--WEAVER is 21-6 OVER (+14.8 Units) in road games against American League East opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was WEAVER 6.1, OPPONENT 5.9.
•Red Sox RH Allen Webster (3-1, 4.79 ERA, WHIP: 1.451) - Webster has won his last two starts, although Boston's offense bailed him out of a four-run deficit in a victory over Houston last time out. He had his best outing of the season against the Angels earlier this month, allowing two runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings. The biggest issue for the hard-throwing Webster is control, or lack thereof - he has walked 16 and struck out only 10 over 20 2/3 innings in his four starts.
--KEY STAT: WEBSTER is 7-0 OVER (+7.2 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .320 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was WEBSTER 7.0, OPPONENT 7.1.
__________________________________________
Covered And Smothered
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____________________________________________________
#965 DETROIT @ #966 TAMPA BAY - 7:10 PM
•Tigers RH Max Scherzer (14-4, 2.98 ERA, WHIP: 1.136) - Scherzer has been outstanding in his last 10 starts while allowing two or fewer runs in nine of them, including eight scoreless innings to beat Pittsburgh on Thursday. The 30-year-old boasts 196 strikeouts and only 46 walks - 25 and two in his last two outings - over 169 innings. Yunel Escobar is 11-for-30 with a homer against Scherzer, who is 4-2 in seven career games versus the Rays with a 2.56 ERA.
--KEY STAT: SCHERZER is 29-7 (+16.7 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with a team batting average of .260 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SCHERZER 5.4, OPPONENT 3.0.
--SCHERZER is 33-10 (+16.4 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SCHERZER 5.2, OPPONENT 3.3.
--SCHERZER is 9-26 against the run line (-19.6 Units) in road games after giving up 1 or less earned runs last outing since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was SCHERZER 3.9, OPPONENT 4.5.
•Rays RH Chris Archer (8-6, 3.24 ERA, WHIP: 1.279) - Archer has permitted three runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts after limiting Texas to one run in seven innings while striking out a career-high 12 last Wednesday. The North Carolina native surrendered two runs - on homers by Alex Avila and J.D. Martinez - in a season-high 8 1/3 innings to win at Detroit on July 5. Archer yielded just one home run in his last six starts and six in 24 outings overall.
--KEY STAT: ARCHER is 11-1 (+9.7 Units) against the money line versus teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was ARCHER 4.8, OPPONENT 2.6.
--ARCHER is 0-6 (-7.1 Units) against the money line after giving up <=2 earned runs in his last 2 outings this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was ARCHER 1.8, OPPONENT 5.2.
#967 CLEVELAND @ #968 MINNESOTA - 8:10 PM
•Indians RH Trevor Bauer (4-7, 4.35 ERA, WHIP: 1.421) - Bauer's winless streak reached five starts Wednesday as he settled for a no-decision against Arizona despite allowing only two runs and four hits with nine strikeouts in a career-high eight innings. The 23-year-old has not won since yielding three runs in six frames against the Tigers in Detroit on July 18 for his first victory in six road decisions this season. Bauer followed that triumph with a loss at Minnesota five days later, as he also gave up three runs over six innings in his first career meeting with the Twins.
--KEY STAT: BAUER is 0-6 against the run line (-9.2 Units) in road games versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was BAUER 2.7, OPPONENT 5.0.
--BAUER is 0-6 against the run line (-9.2 Units) in road games versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was BAUER 2.7, OPPONENT 5.0.
•Twins RH Kyle Gibson (11-9, 3.96 ERA, WHIP: 1.224) - Gibson makes his first home start after a string of four consecutive road outings during which he went 3-1. The 26-year-old limited Houston to one run and six hits over 7 2/3 innings on Wednesday as he improved to 7-6 in 15 turns on the road this season. Gibson was victorious against the Indians on the road in his season debut on April 5 and settled for a no-decision in Cleveland on May 5, allowing a total of one run and five hits over 12 innings.
--KEY STAT: GIBSON is 12-5 (+10.2 Units) against the money line versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 4.9, OPPONENT 2.2.
--GIBSON is 10-3 (+9.7 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with an on base percentage .320 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 5.3, OPPONENT 2.3.
--GIBSON is 6-1 (+7.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 5.9, OPPONENT 2.4.
--GIBSON is 11-1 OVER (+10.1 Units) versus an American League team with a batting average of .260 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 6.6, OPPONENT 5.0.
--GIBSON is 12-3 OVER (+9.1 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 6.1, OPPONENT 4.5.
#969 BALTIMORE @ #970 CHI WHITE SOX - 8:10 PM
•Orioles RH Chris Tillman (9-5, 3.68 ERA, WHIP: 1.257) - Tillman pitched well enough to win his third consecutive start, but settled for a no-decision despite allowing two runs on five hits in seven innings against the Yankees on Wednesday. The 26-year-old keeps a tidy 6-0 mark away from home, although his ERA on the road is a full run higher (4.68) than his 2014 total. Tillman improved to 2-1 in his career versus the White Sox after limiting them to just one hit in seven scoreless innings in his last meeting.
--KEY STAT: TILLMAN is 15-4 (+10.5 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters draw 3 walks or less/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 4.7, OPPONENT 2.9.
--TILLMAN is 28-16 (+12.9 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 4.7, OPPONENT 3.5.
--TILLMAN is 29-13 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 5.0, OPPONENT 3.5.
•White Sox LH Jose Quintana (6-9, 3.14 ERA, WHIP: 1.228) - Quintana deserved a better fate in his last outing, but San Francisco scored its first run on a controversial replay review in the seventh before exploding on the bullpen. The 25-year-old Colombian was charged with four runs on as many hits to suffer his second straight loss. Quintana improved to 1-2 versus Baltimore in his career after allowing one run on six hits in seven innings en route to a 4-2 victory on June 24.
--KEY STAT: QUINTANA is 15-4 UNDER (+10.4 Units) versus an American League team with a batting average of .265 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was QUINTANA 2.9, OPPONENT 4.1.
--QUINTANA is 15-3 UNDER (+11.5 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .320 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was QUINTANA 2.8, OPPONENT 4.1.
________________________________________________
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th 2014
INFORMATION WORTH BETTING ON EACH DAY
_____________________________________
#961 HOUSTON @ #962 NY YANKEES - 7:05 PM
•Astros LH Brett Oberholtzer (4-8, 3.87 ERA, WHIP: 1.318) - Oberholtzer suffered his first loss since July 3 despite yielding just one run on six hits in seven innings en route to a 3-1 setback to Minnesota on Wednesday. The 25-year-old has lowered his ERA after each of his last six starts, shaving nearly a full run in the process. Oberholtzer has dropped both career meetings with the Yankees, permitting three runs in 5 2/3 innings in his last encounter on April 3.
--KEY STAT: OBERHOLTZER is 9-1 UNDER (+7.8 Units) versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was OBERHOLTZER 2.9, OPPONENT 3.6.
•Yankees LH Chris Capuano (1-3, 4.13 ERA, WHIP: 1.376) - Capuano will be pitching on his 36th birthday and would love to give himself a nifty present by notching his first victory with his new team. The veteran fell to 0-2 with a 3.60 ERA in four starts with New York after allowing four runs on six hits in as many innings en route to an 11-3 loss versus Baltimore on Aug. 11. Capuano owns an impressive 7-4 mark with a 3.15 ERA in his career against Houston.
--KEY STAT: CAPUANO is 23-39 (-21.2 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CAPUANO 4.2, OPPONENT 5.0.
--CAPUANO is 29-12 UNDER (+15.9 Units) after a game where he did not walk a batter since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was CAPUANO 3.6, OPPONENT 4.0.
#963 LA ANGELS @ #964 BOSTON - 7:10 PM
•Angels RH Jered Weaver (13-7, 3.66 ERA, WHIP: 1.207) - Weaver had a nine-start unbeaten streak snapped by Boston on Aug. 8, when he surrendering four runs and seven hits over six innings to drop to 4-6 lifetime in 15 career starts against the Red Sox. Weaver bounced back to limit Philadelphia to two runs over six innings on Wednesday to improve to 6-1 in his last 11 turns. Former teammate Mike Napoli has tormented Weaver, collecting 10 hits and hitting three homers in 29 at-bats.
--KEY STAT: WEAVER is 8-1 OVER (+7.0 Units) in road games versus an American League team with a team batting average of .260 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was WEAVER 6.2, OPPONENT 5.2.
--WEAVER is 41-13 UNDER (+26.4 Units) versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was WEAVER 3.6, OPPONENT 3.2.
--WEAVER is 21-6 OVER (+14.8 Units) in road games against American League East opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was WEAVER 6.1, OPPONENT 5.9.
•Red Sox RH Allen Webster (3-1, 4.79 ERA, WHIP: 1.451) - Webster has won his last two starts, although Boston's offense bailed him out of a four-run deficit in a victory over Houston last time out. He had his best outing of the season against the Angels earlier this month, allowing two runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings. The biggest issue for the hard-throwing Webster is control, or lack thereof - he has walked 16 and struck out only 10 over 20 2/3 innings in his four starts.
--KEY STAT: WEBSTER is 7-0 OVER (+7.2 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .320 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was WEBSTER 7.0, OPPONENT 7.1.
__________________________________________
Covered And Smothered
Do you have everything you need for football season yet? StatSystemsSports.net has you covered and smothered like Waffle House hash browns for NCAA College Football along with the National Football League:
Daily Stat/Sheets. For the handicapper who wants to dig into the stats, there's nothing that compares to the wealth of both Match-up and Situational Power Trends and Betting Systems offered by the Stat/Sheets.
StatSystems Sports Bi-Weekly Newsletter Report. Only the very best trends from our Huge Library of Power Trends stored in our database along with expert write-ups for each match-up from our Expert Staff of Handicappers, delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday and Saturday.
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____________________________________________________
#965 DETROIT @ #966 TAMPA BAY - 7:10 PM
•Tigers RH Max Scherzer (14-4, 2.98 ERA, WHIP: 1.136) - Scherzer has been outstanding in his last 10 starts while allowing two or fewer runs in nine of them, including eight scoreless innings to beat Pittsburgh on Thursday. The 30-year-old boasts 196 strikeouts and only 46 walks - 25 and two in his last two outings - over 169 innings. Yunel Escobar is 11-for-30 with a homer against Scherzer, who is 4-2 in seven career games versus the Rays with a 2.56 ERA.
--KEY STAT: SCHERZER is 29-7 (+16.7 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with a team batting average of .260 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SCHERZER 5.4, OPPONENT 3.0.
--SCHERZER is 33-10 (+16.4 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was SCHERZER 5.2, OPPONENT 3.3.
--SCHERZER is 9-26 against the run line (-19.6 Units) in road games after giving up 1 or less earned runs last outing since 1997. (Team's Record)
The average score was SCHERZER 3.9, OPPONENT 4.5.
•Rays RH Chris Archer (8-6, 3.24 ERA, WHIP: 1.279) - Archer has permitted three runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts after limiting Texas to one run in seven innings while striking out a career-high 12 last Wednesday. The North Carolina native surrendered two runs - on homers by Alex Avila and J.D. Martinez - in a season-high 8 1/3 innings to win at Detroit on July 5. Archer yielded just one home run in his last six starts and six in 24 outings overall.
--KEY STAT: ARCHER is 11-1 (+9.7 Units) against the money line versus teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was ARCHER 4.8, OPPONENT 2.6.
--ARCHER is 0-6 (-7.1 Units) against the money line after giving up <=2 earned runs in his last 2 outings this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was ARCHER 1.8, OPPONENT 5.2.
#967 CLEVELAND @ #968 MINNESOTA - 8:10 PM
•Indians RH Trevor Bauer (4-7, 4.35 ERA, WHIP: 1.421) - Bauer's winless streak reached five starts Wednesday as he settled for a no-decision against Arizona despite allowing only two runs and four hits with nine strikeouts in a career-high eight innings. The 23-year-old has not won since yielding three runs in six frames against the Tigers in Detroit on July 18 for his first victory in six road decisions this season. Bauer followed that triumph with a loss at Minnesota five days later, as he also gave up three runs over six innings in his first career meeting with the Twins.
--KEY STAT: BAUER is 0-6 against the run line (-9.2 Units) in road games versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was BAUER 2.7, OPPONENT 5.0.
--BAUER is 0-6 against the run line (-9.2 Units) in road games versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was BAUER 2.7, OPPONENT 5.0.
•Twins RH Kyle Gibson (11-9, 3.96 ERA, WHIP: 1.224) - Gibson makes his first home start after a string of four consecutive road outings during which he went 3-1. The 26-year-old limited Houston to one run and six hits over 7 2/3 innings on Wednesday as he improved to 7-6 in 15 turns on the road this season. Gibson was victorious against the Indians on the road in his season debut on April 5 and settled for a no-decision in Cleveland on May 5, allowing a total of one run and five hits over 12 innings.
--KEY STAT: GIBSON is 12-5 (+10.2 Units) against the money line versus American League teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game on the season this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 4.9, OPPONENT 2.2.
--GIBSON is 10-3 (+9.7 Units) against the money line versus an American League team with an on base percentage .320 or worse this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 5.3, OPPONENT 2.3.
--GIBSON is 6-1 (+7.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 5.9, OPPONENT 2.4.
--GIBSON is 11-1 OVER (+10.1 Units) versus an American League team with a batting average of .260 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 6.6, OPPONENT 5.0.
--GIBSON is 12-3 OVER (+9.1 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .330 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was GIBSON 6.1, OPPONENT 4.5.
#969 BALTIMORE @ #970 CHI WHITE SOX - 8:10 PM
•Orioles RH Chris Tillman (9-5, 3.68 ERA, WHIP: 1.257) - Tillman pitched well enough to win his third consecutive start, but settled for a no-decision despite allowing two runs on five hits in seven innings against the Yankees on Wednesday. The 26-year-old keeps a tidy 6-0 mark away from home, although his ERA on the road is a full run higher (4.68) than his 2014 total. Tillman improved to 2-1 in his career versus the White Sox after limiting them to just one hit in seven scoreless innings in his last meeting.
--KEY STAT: TILLMAN is 15-4 (+10.5 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters draw 3 walks or less/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 4.7, OPPONENT 2.9.
--TILLMAN is 28-16 (+12.9 Units) against the money line versus teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 4.7, OPPONENT 3.5.
--TILLMAN is 29-13 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 5.0, OPPONENT 3.5.
•White Sox LH Jose Quintana (6-9, 3.14 ERA, WHIP: 1.228) - Quintana deserved a better fate in his last outing, but San Francisco scored its first run on a controversial replay review in the seventh before exploding on the bullpen. The 25-year-old Colombian was charged with four runs on as many hits to suffer his second straight loss. Quintana improved to 1-2 versus Baltimore in his career after allowing one run on six hits in seven innings en route to a 4-2 victory on June 24.
--KEY STAT: QUINTANA is 15-4 UNDER (+10.4 Units) versus an American League team with a batting average of .265 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was QUINTANA 2.9, OPPONENT 4.1.
--QUINTANA is 15-3 UNDER (+11.5 Units) versus an American League team with an on base percentage .320 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was QUINTANA 2.8, OPPONENT 4.1.
________________________________________________
River City Sharps
These are definitely two teams headed in different directions as the Orioles come off an 8-2 win over the White Sox on Monday night and now hold a 7.5 game lead in the AL East. The Orioles will give the rock to Chris Tillman (9-5, 3.68) tonight to face off with Chicago's Jose Quintana (6-9, 3.14) Tillman has been fantastic away from Camden Yards this year, sporting a perfct 6-0 road mark while Quintana has dropped his last two decisions. A really interesting trend in this game is the fact that the White Sox are just 3-13 in Quintana's last 16 starts vs. teams with a winning record and 0-4 in Quinatana's last four starts as a home doggie. The Orioles have done a good job feasting on lefties as they are 5-0 in their last five road games vs. a left-handed starter and 10-4 in their last 14 games overall. Tillman limited these White Sox to only one hit in seven scoreless innings last time he faced Chicago and while Quintana can be tough to hit at times, the Orioles have all of the momentum right now. The Sharps say...
3 UNITS - BALTIMORE ORIOLES (-110)
These are definitely two teams headed in different directions as the Orioles come off an 8-2 win over the White Sox on Monday night and now hold a 7.5 game lead in the AL East. The Orioles will give the rock to Chris Tillman (9-5, 3.68) tonight to face off with Chicago's Jose Quintana (6-9, 3.14) Tillman has been fantastic away from Camden Yards this year, sporting a perfct 6-0 road mark while Quintana has dropped his last two decisions. A really interesting trend in this game is the fact that the White Sox are just 3-13 in Quintana's last 16 starts vs. teams with a winning record and 0-4 in Quinatana's last four starts as a home doggie. The Orioles have done a good job feasting on lefties as they are 5-0 in their last five road games vs. a left-handed starter and 10-4 in their last 14 games overall. Tillman limited these White Sox to only one hit in seven scoreless innings last time he faced Chicago and while Quintana can be tough to hit at times, the Orioles have all of the momentum right now. The Sharps say...
3 UNITS - BALTIMORE ORIOLES (-110)
Sportswagers
Cleveland @ MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA +101 over Cleveland
No interest whatsoever in the Indians as road chalk. Cleveland is 25-37 on the road and they dropped two of three here exactly a month ago. In that three game set they faced Twins’ starters, Kris Johnson, Yohan Pino and Anthony Swarzak. That trio may just be the worst three starters in succession that any team has faced this season. Things get much tougher for the Tribe here. Kyle Gibson is a starter to keep high on your radar. He’s flashing the upside that made him a premium prospect a few years ago. His skills have improved month by month since April and they are still improving. His control has improved in each month and he has gained velocity on his fastball in each month too. Gibson’s elite 56% groundball rate for the season and excellent 12% swinging strike rate over the last month suggest great profit potential the rest of the year and into the start of next year.
It may surprise you to learn that the Twins are the hottest hitting team in MLB during the month of August, where they have a MLB best .781 OPS. That group now gets to face Trevor Bauer and the weak defense behind him.Bauer has shown the typical highs and lows of a young pitcher over his last five starts. In that time, he has thrown a pair of gems and a pair of disasters, while posting a 5.61 ERA. Bauer’s profile has many issues that include too many walks issued, (13 over his past 29 innings and 41 on the year), a fly-ball lean of 42% against just 33% groundballs and a WHIP of 1.42 (anything over 1.30 is playing with fire). Bauer has upside but at this point in his brief career he is much more appealing as a dog than he is as a favorite on the road. The Indians are wrongly billed as the favorite in this one and we’re on it.
Our Pick
MINNESOTA +101 (Risking 2 units - To Win: 2.02)
Cleveland @ MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA +101 over Cleveland
No interest whatsoever in the Indians as road chalk. Cleveland is 25-37 on the road and they dropped two of three here exactly a month ago. In that three game set they faced Twins’ starters, Kris Johnson, Yohan Pino and Anthony Swarzak. That trio may just be the worst three starters in succession that any team has faced this season. Things get much tougher for the Tribe here. Kyle Gibson is a starter to keep high on your radar. He’s flashing the upside that made him a premium prospect a few years ago. His skills have improved month by month since April and they are still improving. His control has improved in each month and he has gained velocity on his fastball in each month too. Gibson’s elite 56% groundball rate for the season and excellent 12% swinging strike rate over the last month suggest great profit potential the rest of the year and into the start of next year.
It may surprise you to learn that the Twins are the hottest hitting team in MLB during the month of August, where they have a MLB best .781 OPS. That group now gets to face Trevor Bauer and the weak defense behind him.Bauer has shown the typical highs and lows of a young pitcher over his last five starts. In that time, he has thrown a pair of gems and a pair of disasters, while posting a 5.61 ERA. Bauer’s profile has many issues that include too many walks issued, (13 over his past 29 innings and 41 on the year), a fly-ball lean of 42% against just 33% groundballs and a WHIP of 1.42 (anything over 1.30 is playing with fire). Bauer has upside but at this point in his brief career he is much more appealing as a dog than he is as a favorite on the road. The Indians are wrongly billed as the favorite in this one and we’re on it.
Our Pick
MINNESOTA +101 (Risking 2 units - To Win: 2.02)
Sportswagers
L.A. Angels @ BOSTON
BOSTON +113 over L.A. Angels
The Red Sox are not used to playing meaningless games in mid to late August or in September but they will have to endure this year. Still, the role of the spoiler is one every team loves and the Red Sox are not going down without a fight against these contenders. Allen Webster’s first opportunity to sit at the adult table in 2013 did not go well: 8.60 ERA, 1.81 WHIP, 7 HR, and a 23/18 K/BB in 30.1 IP for the Red Sox. With Jake Peavy now calling the Pacific home again, Webster gets the opportunity to prove he’s ready to be a long term Fenway fixture. Some publications had Webster ranked as high as the #32 overall prospect for 2014. Webster was traded from the Dodgers in the Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett blockbuster, immediately showcasing the best pure pitchability in the system. Webster operates with a plus fastball (93-98) and change-up (82-84), both with good sink, alongside an average curve and useable slider, all from a repeatable delivery. Despite being drafted in the 18th round (2008), Webster’s stuff screams frontline starter with a high strikeout rate. However, his difficulty in commanding his fastball, his inability to get lefties out with the change and his confidence and trust in his pure stuff has limited his production, and significantly lowers his floor. Where he ends up (starter or reliever) depends on transitioning his overall positive skill numbers to the major league game. Webster put up impressive numbers at Pawtucket over two seasons in 227 innings, which includes a .232 oppBA. He’s only made four starts with Boston but what sticks out is his elite 15% line-drive rate over those four starts, which was the lowest mark in the majors over the past four starts. He also had a 55% groundball rate in his last start. Webster is a risk because of the issues mentioned above and because he’s wild (16 BB in 21 innings). However, if he’s throwing strikes, he’s wickedly good. If he were favored, we wouldn’t risk it but as a pooch at home, he’s worth the risk.
Jered Weaver picked up a win in his last start in Philadelphia. He surrendered 8 hits in the first four innings and also walked two batters. 10 base-runners, four jams and Weaver once again pulled his Houdini act by allowing just two runs in those first four innings. He was a base hit away from getting blown up on several occasions. Weaver continues to be overvalued because of his history and his solid surface stats (3.66 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). A closer look suggests that he has no value, especially on the road where he gives up plenty of jacks, his command erodes and his fly-ball tilt becomes more pronounced. Over his last six starts, Weaver has the worst groundball/fly-ball rate in the majors at 27%/51%. Over that span he has posted a 1.48 WHIP with an xERA of 5.68. His fastball velocity has dipped three straight years and at some point his ability to outpitch his skills will catch up to him. Yeah, it’s redundant, as we’ve been saying that all season but nothing has changed. Jered Weaver has some of the worst skills in the game and there is no way he can maintain his surface ERA for much longer. Clunk, clunk, clunk and clunk, that’s the sound you’ll hear tonight of balls bouncing off the Green Monster when Weaver is on the mound.
Our Pick
BOSTON +113 (Risking 2 units - To Win: 2.26)
L.A. Angels @ BOSTON
BOSTON +113 over L.A. Angels
The Red Sox are not used to playing meaningless games in mid to late August or in September but they will have to endure this year. Still, the role of the spoiler is one every team loves and the Red Sox are not going down without a fight against these contenders. Allen Webster’s first opportunity to sit at the adult table in 2013 did not go well: 8.60 ERA, 1.81 WHIP, 7 HR, and a 23/18 K/BB in 30.1 IP for the Red Sox. With Jake Peavy now calling the Pacific home again, Webster gets the opportunity to prove he’s ready to be a long term Fenway fixture. Some publications had Webster ranked as high as the #32 overall prospect for 2014. Webster was traded from the Dodgers in the Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett blockbuster, immediately showcasing the best pure pitchability in the system. Webster operates with a plus fastball (93-98) and change-up (82-84), both with good sink, alongside an average curve and useable slider, all from a repeatable delivery. Despite being drafted in the 18th round (2008), Webster’s stuff screams frontline starter with a high strikeout rate. However, his difficulty in commanding his fastball, his inability to get lefties out with the change and his confidence and trust in his pure stuff has limited his production, and significantly lowers his floor. Where he ends up (starter or reliever) depends on transitioning his overall positive skill numbers to the major league game. Webster put up impressive numbers at Pawtucket over two seasons in 227 innings, which includes a .232 oppBA. He’s only made four starts with Boston but what sticks out is his elite 15% line-drive rate over those four starts, which was the lowest mark in the majors over the past four starts. He also had a 55% groundball rate in his last start. Webster is a risk because of the issues mentioned above and because he’s wild (16 BB in 21 innings). However, if he’s throwing strikes, he’s wickedly good. If he were favored, we wouldn’t risk it but as a pooch at home, he’s worth the risk.
Jered Weaver picked up a win in his last start in Philadelphia. He surrendered 8 hits in the first four innings and also walked two batters. 10 base-runners, four jams and Weaver once again pulled his Houdini act by allowing just two runs in those first four innings. He was a base hit away from getting blown up on several occasions. Weaver continues to be overvalued because of his history and his solid surface stats (3.66 ERA, 1.21 WHIP). A closer look suggests that he has no value, especially on the road where he gives up plenty of jacks, his command erodes and his fly-ball tilt becomes more pronounced. Over his last six starts, Weaver has the worst groundball/fly-ball rate in the majors at 27%/51%. Over that span he has posted a 1.48 WHIP with an xERA of 5.68. His fastball velocity has dipped three straight years and at some point his ability to outpitch his skills will catch up to him. Yeah, it’s redundant, as we’ve been saying that all season but nothing has changed. Jered Weaver has some of the worst skills in the game and there is no way he can maintain his surface ERA for much longer. Clunk, clunk, clunk and clunk, that’s the sound you’ll hear tonight of balls bouncing off the Green Monster when Weaver is on the mound.
Our Pick
BOSTON +113 (Risking 2 units - To Win: 2.26)
