Wednesday 09/02/09 service plays chatter/comps/requests & gm strategy...
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FYI, let's limit the comps to the first 2 pages, I need this thread to be used for chatter and what games members would like to pick up or split. Service thread getting way to much chatter. Ty.
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FYI, let's limit the comps to the first 2 pages, I need this thread to be used for chatter and what games members would like to pick up or split. Service thread getting way to much chatter. Ty.
MLB WRITE-UP
Wednesday, September 2
Hot Pitchers
-- Bailey is 2-0, 0.60 in his last couple starts.
-- Lilly has a 1.86 RA in three starts since coming off the DL.
-- Happ is 3-1, 1.67 in his last five starts.
-- Vazquez is 3-2, 3.03 in his last five starts.
-- Carpenter is 9-0, 2.00 in his last 11 starts.
-- Jimenez is 5-1, 2.00 in his last six starts. Redding is 1-0, 2.31 in his last couple starts.
-- Padres won seven of last ten Correia starts.
-- Twins are 3-0 when Duensing starts (2-0, 2.65).
-- Cahill is 1-0, 2.25 in his last three starts.
-- Kazmir was 2-0, 3.20 in his last three starts for Tampa. Mariners won five of last six Hernandez home starts.
-- Indians won last five Laffey starts (3-0, 2.81). Tigers are 9-2 in last eleven Porcello home starts.
-- Bronx won last six Sabathia starts (5-0, 2.89).
-- Hunter is 3-1, 3.62 in his last five starts.
Cold Pitchers
-- Duke is 1-4, 6.07 in his last six starts.
-- Lannan is 0-1, 8.55 in his last four starts.
-- Penny was 0-4, 9.11 in his last five starts.
-- Paulino is 1-4, 8.67 in his last eight starts.
-- Vander Hurk is 1-2, 7.98 in his last three starts.
-- Bush is 0-5, 9.37 in his last seven starts.
-- Scherzer is 0-3, 9.51 in his last six road starts. Billingsley is 2-3, 4.54 in his last six starts.
-- Buehrle is 0-4, 5.98 in seven starts since his perfect game.
-- Royals lost last five Bannister starts (0-4, 9.40).
-- Beckett is 0-1, 9.82 in his last three starts. Garza is 0-1, 7.08 in his last four starts.
-- Berken has a 7.22 RA in his last six starts.
-- Toronto lost last five Richmond starts (0-3, 6.75).
Hot Teams
-- Giants won five of their last seven games. Phillies are 14-6 in their last 20 games.
-- Reds won eight of their last ten games.
-- Braves won eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Cardinals won 10 of their last 12 games. Brewers won three of their last four games.
-- Padres won six of their last eight games.
-- Arizona won five of its last six games.
-- Detroit is 15-7 in its last 22 home games.
-- Bronx won 15 of its last 20 games.
-- Red Sox won seven of their last eight games. Rays are 11-5 in their last sixteen home games.
-- Twins won eleven of their last fourteen games.
-- A's won three of their last four home games.
-- Mariners won seven of their last ten home games. Angels won seven of their last eleven road games.
-- Rangers won 15 of their last 21 home games.
Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost their last six games, giving up 40 runs.
-- Marlins lost five of their last six games.
-- Cubs are 9-16 in their last 25 games. Astros lost seven of last nine.
-- Rockies lost five of their last six games. Mets lost 10 of their last 13 games.
-- Nationals lost 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Dodgers lost 11 of their last 19 home games.
-- Blue Jays lost nine of their last eleven road games.
-- Indians lost three of their last four games.
-- Orioles lost seven of their last nine home games.
-- White Sox lost 20 of their last 27 road games.
-- Royals lost 11 of their last 17 games.
Totals
-- Three of last four Bailey starts stayed under the total; three of last four Duke starts went over.
-- Four of last five Lilly starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Correia starts, 4-1-1 in Lannan's last six.
-- Under is 10-0-1 in last eleven Happ starts.
-- Over is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Florida home games.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Carpenter starts.
-- Last six Jimenez starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Scherzer starts.
-- 10 of last 13 White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in Royals' last ten games.
-- Four of last five Kazmir road starts stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last ten Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Beckett's last four starts all went over the total; under is 16-4 in last 20 Garza starts.
-- Over is 6-1-2 in Sabathia's last nine road starts.
-- Five of seven Hunter home starts stayed under the total.
Umpires
-- Pitt-Cin-- Under is 9-5 in last fourteen Holbrook games.
-- Hst-Chi-- Five of last six Diaz games went over the total.
-- Wsh-SD-- All three Tiller games stayed under the total.
-- SF-Phil-- Six of last nine Layne games stayed under the total.
-- Atl-Fla-- Underdog won six of last nine Culbreth games.
-- Mil-StL-- Favorite won six of last seven Muchinski games.
-- NY-Col-- Underdog won five of last seven Fletcher games.
-- Az-LA-- Darling's last three games all stayed under the total.
-- Chi-Min-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Davidson games.
-- KC-A's-- 11 of last 14 Joyce games stayed under the total.
-- LA-Sea-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Meals games.
-- Clev-Det-- Under is 13-5 in last eighteen Cuzzi games.
-- Bos-TB-- Underdog is 4-3 in last seven West games.
-- NY-Balt-- Over is 9-5 in last fourteen Marsh games.
-- Tor-Tex-- Six of last eight Reynolds games went over the total.
Wednesday, September 2
Hot Pitchers
-- Bailey is 2-0, 0.60 in his last couple starts.
-- Lilly has a 1.86 RA in three starts since coming off the DL.
-- Happ is 3-1, 1.67 in his last five starts.
-- Vazquez is 3-2, 3.03 in his last five starts.
-- Carpenter is 9-0, 2.00 in his last 11 starts.
-- Jimenez is 5-1, 2.00 in his last six starts. Redding is 1-0, 2.31 in his last couple starts.
-- Padres won seven of last ten Correia starts.
-- Twins are 3-0 when Duensing starts (2-0, 2.65).
-- Cahill is 1-0, 2.25 in his last three starts.
-- Kazmir was 2-0, 3.20 in his last three starts for Tampa. Mariners won five of last six Hernandez home starts.
-- Indians won last five Laffey starts (3-0, 2.81). Tigers are 9-2 in last eleven Porcello home starts.
-- Bronx won last six Sabathia starts (5-0, 2.89).
-- Hunter is 3-1, 3.62 in his last five starts.
Cold Pitchers
-- Duke is 1-4, 6.07 in his last six starts.
-- Lannan is 0-1, 8.55 in his last four starts.
-- Penny was 0-4, 9.11 in his last five starts.
-- Paulino is 1-4, 8.67 in his last eight starts.
-- Vander Hurk is 1-2, 7.98 in his last three starts.
-- Bush is 0-5, 9.37 in his last seven starts.
-- Scherzer is 0-3, 9.51 in his last six road starts. Billingsley is 2-3, 4.54 in his last six starts.
-- Buehrle is 0-4, 5.98 in seven starts since his perfect game.
-- Royals lost last five Bannister starts (0-4, 9.40).
-- Beckett is 0-1, 9.82 in his last three starts. Garza is 0-1, 7.08 in his last four starts.
-- Berken has a 7.22 RA in his last six starts.
-- Toronto lost last five Richmond starts (0-3, 6.75).
Hot Teams
-- Giants won five of their last seven games. Phillies are 14-6 in their last 20 games.
-- Reds won eight of their last ten games.
-- Braves won eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Cardinals won 10 of their last 12 games. Brewers won three of their last four games.
-- Padres won six of their last eight games.
-- Arizona won five of its last six games.
-- Detroit is 15-7 in its last 22 home games.
-- Bronx won 15 of its last 20 games.
-- Red Sox won seven of their last eight games. Rays are 11-5 in their last sixteen home games.
-- Twins won eleven of their last fourteen games.
-- A's won three of their last four home games.
-- Mariners won seven of their last ten home games. Angels won seven of their last eleven road games.
-- Rangers won 15 of their last 21 home games.
Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost their last six games, giving up 40 runs.
-- Marlins lost five of their last six games.
-- Cubs are 9-16 in their last 25 games. Astros lost seven of last nine.
-- Rockies lost five of their last six games. Mets lost 10 of their last 13 games.
-- Nationals lost 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Dodgers lost 11 of their last 19 home games.
-- Blue Jays lost nine of their last eleven road games.
-- Indians lost three of their last four games.
-- Orioles lost seven of their last nine home games.
-- White Sox lost 20 of their last 27 road games.
-- Royals lost 11 of their last 17 games.
Totals
-- Three of last four Bailey starts stayed under the total; three of last four Duke starts went over.
-- Four of last five Lilly starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Correia starts, 4-1-1 in Lannan's last six.
-- Under is 10-0-1 in last eleven Happ starts.
-- Over is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Florida home games.
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Carpenter starts.
-- Last six Jimenez starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Scherzer starts.
-- 10 of last 13 White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in Royals' last ten games.
-- Four of last five Kazmir road starts stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last ten Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Beckett's last four starts all went over the total; under is 16-4 in last 20 Garza starts.
-- Over is 6-1-2 in Sabathia's last nine road starts.
-- Five of seven Hunter home starts stayed under the total.
Umpires
-- Pitt-Cin-- Under is 9-5 in last fourteen Holbrook games.
-- Hst-Chi-- Five of last six Diaz games went over the total.
-- Wsh-SD-- All three Tiller games stayed under the total.
-- SF-Phil-- Six of last nine Layne games stayed under the total.
-- Atl-Fla-- Underdog won six of last nine Culbreth games.
-- Mil-StL-- Favorite won six of last seven Muchinski games.
-- NY-Col-- Underdog won five of last seven Fletcher games.
-- Az-LA-- Darling's last three games all stayed under the total.
-- Chi-Min-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Davidson games.
-- KC-A's-- 11 of last 14 Joyce games stayed under the total.
-- LA-Sea-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Meals games.
-- Clev-Det-- Under is 13-5 in last eighteen Cuzzi games.
-- Bos-TB-- Underdog is 4-3 in last seven West games.
-- NY-Balt-- Over is 9-5 in last fourteen Marsh games.
-- Tor-Tex-- Six of last eight Reynolds games went over the total.
Trend Report
12:35 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Cincinnati is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games at home
1:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
2:20 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHI CUBS
Houston is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Houston is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Houston
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
3:35 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. OAKLAND
Kansas City is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Kansas City
Oakland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
3:35 PM
WASHINGTON vs. SAN DIEGO
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Diego is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
San Diego is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Washington
6:40 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
LA Angels are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games on the road
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Seattle is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
7:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Detroit is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cleveland
7:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
7:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Francisco is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
7:08 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Boston is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Boston
7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. FLORIDA
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Florida is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
8:05 PM
TORONTO vs. TEXAS
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Texas is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games at home
8:15 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
Milwaukee is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing St. Louis
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
8:40 PM
NY METS vs. COLORADO
NY Mets are 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Colorado
NY Mets are 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
10:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. LA DODGERS
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 5-13 SU in their last 18 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Arizona
LA Dodgers are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games when playing Arizona
12:35 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Cincinnati is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games at home
1:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
2:20 PM
HOUSTON vs. CHI CUBS
Houston is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Houston is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Houston
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
3:35 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. OAKLAND
Kansas City is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Kansas City
Oakland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
3:35 PM
WASHINGTON vs. SAN DIEGO
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Diego is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
San Diego is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Washington
6:40 PM
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
LA Angels are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games on the road
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Seattle is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
7:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Detroit is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cleveland
7:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Baltimore
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
7:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Francisco is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Philadelphia is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
7:08 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Boston is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Boston
7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. FLORIDA
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Florida is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Florida is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
8:05 PM
TORONTO vs. TEXAS
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Texas is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games at home
8:15 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
Milwaukee is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing St. Louis
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
8:40 PM
NY METS vs. COLORADO
NY Mets are 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Colorado
NY Mets are 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
10:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. LA DODGERS
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 5-13 SU in their last 18 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Arizona
LA Dodgers are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games when playing Arizona
Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins (-105, 8.5)
The Minnesota Twins have risen from the ashes in the American League Central to pull just 3.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the division.
Minnesota wrapped August with an 8-2 record in its last 10 games heading into Tuesday’s Game 2 with the White Sox. Chicago’s current funk has also helped the Twins' surge. The ChiSox have plummeted in the standing after posting an 11-17 record last month.
The biggest force pushing the Twins to within striking distance of the division title has been the team’s pitching staff. After underachieving all summer, the Minny arms posted a collective 3.17 ERA last week and made up for the lack of offense. The Twins managed to score just 20 runs on .255 hitting.
"We're playing pretty good and trying to keep it going," catcher Joe Mauer told the media. "We're worried about us winning games instead of looking at the scoreboard."
Minnesota took Game 1 4-1 Monday night and has won 20 of the past 26 meeting with the White Sox at the Metrodome heading into Tuesday.
Pick: Minnesota
Kansas City Royals at Oakland Athletics (-160, 9)
When the cat’s away the mice will play.
The Kansas Royals are hoping this age-old adage proves true with manager Trey Hillman away from the team following the death of his father in-law. Hillman left Sunday and is expected to miss all three games with the A’s this week.
Bench coach and former Toronto Blue Jays skip John Gibbons has taken the reigns in Hillman’s absence. He took one on the chin Monday, losing 8-5 in Game 1 in Oakland. That loss was Kansas City’s 81st of the season and seventh in the past 10 games heading into Tuesday.
"I've got a good idea how (Hillman) does things and what he wants to do," Gibbons told reporters. "So I'll just run with that."
Perhaps Gibbons should try doing the opposite of his superior given that the Royals are on pace for another 100-loss season and have a tough schedule facing them in the final weeks of the season.
Going to the bump for Gibbons is struggling righty Brian Bannister. He’s been roughed up in his recent outings and has just one win in his nine starts since the All-Star break.
Pick: Oakland
Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins (-105, 8.5)
The Minnesota Twins have risen from the ashes in the American League Central to pull just 3.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the division.
Minnesota wrapped August with an 8-2 record in its last 10 games heading into Tuesday’s Game 2 with the White Sox. Chicago’s current funk has also helped the Twins' surge. The ChiSox have plummeted in the standing after posting an 11-17 record last month.
The biggest force pushing the Twins to within striking distance of the division title has been the team’s pitching staff. After underachieving all summer, the Minny arms posted a collective 3.17 ERA last week and made up for the lack of offense. The Twins managed to score just 20 runs on .255 hitting.
"We're playing pretty good and trying to keep it going," catcher Joe Mauer told the media. "We're worried about us winning games instead of looking at the scoreboard."
Minnesota took Game 1 4-1 Monday night and has won 20 of the past 26 meeting with the White Sox at the Metrodome heading into Tuesday.
Pick: Minnesota
Kansas City Royals at Oakland Athletics (-160, 9)
When the cat’s away the mice will play.
The Kansas Royals are hoping this age-old adage proves true with manager Trey Hillman away from the team following the death of his father in-law. Hillman left Sunday and is expected to miss all three games with the A’s this week.
Bench coach and former Toronto Blue Jays skip John Gibbons has taken the reigns in Hillman’s absence. He took one on the chin Monday, losing 8-5 in Game 1 in Oakland. That loss was Kansas City’s 81st of the season and seventh in the past 10 games heading into Tuesday.
"I've got a good idea how (Hillman) does things and what he wants to do," Gibbons told reporters. "So I'll just run with that."
Perhaps Gibbons should try doing the opposite of his superior given that the Royals are on pace for another 100-loss season and have a tough schedule facing them in the final weeks of the season.
Going to the bump for Gibbons is struggling righty Brian Bannister. He’s been roughed up in his recent outings and has just one win in his nine starts since the All-Star break.
Pick: Oakland
Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
Streaking
Tim Lincecum (13-4, 2.33 ERA), San Francisco Giants
It’s kind of hard to believe this kid was almost traded for Alex Rios. The Giants were looking for a good young bat and Rios, then with the Blue Jays, was coming off an All-Star season.
San Francisco fans should let out a huge sign of relief that the trade never materialized.
Lincecum’s stuff is – to borrow a line from Chicago Bulls radio man Chuck Swirsky – sick, wicked and nasty.
He pitched eight scoreless innings in a 2-0 win over the Rockies his last time to the bump. The Giants won just once over his last four road starts, but the price is nice.
If you don’t like want to back the away team, think about the under. Seven of the last nine times Lincecum took the bump, the game has finished below the total.
Ted Lilly (9-8, 3.35), Chicago Cubs
This lefty has pitched great over his last three starts, but his slumping teammates have given him little support. Lilly has allowed just four earned runs and 3 in his last 19 1-3 innings. The under has cashed in each of those three outings
September has proved to be a good time to back the 33-year-old California native. Lilly went 4-1 with a 3.30 ERA last September and 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA the year before.
Slumping
Brian Bannister (7-11, 4.60), Kansas City Royals
You’re rolling the dice anytime you decide to back this streaky starter. Of course with the way he’s pitching and the way his team’s playing right now, the odds are stacked against Bannister bettors.
The righty hurler saw his ERA grow after a forgettable August. The Royals went 1-5 in his five starts and 2-4 on the runline.
He’s delivered quality starts in only two of his last nine trips to the mound. The over is 3-0 in his last three starts as well.
David Bush (3-5, 5.88), Milwaukee Brewers
Bush looked good in his first start since coming off a two-month stint on the DL last week. But he lost control of the game in the fifth inning when it looked like he ran out of gas.
“It’s frustrating, disappointing, whatever you want to say,” the righty said after getting charged with five runs in the 8-5 loss.
If you like the price of the Brewers today against Carpenter-led Cardinals, you might want to play the first five innings instead. Bush doesn’t look like his stamina is up to par yet after the long layoff
Streaking
Tim Lincecum (13-4, 2.33 ERA), San Francisco Giants
It’s kind of hard to believe this kid was almost traded for Alex Rios. The Giants were looking for a good young bat and Rios, then with the Blue Jays, was coming off an All-Star season.
San Francisco fans should let out a huge sign of relief that the trade never materialized.
Lincecum’s stuff is – to borrow a line from Chicago Bulls radio man Chuck Swirsky – sick, wicked and nasty.
He pitched eight scoreless innings in a 2-0 win over the Rockies his last time to the bump. The Giants won just once over his last four road starts, but the price is nice.
If you don’t like want to back the away team, think about the under. Seven of the last nine times Lincecum took the bump, the game has finished below the total.
Ted Lilly (9-8, 3.35), Chicago Cubs
This lefty has pitched great over his last three starts, but his slumping teammates have given him little support. Lilly has allowed just four earned runs and 3 in his last 19 1-3 innings. The under has cashed in each of those three outings
September has proved to be a good time to back the 33-year-old California native. Lilly went 4-1 with a 3.30 ERA last September and 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA the year before.
Slumping
Brian Bannister (7-11, 4.60), Kansas City Royals
You’re rolling the dice anytime you decide to back this streaky starter. Of course with the way he’s pitching and the way his team’s playing right now, the odds are stacked against Bannister bettors.
The righty hurler saw his ERA grow after a forgettable August. The Royals went 1-5 in his five starts and 2-4 on the runline.
He’s delivered quality starts in only two of his last nine trips to the mound. The over is 3-0 in his last three starts as well.
David Bush (3-5, 5.88), Milwaukee Brewers
Bush looked good in his first start since coming off a two-month stint on the DL last week. But he lost control of the game in the fifth inning when it looked like he ran out of gas.
“It’s frustrating, disappointing, whatever you want to say,” the righty said after getting charged with five runs in the 8-5 loss.
If you like the price of the Brewers today against Carpenter-led Cardinals, you might want to play the first five innings instead. Bush doesn’t look like his stamina is up to par yet after the long layoff
Jordan Haimowitz
MLB | Sep 02
Arizona D-Backs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Total
8 un-105 at BOOKM > 13h.
Haimo's Hot Notes:
The Under is 7-1-2 in LA last 10 games as a favorite.
The Under is 13-3-2 in LA last 18 overall.
The Under is 6-2-2 in the last 10 meetings between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks
ENJOY THE Bonus Play WINNER
MLB | Sep 02
Arizona D-Backs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Total
8 un-105 at BOOKM > 13h.
Haimo's Hot Notes:
The Under is 7-1-2 in LA last 10 games as a favorite.
The Under is 13-3-2 in LA last 18 overall.
The Under is 6-2-2 in the last 10 meetings between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks
ENJOY THE Bonus Play WINNER
Dave Cokin
(925) BOSTON RED SOX
(926) TAMPA BAY RAYS
Take "(926) TAMPA BAY RAYS"
Things are looking mighty bleak for the Rays right now. The defending AL champs are on life support following last night's loss to Boston. This is, plain and simple, a game TB has to have to maintain even scant hopes of catching the Red Sox. Matt Garza has been their best big game pitcher, and with Josh Beckett a little off lately, I'll side with the Rays to keep hope alive with a win this evening.
(925) BOSTON RED SOX
(926) TAMPA BAY RAYS
Take "(926) TAMPA BAY RAYS"
Things are looking mighty bleak for the Rays right now. The defending AL champs are on life support following last night's loss to Boston. This is, plain and simple, a game TB has to have to maintain even scant hopes of catching the Red Sox. Matt Garza has been their best big game pitcher, and with Josh Beckett a little off lately, I'll side with the Rays to keep hope alive with a win this evening.
Jim Feist
(911) MILWAUKEE BREWERS
(912) ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Take "Over"
Milwaukee has a stronger offense than the mighty Cardinals, ranked 10th in baseball in runs scored. The Milwaukee pitching is a problem, though, and notice the team is on a 13-6 run over the total. Dave Bush (3-5, 5.88 ERA) is no stopper, a struggling righty with below average stuff. His last three starts: 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA! Chris Carpenter is an ace, but the he is 2-3 with a 4.37 ERA against the Brewers. Look for more offense than oddsmakers expect; play the Brewers/Cardinals Over the total.
(911) MILWAUKEE BREWERS
(912) ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Take "Over"
Milwaukee has a stronger offense than the mighty Cardinals, ranked 10th in baseball in runs scored. The Milwaukee pitching is a problem, though, and notice the team is on a 13-6 run over the total. Dave Bush (3-5, 5.88 ERA) is no stopper, a struggling righty with below average stuff. His last three starts: 0-2 with a 14.73 ERA! Chris Carpenter is an ace, but the he is 2-3 with a 4.37 ERA against the Brewers. Look for more offense than oddsmakers expect; play the Brewers/Cardinals Over the total.
Marc Lawrence MLB - Wednesday 9/2
Play on: Philadelphia w/Happ vs Penny
Note: The Phillies host the Giants in Game Two of this three-game series when J.A. Happ matches serves with newly acquired Brad Penny Wednesday night at Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia. Happ enters tonight's fray with wins in 4 of his last 5 team starts with a 1.78 ERA. He's also 4-1 with a 1.49 ERA on Wednesdays this season. On the flip side, Penny is 2-8 with a 6.56 ERA in his last 10 team starts and just 3-6 his last 9 road starts in September. With that we'll back the better pitcher and the better team here tonight.
Play on: Philadelphia w/Happ vs Penny
Note: The Phillies host the Giants in Game Two of this three-game series when J.A. Happ matches serves with newly acquired Brad Penny Wednesday night at Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia. Happ enters tonight's fray with wins in 4 of his last 5 team starts with a 1.78 ERA. He's also 4-1 with a 1.49 ERA on Wednesdays this season. On the flip side, Penny is 2-8 with a 6.56 ERA in his last 10 team starts and just 3-6 his last 9 road starts in September. With that we'll back the better pitcher and the better team here tonight.
Brad Diamond Sports FREE MLB Selection
Play on: Detroit over Cleveland
The Tigers enter September with a real chance of winning the Central Division, while possessing a solid 42-22 home mark to support their series with the pesky Indians. Going into Tuesday action, the Tigers had won 8 of 12 in the series this season. With the Tigers 6-1 in the home starts of hurler Rick Porcello, I will take a ticket on Detroit tonight.
Play on: Detroit over Cleveland
The Tigers enter September with a real chance of winning the Central Division, while possessing a solid 42-22 home mark to support their series with the pesky Indians. Going into Tuesday action, the Tigers had won 8 of 12 in the series this season. With the Tigers 6-1 in the home starts of hurler Rick Porcello, I will take a ticket on Detroit tonight.
Vernon Croy's
Wednesday Night MLB
1* Take the Seattle Mariners Over 7.5, This pick falls into one of my top MLB systems and the Felix Hernandez (13-5, 2.77 ERA) struggled in his only home start against the Angels this season allowing 11 hits and 6 earned runs over just 5.7 innings. Scott Kazmir (8-7, 5.92 ERA) has struggled overall this season and I do not see him pitching much better for the Angels than he did for the Rays. Kazmir was lit up in his only road start against the Mariners this season allowing 9 hits and 7 earned runs over just 4.3 innings. The O/U is 4-0 for the Angels in their last 4 games when the posted total is 7.0 to 8.5 and the O/U is 10-4 for the Mariners in Hernandez's last 14 home starts as a favorite. The O/U is also a perfect 6-0 in Hernandez's last 6 home starts against the Angels. Take this game to go over the posted total as my MLB Bonus Play for Wednesday
Wednesday Night MLB
1* Take the Seattle Mariners Over 7.5, This pick falls into one of my top MLB systems and the Felix Hernandez (13-5, 2.77 ERA) struggled in his only home start against the Angels this season allowing 11 hits and 6 earned runs over just 5.7 innings. Scott Kazmir (8-7, 5.92 ERA) has struggled overall this season and I do not see him pitching much better for the Angels than he did for the Rays. Kazmir was lit up in his only road start against the Mariners this season allowing 9 hits and 7 earned runs over just 4.3 innings. The O/U is 4-0 for the Angels in their last 4 games when the posted total is 7.0 to 8.5 and the O/U is 10-4 for the Mariners in Hernandez's last 14 home starts as a favorite. The O/U is also a perfect 6-0 in Hernandez's last 6 home starts against the Angels. Take this game to go over the posted total as my MLB Bonus Play for Wednesday
Jeff Benton
For Wednesday’s Bonus Play, we’ll back the Phillies on the run line (-1½ runs) against the Giants.
This is as much a play against Brad Penny, who makes his San Francisco debut tonight, as it is a play on Philadelphia lefty J.A. Happ and the red-hot Phillies. Start with Penny: The guy was a disaster in Boston this season, particularly over the final six weeks as he went 1-5 with a 7.82 ERA after the All-Star break.
I’m sure Penny thinks he’ll be much more comfortable pitching against in the National League, but he sucked last year with the Dodgers, and I don’t see him having very much success tonight .. not when he’s pitching in Philly’s bandbox of a ballpark … against the likes of Utley, Howard, Rollins, Ibanez, Werth, etc. Seriously, if the Phillies don’t score at least five runs off Penny in this game, I’ll be beyond stunned.
As for Happ, the kid’s been absolutely tremendous since joining the Phillies’ rotation in June. He’s given up three runs or fewer in 12 of his last 13 starts, including surrendering two or fewer 10 times. He’s also pitched at least six innings in all 13 starts, going seven or more on eight occasions, including in his last three. And tonight, Happ is facing a weak Giants lineup that really struggles against left-handed pitching (.247 average overall; .236 average on the road; .200 average last 10 games).
Finally, get a load of these numbers: The Giants are 28-39 on the road this year (0-4 last four); they’ve lost 11 of their last 14 games in Philadelphia; and the Phillies are crazy hot, going 37-16 in their last 51 games overall, including 22-8 in their last 30 at home! And even though their last two victories have been by just a single run, 21 of their previous 24 victories were by multiple runs. Lay the 1½ runs with the defending champs, who should win this one by at least four runs.
4? PHILADELPHIA (-1 1/2 RUNS)
For Wednesday’s Bonus Play, we’ll back the Phillies on the run line (-1½ runs) against the Giants.
This is as much a play against Brad Penny, who makes his San Francisco debut tonight, as it is a play on Philadelphia lefty J.A. Happ and the red-hot Phillies. Start with Penny: The guy was a disaster in Boston this season, particularly over the final six weeks as he went 1-5 with a 7.82 ERA after the All-Star break.
I’m sure Penny thinks he’ll be much more comfortable pitching against in the National League, but he sucked last year with the Dodgers, and I don’t see him having very much success tonight .. not when he’s pitching in Philly’s bandbox of a ballpark … against the likes of Utley, Howard, Rollins, Ibanez, Werth, etc. Seriously, if the Phillies don’t score at least five runs off Penny in this game, I’ll be beyond stunned.
As for Happ, the kid’s been absolutely tremendous since joining the Phillies’ rotation in June. He’s given up three runs or fewer in 12 of his last 13 starts, including surrendering two or fewer 10 times. He’s also pitched at least six innings in all 13 starts, going seven or more on eight occasions, including in his last three. And tonight, Happ is facing a weak Giants lineup that really struggles against left-handed pitching (.247 average overall; .236 average on the road; .200 average last 10 games).
Finally, get a load of these numbers: The Giants are 28-39 on the road this year (0-4 last four); they’ve lost 11 of their last 14 games in Philadelphia; and the Phillies are crazy hot, going 37-16 in their last 51 games overall, including 22-8 in their last 30 at home! And even though their last two victories have been by just a single run, 21 of their previous 24 victories were by multiple runs. Lay the 1½ runs with the defending champs, who should win this one by at least four runs.
4? PHILADELPHIA (-1 1/2 RUNS)
Dominic Fazzini
The Braves came through Tuesday for my third straight complimentary winner, also giving me 20 victories in my last 32 selections! Time to go with an AL East showdown to make it four consective wins.
Josh Beckett (14-5, 3.80 ERA) is still considered Boston's ace, but he hasn't been pitching like one lately.
The hard-throwing right-hander is 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA over his last three outings, allowing 10 home runs in 18 1/3 innings. He gave up five runs on five hits and five walks in five innings Friday against Toronto but escaped with a no-decision in the Red Sox's 6-5 victory.
Rays starter Matt Garza (7-9, 3.95) can be surprisingly inconsistent at times, but not against Boston. The right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.93 ERA in 10 career starts against the Red Sox, including 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in four outings against them this year, allowing just 15 hits in 28 2/3 innings. He also beat Boston twice in last year's ALCS.
Garza also usually pitches well at home, going 4-4 with a 3.26 ERA in 14 starts this year at Tropicana Field.
Beckett is a pedestrian 6-4 with a 3.63 ERA in 13 career starts against Tampa Bay, including 1-1 with a 5.61 ERA in three outings this year, giving up 11 runs and 18 hits in 17 2/3 innings. He also is 6-4 with a 4.10 ERA in 13 road starts this year.
Tampa Bay probably isn't going to make a return to the playoffs this year, but I do think Garza has what it takes to beat the Red Sox tonight. Go with the Rays in this one.
2♦ TAMPA BAY
The Braves came through Tuesday for my third straight complimentary winner, also giving me 20 victories in my last 32 selections! Time to go with an AL East showdown to make it four consective wins.
Josh Beckett (14-5, 3.80 ERA) is still considered Boston's ace, but he hasn't been pitching like one lately.
The hard-throwing right-hander is 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA over his last three outings, allowing 10 home runs in 18 1/3 innings. He gave up five runs on five hits and five walks in five innings Friday against Toronto but escaped with a no-decision in the Red Sox's 6-5 victory.
Rays starter Matt Garza (7-9, 3.95) can be surprisingly inconsistent at times, but not against Boston. The right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.93 ERA in 10 career starts against the Red Sox, including 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in four outings against them this year, allowing just 15 hits in 28 2/3 innings. He also beat Boston twice in last year's ALCS.
Garza also usually pitches well at home, going 4-4 with a 3.26 ERA in 14 starts this year at Tropicana Field.
Beckett is a pedestrian 6-4 with a 3.63 ERA in 13 career starts against Tampa Bay, including 1-1 with a 5.61 ERA in three outings this year, giving up 11 runs and 18 hits in 17 2/3 innings. He also is 6-4 with a 4.10 ERA in 13 road starts this year.
Tampa Bay probably isn't going to make a return to the playoffs this year, but I do think Garza has what it takes to beat the Red Sox tonight. Go with the Rays in this one.
2♦ TAMPA BAY
Bobby Maxwell
Made it three straight FREE winners on Tuesday when the Braves got the road win in Florida against the Marlins. Tonight I'll hand you a fourth straight comp winner when the Red Sox take care of the Rays in Tampa.
Boston's offense came out and made a statement on Tuesday night in Tampa with the 8-4 victory and you can count on right-hander Josh Beckett (14-5, 3.80 ERA) to make a statement with his arm in this one and put some more distance between the Red Sox and Rays in the race for the A.L. Wildcard.
Beckett has been beaten up lately and he wants to get back on the right track. He's allowed 20 runs in his last 18 1/3 innings but his offense has managed to rally and win two of the three contests. With this quality hurler on the hill, the Red Sox are on runs of 20-7 overall, 11-3 against divisional foes, 8-3 on the road and 7-2 on Wednesdays.
As a team, Boston seems headed for that wildcard spot, currently on positive runs of 8-0 against right-handed starters, 5-1 against the A.L East and 9-3 on Wednesdays.
These Red Sox are on a roll right now, having won seven of their last eight overall and they crushed the ball at Tropicana Field on Tuesday night and got great relief pitching from Jonathan Papelbon, who came in in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and no outs and got out of it without a run, then pitched a perfect ninth for the save.
Matt Garza (7-9, 3.95) is on the hill for the Rays today. He got slapped around for six runs in five innings of a 6-2 loss to the Tigers on Friday. He's had success against Boston, but that comes to an end tonight as he's struggled lately.
Play the Red Sox to continue to widen the gap in the wildcard standings. Beckett delivers a gem in this one.
4♦ BOSTON
Made it three straight FREE winners on Tuesday when the Braves got the road win in Florida against the Marlins. Tonight I'll hand you a fourth straight comp winner when the Red Sox take care of the Rays in Tampa.
Boston's offense came out and made a statement on Tuesday night in Tampa with the 8-4 victory and you can count on right-hander Josh Beckett (14-5, 3.80 ERA) to make a statement with his arm in this one and put some more distance between the Red Sox and Rays in the race for the A.L. Wildcard.
Beckett has been beaten up lately and he wants to get back on the right track. He's allowed 20 runs in his last 18 1/3 innings but his offense has managed to rally and win two of the three contests. With this quality hurler on the hill, the Red Sox are on runs of 20-7 overall, 11-3 against divisional foes, 8-3 on the road and 7-2 on Wednesdays.
As a team, Boston seems headed for that wildcard spot, currently on positive runs of 8-0 against right-handed starters, 5-1 against the A.L East and 9-3 on Wednesdays.
These Red Sox are on a roll right now, having won seven of their last eight overall and they crushed the ball at Tropicana Field on Tuesday night and got great relief pitching from Jonathan Papelbon, who came in in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and no outs and got out of it without a run, then pitched a perfect ninth for the save.
Matt Garza (7-9, 3.95) is on the hill for the Rays today. He got slapped around for six runs in five innings of a 6-2 loss to the Tigers on Friday. He's had success against Boston, but that comes to an end tonight as he's struggled lately.
Play the Red Sox to continue to widen the gap in the wildcard standings. Beckett delivers a gem in this one.
4♦ BOSTON
Stephen Nover
The Yankees are the best team in baseball right now, a staggering 36 games above .500. New York is 22-6 in its last 28 games. The Yankees are averaging 7.4 runs in their last 13 games and have a pitching edge with CC Sabathia against rookie right-hander Jason Berken.
The edges are so strong that New York is worth laying 1 1/2 on the run line.
The Orioles have lost their last eight to the Yankees. They are 3-10 on the season versus New York with all of their defeats except one coming by more than one run. Overall, Baltimore is 13-29 in its last 42 games and has dropped six of its last nine. The Orioles are going with youth as they use the final month to test their youngsters seeing who is ready for prime time.
Sabathia hasn't lost since July 28. The Yankees have won eight of his last nine starts. Sabathia is 5-0 with a 2.64 ERA in his last six starts. He has a 44-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his last five starts. He shut out Baltimore on four hits when he last faced the Orioles on May 8 at Camden Yards.
Adam Jones is perhaps the most feared batter the Yankees have to face. He is batting nearly .400 against the Yankees this season. But Jones turned an ankle last night and is doubtful to play today.
The Orioles are 3-13 in Berken's past 16 appearances. He has a 6.33 ERA. New York has won 29 of its last 38 games when facing a right-handed starter.
2♦ YANKEES RUN LINE
The Yankees are the best team in baseball right now, a staggering 36 games above .500. New York is 22-6 in its last 28 games. The Yankees are averaging 7.4 runs in their last 13 games and have a pitching edge with CC Sabathia against rookie right-hander Jason Berken.
The edges are so strong that New York is worth laying 1 1/2 on the run line.
The Orioles have lost their last eight to the Yankees. They are 3-10 on the season versus New York with all of their defeats except one coming by more than one run. Overall, Baltimore is 13-29 in its last 42 games and has dropped six of its last nine. The Orioles are going with youth as they use the final month to test their youngsters seeing who is ready for prime time.
Sabathia hasn't lost since July 28. The Yankees have won eight of his last nine starts. Sabathia is 5-0 with a 2.64 ERA in his last six starts. He has a 44-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his last five starts. He shut out Baltimore on four hits when he last faced the Orioles on May 8 at Camden Yards.
Adam Jones is perhaps the most feared batter the Yankees have to face. He is batting nearly .400 against the Yankees this season. But Jones turned an ankle last night and is doubtful to play today.
The Orioles are 3-13 in Berken's past 16 appearances. He has a 6.33 ERA. New York has won 29 of its last 38 games when facing a right-handed starter.
2♦ YANKEES RUN LINE
