Cnotes WNBA 2024 Season Best Bets And Opinions !
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Friday’s 6-pack:
— Cubs 8, Orioles 0- Baltimore got swept at home for first time since 2021.
— Rays 5, New York 4- Bronx is 0-7-1 in its last eight series.
— Astros 6, Marlins 3- Houston has won nine in a row at home.
— Phillies 5, Dodgers 1- Trea Turner has six homers in his last nine games.
— Arizona 1, Braves 0- Eugenio Suarez homered in 5th inning for Arizona.
— Mariners 11, Angels 0- Luis Castillo tossed six shutout IP.
Quote of the Day
“Coming from Alabama, I went to a championship every year I was there. I remember coming to the league and losing my first game, and I was mad and not talking to nobody. A vet came up to me and was like, ‘This is the NFL. You’re going to lose.’ I’m like, ‘So ya’ll cool with losing?’ It was so different.”
Green Bay RB Josh Jacobs, on his time with the Raiders
Friday’s quiz
Who is the all-time leading home run hitter for the Houston Astros?
Thursday’s quiz
Fred Dryer is the only defensive player in NFL history to record two safeties in a game, a 22-5 win over Green Bay; he was a defensive end for the Rams, who wound up as star of the TV series, Hunter. He was also a guest star in one of first episodes of Cheers.
Wednesday’s quiz
Giants’ QB Daniel Jones played his college football at Duke.
*******************************************
— Arizona is 47-47, one game out of last Wild Card slot.
Diamondbacks are 14-9 in one-run games.
— Atlanta is 9.5 games out of first in NL East; they’re #1 Wild Card night now.
Braves are 6-11 in their last 17 road games.
— Cubs are 45-49, three games out of last Wild Card spot.
Chicago won five of its last six games; they just swept Orioles in Baltimore.
— Cincinnati is also 45-49, three games out of last Wild Card spot.
Reds are 8-17 in one-run games.
— Colorado is 3-10 in its last thirteen road games.
Rockies missed playoffs last six years, finishing 17+ games out of first place.
— Dodgers are 55-39, have a 7-game lead in NL West.
Dodgers are 24-10 vs lefty starters, 31-29 vs righties.
— Marlins are 3-11 in road series openers.
Marlins are 4-27 against lefty starting pitchers, 28-34 vs righties.
— Brewers are 54-40, lead NL Central by five games.
Milwaukee is 21-12 against its NL Central rivals, 33-28 vs everyone else.
— Right now, Mets have #3 Wild Card slot in NL, by .001 over Padres.
Mets are 17-10 in one-run games; last year, they were 25-28.
— Phillies are 61-32, lead NL East by 9.5 games.
Phillies are 32-7 in their last 39 home games.
— Pittsburgh is 45-48, 2.5 games out of last playoff slot.
Rookie P Skenes was taken out of Thursday’s game after 7 IP/99 PT- he didn’t give up a hit in the seven innings.
— St Louis is 48-44; they’re holding the #2 Wild Card slot.
Cardinals are 28-21 in night games, 20-23 in day games.
— San Diego is 49-47, .001 out of the NL’s last Wild Card spot.
Padres lost their last four games, scoring a total of nine runs.
— San Francisco is 45-49, three games out of last Wild Card spot.
Giants are 34-31 vs righty pitchers, 11-18 vs lefties.
— Washington is 42-52, six games out of last Wild Card slot.
Nationals are 4-13 in their last 17 games.
— Famous birthdays, July 12th:
Cheryl Ladd, 73
Mario Soto, 68
Luke McCown, 43
Howie Kendrick, 41
Patrick Beverley, 36
LeSean McCoy, 36
Kellen Moore, 35
Bailey Ober, 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 26
— Orioles are 57-36, lead AL East by two games.
Baltimore got shut out last two days, hasn’t scored in 21 innings.
— Red Sox are 51-41, are holding last Wild Card slot in AL.
Boston is 39-27 vs righty starters, 12-14 vs lefties; last two years, they were 47-31 vs lefties.
— White Sox are 1-14 in road series openers.
Chicago is 6-29 in games where winning run scored from 7th inning on.
— Guardians are 57-35, lead AL Central by 4.5 games.
Cleveland is 20-7 vs lefty starting pitchers; LY, they were 24-35.
— Detroit won six of its last seven games.
Tigers are 45-49, are 7 games out of last Wild Card slot.
— Houston is 49-44, two games out of first in AL West, 2.5 games out of last Wild Card slot.
Last two years, Houston was 70-33 vs lefty starters; this year, they’re 12-15.
— Royals are 51-43, one game out of last Wild Card slot.
Last year, Kansas City was 56-106; Matt Quatraro is your AL Manager of the Year.
— Angels are 30-46 vs righty pitchers, 8-9 vs lefties.
Mike Trout has been an Angel for 14 years, has played in three playoff games.
— Minnesota is 53-40, is holding the #2 playoff slot in AL.
Twins are 13-5 in their last 18 games.
— New York is 56-39, holds #1 Wild Card slot in AL.
New York is 0-7-1 in last eight series, 7-17 in last 24 games.
— A’s lost 18 of their last 21 road games.
Oakland is 26-49 vs righty starters, 9-11 vs lefties.
— Seattle is 52-43, leads AL West by two games.
Mariners are 13-2 in home series openers, 6-9 in road series openers.
— Tampa Bay is 46-47, 5.5 games out of last Wild Card slot.
Rays are 16-8 vs lefty starters, 30-39 vs righty starters.
— Texas is 44-49, 7.5 games out of last Wild Card slot.
Rangers are 1-7 in last eight road series openers.
— Toronto had winning seasons the last 4 years; they’re 42-50 this year.
Over is 14-4 in their last 18 games.
— Cubs 8, Orioles 0- Baltimore got swept at home for first time since 2021.
— Rays 5, New York 4- Bronx is 0-7-1 in its last eight series.
— Astros 6, Marlins 3- Houston has won nine in a row at home.
— Phillies 5, Dodgers 1- Trea Turner has six homers in his last nine games.
— Arizona 1, Braves 0- Eugenio Suarez homered in 5th inning for Arizona.
— Mariners 11, Angels 0- Luis Castillo tossed six shutout IP.
Quote of the Day
“Coming from Alabama, I went to a championship every year I was there. I remember coming to the league and losing my first game, and I was mad and not talking to nobody. A vet came up to me and was like, ‘This is the NFL. You’re going to lose.’ I’m like, ‘So ya’ll cool with losing?’ It was so different.”
Green Bay RB Josh Jacobs, on his time with the Raiders
Friday’s quiz
Who is the all-time leading home run hitter for the Houston Astros?
Thursday’s quiz
Fred Dryer is the only defensive player in NFL history to record two safeties in a game, a 22-5 win over Green Bay; he was a defensive end for the Rams, who wound up as star of the TV series, Hunter. He was also a guest star in one of first episodes of Cheers.
Wednesday’s quiz
Giants’ QB Daniel Jones played his college football at Duke.
*******************************************
Friday’s Den: Trends for all 30 MLB teams……..
Trends for all 30 MLB teams…….— Arizona is 47-47, one game out of last Wild Card slot.
Diamondbacks are 14-9 in one-run games.
— Atlanta is 9.5 games out of first in NL East; they’re #1 Wild Card night now.
Braves are 6-11 in their last 17 road games.
— Cubs are 45-49, three games out of last Wild Card spot.
Chicago won five of its last six games; they just swept Orioles in Baltimore.
— Cincinnati is also 45-49, three games out of last Wild Card spot.
Reds are 8-17 in one-run games.
— Colorado is 3-10 in its last thirteen road games.
Rockies missed playoffs last six years, finishing 17+ games out of first place.
— Dodgers are 55-39, have a 7-game lead in NL West.
Dodgers are 24-10 vs lefty starters, 31-29 vs righties.
— Marlins are 3-11 in road series openers.
Marlins are 4-27 against lefty starting pitchers, 28-34 vs righties.
— Brewers are 54-40, lead NL Central by five games.
Milwaukee is 21-12 against its NL Central rivals, 33-28 vs everyone else.
— Right now, Mets have #3 Wild Card slot in NL, by .001 over Padres.
Mets are 17-10 in one-run games; last year, they were 25-28.
— Phillies are 61-32, lead NL East by 9.5 games.
Phillies are 32-7 in their last 39 home games.
— Pittsburgh is 45-48, 2.5 games out of last playoff slot.
Rookie P Skenes was taken out of Thursday’s game after 7 IP/99 PT- he didn’t give up a hit in the seven innings.
— St Louis is 48-44; they’re holding the #2 Wild Card slot.
Cardinals are 28-21 in night games, 20-23 in day games.
— San Diego is 49-47, .001 out of the NL’s last Wild Card spot.
Padres lost their last four games, scoring a total of nine runs.
— San Francisco is 45-49, three games out of last Wild Card spot.
Giants are 34-31 vs righty pitchers, 11-18 vs lefties.
— Washington is 42-52, six games out of last Wild Card slot.
Nationals are 4-13 in their last 17 games.
— Famous birthdays, July 12th:
Cheryl Ladd, 73
Mario Soto, 68
Luke McCown, 43
Howie Kendrick, 41
Patrick Beverley, 36
LeSean McCoy, 36
Kellen Moore, 35
Bailey Ober, 29
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 26
— Orioles are 57-36, lead AL East by two games.
Baltimore got shut out last two days, hasn’t scored in 21 innings.
— Red Sox are 51-41, are holding last Wild Card slot in AL.
Boston is 39-27 vs righty starters, 12-14 vs lefties; last two years, they were 47-31 vs lefties.
— White Sox are 1-14 in road series openers.
Chicago is 6-29 in games where winning run scored from 7th inning on.
— Guardians are 57-35, lead AL Central by 4.5 games.
Cleveland is 20-7 vs lefty starting pitchers; LY, they were 24-35.
— Detroit won six of its last seven games.
Tigers are 45-49, are 7 games out of last Wild Card slot.
— Houston is 49-44, two games out of first in AL West, 2.5 games out of last Wild Card slot.
Last two years, Houston was 70-33 vs lefty starters; this year, they’re 12-15.
— Royals are 51-43, one game out of last Wild Card slot.
Last year, Kansas City was 56-106; Matt Quatraro is your AL Manager of the Year.
— Angels are 30-46 vs righty pitchers, 8-9 vs lefties.
Mike Trout has been an Angel for 14 years, has played in three playoff games.
— Minnesota is 53-40, is holding the #2 playoff slot in AL.
Twins are 13-5 in their last 18 games.
— New York is 56-39, holds #1 Wild Card slot in AL.
New York is 0-7-1 in last eight series, 7-17 in last 24 games.
— A’s lost 18 of their last 21 road games.
Oakland is 26-49 vs righty starters, 9-11 vs lefties.
— Seattle is 52-43, leads AL West by two games.
Mariners are 13-2 in home series openers, 6-9 in road series openers.
— Tampa Bay is 46-47, 5.5 games out of last Wild Card slot.
Rays are 16-8 vs lefty starters, 30-39 vs righty starters.
— Texas is 44-49, 7.5 games out of last Wild Card slot.
Rangers are 1-7 in last eight road series openers.
— Toronto had winning seasons the last 4 years; they’re 42-50 this year.
Over is 14-4 in their last 18 games.
FRIDAY, JULY 12
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHO at IND | 07:30 PM | PHO -3.0 U 175.5 | +500 +500 |
| LV at ATL | 07:30 PM | ATL +14.5 O 168.5 | +500 +500 |
| MIN at SEA | 10:00 PM | MIN +6.5 O 153.5 | +500 +500 |
- Sep 10, 2018
- 17,256
- 16
- 38
Armadillo Sports
Saturday’s 6-pack:
Six players who scored the most runs for the Oakland A’s:
1,270— Rickey Henderson
983— Bert Campaneris
773— Mark McGwire
756— Reggie Jackson
737— Sal Bando
730— Eric Chavez
Quote of the Day
“I’m just looking forward to any basketball I play — no matter what level I’m playing at……I just feel like I’m in a little slump right now.”
Bronny James, after his third summer league game with the Lakers
Saturday’s quiz
Who was the last guy on the Mets to hit three home runs in a game?
Hint: It was in 2021
Friday’s quiz
Jeff Bagwell is the all-time leading home run hitter for the Houston Astros.
Thursday’s quiz
Fred Dryer is the only defensive player in NFL history to record two safeties in a game, a 22-5 win over Green Bay; he was a defensive end for the Rams, who wound up as star of the TV series, Hunter. He was also a guest star in one of first episodes of Cheers.
******************************************************
Saturday’s Den: Wrapping up a busy Friday…….
— Thursday in Milwaukee, Pirates took rookie pitcher Paul Skenes out after 7 innings/99 pitches, while he was throwing a no-hitter in a game Pittsburgh led, 1-0. Pirates’ bullpen got the last six outs and they won the game, 1-0.
Of course there were media geniuses questioning manager Derek Shelton, because all the media cares about is headlines like a no-hitter, when in reality, Shelton’s one and only job is keeping Skenes healthy, because he is a huge part of the Pirates’ immediate future.
Skemes is starting the All-Star Game Tuesday, one of the youngest pitchers to do that……..
— Speaking of which, they showed a graphic on MLB Network Friday, about youngest pitchers who ever started an All-Star Game. One name wasn’t familiar to me…….
Jerry Walker was only 20 years old when he started the 1959 All-Star Game; he went 11-10 in 30 games (22 starts) for the Orioles that year, but from 1960-64, he went 25-34 and was out of the major leagues after the 1964 season, when he was 24.
April 12, 1961, Orioles traded Walker to the Kansas City A’s for two players, one of whom was utility guy Dick Williams, who 11-12 years later, managed the A’s to consecutive World Series titles.
— Pirates 4, White Sox 1
White Sox ace Garrett Crochet threw only two innings/28 pitches, striking out four of the six hitters he faced. Apparently they planned it this way; no idea why. If they didn’t want him to pitch, why use him at all?
— Reds 7, Marlins 4
Rookie OF Rece Hinds hit a grand slam, his third home run in five big league games; he hit .216 in 77 games in AAA this season, so this hot streak is a pleasant surprise.
— A’s 6, Phillies 2
Not often that your starting pitching walks six guys, doesn’t strike out anyone and you still win, but that’s what happened here. Five Oakland relievers threw six shutout IP. Lawrence Butler hit a pinch-hit home run to break the game open in the 7th inning.
— Diamondbacks 5, Blue Jays 4
Toronto led this game 4-2 in 8th inning.
Geraldo Perdomo’s sac fly was the walk-off winner for Arizona.
Arizona is 48-47, over .500 for first time since April 3rd.
— Baseball stuff:
Cubs OF Cody Bellinger broke his finger.
Philadelphia Phillies DFA’d utility guy Whit Merrifield
— Famous birthdays, July 13th:
Harrison Ford, 82
Danny Abramowicz, 79
Stu Lantz, 78
David Thompson, 70
Spud Webb, 61
Yadier Molina, 42
DJ LeMahieu, 36
Ty France, 30
Cody Bellinger, 29
— Typing that today is David Thompson’s 70th birthday made me feel old; Thompson was a great, great college player, who also scored 13,422 points in a nine-year career in the ABA/NBA. I was a huge fan of his NC State teams in 1972-75; Wolfpack won the national title in 1974, ending UCLA’s run of consecutive national titles.
Thompson was Michael Jordan before Jordan; he was Jordan’s favorite player when Michael was growing up. Thompson was acrobatic, brilliant, but college players couldn’t dunk when he was in college and ESPN was still a few years away, so he was under-appreciated.
Anyway, happy birthday to David Thompson, one of the all-time greats!!!!
— RIP to Monte Kiffin, the great football coach who passed away this week at age 84.
Monte Kiffin was a defensive wizard who spent 25 years in the NFL, most notably on Tony Dungy’s staff in Tampa Bay. He was also head coach at NC State from 1980-82.
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is his son; Monte Kiffin is the only assistant coach in the Tampa Bay Bucs’ Ring of Honor.
RIP, sir.
— Tennessee Titans signed S Jamal Adams; he spent the last four years with the Seattle Seahawks, who traded two first-round draft picks to acquire him from the Jets in 2020.
— Knicks signed G Jalen Brunson to a 4-year, $156.5M deal; had he not a deal signed this summer, Brunson would’ve been eligible for a 5-year, $269M deal next summer.
— Las Vegas Summer League started Friday; 11 days of young guys trying to win jobs, both in the NBA and in other pro leagues around the world. It is solid entertainment; for $45, you can sit in air-conditioned arenas all day and watch great basketball, four or five games in each of the two arenas at UNLV.
— Rockets 99, Lakers 80
Over 17,000 fans came to see Bronny James play; he played 27:00, shot 3-14 from floor, 0-8 on arc, with five rebounds, two steals as Houston beat the Lakers, 99-80.
— Friday night the NBA announced the pools for November’s in-season tournament, the league’s second in-season event.
This event is meant to drum up interest in the NBA early in the season, but let’s be honest, it is meaningless; Lakers won the in-season title last year on December 10; they raised a banner in their arena to commemorate it, but then on May 3rd, 145 days later, they fired their coach, that’s how much they cared about winning the freakin’ in-season tournament.
Saturday’s 6-pack:
Six players who scored the most runs for the Oakland A’s:
1,270— Rickey Henderson
983— Bert Campaneris
773— Mark McGwire
756— Reggie Jackson
737— Sal Bando
730— Eric Chavez
Quote of the Day
“I’m just looking forward to any basketball I play — no matter what level I’m playing at……I just feel like I’m in a little slump right now.”
Bronny James, after his third summer league game with the Lakers
Saturday’s quiz
Who was the last guy on the Mets to hit three home runs in a game?
Hint: It was in 2021
Friday’s quiz
Jeff Bagwell is the all-time leading home run hitter for the Houston Astros.
Thursday’s quiz
Fred Dryer is the only defensive player in NFL history to record two safeties in a game, a 22-5 win over Green Bay; he was a defensive end for the Rams, who wound up as star of the TV series, Hunter. He was also a guest star in one of first episodes of Cheers.
******************************************************
Saturday’s Den: Wrapping up a busy Friday…….
— Thursday in Milwaukee, Pirates took rookie pitcher Paul Skenes out after 7 innings/99 pitches, while he was throwing a no-hitter in a game Pittsburgh led, 1-0. Pirates’ bullpen got the last six outs and they won the game, 1-0.
Of course there were media geniuses questioning manager Derek Shelton, because all the media cares about is headlines like a no-hitter, when in reality, Shelton’s one and only job is keeping Skenes healthy, because he is a huge part of the Pirates’ immediate future.
Skemes is starting the All-Star Game Tuesday, one of the youngest pitchers to do that……..
— Speaking of which, they showed a graphic on MLB Network Friday, about youngest pitchers who ever started an All-Star Game. One name wasn’t familiar to me…….
Jerry Walker was only 20 years old when he started the 1959 All-Star Game; he went 11-10 in 30 games (22 starts) for the Orioles that year, but from 1960-64, he went 25-34 and was out of the major leagues after the 1964 season, when he was 24.
April 12, 1961, Orioles traded Walker to the Kansas City A’s for two players, one of whom was utility guy Dick Williams, who 11-12 years later, managed the A’s to consecutive World Series titles.
— Pirates 4, White Sox 1
White Sox ace Garrett Crochet threw only two innings/28 pitches, striking out four of the six hitters he faced. Apparently they planned it this way; no idea why. If they didn’t want him to pitch, why use him at all?
— Reds 7, Marlins 4
Rookie OF Rece Hinds hit a grand slam, his third home run in five big league games; he hit .216 in 77 games in AAA this season, so this hot streak is a pleasant surprise.
— A’s 6, Phillies 2
Not often that your starting pitching walks six guys, doesn’t strike out anyone and you still win, but that’s what happened here. Five Oakland relievers threw six shutout IP. Lawrence Butler hit a pinch-hit home run to break the game open in the 7th inning.
— Diamondbacks 5, Blue Jays 4
Toronto led this game 4-2 in 8th inning.
Geraldo Perdomo’s sac fly was the walk-off winner for Arizona.
Arizona is 48-47, over .500 for first time since April 3rd.
— Baseball stuff:
Cubs OF Cody Bellinger broke his finger.
Philadelphia Phillies DFA’d utility guy Whit Merrifield
— Famous birthdays, July 13th:
Harrison Ford, 82
Danny Abramowicz, 79
Stu Lantz, 78
David Thompson, 70
Spud Webb, 61
Yadier Molina, 42
DJ LeMahieu, 36
Ty France, 30
Cody Bellinger, 29
— Typing that today is David Thompson’s 70th birthday made me feel old; Thompson was a great, great college player, who also scored 13,422 points in a nine-year career in the ABA/NBA. I was a huge fan of his NC State teams in 1972-75; Wolfpack won the national title in 1974, ending UCLA’s run of consecutive national titles.
Thompson was Michael Jordan before Jordan; he was Jordan’s favorite player when Michael was growing up. Thompson was acrobatic, brilliant, but college players couldn’t dunk when he was in college and ESPN was still a few years away, so he was under-appreciated.
Anyway, happy birthday to David Thompson, one of the all-time greats!!!!
— RIP to Monte Kiffin, the great football coach who passed away this week at age 84.
Monte Kiffin was a defensive wizard who spent 25 years in the NFL, most notably on Tony Dungy’s staff in Tampa Bay. He was also head coach at NC State from 1980-82.
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is his son; Monte Kiffin is the only assistant coach in the Tampa Bay Bucs’ Ring of Honor.
RIP, sir.
— Tennessee Titans signed S Jamal Adams; he spent the last four years with the Seattle Seahawks, who traded two first-round draft picks to acquire him from the Jets in 2020.
— Knicks signed G Jalen Brunson to a 4-year, $156.5M deal; had he not a deal signed this summer, Brunson would’ve been eligible for a 5-year, $269M deal next summer.
— Las Vegas Summer League started Friday; 11 days of young guys trying to win jobs, both in the NBA and in other pro leagues around the world. It is solid entertainment; for $45, you can sit in air-conditioned arenas all day and watch great basketball, four or five games in each of the two arenas at UNLV.
— Rockets 99, Lakers 80
Over 17,000 fans came to see Bronny James play; he played 27:00, shot 3-14 from floor, 0-8 on arc, with five rebounds, two steals as Houston beat the Lakers, 99-80.
— Friday night the NBA announced the pools for November’s in-season tournament, the league’s second in-season event.
This event is meant to drum up interest in the NBA early in the season, but let’s be honest, it is meaningless; Lakers won the in-season title last year on December 10; they raised a banner in their arena to commemorate it, but then on May 3rd, 145 days later, they fired their coach, that’s how much they cared about winning the freakin’ in-season tournament.
SATURDAY, JULY 13
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY at CHI | 01:00 PM | NY -4.0 U 163.0 | +500 +500 |
| LA at DAL | 03:30 PM | LA +4.5 O 172.0 | +500 +500 |
Sunday’s 6-pack:
Six players who have scored the most runs for the San Diego Padres:
1,383— Tony Gwynn
599— Dave Winfield
484— Gene Richards
470— Brian Giles
464— Adrian Gonzalez
449— Ryan Klesko
Quote of the Day
“Every single opportunity I’ve had, every chair I’ve sat in, I’ve been able to learn and grow from that,. There’s very real value. To be at a spot at CU (Colorado) last year, there’s the media attention, there’s the spotlight, there’s the NIL, there’s the reality TV show, there’s all of it. It challenges you to think about all the things that are important within the program that have helped me grow as a coach and as a man.”
San Diego State’s new football coach, Sean Lewis
Sunday’s quiz
In the movie For Love of the Game, what team does Kevin Costner’s character pitch for?
Saturday’s quiz
Francisco Lindor is the last guy on the Mets to hit three home runs in a game, in 2021.
Friday’s quiz
Jeff Bagwell is the all-time leading home run hitter for the Houston Astros.
**************************************************
Maybe 10-12 years ago, I’m at the Summer League, in the smaller of the two gyms and I’m sitting with a buddy who lives out there. Two other guys sit in front of us, one guy was built like a weightlifter, huge guy in a tank top.
He sits down and starts rattling on about how the casino he was at put out a bad spread on the game that was about to start; Team A had won by 20 the day before, but was favored by only a couple points in this game. He was positive he had a winning ticket in his hand.
One small problem; in Summer League, the best players don’t play every game, the teams need to see all their prospects, so the rotations change from game-to-game.
The game starts, and Team B is hammering Team A; the weightlifter is getting steamed, and he was a big freakin’ guy. We moved to a different seat, to avoid the inevitable meltdown…….
Moral of the Story: Las Vegas casinos don’t put out bad spreads.
— Denver Nuggets first round draft pick DaRon Holmes tore his achilles tendon this week, will miss this coming season.
— Jeff Weltman is the President of Basketball Operations for the Orlando Magic; his father was Harry Weltman, who a long time ago was GM of the Spirits of St Louis in the old ABA, a team with an interesting collection of characters- their radio announcer back then was Bob Costas.
Orlando was 47-35 this past season, their best year since 2011; Jeff Weltman is doing a good job running things.
— There is a story out there this week how Nick Saban leaving Alabama created a domino effect of coaching changes that has reached 46 different coaching changes. 46!!!!
Saban leaves Alabama
The coach at Washington bolts to Alabama
The coach at Arizona bolts to Washington
The coach at San Jose State bolts to Arizona.
And so on and so on; lot of college football coaches are nomads.
— White Sox OF Tommy Pham has been dealt at the trading deadline three times since 2018; there is a pretty good chance this year will be the fourth time.
2018- traded by the Cardinals to Tampa Bay, who missed the playoffs.
2022- traded by the Reds to Boston, who missed the playoffs.
2023- traded by the Mets to Arizona, who lost the World Series in five games.
He can hit pretty well, is a decent outfielder; someone will add him to their lineup, trying to get an edge to make it to the postseason.
— Famous birthdays, July 14th:
Ken Willard, 81
Steve Stone, 77
Robin Ventura, 57
Tim Hudson, 49
Erick Dampier, 49
Carson Kelly, 30
Lucas Giolito, 30
Alaric Jackson, 26
Joey Ortiz, 26
— Tigers 11, Dodgers 9 (10)
Detroit tied game with five runs in 9th inning.
Gio Urshela hit a walk-off homer in 10th inning.
Shohei Ohtani hit his 200th career home run.
— Reds 10, Marlins 6
Rookie Rece Hinds has five home runs this week, his first week in the majors.
Nine extra base hits in his first six games, the most of any player in MLB history.
— Rangers 2, Astros 1 (10)
Both teams scored in first inning; game was 1-1 after nine innings.
Loss ended Houston’s 10-game home winning streak.
— Nationals 6, Brewers 5
Milwaukee scored five runs in bottom of the first inning, and that’s all.
CJ Abrams hit the game-winning, 2-run homer in the 9th inning.
— Red Sox 5, Royals 0
Kutter Crawford allowed three baserunners in his 7 IP.
Rafael Devers hit his 22nd home run this season.
— Angels 2, Mariners 1
Jose Soriano put 11 guys on base in six IP, but allowed only one run.
Seattle was 1-8 with runners in scoring position.
— There is no Sunday Night game tonight with the Amateur Draft happening and the All-Star break underway. Time goes by quickly; hard to believe July is half-over already.
Six players who have scored the most runs for the San Diego Padres:
1,383— Tony Gwynn
599— Dave Winfield
484— Gene Richards
470— Brian Giles
464— Adrian Gonzalez
449— Ryan Klesko
Quote of the Day
“Every single opportunity I’ve had, every chair I’ve sat in, I’ve been able to learn and grow from that,. There’s very real value. To be at a spot at CU (Colorado) last year, there’s the media attention, there’s the spotlight, there’s the NIL, there’s the reality TV show, there’s all of it. It challenges you to think about all the things that are important within the program that have helped me grow as a coach and as a man.”
San Diego State’s new football coach, Sean Lewis
Sunday’s quiz
In the movie For Love of the Game, what team does Kevin Costner’s character pitch for?
Saturday’s quiz
Francisco Lindor is the last guy on the Mets to hit three home runs in a game, in 2021.
Friday’s quiz
Jeff Bagwell is the all-time leading home run hitter for the Houston Astros.
**************************************************
Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a steamy Saturday……..
— NBA Summer League is in Las Vegas for the next 10 days; you can bet on those games.Maybe 10-12 years ago, I’m at the Summer League, in the smaller of the two gyms and I’m sitting with a buddy who lives out there. Two other guys sit in front of us, one guy was built like a weightlifter, huge guy in a tank top.
He sits down and starts rattling on about how the casino he was at put out a bad spread on the game that was about to start; Team A had won by 20 the day before, but was favored by only a couple points in this game. He was positive he had a winning ticket in his hand.
One small problem; in Summer League, the best players don’t play every game, the teams need to see all their prospects, so the rotations change from game-to-game.
The game starts, and Team B is hammering Team A; the weightlifter is getting steamed, and he was a big freakin’ guy. We moved to a different seat, to avoid the inevitable meltdown…….
Moral of the Story: Las Vegas casinos don’t put out bad spreads.
— Denver Nuggets first round draft pick DaRon Holmes tore his achilles tendon this week, will miss this coming season.
— Jeff Weltman is the President of Basketball Operations for the Orlando Magic; his father was Harry Weltman, who a long time ago was GM of the Spirits of St Louis in the old ABA, a team with an interesting collection of characters- their radio announcer back then was Bob Costas.
Orlando was 47-35 this past season, their best year since 2011; Jeff Weltman is doing a good job running things.
— There is a story out there this week how Nick Saban leaving Alabama created a domino effect of coaching changes that has reached 46 different coaching changes. 46!!!!
Saban leaves Alabama
The coach at Washington bolts to Alabama
The coach at Arizona bolts to Washington
The coach at San Jose State bolts to Arizona.
And so on and so on; lot of college football coaches are nomads.
— White Sox OF Tommy Pham has been dealt at the trading deadline three times since 2018; there is a pretty good chance this year will be the fourth time.
2018- traded by the Cardinals to Tampa Bay, who missed the playoffs.
2022- traded by the Reds to Boston, who missed the playoffs.
2023- traded by the Mets to Arizona, who lost the World Series in five games.
He can hit pretty well, is a decent outfielder; someone will add him to their lineup, trying to get an edge to make it to the postseason.
— Famous birthdays, July 14th:
Ken Willard, 81
Steve Stone, 77
Robin Ventura, 57
Tim Hudson, 49
Erick Dampier, 49
Carson Kelly, 30
Lucas Giolito, 30
Alaric Jackson, 26
Joey Ortiz, 26
— Tigers 11, Dodgers 9 (10)
Detroit tied game with five runs in 9th inning.
Gio Urshela hit a walk-off homer in 10th inning.
Shohei Ohtani hit his 200th career home run.
— Reds 10, Marlins 6
Rookie Rece Hinds has five home runs this week, his first week in the majors.
Nine extra base hits in his first six games, the most of any player in MLB history.
— Rangers 2, Astros 1 (10)
Both teams scored in first inning; game was 1-1 after nine innings.
Loss ended Houston’s 10-game home winning streak.
— Nationals 6, Brewers 5
Milwaukee scored five runs in bottom of the first inning, and that’s all.
CJ Abrams hit the game-winning, 2-run homer in the 9th inning.
— Red Sox 5, Royals 0
Kutter Crawford allowed three baserunners in his 7 IP.
Rafael Devers hit his 22nd home run this season.
— Angels 2, Mariners 1
Jose Soriano put 11 guys on base in six IP, but allowed only one run.
Seattle was 1-8 with runners in scoring position.
— There is no Sunday Night game tonight with the Amateur Draft happening and the All-Star break underway. Time goes by quickly; hard to believe July is half-over already.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
| Game | Time(ET) | Pick | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHO at CON | 01:00 PM | CON -9.0 U 155.0 | +500 +500 |
| LV at WAS | 03:00 PM | LV -13.0 U 172.5 | +500 +500 |
| IND at MIN | 04:00 PM | IND +6.0 O 164.5 | +500 +500 |
| ATL at SEA | 06:00 PM | ATL +14.5 O 154.5 | +500 +500 |
- Sep 10, 2018
- 17,256
- 16
- 38
Armadillo Sports
Monday’s 6-pack:
Seven players with the most hits for the Colorado Rockies:
2,519— Todd Helton
1,759— Charlie Blackmon
1,361— Larry Walker
1,330— Carlos Gonzalez
1,278— Dante Bichette
1,206— Nolan Arenado, Vinny Castilla
Quote of the Day
“There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either IN or you’re OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between.”
Pat Riley
Monday’s quiz
When the Mets won the 1969 World Series, a huge upset, which Baltimore Oriole made the last out of the last game?
Sunday’s quiz
In the movie For Love of the Game, Kevin Costner’s character Billy Chapel pitches for the Detroit Tigers.
Saturday’s quiz
Francisco Lindor is the last guy on the Mets to hit three home runs in a game, in 2021.
***************************************************
Monday’s Den: Wrapping up a sports weekend……..
— Cleveland Guardians took 2B Travis Bazzana with the first pick of the amateur draft Sunday night, the first time a second baseman has ever been the first pick of the draft. Bazzana went to Oregon State, just like current Guardians’ star OF Steven Kwan.
— Three of the top 10 picks in the draft were players from Wake Forest; Deacons were 38-22 this past season, only 15-15 in ACC games.
— Overall, 13 of the first 16 picks were college players, who tend to get thru the minor leagues faster than high school kids.
— There have been eight guys who hit three home runs in a game this season; Michael Toglia and Lawrence Butler both did it Sunday.
I’m in a 14-team fantasy league with 30-man rosters, so 420 players are on rosters in this league; Toglia and Butler are both free agents, as I type this.
Toglia has 34 hits this season, is hitting .197; 16 of his 34 hits have been home runs. Butler is hitting .211 for Oakland.
— A’s closer Mason Miller is taking the Phillies’ private jet to the All-Star Game in Texas, along with the eight Phillies who made the All-Star Game. A’s played in Philadelphia this weekend, so nice of the Phillies to let Miller tag along on the flight to Dallas.
— On June 14, 1974, Nolan Ryan pitched 13 innings in a game against Boston, a game the Angels eventually won 4-3 in 15 innings.
Ryan faced 58 hitters, threw 278 pitches; 278 freakin’ pitches!!!! He walked 10 guys, struck out 19 more. Luis Tiant pitched the whole game for the Red Sox, facing 56 hitters.
— Genius of the Day: Marlins’ OF Dane Myers got thrown out of the game in the 8th inning of Saturday’s 10-6 loss in Cincinnati; he went into the clubhouse, angrily kicked a door there, and he broke his ankle. He is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.
— Famous birthdays, July 15th:
Billy Truax, 81
John Stallworth, 72
Lolita Davidovich, 63
Carnell Lake, 57
Khalid Reeves, 52
Damian Lillard, 34
Tobias Harris, 32
Masataka Yoshida, 31
Ramon Laureano, 30
— Weird Fact of the Day: Of the 35 biggest high school gyms in this country, 27 of them are in Indiana, like the gym in the movie Blue Chips.
— Main Event at this year’s World Series of Poker has 10,112 entries, at $10,000 a pop, so the prize pool is a crisp $101,120,000.
Long time ago, when poker was shown on TV all the time, I read a couple of books, was curious about learning how to play tournament poker. After reading the books, I quickly scrapped those plans; it wouldn’t have gone well.
— On July 14, 1994, there was a CFL game where Winnipeg QB Matt Dunigan threw for 713 yards (713 yards!!!) In a 50-35 win over Edmonton. WR Alfred Jackson caught seven passes for 308 yards (44 yards/catch) and 4 touchdowns.
— Pass Interference penalties drawn by NFL offenses last year:
19- Jaguars
15- Cowboys
13- Bengals, Packers, Seahawks
12- Chargers
— New York Mets are 31-14 this season when C Francisco Alvarez plays, 18-32 when he doesn’t.
— Sometimes you get the idea that MLB has no idea how to market their own product.
The 2024 Futures Game, showcasing baseball’s up-and-coming stars, was played Saturday afternoon, while there was a full schedule of major league games going on. No bueno.
Play the damn game the night after the All-Star Game and give it a national profile, so we can see the stars of the future play.
— If the baseball playoffs started today (they do not):
NL: Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Braves, Cardinals, Mets
AL: Orioles, Guardians, Mariners. Wild Cards: Bronx, Twins, Red Sox
Monday’s 6-pack:
Seven players with the most hits for the Colorado Rockies:
2,519— Todd Helton
1,759— Charlie Blackmon
1,361— Larry Walker
1,330— Carlos Gonzalez
1,278— Dante Bichette
1,206— Nolan Arenado, Vinny Castilla
Quote of the Day
“There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either IN or you’re OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between.”
Pat Riley
Monday’s quiz
When the Mets won the 1969 World Series, a huge upset, which Baltimore Oriole made the last out of the last game?
Sunday’s quiz
In the movie For Love of the Game, Kevin Costner’s character Billy Chapel pitches for the Detroit Tigers.
Saturday’s quiz
Francisco Lindor is the last guy on the Mets to hit three home runs in a game, in 2021.
***************************************************
Monday’s Den: Wrapping up a sports weekend……..
— Cleveland Guardians took 2B Travis Bazzana with the first pick of the amateur draft Sunday night, the first time a second baseman has ever been the first pick of the draft. Bazzana went to Oregon State, just like current Guardians’ star OF Steven Kwan.
— Three of the top 10 picks in the draft were players from Wake Forest; Deacons were 38-22 this past season, only 15-15 in ACC games.
— Overall, 13 of the first 16 picks were college players, who tend to get thru the minor leagues faster than high school kids.
— There have been eight guys who hit three home runs in a game this season; Michael Toglia and Lawrence Butler both did it Sunday.
I’m in a 14-team fantasy league with 30-man rosters, so 420 players are on rosters in this league; Toglia and Butler are both free agents, as I type this.
Toglia has 34 hits this season, is hitting .197; 16 of his 34 hits have been home runs. Butler is hitting .211 for Oakland.
— A’s closer Mason Miller is taking the Phillies’ private jet to the All-Star Game in Texas, along with the eight Phillies who made the All-Star Game. A’s played in Philadelphia this weekend, so nice of the Phillies to let Miller tag along on the flight to Dallas.
— On June 14, 1974, Nolan Ryan pitched 13 innings in a game against Boston, a game the Angels eventually won 4-3 in 15 innings.
Ryan faced 58 hitters, threw 278 pitches; 278 freakin’ pitches!!!! He walked 10 guys, struck out 19 more. Luis Tiant pitched the whole game for the Red Sox, facing 56 hitters.
— Genius of the Day: Marlins’ OF Dane Myers got thrown out of the game in the 8th inning of Saturday’s 10-6 loss in Cincinnati; he went into the clubhouse, angrily kicked a door there, and he broke his ankle. He is expected to miss 6-8 weeks.
— Famous birthdays, July 15th:
Billy Truax, 81
John Stallworth, 72
Lolita Davidovich, 63
Carnell Lake, 57
Khalid Reeves, 52
Damian Lillard, 34
Tobias Harris, 32
Masataka Yoshida, 31
Ramon Laureano, 30
— Weird Fact of the Day: Of the 35 biggest high school gyms in this country, 27 of them are in Indiana, like the gym in the movie Blue Chips.
— Main Event at this year’s World Series of Poker has 10,112 entries, at $10,000 a pop, so the prize pool is a crisp $101,120,000.
Long time ago, when poker was shown on TV all the time, I read a couple of books, was curious about learning how to play tournament poker. After reading the books, I quickly scrapped those plans; it wouldn’t have gone well.
— On July 14, 1994, there was a CFL game where Winnipeg QB Matt Dunigan threw for 713 yards (713 yards!!!) In a 50-35 win over Edmonton. WR Alfred Jackson caught seven passes for 308 yards (44 yards/catch) and 4 touchdowns.
— Pass Interference penalties drawn by NFL offenses last year:
19- Jaguars
15- Cowboys
13- Bengals, Packers, Seahawks
12- Chargers
— New York Mets are 31-14 this season when C Francisco Alvarez plays, 18-32 when he doesn’t.
— Sometimes you get the idea that MLB has no idea how to market their own product.
The 2024 Futures Game, showcasing baseball’s up-and-coming stars, was played Saturday afternoon, while there was a full schedule of major league games going on. No bueno.
Play the damn game the night after the All-Star Game and give it a national profile, so we can see the stars of the future play.
— If the baseball playoffs started today (they do not):
NL: Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Braves, Cardinals, Mets
AL: Orioles, Guardians, Mariners. Wild Cards: Bronx, Twins, Red Sox
Tuesday’s 6-pack:
Six players with the most hits for the Milwaukee Brewers:
3,142— Robin Yount
2,281— Paul Molitor
1,963— Ryan Braun
1,815— Cecil Cooper
1,696— Jim Gantner
1,221— Geoff Jenkins
Quote of the Day
“…..one thing I think, if you’re a really good umpire, I think you should get paid more and that you should umpire more than one game per week behind the plate. Even if we don’t have the challenge system, if the better umpires are behind the plate all the time, I think it’s better for baseball.”
Bryce Harper
Tuesday’s quiz
Who was Vanderbilt’s football coach, the last time they had a winning season?
Monday’s quiz
When the Mets won the 1969 World Series, a huge upset, Orioles’ 2B Davey Johnson made the last out of the last game; when the Mets won their other World Series, in 1986, Johnson was the Mets’ manager.
Sunday’s quiz
In the movie For Love of the Game, Kevin Costner’s character Billy Chapel pitches for the Detroit Tigers.
******************************************************
— Vanderbilt
Vandy is 9-27 under Clark Lea; their last winning season was 2013.
Commodores have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Commodores have 121 returning starts on the offensive line;
Senior QB Pavia started 4 games at New Mexico State; his offensive coordinator there works at Vanderbilt now.
Since 2019, Vandy is 1-7 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Lea, Commodores are 4-10 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2020, Vandy is 16-25 ATS in SEC games.
Vandy’s last bowl game was in 2018; their last bowl win, 2013.
— Mississippi State
Jeff Lebby is Miss State’s 5th head coach the last eight seasons.
Lebby was offensive coordinator at Oklahoma the last 2 years.
Bulldogs have 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Bulldogs have 67 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Shapen started 23 games at Baylor.
Since 2019, MSU is 1-10-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2019, MSU is 15-26-1 ATS in SEC games.
Since 2017, Bulldogs are 8-12 ATS as a road underdog.
Bulldogs are 2-3 SU/ATS in last five bowls (1-3 ATS as a favorite).
— Arkansas
Arkansas was 4-8 LY, their fifth losing season in seven years.
Razorbacks have 9 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Razorbacks have 67 returning starts on the offensive line;
Junior QB Green started 22 games at Boise State.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 16-7 ATS as an underdog.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 6-11-1 ATS as a favorite.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 19-13-2 ATS in SEC games.
Arkansas won three of last four bowl games (favorites 3-1 ATS).
— Auburn
Auburn has had three straight losing years (6-7/5-7/5-7).
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Tigers have 87 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Thorne has 37 starts (25 at Michigan State)
In his career, Freeze is 28-13 ATS as an underdog.
In his career, Freeze is 43-28-1 ATS in home games.
Last four years, Auburn is 4-11 ATS in non-SEC games.
Auburn lost its last four bowl games, by average of 11 ppg.
— Famous birthdays, July 16:
Ron Yary, 78
Ron Brewer, 69
Terry Pendleton, 64
Phoebe Cates, 61
Will Ferrell, 57
Barry Sanders, 56
Aaron Glenn, 52
Zach Randolph, 43
Jarred Kelenic, 25
— Kentucky
Kentucky had winning seasons the last 3 years, and 7 of last 8 years.
Wildcats have 8 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Wildcats have 156 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Wimsatt started 13 games at Rutgers; junior QB Vandagriff was a backup at Georgia.
Last five years, Kentucky is 21-12 ATS in home games.
Last five years, Kentucky is 15-6 ATS in non-SEC games.
Under Stoops, Wildcats are 22-34-2 ATS coming off a loss.
Underdogs are 4-1 ATS in Kentucky’s last five bowl games.
— South Carolina
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 11-4 ATS as a favorite.
Carolina has 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Gamecocks have 118 returning starts on the offensive line.
Freshman QB Sellers threw four passes in three games LY.
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 10-6 ATS coming off a loss.
Last four years, Carolina is 15-19 ATS in SEC games.
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 9-5 ATS in non-SEC games.
Underdogs are 4-1 ATS in South Carolina’s last five bowls.
— Florida
Last three years, Gators were 6-7/6-7/5-7.
Six years before that, Gators were 52-24; the natives are restless.
Florida has 8 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Gators have 80 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Mertz has 43 career starts, 32 at Wisconsin.
Last two years, Florida is 3-7 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Napier is 18-7-1 ATS as an underdog.
Florida is 5-14-1 ATS in its last 20 non-conference games.
Gators lost their last three bowl games, by a combined 114-40.
— Texas A&M
A&M went 5-7/7-6 last two years; they told the coach to take a hike.
Aggies have 9 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
A&M has 112 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Weigman has 8 career starts.
Since 2018, A&M is 19-13 ATS as a home favorite.
In his 2 years at Duke, new HC Elko was 7-4 ATS as an underdog.
Last 10 years, Aggies are 15-26-2 ATS coming off a loss.
A&M is 3-1 SU/2-2 ATS in last four bowl games.
Six players with the most hits for the Milwaukee Brewers:
3,142— Robin Yount
2,281— Paul Molitor
1,963— Ryan Braun
1,815— Cecil Cooper
1,696— Jim Gantner
1,221— Geoff Jenkins
Quote of the Day
“…..one thing I think, if you’re a really good umpire, I think you should get paid more and that you should umpire more than one game per week behind the plate. Even if we don’t have the challenge system, if the better umpires are behind the plate all the time, I think it’s better for baseball.”
Bryce Harper
Tuesday’s quiz
Who was Vanderbilt’s football coach, the last time they had a winning season?
Monday’s quiz
When the Mets won the 1969 World Series, a huge upset, Orioles’ 2B Davey Johnson made the last out of the last game; when the Mets won their other World Series, in 1986, Johnson was the Mets’ manager.
Sunday’s quiz
In the movie For Love of the Game, Kevin Costner’s character Billy Chapel pitches for the Detroit Tigers.
******************************************************
Tuesday’s Den: Part 1 of our SEC football preview……..
SEC has 16 teams now; I’m going to divide the preview into two days, then I’ll do the same thing with the Big X later this week……..— Vanderbilt
Vandy is 9-27 under Clark Lea; their last winning season was 2013.
Commodores have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Commodores have 121 returning starts on the offensive line;
Senior QB Pavia started 4 games at New Mexico State; his offensive coordinator there works at Vanderbilt now.
Since 2019, Vandy is 1-7 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Lea, Commodores are 4-10 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2020, Vandy is 16-25 ATS in SEC games.
Vandy’s last bowl game was in 2018; their last bowl win, 2013.
— Mississippi State
Jeff Lebby is Miss State’s 5th head coach the last eight seasons.
Lebby was offensive coordinator at Oklahoma the last 2 years.
Bulldogs have 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Bulldogs have 67 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Shapen started 23 games at Baylor.
Since 2019, MSU is 1-10-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2019, MSU is 15-26-1 ATS in SEC games.
Since 2017, Bulldogs are 8-12 ATS as a road underdog.
Bulldogs are 2-3 SU/ATS in last five bowls (1-3 ATS as a favorite).
— Arkansas
Arkansas was 4-8 LY, their fifth losing season in seven years.
Razorbacks have 9 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Razorbacks have 67 returning starts on the offensive line;
Junior QB Green started 22 games at Boise State.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 16-7 ATS as an underdog.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 6-11-1 ATS as a favorite.
Under Pittman, Arkansas is 19-13-2 ATS in SEC games.
Arkansas won three of last four bowl games (favorites 3-1 ATS).
— Auburn
Auburn has had three straight losing years (6-7/5-7/5-7).
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Tigers have 87 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Thorne has 37 starts (25 at Michigan State)
In his career, Freeze is 28-13 ATS as an underdog.
In his career, Freeze is 43-28-1 ATS in home games.
Last four years, Auburn is 4-11 ATS in non-SEC games.
Auburn lost its last four bowl games, by average of 11 ppg.
— Famous birthdays, July 16:
Ron Yary, 78
Ron Brewer, 69
Terry Pendleton, 64
Phoebe Cates, 61
Will Ferrell, 57
Barry Sanders, 56
Aaron Glenn, 52
Zach Randolph, 43
Jarred Kelenic, 25
— Kentucky
Kentucky had winning seasons the last 3 years, and 7 of last 8 years.
Wildcats have 8 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Wildcats have 156 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Wimsatt started 13 games at Rutgers; junior QB Vandagriff was a backup at Georgia.
Last five years, Kentucky is 21-12 ATS in home games.
Last five years, Kentucky is 15-6 ATS in non-SEC games.
Under Stoops, Wildcats are 22-34-2 ATS coming off a loss.
Underdogs are 4-1 ATS in Kentucky’s last five bowl games.
— South Carolina
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 11-4 ATS as a favorite.
Carolina has 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Gamecocks have 118 returning starts on the offensive line.
Freshman QB Sellers threw four passes in three games LY.
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 10-6 ATS coming off a loss.
Last four years, Carolina is 15-19 ATS in SEC games.
Under Beamer, Gamecocks are 9-5 ATS in non-SEC games.
Underdogs are 4-1 ATS in South Carolina’s last five bowls.
— Florida
Last three years, Gators were 6-7/6-7/5-7.
Six years before that, Gators were 52-24; the natives are restless.
Florida has 8 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Gators have 80 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Mertz has 43 career starts, 32 at Wisconsin.
Last two years, Florida is 3-7 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Napier is 18-7-1 ATS as an underdog.
Florida is 5-14-1 ATS in its last 20 non-conference games.
Gators lost their last three bowl games, by a combined 114-40.
— Texas A&M
A&M went 5-7/7-6 last two years; they told the coach to take a hike.
Aggies have 9 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
A&M has 112 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Weigman has 8 career starts.
Since 2018, A&M is 19-13 ATS as a home favorite.
In his 2 years at Duke, new HC Elko was 7-4 ATS as an underdog.
Last 10 years, Aggies are 15-26-2 ATS coming off a loss.
A&M is 3-1 SU/2-2 ATS in last four bowl games.
Wednesday’s 6-pack:
— AL 5, NL 3- American League is 10-1 in last 11 All-Star Games.
— Jarren Duran hit the decisive 2-run homer in fifth inning.
— Ohtani hit the first All-Star HR by a Dodger since Mike Piazza in 1996.
— Padres drafted P Clark Candiotti in 4th round; he is Tom Candiotti’s son.
— Red Sox drafted 3B D’Angelo Ortiz in 19th round; he is David Ortiz’ son.
— Bears signed rookie QB Caleb Williams for four years/$39M, all guaranteed.
Quote of the Day
“…..one thing I think, if you’re a really good umpire, I think you should get paid more and that you should umpire more than one game per week behind the plate. Even if we don’t have the challenge system, if the better umpires are behind the plate all the time, I think it’s better for baseball.”
Bryce Harper
Wednesday’s quiz
In the movie For Love of the Game, Kevin Costner’s character Billy Chapel pitches for the Detroit Tigers.
Tuesday’s quiz
Penn State coach James Franklin was Vanderbilt’s football coach, the last time they had a winning season, in 2013.
Monday’s quiz
When the Mets won the 1969 World Series, a huge upset, Orioles’ 2B Davey Johnson made the last out of the last game; when the Mets won their other World Series, in 1986, Johnson was the Mets’ manager.
****************************************************
— Tennessee
Last two years, Vols are 20-6 SU/17-9 ATS
Tennessee has 6 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Vols have 112 returning starts on the offensive line;
Frosh QB Iamaleava had one start, was MVP of Citrus Bowl.
Under Heupel, Tennessee is 12-5 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Heupel is 3-8 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2020, Tennessee is 15-19 ATS in SEC games.
Vols are 4-1 SU/ATS in their last five bowl games.
— Oklahoma
Since 2015, Sooners are 94-24 SU (16-10 under Venables)
Oklahoma has 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Sooners have 114 returning starts on the offensive line.
QB Gabriel bolted to Oregon; Oklahoma is very inexperienced under center.
Last 10 years, Oklahoma is 4-1 ATS as an underdog.
They’ve been favored in 126 of their last 131 games.
Last three years, Sooners are 3-9-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2020, Oklahoma is 15-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Sooners are 2-3 SU/3-2 ATS in last five bowls.
— Missouri
Mizzou was 11-2 last year, their best season since 2014.
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Tigers have 107 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Green has started 26 games.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 4-10-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 14-9 ATS as an underdog.
Last two years, Mizzou is 11-5 ATS in SEC games.
Tigers lost three of their last four bowl games.
— LSU
In two years under Kelly, LSU is 20-7 SU/15-11-1 ATS
Tigers have 6 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Tigers have 111 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Nussmeier was MVP of LSU’s 35-31 bowl win, but he threw only 78 passes LY. 1st-round draft pick Daniels leaves big shoes to fill.
In his career, Kelly is 35-17-2 ATS as an underdog.
Under Kelly, LSU is 9-2-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Last ten years, Tigers are 23-11-1 ATS coming off a loss.
LSU won five of its last six bowls, scoring 43.8 ppg.
— Famous birthdays, July 17th:
David Hasselhoff, 72
Bryan Trottier, 68
Scott Norwood, 64
Bobby Thigpen, 61
Kevin Pritchard, 57
Calbert Cheaney, 53
Donny Marshall, 52
Mason Rudolph, 29
OG Anunoby, 27
— Ole Miss
Last three years, Ole Miss is 29-10 SU/20-17-2 ATS.
Rebels have 10 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Rebels have 222 returning starts on offensive line (VERY experienced).
Junior QB Dart has started 25 games.
Under Kiffin, Ole Miss is 7-3-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Last four years, Ole Miss is 11-5 ATS in non-conference games.
Last three years, Rebels are 15-11-2 ATS coming off a win.
Rebels are 3-2 in last five bowl games (underdogs covered last four).
— Alabama
Hard to replace a legendary coach; last 10 years, Alabama was 127-14.
New coach DeBoer was 37-9 SU at Fresno State/Washington.
Alabama has 7 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Crimson Tide has 60 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Milroe has started 14 games.
Last four years, Alabama is 18-7-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Last three years, Alabama is 5-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Last five years, Crimson Tide is 0-2 ATS as an underdog (both in bowls)
Alabama is 5-2 SU/ATS in its last seven bowls.
— Texas
Texas was 12-2 LY, after going 13-12 previous two years.
Longhorns have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Longhorns have 123 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Ewers has 22 career starts (22 TDs, 6 INTs LY).
Under Sarkisian, Texas is 11-7 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Sarkisian is 10-5 ATS as home dog, 10-18 as road dog.
Since 2015, Longhorns are 6-1-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Texas is 3-2 SU in last five bowls (underdogs 4-1 ATS)
— Georgia
Last seven years, Georgia is 86-11 SU, 54-42-1 ATS.
Dawgs have 7 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Georgia has 87 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Beck started 14 games LY.
Under Smart, Georgia is 18-27-1 ATS as home favorite, 20-11 as road favorite.
Since 2018, Dawgs are 0-1 ATS as an underdog.
Last 10 years, Dawgs are 13-7 ATS coming off a loss.
Georgia won its last seven bowl games, last two by 65-7/63-3 scores.
— AL 5, NL 3- American League is 10-1 in last 11 All-Star Games.
— Jarren Duran hit the decisive 2-run homer in fifth inning.
— Ohtani hit the first All-Star HR by a Dodger since Mike Piazza in 1996.
— Padres drafted P Clark Candiotti in 4th round; he is Tom Candiotti’s son.
— Red Sox drafted 3B D’Angelo Ortiz in 19th round; he is David Ortiz’ son.
— Bears signed rookie QB Caleb Williams for four years/$39M, all guaranteed.
Quote of the Day
“…..one thing I think, if you’re a really good umpire, I think you should get paid more and that you should umpire more than one game per week behind the plate. Even if we don’t have the challenge system, if the better umpires are behind the plate all the time, I think it’s better for baseball.”
Bryce Harper
Wednesday’s quiz
In the movie For Love of the Game, Kevin Costner’s character Billy Chapel pitches for the Detroit Tigers.
Tuesday’s quiz
Penn State coach James Franklin was Vanderbilt’s football coach, the last time they had a winning season, in 2013.
Monday’s quiz
When the Mets won the 1969 World Series, a huge upset, Orioles’ 2B Davey Johnson made the last out of the last game; when the Mets won their other World Series, in 1986, Johnson was the Mets’ manager.
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Wednesday’s Den: Part 2 of our SEC football preview…….
Part 2 of our SEC football preview……..— Tennessee
Last two years, Vols are 20-6 SU/17-9 ATS
Tennessee has 6 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Vols have 112 returning starts on the offensive line;
Frosh QB Iamaleava had one start, was MVP of Citrus Bowl.
Under Heupel, Tennessee is 12-5 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Heupel is 3-8 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2020, Tennessee is 15-19 ATS in SEC games.
Vols are 4-1 SU/ATS in their last five bowl games.
— Oklahoma
Since 2015, Sooners are 94-24 SU (16-10 under Venables)
Oklahoma has 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Sooners have 114 returning starts on the offensive line.
QB Gabriel bolted to Oregon; Oklahoma is very inexperienced under center.
Last 10 years, Oklahoma is 4-1 ATS as an underdog.
They’ve been favored in 126 of their last 131 games.
Last three years, Sooners are 3-9-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2020, Oklahoma is 15-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Sooners are 2-3 SU/3-2 ATS in last five bowls.
— Missouri
Mizzou was 11-2 last year, their best season since 2014.
Tigers have 9 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Tigers have 107 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Green has started 26 games.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 4-10-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Drinkwitz, Mizzou is 14-9 ATS as an underdog.
Last two years, Mizzou is 11-5 ATS in SEC games.
Tigers lost three of their last four bowl games.
— LSU
In two years under Kelly, LSU is 20-7 SU/15-11-1 ATS
Tigers have 6 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Tigers have 111 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Nussmeier was MVP of LSU’s 35-31 bowl win, but he threw only 78 passes LY. 1st-round draft pick Daniels leaves big shoes to fill.
In his career, Kelly is 35-17-2 ATS as an underdog.
Under Kelly, LSU is 9-2-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Last ten years, Tigers are 23-11-1 ATS coming off a loss.
LSU won five of its last six bowls, scoring 43.8 ppg.
— Famous birthdays, July 17th:
David Hasselhoff, 72
Bryan Trottier, 68
Scott Norwood, 64
Bobby Thigpen, 61
Kevin Pritchard, 57
Calbert Cheaney, 53
Donny Marshall, 52
Mason Rudolph, 29
OG Anunoby, 27
— Ole Miss
Last three years, Ole Miss is 29-10 SU/20-17-2 ATS.
Rebels have 10 starters back on offense, 10 on defense.
Rebels have 222 returning starts on offensive line (VERY experienced).
Junior QB Dart has started 25 games.
Under Kiffin, Ole Miss is 7-3-1 ATS as a road favorite.
Last four years, Ole Miss is 11-5 ATS in non-conference games.
Last three years, Rebels are 15-11-2 ATS coming off a win.
Rebels are 3-2 in last five bowl games (underdogs covered last four).
— Alabama
Hard to replace a legendary coach; last 10 years, Alabama was 127-14.
New coach DeBoer was 37-9 SU at Fresno State/Washington.
Alabama has 7 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Crimson Tide has 60 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Milroe has started 14 games.
Last four years, Alabama is 18-7-1 ATS as a home favorite.
Last three years, Alabama is 5-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Last five years, Crimson Tide is 0-2 ATS as an underdog (both in bowls)
Alabama is 5-2 SU/ATS in its last seven bowls.
— Texas
Texas was 12-2 LY, after going 13-12 previous two years.
Longhorns have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Longhorns have 123 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Ewers has 22 career starts (22 TDs, 6 INTs LY).
Under Sarkisian, Texas is 11-7 ATS as a home favorite.
In his career, Sarkisian is 10-5 ATS as home dog, 10-18 as road dog.
Since 2015, Longhorns are 6-1-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Texas is 3-2 SU in last five bowls (underdogs 4-1 ATS)
— Georgia
Last seven years, Georgia is 86-11 SU, 54-42-1 ATS.
Dawgs have 7 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Georgia has 87 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Beck started 14 games LY.
Under Smart, Georgia is 18-27-1 ATS as home favorite, 20-11 as road favorite.
Since 2018, Dawgs are 0-1 ATS as an underdog.
Last 10 years, Dawgs are 13-7 ATS coming off a loss.
Georgia won its last seven bowl games, last two by 65-7/63-3 scores.
