Cnotes WNBA 2024 Season Best Bets And Opinions !
- Thread starter Cnotes53
- Start date
- Sep 10, 2018
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Thursday’s 6-pack:
All-time leaders in hits for the Kansas City Royals:
3,154— George Brett
2,006— Frank White
1,977— Amos Otis
1,968— Willie Wilson
1,924— Hal McRae
1,843— Alex Gordon
Quote of the Day
“We have plenty of guys who can score. That’s not a problem for us. We want defense, defense, defense. The identity of our team is the depth, the strength of our team is the depth.”
Team USA coach Steve Kerr
Thursday’s quiz
Who hit the only inside-the-park home run in All-Star Game history?
Wednesday’s quiz
Nick Saban coached the Miami Dolphins for two seasons, going 9-7/6-10 in 2005-06, before moving on to Alabama.
Tuesday’s quiz
Penn State coach James Franklin was Vanderbilt’s football coach, the last time they had a winning season, in 2013.
******************************************
A lot.
It is REALLY HARD to make an NBA roster; Isaiah Wong was ACC Player of the Year in 2023, a third-team All-American at Miami; you have any idea how hard it is to be ACC Player of the Year?
Isaiah Wong got into one NBA game last season; he played four minutes.
This week, Wong is on the Phoenix Suns’ summer team; he scored 7 points in 12:00 off the bench in Tuesday’s 98-94 loss to Indiana, Wong’s former team.
Go outside and practice, kids…….
— One thing about playing in Summer League; you’re not just trying out for your team, you’re trying out for the other 29 teams, who all have their eyes out for prospects.
Philadelphia 76ers have only two spots open on their regular season roster, so most of the guys on their summer team are trying to impress another club, to get an invite to training camp.
— Washington Wizards’ rookie Alex Sarr, the #2 pick in last month’s NBA Draft, went 0-15 from the floor in the Wizards’ 82-80 loss to Portland. In the scheme of things, this might not be such a big deal, but it has to be at least a little bit of a red flag.
— They’ve been calling some sketchy technical fouls in the Summer League; you could hear what was said before the technicals were called- no cursing, not even that many theatrics.
— Team USA 98, Australia 92
Anthony Davis scored 17 points, grabbed 14 rebounds in 18:00.
Americans were 12-29 on the arc
Game drew 12,217 fans at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Team USA 105, Serbia 79
Stephen Curry scored 24 points.
Game was 40-40; Americans ended first half on a 19-5 run.
Team USA is now 3-0 in its pre-Olympic games.
— Famous birthdays, July 18
Joe Torre, 84
James Brolin, 84
Audrey Landers, 68
Jeff Lageman, 57
Anfernee Hardaway, 53
Torii Hunter, 49
Eugenio Suarez, 33
Bam Abedayo, 27
Kyle Manzardo, 24
— Episode 3 of Hard Knocks, where Saquon Barkley bolts the Giants for the division rival Eagles; two quick impressions.
Giants’ owner John Mara made it clear he wouldn’t be happy if Barkley went to the Giants’ rivals in Philadelphia, which is exactly what happened. Whoops.
Giants’ GM Joe Schoen asked Barkley if he would be willing to take $1M or so less from the Giants than the Eagles, with the inference that if he did, he’d eventually be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. Was surprised to hear him say that.
— Fresno State football coach Jeff Tedford stepped down due to health issues; he went 45-22 in two stints at his alma mater, but he’s had recurring health problems. Fresno will have an interim coach this season.
Tedford was Aaron Rodgers’ coach at Cal; he was also a head coach in the CFL. We wish him a speedy recovery.
— Edmonton Elks fired coach/GM Chris Jones after an 0-5 start; Edmonton was 8-33 in Jones’ tenure running the club.
— Movie of the Day– Absence of Malice (1981)- A prosecutor leaks to a news reporter that a liquor wholesaler is suspected in the murder of local longshoreman, the wholesaler’s life begins to unravel, until he fights back.
Paul Newman, Sally Field; two of our greatest actors, with an appearance by Wilford Brimley in the key scene at the end of the movie. Movie was made 43 years ago, but it still holds up- I was glad to find it the other night.
Baseball thoughts…….
— The All-Star uniforms were horrendous, to be kind; they need to go back to when the players wore their teams’ uniforms.
— Teoscar Hernandez is the first LA Dodger to win the Home Run Derby.
— Cincinnati rookie Rece Hinds won Player of the Week in his first week as a major leaguer, which is pretty impressive.
— One of the most surprising things this baseball season is how Cubs P Shota Imanaga has been a much better pitcher Dodgers’ free agent P Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
During spring training, NO ONE, not one person, thought that was going to happen.
— P Domingo German exercised an opt-out clause in his contract, was released by Pittsburgh. He was 4-4, 5.35 in ten starts for the Pirates’ AAA team.
— If the baseball playoffs started today (they don’t):
NL: Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers. Wild Card: Braves, Cardinals, Mets
AL: Orioles, Guardians, Mariners. Wild Card: Bronx, Twins, Red Sox
All-time leaders in hits for the Kansas City Royals:
3,154— George Brett
2,006— Frank White
1,977— Amos Otis
1,968— Willie Wilson
1,924— Hal McRae
1,843— Alex Gordon
Quote of the Day
“We have plenty of guys who can score. That’s not a problem for us. We want defense, defense, defense. The identity of our team is the depth, the strength of our team is the depth.”
Team USA coach Steve Kerr
Thursday’s quiz
Who hit the only inside-the-park home run in All-Star Game history?
Wednesday’s quiz
Nick Saban coached the Miami Dolphins for two seasons, going 9-7/6-10 in 2005-06, before moving on to Alabama.
Tuesday’s quiz
Penn State coach James Franklin was Vanderbilt’s football coach, the last time they had a winning season, in 2013.
******************************************
Thursday’s Den: Random things on a summer day…….
— Every kid in America who plays high school basketball should be watching some of the NBA Summer League this week; watch it for a while, then turn the TV off and go outside and practice.A lot.
It is REALLY HARD to make an NBA roster; Isaiah Wong was ACC Player of the Year in 2023, a third-team All-American at Miami; you have any idea how hard it is to be ACC Player of the Year?
Isaiah Wong got into one NBA game last season; he played four minutes.
This week, Wong is on the Phoenix Suns’ summer team; he scored 7 points in 12:00 off the bench in Tuesday’s 98-94 loss to Indiana, Wong’s former team.
Go outside and practice, kids…….
— One thing about playing in Summer League; you’re not just trying out for your team, you’re trying out for the other 29 teams, who all have their eyes out for prospects.
Philadelphia 76ers have only two spots open on their regular season roster, so most of the guys on their summer team are trying to impress another club, to get an invite to training camp.
— Washington Wizards’ rookie Alex Sarr, the #2 pick in last month’s NBA Draft, went 0-15 from the floor in the Wizards’ 82-80 loss to Portland. In the scheme of things, this might not be such a big deal, but it has to be at least a little bit of a red flag.
— They’ve been calling some sketchy technical fouls in the Summer League; you could hear what was said before the technicals were called- no cursing, not even that many theatrics.
— Team USA 98, Australia 92
Anthony Davis scored 17 points, grabbed 14 rebounds in 18:00.
Americans were 12-29 on the arc
Game drew 12,217 fans at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Team USA 105, Serbia 79
Stephen Curry scored 24 points.
Game was 40-40; Americans ended first half on a 19-5 run.
Team USA is now 3-0 in its pre-Olympic games.
— Famous birthdays, July 18
Joe Torre, 84
James Brolin, 84
Audrey Landers, 68
Jeff Lageman, 57
Anfernee Hardaway, 53
Torii Hunter, 49
Eugenio Suarez, 33
Bam Abedayo, 27
Kyle Manzardo, 24
— Episode 3 of Hard Knocks, where Saquon Barkley bolts the Giants for the division rival Eagles; two quick impressions.
Giants’ owner John Mara made it clear he wouldn’t be happy if Barkley went to the Giants’ rivals in Philadelphia, which is exactly what happened. Whoops.
Giants’ GM Joe Schoen asked Barkley if he would be willing to take $1M or so less from the Giants than the Eagles, with the inference that if he did, he’d eventually be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor. Was surprised to hear him say that.
— Fresno State football coach Jeff Tedford stepped down due to health issues; he went 45-22 in two stints at his alma mater, but he’s had recurring health problems. Fresno will have an interim coach this season.
Tedford was Aaron Rodgers’ coach at Cal; he was also a head coach in the CFL. We wish him a speedy recovery.
— Edmonton Elks fired coach/GM Chris Jones after an 0-5 start; Edmonton was 8-33 in Jones’ tenure running the club.
— Movie of the Day– Absence of Malice (1981)- A prosecutor leaks to a news reporter that a liquor wholesaler is suspected in the murder of local longshoreman, the wholesaler’s life begins to unravel, until he fights back.
Paul Newman, Sally Field; two of our greatest actors, with an appearance by Wilford Brimley in the key scene at the end of the movie. Movie was made 43 years ago, but it still holds up- I was glad to find it the other night.
Baseball thoughts…….
— The All-Star uniforms were horrendous, to be kind; they need to go back to when the players wore their teams’ uniforms.
— Teoscar Hernandez is the first LA Dodger to win the Home Run Derby.
— Cincinnati rookie Rece Hinds won Player of the Week in his first week as a major leaguer, which is pretty impressive.
— One of the most surprising things this baseball season is how Cubs P Shota Imanaga has been a much better pitcher Dodgers’ free agent P Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
During spring training, NO ONE, not one person, thought that was going to happen.
— P Domingo German exercised an opt-out clause in his contract, was released by Pittsburgh. He was 4-4, 5.35 in ten starts for the Pirates’ AAA team.
— If the baseball playoffs started today (they don’t):
NL: Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers. Wild Card: Braves, Cardinals, Mets
AL: Orioles, Guardians, Mariners. Wild Card: Bronx, Twins, Red Sox
Completed Picks
Past Completed Picks| Date | W-L-T | % | Units | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/17/2024 | 2-0-0 | 100.00% | +1000 | Detail |
| 07/14/2024 | 4-4-0 | 50.00% | -200 | Detail |
| 07/13/2024 | 3-1-0 | 75.00% | +950 | Detail |
| 07/12/2024 | 2-4-0 | 33.33% | -1200 | Detail |
| 07/11/2024 | 1-1-0 | 50.00% | -50 | Detail |
| 07/10/2024 | 6-2-0 | 75.00% | +1900 | Detail |
| 07/09/2024 | 2-0-0 | 100.00% | +1000 | Detail |
| 07/07/2024 | 5-2-0 | 71.43% | +1400 | Detail |
| 07/06/2024 | 2-2-0 | 50.00% | -100 | Detail |
| 07/05/2024 | 2-4-0 | 33.33% | -1200 | Detail |
| 07/04/2024 | 1-2-1 | 37.50% | -600 | Detail |
| 07/03/2024 | 1-1-0 | 50.00% | -50 | Detail |
| 07/02/2024 | 3-4-1 | 43.75% | -700 | Detail |
| 07/01/2024 | 4-0-0 | 100.00% | +2000 | Detail |
| 06/30/2024 | 4-2-0 | 66.67% | +900 | Detail |
| 06/29/2024 | 2-2-0 | 50.00% | -100 | Detail |
| 06/28/2024 | 1-3-0 | 25.00% | -1150 | Detail |
| 06/27/2024 | 5-3-0 | 62.50% | +850 | Detail |
| 06/25/2024 | 2-0-0 | 100.00% | +1000 | Detail |
| 06/23/2024 | 4-4-0 | 50.00% | -200 | Detail |
| 06/22/2024 | 3-3-0 | 50.00% | -150 | Detail |
| 06/21/2024 | 3-1-0 | 75.00% | +950 | Detail |
| 06/20/2024 | 0-2-0 | 0.00% | -1100 | Detail |
| 06/19/2024 | 2-4-0 | 33.33% | -1200 | Detail |
| 06/18/2024 | 3-1-0 | 75.00% | +950 | Detail |
| 06/17/2024 | 1-1-0 | 50.00% | -50 | Detail |
| 06/16/2024 | 1-2-1 | 37.50% | -600 | Detail |
| 06/15/2024 | 3-1-0 | 75.00% | +950 | Detail |
| 06/14/2024 | 2-2-0 | 50.00% | -100 | Detail |
| 06/13/2024 | 4-2-0 | 66.67% | +900 | Detail |
Friday’s 6-pack:
Players with most stolen bases for the Oakland A’s:
867— Rickey Henderson
566— Bert Campaneris
232— Billy North
169— Coco Crisp
146— Carney Lansford
145— Reggie Jackson
Quote of the Day
“I think the media had a bias. They just didn’t understand..……the guys we blocked over there were some of the best rushers of all-time. The whole ‘Blind Side’ thing…….the right side guys got pushed away.”
Former RT Willie Anderson, refuting a growing narrative that left tackles are more valuable than right tackles.
Friday’s quiz
When was the last time the World Series ended in a 4-0 sweep?
Thursday’s quiz
Ichiro Suzuki hit the only inside-the-park home run in All-Star Game history.
Wednesday’s quiz
Nick Saban coached the Miami Dolphins for two seasons, going 9-7/6-10 in 2005-06, before moving on to Alabama.
*************************************
— Houston
Willie Fritz is the new coach after LY’s 4-8 season.
Houston has 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Cougars have 118 returning starts on OL, only 30 of them at Houston.
Senior QB Smith has 20 career starts.
Last three years, Houston is 3-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Last eight years, Houston was 26-36-2 ATS in conference games.
In his career, Fritz is 14-7 ATS as a road favorite.
Cougars are 3-2 SU/2-2-1 ATS in their last five bowl games.
— Arizona State
Last two years, Sun Devils went 3-9/3-9 SU, 5-7/6-6 ATS
ASU has 6 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Sun Devils have 57 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Bourguet started 6 games; they added a transfer QB from Michigan State and another QB who started 25 games at Georgia Tech/Nebraska.
Since 2017, ASU is 8-15 ATS as an home favorite.
Since 2015. ASU is 3-10 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2017, Sun Devils are 5-16-1 ATS in non-league games.
ASU is 1-4 SU in last five bowls; favorites covered the last four.
— BYU
BYU was 5-7 last year, their worst season since 2017.
Cougars have 8 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Cougars have 88 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Bohanon started 19 games, at Baylor/South Florida.
Under Sitake, BYU is 23-32 ATS as a favorite.
Under Sitake, BYU is 21-14-1 ATS as an underdog.
Last four years, Cougars are 3-6 ATS as a road underdog.
BYU is 3-2 SU/ATS in its last five bowl games.
— Colorado
Last three years, Colorado is 9-27 SU/15-21 ATS
Tigers have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Tigers have 100 returning starts on offensive line, and a new OL coach.
QB Sanders started 11 games LY, after playing multiple years at I-AA Jackson State.
Colorado was 4-8 SU last year, despite a +9 turnover ratio.
Since 2017, Buffs are 10-20-1 ATS as a road underdog.
LY, Colorado was 6-3 ATS as an underdog, 1-3 as a favorite.
Buffs lost their last four bowls; their last bowl win was in 2004.
— Famous birthdays, July 19th:
George Dzundza, 79
Alvan Adams, 70
Anthony Edwards, 62
LeRoy Butler, 56
Rick Ankiel, 45
Adam Morrison, 40
LaMarcus Aldridge, 39
Patrick Corbin, 35
Mauricio Dubon, 30
— Cincinnati
Cincinnati was 3-9 LY, their first losing season since 2017.
Bearcats have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Bearcats have 91 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Dorsby started 7 games at Indiana last year.
Last two years, Cincinnati was 4-10 ATS as a favorite.
Last two years, Cincinnati was 3-13-1 ATS in conference games.
In his career, Satterfield is 16-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Bearcats lost their last three bowl games, scoring 11.3 ppg.
— Baylor
Last two years, Bears were 6-7/3-9, after a 12-2 year in 2021.
Baylor has 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Bears have 97 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Finn started 32 games at Toledo.
Under Aranda, Baylor is 8-6 ATS as home favorite, 1-4 as road faves.
Since 2018, Bears are 8-6 ATS as a home underdog.
Last 2 years, Baylor was +3 in turnovers (+31 from 2019-21)
Baylor is 3-2 SU in last five bowls (underdogs 4-1 ATS).
— Texas Tech
Last three years, Texas Tech was 7-6/8-5/7-6.
Red Raiders have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Red Raiders have 125 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Morton started 12 games LY (15 TDs/8 INTs)
Under McGuire, Texas Tech is 8-5 ATS in home games.
Last 10 years, Red Raiders are 4-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Last four years, Tech had a minus-28 turnover ratio, still went 26-23 SU.
Texas Tech won its last three bowls, scoring 36.7 ppg.
— Central Florida
UCF was 6-7 last year, their first losing season since 2016.
Knights have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
UCF has 58 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Jefferson started 38 games at Arkansas.
Last five years, UCF is 7-14 ATS as a road favorite.
In his career, Malzahn is 10-5 ATS as home underdog, 11-15 as road underdog.
Last five years, Knights are 5-14-1 ATS coming off a loss.
UCF lost three of its last four bowl games.
Players with most stolen bases for the Oakland A’s:
867— Rickey Henderson
566— Bert Campaneris
232— Billy North
169— Coco Crisp
146— Carney Lansford
145— Reggie Jackson
Quote of the Day
“I think the media had a bias. They just didn’t understand..……the guys we blocked over there were some of the best rushers of all-time. The whole ‘Blind Side’ thing…….the right side guys got pushed away.”
Former RT Willie Anderson, refuting a growing narrative that left tackles are more valuable than right tackles.
Friday’s quiz
When was the last time the World Series ended in a 4-0 sweep?
Thursday’s quiz
Ichiro Suzuki hit the only inside-the-park home run in All-Star Game history.
Wednesday’s quiz
Nick Saban coached the Miami Dolphins for two seasons, going 9-7/6-10 in 2005-06, before moving on to Alabama.
*************************************
Friday’s Den: Part 1 of our Big X football preview…….
Part 1 of our Big X football preview……..— Houston
Willie Fritz is the new coach after LY’s 4-8 season.
Houston has 5 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Cougars have 118 returning starts on OL, only 30 of them at Houston.
Senior QB Smith has 20 career starts.
Last three years, Houston is 3-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Last eight years, Houston was 26-36-2 ATS in conference games.
In his career, Fritz is 14-7 ATS as a road favorite.
Cougars are 3-2 SU/2-2-1 ATS in their last five bowl games.
— Arizona State
Last two years, Sun Devils went 3-9/3-9 SU, 5-7/6-6 ATS
ASU has 6 starters back on offense, 4 on defense.
Sun Devils have 57 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Bourguet started 6 games; they added a transfer QB from Michigan State and another QB who started 25 games at Georgia Tech/Nebraska.
Since 2017, ASU is 8-15 ATS as an home favorite.
Since 2015. ASU is 3-10 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2017, Sun Devils are 5-16-1 ATS in non-league games.
ASU is 1-4 SU in last five bowls; favorites covered the last four.
— BYU
BYU was 5-7 last year, their worst season since 2017.
Cougars have 8 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Cougars have 88 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Bohanon started 19 games, at Baylor/South Florida.
Under Sitake, BYU is 23-32 ATS as a favorite.
Under Sitake, BYU is 21-14-1 ATS as an underdog.
Last four years, Cougars are 3-6 ATS as a road underdog.
BYU is 3-2 SU/ATS in its last five bowl games.
— Colorado
Last three years, Colorado is 9-27 SU/15-21 ATS
Tigers have 8 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Tigers have 100 returning starts on offensive line, and a new OL coach.
QB Sanders started 11 games LY, after playing multiple years at I-AA Jackson State.
Colorado was 4-8 SU last year, despite a +9 turnover ratio.
Since 2017, Buffs are 10-20-1 ATS as a road underdog.
LY, Colorado was 6-3 ATS as an underdog, 1-3 as a favorite.
Buffs lost their last four bowls; their last bowl win was in 2004.
— Famous birthdays, July 19th:
George Dzundza, 79
Alvan Adams, 70
Anthony Edwards, 62
LeRoy Butler, 56
Rick Ankiel, 45
Adam Morrison, 40
LaMarcus Aldridge, 39
Patrick Corbin, 35
Mauricio Dubon, 30
— Cincinnati
Cincinnati was 3-9 LY, their first losing season since 2017.
Bearcats have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Bearcats have 91 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Dorsby started 7 games at Indiana last year.
Last two years, Cincinnati was 4-10 ATS as a favorite.
Last two years, Cincinnati was 3-13-1 ATS in conference games.
In his career, Satterfield is 16-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Bearcats lost their last three bowl games, scoring 11.3 ppg.
— Baylor
Last two years, Bears were 6-7/3-9, after a 12-2 year in 2021.
Baylor has 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Bears have 97 returning starts on the offensive line.
Senior QB Finn started 32 games at Toledo.
Under Aranda, Baylor is 8-6 ATS as home favorite, 1-4 as road faves.
Since 2018, Bears are 8-6 ATS as a home underdog.
Last 2 years, Baylor was +3 in turnovers (+31 from 2019-21)
Baylor is 3-2 SU in last five bowls (underdogs 4-1 ATS).
— Texas Tech
Last three years, Texas Tech was 7-6/8-5/7-6.
Red Raiders have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Red Raiders have 125 returning starts on the offensive line.
Junior QB Morton started 12 games LY (15 TDs/8 INTs)
Under McGuire, Texas Tech is 8-5 ATS in home games.
Last 10 years, Red Raiders are 4-9 ATS as a road favorite.
Last four years, Tech had a minus-28 turnover ratio, still went 26-23 SU.
Texas Tech won its last three bowls, scoring 36.7 ppg.
— Central Florida
UCF was 6-7 last year, their first losing season since 2016.
Knights have 7 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
UCF has 58 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Jefferson started 38 games at Arkansas.
Last five years, UCF is 7-14 ATS as a road favorite.
In his career, Malzahn is 10-5 ATS as home underdog, 11-15 as road underdog.
Last five years, Knights are 5-14-1 ATS coming off a loss.
UCF lost three of its last four bowl games.
- Sep 10, 2018
- 17,256
- 16
- 38
Armadillo Sports
Saturday’s 6-pack:
Players with the most rushing yards for the LA Rams:
10,138— Steven Jackson
7,245— Eric Dickerson
6,959— Marshall Faulk
6,186— Lawrence McCutcheon
5,417— Dick Bass
5,404— Todd Gurley
Quote of the Day
“…….in my case, I don’t think it’s amazing that a bad accountant could become a comedian.”
Bob Newhart
Saturday’s quiz
San Diego Padres have retired #31, in honor of what Hall of Fame player?
Friday’s quiz
2012 was the last time the World Series ended in a 4-0 sweep, when the Giants swept Detroit.
Thursday’s quiz
Ichiro Suzuki hit the only inside-the-park home run in All-Star Game history.
****************************************
Saturday’s Den: NFL trends, and some other stuff…….
— Baltimore Ravens
Last three years, they’re 8-2 ATS as a road underdog.
Ravens are 8-4 ATS in last 12 games where spread was 3 or fewer points.
— Buffalo Bills
Last four years, Buffalo is 49-18 in regular season, 4-4 in playoffs.
Bills are 1-4 ATS in their last five games vs Baltimore.
— Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals are 23-5-2 ATS in their last 30 non-divisional games.
Cincinnati is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six visits to Cleveland.
— Cleveland Browns
12 of their 17 games this year are against teams that had a winning record LY.
Browns are 3-7 ATS in their last ten games vs Pittsburgh.
Browns somehow went 11-7 last year, despite starting five different QB’s.
— Denver Broncos
Last three years, Broncos are 7-13 ATS as a home favorite.
Denver is 0-8 ATS in last eight road games against the Raiders.
— Houston Texans
Houston was 7-4 ATS as an underdog last year, with a rookie QB/rookie HC.
Last three years, Texans are 12-6 ATS in divisional games.
— Indianapolis Colts
Last 14 years, divisional home underdogs are 24-7 ATS in Week 1 games.
Last four years, Colts are 8-16 ATS in divisional games.
— Jacksonville Jaguars
Under Pederson, Jaguars are 10-6 ATS as an underdog.
Jacksonville is 2-7 ATS in its last nine visits to Tennessee.
— Movie of the Day: True Believer (1989)— A former civil liberties attorney now reduced to defending drug dealers becomes involved in an eight-year-old murder case- he is convinced the person convicted of the crime is innocent.
James Woods is the lawyer, Robert Downey Jr is his clerk, Margaret Colin does investigations for him. Very good movie.
— Kansas City Chiefs
In their last 27 games, Kansas City is 17-9-1 against the spread.
Last four years, Chiefs are 8-0 ATS as a road underdog.
— Las Vegas Raiders
Last two years, Silver and Back is 9-3 ATS as a home favorite.
QB Minshew is 2-13 ATS in his last 15 games as an underdog.
— Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh was 49-27-1 as coach of the 49ers, from 2011-14 (5-3 in playoffs)
Since 2020, Chargers are 10-14-1 ATS as a home favorite.
— Miami Dolphins
In their last three games LY, Miami was outscored 52-6 in second half.
Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000 (0-6 last six)
— New England Patriots
Are playing toughest schedule in NFL this year; 3 of their first 4 games are on road.
Last two years, New England was 4-11-1 ATS at home.
— New Jersey Jets
Jets have six primetime games in first 11 weeks this season.
Robert Saleh is 18-33 SU/20-30-1 ATS as coach of the Jets.
— Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers visits Denver in Week 2; Broncos are paying 87% of Russell Wilson’s salary this year.
Last four years, Pittsburgh is 16-9 ATS in divisional games.
— Tennessee Titans
Mike Vrabel was 56-48 as Titans’ coach, but went 7-10/6-11 last two years.
Last four years, Tennessee is 10-2 ATS as a home underdog.
— Famous birthdays, July 20
Tony Oliva, 86
James Harris, 77
Mike Lansford, 66
Reed Diamond, 57
Omar Epps, 51
Ray Allen, 49
Stephen Strasburg, 36
Stephen Adams, 31
Keibert Ruiz, 26
— Pirates 8, Phillies 7
Phillies led 7-4 in 7th inning, 7-6 in 9th.
Rowdy Tellez had three sac flies; very unusual.
Crowd was 39,530, Pirates’ biggest home crowd since 2015.
— Dodgers 4, Red Sox 1
Dodgers scored four runs in bottom of the 8th.
Freddie Freeman’s grand slam was a game-winner.
— Astros 3, Mariners 0
Teams are now tied for first in AL West.
On June 19, Seattle led the Astros by 10 games.
— A’s 13, Angels 3
Oakland is 8-5 in its last 13 games.
A’s scored 31 runs in their last two games.
— Rockies 7, Giants 3
San Francisco led 3-0 in sixth inning.
Brenton Doyle hit his 16th home run for Colorado.
— New York 6, Tampa Bay 1
Juan Soto went 4-4, with two doubles and a walk.
Soto is now 17-34 in his career against Zach Eflin.
— Nationals 8, Reds 5
Patrick Corbin allowed a run in 6 IP, on his 35th birthday.
Jesse Winker got on base four times, scored twice.
— RIP to the great comedian Bob Newhart, who passed away this week at age 94.
Originally an accountant, Newhart became a comedian whose albums struck gold in the 60’s, then his TV series “The Bob Newhart Show” debuted in 1972, where he played a Chicago psychologist, Bob Hartley, who ministered to a host of eccentric patients.
Low-key and dead pan, Bob Newhart was really funny and will be missed.
RIP, sir.
Saturday’s 6-pack:
Players with the most rushing yards for the LA Rams:
10,138— Steven Jackson
7,245— Eric Dickerson
6,959— Marshall Faulk
6,186— Lawrence McCutcheon
5,417— Dick Bass
5,404— Todd Gurley
Quote of the Day
“…….in my case, I don’t think it’s amazing that a bad accountant could become a comedian.”
Bob Newhart
Saturday’s quiz
San Diego Padres have retired #31, in honor of what Hall of Fame player?
Friday’s quiz
2012 was the last time the World Series ended in a 4-0 sweep, when the Giants swept Detroit.
Thursday’s quiz
Ichiro Suzuki hit the only inside-the-park home run in All-Star Game history.
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Saturday’s Den: NFL trends, and some other stuff…….
— Baltimore Ravens
Last three years, they’re 8-2 ATS as a road underdog.
Ravens are 8-4 ATS in last 12 games where spread was 3 or fewer points.
— Buffalo Bills
Last four years, Buffalo is 49-18 in regular season, 4-4 in playoffs.
Bills are 1-4 ATS in their last five games vs Baltimore.
— Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals are 23-5-2 ATS in their last 30 non-divisional games.
Cincinnati is 4-1-1 ATS in its last six visits to Cleveland.
— Cleveland Browns
12 of their 17 games this year are against teams that had a winning record LY.
Browns are 3-7 ATS in their last ten games vs Pittsburgh.
Browns somehow went 11-7 last year, despite starting five different QB’s.
— Denver Broncos
Last three years, Broncos are 7-13 ATS as a home favorite.
Denver is 0-8 ATS in last eight road games against the Raiders.
— Houston Texans
Houston was 7-4 ATS as an underdog last year, with a rookie QB/rookie HC.
Last three years, Texans are 12-6 ATS in divisional games.
— Indianapolis Colts
Last 14 years, divisional home underdogs are 24-7 ATS in Week 1 games.
Last four years, Colts are 8-16 ATS in divisional games.
— Jacksonville Jaguars
Under Pederson, Jaguars are 10-6 ATS as an underdog.
Jacksonville is 2-7 ATS in its last nine visits to Tennessee.
— Movie of the Day: True Believer (1989)— A former civil liberties attorney now reduced to defending drug dealers becomes involved in an eight-year-old murder case- he is convinced the person convicted of the crime is innocent.
James Woods is the lawyer, Robert Downey Jr is his clerk, Margaret Colin does investigations for him. Very good movie.
— Kansas City Chiefs
In their last 27 games, Kansas City is 17-9-1 against the spread.
Last four years, Chiefs are 8-0 ATS as a road underdog.
— Las Vegas Raiders
Last two years, Silver and Back is 9-3 ATS as a home favorite.
QB Minshew is 2-13 ATS in his last 15 games as an underdog.
— Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh was 49-27-1 as coach of the 49ers, from 2011-14 (5-3 in playoffs)
Since 2020, Chargers are 10-14-1 ATS as a home favorite.
— Miami Dolphins
In their last three games LY, Miami was outscored 52-6 in second half.
Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000 (0-6 last six)
— New England Patriots
Are playing toughest schedule in NFL this year; 3 of their first 4 games are on road.
Last two years, New England was 4-11-1 ATS at home.
— New Jersey Jets
Jets have six primetime games in first 11 weeks this season.
Robert Saleh is 18-33 SU/20-30-1 ATS as coach of the Jets.
— Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers visits Denver in Week 2; Broncos are paying 87% of Russell Wilson’s salary this year.
Last four years, Pittsburgh is 16-9 ATS in divisional games.
— Tennessee Titans
Mike Vrabel was 56-48 as Titans’ coach, but went 7-10/6-11 last two years.
Last four years, Tennessee is 10-2 ATS as a home underdog.
— Famous birthdays, July 20
Tony Oliva, 86
James Harris, 77
Mike Lansford, 66
Reed Diamond, 57
Omar Epps, 51
Ray Allen, 49
Stephen Strasburg, 36
Stephen Adams, 31
Keibert Ruiz, 26
— Pirates 8, Phillies 7
Phillies led 7-4 in 7th inning, 7-6 in 9th.
Rowdy Tellez had three sac flies; very unusual.
Crowd was 39,530, Pirates’ biggest home crowd since 2015.
— Dodgers 4, Red Sox 1
Dodgers scored four runs in bottom of the 8th.
Freddie Freeman’s grand slam was a game-winner.
— Astros 3, Mariners 0
Teams are now tied for first in AL West.
On June 19, Seattle led the Astros by 10 games.
— A’s 13, Angels 3
Oakland is 8-5 in its last 13 games.
A’s scored 31 runs in their last two games.
— Rockies 7, Giants 3
San Francisco led 3-0 in sixth inning.
Brenton Doyle hit his 16th home run for Colorado.
— New York 6, Tampa Bay 1
Juan Soto went 4-4, with two doubles and a walk.
Soto is now 17-34 in his career against Zach Eflin.
— Nationals 8, Reds 5
Patrick Corbin allowed a run in 6 IP, on his 35th birthday.
Jesse Winker got on base four times, scored twice.
— RIP to the great comedian Bob Newhart, who passed away this week at age 94.
Originally an accountant, Newhart became a comedian whose albums struck gold in the 60’s, then his TV series “The Bob Newhart Show” debuted in 1972, where he played a Chicago psychologist, Bob Hartley, who ministered to a host of eccentric patients.
Low-key and dead pan, Bob Newhart was really funny and will be missed.
RIP, sir.
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WNBA All-Stars 2024: Full roster
- Caitlin Clark | Indiana Fever | Iowa
- Angel Reese | Chicago Sky | LSU
- DeWanna Bonner | Connecticut Sun | Auburn
- Aliyah Boston | Indiana Fever | South Carolina
- Allisha Gray | Atlanta Dream | South Carolina
- Dearica Hamby | Los Angeles Sparks | Wake Forest
- Brionna Jones | Connecticut Sun | Maryland
- Jonquel Jones | New York Liberty | George Washington
- Kayla McBride | Minnesota Lynx | Notre Dame
- Kelsey Mitchell | Indiana Fever | Ohio State
- Arike Ogunbowale | Dallas Wings | Notre Dame
- Nneka Ogwumike | Seattle Storm | Stanford
Team USA All-Stars 2024: Full roster
- A'ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | South Carolina
- Breanna Stewart | New York Liberty | UConn
- Diana Taurasi | Phoenix Mercury | UConn
- Napheesa Collier | Minnesota Lynx | UConn
- Kahleah Cooper | Phoenix Mercury | Rutgers
- Chelsea Gray | Las Vegas Aces | Duke
- Brittney Griner | Phoenix Mercury | Baylor
- Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | Oregon
- Jewell Loyd | Seattle Storm | Notre Dame
- Kelsey Plum | Las Vegas Aces | Washington
- Alyssa Thomas | Connecticut Sun | Maryland
- Jackie Young | Las Vegas Aces | Notre Dame
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Armadillo Sports
Sunday’s 6-pack:
Six highest payrolls in baseball this year:
$312,634,754— Mets
$307,626,881— Bronx
$250,793,994— Astros
$246,819,511— Phillies
$232,671,028— Braves
$231,909,591— Dodgers (plus, $68M of Ohtani’s $$$ is deferred)
Quote of the Day
“No chance, sorry. That ship sailed a long time ago — a long, long time ago. I’m a Warrior, this is my identity, it’s our identity. I love what we’ve done. I love our fans, our arena (and) the last decade, and I just wanna do more. I just wanna create an even longer and even greater legacy for this organization.”
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lakob, on buying the Boston Celtics.
(Could someone ask him to buy the Oakland A’s? Please?!?!?!)
Sunday’s quiz
Oakland A’s have retired #24 in honor of Rickey Henderson, but what number did Henderson wear in his first stint with the A’s (1979-84)?
Saturday’s quiz
San Diego Padres have retired #31, in honor of Hall of Famer Dave Winfield.
Friday’s quiz
2012 was the last time the World Series ended in a 4-0 sweep, when the Giants swept Detroit.
**************************************
Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a sports Saturday……..
— Team USA 101, South Sudan 100
Team USA was a 43-point favorite in this game. 43 points.
South Sudan led 58-44 at halftime.
Lebron James scored with 0:08 left to avoid a tremendous upset.
— UCLA-Gonzaga are going to play the first college basketball game in the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, on November 28. Intuit Dome is the Clippers’ new arena.
— Speaking of UCLA, Bruins’ alum Troy Aikman and Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson are competing over copyright issues relating to the number they both wore on the football field — 8.
Both of them apparently hold legal protection over some form of the number. Oy.
— Dodgers-Cubs will open the 2025 baseball season with two games in Japan.
Everyone else will start the 2025 season on March 27th.
— Former Packers’ WR Randall Cobb, who played college ball at Kentucky, signed on to be a football analyst for the SEC Network.
— Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas shut down for good this week; The property is closing and will be refurbished, along with an addition of a near 700-foot tall guitar-shaped hotel on the site, kind of like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida.
Mirage had great food places; I stayed there once, 2011 or 2012, ate every day at the Carnegie Deli, which had the best (biggest) sandwiches ever. I’d ask for extra bread and take the extra sandwich up to my room to eat late at night.
— Packers are trying to sign QB Jordan Love to a new contract before the season starts,, but the teams aren’t close to a deal yet. Green Bay was 9-8 last year, in Love’s first season as the starter, his third year overall with the Packers.
— Famous birthdays, July 21st:
Al Hrabosky, 75
Jon Lovitz, 67
Henry Ellard, 63
Mike Bordick, 59
Geoff Jenkins, 50
David Carr, 45
CC Sabathia, 44
Jason Thompson, 38
DeAndre Jordan, 36
Sunday would’ve been the 73rd birthday for the great actor Robin Williams.
— Dodgers 7, Red Sox 6 (11)
Dodgers tied game in 9th/10th innings, both on hits by Kike Hernandez.
Tyler O’Neill hit two home runs for the Red Sox.
— Astros 4, Mariners 2
Houston takes over the lead in the AL West.
A month ago, they trailed Seattle by ten games.
Mariners have lost five games in a row.
— Brewers 8, Twins 4 (12)
Milwaukee led this game 1-0 in 8th inning.
Freddy Peralta tossed six shutout IP.
— A’s 8, Angels 2
Spunky A’s are 9-6 in their last 15 games.
Oakland scored 39 runs in its last three games.
Lawrence Butler was 3-4 with three RBI.
— Rays 9, New York 1
Tampa Bay was only 2nd team in last 100 years to do this in one game:
score 9+ runs
hit 4+ home runs
hold opponent to 0 or 1 run.
draw 5+ walks
steal 2+ bases
have opponent hit into 3+ double plays
— Mets 1, Marlins 0
Luis Severino tossed six shutout IP
Francisco Alvarez drove in the game’s only run.
— Diamondbacks 3, Cubs 0
Zac Gallen tossed five shutout IP, stranding nine runners.
Arizona’s bullpen allowed only one baserunner in 4 IP.
Sunday’s 6-pack:
Six highest payrolls in baseball this year:
$312,634,754— Mets
$307,626,881— Bronx
$250,793,994— Astros
$246,819,511— Phillies
$232,671,028— Braves
$231,909,591— Dodgers (plus, $68M of Ohtani’s $$$ is deferred)
Quote of the Day
“No chance, sorry. That ship sailed a long time ago — a long, long time ago. I’m a Warrior, this is my identity, it’s our identity. I love what we’ve done. I love our fans, our arena (and) the last decade, and I just wanna do more. I just wanna create an even longer and even greater legacy for this organization.”
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lakob, on buying the Boston Celtics.
(Could someone ask him to buy the Oakland A’s? Please?!?!?!)
Sunday’s quiz
Oakland A’s have retired #24 in honor of Rickey Henderson, but what number did Henderson wear in his first stint with the A’s (1979-84)?
Saturday’s quiz
San Diego Padres have retired #31, in honor of Hall of Famer Dave Winfield.
Friday’s quiz
2012 was the last time the World Series ended in a 4-0 sweep, when the Giants swept Detroit.
**************************************
Sunday’s Den: Wrapping up a sports Saturday……..
— Team USA 101, South Sudan 100
Team USA was a 43-point favorite in this game. 43 points.
South Sudan led 58-44 at halftime.
Lebron James scored with 0:08 left to avoid a tremendous upset.
— UCLA-Gonzaga are going to play the first college basketball game in the new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, on November 28. Intuit Dome is the Clippers’ new arena.
— Speaking of UCLA, Bruins’ alum Troy Aikman and Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson are competing over copyright issues relating to the number they both wore on the football field — 8.
Both of them apparently hold legal protection over some form of the number. Oy.
— Dodgers-Cubs will open the 2025 baseball season with two games in Japan.
Everyone else will start the 2025 season on March 27th.
— Former Packers’ WR Randall Cobb, who played college ball at Kentucky, signed on to be a football analyst for the SEC Network.
— Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas shut down for good this week; The property is closing and will be refurbished, along with an addition of a near 700-foot tall guitar-shaped hotel on the site, kind of like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida.
Mirage had great food places; I stayed there once, 2011 or 2012, ate every day at the Carnegie Deli, which had the best (biggest) sandwiches ever. I’d ask for extra bread and take the extra sandwich up to my room to eat late at night.
— Packers are trying to sign QB Jordan Love to a new contract before the season starts,, but the teams aren’t close to a deal yet. Green Bay was 9-8 last year, in Love’s first season as the starter, his third year overall with the Packers.
— Famous birthdays, July 21st:
Al Hrabosky, 75
Jon Lovitz, 67
Henry Ellard, 63
Mike Bordick, 59
Geoff Jenkins, 50
David Carr, 45
CC Sabathia, 44
Jason Thompson, 38
DeAndre Jordan, 36
Sunday would’ve been the 73rd birthday for the great actor Robin Williams.
— Dodgers 7, Red Sox 6 (11)
Dodgers tied game in 9th/10th innings, both on hits by Kike Hernandez.
Tyler O’Neill hit two home runs for the Red Sox.
— Astros 4, Mariners 2
Houston takes over the lead in the AL West.
A month ago, they trailed Seattle by ten games.
Mariners have lost five games in a row.
— Brewers 8, Twins 4 (12)
Milwaukee led this game 1-0 in 8th inning.
Freddy Peralta tossed six shutout IP.
— A’s 8, Angels 2
Spunky A’s are 9-6 in their last 15 games.
Oakland scored 39 runs in its last three games.
Lawrence Butler was 3-4 with three RBI.
— Rays 9, New York 1
Tampa Bay was only 2nd team in last 100 years to do this in one game:
score 9+ runs
hit 4+ home runs
hold opponent to 0 or 1 run.
draw 5+ walks
steal 2+ bases
have opponent hit into 3+ double plays
— Mets 1, Marlins 0
Luis Severino tossed six shutout IP
Francisco Alvarez drove in the game’s only run.
— Diamondbacks 3, Cubs 0
Zac Gallen tossed five shutout IP, stranding nine runners.
Arizona’s bullpen allowed only one baserunner in 4 IP.
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Stars light up the night as Team WNBA beats Paris-bound U.S. women’s squad
Arike Ogunbowale turned in another MVP performance, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese teamed up, and the WNBA all-stars impressed in a 117-109 victory.PHOENIX — Diana Taurasi received the loudest ovation during player introductions at the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night. Nothing else could be heard as Phoenix fans roared in appreciation, realizing the league’s all-time leading scorer — who has spent 20 years with the Mercury — is nearing the end of her Hall of Fame career.
So it was appropriate when the five-time gold medalist, a 42-year-old who in Paris is about to play in her sixth Olympics, came out and buried the first shot of the game — a three-pointer for the league’s all-time leader in that category. “Personally, I know that the end is way closer than the beginning,” she said. “So I just try to enjoy every single moment.”
This midseason showcase had a spicy feel and a competitive nature typically missing in these sorts of games. Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller, who coached Team WNBA, made that clear Friday, when she said her squad wanted to “beat the brakes” off the U.S. women’s national team. There was something at stake on both sides: Team USA wanted to prepare for the Olympics, and the members of Team WNBA wanted to show they could beat the most accomplished roster in the world.“It is one of the greatest spectacles, I think, in the history of our league, this game today,” Team USA Coach Cheryl Reeve said beforehand. “This is such a great game for USA Basketball because of the level of competition. And we are going to experience adversity in this game.”
Reeve was correct: Team WNBA prevailed, 117-109, in front of a sellout crowd at Footprint Center as All-Star Game MVP Arike Ogunbowale led the way with a game-record 34 points. Ogunbowale, who was left off the Olympic team and has said politics played a role in the roster selection, erupted in the third quarter with 21 points and five three-pointers after a scoreless first half. Team WNBA’s lead was nine after three quarters and grew to as large as 20 in the fourth before Team USA rallied late. The MVP award was the second for Ogunbowale, who also was honored in 2021 when she faced the Tokyo-bound U.S. Olympians. She became the fourth player to win multiple All-Star Game MVPs, joining Lisa Leslie, Swin Cash and Maya Moore.
Breanna Stewart led Team USA with 31 points and 10 rebounds. Taurasi finished with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists in 20 minutes.
Ogunbowale said Coach Cheryl Miller specifically had some words for her after being held scoreless in the first half.
“Coach, actually called me out at halftime in front of everybody,” Arike said with a laugh. "Was like just take a deep breath and play your game. I guess you guys saw what happened.
“I wasn’t expecting her to say my name. She was talking about the team and she pointed at me.”
The storylines ran deep, well beyond Taurasi and Ogunbowale.
No. 1 overall draft pick Caitlin Clark and fellow star rookie Angel Reese not only made their all-star debuts, but their rivalry that began in college was put on hold as they competed as teammates for the first time. Like Taurasi, both received a lot of support from the crowd at the culmination of a hectic weekend. Clark stormed into the postgame news conference with a smile and announced she’s going on vacation and later said she can’t wait to not touch a basketball.
Clark said there was no vindication of beating Team USA after not being selected and noted that the Team WNBA won in 2021, also.
“They were perfectly fine in the Olympics,” Clark said. “If anything, it shows how good this league is. It shows how much talent is in this league and how you have to show up and prepare every single night.”
Reeve added, “The depth of talent that we have in the USA, there’s no one that has anything close to it.”
Clark, who was announced as a starter shortly before the game, finished with four points and a game-high 10 assists. The 10 assists were one shy of the All-Star Game record held by Sue Bird. Reese, who set a WNBA record with 15 consecutive double-doubles, had another in her first all-star appearance, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
“It’s definitely been busy,” Clark said. “... But it’s been fun to get to experience this with other WNBA players, too, and get to know them.”
Miller was back in the city where she made her lone WNBA coaching stop. Before the game, she walked to the baseline with another coaching shirt and gave it to fellow Hall of Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale, who headed to the bench as an honorary coach. And this wasn’t just fun and games for Miller, who was animated as she talked to the team during huddles.
There were teammate combinations on both squads with A’ja Wilson-Chelsea Gray-Jackie Young-Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces), Stewart-Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty) and Taurasi-Brittney Griner-Kahleah Copper (Mercury) on Team USA. Team WNBA featured DeWanna Bonner-Brionna Jones (Connecticut Sun) and Clark-Kelsey Mitchell-Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever). And Bonner was on the opposite side from Alyssa Thomas, her fiancée and Sun teammate.
Speaking of Griner, she is headed to Europe to play for the first time since being released from a Russian prison in December 2022. And Friday night, Allisha Gray became the first player to win both the three-point contest and skills challenge.
The stars were not only on the court but in the stands. University of Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers sat courtside next to Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes. Sue Bird and former U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe were courtside, too. Hall of Fame tight end and media personality Shannon Sharpe, musicians Fabolous and Ty Dolla Sign, actress Aubrey Plaza and actor Jason Sudeikis were present. Vanessa Bryant, wife of the late Kobe Bryant, and her daughters also sat courtside, and Pitbull performed at halftime.
While there was certainly some disappointment from Team USA in the way they played, there was no panic in the building from the program that has won every Olympic gold since the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“Obviously this is going to help us tremendously,” Stewart said. “Because we don’t get that many game reps, game opportunities. ... It was like a little bit of deja vu feeling, honestly.”
A’ja Wilson added, “I’m glad we got tested. This is something that we needed to do.”
Monday’s 6-pack:
Six lowest payrolls in baseball this year:
$63,535,003— A’s
$84,422,675— Pirates
$93,943,535— Rays
$100,242,718— Guardians
$100,533,893— Marlins
$101,673,027— Orioles
Quote of the Day
“You’re establishing a relationship that lasts a lifetime. You know that they would be there for you, and they know that I would be there for them.”
Hall of Famer Jim Leyland, on being a big league manager
Monday’s quiz
Where did Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson play his college football?
Sunday’s quiz
Oakland A’s have retired #24 in honor of Rickey Henderson; Henderson wore #35 in his first stint with the A’s (1979-84).
Saturday’s quiz
San Diego Padres have retired #31, in honor of Hall of Famer Dave Winfield.
*****************************************
Last four years, they’re 5-11 ATS as a home favorite.
Rams covered their last ten visits to Arizona.
— Atlanta Falcons
Last four years, they’re 5-13 ATS as a home favorite.
Falcons have had six consecutive losing seasons.
— Carolina Panthers
Last four years, they’re 3-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Carolina is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games vs Tampa Bay
— Chicago Bears
Last three years, they’re 9-16 ATS as a road underdog.
Last four years, they’re 7-17 ATS in divisional games.
— Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys haven’t played in NFC title game since 1996.
Last three years, Dallas is 14-4 ATS in games vs NFC East rivals.
— Detroit Lions
Last three years, Detroit is 13-5 ATS in games vs NFC North rivals.
Last three years, Lions are 19-7-1 ATS in home games.
— Green Bay Packers
Last three years, Packers are 16-7 ATS as an underdog (7 SU wins last year)
Green Bay covered its last five visits to Chicago.
— Los Angeles Rams
Rams covered six of last seven games with Seattle.
Sean McVay won/covered six of his seven season openers.
— Minnesota Vikings
In 2022, Vikings were 11-1 in one-score games; last year, they were 6-8
Last two years, NFL teams were 8-19 when they played 3 weeks in row on road.
Vikings play three consecutive road games in Weeks 10-12.
— New Orleans Saints
Last three years, New Orleans is 10-16-1 ATS as a favorite.
Saints are 9-3 ATS in last 12 games against Tampa Bay.
— New Jersey Giants
Giants were an underdog in 24 of last 26 games (14-9-1 ATS)
Big Blue covered once in their last six games with Dallas.
— Philadelphia Eagles
Two new coordinators TY; Kellen Moore on offense, Vic Fangio on defense.
Why? Eagles were 1-6 SU/0-7 ATS in their last seven games LY.
Eagles play four of last five games at home TY, first time since 1951.
— San Francisco 49ers
Last two years, 49ers were a combined +23 in turnovers.
Last four years, 49ers are 16-6 ATS as an underdog.
San Francisco is 10-2-1 ATS in its last 13 NFC West games.
— Seattle Seahawks
Last three years, Seattle is 8-16 ATS as a favorite, 5-11 at home.
Seahawks covered four of last five games with Arizona.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In his NFL career, Baker Mayfield is 12-24-2 ATS as a favorite.
Tampa Bay won the NFC South the last three years.
— Washington Commanders
Last three years, Washington is 5-11-2 ATS in NFC East games.
Commanders are 7-16-2 ATS in their last 25 home games.
— Famous birthdays, July 22:
Danny Glover, 78
Albert Brooks, 77
Slick Watts, 73
Dave Stieb, 67
Alvin Robertson, 62
David Spade, 60
Tim Brown, 58
Steven Jackson, 41
Ezekiel Elliott, 29
Six lowest payrolls in baseball this year:
$63,535,003— A’s
$84,422,675— Pirates
$93,943,535— Rays
$100,242,718— Guardians
$100,533,893— Marlins
$101,673,027— Orioles
Quote of the Day
“You’re establishing a relationship that lasts a lifetime. You know that they would be there for you, and they know that I would be there for them.”
Hall of Famer Jim Leyland, on being a big league manager
Monday’s quiz
Where did Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson play his college football?
Sunday’s quiz
Oakland A’s have retired #24 in honor of Rickey Henderson; Henderson wore #35 in his first stint with the A’s (1979-84).
Saturday’s quiz
San Diego Padres have retired #31, in honor of Hall of Famer Dave Winfield.
*****************************************
Monday’s Den: NFC trends, and some other stuff…….
— Arizona CardinalsLast four years, they’re 5-11 ATS as a home favorite.
Rams covered their last ten visits to Arizona.
— Atlanta Falcons
Last four years, they’re 5-13 ATS as a home favorite.
Falcons have had six consecutive losing seasons.
— Carolina Panthers
Last four years, they’re 3-9 ATS as a home favorite.
Carolina is 2-6 ATS in its last eight games vs Tampa Bay
— Chicago Bears
Last three years, they’re 9-16 ATS as a road underdog.
Last four years, they’re 7-17 ATS in divisional games.
— Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys haven’t played in NFC title game since 1996.
Last three years, Dallas is 14-4 ATS in games vs NFC East rivals.
— Detroit Lions
Last three years, Detroit is 13-5 ATS in games vs NFC North rivals.
Last three years, Lions are 19-7-1 ATS in home games.
— Green Bay Packers
Last three years, Packers are 16-7 ATS as an underdog (7 SU wins last year)
Green Bay covered its last five visits to Chicago.
— Los Angeles Rams
Rams covered six of last seven games with Seattle.
Sean McVay won/covered six of his seven season openers.
— Minnesota Vikings
In 2022, Vikings were 11-1 in one-score games; last year, they were 6-8
Last two years, NFL teams were 8-19 when they played 3 weeks in row on road.
Vikings play three consecutive road games in Weeks 10-12.
— New Orleans Saints
Last three years, New Orleans is 10-16-1 ATS as a favorite.
Saints are 9-3 ATS in last 12 games against Tampa Bay.
— New Jersey Giants
Giants were an underdog in 24 of last 26 games (14-9-1 ATS)
Big Blue covered once in their last six games with Dallas.
— Philadelphia Eagles
Two new coordinators TY; Kellen Moore on offense, Vic Fangio on defense.
Why? Eagles were 1-6 SU/0-7 ATS in their last seven games LY.
Eagles play four of last five games at home TY, first time since 1951.
— San Francisco 49ers
Last two years, 49ers were a combined +23 in turnovers.
Last four years, 49ers are 16-6 ATS as an underdog.
San Francisco is 10-2-1 ATS in its last 13 NFC West games.
— Seattle Seahawks
Last three years, Seattle is 8-16 ATS as a favorite, 5-11 at home.
Seahawks covered four of last five games with Arizona.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In his NFL career, Baker Mayfield is 12-24-2 ATS as a favorite.
Tampa Bay won the NFC South the last three years.
— Washington Commanders
Last three years, Washington is 5-11-2 ATS in NFC East games.
Commanders are 7-16-2 ATS in their last 25 home games.
— Famous birthdays, July 22:
Danny Glover, 78
Albert Brooks, 77
Slick Watts, 73
Dave Stieb, 67
Alvin Robertson, 62
David Spade, 60
Tim Brown, 58
Steven Jackson, 41
Ezekiel Elliott, 29
Wednesday’s 6-pack:
Major League leaders in home runs:
35— Aaron Judge, NYY
30— Shohei Ohtani, LAA
28— Marcell Ozuna, Atl/Gunnar Henderson 28
27— Anthony Santander, 27
25— Juan Soto, NYY
24— Jose Ramirez, Clev
Quote of the Day
“Where we are right now, I would have to say that moves only for 2024 — unless things change over the next week — we probably won’t do a lot of moves that only help us for this year. If moves help us for 2025 and beyond I think we’re exceptionally well-positioned.”
Cubs’ GM Jed Hoyer, who hopes he is still employed in 2025
Wednesday’s quiz
When Michael Jordan played minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons, who was his manager?
(Hint: He later won a World Series as a manager)
Tuesday’s quiz
Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre played 16 years in Green Bay; what team was he on in his rookie season in the NFL?
Monday’s quiz
Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson played his college football at Louisville.
**************************************************
— Kansas
Kansas was 9-4 LY, their first winning season since 2008.
Jayhawks have 7 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Kansas has 130 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Daniels has 20 career starts.
In his career, Leipold is 19-8-1 ATS as home favorite, 6-2 at Kansas.
In his career, Leipold is 16-7-1 ATS as home dog, 11-19-1 as road dog.
Last two years, Kansas was 7-1 ATS in non-league games.
Jayhawks are 4-1 SU/5-0 ATS in their last five bowl games.
— TCU
TCU was 5-7 last year, their fourth losing season in five years.
The one winning year was 2022; they lost national title game 65-7 to Georgia.
TCU has 7 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Horned Frogs have 77 returning starts on the offensive line.
Soph QB Hoover started six games last year.
Under Dykes, TCU is 11-6-1 ATS as a favorite.
In his career, Dykes is 28-21 ATS as home favorite, 13-17-1 as road favorite.
Horned Frogs are 7-2-1 ATS in last ten games as a road favorite.
TCU won three of last four bowls, 2-1 ATS as a bowl underdog.
— West Virginia
WVU was 9-4 last year, their best season since 2016.
Mountaineers have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Mountaineers have 113 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Greene has 14 career starts.
Since 2017, WVU is 18-8 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2018, WVU is 3-7 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2018, WVU is 22-30 ATS coming off a win.
Mountaineers are 2-3 SU/1-4 ATS in last five bowl games.
— Arizona
Arizona was 10-3 LY; their coach jumped ship, to Washington.
New coach Brennan rebuilt San Jose’s program, did real good job there.
Wildcats have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Wildcats have 86 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Fifita started nine games LY, threw 25 TD’s, 6 INTs.
Arizona had +5 turnover ratio LY; from 2020-22, they were minus-32.
Last three years, Wildcats are 16-9 ATS as an underdog.
In his career, Brennan is 25-20-1 ATS as an underdog.
Arizona is 3-2 in its last five bowls; average total, 69.2.
— Iowa State
ISU was 7-6 LY, their sixth winning season in seven years.
Cyclones have 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Cyclones have 90 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Becht started 13 games last season.
Under Campbell, ISU is 24-14-2 ATS as an underdog.
Under Campbell, Cyclones are 58-44-3 ATS in conference games.
Last three years, ISU is 5-13 ATS coming off a win.
Cyclones are 1-4 SU/2-3 ATS in last five bowls.
— Oklahoma State
OSU was 10-4 last year, their 18th consecutive winning year.
Cowboys have 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Cowboys have 214 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Bowman is in his 7th college season (13 starts LY)
Under Gundy, OSU is 32-21-2 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2016, Cowboys are 8-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2018, Cowboys are 19-9-1 ATS coming off a loss.
Oklahoma State won three of its last four bowl games.
— Kansas State
Last three years, K-State was 8-5/10-4/9-4 SU.
Wildcats have 4 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Wildcats have 73 returning starts on OL, only 36 at I-A level.
LY’s QB bolted to Ohio State; soph QB started one game LY.
Last two years, K-State is 11-2 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Klieman, Wildcats are 16-9 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2018, K-State is 18-9 ATS in non-league games.
K-State is 3-2 SU in last five bowls (favorites 5-0 ATS)
— Utah
Utah was 8-5 last year, their 10th consecutive winning year.
Utes have 6 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Utah has 60 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Rising (knee) DNP LY; he’s got 23 career starts.
Under Whittingham, Utah is 52-41-2 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Whittingham, Utah is 27-17 ATS as road underdog.
Since 2018, Utes are 6-13-1 ATS in non-conference games.
Utah lost its last five bowls; they were favored in three of them.
— Famous birthdays, July 24:
Michael Richards, 75
Steve Grogan, 71
Joe Barry Carroll, 66
Kevin Butler, 62
Karl Malone, 61
Barry Bonds, 60
Rick Fox, 55
Jennifer Lopez, 55
Anna Paquin, 42
— Angels 5, Mariners 1
Rough week for the Mariners; they put OF Julio Rodriguez (sprained ankle), SS JP Crawford (broken finger) on the IL, also dumped 1B Ty France.
Seattle lost seven of its last eight games.
— Mets 3, Bronx 2
Jeff McNeil’s 2-run homer was the decisive blow.
Aaron Judge walked four times, didn’t score any runs.
Mets are 3-0 against Bronx this season.
— Phillies 3, Twins 0
Game was scoreless after eight innings.
Zack Wheeler tossed seven shutout IP for the Phillies.
— A’s 8, Astros 2
Oakland is 11-6 in its last seventeen games.
Osvaldo Bido allowed a run in 5 IP, in his second MLB start.
— Cardinals 2, Pirates 1
Alec Burleson’s 9th inning single was the game-winning hit.
Rookie P Skenes takes his first major league loss.
— Dodgers 5, Giants 2
Dodgers won their fifth game in a row.
Giants’ SS Fitzgerald has homered five games in a row.
— Brewers 1, Cubs 0
Milwaukee scored only run of game in 8th inning.
Jameson Taillon pitched 7.1 strong IP; is he trade bait?
— If the baseball playoffs started today:
NL: Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Braves, Cardinals, Mets
AL: Orioles, Guardians, Hst/Sea. Wild Cards: New York, Twins, Royals.
Major League leaders in home runs:
35— Aaron Judge, NYY
30— Shohei Ohtani, LAA
28— Marcell Ozuna, Atl/Gunnar Henderson 28
27— Anthony Santander, 27
25— Juan Soto, NYY
24— Jose Ramirez, Clev
Quote of the Day
“Where we are right now, I would have to say that moves only for 2024 — unless things change over the next week — we probably won’t do a lot of moves that only help us for this year. If moves help us for 2025 and beyond I think we’re exceptionally well-positioned.”
Cubs’ GM Jed Hoyer, who hopes he is still employed in 2025
Wednesday’s quiz
When Michael Jordan played minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons, who was his manager?
(Hint: He later won a World Series as a manager)
Tuesday’s quiz
Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre played 16 years in Green Bay; what team was he on in his rookie season in the NFL?
Monday’s quiz
Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson played his college football at Louisville.
**************************************************
Wednesday’s Den: Part 2 of our Big X preview……..
Part 2 of our Big X football preview……..— Kansas
Kansas was 9-4 LY, their first winning season since 2008.
Jayhawks have 7 starters back on offense, 6 on defense.
Kansas has 130 returning starts on offensive line.
Junior QB Daniels has 20 career starts.
In his career, Leipold is 19-8-1 ATS as home favorite, 6-2 at Kansas.
In his career, Leipold is 16-7-1 ATS as home dog, 11-19-1 as road dog.
Last two years, Kansas was 7-1 ATS in non-league games.
Jayhawks are 4-1 SU/5-0 ATS in their last five bowl games.
— TCU
TCU was 5-7 last year, their fourth losing season in five years.
The one winning year was 2022; they lost national title game 65-7 to Georgia.
TCU has 7 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Horned Frogs have 77 returning starts on the offensive line.
Soph QB Hoover started six games last year.
Under Dykes, TCU is 11-6-1 ATS as a favorite.
In his career, Dykes is 28-21 ATS as home favorite, 13-17-1 as road favorite.
Horned Frogs are 7-2-1 ATS in last ten games as a road favorite.
TCU won three of last four bowls, 2-1 ATS as a bowl underdog.
— West Virginia
WVU was 9-4 last year, their best season since 2016.
Mountaineers have 8 starters back on offense, 5 on defense.
Mountaineers have 113 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Greene has 14 career starts.
Since 2017, WVU is 18-8 ATS as a home favorite.
Since 2018, WVU is 3-7 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2018, WVU is 22-30 ATS coming off a win.
Mountaineers are 2-3 SU/1-4 ATS in last five bowl games.
— Arizona
Arizona was 10-3 LY; their coach jumped ship, to Washington.
New coach Brennan rebuilt San Jose’s program, did real good job there.
Wildcats have 8 starters back on offense, 7 on defense.
Wildcats have 86 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Fifita started nine games LY, threw 25 TD’s, 6 INTs.
Arizona had +5 turnover ratio LY; from 2020-22, they were minus-32.
Last three years, Wildcats are 16-9 ATS as an underdog.
In his career, Brennan is 25-20-1 ATS as an underdog.
Arizona is 3-2 in its last five bowls; average total, 69.2.
— Iowa State
ISU was 7-6 LY, their sixth winning season in seven years.
Cyclones have 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Cyclones have 90 returning starts on offensive line.
Soph QB Becht started 13 games last season.
Under Campbell, ISU is 24-14-2 ATS as an underdog.
Under Campbell, Cyclones are 58-44-3 ATS in conference games.
Last three years, ISU is 5-13 ATS coming off a win.
Cyclones are 1-4 SU/2-3 ATS in last five bowls.
— Oklahoma State
OSU was 10-4 last year, their 18th consecutive winning year.
Cowboys have 10 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Cowboys have 214 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Bowman is in his 7th college season (13 starts LY)
Under Gundy, OSU is 32-21-2 ATS as a road favorite.
Since 2016, Cowboys are 8-1 ATS as a home underdog.
Since 2018, Cowboys are 19-9-1 ATS coming off a loss.
Oklahoma State won three of its last four bowl games.
— Kansas State
Last three years, K-State was 8-5/10-4/9-4 SU.
Wildcats have 4 starters back on offense, 8 on defense.
Wildcats have 73 returning starts on OL, only 36 at I-A level.
LY’s QB bolted to Ohio State; soph QB started one game LY.
Last two years, K-State is 11-2 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Klieman, Wildcats are 16-9 ATS as an underdog.
Since 2018, K-State is 18-9 ATS in non-league games.
K-State is 3-2 SU in last five bowls (favorites 5-0 ATS)
— Utah
Utah was 8-5 last year, their 10th consecutive winning year.
Utes have 6 starters back on offense, 9 on defense.
Utah has 60 returning starts on offensive line.
Senior QB Rising (knee) DNP LY; he’s got 23 career starts.
Under Whittingham, Utah is 52-41-2 ATS as a home favorite.
Under Whittingham, Utah is 27-17 ATS as road underdog.
Since 2018, Utes are 6-13-1 ATS in non-conference games.
Utah lost its last five bowls; they were favored in three of them.
— Famous birthdays, July 24:
Michael Richards, 75
Steve Grogan, 71
Joe Barry Carroll, 66
Kevin Butler, 62
Karl Malone, 61
Barry Bonds, 60
Rick Fox, 55
Jennifer Lopez, 55
Anna Paquin, 42
— Angels 5, Mariners 1
Rough week for the Mariners; they put OF Julio Rodriguez (sprained ankle), SS JP Crawford (broken finger) on the IL, also dumped 1B Ty France.
Seattle lost seven of its last eight games.
— Mets 3, Bronx 2
Jeff McNeil’s 2-run homer was the decisive blow.
Aaron Judge walked four times, didn’t score any runs.
Mets are 3-0 against Bronx this season.
— Phillies 3, Twins 0
Game was scoreless after eight innings.
Zack Wheeler tossed seven shutout IP for the Phillies.
— A’s 8, Astros 2
Oakland is 11-6 in its last seventeen games.
Osvaldo Bido allowed a run in 5 IP, in his second MLB start.
— Cardinals 2, Pirates 1
Alec Burleson’s 9th inning single was the game-winning hit.
Rookie P Skenes takes his first major league loss.
— Dodgers 5, Giants 2
Dodgers won their fifth game in a row.
Giants’ SS Fitzgerald has homered five games in a row.
— Brewers 1, Cubs 0
Milwaukee scored only run of game in 8th inning.
Jameson Taillon pitched 7.1 strong IP; is he trade bait?
— If the baseball playoffs started today:
NL: Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Braves, Cardinals, Mets
AL: Orioles, Guardians, Hst/Sea. Wild Cards: New York, Twins, Royals.
Thursday’s 6-pack:
Major League leaders in RBI:
89— Aaron Judge, NYY
82— Jose Ramirez, Clev
80— Marcell Ozuna, Atl
73— Shohei Ohtani, LA
72— Juan Soto NYY/Josh Naylor, Clev
71— Alec Bohm, Phil
Quote of the Day
“We are playing catch up. We’re playing catch up in facilities. We’re playing catch up in NIL. We’re playing catch up in resources within the program. We’ve been playing catch up in damn near every way you can think.”
USC football coach Lincoln Riley, who makes $10M a year
Thursday’s quiz
Michael Jordan played 15 years in the NBA; what team did he finish his career with?
Wednesday’s quiz
When Michael Jordan played minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons, Terry Francona was his manager.
Tuesday’s quiz
Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre played 16 years in Green Bay; he was on the Atlanta Falcons in his rookie season in the NFL.
***************************************
Braves visit New York for a 4-game series with the Mets starting tonight; they lead the Mets by 1.5 games for the first Wild Card slot. By raining the nightcap out Wednesday, Braves can start Chris Sale in Thursday’s game, plus they probably got to New York a lot earlier than they would have otherwise.
Smart move.
— Mets 12, Bronx 3
Mets went 4-0 vs Bronx this season; they were underdog in all four games.
Francisco Lindor homered twice, knocked in five runs.
Bronx is 10-22 in its last 32 games.
— Listening to Padres-Nationals game Wednesday; San Diego TV guys were talking about how, in their opinion, the press box in Washington’s stadium is by far the worst in the majors, due to how high it is- tough to get good depth perception on batted balls.
— Boston Red Sox gave manager Alex Cora a 3-year contract extension worth $7.25M a year; Cora was set to become a free agent this winter, and would’ve had people wanting to hire him.
Cora is 511-425 as manager of the Red Sox, winning the 2018 World Series.
— Detroit Lions have only three games outdoors this season:
November 3, @ Green Bay
December 22, @ Chicago
December 30, @ San Francisco
— Mike Trout was playing in a minor league rehab game Monday night, but checked out early because his knee still hurts; he’s played in only 29 games this season, and since 2021, has played in only 266 of the Angels’ 588 games (45.2%).
— I was watching the old movie Heaven Can Wait the other night, when Warren Beatty plays the QB of the Rams, who gets killed before he was supposed to die (it is a fantasy movie) and the people in charge of heaven put him in another person’s body so he can keep playing ball.
The movie was made in 1978; when the people in heaven (James Mason/Buck Henry) realize they made a mistake by having his character die, they look up when he was supposed to die— the book said March of 2025.
Warren Beatty will turn 88 next March.
— Famous birthdays, July 25:
Pete Holohan, 65
Doug Drabek, 62
Torey Lovullo, 59
Matt LeBlanc, 57
Jon Barry, 55
Billy Wagner, 53
Mike Kafka, 37
Alvin Kamara, 29
Bryce Young, 23
Thursday would’ve been Biff Pocoroba’s 71st birthday.
— Angels 2, Mariners 1
Seattle has lost 3 in row, 8 of its last nine games.
Mariners led 1-0 after seven innings; the bullpen imploded.
— Giants 8, Dodgers 2
Robbie Ray threw five hitless IP in his first start this season (86 PT).
Matt Chapman homered, scored twice, had 2 RBI.
— Diamondbacks 8, Royals 6
Gabriel Moreno’s 2-run double highlighted a 5-run Arizona 9th inning.
Joc Pederson hit his 200th career home run.
— Blue Jays 6, Rays 3
Toronto broke a 2-2 tie with four runs in bottom of the 8th.
Vladimir Guerrero homered for fifth time in his last six games.
— Pirates 5, Cardinals 0
Martin Perez tossed six scoreless IP to get the win.
Cardinals lost 2 of 3 in Pittsburgh, scoring total of three runs.
— Twins 5, Phillies 4
Phillies led 4-1 in 7th inning.
Max Kepler’s infield hit was the game-winner.
Phillies are 64-38, but they’ve lost three straight series.
— Brewers 3, Cubs 2
William Contreras hit the game-winning double in 9th inning,
Christian Yelich (lower back) went on IL, may miss significant time.
Major League leaders in RBI:
89— Aaron Judge, NYY
82— Jose Ramirez, Clev
80— Marcell Ozuna, Atl
73— Shohei Ohtani, LA
72— Juan Soto NYY/Josh Naylor, Clev
71— Alec Bohm, Phil
Quote of the Day
“We are playing catch up. We’re playing catch up in facilities. We’re playing catch up in NIL. We’re playing catch up in resources within the program. We’ve been playing catch up in damn near every way you can think.”
USC football coach Lincoln Riley, who makes $10M a year
Thursday’s quiz
Michael Jordan played 15 years in the NBA; what team did he finish his career with?
Wednesday’s quiz
When Michael Jordan played minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons, Terry Francona was his manager.
Tuesday’s quiz
Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre played 16 years in Green Bay; he was on the Atlanta Falcons in his rookie season in the NFL.
***************************************
Thursday’s Den: Doing some thinking out loud……..
— Reds-Braves were supposed to play a doubleheader Wednesday, but the nightcap got rained out, to be replayed September 9th. Decision was made by the home team.Braves visit New York for a 4-game series with the Mets starting tonight; they lead the Mets by 1.5 games for the first Wild Card slot. By raining the nightcap out Wednesday, Braves can start Chris Sale in Thursday’s game, plus they probably got to New York a lot earlier than they would have otherwise.
Smart move.
— Mets 12, Bronx 3
Mets went 4-0 vs Bronx this season; they were underdog in all four games.
Francisco Lindor homered twice, knocked in five runs.
Bronx is 10-22 in its last 32 games.
— Listening to Padres-Nationals game Wednesday; San Diego TV guys were talking about how, in their opinion, the press box in Washington’s stadium is by far the worst in the majors, due to how high it is- tough to get good depth perception on batted balls.
— Boston Red Sox gave manager Alex Cora a 3-year contract extension worth $7.25M a year; Cora was set to become a free agent this winter, and would’ve had people wanting to hire him.
Cora is 511-425 as manager of the Red Sox, winning the 2018 World Series.
— Detroit Lions have only three games outdoors this season:
November 3, @ Green Bay
December 22, @ Chicago
December 30, @ San Francisco
— Mike Trout was playing in a minor league rehab game Monday night, but checked out early because his knee still hurts; he’s played in only 29 games this season, and since 2021, has played in only 266 of the Angels’ 588 games (45.2%).
— I was watching the old movie Heaven Can Wait the other night, when Warren Beatty plays the QB of the Rams, who gets killed before he was supposed to die (it is a fantasy movie) and the people in charge of heaven put him in another person’s body so he can keep playing ball.
The movie was made in 1978; when the people in heaven (James Mason/Buck Henry) realize they made a mistake by having his character die, they look up when he was supposed to die— the book said March of 2025.
Warren Beatty will turn 88 next March.
— Famous birthdays, July 25:
Pete Holohan, 65
Doug Drabek, 62
Torey Lovullo, 59
Matt LeBlanc, 57
Jon Barry, 55
Billy Wagner, 53
Mike Kafka, 37
Alvin Kamara, 29
Bryce Young, 23
Thursday would’ve been Biff Pocoroba’s 71st birthday.
— Angels 2, Mariners 1
Seattle has lost 3 in row, 8 of its last nine games.
Mariners led 1-0 after seven innings; the bullpen imploded.
— Giants 8, Dodgers 2
Robbie Ray threw five hitless IP in his first start this season (86 PT).
Matt Chapman homered, scored twice, had 2 RBI.
— Diamondbacks 8, Royals 6
Gabriel Moreno’s 2-run double highlighted a 5-run Arizona 9th inning.
Joc Pederson hit his 200th career home run.
— Blue Jays 6, Rays 3
Toronto broke a 2-2 tie with four runs in bottom of the 8th.
Vladimir Guerrero homered for fifth time in his last six games.
— Pirates 5, Cardinals 0
Martin Perez tossed six scoreless IP to get the win.
Cardinals lost 2 of 3 in Pittsburgh, scoring total of three runs.
— Twins 5, Phillies 4
Phillies led 4-1 in 7th inning.
Max Kepler’s infield hit was the game-winner.
Phillies are 64-38, but they’ve lost three straight series.
— Brewers 3, Cubs 2
William Contreras hit the game-winning double in 9th inning,
Christian Yelich (lower back) went on IL, may miss significant time.
Friday’s 6-pack:
Week 1 NFL spreads:
— Ravens @ Kansas City (-3, 47)
— Packers vs Eagles (-1.5, 49) (@ Brazil)
— Jaguars @ Miami (-3.5, 49)
— Steelers @ Atlanta (-2.5, 43)
— Vikings @ NJ Giants (-1, 41.5)
— Panthers @ New Orleans (-5, 40.5)
Quote of the Day
“My thought was I’m going to throw a slider and I’m going to get it down, and if it’s down he’s either hopefully going to beat it into the ground or he can’t put in play. I didn’t like it off the bat. It looked very hitterish, but fortunately fate’s on my side today.”
Dylan Cease, on the last out of his no-hitter Thursday
Friday’s quiz
Who threw the first no-hitter in San Diego Padres’ history?
Thursday’s quiz
Michael Jordan played 15 years in the NBA; he finished his career with the Washington Wizards.
Wednesday’s quiz
When Michael Jordan played minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons, Terry Francona was his manager.
***************************************************
— Arizona is 8-3 in last 11 games; they’re 53-50, a game out of last Wild Card slot.
Diamondbacks acquired lefty reliever AJ Puk, for couple minor leaguers.
— Atlanta lost five games in row, is 3-8 in its last 11 games.
Braves are 11-14 in one-run games.
— Cubs lost six of their last nine games.
Cubs’ last nine home games stayed under the total.
— Cincinnati is 5-2 in its last seven home games.
Reds are 8-19 in one-run games.
— Colorado is 5-2 in its seven games.
Rockies’ last six road games went over the total.
— Dodgers are 62-42, have a 7.5-game lead in NL West.
Dodgers are 26-11 vs lefty starters, 36-31 vs righties.
— Miami starting pitchers have no wins in their last 36 games (14-22).
Marlins are 6-29 against lefty starting pitchers, 31-37 vs righties.
— Brewers are 59-43, lead NL Central by six games.
Milwaukee is 14-13 against lefty starting pitchers, 45-30 vs righties.
— Mets are 13-4 in their last 17 games.
Mets are 21-10 in one-run games; last year, they were 25-28.
— Phillies are 64-38, lead NL East by 9.5 games.
Phillies lost their last three series (3-6 in last nine games).
— Pittsburgh won eight of its last ten games.
Rookie P Skenes is 6-1, 1.93 in his first 12 MLB starts.
— Cardinals just lost 2 of 3 in Pittsburgh, scoring 1-2-0 runs.
Over is 10-4 in their last fourteen home games.
— San Diego won its last five games; right now, they’re NL’s #3 Wild Card.
Dylan Cease threw a 114-pitch no-hitter Thursday.
There was a 1:16 rain delay in top of first, before he threw a pitch.
It was only his 3rd complete in 145 career starts.
Two years ago, he came within one out of a no-hitter, but Luis Arraez got a hit. Arraez is his teammate now.
— San Francisco is 4-7 in its last eleven games.
Giants are 37-35 vs righty pitchers, 12-20 vs lefties.
— Washington is 5-9 in its last 14 games.
Nationals are 31-42 vs righty pitchers, 16-14 vs lefties.
Famous birthdays, July 26:
Bob Lilly, 85
Mick Jagger, 81
Dick Grubar, 77
Sandra Bullock, 60
Kate Beckinsale, 51
Joe Smith, 49
Delonte West, 41
Ryan O’Hearn, 31
Van Jefferson, 28
— Orioles are 4-9 in last 13 games, still lead AL East by two games.
Six of their last seven games went over the total.
— Red Sox are 1-5 since All-Star break.
Boston is 41-29 vs righty starters, 13-18 vs lefties; last two years, they were 47-31 vs lefties.
— White Sox are 1-14 in their last fifteen games.
Chicago is 6-33 in games where winning run scored from 7th inning on.
— Guardians are 61-41, lead AL Central by 4.5 games.
Cleveland is 21-9 vs lefty starting pitchers; LY, they were 24-35.
— Detroit is 12-5 in its last seventeen games.
Over is 9-3 in their lat 12 games.
— Houston is 53-49, but they lead AL West by a game.
Last two years, Houston was 70-33 vs lefty starters; this year, they’re 14-16.
— Royals are 56-47, are #3 AL Wild Card team right now.
Last year, Kansas City was 56-106; Matt Quatraro is your AL Manager of the Year.
— Angels xxxxxx
xxxxxx
— Minnesota is 3-5 last eight games, is still holding #2 playoff slot in AL.
Over is 16-4 in their last 20 home games.
— New York is 60-44, holds #1 Wild Card slot in AL.
New York is 1-7-2 in last ten series, 11-23 in last 34 games.
— A’s RF Lawrence Butler has 20 RBI in his last 12 games.
A’s closer Mason Miller broke his left (non-throwing) pinky, after punching a padded bench when they told him he couldn’t skip his weight lifting session. Oy.
— Seattle lost eight of its last nine games, scoring 19 runs in the nine games.
Under is 7-1 in their last eight games.
— Tampa Bay P Bradley hasn’t allowed a run in his last 23 IP.
Rays are 17-9 vs lefty starters, 35-42 vs righty starters.
— World Champion Texas is 51-52, only 2.5 games out of first in AL West.
Rangers are 1-9 in last ten road series openers.
— Toronto is 25-23 in day games, 21-33 in night tilts.
Over is 12-2 in their last 14 games.
Week 1 NFL spreads:
— Ravens @ Kansas City (-3, 47)
— Packers vs Eagles (-1.5, 49) (@ Brazil)
— Jaguars @ Miami (-3.5, 49)
— Steelers @ Atlanta (-2.5, 43)
— Vikings @ NJ Giants (-1, 41.5)
— Panthers @ New Orleans (-5, 40.5)
Quote of the Day
“My thought was I’m going to throw a slider and I’m going to get it down, and if it’s down he’s either hopefully going to beat it into the ground or he can’t put in play. I didn’t like it off the bat. It looked very hitterish, but fortunately fate’s on my side today.”
Dylan Cease, on the last out of his no-hitter Thursday
Friday’s quiz
Who threw the first no-hitter in San Diego Padres’ history?
Thursday’s quiz
Michael Jordan played 15 years in the NBA; he finished his career with the Washington Wizards.
Wednesday’s quiz
When Michael Jordan played minor league baseball for the Birmingham Barons, Terry Francona was his manager.
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Friday’s Den: Trends for all 30 major league teams……..
Trends for all 30 MLB teams…….— Arizona is 8-3 in last 11 games; they’re 53-50, a game out of last Wild Card slot.
Diamondbacks acquired lefty reliever AJ Puk, for couple minor leaguers.
— Atlanta lost five games in row, is 3-8 in its last 11 games.
Braves are 11-14 in one-run games.
— Cubs lost six of their last nine games.
Cubs’ last nine home games stayed under the total.
— Cincinnati is 5-2 in its last seven home games.
Reds are 8-19 in one-run games.
— Colorado is 5-2 in its seven games.
Rockies’ last six road games went over the total.
— Dodgers are 62-42, have a 7.5-game lead in NL West.
Dodgers are 26-11 vs lefty starters, 36-31 vs righties.
— Miami starting pitchers have no wins in their last 36 games (14-22).
Marlins are 6-29 against lefty starting pitchers, 31-37 vs righties.
— Brewers are 59-43, lead NL Central by six games.
Milwaukee is 14-13 against lefty starting pitchers, 45-30 vs righties.
— Mets are 13-4 in their last 17 games.
Mets are 21-10 in one-run games; last year, they were 25-28.
— Phillies are 64-38, lead NL East by 9.5 games.
Phillies lost their last three series (3-6 in last nine games).
— Pittsburgh won eight of its last ten games.
Rookie P Skenes is 6-1, 1.93 in his first 12 MLB starts.
— Cardinals just lost 2 of 3 in Pittsburgh, scoring 1-2-0 runs.
Over is 10-4 in their last fourteen home games.
— San Diego won its last five games; right now, they’re NL’s #3 Wild Card.
Dylan Cease threw a 114-pitch no-hitter Thursday.
There was a 1:16 rain delay in top of first, before he threw a pitch.
It was only his 3rd complete in 145 career starts.
Two years ago, he came within one out of a no-hitter, but Luis Arraez got a hit. Arraez is his teammate now.
— San Francisco is 4-7 in its last eleven games.
Giants are 37-35 vs righty pitchers, 12-20 vs lefties.
— Washington is 5-9 in its last 14 games.
Nationals are 31-42 vs righty pitchers, 16-14 vs lefties.
Famous birthdays, July 26:
Bob Lilly, 85
Mick Jagger, 81
Dick Grubar, 77
Sandra Bullock, 60
Kate Beckinsale, 51
Joe Smith, 49
Delonte West, 41
Ryan O’Hearn, 31
Van Jefferson, 28
— Orioles are 4-9 in last 13 games, still lead AL East by two games.
Six of their last seven games went over the total.
— Red Sox are 1-5 since All-Star break.
Boston is 41-29 vs righty starters, 13-18 vs lefties; last two years, they were 47-31 vs lefties.
— White Sox are 1-14 in their last fifteen games.
Chicago is 6-33 in games where winning run scored from 7th inning on.
— Guardians are 61-41, lead AL Central by 4.5 games.
Cleveland is 21-9 vs lefty starting pitchers; LY, they were 24-35.
— Detroit is 12-5 in its last seventeen games.
Over is 9-3 in their lat 12 games.
— Houston is 53-49, but they lead AL West by a game.
Last two years, Houston was 70-33 vs lefty starters; this year, they’re 14-16.
— Royals are 56-47, are #3 AL Wild Card team right now.
Last year, Kansas City was 56-106; Matt Quatraro is your AL Manager of the Year.
— Angels xxxxxx
xxxxxx
— Minnesota is 3-5 last eight games, is still holding #2 playoff slot in AL.
Over is 16-4 in their last 20 home games.
— New York is 60-44, holds #1 Wild Card slot in AL.
New York is 1-7-2 in last ten series, 11-23 in last 34 games.
— A’s RF Lawrence Butler has 20 RBI in his last 12 games.
A’s closer Mason Miller broke his left (non-throwing) pinky, after punching a padded bench when they told him he couldn’t skip his weight lifting session. Oy.
— Seattle lost eight of its last nine games, scoring 19 runs in the nine games.
Under is 7-1 in their last eight games.
— Tampa Bay P Bradley hasn’t allowed a run in his last 23 IP.
Rays are 17-9 vs lefty starters, 35-42 vs righty starters.
— World Champion Texas is 51-52, only 2.5 games out of first in AL West.
Rangers are 1-9 in last ten road series openers.
— Toronto is 25-23 in day games, 21-33 in night tilts.
Over is 12-2 in their last 14 games.
Wednesday’s 6-pack:
Early season college football spreads:
— Florida State (-13) vs Georgia Tech (@ Ireland)
— SMU (-24.5) @ Nevada
— North Carolina @ Minnesota (-2)
— Florida Atlantic @ Michigan State (-11.5)
— TCU @ Stanford (-8)
— Clemson vs Georgia (-13.5) (@ Atlanta)
Quote of the Day
“Getting an impact starter was a very high priority for us, and Jack (Flaherty) is definitely that. His command, his stuff, the swing-and-miss — we feel like that’s a real power option come October.”
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes
Wednesday’s quiz
Where did Hall of Fane QB Kurt Warner play his college football?
Tuesday’s quiz
Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls, beating the Chiefs/Raiders.
Monday’s quiz
2004 was last time Team USA didn’t win the gold medal in Olympic basketball; Argentina won the gold medal that year.
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Dodgers scored five runs in top of the first, but that was it.
Manny Machado hit two homers for San Diego.
— Reds 6, Cubs 3
Santiago Espinal was 4-4 hitting out of the #9 slot in order.
Nick Martinez pitched four scoreless IP as the bulk reliever.
— Braves 5, Brewers 1
Braves’ OF Jarred Kelenic, who is from Wisconsin, hit a double and a home run.
Atlanta 3B Austin Riley went 4-5 with an RBI and run scored.
— Diamondbacks 17, Nationals 0
Eugenio Suarez hit three homers, knocked in five runs.
Rough week for Washington; they blew a 8-4 lead in 9th inning Monday.
— Movie of the Day: The Rainmaker (1997)- An underdog lawyer takes on a fraudulent insurance company. Great cast: Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Danny Glover, Mickey Rourke.
John Grisham has written some great books; this one, Pelican Brief and Runaway Jury are my favorites that got made into movies.
— Royals 4, White Sox 3
White Sox have now lost 16 games in a row.
Royals scored three runs in 8th inning, after trailing 2-1.
— Guardians 5, Tigers 0
Jose Ramirez hit his 243rd home run, 2nd-most in Cleveland history.
Gavin Williams tossed five scoreless IP, got his first win this year.
— Mariners 10, Red Sox 6
Half of Seattle’s ten runs were unearned, thanks to three Boston errors.
Seattle has won four of its last five games.
— Orioles 6, Blue Jays 2
Orioles are 6-6 since All-Star break; they added P Trevor Rogers from Miami.
Anthony Santander hit his 31st home run for Baltimore.
— Famous birthdays, July 31st:
Leon Durham, 67
Mark Cuban, 66
Wesley Snipes, 62
Scott Brooks, 59
Andre Ware, 56
Gus Frerotte, 53
Gabe Kapler, 49
Tim Couch, 47
AJ Green, 36
— Mets 2, Twins 0
Sean Manaea struck out 11, allowed only 3 baserunners in 7 IP.
Mets are 15-6 in their last 21 games.
— Pirates 6, Astros 2
Pirates added Bryan De La Cruz, Isiah Kiner-Falefa at the trade deadline; go figure.
#9 hitter Michael Taylor homered for the second game in a row.
— A’s 5, Giants 2
JP Sears tossed seven shutout IP for Oakland.
A’s are 15-8 in their last 23 games.
— New York 7, Phillies 6 (12)
Jazz Chisholm has four home runs in his last two games.
Phillies are 4-10 in their last fourteen games.
— Rays 9, Marlins 3
Marlins traded away nine players in last week; no bueno, at least not for this year.
Christopher Morel homered in his first game with Tampa Bay.
— Cardinals 8, Rangers 1
Tommy Pham hit a pinch-hit grand slam in his first game back with St Louis.
Rangers have lost four of last five games.
— Angels 10, Rockies 7
Colorado led this game 6-2 in second inning.
Matt Theiss drove in a career-high five runs for the Halos.
Early season college football spreads:
— Florida State (-13) vs Georgia Tech (@ Ireland)
— SMU (-24.5) @ Nevada
— North Carolina @ Minnesota (-2)
— Florida Atlantic @ Michigan State (-11.5)
— TCU @ Stanford (-8)
— Clemson vs Georgia (-13.5) (@ Atlanta)
Quote of the Day
“Getting an impact starter was a very high priority for us, and Jack (Flaherty) is definitely that. His command, his stuff, the swing-and-miss — we feel like that’s a real power option come October.”
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes
Wednesday’s quiz
Where did Hall of Fane QB Kurt Warner play his college football?
Tuesday’s quiz
Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls, beating the Chiefs/Raiders.
Monday’s quiz
2004 was last time Team USA didn’t win the gold medal in Olympic basketball; Argentina won the gold medal that year.
*****************************************
Wednesday’s Den: Mid-week musings……..
— Padres 6, Dodgers 5 (10)Dodgers scored five runs in top of the first, but that was it.
Manny Machado hit two homers for San Diego.
— Reds 6, Cubs 3
Santiago Espinal was 4-4 hitting out of the #9 slot in order.
Nick Martinez pitched four scoreless IP as the bulk reliever.
— Braves 5, Brewers 1
Braves’ OF Jarred Kelenic, who is from Wisconsin, hit a double and a home run.
Atlanta 3B Austin Riley went 4-5 with an RBI and run scored.
— Diamondbacks 17, Nationals 0
Eugenio Suarez hit three homers, knocked in five runs.
Rough week for Washington; they blew a 8-4 lead in 9th inning Monday.
— Movie of the Day: The Rainmaker (1997)- An underdog lawyer takes on a fraudulent insurance company. Great cast: Matt Damon, Danny DeVito, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Danny Glover, Mickey Rourke.
John Grisham has written some great books; this one, Pelican Brief and Runaway Jury are my favorites that got made into movies.
— Royals 4, White Sox 3
White Sox have now lost 16 games in a row.
Royals scored three runs in 8th inning, after trailing 2-1.
— Guardians 5, Tigers 0
Jose Ramirez hit his 243rd home run, 2nd-most in Cleveland history.
Gavin Williams tossed five scoreless IP, got his first win this year.
— Mariners 10, Red Sox 6
Half of Seattle’s ten runs were unearned, thanks to three Boston errors.
Seattle has won four of its last five games.
— Orioles 6, Blue Jays 2
Orioles are 6-6 since All-Star break; they added P Trevor Rogers from Miami.
Anthony Santander hit his 31st home run for Baltimore.
— Famous birthdays, July 31st:
Leon Durham, 67
Mark Cuban, 66
Wesley Snipes, 62
Scott Brooks, 59
Andre Ware, 56
Gus Frerotte, 53
Gabe Kapler, 49
Tim Couch, 47
AJ Green, 36
— Mets 2, Twins 0
Sean Manaea struck out 11, allowed only 3 baserunners in 7 IP.
Mets are 15-6 in their last 21 games.
— Pirates 6, Astros 2
Pirates added Bryan De La Cruz, Isiah Kiner-Falefa at the trade deadline; go figure.
#9 hitter Michael Taylor homered for the second game in a row.
— A’s 5, Giants 2
JP Sears tossed seven shutout IP for Oakland.
A’s are 15-8 in their last 23 games.
— New York 7, Phillies 6 (12)
Jazz Chisholm has four home runs in his last two games.
Phillies are 4-10 in their last fourteen games.
— Rays 9, Marlins 3
Marlins traded away nine players in last week; no bueno, at least not for this year.
Christopher Morel homered in his first game with Tampa Bay.
— Cardinals 8, Rangers 1
Tommy Pham hit a pinch-hit grand slam in his first game back with St Louis.
Rangers have lost four of last five games.
— Angels 10, Rockies 7
Colorado led this game 6-2 in second inning.
Matt Theiss drove in a career-high five runs for the Halos.
Thursday’s 6-pack:
— Orioles 10, Toronto 4- Jackson Holliday’s first MLB homer was a grand slam.
— Royals 10, White Sox 3- White Sox have now lost 17 games in a row.
— Cardinals 10, Rangers 1- Tommy Pham had three hits, knocked in two runs.
— Rockies 2, Angels 1- Brenton Doyle had game-winning HR in 8th inning.
— New York 6, Phillies 5- DJ LeMahieu had a career-high six RBI.
— Padres 8, Dodgers 1- San Diego wins season series with LA for first time since 2010.
Quote of the Day
“News to me. I don’t have any restrictions. I am doing [QB] keepers and roll-outs.”
Aaron Rodgers, when told Jets may hold him out of pre-season games
Thursday’s quiz
What was the last major league baseball team to lose 20+ games in a row?
Wednesday’s quiz
Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner played his college football at Northern Iowa.
Tuesday’s quiz
Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls, beating the Chiefs/Raiders.
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Raiders made the playoffs once in the last seven years.
Last two years, Las Vegas is 11-5 ATS at home.
Last four years, Raiders are 1-10 ATS as a road favorite.
— Los Angeles Chargers
Last year, Bolts were 5-12, 0-7 in games decided by 3 or fewer points.
Chargers are #30 in salaries spent on offense, #8 on defense.
New OC Roman was Ravens’ OC; Chargers-Ravens meet November 25.
Jim Harbaugh was 49-22-1 as 49ers’ coach, 5-3 in playoffs.
— Los Angeles Rams
Hall of Famer DT Aaron Donald retired; DC Morris is new head coach in Atlanta.
Rams are #1 in salaries spent on offense, #32 on defense.
Last three years, Rams are 5-2 ATS as a home underdog.
— Miami Dolphins
Last four years, Dolphins are 15-6 ATS as a home favorite.
Miami hasn’t won a playoff game (0-6) since 2000.
McDaniel is 20-14 as Dolphins’ HC, 0-2 in playoffs (34-31/26-7).
— Minnesota Vikings
In 2022, Vikings were 11-1 in games decided by 8 or less points; last year? 6-8.
Minnesota was minus-12 in turnovers LY; now Kirk Cousins is in Atlanta.
Last four years, Vikings are 7-16 ATS as a home favorite.
— New England Patriots
Last two years, NE was 12-22, now Bill Belichick is a TV analyst. Go figure.
New coach, new QB, new GM; Patriots are #28 in $$$ spent on offense.
Patriots were minus-11 in turnovers LY, 4-8 in one-score games.
— New Jersey Jets
Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010.
Aaron Rodgers played 4 plays LY, threw one (incomplete) pass, tore his Achilles.
Jets committed 31 more penalties than their opponents last year.
— New Jersey Giants
Giants have had one winning season the last seven years.
Giants were 4-4 SU at home LY; they were underdog in all eight games.
Giants were 6-11 LY, even though they were +12 in turnovers.
— Famous birthdays, August 1st:
Kiki Vandeweghe, 66
Greg Bell, 62
Gregg Jefferies, 57
Stacey Augmon, 56
Edgerrin James, 46
Adam Jones, 39
Madison Bumgarner, 35
Ezequiel Tovar, 23
— New Orleans Saints
Last three years, Saints are 25-26, missing playoffs all three years.
New Orleans was 3-6 last year in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Not a good sign when you’re +11 in turnovers and still miss playoffs.
— Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles started 10-1 LY, lost six of last seven games, canned both coordinators.
Philly was 8-3 in games decided by 8 or less points; they were minus-10 in turnovers.
Last three years, Eagles are 12-6 ATS as a home favorite.
— Pittsburgh Steelers
Last six years, Steelers made playoffs three times (0-3 in playoffs)
Former Falcons’ HC Arthur Smith is Pittsburgh’s new OC.
Steelers visit Atlanta in Week 1.
Steelers are #32 in salaries spent on offense, #1 on defense.
— San Francisco 49ers
49ers were 12-5 LY, 1-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Last 3 years, 49ers went 35-16, lost two NFC title games and a Super Bowl.
Last four years, San Francisco is 11-5 ATS as an underdog.
— Seattle Seahawks
Pete Carroll was 147-98-1 as Seattle’s coach; why exactly is he gone?
Seahawks were 9-8 LY, 6-4 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Last three years, Seattle is 8-15 ATS as a favorite.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LY, Bucs were 1-5 vs teams that made playoffs, 8-3 vs teams that missed playoffs.
Tampa Bay went 9-8 last year, with a +8 turnover ratio.
Last two years, Buccaneers are 7-12 ATS as a favorite.
— Tennessee Titans
Titans went 7-10/6-11 last two years, canned Mike Vrabel (56-48 as Titans’ coach)
Lot of close games LY; Tennessee was 5-7 in games decided by 8 or less points.
Tennessee was minus-19 in sacks LY, giving up 64 sacks in 17 games.
— Washington Commanders
Washington hasn’t won a playoff game since 2005 (0-5 last five)
Former Cardinals’ HC Kingsbury is Washington’s new OC.
Commanders visit Arizona in Week 4.
New owner, new GM, new coach, new QB.
New coach Quinn was Atlanta’s HC; Washington-Atlanta play in Week 17.
— Orioles 10, Toronto 4- Jackson Holliday’s first MLB homer was a grand slam.
— Royals 10, White Sox 3- White Sox have now lost 17 games in a row.
— Cardinals 10, Rangers 1- Tommy Pham had three hits, knocked in two runs.
— Rockies 2, Angels 1- Brenton Doyle had game-winning HR in 8th inning.
— New York 6, Phillies 5- DJ LeMahieu had a career-high six RBI.
— Padres 8, Dodgers 1- San Diego wins season series with LA for first time since 2010.
Quote of the Day
“News to me. I don’t have any restrictions. I am doing [QB] keepers and roll-outs.”
Aaron Rodgers, when told Jets may hold him out of pre-season games
Thursday’s quiz
What was the last major league baseball team to lose 20+ games in a row?
Wednesday’s quiz
Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner played his college football at Northern Iowa.
Tuesday’s quiz
Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls, beating the Chiefs/Raiders.
***************************************
Thursday’s Den: NFL trends for the first day of August…….
— Las Vegas RaidersRaiders made the playoffs once in the last seven years.
Last two years, Las Vegas is 11-5 ATS at home.
Last four years, Raiders are 1-10 ATS as a road favorite.
— Los Angeles Chargers
Last year, Bolts were 5-12, 0-7 in games decided by 3 or fewer points.
Chargers are #30 in salaries spent on offense, #8 on defense.
New OC Roman was Ravens’ OC; Chargers-Ravens meet November 25.
Jim Harbaugh was 49-22-1 as 49ers’ coach, 5-3 in playoffs.
— Los Angeles Rams
Hall of Famer DT Aaron Donald retired; DC Morris is new head coach in Atlanta.
Rams are #1 in salaries spent on offense, #32 on defense.
Last three years, Rams are 5-2 ATS as a home underdog.
— Miami Dolphins
Last four years, Dolphins are 15-6 ATS as a home favorite.
Miami hasn’t won a playoff game (0-6) since 2000.
McDaniel is 20-14 as Dolphins’ HC, 0-2 in playoffs (34-31/26-7).
— Minnesota Vikings
In 2022, Vikings were 11-1 in games decided by 8 or less points; last year? 6-8.
Minnesota was minus-12 in turnovers LY; now Kirk Cousins is in Atlanta.
Last four years, Vikings are 7-16 ATS as a home favorite.
— New England Patriots
Last two years, NE was 12-22, now Bill Belichick is a TV analyst. Go figure.
New coach, new QB, new GM; Patriots are #28 in $$$ spent on offense.
Patriots were minus-11 in turnovers LY, 4-8 in one-score games.
— New Jersey Jets
Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010.
Aaron Rodgers played 4 plays LY, threw one (incomplete) pass, tore his Achilles.
Jets committed 31 more penalties than their opponents last year.
— New Jersey Giants
Giants have had one winning season the last seven years.
Giants were 4-4 SU at home LY; they were underdog in all eight games.
Giants were 6-11 LY, even though they were +12 in turnovers.
— Famous birthdays, August 1st:
Kiki Vandeweghe, 66
Greg Bell, 62
Gregg Jefferies, 57
Stacey Augmon, 56
Edgerrin James, 46
Adam Jones, 39
Madison Bumgarner, 35
Ezequiel Tovar, 23
— New Orleans Saints
Last three years, Saints are 25-26, missing playoffs all three years.
New Orleans was 3-6 last year in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Not a good sign when you’re +11 in turnovers and still miss playoffs.
— Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles started 10-1 LY, lost six of last seven games, canned both coordinators.
Philly was 8-3 in games decided by 8 or less points; they were minus-10 in turnovers.
Last three years, Eagles are 12-6 ATS as a home favorite.
— Pittsburgh Steelers
Last six years, Steelers made playoffs three times (0-3 in playoffs)
Former Falcons’ HC Arthur Smith is Pittsburgh’s new OC.
Steelers visit Atlanta in Week 1.
Steelers are #32 in salaries spent on offense, #1 on defense.
— San Francisco 49ers
49ers were 12-5 LY, 1-3 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Last 3 years, 49ers went 35-16, lost two NFC title games and a Super Bowl.
Last four years, San Francisco is 11-5 ATS as an underdog.
— Seattle Seahawks
Pete Carroll was 147-98-1 as Seattle’s coach; why exactly is he gone?
Seahawks were 9-8 LY, 6-4 in games decided by 8 or fewer points.
Last three years, Seattle is 8-15 ATS as a favorite.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LY, Bucs were 1-5 vs teams that made playoffs, 8-3 vs teams that missed playoffs.
Tampa Bay went 9-8 last year, with a +8 turnover ratio.
Last two years, Buccaneers are 7-12 ATS as a favorite.
— Tennessee Titans
Titans went 7-10/6-11 last two years, canned Mike Vrabel (56-48 as Titans’ coach)
Lot of close games LY; Tennessee was 5-7 in games decided by 8 or less points.
Tennessee was minus-19 in sacks LY, giving up 64 sacks in 17 games.
— Washington Commanders
Washington hasn’t won a playoff game since 2005 (0-5 last five)
Former Cardinals’ HC Kingsbury is Washington’s new OC.
Commanders visit Arizona in Week 4.
New owner, new GM, new coach, new QB.
New coach Quinn was Atlanta’s HC; Washington-Atlanta play in Week 17.
