Monday Service Plays 8/25/08

[the duke]

Comps

Arizona at SAN DIEGO (+110) Bobby Maxwel

We tried this matchup five days ago and neither one of these pitchers delivered a good performance, but today, inside cavernous Petco Park in San Diego, you can count on a low-scoring affair between these two as the Padres' Jake Peavy (9-9, 2.84 ERA) goes up against the D'Backs' Dan Haren (14-6, 3.12).

Play San Diego tonight as Peavy will rebound from Wednesday's outing when he gave up six runs and walked four in an 8-6 loss in Arizona. Haren allowed five runs, including four in the first inning.

Peavy's ERA is under 3.00 for the fourth time in five seasons and he is about to win at least 10 games for the sixth straight season. So far this year he is 1-2 against Arizona with a 3.32 ERA.

Haren will pitch well but if he gives up two or three runs, he's going to be a loser. Peavy will rebound and deliver a dominating performance. Look for this one to go quick and play the Padres.

3♦ SAN DIEGO


Cleveland at DETROIT (-200) Chris Jordan

Lay the run line here as Detroit will jump all over southpaw Zach Jackson, who has a 5.17 ERA and still hasn?t won since being called up from Triple-A Buffalo. The Tigers should be able to chase him early, while providing plenty of run support to right-hander Armando Galarraga, who is 12-4 this season with a 3.17 ERA.

And since he?s already beaten the downtrodden Tribe thrice this season, it?s hard to believe he?ll fail to make it four in a row. In those games he?s limited Cleveland to a .159 batting average in those three starts, in which he has worked 17-2/3 frames.

Galarraga is a perfect 4-0 in his last five starts and will shut down this team once again to score the easy win. When Galarraga is toeing the slab, Detroit is on winning runs of 4-1 against the AL Central, 5-1 when he starts at home and a perfect 4-0 when the takes the hill against losing teams. Easy blowout win tonight, so take the home team here.

3♦ TIGERS RUN LINE


James Patrick

Indians vs. Tigers 7:05p.m. est.
Our complimentary selection in Major League Baseball action is #913 Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers Over the Total in American League action.



Marc Lawrence

Play On: San Diego w/Peavey vs Haren

Note: Padres send Jake Peavey to the hill against Dan Haren in a matchup of top-flight right handers in San Diego this evening in a rematch from last Wednesday when Haren topped Peavy, 8-6, in Arizona. With Peavy sporting a 1.42 ERA at home this season, look for Peavy to improve to 9-3 in his career team starts at home on Mondays here this in this major payback this evening.

 

[the duke]

Comps

John Martin

MLB | Aug 25
Oakland Athletics vs. LAA Angels

1 Unit on A?s/Angels O 8
(Listing Braden and Weaver)

The Angels could easily score 8 runs on their own in a high scoring AL West ball game Monday. The OVER is 5-1 in Angels? last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing record. The OVER is 4-1 in the Angels? last 5 home games. The OVER is 11-3 in Angels last 14 during game 1 of a series. The OVER is 5-1 in Jared Weavers? last 6 starts during game 1 of a series. The OVER is 4-1 in the A?s last 5 starts against a right-handed starter. I expect the Angels to get plenty of runs off of Dallas Braden and even the A?s to get their bats going against Jared Weaver. Cash in with the OVER 8 runs in this AL West Clash.


Black Widow


NFL | Aug 25
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Diego Chargers

Total over 37 -110

1* on Seahawks/Chargers Over 37

With the Seahawks averaging 31.5 points per game this preseason, and the Chargers putting up 31 points in their lone home win over the Cowboys, this is a very low total that these teams should be able to overcome without a problem Monday night. Seattle is 6-0 OVER as a preseason underdog the last 3 seasons. Seattle is 13-3 OVER after allowing 3 points or less in the first half last game in the preseason. San Diego is 10-1 OVER after allowing 150 or less passing yards in their last game in the preseason. Take the OVER 37 points as our Monday free play.


Steve Janus


MLB | Aug 25
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Chicago Cubs -1?-116

The Cubs are doing everything that a pennant winner needs to do. They are cleaning up on their most recent road trips, going 10-1 in their last 11 road games overall. The Cubbies have also won 20 of their last 26 games, keeping pace with the Milwaukee Brewers, who have been playing very well as of late, but staying in 2nd place in the NL Central. Monday the Cubs face the Pittsburgh Pirates who are nearing the end of yet another losing season. Pittsburgh is just 1-4 in their last 5 home games, they've lost 4 in a row and they are also just 1-4 in their last 5 games against left-handed starters. Cubs' starter, Ted Lilly, has been one of the toughest lefties in the majors to beat this year, the Cubs always seem to rally behind him, a big reason for his 12 wins, despite an ERA over 4.00. With Milwaukee still coming hard at the Cubs, I think they pour it on the Pirates Monday and don't leave anything to chance.


Larry Cook

MLB | Aug 25
Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants San Francisco Giants


3* on San Francisco Giants -129
(Listing Cain only)

Matt Cain has had great success against the Rockies in his career. Cain is 6-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 12 career starts against Colorado. Cain is undefeated with a 2.91 ERA over his last 3 starts, so expect another solid outing from this stud tonight. Jeff Francis has battled injuries all season and he still hasn?t full recovered. The Rockies are 1-9 in road games when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) this season. The Giants are 8-2 when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) in the second half of the season this season. With the Giants playing the bad teams better, and Matt Cain being more dominant starting pitcher in this match-up, we?ll bet San Francisco at home Monday.

 

[the duke]

Comps

Jimmy The Moose

Game: Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies Aug 25 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies

Prior to last night's game the Dodgers had lost 4 of their last 5 games. LA is 1-8 in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning record. The Dodgers have lost 4 straight road games. LA is 2-6 in Billingsley's last 8 road starts. The Dodgers have dropped 3 of his last 4 starts overall. Philadelphia has won 5 of their last 6 games prior to last night's game. The Phillies are 6-1 in their last 7 home games. Philadelphia has won 4 of Meyer's last 5 starts. The Phillies are 7-1 in his last 8 starts vs. the Dodgers. Play on the Phillies -.


Ross Benjamin

Sport: MLB
Game: Arizona (Haren) @ San Diego (Peavy)

Date/Time: 8/25/2008 10:05PM EST
Pick: San Diego +105

You are almost insured you are getting a good underdog value with Jake Peavy pitching at home. Peavy has posted an excellent 1.42 ERA in 11 starts at home in 2008. Peavy is also a profitable 7-2 in his home team starts versus Arizona since 2005. His adversary Dan Haren enters the game in bad form off of his last 4 starts posting a 6.10 ERA and 1.63 WHIP. Play on the San Diego Padres as my free MLB selection of the night.


LT Profits

Seattle Seahawks +6.5 (-110)
Mon Aug 25 '08 8:00p

The Monday Night Football contest between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Diego Chargers features the largest pointspread of any preseason game so fat this year, and frankly, not only do we feel the spread is inflated but we also give the underdog Seahawks an excellent chance to win straight up!

As usual, LaDainian Tomlinson has yet to see a snap in the preseason, and that will be the case again this week. However, that is not the entire story. The Chargers will also again be without tight end Antonio Gates, and without LT and Gates in the lineup, the club manages just six points vs. the St/ Louis Rams last week. As if that is not bad enough, linebacker Shawne Merriman may have a torn posterior cruciate ligament.

Now the Seahawks may be without quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, but they will not be missing anyone else of note, and Charlie Frye played commendably in directing Seattle to a thrilling 29-26 overtime win over the Bears last week. Seneca Wallace has also performed well in the past, so the drop-off at the quarterback position is not all that much for just one game.

The bottom line here is that the Seahawks have played better this preseason and they will have more guns at their disposal, a dangerous combination for a decided underdog like this.

Seahawks +6.5 (-110)

 

[the duke]

CappersAccess

Mon (NFL) Seahawks
Mon (MLB) Orioles



Hondo

The Bucs dropped a heartbreaker in Milwaukee yes terday, which caused Hondo to bypass the winner's circle as his earnings slipped to 320 vukoviches.

Tonight, he's counting on Myers to Phil the bill against Billingsley - Chad, not Barbara. Ten units.



PlayByPlayInc

SEATTLE at SAN DIEGO Over 39.5



ARMVIN SPORTS

PITTSBURGH PIRATES 174


MJP Sports

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS -127

 

[the duke]

Comps

John Fina

August 25, 2008

Selection: Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 Runs (+105)

Reason: Put us down on the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 Runs (+105) for our Free MLB Selection on Monday. Today the Chicago Cubs will be on the road as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. We will side with the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 Runs! One reason why we will side with the Pittsburgh Pirates is because they will be sending to the mound the starting pitcher who has been pitching better. This says it all... The Chicago Cubs Starting Pitcher (Ted Lilly) has a 4.25 ERA on the season, while Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher (Jeff Karstens) has a 2.25 ERA on the season. As you can see, the Pittsburgh Pirates will have the better starting pitcher on the mound. In this case, the value is with the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 Runs. Take the Pittsburgh Pirates +1.5 Runs!



Tony Mathews

August 25, 2008

Matchup: Minnesota Twins vs. Seattle Mariners

Selection: Minnesota Twins -1.5 Runs (-125)

Explanation: We will side with the Minnesota Twins -1.5 Runs as they face-off against the Seattle Mariners in Monday's MLB contest.

The Minnesota Twins will use starting pitcher Francisco Liriano. Francisco Liriano has been pitching great as of late. In fact, Francisco Liriano has a 1.53 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Francisco Liriano pitching another great game today.

The Seattle Mariners will use starting pitcher Miguel Batista. Miguel Batista has struggled this entire season. In fact, Miguel Batista has a 6.55 ERA on the season. We see Miguel Batista pitching another bad game today.

The Minnesota Twins are a Perfect 4-0 in their last 4 meetings against the Seattle Mariners, and should be able to get another blowout win today!

Take the Minnesota Twins -1.5 Runs!


Brian Marshall

August 25, 2008

Game: Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles

Plays On: Chicago/Baltimore Over 11.5 (-110)

Game Analyses: Do you love high-scoring games? If yes, you will love Monday's MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles.

The Chicago White Sox will be lead by starting pitcher Clayton Richard. Clayton Richard has struggled this entire season. In fact, Clayton Richard has a 6.75 ERA on the season. We see Clayton Richard giving up many runs once again today.

The Baltimore Orioles will be lead by starting pitcher Chris Waters. Chris Waters has been struggling as of late. In fact, Chris Waters has a 7.90 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Chris Waters also giving up many runs once again today.

The bottom line, we should see many runs scored today!

Take the Chicago White Sox/Baltimore Orioles Over 11.5!

 

[the duke]

Jim Feist

My free pick of the day is the game between (911) CHW White Sox and (912) BAL Orioles. Take "(912) BAL Orioles". Baltimore is a good home team, with a winning record, and plays their 7th straight home game here. This Orioles offense is above average. In fact, Baltimore ranks 4th in the AL in runs scored. Over the last 10 games the O's have scored in double digits 4 times, including 16 at Detroit. The White Sox have never seen lefty starter Chris Waters (2-0). Meanwhile, Chicago is off an emotionally grueling series with Tampa Bay, getting beat back to back games at home. That means they slipped behind Minnesota in this wild pennant race. With their second straight loss to Tampa Bay, the Sox went from first place in the American League Central to a half-game behind Boston in the American League wild-card chase. "The difference in these two games between the Rays and White Sox was the bullpen," said manager Ozzie Guillen. "Their bullpen held on and we couldn't. Without Linebrink we're not the same ballclub, there's no doubt about that." The eighth-inning duties this year fell to Scott Linebrink, who had a 1.32 ERA on July 1 when his shoulder started hurting. Without him the Sox are 15-12. The combined bullpen ERA in the last 35 games is 5.51. White Sox's starter Clayton Richard is favored here, yet he's 1-2 with a 6.75. On the road the 24-year old has been even worse, at 0-2 with a 9.90 ERA. A great spot for the home dog and their strong offense. Play the Orioles.


Dave Cokin

My free pick of the day is the game between (911) CHW White Sox and (912) BAL Orioles. Take "(911) CHW White Sox".
Rookie southpaws on the mound tonight as the White Sox visit the Orioles. Neither Clayton Richard nor Chris Waters inspires any confidence. But Richard is off his best start and he's got the better bullpen to clean up any mess he leaves. Plus, the White Sox can be pretty nasty against lefties and they obviously have more to play for than Baltimore at this point. I'll lay the small spot with the road team.

 

[the duke]

Rocco Spacamuro

50 * Seahawks +6

 

[the duke]

Dunkel Index

MLB

Cleveland at Detroit
The Indians come off a sweep in Texas and look to take advantage of a Detroit team that is just 9-13 in August. Cleveland is the underdog pick (+185) according to Dunkel, which has the Indians favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+185).

MONDAY, AUGUST 25

Game 901-902: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago Cubs (Lilly) 14.803; Pittsburgh (Karstens) 14.946
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+185); Over

Game 903-904: LA Dodgers at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.191; Philadelphia (Myers) 15.460
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-110); Under

Game 905-906: Houston at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Moehler) 15.725; NY Mets (Pelfrey) 14.500
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-235); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+215); Under

Game 907-908: Arizona at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Haren) 15.525; San Diego (Peavy) 13.999
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-120); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-120); Under

Game 909-910: Colorado at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Francis) 15.087; San Francisco (Cain) 16.448
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125); Over

Game 911-912: Chicago White Sox at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Richard) 16.043; Baltimore (Waters) 15.120
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-115); 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-115); Over

Game 913-914: Cleveland at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Jackson) 15.109; Detroit (Galarraga) 14.046
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Detroit (-200); 10
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+185); Over

Game 915-916: Texas at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Feldman) 13.766; Kansas City (Meche) 14.557
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-115); Over

Game 917-918: Oakland at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Braden) 14.041; LA Angels (Weaver) 16.326
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 2 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-230); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-230); Under

Game 919-920: Minnesota at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Liriano) 16.209; Seattle (Batista) 14.072
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-200); Under

 

[the duke]

Comps

Scott Delaney

Ted Lilly comes into this one after having his no-hitter broken up in the sixth inning of his last start. He certainly pitched well enough to win, yet even though he gave up a mere two hits in seven innings and struck out seven, he wound up losing a 2-1 decision to the Reds.

The outing lowered his ERA to 4.25, and since the lefty dominated the Pirates on Aug. 2 - holding them to one run and six hits in 6-1/3 innings for the win ? I am looking for a huge performance in this one. Chicago is on winning runs of 5-2 with Lilly on the road, 5-1 overall in his last six starts and 13-4 against the NL Central. Let?s lay the run line in this one as Chicago goes into Steeltown and steamrolls the Bucs with ease.

1 DIME CUBS RUN LINE



Tony Weston

So close, yet so far away. The Blue Jays play their asses off, but can?t pull through when we need it most.

Well, we?re moving past that and heading to Missouri where the Royals host the Rangers in a tilt that Texas will be victorious in.

Both teams have been atrocious lately with the Royals going 3-14 their last 17 games and going 1-7 their last eight games. Also, at home things haven?t been much better for Kansas City, who is 2-6 its last eight in front of the home crowd.

But the Rangers hold the edge against the Royals in what they?ve done to them this year. In six games against each other this season the Rangers are 4-2 and going back to last year Texas is 8-4 against Kansas City

The Rangers took two of three in a series in Kansas City back in June. Texas will make it three of four in K.C. with a strong win tonight.

Go with the Rangers on the road.

3♦ RANGERS (On a 1-5♦ Scale)

 

[the duke]

Comps


Jeff Alexander

MLB | Aug 25
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Total 8? under-115

1 Unit LAY on Dodgers/Phillies OVER 8.5 Runs (listing Billingsley and Myers
The Under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between these two teams in Philadelphia. The Under is 15-5 in Billingsley's last 20 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance, 14-4 in Billingsley's last 18 starts following a team loss in their previous game, and 6-2 in Billingsley's last 8 road starts. The Under is 9-1-1 in the Phillies last 11 home games, 5-1-1 in the Phillies last 7 overall, 4-0 in Myers' last 4 home starts, and 6-0-1 in Myers' last 7 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Take the Under.



Rocketman

MLB | Aug 25
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Los Angeles Dodgers +101

Play On: 1* LA Dodgers +105 (Billingsley/Myers) Listed

I feel like the Dodgers will be in revenge mode this evening after blowing a 2-1 lead in the 9th inning last night and eventually losing in extra innings. Philadelphia is 4-12 this year at home when the money line is -100 to -125. LA Dodgers bullpen has a 3.13 ERA on the road this year. Billingsley has a 3.10 ERA in all games this year, a 2.99 ERA on the road and he is 1-0 his last 3 starts. Myers is 6-10 overall this year. Billingsley has a 1-0 record against the Phillies since 1997. We'll recommend a small play on the LA Dodgers



Craig Trapp

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Diego Chargers (NFL) - Aug 25, 2008 8:00 PM EDT

Play: Total: 37/-112 Over

Take the over in this west coast battle. These teams both have very strong offenses that are going for there last real dress rehearsal. Both starters sound like they will play at least to half time if not into the 2nd half. Key backups at skill positions for both team should still keep the scoring up for 2nd half. Take the over and sit back and watch the scoreboard light up!!

 

[the duke]

Matt Fargo

Game: Chicago White Sox at Baltimore Orioles Aug 25 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: Chicago White Sox

This is a very solid price for a White Sox team that is battling for the playoffs. After Sunday?s win coupled with Minnesota?s loss in Anaheim, the White Sox are back in first place by a half-game over Minnesota. With a series at Boston on deck next weekend, this three-game set with the Orioles becomes even more important. Chicago has won six of its last eight games and it has been winning with a combination of solid pitching and hitting. It has averaged 7.6 rpg on offense while allowing just 3.6 rpg from the mound.

The Orioles were swept at home over the weekend by the Yankees and it is now just 1-5 on its current homestand. Pitching continues to letdown the Orioles as they have a 6.07 ERA over their last 10 games including a 7.69 ERA coming from the starters. They have allowed an average of 7.0 rpg over their last 14 games including an average of 8.0 rpg in the seven games played at home. The 4.91 season ERA is 2nd worst in the American League and 3rd worst in all of baseball.

Chris Richard was given a second chance in the rotation and it looks as though he may want to hold onto it. After posting a 10.38 ERA through his first three starts this season, he came back with a solid performance last time out. He held the Mariners to just five hits and a walk while not giving up a run through six innings in earning his first career Major League win. He now faces an Orioles team that is 6-18 in its last 24 home games against a left-handed starter.

Baltimore sends Chris Waters to the hill and it has been a struggle of late. Waters started his Major League career in spectacular fashion as he held the Angles to just one hit in eight innings as he picked up the victory. Since then however, he has not even been close to that same form as he has posted a 7.90 over his last three starts, none of which were even close to a quality outing. He will see the opposite of Richard as the White Sox are 12-4 in their last 16 games against a left-handed starter.

Chicago White Sox 1.5 Units

 

[the duke]

Comps

Jack Clayton

MLB
Game: Rangers at Royals
Date/Time: 8/25/2008 7:00PM EST

Royals (Meche)


Joe Gaffney

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Diego Chargers (NFL) - Aug 25, 2008 8:00 PM EDT

Total: 39/104 Over

 

[the duke]

Sports Rumble Crew


Gina

Monday, August 25, 2008 7:05 p.m. est.
Los Angeles Dodgers (65-65) at Philadelphia Phillies (71-59)
(R) Chad Billingsley (12-9, 3.10) vs. (R) Brett Myers (6-10, 4.71 ERA)

The Dodgers have struggle away from home, dropping their last five road games, six of their last eight. Also, they have lost six of Billingsley's last 8 road starts. Go with the Phillies at home for a four-game sweep of the Dodgers. Philadelphia is 7-1 in their last 8 games at Citizens Bank Park and have won seven of Brett Myers last 8 starts versus the Dodgers.

Philadelphia Phillies -120



Mr. A

Monday, August 25th, 2008 10:10 PM EST.
Minnesota Twins (74-56) at Seattle Mariners (48-82)
(L) Francisco Liriano (4-3) vs. (R) Miguel Batista (4-12)

Minnesota has won eight of their last 11 games and has beaten Seattle in four of the last five meetings. Meanwhile, the struggling Mariners have lost eight of their last 10 games, five of its last 7 at home.

Minnesota's Francisco Liriano (4-3, 4.24 ERA), is 3-0 with a 1.53 ERA in his last three starts. The lefthander is 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA in three career starts against Seattle.

Seattle's Miguel Batista (4-12, 6.55), is 0-0 with a 6.28 ERA in his last three starts. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 5.86 ERA in nine career outings, including five starts against Minnesota.

Minnesota has won seven of the last 10 games in Seattle and southpaw Francisco Liriano is currently pitching great, while Seattle?s Miguel Batista struggles. Take the Twins to grab their fifth straight victory over the Mariners.

Minnesota Twins -210



JB'S Computer Plays

Chicago Cubs -200

Arizona Diamondbacks -120

Los Angeles Angels -230

 

[the duke]

SAPKOWSKI


Best Bet
Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants over 3 in 1st 5 INN


Premium
Minnesota Twins vs. Seattle Mariners over 4 in 1st 5INN


Free:
Kansas City Royals

 

[the duke]

Comps

Colorado at SAN FRANCISCO (-115) Sports Gambling Hotline


Tonight we play the UNDER in the Colorado-San Francisco contest, as Jeff Francis, and Matt Cain have been throwing the ball well of late.

Francis comes into this one off a 6 inning, 1 run, no decision at Los Angeles. Francis has been tough on the Giants, going 3-0 the last 3 times he has faced them, allowing just 5 runs his last 23 innings of work against them.

Matt Cain counters, and all the righty has done is allow 3 runs over his last 15 innings ot work for a 1-0 mark. Cain also worked 5 scoreless innings against Colorado in April for the win.

These teams have met 3 times this year in the City by the Bay, and ALL 3 meetings have stayed LOW.

We are playing the UNDER in this Rockies-Giants meeting.

Play the LOW.

5♦ UNDER



Cleveland at DETROIT (-200) Karl Garrett

The Indians have been playing some of their best baseball of the season, as they come to Detroit having won 7 in a row.

Still, the G-Man is going to go with the Tigers who just wrapped up a winning weekend at Kansas City, and are actually 33-28 at home this season. The Tigers have also won 4 of the 6 games played against the Tribe at Comerica Park.

Armando Galarraga has been an Indian-killer this year, as Galarraga has won all 3 of his starts this year against the Indians, working 18 innings while allowing 7 runs to score. Galarraga is up to 12-4 on the year, and has won his last 3 starts, with the Tigers going 16-6 when he is on the mound.

Zach Johnson will counter for the Indians, and thus far he hasn't fooled many batters in his brief call up with the big club, as he has worked 12 innings, allowing 15 hits, and 7 earned runs.

Have to believe the Tigers are going to take care of business with their "ace" on the hill.

Take Detroit on the RUN LINE, as Galarraga takes care of business.

1♦ DETROIT RUN LINE

 

[the duke]

SPORTS ADVISORS

NFL PRESEASON

Seattle (2-0 SU and ATS) at San Diego (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS)

Two former AFC West rivals face off in August for the third straight year when the Seahawks tee it up against the Chargers in a nationally televised contest from Qualcomm Stadium.

The Seahawks earned a 29-26 overtime victory over the Bears back on Aug. 16, covering as a one-point home underdog. Third-string QB Charlie Frye started and played the entire game, finishing 20-for-35 for 209 yards, but he failed to throw a TD pass and had three interceptions. Seattle rushed for 241 yards against Chicago, with rookie Justin Forsett rattling off 136 yards and a touchdown, while the Seahawks? defense held the Bears to 205 total yards, including 51 yards on the ground.

San Diego sat most of its starters against the Rams last week, and it showed in a 7-6 road loss, though the Chargers did cash as a three-point underdog. With QB Philip Rivers on the sidelines all night, Charlie Whitehurst (6-for-14 for 67 yards) and Billy Volek (5-for-7 for 58 yards) split time under center. The Chargers were outgained by St. Louis, 309-203.

The Chargers scored a 31-20 win over Seattle in Week 3 of the 2006 preseason as a 3?-point home favorite, but Seattle returned to San Diego for last year?s preseason opener and got a 24-16 win as a 3?-point road underdog.

Seattle is 5-1 SU and ATS in preseason play going back to last August, and over the last four summers, Mike Holmgren?s team is 7-2 SU and ATS on the road and 6-2 ATS as an underdog. Additionally, the Seahawks are on a 4-1 SU and ATS roll in Week 3 preseason games.

The Chargers are 4-2 SU and ATS in August since Norv Turner took over as coach last year, and they?re 6-1 SU and ATS at home in exhibition action dating to 2005. Also, San Diego has won four of its last five Week 3 preseason games (3-2 ATS).

Seahawks? starting QB Matt Hasselbeck was scheduled to see some action in this one but hasn?t practiced since Tuesday when he left with tightness in his back, and Holmgren has said his top passer won?t see the field again until the regular season. With backup Seneca Wallace still nursing a groin injury, it is likely going to be all Frye again tonight with Wallace available only if necessary. Seattle also has injury issues at WR, with starters Bobby Engram and Deion Branch out of the lineup.

Turner said he will play most of his healthy starters into the third quarter tonight, but don?t expect that to include Rivers. He will likely play into the second quarter before giving way to Volek, who will lead the offense until the fourth quarter before handing off to Whitehurst. Also sidelined as usual in the preseason is RB LaDainian Tomlinson, who won?t suit up until the regular-season opener. On defense, don?t expect to see starters Luis Castillo, Jamal Williams or LB Shawne Merriman, who has two torn ligaments in his knee and may need season-ending surgery.

The over is 10-4 for the Seahawks over the last three-plus preseasons, including 8-1 in the last nine overall and 5-0 in the last five on the road. Meanwhile, the over is 6-2 in the Chargers? last eight August games (3-1 at home). Finally, since 2002, the over is 4-1 in five August contests between these two.

ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER


NATIONAL LEAGUE

L.A. Dodgers (65-65) at Philadelphia (71-59)

The Phillies will try to make it a four-game sweep when they wrap up their series against the Dodgers with Brett Myers (6-10, 4.71 ERA) set to pitch opposite Los Angeles? Chad Billingsley (12-9, 3.10) at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies won the first two games of this series by a combined 17-3 Friday and Saturday but had to rally for a run in the ninth and three in the 11th Sunday to beat Los Angeles, 5-2.

Philadelphia is on a 7-2 roll since getting swept in a four-game series at L.A. earlier this month. Charlie Manuel?s club is also on hot streaks of 6-1 at home, 5-1 versus right-handed starters, 4-0 against the N.L. West, 20-6 when Myers faces N.L. West competition and 19-8 when hosting the Dodgers at Citizens Bank.

Since taking four straight from Philadelphia, the Dodgers have dropped six of their last eight. They?ve also lost eight of their last 10 road games, including the last five in a row. With Billingsley on the mound, L.A. is on a 10-4 run against N.L. East foes, but is 2-6 in his last eight on the highway.

Billingsley is just 4-5 in 12 starts on the road despite a 2.91 ERA. He?s gone eight straight starts without giving up more than three runs, including yielding just two runs on five hits in six innings on Wednesday, getting a no-decision in his team?s 4-3 home loss. The right-hander has faced the Phillies twice, both in 2007, and Los Angeles won both outings by scores of 5-2 in Philly and 5-4 at home.

Myers has pitched well lately, going 2-1 with a 1.52 ERA in his last three outings. He?s 5-3 with a 3.04 ERA in front of the home fans, and he?s coming off a complete-game shutout on Wednesday, blanking the Nationals 4-0. The Phillies have won seven of his last eight starts against the Dodgers, but the one loss came earlier this month in Los Angeles, as Myers allowed three runs on five hits in seven innings, falling 3-1.

The under is 6-2 in Billingsley?s last eight road starts, but the Dodgers have soared over the total in 23 of their last 32 Monday outings. The under is 4-0 in Myers? last four at home and 9-1-1 in the Phillies? last 11 home games overall. Finally, the under is 8-2 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings in Philadelphia.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

 

[the duke]

Comps


Tony Karpinski

Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles (MLB) - Aug 25, 2008 7:05 PM EDT

Play: Money Line: 110 Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore is a good home team, with a winning record, and plays their 7th straight home game here. This Orioles offense is above average. In fact, Baltimore ranks 4th in the AL in runs scored despite getting swept over the weekend by the Yankees.

Over the last 10 games the O's have scored in double digits 4 times, including 16 at Detroit. The White Sox have never seen lefty starter Chris Waters (2-0). Meanwhile, Chicago is off an emotionally grueling series with Tampa Bay, getting beat back to back games at home. That means they slipped behind Minnesota in this wild pennant race. White Sox's starter Clayton Richard is favored here, yet he's 1-2 with a 6.75. On the road the 24-year old has been even worse, at 0-2 with a 9.90 ERA. A great spot for the home dog and their strong offense at the Yard.


Big Al McMordie

Diamondbacks vs. Padres (MLB) - Aug 25, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
Play: Over

At 10:10pm our complimentary selection is on the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres 'over' the total. On paper, this is one of the best pitching matchups of the year with Arizona's recently-acquired 27 year-old righthander Danny Haren facing last year's Cy Young award winner, San Diego's 27 year-old righthander Jake Peavy. Peavy's season, although better than about 95% of the starters out there, is certainly not what he had hoped for as a follow-up to his incredible 2008 campaign. Peavy has battled injury and although his ERA is a very good 2.84, he is only 9-9, and the Padres have struggled when he takes the mound, going 9-13 in his 22 starts. Haren has been getting terrific run support lately. In five of his last six starts (dating back to July 25) the Diamondbacks have scored six or more runs, and a total of 48 runs in the last six for an average of eight runs per game. Haren has needed all of this run support lately, as in his last three starts he has given up 28 hits in just over nineteen innings en route to an ugly 6.05 ERA. Peavy has struggled with his control lately, yielding an uncharacteristic 12 walks in his last three games covering only 18 innings. These two great athletes took the mound to face one another only five days ago and their combined starts yielded a total of 16 hits and 10 earned runs in only 11 innings.

Take the 'over'.

 

[the duke]

BeatYourBookie

Chicago Cubs (-185) over Pittsburgh (August 25) (7:00 P.M. EST)
Play: Chicago Cubs -185 Title: 50* Free Play

Pittsburgh has lost 8 of the last 10 games and they have also lost 25 of the last 33 games as ahome underdog of +125 or higher this season.

Play on CHICAGO CUBS

 

[the duke]

Comps

Colorado at SAN FRANCISCO (-130) Drew Gordon

Late night action from AT&T Park, and I'm looking for the Giants to continue their recent surge with the red-hot Matt Cain on the mound tonight. To say Cain is "hot," is a gross understatement, as the Giants righty has gone 3-2 with a lockdown 1.88 ERA over his last 8 starts (and his recored would've been a lot better given some run support).

Good news for Cain is the Giants are actually swinging the bats well, batting a solid .300 as a team over their last 10 games, including .296 against lefties! No surprise, they've also won 7 of their last 8, including 5 straight, thanks in large part to their offensive surge. Its that hot-hitting that finally rewards Cain for his fantastic pitching over the last couple months. Also of note, Cain is 6-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 12 career starts against Colorado!

Had this been last season, I'd be wary of going against the Rockies lefty Jeff Francis, but this year, after dealing with shoulder inflammation, he's been more than vulnerable, going winless over his last 5 starts. True, he's pitched better of late, but he's also catching the Giants surging, with their hottest pitcher on the mound.

Bottom line, while both teams are playing well, its no secret the Rockies are a below average road team 25-41 away), starting an inconsistent Francis. While on the flip side, the Giants have won 5 of 6 at AT&T Park, and have a blistering hot Matt Cain starting tonight... Case closed, Giants roll!

Take San Francisco behind Cain over Colorado and Francis in late MLB action.

3♦ SAN FRANCISCO


Matt Rivers

Monday take the Rockies in San Francisco.

Alright enough already with the Giants winning games. No doubt Matt Cain is a very quality hurler who can dazzle anytime he takes the mound but his team is still garbage overall and despite sweeping away the Padres and playing solid ball over the past few weeks Bruce Bochy's club is still lacking talent and well overvalued here.

Jeff Francis has had a down season thanks in part to injuries but the lefty has a tremendous upside as we saw last season and especially so in the playoffs and should be just fine here against what is still a slow and old San Francisco offense.

Colorado has struggled mightily this season as one can tell by at least looking at their poor record but the Rockies, like Francis, have a high ceiling with heir boppers in Holliday, Hawpe, Taveras, Atkins, Tulowitzki and others are the right side getting a chunk of change like this.

In reality we should not be the dog but because of this late San Francisco surge the G-Men are a bit overrated. Things will even up though soon and Bochy's boys will come back down to Earth.



Jeff Benton

Monday, we?ll go back to baseball and play the DBacks-Padres game UNDER the total.

This may seem like an odd play, given this low total and the fact that these two starting pitchers ? Jake Peavy and Dan Haren ? were involved in an 8-6 shootout just five days ago. However, that game was played in Arizona, a hitter?s park. This one?s being played in cavernous Petco Park. There are plenty of reasons why that?s significant. First and foremost, Peavy has a ridiculous 1.42 ERA at home this season, allowing just 12 runs in 76 innings. Meanwhile, Haren has started three times at Petco, allowing five runs in 17 innings (2.65 ERA).

Also, the Padres cannot hit in their home ballpark (.233 team batting average), while Arizona can?t hit away from home (.236 team average). Combine that with the fact that these offenses haven?t hit much at all over the last 10 games ? Arizona has a .258 average; San Diego a .232 mark ? and it?s hard to see there being a ton of runs put on the board.

Finally, the under is 7-2 in San Diego?s last nine home games, 7-1-1 in Peavy?s last nine starts overall and 36-17-4 in his last 57 outings at home (9-2 this year). We?re looking at a 2-1 final here; play it low.

(Based on a 1♦ to 10♦ rating system)

5♦ Diamondbacks-Padres UNDER the total

 

[the duke]

FRANK ROSENTHAL

MLB
904 PHILLY-105 SB
UNDER 8.5 SB+
908 PADRES+105 SB
UNDER 6.5 SB
910 GIANTS-120 SB
916 KC-130 SB
919 TWINS-200 SB
OVER 8.5 SB

NFL
271 SEAHAWKS+6.5 SB+