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May 17th MLB news ... Welcome to Betting on baseball online, the place with all of your gambling information on “America’s pastime”.

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Betting on baseball online News

NL West title going down to the wire
2010-09-29

With the Colorado Rockies playoff hopes eliminated Tuesday, the NL West race is down to two teams. The Padres and Giants remain to fight for the division title. San Francisco enters Wednesday with a two-game lead on San Diego and hopes to widen the gap when it hosts the Diamondbacks. Meanwhile, San Diego continues its four-game series with the Cubs at Petco.

Sportsbook.com Odds: San Francisco -150, Arizona +140 Total: 7.5

A pair of red-hot pitchers meet in San Francisco Wednesday night when Ian Kennedy (9-9, 3.76 ERA) goes up against Tim Lincecum (15-10, 3.51). Kennedy has a 1.12 ERA over his past three starts and has given up one run or less in five of his past six starts. The Arizona bullpen hasn’t been kind to Kennedy, as the Diamondbacks have lost three of his past four outings despite Kennedy’s strong starts. One such instance was September 6 against the Giants, where Kennedy went eight shutout innings, only to see San Francisco win the game 2-0 in 11 innings. Kennedy has been impressive against the Giants over his career, going 1-1 with a 2.20 ERA in four starts.

Linecum enters Wednesday off a terrific outing in Colorado where he went eight innings, giving up one run on two hits while striking out nine. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA over his past three starts. After struggling in August, Lincecum has shined in September, winning four of his five starts without allowing more than three runs in any of those outings. He’s 6-2 with a 2.71 ERA in 13 career starts against the Diamondbacks.

Even though the Diamondbacks bullpen is shaky, this MLB betting trend likes Arizona:

Play On - All underdogs with a money line of +100 to +150 (ARIZONA) - with a poor bullpen whose ERA is 4.50 or worse on the season, with a hot starting pitcher- WHIP <= 1.100 over his last 10 games. (42-18 over the last 5 seasons.) (70%, +32.6 units. Rating = 4*).

Sportsbook.com Odds: San Diego -150, Chicago +140 Total: 6.5

The Padres look to pick up some ground on the Giants before heading to San Francisco to close out the year in what should be the biggest matchup of the weekend. First, they hope Chris Young (1-0, 1.20 ERA) can take care of the Cubs. Young is making his third start since coming off the disabled list earlier this month. He’s been effective in his two outings, combining to go nine innings, while giving up two runs on six hits. The Padres have won both those games, against Cincinnati and St. Louis.

Young will be opposed by Randy Wells (8-13. 4.28 ERA) Wells has pitched well lately, going 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA over his past three starts. His most recent effort was especially impressive, throwing 7.2 innings of shutout ball and picking up a win in San Francisco. Wells was on the wrong end of a 1-0 game against San Diego in August where he gave up one run on three hits over seven innings, but still took the loss.

Despite their woeful season, this betting trend suggests there might be some value in backing Chicago:

Play Against - Home favorites with a money line of -110 or higher (SAN DIEGO) - poor hitting team (AVG <=.250) against an average starting pitcher (ERA=4.20 to 5.20) -NL, with a very good bullpen whose WHIP is 1.250 or better on the season. (33-14 since 1997.) (70.2%, +32.1 units. Rating = 4*).

MLB: 4th celebrates America, baseball, betting
2010-07-03

The 4th of July holiday celebrates America’s independence, and nothing signifies one’s freedom more than being able to lay down a few wagers on baseball, America’s game, on America’s birthday. As much as our elected officials seem to want to go to any length to deny us of that freedom, it’s still a passion that all of us reading this piece share. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the recent holiday history of Major League Baseball’s 30 teams, in hopes of uncovering which clubs are sparklers and which play like duds on this most celebratory of days. Get the latest lines for Sunday’s games Sportsbook.com’s LIVE ODDS page.

Before getting to each team, it’s important to note that overall, home field advantage has been significant in 4th of July games. In fact, since ’97, the year since which all the records below are noted, home teams have gone 116-78, good for a 59.8% win rate and +23.1 units of profit on this holiday. You have to figure that teams are more comfortable playing in front of the home folks in what is one of the most family-friendly days of the year. That said, let’s get to the teams and their performances on July 4th since ’97.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

4th of July Record Overall: 8-4, +5 Units (#4 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-3-3

At Home: 2-2

On the Road: 6-2

Trend(s): Arizona has lost two in a row at home and four of five overall and will be hosting the Dodgers Sunday.

ATLANTA BRAVES

4th of July Record Overall: 9-4, +4.7 Units (#5 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-7-0

At Home: 7-2

On the Road: 2-2

Trend(s): Braves have won five of L6 July 4th games at home.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

4th of July Record Overall: 7-7, +3.1 Units (#6 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 9-4-1

At Home: 2-1

On the Road: 5-6

Trend(s): Six of L7 July 4th games for the Orioles have gone OVER the total, while they have yielded 8.1 runs per game.

BOSTON RED SOX

4th of July Record Overall: 7-6, -1.9 Units (#21 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 9-4-0

At Home: 2-2

On the Road: 5-4

Trend(s): Boston is on an 8-2 OVER the total run on the 4th, having scored 8.6 RPG, and will be facing Baltimore, another OVER trending team, on Sunday.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

4th of July Record Overall: 5-8, -5 Units (#27 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-7-0

At Home: 4-4

On the Road: 1-4

Trend(s): The White Sox have lost four straight 4th of July road games, all as favorites, and will be in Texas this year.

CHICAGO CUBS

4th of July Record Overall: 4-9, -7.4 Units (#29 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-7-0

At Home: 2-3

On the Road: 2-6

Trend(s): The Cubs have struggled on this holiday over the last 11 years, going just 2-9 while scoring just 2.2 RPG.

CINCINNATI REDS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-7, -1.4 Units (#20 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 4-7-2

At Home: 4-5

On the Road: 2-2

Trend(s): Cincinnati is on a 4-2 run in 4th of July games but hasn’t played on the road since ’06.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-8, -3.6 Units (#24 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 9-5-0

At Home: 6-2

On the Road: 0-6

Trend(s): Including a 19-1 thrashing of the Yankees in ’06, Cleveland has won its L4 games on this holiday at home and will host Oakland this season.

COLORADO ROCKIES

4th of July Record Overall: 5-8, -4.4 Units (#25 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 7-6-0

At Home: 4-3

On the Road: 1-5

Trend(s): Colorado has played its L6 July 4th games at home, going 4-2 and 4-2 OVER. Those games produced an incredible 18.2 RPG.

DETROIT TIGERS

4th of July Record Overall: 7-8, -0.4 Units (#14 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 7-7-1

At Home: 3-1

On the Road: 4-7

Trend(s): This year’s game versus Seattle will be just Detroit’s second home 4th of July game since ’01. The Tigers have lost their L7 on the road but won the sole home game in that span.

FLORIDA MARLINS

4th of July Record Overall: 7-6, +2 Units (#9 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 5-7-1

At Home: 5-1

On the Road: 2-5

Trend(s): Florida has lost its L3 Independence Day road games, but by a combined four runs.

HOUSTON ASTROS

4th of July Record Overall: 4-9, -7.2 Units (#28 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 7-6-0

At Home: 2-6

On the Road: 2-3

Trend(s): The 4th holiday has been a struggle for the Astros, as they are just 4-9 since ’97 for -7.2 units, better than only two other clubs.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-7, +0.9 Units (#11 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 7-5-1

At Home: 5-2

On the Road: 1-5

Trend(s): Kansas City will look to avoid a 5-game 4th of July road losing streak in Anaheim on Sunday.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-7, -2.3 Units (#22 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 7-5-1

At Home: 3-5

On the Road: 3-2

Trend(s): Four of the L5 Angels’ Independence Day games have gone OVER the total, as they’ve scored 8.0 RPG themselves.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

4th of July Record Overall: 8-5, +2.7 Units (#8 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 4-8-1

At Home: 3-2

On the Road: 5-3

Trend(s): The Dodgers are on a 4-2 run overall on the 4th of July and 3-1 on the road and will be in Arizona on Sunday.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-7, -1.2 Units (#19 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-4-3

At Home: 2-4

On the Road: 4-3

Trend(s): Milwaukee has enjoyed its most recent 4th of July games, going 4-1 in its L5 while outscoring opponents 31-12.

MINNESOTA TWINS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-7, -1.1 Units (#18 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-5-2

At Home: 3-3

On the Road: 3-4

Trend(s): Minnesota will look to extend a 3-game holiday winning streak when it hosts Tampa Bay for its first 4th of July game at new Target Field.

NEW YORK METS

4th of July Record Overall: 7-6, +1.1 Units (#10 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-6-1

At Home: 5-0

On the Road: 2-6

Trend(s): The Mets have lost their last three 4th of July games, all on the road, and will put that skid on the line at Washington.

NEW YORK YANKEES

4th of July Record Overall: 5-8, -7.6 Units (#30 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 8-4-1

At Home: 4-5

On the Road: 1-3

Trend(s): The Yankees have been the biggest duds in baseball on this specific holiday, going 5-8 for a league worst -7.6 units since ’97. The OVER the total is 6-0-1 in the L7, with opponents bashing New York pitching for 8.6 RPG.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-6, -0.5 Units (#15 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 5-7-0

At Home: 3-3

On the Road: 3-3

Trend(s): Six of the L8 Oakland games on Independence Day have gone UNDER the total.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

4th of July Record Overall: 10-3, +6.8 Units (#2 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-7-0

At Home: 6-3

On the Road: 4-0

Trend(s): Philadelphia, the city where our country’s Independence was born, has the best profit record of any team in baseball on the 4th of July since ’98, going 10-2 while outscoring foes 63-30.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

4th of July Record Overall: 6-7, +0 Units (#12 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 8-4-1

At Home: 3-3

On the Road: 3-4

Trend(s): Little changes for Pittsburgh on this special holiday when compared to every other day of the season, as the Pirates are just 1-4 dating back to ’05, outscored 36-16.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

4th of July Record Overall: 8-4, +5.6 Units (#3 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-5-1

At Home: 6-2

On the Road: 2-2

Trend(s): San Diego is on a strong 6-1 run at home on the 4th of July and welcomes lowly Houston for the 4-game series finale on Sunday.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-8, -3.6 Units (#23 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 7-6-1

At Home: 4-4

On the Road: 2-4

Trend(s): Six of the L7 San Francisco 4th of July games have gone over the total. Average Score – Giants 7.1 , Opponents 6.7

SEATTLE MARINERS

4th of July Record Overall: 7-6, -0.2 Units (#13 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 4-9-0

At Home: 2-1

On the Road: 5-5

Trend(s): Seattle, in Detroit on Sunday, has won three straight Independence Day road games, holding opposing lineups to three total runs. Plus, overall, eight of the L9 Mariners’ games on this holiday have gone UNDER the total.

ST LOUIS CARDINALS

4th of July Record Overall: 8-5, +3 Units (#7 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-4-3

At Home: 4-3

On the Road: 4-2

Trend(s): St. Louis has lost back-to-back 4th of July games after winning the prior eight.

TAMPA BAY RAYS

4th of July Record Overall: 3-9, -4.9 Units (#26 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 7-5-0

At Home: 3-2

On the Road: 0-7

Trend(s): The Rays have never won a 4th of July road game in seven tries, getting outscored 58-31. They’ll put that skid on the line in Minnesota on Sunday.

TEXAS RANGERS

4th of July Record Overall: 10-3, +9.6 Units (#1 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 7-6-0

At Home: 9-2

On the Road: 1-1

Trend(s): Texas has put up 4th of July offensive fireworks in going 10-3 since ’97, scoring 7.4 RPG, while producing a league best 9.6 units of profit.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-6, -0.7 Units (#17 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 7-5-0

At Home: 3-0

On the Road: 3-6

Trend(s): Fittingly, Toronto’s last nine 4th of July games have been on American soil. The Jays are 3-6 in those and OVER the total is 7-2.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

4th of July Record Overall: 6-7, -0.7 Units (#16 of 30)

Totals (O-U-P): 6-7-0

At Home: 5-3

On the Road: 1-4

Trend(s): The Nationals’ franchise is a profitable 6-3 for +3.8 units in its L9 4th of July games.

Enjoy the holiday and all baseball the action on Sunday. Hopefully your bankroll explodes like a firecracker!

MLB: NL West skirmish has one-sided system
2010-05-20

The Los Angeles Dodgers had their nine-game win streak snapped at an inopportune time, losing last night to division leading San Diego 10-5. The Padres were the first team in ten games to rip thru the Dodgers pitching, who had allowed 18 total runs during their scorching streak . L.A. will try to rebound on Thursday and is set as a -158 favorite at Sportsbook.com as of last check.

The Dodgers defense has been a source of concern all year, ranking 11th in the National League. However they have tightened up all aspects of their game and have gone six contests without an error.

Manager Joe Torre will hand the horse-hide over to Clayton Kershaw (3-2, 3.55 ERA, 1.358 WHIP), which should put smile on everyone face preferring the home team for sports betting purposes. Kershaw has allowed one run in his last two starts, permitting five hits over 15 innings, striking out 16 opposing batters. Equally as important for him the left-hander is giving up just five walks.

L.A. is 29-8 in home games after a loss and will face Kevin Correia (4-3, 4.35, 1.220), who Kershaw and the Dodgers downed 4-1 last Saturday in San Diego. Correia allowed the four runs over 5 1/3 innings in the defeat while attempting to overcome the emotional scars of losing his younger brother, Trevor, who died after falling from a 60-foot cliff while hiking on Santa Cruz Island.

Sportsbook.com has Los Angeles as -158 money line favorites, despite having Andre Either out the lineup and possibly Manny Ramirez, who injured his left foot before yesterday’s contest and was scratched from the starting nine and later was used as pinch-hitter. Nevertheless, the situation is quite favorable for the home team in this I-5 conflict.

Play On favorites with a money line of -125 to -175, after three straight games where they committed no errors, starting a pitcher who gave up one or fewer earned runs in his last two outings.

This baseball system is 62-16, 79.5 percent since 2006 and the margin of victory has been decisive, with the favored club winning by 2.4 runs per contest. Everything points to a Dodgers triumph with L.A. 33-13 in May games since last year.

MLB: Top MLB Weekend Power Trends – 9/18-9/20
2009-09-18

If there are going to be any changes in the Major League Baseball playoff picture from where it stands now, this weekend will be the turning point. There are six key series’ on tap that figure to be influential. For all of the chasing clubs, this could be their last ditch effort to make a run at the postseason. Four matchups pit division leaders against their second-place followers, while the Dodgers, Rockies, and Giants will continue to try and clear up the N.L. West & wildcard races. Let’s take a look at those matchups plus reveal some of the Top StatFox Betting Trends you’ll want to consider in your baseball weekend wagering.

The most intriguing series would seem to be occurring in the Metrodome, where a Twins sweep over the visiting Tigers would get them within one game of the American League Central lead. Minnesota is a -150 series favorite to take two out of three, but don’t be fooled, Manager Ron Gardenhire’s team needs and wants all three games. His club comes into the series on a 4-game winning streak and boasting a 5-1 record against the Tigers in 2009 at home. Detroit is trying to withstand the Twins rally and stop its own fade as well, as they have lost seven of 10 as of Friday.

The Angels head to Texas looking to snap a skid that has seen them lose nine of 12 to the Rangers this year, including five of six in Arlington. A three-game sweep by the Rangers would pull Texas to within 3 1/2 games of the Angels in the AL West standings. It’s pretty much come down to division title or bust now for Texas, as they’ve faded out of the wildcard hunt by losing their last four games. Los Angeles has been one of the league’s better road teams in ’09, going 43-32 for +14 units of betting profit. Oddsmakers have tabbed the Halos as a -135 series favorite.

The Phillies will have their hands full in Atlanta, where the Braves have won seven in a row. Philadelphia hasn’t lost a lot on its lead though during that span, putting up victories in its last five games. The Braves are 7 1/2 games behind the Phillies and only 4 1/2 behind Colorado in the Wild Card standings. Atlanta’s bats have been red-hot in the current streak, scoring 6.4 RPG while batting .333 and boasting an on-base percentage of .397. They are also on a 16-8 run when hosting Philadelphia over the L3 seasons.

Elsewhere, the Cubs are facing a nine-game deficit in the Central and a seven-game mountain to climb for the Wild Card, but three wins in St. Louis would help. They’ll also be looking for assistance from the Diamondbacks, who are hosting Colorado this weekend. Also keeping an eye on that series will be the Dodgers and Giants, who play one another in L.A., and San Francisco could be finished if they don't take at least two of three on the road this weekend. They're 3 1/2 games behind Colorado for the Wild Card and 8 1/2 behind the Dodgers in the division. That certainly won’t be easy, with the Dodgers owning records of 46-29 at home and 42-22 vs. divisional opponents in ’09.

Now here’s a look at some of those Top StatFox Betting Trends for you to utilize over the next few days.

SAN DIEGO at PITTSBURGH
PITTSBURGH is 12-37 (-24.6 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .325 or worse this season. The average score was PITTSBURGH 3.0, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 3*)

FLORIDA at CINCINNATI
CINCINNATI is 19-36 (-15.8 Units) against the money line after batting .240 or worse over a 15 game span this season. The average score was CINCINNATI 3.7, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 1*)

WASHINGTON at NY METS
WASHINGTON is 10-34 (-22.0 Units) against the money line with a struggling bullpen whose WHIP is over 1.750 the last 15 games this season. The average score was WASHINGTON 4.3, OPPONENT 6.0 - (Rating = 3*)

PHILADELPHIA at ATLANTA
ATLANTA is 4-14 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games vs. NL teams scoring 4.8 or more runs/game in the second half of the last 2 seasons. The average score was ATLANTA 3.1, OPPONENT 6.1 - (Rating = 1*)

HOUSTON at MILWAUKEE
MILWAUKEE is 22-31 (-14.8 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game this season. The average score was MILWAUKEE 4.9, OPPONENT 5.0 - (Rating = 1*)

CHICAGO CUBS at ST LOUIS
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-22 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) this season. The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 3.4, OPPONENT 5.3 - (Rating = 2*)

COLORADO at ARIZONA
ARIZONA is 10-22 (-11.9 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with an on base percentage of .340 or better this season. The average score was ARIZONA 3.8, OPPONENT 5.0 - (Rating = 1*)

SAN FRANCISCO at LA DODGERS
LA DODGERS are 22-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 or better this season. The average score was LA DODGERS 5.7, OPPONENT 3.4 - (Rating = 1*)

BOSTON at BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE is 12-41 (-20.6 Units) against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the last 2 seasons. The average score was BALTIMORE 4.3, OPPONENT 6.8 - (Rating = 1*)

TORONTO at TAMPA BAY
TORONTO is 20-40 (-23.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. The average score was TORONTO 4.2, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 2*)

LA ANGELS at TEXAS
TEXAS is 10-4 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) in the second half of this season. The average score was TEXAS 5.4, OPPONENT 3.1 - (Rating = 1*)

DETROIT at MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA is 23-4 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in home games vs. a decent bullpen whose WHIP is 1.350 to 1.450 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 6.1, OPPONENT 3.5 - (Rating = 3*)

KANSAS CITY at CHI WHITE SOX
GUILLEN is 53-16 (+21.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -250 as the manager of CHI WHITE SOX. The average score was CHI WHITE SOX 6.2, OPPONENT 4.1 - (Rating = 1*)

CLEVELAND at OAKLAND
WEDGE is 74-46 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in road games vs. AL teams scoring 4.7 or less runs/game in the second half of the season as the manager of CLEVELAND. The average score was CLEVELAND 5.6, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 2*)

NY YANKEES at SEATTLE
NY YANKEES are 46-23 (+13.9 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.7 or less runs/game this season. The average score was NY YANKEES 5.9, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 1*)

MLB: Top MLB Weekend Power Trends 7/10-7/12
2009-07-10

Major League Baseball wraps up it first half of the season this weekend, before teams head out for the three day all-star break. Some managers place a lot of importance on this particular weekend’s games annually, citing the need to build momentum heading into the second half. With that in mind, there are several important series’ on tap across the country where teams will be looking to build on recent surges or conversely, stop skids. The competitive N.L. Central is loaded with key matchups over the next three days, including Cardinals-Cubs. In the A.L., the red-hot Yankees travel cross country to take on the Angels. Read on as we take a look at those series’ and more, plus reveal some of this weekend’s Top StatFox Power Trends for you to utilize.

The National League Central Division has become the most competitive, and compelling, in baseball. Five of the six teams are within three games of one another in the loss column. St. Louis leads the way and comes off a big series win in Milwaukee. The Cardinals will be taking on the Cubs this weekend in Chicago. St. Louis is 6-3 vs. the Cubbies this year but the hosts will be looking at this as a perfect time to close the gap before the break. The team between the Cubs and Cards in the standings is Milwaukee, who is limping into the all-star break, having lost six of eight games. The Brew Crew pitching staff is crumbling and the hitting hasn’t been much better of late. Perhaps the worst news of all is that they will be hosting the league’s best team this weekend, the Dodgers, who continue to lead the West by 7 games.

The one team everyone in the N.L. Central has its eye on right now is Houston, who is on a 23-15 run. The Astros have been able to close to within 4-games of the division lead, and considering how well they have played in the late season of the last few years, they have to be considered a bonafide playoff contender at this point. Houston is hosting the league’s worst team this weekend, the Nationals, in a rare 5-game set that comes as a result of the makeup of a suspended game on Thursday. So far that series is split 1-1 heading into Friday night.

In the American League, the red-hot Yankees will be putting their 8-game road winning streak on the line in Anaheim. Overall, New York has won 13 of its last 15 games to pull even with Boston in the East. However, that winning stretch will be tested by the Angels, who own a 7-2 mark at home vs. New York over the last three seasons. The Angels currently find themselves ½ game back in the West after losing two of three to Texas this week.

Elsewhere in the junior circuit, the White Sox and Minnesota will get together in a Central Division series, and the Rangers will head to Seattle with the Mariners trying to cut into the 3-1/2 game separation between the clubs at the outset of play on Friday.

Now, here’s a look at some of those top StatFox Power Trends you’ve been waiting for.

ST LOUIS at CHICAGO CUBS
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-22 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. The average score was CHICAGO CUBS 3.9, OPPONENT 5.1 - (Rating = 1*)

PITTSBURGH at PHILADELPHIA
PITTSBURGH is 10-40 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in road games vs. teams averaging 3.5 or more extra base hits per game in the second half of the season since 1997. The average score was PITTSBURGH 4.1, OPPONENT 6.3 - (Rating = 1*)

CINCINNATI at NY METS
CINCINNATI is 24-47 (-26.6 Units) against the money line vs. terrible power teams - averaging 0.75 or less HR's/game over the last 3 seasons. The average score was CINCINNATI 4.3, OPPONENT 5.6 - (Rating = 2*)

LA DODGERS at MILWAUKEE
MILWAUKEE is 4-17 (-15.8 Units) against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MILWAUKEE 3.1, OPPONENT 5.4 - (Rating = 2*)

WASHINGTON at HOUSTON
WASHINGTON is 0-11 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in road games vs. NL teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 2.1, OPPONENT 4.5 - (Rating = 2*)

ATLANTA at COLORADO
COLORADO is 52-33 (+25.8 Units) against the money line vs. teams whose hitters strike out 6 or less times/game over the last 3 seasons. The average score was COLORADO 4.9, OPPONENT 3.9 - (Rating = 2*)

FLORIDA at ARIZONA
FLORIDA is 22-11 (+11.9 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .325 or worse in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was FLORIDA 5.3, OPPONENT 4.2 - (Rating = 1*)

SAN DIEGO at SAN FRANCISCO
SAN DIEGO is 26-44 (-22.2 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was SAN DIEGO 3.5, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 1*)

CLEVELAND at DETROIT
DETROIT is 27-14 UNDER (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season. The average score was DETROIT 4.1, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 1*)

TORONTO at BALTIMORE
TORONTO is 7-15 (-11.1 Units) against the money line vs. a mediocre bullpen whose WHIP is 1.450 to 1.550 this season. The average score was TORONTO 4.0, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 1*)

KANSAS CITY at BOSTON
BOSTON is 3-10 (-12.8 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams scoring 4.2 or less runs/game on the season this season. The average score was BOSTON 4.0, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 3*)

OAKLAND at TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY is 7-14 (-11.7 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .260 or worse this season. The average score was TAMPA BAY 4.1, OPPONENT 4.8 - (Rating = 2*)

CHI WHITE SOX at MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA is 40-17 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in home games vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .265 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 5.6, OPPONENT 4.1 - (Rating = 1*)

NY YANKEES at LA ANGELS
LA ANGELS are 21-10 (+11.1 Units) against the money line vs. an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game this season. The average score was LA ANGELS 5.7, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 1*)

TEXAS at SEATTLE
SEATTLE is 32-54 (-21.9 Units) against the money line vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .330 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was SEATTLE 4.0, OPPONENT 4.9 - (Rating = 1*)

MLB: Top MLB Weekend Power Trends 5/8-5/10
2009-05-08

Baseball’s second full weekend in May features several intriguing series’ between divisional mates, as well as a matchup between a surprising early front runner and an expected contender that is still finding its feet in ‘09. With the usual 15 matchups slated, it figures to be an exciting weekend on the diamond. Read on for a preview of both the American and National League action on tap, as well as a look at this weekend’s Top StatFox Power Trends for your usage.

In the American League, the biggest series is another rematch of last year’s championship series, as this time around, Boston hosts Tampa Bay. In a 4-game set last weekend, the host Rays took three from the Red Sox, pounding out 46 hits and scoring 30 runs in the process. Boston’s pitching has been far more effective at home in the early going though, and Brad Penny, Jon Lester, and Josh Beckett will look to quiet the Rays’ bats over the next three days. The hosts currently occupy the top wild cart spot in the A.L. standings, just one game behind Toronto in the East. Tampa remains 2-games under .500 thus far. The other big series in the junior circuit pits surprising Kansas City vs. the re-surging Angels. The Royals come into the series atop the Central Division by a full 3-games, thanks much in part to a recent stretch of 9-2 baseball. The Halos’ seem to be finally putting it together this season, having gone 7-3 in their last 10 games. As you analyze this series, consider that Kansas City has fared remarkably well at Los Angeles the last two seasons, 4-1. Note that red-hot Zack Greinke is scheduled to start Saturday’s game for K.C.

In the senior circuit, two established rivalries will dominate the action. In Tinseltown, the Manny-less Dodgers will play host to San Francisco. Los Angeles had its 13-game home winning streak to start the season snapped by Washington on Thursday, ironically the same day they found out star slugger Manny Ramirez was suspended for 50 games. The Dodgers will look to start a new streak against a Giants’ team that has rebounded from a 2-7 start to climb back above .500. L.A. has already built a 19-6 record vs. division foes, including 4-2 against its biggest rival. In Milwaukee, the Brewers will welcome the Cubs to town for three games in a series pitting the top two early wildcard front runners together. Both ’08 playoff participants are staring up at St. Louis in the standings in the Central Division, but each is playing well of late. Chicago comes in winners in six of its L7 games, while Milwaukee is on a more extended stretch of 12-4 in its L16 games. At home in ’09, Brewers pitchers are allowing opponents to hit just .216 so far.

Now, as promised, here are some of this week’s top StatFox Power Trends for your consideration.

ATLANTA at PHILADELPHIA
ATLANTA is 11-22 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in road games vs. NL teams allowing 4.8 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was ATLANTA 4.1, OPPONENT 4.1 - (Rating = 1*)

PITTSBURGH at NY METS
PITTSBURGH is 44-26 OVER (+16.7 Units) as an underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons. The average score was PITTSBURGH 4.4, OPPONENT 5.8 - (Rating = 1*)

ST LOUIS at CINCINNATI
BAKER is 19-27 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents as the manager of CINCINNATI. The average score was CINCINNATI 4.3, OPPONENT 5.3 - (Rating = 1*)

CHICAGO CUBS at MILWAUKEE
MILWAUKEE is 91-70 OVER (+17.5 Units) against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. The average score was MILWAUKEE 5.3, OPPONENT 4.5 - (Rating = 1*)

SAN DIEGO at HOUSTON
HOUSTON is 27-12 (+15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) over the last 2 seasons. The average score was HOUSTON 5.6, OPPONENT 4.3 - (Rating = 1*)

FLORIDA at COLORADO
FLORIDA is 56-31 OVER (+24.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was FLORIDA 5.3, OPPONENT 5.2 - (Rating = 2*)

WASHINGTON at ARIZONA
WASHINGTON is 5-22 (-16.1 Units) against the money line vs. NL teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was WASHINGTON 3.2, OPPONENT 4.9 - (Rating = 2*)

SAN FRANCISCO at LA DODGERS
LA DODGERS are 18-3 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in home games vs. an NL team with an on base percentage .315 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was LA DODGERS 6.2, OPPONENT 2.8 - (Rating = 1*)

NY YANKEES at BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE is 31-9 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in home games vs. AL teams allowing 6.2 or more runs/game on the season since 1997. The average score was BALTIMORE 5.5, OPPONENT 3.6 - (Rating = 1*)

TAMPA BAY at BOSTON
BOSTON is 19-1 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in home games vs. poor fielding teams - (turning 0.8 or less DP's/game) over the last 2 seasons. The average score was BOSTON 6.8, OPPONENT 3.4 - (Rating = 4*)

DETROIT at CLEVELAND
DETROIT is 22-10 OVER (+11.8 Units) vs. a very bad bullpen whose ERA is 5.00 or worse over the last 2 seasons. The average score was DETROIT 6.4, OPPONENT 6.0 - (Rating = 1*)

SEATTLE at MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA is 27-13 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. The average score was MINNESOTA 5.3, OPPONENT 4.1 - (Rating = 1*)

TEXAS at CHI WHITE SOX
TEXAS is 24-12 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons. The average score was TEXAS 5.8, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 2*)

KANSAS CITY at LA ANGELS
LA ANGELS are 38-21 (+17.6 Units) against the money line vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was LA ANGELS 4.9, OPPONENT 4.4 - (Rating = 1*)

TORONTO at OAKLAND
TORONTO is 43-27 (+13.2 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 or better over the last 2 seasons. The average score was TORONTO 4.6, OPPONENT 3.7 - (Rating = 1*)

MLB Series Betting- White Sox at Red Sox
2008-08-29

Both the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox are seeing Twins, the Minnesota kind, in the rearview mirror. Chicago is trying to hold off Minnesota to win the AL Central, while Boston has one eye looking behind to keep the Twins back in the wild card chase and still peeking ahead to see if they can catch Tampa Bay in the AL East. With just over four weeks left in the regular season, these head to head matchups are extremely important in determining the outcome of who will be American League participants in the postseason.

Chicago passed its first test on nine-game road trip, winning series in Baltimore and will try to do the same in Bean Town for the holiday weekend. Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen believes Boston will have somewhat of a letdown after winning series against bitter rival New York. "I don't think they will be the same, mentally-tough-wise, after playing New York and then come to play us," Guillen said. "I know a little bit. They are going to be down. No way they are going to max out when you play in Yankee Stadium." The White Sox come into this contest 8-1 after a day of rest and will start Javier Vazquez (10-11, 4.37, 1.281) who is 8-0 when pitching on Friday’s for Chicago the last two seasons.

Boston nearly swept the Yankees except for late game heroics by Jason Giambi yesterday that helped salvage one game for New York. The Red Sox return to Fenway Park, where they will play 20 of their remaining 29 games, setting up possibility to make serious run at Tampa Bay. Boston has the third best home winning percentage in baseball and could actually surpass both the Cubs and the Rays, since they have played fewer home games and actually have fewer losses than either team at home. Sportsbook.com has Boston as -165 home favorites with Daisuke Matsuzaka (15-2, 2.98, 1.379) subbing for Josh Beckett, who was scratched again, with inflammation in his right elbow. Matsuzaka will be working on normal four days rest, thus routines will continue as normal. Matsuzaka is 8-2 at Fenway with 3.28 ERA in a dozen starts and the Red Sox will try and build on phenomenal 40-13 record against the money line as a favorite of -125 to -175 this season.

Game 1 Edge: Boston

This trend has been going on for years and it has not changed one iota this year for White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle (11-10, 3.86, 1.322). The lefthander has been one of the most dominant pitchers in home ballpark since the new millennium began. Once he leaves the South Side of Chicago, he is either very ordinary or revolting, like this season. Buehrle has to hit his spots to be effective, when he doesn’t; this is why his record is 3-7 (Chicago 3-10) on the road. Incredibly for a veteran pitcher, his road ERA is 1.83 higher, compared to when he pitches at US Cellular Park. The Pale Hose come into this series 6-21 if home team has winning percentage greater than .600. The couple flickers of hope for Chicago involve Buehrle having 3.28 ERA pitching at night, compared to scary 7.09 figure in daylight. Unless brought in for emergency use on Friday, David Pauley (0-0, 10.38) will make his fifth major league start, his first since April 22 with the big club. Pauley had a strong year at Triple-A Pawtucket, going 14-4 with a 3.55 ERA in 25 starts. The BoSox will hope to mash, as they are 19-10 against lefties and 26-8 in home games vs. teams outscoring opposition by 0.5 or more runs a game before series started.

Game 2 Edge: Chicago

Having been off of Thursday, manager Guillen tighten up the rotation this time around and has Gavin Floyd (14-6, 3.70, 1.235) pitching on normal rest, just not in same sequence. Floyd has had huge impact on White Sox success this season and been dependable all year. Floyd has harnessed his ability and is brutal on right-hand hitters, as they are batting a pittance at .215. Floyd and the White Sox are .500 on the road, but 7-1 during the day. Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (8-8, 3.73, 1.197) came off the disabled list and was competent in throwing five innings in Boston’s win at New York. Since learning to throw this dancing pitch, Wakefield has gone through amazing streaks of being un-hittable to being similar to a batting practice pitcher. In his last 10 starts he’s been more like the former, with 3.09 ERA, allowing 50 hits in 64 innings and better than 2 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio. The Red Sox are 24-17 in day games compared the White Sox who 26-19.

Game 3 Edge: Boston

The Chicago White Sox have not been bad on the road at 30-35; nevertheless Boston has such a decisive edge playing at Fenway before sellouts virtually every game. The Red Sox have won 15 of 20 home series, including seven sweeps in 2008, no reason to play against them over the weekend.

Sportsbook.com series odds: Boston -220, Chicago +170

StatFox Edge Pick: Boston

2008 Record – 10-7