Sunday Night Preview
By Josh Jacobs
Sunday will be plenty busy on the NBA side of things. But outside the world of hoops and hardwood will be an 8:05 p.m. ET game of hardball between St. Louis and the Chicago Cubs. ESPN will be the usual coverage of Sunday Night Baseball.
Right off the bat, the Cardinals have had their problems in Chicago. An 8-18 record in the last 26 meetings for St. Louis in the Windy City has given way to a .255 BA dating back to 2004. During the same time frame, the pitching staff hasn’t faired much better, recording a 4.96 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP.
In Game 1 of this four-game set, the Cardinals were able to show poise in Wrigley Field. Taking the contest 7-4 as a slight, $1.02 underdog, St. Louis found success at the plate. Led by Chris Duncan’s three hits, three RBIs and a homer sprinkled in, the Cards were able to manufacture a total of 12 hits and four base on balls. Even after leaving a total of eight men on base, St, Louis was able to stop the bleeding on the mound as Adam Wainwright picked up his second win of the season.
The Cubbies opened up their first 10 games by tacking on an average of 5.1 runs per game. But not all is fun in the sun as pitching has been shaky by giving up an average of 4.4 runs per game.
Chicago is hoping to repeat the success that the pitching game enjoyed at home in 2008. Posting a 55-26 record, Cubs’ arms in both the rotation and pen combined for a 3.77 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 8.2 Ks per nine innings did the club justice.
Taking the hill for Chicago will be 10-year veteran slinger, Ted Lilly. His 2-0 record, 3.86 ERA and 0.94 WHIP have equated to teams struggling to post a damaging .209 BA. Lilly, who’s been susceptible to giving up the long ball throughout his career, has been supplied with 11.6 runs per game of support.
Lilly has been highly successful in his career against St. Louis. He’s posted a 6-2 record with a 2.99 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 11 total starts. Inside Wrigley, Lilly is a career, 17-10 with a 4.01 ERA in 35 starts. In his last start against the Cardinals (winning, 5-4), the southpaw pitcher went seven innings deep, giving up four runs on six hits.
The Cubs are a sizzling 22-8 in Lilly’s last 30 starts and continue to light make trips to the counter with a 56-27 record in their last 83 home games.
On the topic of left-handed pitching, St. Louis had mixed results in 2008, building up a .269 BA. A .343 on base percentage (ninth best in the league) gave way to 216 runs (14th ranked) on the season. So far this season, St. Louis has pegged the ball of southpaws for 24 runs off 46 hits in 180 total at bats.
The Cardinals will counter Lilly when it places the ball in the hands of right-hander Todd Wellemeyer. His 1-1 record and 4.50 ERA have been a result of giving up five runs and 12 hits in only five innings pitched during the 7-4 loss against Pittsburgh. Wellemeyer’s second outing was much improved in a victory against Arizona. The 30-year-old was stingy, allowing just one run on seven hits. Wellemeyer is coming off a 13-9 season in ’08. His career record at 23-20 was predominantly crafted in bullpen sessions until finally moving to the rotation in St. Louis during the 2007 campaign.
Turning back the pages to 2008 had the Cubs taking the annual head-to-head meetings after producing a 9-6 record in a total of 15 games. The ‘under’ was 9-5-1 during the same stretch.
The latest lines have the Cardinals opening up as a $1.15 visiting underdog.
vegasinsider.com
Sunday Night Baseball: Cardinals at Cubs
By Marc Lawrence
St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (-130)
$17-million dollar arms
Sunday’s starting pitchers, Todd Wellemeyer (1-1 4.50 ERA) and Ted Lilly (2-0 3.86 ERA), may not be staff aces, but you would never know it from the salaries they draw.
Wellemeyer pulls down $4 million dollars per year while Lilly enjoys eating and shopping in finer establishments as afforded him by his $13 million salary.
Both hurlers enter the fray off solid efforts in their most recent starts. Wellemeyer went seven strong innings in his first victory of the season at Arizona Monday, giving up one run on seven hits while striking out four.
"I was just keeping my fastball down was the main thing, switching it up on them," Wellemeyer told reporters.
Lilly held Colorado hitless for the first 6 2/3 innings at Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs won their home opener in a 4-0 one-hit victory Monday.
Weapons of mass destruction
Chicago manager Lou Piniella is aware of what his troops are up against. St. Louis’ lineup is loaded. Cardinals right fielder Ryan Ludwick (.405) is in a zone, carrying a 20-game hitting streak into the weekend. Left fielder Chris Duncan (.381) is hitting the cover off the ball to start the year.
The biggest concern, though is Albert Pujols (.298). He’s healthy and always dangerous. The reigning National League Most Valuable Player is off to a fast start but came up empty Saturday. He was 0-for-4 with a walk in an 11-inning, 7-2 loss to the Cubs.
"If you are a teammate and you want his help, he helps you," Tony La Russa told the media. "He gives everything he's got to help make you better."
Rest assured Piniella is not going to let Albert Pujols beat the Cubs if he can prevent it.
“You put him on base with men in scoring position, and you try to have a guy like Albert not beat you," Piniella told the press. "I think that's the best approach. He's a force. You're very careful."
The history book says…
These rivals know the importance of head-to-head battles in division play. The Cubs have responded well as a host, where they have captured eight of the last 12 games at Wrigley Field in this series.
If days of the week are an indicator, then the Redbirds may be in trouble Sunday. They have lost six games in a row on the road on Sundays. On the flip side, the Cubbies have come up winners in 13 of their last 15 tries at home on Sundays.
CLEVELAND vs. NY YANKEES
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Cleveland
NY Yankees are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
OAKLAND vs. TORONTO
Oakland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 10 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland
MILWAUKEE vs. NY METS
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 12 of NY Mets's last 17 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
ATLANTA vs. PITTSBURGH
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Pittsburgh's last 17 games when playing at home against Atlanta
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
FLORIDA vs. WASHINGTON
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Florida's last 8 games on the road
Washington is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Washington's last 11 games when playing at home against Florida
SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Diego is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games at home
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TAMPA BAY
Chi White Sox are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Chi White Sox's last 22 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Tampa Bay's last 18 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
CINCINNATI vs. HOUSTON
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
LA ANGELS vs. MINNESOTA
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
KANSAS CITY vs. TEXAS
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Kansas City's last 13 games
Texas is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Kansas City
Texas is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Francisco's last 12 games when playing at home against Arizona
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Colorado
DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Detroit is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Seattle is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Detroit
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games
National League
MILWAUKEE at NY METS
SUPPAN: 12-3 Under vs. NL East
FIGUEROA: 4-13 TSR in day games
SAN DIEGO at PHILADELPHIA
SILVA: SD 4-0 Over vs. NL East
PARK: 55-31 TSR in day games
FLORIDA at WASHINGTON
VOLSTAD: 6-1 TSR in road games
CABRERA: Wash 13-4 Over at home vs. Florida
ATLANTA at PITTSBURGH
VAZQUEZ: 8-0 TSR as road favorite
DUKE: 5-0 Over on Sunday
CINCINNATI at HOUSTON
VOLQUEZ: 8-0 Over in day games
PAULINO: Houston 24-8 vs. Cincinnati
ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO
SCHERZER: Ariz 10-22 Away when the total is 8 to 8.5
JOHNSON: 15-5 Under when the money line is +125 to -125
COLORADO at LA DODGERS
JIMENEZ: 2-9 TSR in day games
MCDONALD: Dodgers 5-0 as home favorite
ST LOUIS at CHICAGO CUBS
WELLEMEYER: StL 12-22 vs. Cubs
LILLY: 12-2 TSR vs. teams with winning record
American League
OAKLAND at TORONTO
BRADEN: Oak 36-20 Under vs. lefties
ROMERO: Tor 35-22 in day games
CLEVELAND at NY YANKEES
PAVANO: Cleveland 60-35 Under in day games
BURNETT: 1-4 TSR, 7.20 ERA vs. Cleveland
CHI WHITE SOX at TAMPA BAY
FLOYD: White Sox 6-19 on artificial turf
GARZA: TB 34-4 as a home favorite of -150 or more
BALTIMORE at BOSTON
UEHARA: Baltimore 4-22 on Sundays
LESTER: 18-3 TSR as home favorite
LA ANGELS at MINNESOTA
LOUX: Angels 32-16 as underdog
PERKINS: Min 19-8 Under at home in day games
KANSAS CITY at TEXAS
DAVIES: KC 24-11 as a road underdog of +125 or less
PADILLA: Tex 8-2 Over this season
DETROIT at SEATTLE
PORCELLO: Detroit 21-41 as an underdog
SILVA: Seattle 16-25 as home favorite
MILWAUKEE (3 - 8) at NY METS (6 - 5)
JEFF SUPPAN (R) vs. NELSON FIGUEROA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 53-105 (-39.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
NY METS are 18-27 (-25.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
JEFF SUPPAN vs. NY METS since 1997
SUPPAN is 4-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.209.
His team's record is 9-2 (+8.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.7 units)
NELSON FIGUEROA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
FIGUEROA is 2-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.176.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)
SAN DIEGO (9 - 3) at PHILADELPHIA (4 - 6)
JOSH GEER (R) vs. CHAN HO PARK (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-0 (+3.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)
JOSH GEER vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.
CHAN HO PARK vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
PARK is 7-4 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.196.
His team's record is 9-6 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-7. (-3.7 units)
FLORIDA (10 - 1) at WASHINGTON (1 - 9)
CHRIS VOLSTAD (R) vs. DANIEL CABRERA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 91-84 (+36.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 53-38 (+22.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 10-1 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 62-37 (+33.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 44-41 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 27-13 (+23.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 10-1 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
FLORIDA is 10-1 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
FLORIDA is 29-19 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 10-1 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 66-57 (+17.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
VOLSTAD is 6-1 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLSTAD is 6-1 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 60-111 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 60-108 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 34-76 (-32.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 25-59 (-25.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CABRERA is 2-14 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)
CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
VOLSTAD is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
DANIEL CABRERA vs. FLORIDA since 1997
CABRERA is 0-2 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 8.48 and a WHIP of 1.628.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)
ATLANTA (5 - 6) at PITTSBURGH (6 - 5)
JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R) vs. ZACH DUKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 77-96 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 7-16 (-11.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 31-55 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 8-22 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 76-94 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 23-35 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
VAZQUEZ is 3-13 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 46-22 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 5-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.96 and a WHIP of 1.237.
His team's record is 8-5 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-5. (+2.3 units)
ZACH DUKE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
DUKE is 2-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.75 and a WHIP of 1.439.
His team's record is 3-2 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-5. (-5.2 units)
CINCINNATI (5 - 5) at HOUSTON (4 - 7)
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. FELIPE PAULINO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 47-65 (-21.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 31-44 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 90-82 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-10 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 88-81 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 50-38 (+17.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 452-525 (+44.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
VOLQUEZ is 13-4 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 13-3 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 13-3 (+9.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against HOUSTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.32 and a WHIP of 1.025.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)
FELIPE PAULINO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
PAULINO is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
ARIZONA (4 - 7) at SAN FRANCISCO (3 - 8)
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. RANDY JOHNSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 87-87 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 35-48 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 10-22 (-14.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 87-84 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 40-44 (-13.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
JOHNSON is 232-145 (-38.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 53-43 (-22.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
MAX SCHERZER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.
RANDY JOHNSON vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.
COLORADO (4 - 6) at LA DODGERS (9 - 3)
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. JAMES MCDONALD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 77-95 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 20-33 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 77-95 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-72 (-25.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 36-55 (-18.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
JIMENEZ is 2-9 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 87-79 (+22.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
JIMENEZ is 4-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.51 and a WHIP of 1.562.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-0. (+6.2 units)
JAMES MCDONALD vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.
ST LOUIS (8 - 5) at CHICAGO CUBS (7 - 4)
TODD WELLEMEYER (R) vs. TED LILLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LILLY is 12-2 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 94-81 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 94-81 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 964-1013 (-184.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 516-472 (-110.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 907-929 (-162.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 379-347 (-73.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 466-496 (-118.5 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)
TODD WELLEMEYER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WELLEMEYER is 2-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.384.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)
TED LILLY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LILLY is 6-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.99 and a WHIP of 1.062.
His team's record is 8-3 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-4. (+2.1 units)
OAKLAND (5 - 6) at TORONTO (9 - 4)
DALLAS BRADEN (L) vs. RICKY ROMERO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 6-20 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 36-22 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BRADEN is 7-2 (+7.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
DALLAS BRADEN vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.
RICKY ROMERO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.
CLEVELAND (4 - 8) at NY YANKEES (6 - 6)
CARL PAVANO (R) vs. A.J. BURNETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 22-33 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 206-140 (-64.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 29-35 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 2-1 (+2.1 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)
CARL PAVANO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
PAVANO is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)
A.J. BURNETT vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BURNETT is 1-4 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.833.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)
CHI WHITE SOX (6 - 5) at TAMPA BAY (5 - 7)
GAVIN FLOYD (R) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 6-19 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 110-80 (+25.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 25-3 (+20.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 64-31 (+25.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 24-7 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 64-32 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 68-37 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 81-48 (+30.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 41-16 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 54-30 (+21.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-1 (+1.5 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
GAVIN FLOYD vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
FLOYD is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 12.00 and a WHIP of 2.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
MATT GARZA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
GARZA is 1-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.78 and a WHIP of 2.196.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)
BALTIMORE (6 - 5) at BOSTON (5 - 6)
KOJI UEHARA (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 4-22 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 13-36 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 239-321 (-94.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 123-229 (-101.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
LESTER is 20-4 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 32-12 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 230-182 (-44.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
BOSTON is 336-253 (-48.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)
KOJI UEHARA vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.
JON LESTER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LESTER is 6-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.81 and a WHIP of 1.396.
His team's record is 7-1 (+5.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)
LA ANGELS (4 - 7) at MINNESOTA (6 - 7)
SHANE LOUX (R) vs. GLEN PERKINS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 58-33 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 60-35 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 60-38 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 105-72 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-23 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 52-36 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 86-70 (+28.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 32-14 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 45-25 (+16.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)
SHANE LOUX vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
LOUX is 0-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 8.10 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)
GLEN PERKINS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PERKINS is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
KANSAS CITY (7 - 4) at TEXAS (4 - 7)
KYLE DAVIES (R) vs. VICENTE PADILLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PADILLA is 20-11 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 16-8 (+10.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 41-45 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-29 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 77-79 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 44-36 (+14.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-0 (+2.2 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
KYLE DAVIES vs. TEXAS since 1997
DAVIES is 0-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.89 and a WHIP of 2.128.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)
VICENTE PADILLA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PADILLA is 2-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.79 and a WHIP of 1.355.
His team's record is 3-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)
DETROIT (6 - 5) at SEATTLE (8 - 4)
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. CARLOS SILVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 80-93 (-29.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 37-47 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 84-133 (-39.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 13-25 (-12.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 74-79 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 52-69 (-28.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 28-41 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 69-105 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 62-96 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 44-73 (-28.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 39-65 (-24.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against SEATTLE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
RICK PORCELLO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.
CARLOS SILVA vs. DETROIT since 1997
SILVA is 5-6 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.05 and a WHIP of 1.543.
His team's record is 6-8 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-7. (-2.1 units)
Tips and Trends
St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs
Cardinals: Todd Wellemeyer, who has alternated wins and losses in four career starts against the Cubs, will likely have to pitch deep into Sunday’s game as both bullpens have gotten considerable work during the series. “Execution has to improve. Same thing yesterday,” St. Louis manager Tony La Russa said of his pitchers. “Their execution was better than ours.” Chris Duncan is 2-for-6 in his career against Lilly, while Ryan Ludwick has struggled, going 3-for-20 with nine strikeouts. Albert Pujols has hit .321 (9-for-28) with two home runs versus the Cubs left-hander.
The Cardinals are 3-9 in their last 12 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Key Injuries - 3B Troy Glaus (shoulder) is on the 15-day DL.
PROJECTED SCORE: 3
Cubs (-135, O/U N/A ): After dropping Thursday’s series opener, Chicago has won consecutive games over the Cardinals. Ted Lilly (2-0, 3.86 ERA) will try to build off his most recent start - Monday’s 4-0 win over Colorado. The left-hander took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and cruised through 6 2-3, allowing one hit and three walks while striking out eight. Lilly has had plenty of success against the Cardinals, with a 6-2 record and a 2.99 ERA in 11 career starts. He’s 4-0 the last seven times he’s faced St. Louis. The Cubs are 12-2 in Lilly's last 14 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
The Cubs are 6-1 in Lilly's last 7 starts vs. the Cardinals.
The Cubs are 10-3 in Lilly's last 13 starts as a home favorite.
Key Injuries - OF Milton Bradley (groin) is QUESTIONABLE
PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side Play of the Day)
American League Preview
By Indiancowboy
Cleveland vs. Yankees
After Cleveland put up 14 spot in the 2nd frame and the Indians crushed the Yankees 22-4, you would think the Yankees would show some pride today. They do have their star on the mound and who has been most consistent this year. Pavano had 8 strikeouts in his last start vs. the Royals, which was a bit of a surprise. Pavano still picked up the loss giving up 8 hits, 4 runs in 6 innings though to KC. He is 0-2 with a 16.71 era on the year. The Indians are now 4-8 as they are inching closer to the .500 mark. Burnett has never pitched well against the Indians but each start has been getting slightly better, he is 1-4 with a 7.2 era against the Indians, but he is 2-0 with a 2.7era overall this year. I lean on the Yanks RL here after being embarassed yesterday as they have their ace on the mound . Note, Pavano faces his old team today in the Yanks.
Oakland vs. Toronto
After losing to the Angels on the road, Braden came back to defeat the Red Sox at home, both pitchers are averaging giving up a hit an inning, but both have pitched relatively well and get out of jams well. Romero is 1-0 with a 2.57era, while Braden is 1-1 with a 3.75 era. With a line like 9, I wouldn't be surprised to see the game go under as both pitchers have some what of a honeymoon grace period against the other and the AL in general. Small lean on the under here.
Baltimore vs. Boston
Baltimore looks to not drop another game to the Sox. They send Uehara, who I wrote an article about earlier who is from Osaka, Uehara is 2-0 with a 7+ era this year, as he looks to rebound from his start against the Rangers - still picked up the win though - he has yet to face Boston. The game between these two went over yesterday too at 10 runs and Lester is struggling as he is 0-2 with a 9era. Lester is 6-0 with a 2.81era at home, but with the Os coming off back to back losses and Lester just not looking all that sharp, the O's are decent vaule in my book at +180. If you are willing to drop 2 units, you can gain 3.6, it's a worth shot imo as they look to avoid the sweep.
Whitesox vs. Tampa Bay
Floyd is 1-1 with a 6era this year. Garza (the ex-twin) is 1-0 with a 1.93 era this year. The Wsox beat this team 8-3 yesterday behind Buehrle as they have taken 2 of 3 from the Rays and look to take 3 of 4. Garza is 1-1 with a 4.97era lifetime against the Sox. Floyd is on a bounce-back after a tough start @ Detroit giving up 6 runs, but TB is on the bounce-back after losing yesterday as well, no particular lean on this game.
Angels vs. Twins
The Twins hammered the Angels for 9 runs in their last game, in fact, they beat them 11-9 and 9-2, both games went over, and both games the Twins have come out on top. Loux pitched very well in replacement of Adenhart in the rotation, he goes again today while Perkins although is 0-1 has a 1.69 era and is continuing to pitch extremely well as the once Gopher is pitching for his hometown team. I know the last 2 have gone over, and the Angels are looking to avoid the sweep, a lean on the under here as both Loux and Perkins have not pitched against the opposing team all that much today. After 2 overs, a likely under today.
KC vs. Texas
Padilla got rocked against Baltimore in his last start at home for 7 runs (that was the start against Uehara), he eventually lost 9-10, the Royals come off a 2-0 win as Millwood pitched great but of course, goes unrewarded again, Davies is 1-0 with a 2.13 era this year, Padilla looks to rebound today and the Rangers look to avoid getting swept, so they likely to put up some runs on Davies today, a lean on the over and the Royals have had continued success against Padilla.
Detroit vs. Seattle
Detroit won 2-0 yesterday,, Porcello gave up 9 hits in 5 innings in his last start, after a rough outing against the Twins, Silva pitched brilliantly against the Angels leading his team to a 3-2 win, I look for Porcello to have a better outing today against Seattle, but the kid is just 20, and I'm not sure if Silva can deliver back to back great starts, still relatively unknowns about both pitchers.
Hot Pitchers
-- Volstad is 2-0, 2.25 in his two starts.
-- Duke is 2-0, 1.76 in his two starts this season.
-- Jimenez is 1-1, 2.53 in two starts this season.
-- Geer was 2-1, 2.67 in five starts for the Padres LY.
-- Lilly is 2-0, 3.86 so far this season. Wellemeyer is 1-0, 4.50 in couple of starts this season,
-- Orioles scored 17 runs in winning Uehara's first two starts.
-- Burnett is 2-0, 2.70 in two starts for Bronx.
-- Romero is 1-0, 2.57 in two starts for Toronto. Braden is 1-1, 3.75 in two starts this season.
-- Garza is 1-0, 1.93 in two starts this season.
-- Davies is 1-0, 2.13 in two starts this season.
-- Perkins has 1.69 RA in two starts this season. Loux allowed two runs in 5.1 IP in his first '09 start.
Cold Pitchers
-- Cabrera is 0-1, 7.36 in two starts for Washington.
-- Vazquez is 0-1, 4.50 in two starts for the Braves.
-- Suppan is 0-2, 12.91 so far this season. Figueroa was 3-3, 4.57 in his six starts for the Mets LY.
-- Park allowed five runs in 3.1 IP in his first '09 start.
-- Volquez is 1-1, 9.90 so far this season. Paulino was 2-1, 7.11 in three starts for the Astros in 2007.
-- McDonald gave up five runs in 2.1 IP in his first '09 start.
-- Scherzer is 0-5, 5.35 in eight major league starts. Johnson, who was a Diamondback LY, is 0-2, 11.42 so far this season.
-- Lester is 0-2, 9.00 so far this season.
-- Ex-Bronx Bomber Pavano is 0-2, 16.71 for the Indians.
-- Floyd is 1-1, 6.00 in two starts this season.
-- Padilla is 1-1, 9.00 so far this season.
-- Porcello lost his first big league start 6-2 in Toronto (four runs/five IP) Silva is 0-1, 6.00 in two starts this season.
Hot Teams
-- Cardinals won seven of their last ten games. Cubs won five of seven.
-- Marlins won ten of their first eleven games.
-- Mets won three of their last four games.
-- Pirates shut Atlanta out last two days, 3-0/10-0.
-- San Diego won eight of its last nine games.
-- Cincinnati won four of its last six games. Astros won three of four.
-- Dodgers won last seven games by combined score of 50-18.
-- Toronto won nine of its first thirteen games.
-- Red Sox won last three games, scoring 24 runs.
-- White Sox won five of their last seven games.
-- Twins won six of their last nine home games.
-- Royals won five of their last six games.
-- Mariners won seven of their last nine games. Detroit won five of its last seven games.
Cold Teams
-- Nationals lost nine of their first ten games.
-- Braves lost last five games, getting shut out last two days.
-- Brewers lost six of their last seven games.
-- Phillies lost four of their first five home games.
-- Rockies lost five of their last six games.
-- Arizona lost seven of its last ten games. Giants lost seven of their last eight games, outscored by total of 44-16.
-- Indians lost eight of their first twelve games, but scored 37 runs in the first three games of Bronx series. Bronx is 6-0 if they allow less than six runs, 0-6 if they don't.
-- Orioles lost last three games, allowed 60 runs in last six.
-- Rays lost six of their last nine games.
-- Rangers lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Angels lost four of first five road games.
Totals
-- Last five St Louis games all went over the total.
-- Four of last six Florida games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Pittsburgh games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-0-1 in Philadelphia's last eight games.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Milwaukee road games.
-- Six of Reds' last nine games went over the total. Last six Houston games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Dodger games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3-1 in San Francisco games this season.
-- Ten of twelve Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Eight of last ten Oakland games went over the total.
-- Nine of eleven Baltimore games went over the total.
-- Seven of eleven White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of eleven Kansas City games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Detroit road games stayed under the total.