Sunday Service Plays

DUNKEL

Houston at NY Mets
The Astros look to make it two straight over the Mets and five of their last six against NY in August. Houston is the underdog pick (+225) according to Dunkel, which has the Astros favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Houston (+225). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Game 951-952: Houston at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Wolf) 15.753; NY Mets (Perez) 14.472
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-245); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+225); Under

Game 953-954: LA Dodgers at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kuroda) 14.158; Philadelphia (Blanton) 15.493
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-120); Under

Game 955-956: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Maholm) 13.797; Milwaukee (Sabathia) 16.285
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 2 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-325); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-325); Over

Game 957-958: Atlanta at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Reyes) 13.872; St. Louis (Looper) 15.455
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-225); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-225); Over

Game 959-960: Washington at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Bergmann) 13.874; Cubs (Harden) 16.462
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 2 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-400); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-400); N/A

Game 961-962: Cincinnati at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.268; Colorado (Jimenez) 14.918
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-185); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+175); Under

Game 963-964: San Diego at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Banks) 14.193; San Francisco (Correia) 15.254
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-120); Under

Game 965-966: Florida at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Nolasco) 14.949; Arizona (Davis) 16.240
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-125); Under

Game 967-968: Boston at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Matsuzaka) 15.720; Toronto (Burnett) 17.286
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+130); Under

Game 969-970: NY Yankees at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Rasner) 16.514; Baltimore (Cabrera) 15.076
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 11
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-125); Over

Game 971-972: Tampa Bay at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine) 17.122; White Sox (Buehrle) 15.746
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+165); Under

Game 973-974: Detroit at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Rogers) 13.794; Kansas City (Duckworth) 13.808
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-180); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+170); Under

Game 975-976: Minnesota at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Slowey) 16.523; LA Angels (Santana) 16.012
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+140); Over

Game 977-978: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Meyer) 14.703; Seattle (Hernandez) 13.410
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+185); Over

Game 979-980: Cleveland at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Reyes) 16.152; Texas (Padilla) 14.723
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 12 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+120); Over

SPORTS ADVISORS

NFL PRESEASON

Buffalo (1-1 SU, 2-0 ATS) at Indianapolis (1-2, 2-1 ATS)

In a week when the starters normally see their most extensive action of the preseason, neither the Bills nor the Colts will have their top quarterback available when they clash in the first game at the sparkling new Lucas Oil Stadium.

Indianapolis held Atlanta to just three points over the last three quarters last week, winning 16-9 to cover as a three-point road underdog. The Colts barely won the yardage battle (325-318) and allowed Falcons RB Michael Turner to rip off 113 yards on just four carries, but they forced five turnovers while committing just one. Although Indy has covered in its last two preseason tilts, the Colts are still just 5-11 ATS in preseason play since 2005, including 1-5 ATS at home.

Buffalo fended off Pittsburgh 24-21 last week to cash as a one-point home pup, despite getting outgained by the Steelers, 338-263. QB Trent Edwards had a solid effort, playing just two possessions but capping both with touchdown passes in going 9 of 11 for 104 yards. The Bills have been a middle-of-the-road team in preseason play the past five-plus years, going 10-12 SU (5-6 on the highway). However, they are 13-8-1 ATS in that stretch, including 5-0 ATS in their last five August roadies and 10-2-1 ATS in their last 13 as an underdog.

The Colts will again be without star QB Peyton Manning (knee), so Jim Sorgi will get the starting nod and is expected to play with the starters the entire first half and perhaps into the third quarter. Jared Lorenzen and Quinn Gray will come on in the second half, and Adam Tafarlis might see some action. Sorgi (7 of 12, 67 yards) led only one scoring drive last week (a field goal) before Gray (8 of 15, 100 yards) entered in the second quarter and also led a field-goal drive.

Edwards (knee) will also sit out this week for the Bills. Coach Dick Jauron said J.P. Losman will get the start and will likely be in with the starters the entire first half. Gilbran Hamdan and Matt Baker will relieve Losman, who mustered just 19 yards on 4 of 5 passing on three possessions last week.

Buffalo has lost four straight Week 3 preseason games (0-4 ATS), while the Colts are on a 4-1 SU and ATS roll in Week 3.

The over has cashed in four of Indianapolis’ last six preseason contests. On the flip side, Buffalo has stayed low in its last six August games, and since 2005, the under is on a 10-4 streak for the Bills.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

NATIONAL LEAGUE

L.A. Dodgers (65-64) at Philadelphia (70-59)

The Phillies look to a complete a three-game sweep of the Dodgers when they send Joe Blanton (1-0, 4.50) to the mound against the Dodgers and Hiroki Kuroda (7-9, 4.50) in a nationally televised affair.

Philadelphia has outscored the Dodgers 17-3 in the first two games, and Charlie Manuel’s club is on a 6-2 roll since getting swept in a four-game series at Los Angeles earlier this month. The Phillies are also on hot streaks of 5-1 at home, 4-1 against right-handed starters and 4-0 on Sundays.

Since taking four straight from Philadelphia, the Dodgers have dropped five of their last seven. They’re also stuck in ruts of 2-8 on the road overall and 2-6 when Kuroda works on the highway. On the bright side, Joe Torre’s club has still won eight of its last 10 against the N.L. East and six of its last seven on Sundays.

The home team has won all six meetings between these clubs this season, and L.A. is now just 8-17 in its last 25 trips to Philadelphia.

Kuroda dominated the Phillies in a 3-1 home win back on Aug. 14, going seven innings and giving up just a run on two hits with no walks and seven strikeouts. However, he followed that up with an 8-3 home loss to the Rockies on Tuesday, surrendering four runs on six hits in six innings. The rookie right-hander has struggled on foreign turf, going 2-7 with a 4.75 ERA in 12 starts.

Blanton has followed up two solid starts (one run, five hits allowed in 14 innings) with a pair of clunkers against the Dodgers and Nationals, allowing four runs in five innings in both contests. Still, the Phillies are 4-2 behind Blanton since trading for the burly right-hander in July, including 2-1 at home, where Blanton has a 3.86 ERA.

The over is 10-4-2 in the last 15 series meetings overall, but the under has cashed in seven of the last nine clashes in Philadelphia. Also, for the Phillies, the under is also on streaks of 8-1-1 at home, 4-1-1 overall, 6-2-1 on Sundays and 25-11-2 against winning teams. The Dodgers’ under runs include 4-2 on the road, 11-5 with Kuroda on the hill and 9-2 when Kuroda pitches on the road.

ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA and UNDER

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Minnesota (74-55) at L.A. Angels (78-50)

The Twins hand the ball to their hottest pitcher in the finale of a four-game series at Angel Stadium, as Kevin Slowey (10-8, 3.78) battles Ervin Santana (13-5, 3.39).

After scoring just one run in losing the first two games of the series, the Angels’ offense erupted in Saturday’s 7-5 victory, just the team’s third win in its last 10 games. However, Los Angeles still sports positive runs of 16-6 at home, 24-10 against winning teams, 16-8 against right-handed starters and 35-16 when Santana toils at home.

Minnesota saw its four-game winning streak come to a halt last night, but the Twins have still won eight of their last 10 and 12 of their last 16. They’re also on additional hot streaks of 8-2 against the A.L. West, 7-4 on the road, 10-2 when Slowey takes the ball and 4-1 when Slowey works on the highway.

The road team has won five of the seven meetings this year after the host went 7-2 a season ago. Also, Los Angeles is 8-3 in the last 11 battles against Minnesota and 21-8 in the last 29 meetings in Anaheim.

Slowey has given up exactly one earned run in each of his last three starts, going 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA during this stretch. On Tuesday at home, he schooled the A’s over seven strong innings, allowing both runs (one earned) on five hits with no walks and 12 strikeouts. However, Slowey is just 4-4 with a 4.50 ERA on the road and 2-4 with a 6.06 ERA in day games, and the right-hander has surrendered eight runs (seven earned) on 14 hits in 8 1/3 innings in two career starts against the Angels, including a 5-4 home loss on April 3.

Santana, who has allowed three earned runs or fewer in five of his last seven starts, was outstanding against the Rays on Tuesday, giving up just a run on four hits in seven innings, but he got a no-decision in his team’s 4-2 road loss. In 10 home starts this year, Santana is 4-3 with a 3.54 ERA, and the right-hander has posted a 2.66 ERA in four previous starts versus the Twins.

In this rivalry, the under is 18-10-3 in the last 30 meetings in L.A. The under is also 4-1 in Slowey’s last five starts and 5-2 in Santana’s last seven outings. However, for the Twins, the over is on streaks of 7-2 on the road and 18-5 versus the A.L. West.

ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. ANGELS

Nick Parsons

Game: Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts
Prediction: Indianapolis Colts

As we noted in last week’s Edge write-up, the Colts suffered a loss in the Hall of Fame Game on Sunday, August 3rd. However, we expected that to give them an edge heading into the rest of the preseason and so far this has certainly been the case! We used the Colts right here in our Edge write-up in the “true” Week 1 of the Preseason and, although they lost in overtime to the Panthers, the Colts did get the cover in their “second” Week 1 game at Carolina on Saturday the 9th. Then, on Saturday the 16th we used Indianapolis for our Week 2 edge write-up and they once again got the job done for us as they won outright on the road at Atlanta where they knocked the Falcons off by a full touchdown. With the Colts having an extra week this preseason, by virtue of playing in the Hall of Fame Game, they did not play their personnel versus the Redskins the way we felt they would against the Panthers in Week 1 and as expected that opened things up last week against the Falcons for some additional playing time for key players. This will continue into Week 3 of the Preseason this week because Week 4 is basically a “catch all” game where all the starters sit out and it’s all the reserves get all the playing time. With this being Indy’s first preseason home game, and the only game at home where the starters are likely to see any action, we look for a superb effort from the Colts. They’ve only failed to cover one of their three preseason games so far. Also note that the single Indianapolis ATS loss was truly a “bad beat” for their backers in the Hall of Fame Game! They outgained Washington by 55 yards and they also had 24 first downs compared to just 20 for the Redskins. So, how did they lose by two touchdowns despite these solid numbers? It had a lot do with an interception run back for a touchdown late in the game. That was the key turnover in the game. However, it was also simply a case of “laying down” a bit too early. Up 16-9 in the third quarter and seemingly “in control” of at least the “spread victory” (Indianapolis was +4.5 in most shops), the Colts somehow saw things quickly become unraveled. Even though this was “just” a Preseason game it was still the type of effort that has given Coach Dungy’s troops extra motivation for the rest of the “meaningful” preseason. That is why the Colts have covered each of the last two weeks and with the last of the “meaningful” preseason games this week, when the starters will see action; we look for a huge effort from Indianapolis at home! We like the Colts QB rotation over that of the Bills and we also like the situational edge here with the Colts at home. Keep in mind that after letting each of their first two games get away from them they bounced back with the key win at Atlanta this week. They want to keep that winning feeling going at home this week and they will use the momentum to successfully do just that!

Big Al Mcmordie

New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles
Prediction: Baltimore Orioles

At 1:35pm our member selection is on the Baltimore Orioles over the New York Yankees. A few years ago you wouldn't expect that the Baltimore Orioles would be happy to see the Yankees arrive in town, but the way the Red Sox have been treating the O's lately, they will certainly be glad when they leave Camden Yards and just about anyone else coming in would be good news for Baltimore. And if there was ever a year that the Orioles had a chance to take the season series with New York, it's 2008. The Bronx Bombers came into Camden Yards on Friday having only taken five of the twelve games between these two in 2008. The Baltimore offense has been rejuvenated lately, led by their quiet veteran third baseman Melvin Mora who has been En Fuego lately, so much so that he was just named AL Player of the week. You have to believe that the Baltimore starters are going to the hill with a lot more confidence knowing that the hitters have a chance to put up double-digit runs on just about any occasion, so even a guy like veteran righthander Daniel Cabrera, who quite frankly has looked very shaky lately should come into this home game feeling pretty good about his chances. And it's not just because he knows he's got some of the hottest hitters in the league behind him. Consider this unlikely stat for the 8-8 starter with a five run ERA: Cabrera is 3-0 with a 3.15 ERA in three starts against the Pinstripers this season. Take the O's.

Marc Lawrence

Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays
Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays and Red Sox close out their weekend series when A.J. Burnett goes up against Daisuke Matsusaka in Toronto this afternoon. Burnett loves hurling against Boston as evidenced by his 5-0 career team start mark. He's also 15-5 in his last 20 team starts in August and 15-5 at home in August as well. With Burnett in great KW form with 4 walks and 25 strikeouts in his last three starts and Matusaka in off an 'inside-out' win (more hits and walks than innings pitched) in his last start we'll stay at home with Burnett and the Blue Jays here today.

Jimmy The Moose

Tampa Bay Rays at Chicago White Sox
Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa is 20-7 in their last 27 games overall. The Rays have won 7 of their last 8 road games. In their last 27 games vs. a team with a winning record the Rays are 21-6. The Rays are 6-1 in Sonnanstine's lasy 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record. In his last 22 starts Tampa is 16-6. Chicago is 3-11 in their last 14 games vs. AL East opponents. Chicago has lost 5 straight games vs. the Rays. Look for a well pitched game this afternoon with Tampa coming out on top. Play on the Tampa Bay Rays +.

Scott Spreitzer

Minnesota Twins at Los Angeles Angels
Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

I'm laying the price with the Angels on Sunday. Los Angeles has been very good to me this season, as the betting markets have consistently underpriced their win potential. I think that's happened again Sunday afternoon. Ervin Santana takes the mound today with a 3.39 ERA and a sterling 1.13 WHIP. He's really risen to the occasion in big games, holding Tampa Bay and the NY Yankees to just one earned run in 15 innings in recent outings. This potential playoff preview against Minnesota could definitely be classified as a "big game." Twins youngster Kevin Slowey has been inconsistent on the road this year. In fact, in his last three away starts he has an ERA of 6.75 with 21 hits allowed. The Halo's have been pounding lesser pitchers this year, and Slowey's road woes put him in that category today. After a shaky start to this marquee series on Friday, Los Angeles is looking to score a decisive victory in the finale. The Angels minus the price is the play.

SCOTT FERRALL

COLTS -4 to Bills in Indianapolis--I don't think the Bills can look as good as they did against the Steelers in Toronto in this game in Nap Town--Take the Colts--OVER 37

MLB

TB +155 with Sonnanstine over Buerhle and the W.Sox in Chicago

Yankees and Rasner -125 over Cabrera and the Orioles at Camden

Toronto +125 and AJ Burnett over Dice K and Boston at Rogers Center in T-Town--FEEL IT ! The Jays have been cookin

Arizona -130 over the Marlins--Davis and the D'backs handle Nolasco

SD +110 at San Fran--Banks over Correia

Colorado -185 over Cincinnati--Jimenez outworks Cuetoat Coors because the Reds are such a shitty road team

Dave Cokin

SD Padres and SF Giants
Take SF Giants

Josh Banks had some good outings for San Diego when he got recalled earlier this season, but that was a mirage and he's reverted to expected form. Banks hasn't been able to locate the strike zone recently, so he's fade material right now. Nothing special on Correia, but the Giants have the better offense right now and should handle the Padres today.

Jim Feist

FLA Marlins and ARI D'backs
Take FLA Marlins

Two clubs fighting for their playoff spots take place today as the NL West 1st place Diamondbacks take on the NL East third place Marlins. The diamondbacks continue to fight the Dodgers for the top spot in their division. Meanwhile, the Marlins trail both the Phillies and Mets in the East. Typically, if a team is five games back or more when September 1st hits, they are a very long shot to make the playoffs. The Marlins trail the Mets by six games and the Phillies by three and a half.

Ricky Nolasco looks to keep the Marlins moving forward today as he brings a 12-7 mark to the game with a 3.80 era. Nolasco has pitched very well on the road, with seven wins against just three loses. Nolasco has beaten the D'backs twice this year, both 3-1 decisions over Webb and Owings. In fact, the Marlins have faired very good against Arizona, having won six of seven against the Diamondbacks this season.

Doug Davis takes to the hill for Arizona. Davis finally got a much need win last time out with a 7-6 decision over the Padres. Davis went a strong six innings and gave up two runs. The win snapped a two game losing streak for the southpaw who now is 5-7 on the season with a 4.69 era.

We give a edge in starters here to the Marlins and when consider how they have handled the D'backs this year, it makes taking the dog price a pretty nice value on Sunday.

John Ryan

New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles

Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Baltimore – Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 86-53 making 53.6 units since 2002. Play against road favorites with a money line of -110 or higher with an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game and starting a pitcher who walked <=1 hitters each of his last 2 outings. Yankees in a weak role for this game noting they are just 14-21 (-16.6 Units) against the money line versus an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game this season. They are also 9-20 losing 19.7 units in a game with a posted total of 10 or higher this season.

Play on: Baltimore

VEGAS EXPERTS

San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants

Here's a trend that we bet few were aware of. The Giants' Kevin Correia owns a 10-0 team start record all-time in the favorite role, including a 6-4 San Francisco win over Washington last month, the only time he's been the oddsmakers choice this season. Getting a Padres team that has lost six straight will certainly provide relief as will Padres starter Josh Banks' 10.80 ERA L3 starts for the Giants hitters.

Play on: San Francisco

JEFFERSONSPORTS

MLB EARLY RELEASE FOR SUN
CHIC WHITE SOX-170
Colts-5.5

STEVE ZUKIEL

70 UNIT TOTAL OF THE MONTH

TORONTO BLUE JAYS/BOSTON RED SOX 'UNDER'

It might seen dangerous to look for a low scoring affair when the Red Sox are involved, but I am sure you would be surprised to know that more of their games have gone 'under' than 'over'. The pitching matchup also leads me to believe this is going to a very low scoring contest. Boston's Kaisuke Matsuzaka has been an 'under' machine this season. Close to 70% of his overall starts have gone 'under' the total and his last four and seven of his last eight overall have gone 'under' the total as well. I also like how he has looked on the road. He is a perfect 7-0 and his ERA is at a very minute 2.17 and seven of his nine road starts have also gone 'under' the total. He faced Toronto once already this season and went 7 scoreless innings, throwing two-hit baseball and his team won 2-1. On the flip side, AJ Burnett, Toronto's hurler, has been pitching very well also. Six of his last eight overall starts have gone 'under' the total and 17 of his 27 overall starts as well. He too pitched a gem when he faced this exact same team a few months back. He went 7 2/3 innings shutout innings, allowing just three hits and the Jays won that game 3-0. Toronto has been a low scoring team at home for much of the season as well as only 25 of their 60 home games have gone 'over' the total. I hope you see why I have to go the way I am going. Look for a very low scoring contest with only 6 total runs being scored.