Orioles-White Sox Odds Preview

The Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at U.S. Cellular Field.
Brad Bergesen will be the starting pitcher for the Orioles on this day. Righthander Bergesen is 6-3 this season with a 3.54 ERA.
It’ll be ace Mark Buehrle toeing the rubber for the White Sox in this contest. Lefthander Buehrle is 9-3 with a 3.66 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the White Sox listed as 155-moneyline favorites versus the Orioles, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The White Sox were out hit, but managed to come away with a 12-8 victory over the Orioles in Friday night’s opener. The White Sox won that game as -170 favorites, and the combined 20 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (9.5).
Jim Thome belted a grand slam homer, and went deep for a three-run dinger with seven RBIs for the White Sox. John Danks scattered seven hits and three runs over five innings to collect his eighth win of the season.
Adam Jones smacked a two-run homer and finished with three RBIs for the Orioles, who were +150 underdogs. Jason Berken gave up six runs over 4 1-3 innings.
Team records:
Baltimore: 40-49
SU
Chicago
: 46-43 SU
Baltimore most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Chi White Sox are 3-7
After playing Chi White Sox are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Baltimore are 7-3
After playing Baltimore are 4-6
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore’s last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore’s last 5 games
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore’s last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox’s last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox’s last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Chi White Sox are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games
Next up:
Chi White Sox home to Baltimore, Sunday, July 19

 

Angels-Athletics Odds Preview

The Los Angeles Angels and the Oakland Athletics will meet on the field at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on Saturday in a battle of division rivals.
Jered Weaver will be the starting pitcher for the Angels on this day. Righthander Weaver is 10-3 this season with a 3.22 ERA.
The Athletics will counter Weaver with Vin Mazzaro. Righthander Mazzaro has a 3.59 ERA to go along with a 2-5 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Angels listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Athletics, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Bobby Crosby drove in three runs to lead the A’s to a 7-3 victory over the Angels on Friday, as a -105 pick’em. That game’s 10 runs made it OVER the posted total of (9).
Orlando Cabrera went 3-for-4 at the plate with three hits and two RBIs for the A’s. Craig Breslow tossed less than an inning of relief for the win.
Kendry Morales had two hits and drove in one run for the Angels. Joe Saunders allowed six hits and five runs over six innings in a losing effort.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 50-38 SU
Oakland: 38-50 SU
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Oakland are 7-3
After playing Oakland are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

Oakland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing LA Angels are 5-5
After playing LA Angels are 6-4
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
LA Angels are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Angels’s last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland’s last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Oakland’s last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland’s last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Oakland is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home
Next up:
Oakland home to LA Angels, Sunday, July 19

 

Mets-Braves Odds Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the Atlanta Braves on Saturday when they battle the New York Mets at Turner Field.
Ace lefthander Johan Santana will take the mound for the Mets to start this game. Santana is 10-7 this season with a 3.09 ERA.
It’ll be Kenshin Kawakami toeing the rubber for the Braves in this contest. Righthander Kawakami is 5-6 with a 4.26 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 105-moneyline favorites versus the Mets, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Jair Jurrjens allowed just two hits over six scoreless innings as the Braves crushed the Mets 11-0 on Friday, as -205 favorites. The 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8.5).
Brian McCann belted a two-run homer and drove in four runs to lead the Braves. Jurrjens improved to 8-7 with the win.
Mike Pelfrey was rocked for nine hits and nine runs over 4 1-3 innings in the loss for the Mets, who were +185 underdogs.
Current streak:
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Atlanta has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 42-47 SU
Atlanta: 45-45 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Atlanta are 6-4
After playing Atlanta are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing NY Mets are 4-6
After playing NY Mets are 6-4
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets’s last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of NY Mets’s last 21 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
NY Mets are 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
NY Mets are 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
Atlanta is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Next up:
Atlanta home to NY Mets, Sunday, July 19

 

Red Sox-Blue Jays Lines Preview

The Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays will meet on the field at Rogers Centre on Saturday in a battle of division rivals.
The Red Sox will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Brad Penny in this game. Penny has a 6-3 record and a 4.71 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the Blue Jays will be Marc Rzepczynski. The lefthander has a 3.00 ERA to go along with a 0-1 record this season.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz drove in a pair of runs to lead the Red Sox to a series-opening 4-1 win over the Blue Jays on Friday, as a -110 pick’em. The five runs went UNDER the posted over/under (8.5).
Clay Buchholz earned his first victory of the season, and Jonathan Papelbon closed out the game with his 24th save.
Alex Rios drove in the lone run for the Blue Jays, while Ricky Romero surrendered four runs over 4 1-3 innings in the loss.
Current streak:
Boston has won 4 straight games.
Toronto has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 55-34 SU
Toronto: 44-47 SU
Boston most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 7-3
Before playing Toronto are 5-5
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 5-5
After playing Boston are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Boston is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto’s last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto’s last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto’s last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Next up:
Toronto home to Boston, Sunday, July 19

 

Tigers-Yankees Lines Preview

The Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Yankee Stadium.
The Tigers will give the ball to ace starter Justin Verlander in this one. Righthander Verlander is 10-4 this season with a 3.38 ERA.
The Yankees will counter Verlander with ace CC Sabathia. Lefthander Sabathia has a 3.86 ERA to go along with a 8-6 record this season.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Mark Teixeira belted a three-run homer in the seventh inning as the Yankees defeated the Tigers 5-3 in Friday night’s opener. The Yankees won the game as -240 favorites, while the eight runs went UNDER the posted over/under (10).
Hideki Matsui went 2-for-4 at the plate with one RBI for the Yankees. Phil Hughes tossed two innings of relief for the win, and Mariano Rivera collected his 24th save.
Curtis Granderson went deep for a solo home run for the Tigers, who were +210 underdogs. Joel Zumaya surrendered five hits and three runs to suffer the loss.
Team records:
Detroit: 48-40 SU
New York: 52-37 SU
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing NY Yankees are 7-3
After playing NY Yankees are 2-8
After a loss are 6-4

New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 3-7
After playing Detroit are 7-3
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Detroit’s last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit’s last 5 games
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 8-15 SU in their last 23 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Detroit
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
NY Yankees are 14-5 SU in their last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of NY Yankees’s last 10 games
Next up:
NY Yankees home to Detroit, Sunday, July 19

 

UFC 101 Betting – Silva vs Griffin Odds and Pick

While Affliction betting gets the MMA spotlight the week before, many die-hard fight fans are already anticipating UFC 101 on August 8. There’s a lightweight title on the line and Anderson Silva will fight at 205 pounds for the second time as a UFC fighter.Let’s break down Silva’s battle with Forrest Griffin.

ANDERSON “THE SPIDER” SILVA
Record: 24-4
Notable victories: Dan Henderson, Rich Franklin, Nate Marquardt
UFC 101 odds: -320

STRENGTHS: He joins Georges St-Pierre and Fedor Emelianenko in the “too many to list” category. He’s an amazingly versatile fighter; he can do amazing things on the ground with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as he uses his long limbs to set up offensive positions from everywhere. He’s a devastating striker thanks to his Muay Thai, mixing flying knees, big kicks, vicious elbows, spinning back fists and, of course, the Muay Thai clinch knees. He’s as accurate a striker as any fighter in the sport today, able to pick apart virtually any fighter with surgical punches and kicks. Defensively, he’s the UFC’s answer to Muhammad Ali, as he’s so fast that he can dodge strike after strike without even holding his hands up.

WEAKNESSES: It’s tough to find a weaknes in the Spider’s game, but he has proven susceptible to submission in the past. Forrest Griffin’ Jiu-Jitsu is inferior to Silva’s but he’s submitted good ground fighters before. The biggest caveat with Silva may be his drive. He’s openly talked about retirement and looked disinterested in his last two fights, choosing to pick his opponents apart from a distance rather than engage.

FORREST GRIFFIN
Record: 16-5
Notable victories: Quinton Jackson, Mauricio Rua
UFC 101 odds: +260

STRENGTHS: While he may not seem like it given his slurred speech, Forrest Griffin—a university grad! — is one of the UFC’s smartest fighters. He continuously works on his game, always respecting his opponent and believing he can get better. His Jiu-Jitsu is underrated, as he’s submitted fighters like Shogun Rua, and his leg kicks are second to none in their accuracy and damage (just ask Rampage Jackson) among light heavyweights. Forrest is a dog, with great cardio, great courage and a solid chin.

WEAKNESSES: While he looks imposing and likes to brawl, Griffin is not a finisher at all. Only three of his 16 career wins have come via knockout. He’s also prone to mental lapses, as he’ll let himself take too much punishment while trying to get himself into a good position.

OUTLOOK

Forrest has a very tall order ahead of him, as does anyone who picks him in their betting predictions. He simply doesn’t do anything better than Silva; Anderson hits harder, is faster and more dangerous on the ground. Griffin’s only hope is to capitalize on Silva’s recent timidity and smother him, but I’m guessing that will simply bring out the best in Silva. This fight should be fun to watch.

Best betting management pick: Silva -320

Astros-Dodgers Lines Preview

The Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Dodgers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Dodger Stadium.
The Astros will give the ball to ace starter Roy Oswalt in this one. Righthander Oswalt is 5-4 this season with a 3.85 ERA.
Oswalt’s opponent in this one will be Chad Billingsley. The Dodgers ace righthander has a 3.38 ERA to go along with a 9-4 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Dodgers listed as 160-moneyline favorites versus the Astros, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Wandy Rodriguez tossed six complete shutout innings in leading the Astros to a 3-0 win over the Dodgers as +135 underdogs on Thursday. That game’s three runs went UNDER the posted over/under (8.5).
Kazuo Matsui went 2-for-4 at the plate and drove in one run to lead the Astros. Jose Valverde closed out the ninth and earned his ninth save.
Randy Wolf gave up five hits and three runs over six innings in the loss. The Dodgers were -155 underdogs in the contest.
Current streak:
Houston has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Houston: 45-44 SU
Los Angeles: 56-33 SU
Houston most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing LA Dodgers are 7-3
After playing LA Dodgers are 4-6
After a win are 5-5

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Houston are 4-6
After playing Houston are 6-4
After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
Next up:
LA Dodgers home to Houston, Saturday, July 18

 

Angels-Athletics Lines Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the Los Angeles Angels on Friday when they battle the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
The Angels will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Joe Saunders in this game. Saunders has a 8-5 record and a 4.65 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the Athletics will be Trevor Cahill. The righthander has a 4.67 ERA to go along with a 5-8 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Angels listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Athletics, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Angels scored four runs in the fourth inning to defeat the A’s 6-2 on Thursday, as +110 underdogs. That game’s eight runs went UNDER the posted over/under (8.5).
Chone Figgins went 2-for-5 at the plate and drove in two runs for the Angels. Ervin Santana earned the win with eight solid innings of work.
Matt Holliday belted a solo home run and drove in two runs for the A’s, who were -130 favorites in that game. Dallas Braden gave up 10 hits and six runs over five innings on the hill.
Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 50-37 SU
Oakland: 37-50 SU
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Oakland are 6-4
After playing Oakland are 5-5
After a win are 7-3

Oakland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing LA Angels are 6-4
After playing LA Angels are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
LA Angels are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games on the road
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
LA Angels are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Oakland is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
Oakland is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Oakland is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Next up:
Oakland home to LA Angels, Saturday, July 18

 

Rockies-Padres Odds Preview

The Colorado Rockies and the San Diego Padres will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at PETCO Park.
The Rockies will give the ball to starter Ubaldo Jimenez in this one. Righthander Jimenez is 6-9 this season with a 3.81 ERA.
It’ll be Josh Geer toeing the rubber for the Padres in this contest. Righthander Geer is 1-4 with a 5.38 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Rockies listed as 160-moneyline favorites versus the Padres, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Seth Smith hit a two-run homer and helped the Rockies cruise to a 10-1 victory over the Padres on Thursday, as -130 favorites. The game’s 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (7).
Clint Barmes smacked a three-run homer for the Rockies. Aaron Cook allowed just eight hits and one run over six innings in the win.
Chad Gaudin surrendered four hits and four runs over five innings in the loss for the Padres, who were +110 underdogs in that game.
Current streak:
Colorado has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 48-41 SU
San Diego: 36-53 SU
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Friday are 7-3
Before playing San Diego are 7-3
After playing San Diego are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

San Diego most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Colorado are 3-7
After playing Colorado are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8

A few trends to consider:
Colorado is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Colorado is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Colorado is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Colorado
San Diego is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
San Diego is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Next up:
San Diego home to Colorado, Saturday, July 18

 

Diamondbacks-Cardinals Odds Preview

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Busch Stadium.

The Diamondbacks will give the ball to starter Jon Garland in this one. Righthander Garland is 5-8 this season with a 4.53 ERA.

It’ll be Chris Carpenter toeing the rubber for the Cardinals in this contest. Righthander Carpenter is 7-3 with a 2.47 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Cardinals listed as 230-moneyline favorites versus the Diamondbacks, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.

The Diamondbacks lost to Florida 8-1 as a +110 underdog on Sunday. The nine runs scored went OVER the posted over/under total (8.5).

Stephen Drew was 3-5 with an RBI and Doug Davis surrendered five runs on seven hits in four innings.

The Cardinals defeated the Cubs 4-2 as a -110 favorite in Game 2 of a doubleheader on Sunday. The six runs scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (8.5).

Ryan Ludwick homered twice and drove in four runs for St. Louis, while Adam Wainwright earned the win after allowing two runs on seven hits over eight innings.

Team records:
Arizona: 38-51 SU
St. Louis: 49-42 SU

Arizona most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing St. Louis are 4-6
After playing Florida are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6

St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
Before playing Arizona are 5-5
After playing Chi Cubs are 7-3
After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona’s last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona’s last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Arizona is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis’s last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis’s last 7 games

Next up:
St. Louis home to Arizona, Saturday, July 18