Twins-Angels Odds Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday when they battle the Minnesota Twins at Angel Stadium.
Righthander Nick Blackburn will take the mound for the Twins to start this game. Blackburn is 8-4 this season with a 3.44 ERA.
The Angels will counter Blackburn with Matt Palmer. Righthander Palmer has a 5.10 ERA to go along with a 7-1 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Angels listed as 130-moneyline favorites versus the Twins, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Angels won their second straight by defeating the Twins 6-3 on Friday, as -160 favorites. That game’s nine runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8.5).
Mike Napoli went deep for a three-run homer to lead the Angels. John Lackey allowed just four hits and two runs over 7 2-3 innings in the loss.
Joe Mauer belted two home runs in a losing effort for the Twins, who were +140 underdogs. Francisco Liriano gave up eight hits and six runs over 5 1-3 innings.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 3 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 7 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 48-49 SU
Los Angeles: 57-38 SU
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing LA Angels are 5-5
After playing LA Angels are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Next up:
LA Angels home to Minnesota, Sunday, July 26

 

Cardinals-Phillies Lines Preview

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at Citizens Bank Park.
Righthander Kyle Lohse will take the mound for the Cardinals to start this game. Lohse is 4-6 this season with a 4.21 ERA.
Meanwhile, it’ll be Rodrigo Lopez who starts for the Phillies. Righthander Lopez is 2-0 with a 2.60 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 135-moneyline favorites versus the Cardinals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Cardinals exploded for four runs in the sixth inning as they defeated the Phillies 8-1 on Friday, as +125 underdogs. The nine runs went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (9).
Rick Ankiel went 3-for-4 at the plate and drove in three runs to lift the Cardinals. Joel Pineiro improved to 9-9 with six scoreless innings on the mound.
J.A. Happ gave up 10 hits and five runs in suffering his first loss. Oddsmakers had the Phillies as -145 favorites in that game.
Current streak:
St. Louis has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
St. Louis: 53-46 SU
Philadelphia: 54-40 SU
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 3-7
Before playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After playing Philadelphia are 4-6
After a win are 5-5

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing St. Louis are 6-4
After playing St. Louis are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Philadelphia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia home to St. Louis, Sunday, July 26

 

White Sox-Tigers Odds Preview

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Saturday when the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers meet at Comerica Park.
The White Sox will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Gavin Floyd in this game. Floyd has a 8-6 record and a 4.40 ERA this season.
The Tigers will counter Floyd with Edwin Jackson. Righthander Jackson has a 2.52 ERA to go along with a 7-5 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Tigers listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the White Sox, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Tigers got down early and came back to defeat the White Sox 4-3 on Friday, as +125 underdogs. That game’s seven runs went UNDER the posted over/under (10).
Carlos Guillen had two hits and drove in one run to lead the Tigers. Fernando Rodney collected his 21st save.
Jermaine Dye belted a two-run homer to lead the way for the White Sox, who were -145 favorites. Scott Linebrink pitched one inning for the win.
Current streak:
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Detroit has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 50-47 SU
Detroit: 51-44 SU
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Detroit are 4-6
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a loss are 7-3

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Chi White Sox are 7-3
After playing Chi White Sox are 6-4
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Detroit is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Detroit is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games at home
Next up:
Detroit home to Chi White Sox, Sunday, July 26

 

Rays-Blue Jays Lines Preview

The Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Rogers Centre.
Lefthander David Price will take the mound for the Rays to start this game. Price is 3-4 this season with a 4.86 ERA.
Price’s opponent in this one will be Brian Tallet. The Blue Jays lefthander has a 4.86 ERA to go along with a 5-6 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Blue Jays listed as 115-moneyline favorites versus the Rays, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Rays scored twice in the top of the 10th inning as they defeated the Blue Jays 4-2 on Friday, as +140 underdogs. The six runs went UNDER the posted over/under (7.5).
Evan Longoria led the Rays with three RBIs, and Matt Garza went nine innings for the win. J.P. Powell surrendered the winning runa in relief.
Aaron Hill and Marco Scutaro drove in both runs for the Blue Jays, who were -160 favorites. Scott Downs gave up the winning run and suffered the loss.
Current streak:
Toronto has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Tampa Bay: 53-44 SU
Toronto: 47-50 SU
Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Toronto are 6-4
After playing Toronto are 5-5
After a win are 6-4

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home
Toronto is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Next up:
Toronto home to Tampa Bay, Sunday, July 26

 

Reds-Cubs Lines Preview

The fans at Wrigley Field will be treated to a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs when they take their seats on Saturday.
The Reds will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Johnny Cueto in this game. Cueto has a 8-6 record and a 3.67 ERA this season.
Cueto’s opponent in this one will be Kevin Hart. The Cubs righthander has a 2.70 ERA to go along with a 1-1 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 137-moneyline favorites versus the Reds, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Cubs scored four runs in a eighth-inning rally to defeat the Reds 8-5 in Friday’s opener, as -175 favorites. The game’s 13 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (10).
Aramis Ramirez belted a solo home run and drove in three runs, and Derrek Lee hit a two-run dinger for the Cubs. Randy Wells scattered seven hits and three runs over six innings for the win.
Aaron Harang smacked a three-run homer for the Reds, but gave up nine hits and four runs over six innings to suffer the loss on the hill. Oddsmakers listed the Reds as +155 underdogs.
Current streak:
Cincinnati has lost 4 straight games.
Chicago has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Cincinnati: 44-51
SU
Chicago
: 49-45 SU
Cincinnati most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 4-6
Before playing Chi Cubs are 5-5
After playing Chi Cubs are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 2-8
Before playing Cincinnati are 6-4
After playing Cincinnati are 3-7
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
Chi Cubs are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games at home
Next up:
Chi Cubs home to Cincinnati, Sunday, July 26

 

Athletics-Yankees Odds Preview

The Oakland Athletics will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Saturday when they take on the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Lefthander Gio Gonzalez will take the mound for the Athletics to start this game. Gonzalez is 1-2 this season with a 10.38 ERA.
The Yankees will counter Gonzalez with Andy Pettitte. Lefthander Pettitte has a 4.62 ERA to go along with a 8-5 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Yankees listed as 290-moneyline favorites versus the Athletics, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Yankees scored four times in the eighth inning and closed out an 8-3 victory over the A’s on Friday, as -200 favorites. That game’s 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9).
Derek Jeter went 3-for-5 at the plate with two RBIs in leading the Yankees. Joba Chamberlain allowed just two hits and one run over seven innings in the win.
Kurt Suzuki drove in one run for the A’s, who were +180 underdogs. Brett Anderson allowed nine hits and four runs over 6 2-3 innings in the loss.
Current streak:
Oakland has lost 2 straight games.
New York has won 8 straight games.
Team records:
Oakland: 40-55 SU
New York: 59-37 SU
Oakland most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 5-5
Before playing NY Yankees are 3-7
After playing NY Yankees are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5

New York most recently:
When playing on Saturday are 6-4
Before playing Oakland are 7-3
After playing Oakland are 8-2
After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider:
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Oakland is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Oakland is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Oakland
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
Next up:
NY Yankees home to Oakland, Sunday, July 26

 

Affliction Betting – The Non-Fedor Fights


UFC 101 odds followers have to enjoy watching Affliction’s rocky week. After Josh Barnett tested positive for banned substances, the main event involving Fedor Emelianenko is up in the air. Lost in the shuffle are the other main fights, which are pretty decent bouts. Let’s look at a couple of them.

Renato Sobral (35-8) vs Gegard Mousasi (25-2-1)

Stressed about Fedor? Don’t worry – Sobral/Mousasi is a great matchup. “BabaluSobral has seen it all; the skilled Jiu-Jitsu vet has fought the likes of Chuck Liddell and Fedor himself and beaten the likes of Shogun Rua and Jeremy Horn. He’s a smart fighter who stays calm and is willing to take punishment to set up his deadly submissions.

However, Babalu has a very tall order in Gegard Mousasi. Mousasi, a kickboxer just entering his physical prime at age 23, is considered a top-three middleweight in the world in some MMA circles. He’s a devastating striker and gets most of his victories via knockout (14). However, he’s also very comfortable on the ground, having submitted eight opponents. Do the math; Gegard has finished 22 of his 25 victims. Chances are, this fight doesn’t go the distance.

Sobral is a great fighter but Mousasi is just too tough and well-rounded for him. Expect him to take a beating, like a Patriots/Lions game in football betting.

Daily sports pick: Mousasi

Gilbert Yvel (36-13) vs Paul Buentello (24-9)

Here’s my pick for the fight of the night, as Yvel and Buentello are two big, tough, take-no-prisoners heavyweights who like to strike. Yvel is known as a wild man and earned a reputation as the Mike Tyson of MMA when he punched out a referee in 2004. He’s a killer in the ring, having won 31 fights via knockout. He even knocked out the iron-jawed Cheick Kongo; that gives you an idea of his power.

His opponent, Paul Buentello, may look sloppy, but he’s a smart fighter. He’s a great boxer with fantastic punching accuracy and he can even submit opponents on occasion. However, he doesn’t have the same power and aggression as Yvel and has been overwhelmed by strong, aggressive fighters like Andrei Arlovski in the past. Bet on Yvel to win and, if you like prop bets, bet on the fight to end in a KO one way or the other. This fight alone should make Affliction worth what you pay per head to watch it.

Daily sports pick: Yvel

Indians-Mariners Odds Preview

The Cleveland Indians and the Seattle Mariners will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Safeco Field.
Lefthander Aaron Laffey will take the mound for the Indians to start this game. Laffey is 2-1 this season with a 4.50 ERA.
Starting this game for the Mariners will be Ryan Rowland-Smith. The lefthander has a 0.00 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Mariners listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Indians, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Indians defeated Toronto 5-4 as a +160 underdog on Thursday. The nine runs scored caused this game to be a PUSH on the posted over/under total (9).
Shin-Soo Choo drove in a pair of runs and scored once for Cleveland, while David Huff picked up the win after allowing four runs on eight hits over 7 2-3 innings.
The Mariners defeated Detroit 2-1 as a +115 underdog on Thursday. The three runs scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (9).
Jarrod Washburn pitched seven shutout innings and allowed only two hits for Seattle, while Mike Sweeney was 2-4 with an RBI in the win.
Current streak:
Seattle has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 38-58
SU
Seattle
: 51-44 SU
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Seattle are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a win are 1-9

Seattle most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing Cleveland are 7-3
After playing Detroit are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland’s last 7 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland’s last 7 games
Cleveland is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Cleveland is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle’s last 9 games
Seattle is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle’s last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Seattle home to Cleveland, Saturday, July 25

 

Marlins-Dodgers Odds Preview

The Florida Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers will both be trying to pick up a win on Friday when they battle at Dodger Stadium.
The Marlins will trot Josh Johnson out to the mound in this one. Righthander Johnson has a 8-2 record and a 2.74 ERA this season.
Johnson‘s opponent in this one will be Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers lefthander has a 2.95 ERA to go along with a 8-5 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Dodgers listed as 160-moneyline favorites versus the Marlins, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Ricky Nolasco whiffed 10 batters and gave up just two hits over 6 1-3 innings as the Marlins shut down the Padres 5-0 on Wednesday. The Marlins won that game as -150 favorites, while the team’s played UNDER the posted over/under (8).
Chris Coghlan drove in two runs, and Jeremy Hermida homered. Nolasco evened his record to 7-7 with the victory.
Manny Ramirez belted a pinch-hit home run to lift the Dodgers to a 6-2 victory over the Reds on Wednesday, as -200 favorites. That game’s eight runs went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (8).
Andre Ethier drove in one run and scored a pair of runs for the Dodgers. Chad Billingsley threw six innings for the win, allowing seven hits and a pair of runs.
Current streak:
Florida has won 3 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 5 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 49-47 SU
Los Angeles: 61-34 SU
Florida most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing LA Dodgers are 6-4
After playing San Diego are 8-2
After a win are 6-4

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 2-8
Before playing Florida are 6-4
After playing Cincinnati are 7-3
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Florida’s last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida’s last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Florida’s last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Florida’s last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers’s last 8 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers’s last 5 games when playing Florida
Next up:
LA Dodgers home to Florida, Saturday, July 25

 

Twins-Angels Lines Preview

The Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Angels will both be gunning for a victory on Friday when they meet at Angel Stadium.
Ace Francisco Liriano will be the starting pitcher for the Twins on this day. Lefthander Liriano is 4-9 this season with a 5.33 ERA.
Liriano’s opponent in this one will be John Lackey. The Angels ace righthander has a 4.39 ERA to go along with a 5-4 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Angels listed as 155-moneyline favorites versus the Twins, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Kendry Morales drove in the winning run in the 10th inning as the Angels defeated the Twins 6-5 in Thursday’s opener, as -165 favorites. That game’s 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8.5).
Jason Kubel belted a two-run homer and finished with three RBIs for the Twins, who were +145 underdogs. Jesse Crain gave up the winning run and was saddled with the loss.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 2 straight games.
Los Angeles has won 6 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 48-48 SU
Los Angeles: 56-38 SU
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Friday are 6-4
Before playing LA Angels are 5-5
After playing LA Angels are 4-6
After a loss are 6-4

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing Minnesota are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
Minnesota is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
LA Angels are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Next up:
LA Angels home to Minnesota, Saturday, July 25

 

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