7-19-13

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Four Adjustments MLB Bettors Must Make in the Second Half of the Season
by Jason Logan

Major League Baseball is back on the diamond Friday, kicking off the post-All-Star break schedule with players and managers refreshed and refocused on the second half of the season.

Unlike the pre-break slate, the final three months of the MLB calendar throws a lot more outside factors into the mix when it comes to capping baseball on a daily basis. The temperatures are higher along with the stakes, as the playoff picture starts to take shape.

Any MLB bettor who thinks they can turn a profit in August with the same theories and tactics used in June may want to thumb through Charles Darwin's "The Origin of Species".

It's survival of the fittest in the second half of the baseball schedule and some of Covers Experts’ brightest minds explain the biggest adjustments MLB capper must make when betting the back half of the slate:

Pitchers and bullpens

The late-summer months can be devastating to a pitcher, even those that excelled in the first chunk of the season.

Standing alone on the mound with the sun sapping your energy is tough enough, but add in the pressure of starring down big-league bats with the game on the line and it’s amazing that these arms don’t melt like a Popsicle.

“I'll look to fade pitchers that have already surpassed their career highs in terms of innings pitched and have shown signs of wearing down,” says Sean Murphy. “A lot of young pitchers aren't used to the long haul that is the MLB season and tend to tail off down the stretch.”

With starters wearing down and resting up for the postseason push, bullpens become even more important down the home stretch of the season. Relief pitchers can also feel the heat before the expanded 40-man rosters provide some extra options in the later innings.

“(Some teams are) in playoff contention right now, despite continued bullpen struggles in the first half,” notes handicapper Teddy Covers. “They'll all be priced like contenders in the second half but without bullpen reinforcements, they're all in danger of dropping out of the race. Over bettors love, love, love struggling bullpens.”

Weather

When the mercury rises, so do the scores. That’s the general consensus among baseball bettors. On top of tired pitchers, certain hurlers can fall victim to the heat and humidity more than others.

Fly-ball pitchers like Oakland's Tommy Milone and the San Francisco's Matt Cain have pop-ups, which would have stayed in play in May, soar over the fence in August and September. Sinkerballers and ground-ball arms are not as susceptible to the effects of the humidity.

Bettors can also note cooler-climate clubs coming to play in hot-weather environments. Minnesota may find itself gassed for the series finale after a scorching set in Arlington or Los Angeles, giving extra value to the host side.

Odds

Books and bettors have a good idea of what they’re working with when it comes to baseball teams at the break. And for that reason, the moneyline prices see a major hike when a contender takes on a team outside of the playoff picture.

It’s no shocker to see the New York Yankees listed at -300 or higher versus a club like the Houston Astros come September. Betting on those big faves is a high-risk, low-reward wager but looking at the other side is a nice way to build your bankroll late in the year.

“There are times where I'll pull the trigger on a +250 dog that I wouldn't have bet at a +200 price point in the first half,” says Teddy Covers.

He keeps a close eye out for what he calls “September morph” teams, bad clubs that suddenly show life at the end of the season and good teams that stumble toward the finish line.

Last year, bettors would have been bit hard following the Boston Red Sox or Pittsburgh Pirates in the second half of the season (combined -48.86 units) but would have made a small mint cashing in on the late play of the Oakland A's and the Baltimore Orioles (combined +48.86 units).

What goes up…

Some baseball bettors would prefer to have their last three months of memory wiped clean when capping the post-break schedule. Facts and figures that have stood strong and true until mid-July now hold about as much weight as Paris Hilton’s bra.

Marc Lawrence says the most notable changes come from the biggest anomalies, like the Giants' losing record of the Nationals' poor first half. Even key players, who struggled in the first half of the slate are big enough impact players that their second-half turnarounds can carry a team back to prominence and provide plenty of value not just on moneyline odds but also MLB futures as well.

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MLB Top 4: Best over/under bets after the break
By JASON LOGAN

Betting totals in the second half of the MLB schedule can be tricky. The summer heat can turn deep flys into home runs while playoff contenders sharpen their staff down the stretch, keeping runs at a minimum.

These four clubs, however, have proved to be profitable for the over or the under after the All-Star break over the past five seasons:

Records from 2008-2012.

Best post-break over bets

Minnesota Twins (185-157-24 over/under)

The Twins have leaned toward the over since opening the doors to Target Field back in 2010, owning a 113-99-12 over/under mark in those three full seasons. Minnesota is 41-49-2 over/under at the break, with a 23-21 O/U mark at home.

San Diego Padres (184-163-10 over/under)

San Diego’s pitching woes have been a blessing to over bettors the past two seasons. The Padres went 40-27-3 over/under after the break in 2011 and 42-32-1 over/under in the post-ASG schedule last summer. San Diego continues to cough up runs – ranked 25th in ERA – and is currently the top over bet in the National League at the break.

Best post-break under bets

Tampa Bay Rays (157-192-13 over/under)

The Rays have topped the American League in unders after the break the past two seasons, going a collective 59-82-7 over/under. Tampa Bay is accustomed to being in playoff contention down the stretch and its pitching staff has kept opponents in check. The Rays enter the break with a 46-43-7 over/under mark this season.

Philadelphia Phillies (160-188-13 over/under)

The Phillies’ talented staff gets a lot of the glory for Philadelphia’s under success, but the truth is that the bats haven’t been that great in recent seasons. The Phillies went 30-42-3 over/under last summer, hitting .246 and averaging 4.2 runs while boasting a collective 3.37 ERA – fifth best in the majors after the break.

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MLB Top 5: Baseball's worst bets after the All-Star break
By JASON LOGAN

Teams like the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins constantly carry a red flag for MLB bettors, especially after the All-Star break when a season’s worth of losing weighs on players and managers the most.

Surprisingly though, basement clubs like the Astros and Marlins aren’t the worst bets in baseball during the second half of the schedule. That honor goes to these five teams:

Record from 2008-2012.

Worst post-break bets

Pittsburgh Pirates (130-234, -78.30 units)

Screw the “Ides of March”. Pittsburgh backers better beware the Ides of July. The Pirates have become notorious for their post-break nose dives in recent years, including a 31-46 record and -21.45 units in 2012. Will it happen again in 2013? The Pirates enter the break as the top money winner, earning +23.50 units so far this summer.

New York Mets (156-207, -55.56 units)

Mets fans can celebrate hosting the All-Star Game this week but after that, they have very little to cheer for. New York bettors have been in the deep red following the break in each of the past five seasons. The Mets, who are already more than seven units in the hole this season, burned through -22.30 units with a 28-48 record in the second half of 2012.

Boston Red Sox (178-183, -47.87 units)

When you’re a high-profile ball club like the Red Sox, those losses cost extra. Boston did the bulk of that damage in 2012, finishing the post-break schedule at 26-50 and eating up -27.41 units – the most in the majors. The year before that, the BoSox went 35-37 and lost -17.46 units. Boston enters the second half of the season up +12.17 units – third most in baseball.

Seattle Mariners (152-209, -30.55 units)

Life in the American League West is tough. With rivals like the Rangers, Angels and Athletics usually picking up speed before the playoffs, the Mariners are left in their wake. Seattle was actually among the breadwinners after the break in 2012, pocketing +11.68 units, but thrashed their backers for -17.26 units in 2011 and -16.79 units in 2010.

Colorado Rockies (175-187, -25.01 units)

That magical second-half march in 2007 is a distant memory for Rockies bettors, whose wallets are about as thin as the air at Coors Field. Colorado went 31-46 and lost -3.76 units last summer, which are small potatoes compared to the -27.21 units the Rockies lost the two previous seasons. Colorado is in the middle of the NL West, down -4.95 units, but anything can happen in that ugly division.

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The three biggest movers in MLB futures odds

Here are three MLB teams that have significantly improved their futures consistently throughout the season:

Boston Red Sox – Opened: 30/1, Now: 8/1

Oddsmakers weren’t expecting much from the Red Sox this season after they cleaned house in 2012, but their starting pitching has come around and they're getting surprise contributions from their young players. Jose Iglesias (batting .367) and Daniel Nava (52 RBIs) are stepping up to the plate and getting the job done in Beantown.

Oakland Athletics – Opened: 25/1, Now: 9/1

The A’s are proving that last year’s Cinderella run to the postseason was no fluke. Bartolo Colon (12 wins) continues to be a force at age 40 and Josh Donaldson (61 RBIs) has been a surprise contributor on offense.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Opened: 60/1, Now: 14/1

The Pirates have been the best bet in baseball to this point (+23.50 units). The Pittsburgh pitching staff boasts a league-best 3.08 team ERA, While Pedro Alvarez and Andrew McCutchen pace the offense.

Here are the latest futures courtesy of the LVH SuperBook:

2013 WORLD SERIES

TIGERS 6
BRAVES 7
CARDINALS 7
RED SOX 8
A'S 9
DODGERS 10
RANGERS 12
RAYS 13
REDS 14
DIAMONDBACKS 14
PIRATES 14
NATIONALS 16
ORIOLES 20
YANKEES 25
ANGELS 30
GIANTS 30
INDIANS 30
PHILLIES 50
ROCKIES 60
BLUE JAYS 80
ROYALS 100
PADRES 200
METS 300
CUBS 300
MARINERS 500
TWINS 1000
WHITE SOX 2000
BREWERS 2000
MARLINS 5000
ASTROS 9999

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See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities
By JASON LOGAN

Spot bets are a classic handicapping practice that have proven profitable no matter what sport you’re betting. Whether it’s a team looking past this week’s opponent, one coming off a hard-fought victory, or a rough patch of schedule, bettors can find value picking their spots.

Lookahead spot

Lookahead spots aren’t always a bad thing. Sometimes, like in the case of NASCAR driver Ryan Newman, a lookahead spot can mean extra value for bettors. The Sprint Cup takes a break this week, just in time for Newman to clear his head after being informed that he will be let go by Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of the year.

There’s no doubt Newman is looking ahead to Indianapolis and the Brickyard 400. Not only is the No. 39 driver a native of Indiana – and would love to win one in front of some friendly fans - but the July 28 race is the first step in landing a gig for 2014. Newman has only one Top 5 in 12 starts at the Brickyard and boasts an average finish of 19.1 there. He ran strong at home last year, finishing seventh in the July race at Indy.

Letdown spot

The MLB All-Star break can be an abrupt stop for streaking clubs come the middle of July. The Seattle Mariners are one of those teams, winning three straight and six of their last 10 outings before the break put the freeze on their improved play. The M’s are chasing the Angles and Rangers in the AL West, 13 games back of the first-place Oakland A’s.

Seattle could have a little trouble finding that momentum after the All-Star Game, kicking off the second half of the season with a three-game road series versus the Houston Astros. The Mariners have struggled against the Astros already this year, going 4-5 and posting a chunky 5.01 ERA in nine games with their new division rivals.

Schedule spot

The Los Angeles Sparks are the hottest team in the WNBA’s Western Conference, winning five straight games after an 88-76 victory over Phoenix Sunday. The Sparks have a few days off before the schedule throws down a gauntlet at the end of the week.

Los Angeles kicks off a stretch of three games in four days with a home game versus East-leading Atlanta Wednesday, then opens the doors of the Staples Center to Phoenix Thursday before the Sparks hit the bricks for a trip up the coast. Los Angeles clashes with classic rival Seattle Saturday. The Sparks have troubles away from L.A., with a 2-4 SU and ATS mark on the road this season.

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Dave Essler

Friday MLB Thoughts/Winners/Projections

Dodgers at Washington -145 (Nolasco/Strasburg): Strictly based of Strasburg's last two performances, and in the last one he only threw 66 pitches. One thing that does concern me is that the Nationals saw a ton of Nolasco when he was with the Fish.

Tampa Bay -120 at Toronto: Since Price hasn't been the same since coming off the DL one might assume he's not backable, but this is the best price (no pun intended) we might see on him. He's faced Houston twice and the White Sox, so I'm not sure how much we can really put into his recent numbers. Strikeouts down and flyballs up. If the roof's open, over perhaps.

Yankees at Boston (-145) Price/Doubront: Andy just isn't someone we can bet on and Boston typically wears him out. It'll be interesting to see what the Yankees put out for a lineup, but Boston in Fenway on a Friday night is tough to fade.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (-145):Liriano/Leake- I have sworn off betting on or against the Reds, and I mean it. Simply because Leake is a great hitting pitcher, I often look at overs in his games, but he's been too good lately to fade. Is this about the time last season the Pirates woke up, or is their pen just good enough to keep them hanging around.

Phillies at Mets (-135): Kendrick/Hefner-This might be a bigger number if it weren't "The Mets". Kendrick keeps the ball on the ground and Hugh Hefner just doesn't give up runs, so under is the probably play here.

Baltimore at Texas (-140) : Chen/Holland-This number might be a little higher, but Chen just beat the Rangers badly and it's hard to say what the break will do. Usually looking for the reverse to happen, and Holland was hit hard at Baltimore before shutting down the Tigers Saturday. It's probably safe to assume that in the heat of Arlington the ball will travel, so I don't look for a pitchers' duel. If somehow the total comes out at 9 I might play the over, but not at 9.5

Detroit (-135) at Kansas City: Sanchez-Santana- This is when I thought, in the heat in KC, that Santana would suffer, and it might be starting to show. He's given up three or more earned runs in four straight starts, and although his K's are up that's a sign over trying to over-pitch, IMO. I really have always thought Sanchez was over valued, and the list of teams he's beaten is not a who's-who of offenses. So, I like the Royals and the over, somewhat, and again, not at anything over 9.

Miami at Milwaukee (-160): Turner/Lohse: Kyle got us an easy win Sunday in Arizona and comes right back Friday, as many #1's that aren't in the AS game will. I am starting to like the Fish now that they're healthy, and this could be another game that goes over if the roof is open in Milwaukee, because we may see a smaller number based on Lohse's recent performance and that fact that it IS Miami.

Cleveland at Minnesota (-110) Kazmir-Pelfrey: Both teams played pretty well last week, and with the rest I have to like the Twins here, since they do depend so heavily on having both Mauer and Doumit (who is MUCH better hitting right handed) in the game.

Seattle (-130) at Houston Saunders/Norris: ONLY because it's Houston should the number be this low, but I will back Norris at home most every time. I do know Saunders has been pitching well, but he's still Joe Saunders who is not with the Angels or Arizona for a reason.

San Diego at St. Louis (-180) Westbrook/Marquis: After everyone watched the Cardinal ruin our Cubs RL bet Sunday night, they'll be quick to take the Cardinals, and since we don't lay this kind of money, we won't. I do not like RL favorites for one reason--they do not get the ninth at bat at home. That automatically eliminates 11% of our at bats, which usually means they need one or two crooked innings and the visitors not to score. All too often the home team DOES get a decent lead and throw in ANYONE out of the pen to eat up some innings and of course give up some runs. Got to be careful with those.

Cubs at Colorado (-145) (Samardija-De La Rosa): Welp, are the Cubs and Kevin Gregg off the list again? Maybe, but because everyone saw the meltdown on ESPN there's probably more value to them than there would have been if they'd won that game. Here's what I love about De La Rosa. He's only given up one HR in Coors Field this season. I almost hope it's hot in Denver and inflates this total so we can play the under.

Arizona at San Francisco (-140) (Kennedy/Gaudin) Have we ridden the Gaudin train long enough or should we stay on? Kennedy comes back after having made us money Sunday against the Brewers, but what I really like here is the Giants pen at home. They are MUCH better (as you would expect in the bigger park) than on the road. Huge series to start the 2H here. Have to like the Giants with the rest and perhaps more momentum right now.

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Today's CFL Picks

Toronto at Winnipeg

The Argonauts look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 games at Winnipeg. Toronto is the pick (Pick) according to Dunkel, which has the Argonauts favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Toronto. Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

FRIDAY, JULY 19 Time Posted: 6:30 a.m. EST (7/16)

Game 421-422: Toronto at Winnipeg (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 113.061; Winnipeg 111.075 Dunkel Line: Toronto by 2; 58 Vegas Line: Pick; 53 Dunkel Pick: Toronto; Over

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CFL

Week 4

Toronto (1-2) @ Winnipeg (1-2)-- Underdogs are 12-3 vs spread in last 15 Argo-Bomberr games; Argonauts won four of last five series games, winning six of last eight visits here; under is 5-3 in those eight games. Road teams won four of last six in series. Both teams are off to shaky starts; Toronto allowed 32.3 ppg so far, giving up 160-224 rushing yards last two weeks. Winnipeg is already -6 in turnovers, being minus in every game; both its losses are by five points, losing only home game 38-33 to Montreal, 25-20 at Winnipeg. Argos trailed all three games at halftime- they had 446 passing yards in last week's loss.

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Favorites and live long shots to win MLB MVP awards
By JASON LOGAN

The MLB All-Star break is the perfect time for prop bettors to weigh the last three and a half months and search for value in the American and National League MVP odds.

We take a look at the favorites and some live long shots to earn each league’s top individual honor.

American League MVP

Favorite: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (+150)

Cabrera is ahead of his Triple Crown pace from 2012, hitting .365 with 30 HRs and 95 RBIs at the break. The Tigers are fighting off the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central and more of the same from “Miggy” would mean another trip to the postseason and likely another MVP honor.

Long shot: Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays (+1,000)

Longoria struggled through foot pain for most of the first half of 2013 and was snubbed by the All-Star Game, despite being one of the best two-way players in the majors. Tampa Bay was the hottest team entering the break and if Longoria can spark the Rays’ run to the top of the AL East, there’s a good chance he could win over MVP voters.

National League MVP

Favorite: Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals (+250)

The Cardinals catcher has been the heart and soul of the club for a while now and is putting together a solid 2013 campaign, leading the NL with a .341 BA. For everything he’s done at the plate this year, Molina’s biggest strength is behind the plate, handling a staff ranked third in ERA (3.40).

Long shot: Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants (+450)

Depending on where you bet, the Giants’ downfall has juiced Posey’s odds to win MVP with some markets offering the catcher as high as +1,200. The NL West is about as predictable as a “Sharknado”, so if the defending World Series champs can repeat their run of 2012 – 48-28 after the break – Posey’s price is right.

Odds to win AL MVP

Miguel Cabrera (Tigers) +140
Chris Davis (Orioles) +300
David Ortiz (Red Sox) +800
Evan Longoria (Rays) +1000
Josh Donaldson (Athletics) +1200
Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox) +1200
Adrian Beltre (Rangers) +1200
Mike Trout (Angels) +1500
James Loney (Rays) +2000
Joe Mauer (Twins) +2000

Odds to win NL MVP

Yadier Molina (Cardinals) +250
Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks) +300
Joey Votto (Reds) +350
Carlos Gonzalez (Rockies) +450
Buster Posey (Giants) +450
Michael Cuddyer (Rockies) +1200
Allen Craig (Cardinals) +1200
Matt Carpenter (Cardinals) +1200
Carlos Gomez (Brewers) +1500

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MLB Top 5: Baseball's best bets after the All-Star break
By JASON LOGAN

The real baseball season begins after the All-Star break, with teams rounding the bend in the playoff race.

The Oakland Athletics have actually earned the most units for baseball bettors following the All-Star Game over the past five seasons at +31.85 units. However, +30.40 of those earnings came last summer when the A’s went 51-25 in the second half of the schedule. Before 2012, Oakland was 135-150 for just +1.45 units after the break.

We look at which teams have consistently been breadwinners during the home stretch of the season.

Stats as of 2008.

Best post-break bets

Philadelphia Phillies (224-139, +30.77 units)

The Phillies have been in the black following the break in each of the past five seasons, including earning +8.62 units in 2012. Philadelphia’s biggest windfall came from a 50-25 record in 2010 which earned +15.60 units. The Phillies could be tuning up for another post-break bonanza, going 7-3 in their last 10 outings as of Friday.

Milwaukee Brewers (200-161, +26.54 units)

The Brew Crew have funded plenty of late-summer beer funds with their winnings following the break. Milwaukee went 47-23 and won +19.42 units in 2011. Those profits seem like a lifetime away for Brewers bettors, who have suffered through a 37-54 record and a MLB-worst -18.00 units in the first half of this season heading into the weekend.

San Francisco Giants (198-163, +19.95 units)

The Giants caught fire in the second half of the schedule and rode that to a World Series title last year. They posted a 48-28 mark after the break and brought in +15.10 units for Bay Area bettors. It’s been hit or miss for San Francisco backers in the second half of the schedule the past few years. The team was -12.31 units in the hole following the break in 2011 but won +12.81 units in the home stretch of 2010.

Tampa Bay Rays (207-156, +17.36 units)

The Rays have been one of the most consistent winners of the post-ASG schedule since 2008, posting the third-best win/loss record and earning the fifth-most units. Tampa Bay was a cash cow in the summer of 2008, going 42-26 and bringing home +15.22 units en route to the AL Pennant.

Baltimore Orioles (164-202, +14.92 units)

The Orioles have been one of the better post-break bets over the past three seasons, earning +49.13 units between 2010 and 2012 with a collective 118-107 record. However, Baltimore dug a deep hole for its loyal fans after the ASG in 2008 and 2009, burning through -18.93 and -15.28 units respectively – both ranked second worst in the majors for that season.

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Friday's National League betting notes and tips

Check out our quick-hitting betting notes on Friday's National League games:

Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington Nationals (-152, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Nats starter Stephen Strasburg was torched for seven runs on five hits and four walks over two innings of work in an 8-3 loss to the Miami Marlins his last time out.

Cold batting stat: Nats SS Ian Desmond is just 3-for-16 with six strikeouts in his career versus Dodgers SP Ricky Nolasco.

Weather: Temperatures in the high-80s and partly cloudy skies. Winds will blow out to right field at 10 mph.

Key betting note: The Dodgers are 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.


Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets (-117, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Phils starter Kyle Kendrick is 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA in two starts versus the Mets this season.

Hot batting stat: Phillies rookie Domonic Brown is 4-for-4 with one homer and five RBIs versus Hefner.

Weather: Temperatures in the high-80s and partly cloudy skies. Winds will blow out to right field at 12 mph.

Key betting note: The Mets are 1-6 in SP Jeremy Hefner's last seven starts vs. National League East.


Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds (-114, 8)

Hot pitching stat: The Pirates have won SP Francisco Liriano's last four starts.

Cold batting stat: Pirates OF Andrew McCutchen is hitting just .211 (8-for-38) in his career against Reds SP Mike Leake.

Weather: Temperatures in the low-80s and clear skies. Winds will blow from right field to left field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 19-7-5 in the last 31 meetings.


Miami Marlins at Milwaukee Brewers (-142, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Brewers starter Kyle Lohse is 3-0 in his last three home starts.

Hot batting stat: Marlins IF Placido Polanco is 11-for-31 (.355) in his career versus Lohse.

Weather: Retractable roof could be closed due to a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Key betting note: The under is 7-1 in the Brewers' last eight games overall.


San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals (-170, 9)

Cold pitching stat: The Padres are 0-4 in SP Jason Marquis' last four starts.

Cold batting stat: San Diego OF Carlos Quentin is 2-for-14 (.143) in his career versus Cards' SP Jake Westbrook.

Weather: Temperatures in the high-80s and clear skies. Winds will blow out to left field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: The Padres are 0-8 in their last eight vs. a team with a winning record.


Chicago Cubs at Colorado Rockies (-141, 9)

Hot pitching stat: The Rockies are 4-0 in SP Jorge De La Rosa's last four starts vs. National League Central foes.

Hot batting stat: Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano has blasted seven of his 16 home runs this season in July.

Weather: Temperatures in the mid-70s and a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms. Winds will blow from right field to left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 10-2 in the last 12 meetings in Colorado.


Arizona Diamondbacks at San Francisco Giants (-118, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: The Diamondbacks have lost seven of SP Ian Kennedy's last nine outings.

Hot batting stat: Giants 1B Brandon Belt has four home runs against Arizona this season. He does not have more than one homer against any other team.

Weather: Temperatures in the high-50s and clear skies. Winds will blow out to center field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 13-3 in the Diamondbacks' last 16 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Argonauts at Blue Bombers: What bettors need to know

Toronto Argonauts at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (+3, 52)

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' defense continues to dominate with 18 sacks in three games, but the offense has yet to reach that level. Quarterback Buck Pierce aims to elevate his game when the Blue Bombers host the Toronto Argonauts on Friday. Winnipeg has just one win to show for its defensive performance as Pierce has thrown four interceptions and completed 53-of-91 passes for a career-low completion percentage of 58.2, while running back Chad Simpson has just 251 combined yards.

Toronto should welcome a chance to face an East Division opponent after dropping two straight to West Division powerhouses in the BC Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray is off to an excellent start, but his receiving corps needed plenty of medical attention during last week’s home loss to Saskatchewan. Wide receiver Dontrelle Inman and slotback Chad Owens - last year’s Most Outstanding Player - both looked worse for wear after facing the Roughriders, and the Blue Bombers promise to be just as tough.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TSN

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (1-2): Slotback Andre Durie, who is from Mississauga, Ont., was named Canadian Player of the Week after recording 122 combined yards and a 10-yard touchdown reception in Week 3. Owens, who has 640 total combined yards, has been the focal point of opposing defenses, allowing Ray to use a variety of receivers to tally 917 passing yards. Ray has completed 79-of-110 passes and has yet to throw an interception, spreading the field with five receivers (Owens, Durie, Inman, Jason Barnes and Spencer Watt) recording more than 100 receiving yards apiece.

ABOUT THE BLUE BOMBERS (1-2): Coach Tim Burke cancelled practice Monday as Winnipeg sorted through its injury situation. Linebacker Terrell Parker will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL and defensive back Desia Dunn is out at least two weeks with a hamstring injury, while a host of ailing players including defensive end Alex Hall (league-leading five sacks) missed practice Tuesday. The Blue Bombers allowed six sacks on Pierce in their loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Week 3 and will need to protect him better if they hope to get their offense going.

TRENDS:

* Argonauts are 7-2 ATS in their last nine road games.
* Under is 4-1 in Blue Bombers last five games overall.
* Argonauts are 4-1 ATS in their last five meetings in Winnipeg.
* Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Winnipeg.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Winnipeg is looking for its first home victory at new Investors Group Field after losing to the Montreal Alouettes in Week 1.

2. Argonauts RB Chad Kackert has been limited to 55 rushing yards over the last two games after recording 112 against Hamilton to open the season.

3. The Blue Bombers were flagged for 19 penalties in Week 3.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

British Open: Woods still favored after opening-round 69

Tiger Woods shot a 2-under 69 and remains the betting favorite heading into the second round of play at the British Open.

Tiger (5/2) sits three strokes back of leader Zach Johnson, who fired a 5-under 66 to take sole possession of the lead on Thursday.

Here are the latest odds courtesy of the LVH SuperBook:

BRITISH OPEN
MUIRFIELD - GULLANE, EAST LOTHIAN, SCOTLAND
JULY 18-21, 2013

ODDS TO WIN (updated after 1st Round):

TIGER WOODS 5/2
PHIL MICKELSON 7/1
ZACH JOHNSON 10/1
BRANDT SNEDEKER 12/1
DUSTIN JOHNSON 15/1
ADAM SCOTT 20/1
HENRIK STENSON 20/1
LEE WESTWOOD 25/1
ANGEL CABRERA 25/1
MIGUEL ANGEL JIMENEZ 30/1
FRANCESCO MOLINARI 30/1
MARTIN LAIRD 40/1
JASON DAY 40/1
BUBBA WATSON 40/1
RAFAEL CABRERA BELLO 40/1
IAN POULTER 50/1
GRAEME McDOWELL 60/1
HUNTER MAHAN 60/1
GONZALO FERNANDEZ-CASTANO 60/1
JUSTIN ROSE 80/1
MATT KUCHAR 80/1
MARTIN KAYMER 80/1
TOM LEHMAN 80/1
WEBB SIMPSON 100/1
SERGIO GARCIA 100/1
CHARL SCHWARTZEL 100/1
ERNIE ELS 100/1
JASON DUFNER 100/1
BERND WIESBERGER 100/1
PADRAIG HARRINGTON 125/1
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA 125/1
BRANDEN GRACE 125/1
FREDDIE JACOBSON 125/1
THOMAS BJORN 125/1
RYAN MOORE 125/1
TIM CLARK 150/1
MICHAEL THOMPSON 150/1
THOMAS AIKEN 150/1
STEWART CINK 150/1
NICOLAS COLSAERTS 200/1
CAMILO VILLEGAS 200/1
NICK WATNEY 200/1
MATTEO MANASSERO 200/1
DARREN CLARKE 200/1
TODD HAMILTON 200/1
KEEGAN BRADLEY 250/1
BILLY HORSCHEL 250/1
KIRADECH APHIBARNRAT 250/1
SHANE LOWRY 250/1
RICHARD STERNE 300/1
RORY McILROY 300/1
CARL PETTERSSON 300/1
JAMIE DONALDSON 300/1
MARCEL SIEM 300/1
JOSH TEATER 300/1
JOHN HUH 300/1
JOHNSON WAGNER 300/1
KEVIN STREELMAN 300/1
BEN CURTIS 300/1
ROBERT KARLSSON 500/1
LUKE DONALD 500/1
RICKIE FOWLER 500/1
THORBJORN OLESEN 500/1
JIM FURYK 500/1
BO VAN PELT 500/1
BILL HAAS 500/1
GEORGE COETZEE 500/1
K.J. CHOI 500/1
JOHN SENDEN 500/1
SCOTT PIERCY 500/1
RICHIE RAMSAY 500/1
BUD CAULEY 500/1
VIJAY SINGH 500/1
DANNY WILLETT 500/1
JUSTIN LEONARD 500/1
MARCUS FRASER 500/1
FRED COUPLES 500/1
TOM WATSON 500/1
ROBERT GARRIGUS 1000/1
BRIAN DAVIS 1000/1
DAVID LYNN 1000/1
LUKE GUTHRIE 1000/1
THONGCHAI JAIDEE 1000/1
DAVID DUVAL 1000/1
D.A. POINTS 1000/1
Y.E. YANG 1000/1
LUCAS GLOVER 1000/1
SCOTT BROWN 2000/1
THAWORN WIRATCHANT 2000/1
PAUL LAWRIE 2000/1
HIROYUKI FUJITA 2000/1
ALEXANDER NOREN 5000/1
STEVEN FOX 5000/1
LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN WD
PETER HANSON WD
PAUL CASEY DNQ
JOHN DALY DNS
RETIEF GOOSEN DNQ
FIELD (all others) 20/1


2ND ROUND MATCHUPS:

FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013

(all times eastern)

3:11 AM
MARTIN LAIRD -110
FRANCESCO MOLINARI -110

4:00 AM
SERGIO GARCIA EVEN
GRAEME McDOWELL -120

4:00 AM
MATT KUCHAR +115
LEE WESTWOOD -135

4:11 AM
LUKE DONALD -115
RICKIE FOWLER -105

4:11 AM
ADAM SCOTT +145
TIGER WOODS -165

4:22 AM
HUNTER MAHAN -110
WEBB SIMPSON -110

8:01 AM
JONAS BLIXT -105
TIM CLARK -115

8:23 AM
MARTIN KAYMER EVEN
IAN POULTER -120

8:45 AM
DUSTIN JOHNSON -105
BRANDT SNEDEKER -115

9:12 AM
ERNIE ELS +105
JUSTIN ROSE -125

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