8-1-14

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Game of the Day: CFL doubleheader

Toronto Argonauts at Montreal Alouettes (-3, 48)

The Montreal Alouettes emerge from their bye week to host their first divisional game against the Toronto Argonauts on Friday. Alouettes quarterback Troy Smith is on thin ice following a rough start to the season and a victory over rival Toronto could give him some breathing room. The Argonauts fell to 0-3 on the road with their third consecutive loss last week and need to figure out ways to score while missing the majority of their starting receiving corps.

Despite working with a rotating cast of replacements, Toronto quarterback Ricky Ray still leads the league with 1,501 passing yards. Ray is facing an Alouettes' defense that has struggled against the pass, allowing 282.3 passing yards per game - second-worst in the league. The Argonauts have their own problems on defense after surrendering more touchdowns from scrimmage (10 passing, five rushing) than any other team.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, TSN

LINE HISTORY: The LV Superbook opened the Alouettes as 3.5-point home faves, but that has moved to -3. The total opened 47.5 and now sits at 48.5.

INJURY REPORT: Argonauts - SB Andre Durie (Six-game IR, collarbone), SB Jason Barnes (Six-game IR, knee), SB Chad Owens (Six-game IR, foot). Alouettes - WR Duron Carter (Probable, ankle).

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Argos are perhaps the most injury-riddled team in the CFL right now, and they're paying the price as they check in with just one win on the season. This appears to be a winnable contest with the Alouettes still dealing with more questions than answers, but heading out on the road to Molson Percival Stadium will be no easy task. Toronto will need to lean on its defense in order to steal a win here. There are simply too many key cogs missing on the offensive side of the football. Leaning to the 'under' in this spot as both defenses should come to play on Friday night." Covers Expert Sean Murphy.

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS): Players such as wide receiver Darvin Adams and running back Anthony Coombs are seeing a lot more chances due to the injuries to Chad Owens, Jason Barnes, Andre Durie and John Chiles. Six different Toronto players have more than 100 receiving yards. Rookie defensive lineman Tristan Okpalaugo leads the team with four sacks.

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS): Smith, who is completing 48.7 percent of his passes, could be without one of his main receivers as S.J. Green is questionable with a rib injury. Montreal released defensive end Chris Wilson, who recorded two tackles during his brief tenure with the Alouettes. Defensive end John Bowman continues to build on his franchise-leading sack total with five on the season, bringing his career total to 76.

TRENDS:

* Under is 8-1 in the last nine meetings.
* Argonauts are 5-1 ATS in their last six meetings in Montreal.
* Alouettes are 4-0 ATS in their last four vs. East.
* Under is 4-1 in Argonauts last five road games.

COVERS CONSENSUS: 59.19 percent of wagers on Covers Consensus are behind the Alouettes.



B.C. Lions at Calgary Stampeders (-5, 45.5)

The undefeated Calgary Stampeders host the BC Lions on Friday hoping to take advantage of what is likely BC’s final game without starting quarterback Travis Lulay. Lulay was placed on the six-game injured list to start the season and will be eligible to return Aug. 8 as BC’s offense has struggled at times under the guidance of Kevin Glenn. The Lions managed only six points in Week 5 and face an even stiffer challenge against a Calgary defense that has allowed 52 points over four contests.

Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell has a chance to make CFL history if he can win his eighth consecutive start, which would put him ahead of former quarterback Jeff Garcia for longest winning streak to start a career. Mitchell is going up against the toughest pass defense in the league as the Lions allow 184.4 passing yards per contest. Mitchell struggled against the Edmonton Eskimos’ similarly stingy pass defense in Week 5, but a touchdown off a blocked punt and a strong game from kicker Rene Paredes showed that the Stampeders can win in many ways.

TV: 10 p.m. ET, TSN

LINE HISTORY: The LV Superbook opened the Stams as 5-point home faves. That moved to -5.5, before moving back to -5 and the current -4.5. The total has held at 45.5.

INJURY REPORT: Stampeders - RB Matt Walter (Out, concussion), RB Jon Cornish (Six-game IR, concussion)

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Despite the uneven nature of the Lions early in the campaign, this should still be an entertaining, not to mention important, West Division showdown. Kevin Glenn has been put in a tough spot under center for B.C. and hasn't exactly thrived. Now he'll have to face a fierce Stamps defense that ranks among the best in the league in most categories. Calgary will be without RB Jon Cornish once again, not to mention his backup. Still, there are enough weapons in the passing game to keep the offense afloat. I'm anticipating a competitive game - grabbing the points might be the best option." Covers Expert Sean Murphy.

ABOUT THE LIONS (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS): John Beck filled in briefly for Glenn in Week 5 and could see more time if Glenn tosses his 160th career interception Friday. Running back Andrew Harris leads the league with 311 rushing yards and has a team-leading 268 receiving yards. Linebacker Solomon Elimimian leads the league by a wide margin with 39 tackles.

ABOUT THE STAMPEDERS (4-0, 3-1 ATS): Calgary added veteran running back Hugh Charles to its practice roster shortly after he was released by the Saskatchewan Roughriders, providing more depth in place of the injured Jon Cornish. Running back Martell Mallett is expected to make his first CFL appearance since 2009 alongside Jock Sanders in the Stampeders’ backfield. Jeff Fuller is poised to eclipse his rookie total of 254 receiving yards, needing only 17 more yards to match it.

TRENDS:

* Under is 4-0 in Stampeders last four home games.
* Lions are 7-15-1 ATS in their last 23 meetings.
* Under is 5-0 in Lions last five games overall.
* Stampeders are 4-1-1 ATS in their last six games following a ATS win.

COVERS CONSENSUS: 55.67 percent of wagers on Covers Consensus are backing the Stamps.

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This pitcher has been dismantling next opponent
Justin Hartling

The Minnesota Twins have to be scared to see Chris Sale on the mound Friday. Sale is 6-1 in his last seven starts against the Twins.

Sale has given up more than three runs just once in his past six starts against the Twins. In fact, the Twins have averaged less than two runs per game facing Sale while giving up seven strikeouts a game.

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Rangers facing past demons against this team
Justin Hartling

The Texas Rangers are facing one of their worst-played teams in recent memory when they travel to Cleveland Friday. The Rangers have dropped nine of their past 10 games against the Indians.

In the previous 10 games, the Rangers have allowed the Tribe to score twice as many runs as they have (CLE-60,TEX-30). Only once in those ten contests have the Rangers held the Indians under double-digit hits and on two occasions allowed 18 hits.

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Bettors cashing in when these two teams meet
Justin Hartling

Total bettors have been running to wager on meetings between the Oakland Athletics and the Kansas City Royals. In the past 16 meetings between the A's and Royals, the under has paid out 12 times (a 3-12-1 over/record overall).

In 16 meetings between the two teams has seen the teams tally an average of less than six runs per game.

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These teams put up big numbers against one another
Justin Hartling

The San Francisco Giants and New York Mets are set to battle in a weekend series that could be a boom for totals bettors. In the last 10 meetings between the Giants and Mets, the over has paid out eight times.

Seven of those past 10 games between the two teams has seen them score a combined total of nine or higher.

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This team has been dominated facing Wainwright
Featured DraftKings content

The Milwaukee Brewers have been baffled by St. Louis Cardinals' Adam Wainwright. The last four games in which the Brewers stared down Wainwright on the mound they have gone winless.

The Brewers have managed more than two runs just once in those four outings. Wainwright has also twice pitched complete games against Milwaukee.

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Golf Professor



SECOND ROUND MATCH UPS






1 Unit(1%) Plays


212 *Kevin Na -135 over Brendon de Jonge


213 *Bubba Watson +120 over Adam Scott


216 *Steve Stricker -120 over Thomas Bjorn

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2Halves2Win MLB:

1* GAME - KC @ OAK: Athletics -1.5 RL - TBD

(COMP)

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August Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

With the MLB trade deadline having closed and the NFL preseason whetting our pigskin appetite, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. Which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to turn our stomach? Take a look below.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of August. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in August team starts, winning 33% percent or less of their efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each August over the last three years. *Designates this pitcher appeared on the list last season.

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers. Until then, enjoy the hot August nights.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS

Buehrle, Mark (11-5)

After a phenomenal start, the Toronto left-hander has returned to career norms, but if the Blue Jays are to make the postseason, Buehrle will have to play a large role. Toronto overall has flourished with the Missouri native on the mound with a 15-7 overall record and a sharp 10-3 when he’s been the favorite.

*Chen, Bruce (12-6)

Chen has only been back in the Kansas City rotations since the end of June and frankly has not been effective. Because the Royals offense runs cold and warm, they are dependent on their starters like Chen to keep them in games. They will need the Chen of August’s past to stay in wild card contention.

*Gallardo, Yovani (12-1)

The Brewers ace has not put up the kind of numbers Milwaukee fans have come to expect. In his last 11 starts he’s just 3-2, but Gallardo has lowered his ERA just over a run, which shows progress. The Brew Crew does not figure to win the division without one of their key elements and they need him to own this month like in the past.

Greinke, Zack (13-4)

Manager Don Mattingly is receiving just what he needs from his No. 2 pitcher... consistency. What makes Greinke unique is his approach since he has an array of pitches he can throw for strikes. On days maybe when the fastball lacks the usual juice or location is an issue, he can turn to various breaking pitches to get batters out and keep changing speeds to keep them off-balance.

Hamels, Cole (11-4)

After a slow start coming back from injury, Hamels has been brilliant with a sparking 1.77 ERA in his last 10 starts. He’s averaging better than a strikeout an inning and on the season and has a 1.70 ERA on the road, doing his best on aging team that will be rebuilding go forward.

Lohse, Kyle (11-4)

Though not the official ace of the Brewers, he’s pitched like one all season. The Crew is 15-7 when Lohse takes the ball and they are a gritty 5-2 as underdogs. Milwaukee’s right-hander is bulldog on the road, as he and his teammates are 9-4 away from Miller Park.

Minor, Mike (10-5)

To say this has not been a good season for Minor is an understatement, as his ERA has risen by 3.5 runs in his last 10 starts and the left-hander has surrendered a head-shaking .393 batting average against lefties no less. Despite Atlanta averaging just 3.9 runs a game, they have scored a full run more in Minor’s 16 outings, which why they are .500 when he’s pitched. It’s hard to imagine a quick about face.

*Santana, Ervin (12-5)

This turned out to be a great pickup for Atlanta after suffering heavy losses to its starting staff in the spring. Santana does not overpower opposing hitters, but he’s really kept right-handed batters off balance as they are hitting only .206 against. Santana has always pitched better at home than on the road and be sure to play him this month at Turner Field.

*Scherzer, Max (13-4)

Some baseball pundits wondered if Scherzer found lightning in a bottle last season in winning the Cy Young, but he’s come right back with another solid campaign. Among his strengths is he doesn’t beat himself and has a 4-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio. He’s also known for his relentless determination, making him tough to bet against.

*Shields, James (13-4)

Shields is a true professional and David Price of Tampa Bay credits him for setting the standard for hard work and enhancing his career. The righty might not have the lowest ERA or flashiest numbers, yet he will more often than not hold the opposition to one less run than his team scores, which piles up the W’s.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS

Hernandez, Roberto (4-8)

Since winning 19 games in 2007, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona is 44-72, had two stints in the minors and is primarily a fifth starter trying to hold on to a big league paycheck (Maybe the Cubs could use him). Whatever name he signs on the back of his paycheck these days is definite play against material here.

*Correia, Kevin (2-10)

Though the Twins soft-tossing starter had a good stretch over seven starts beginning on June 10, the fact of the matter is 5-13 with an ERA of 5.06 this season. (As of 7-31-14) Since this is the fourth different team he’s been a starting pitcher for since 2008, don’t expect any real improvement this month.

Hellickson, Jeremy (5-11)

Hellickson began the season on the disabled list due to right elbow surgery and has spent most of the season at Double and Triple-A, trying to work his way back to the big club. He made two spot starts in July and it is not guaranteed he will do anything more than that in August.

Jimenez, Ubaldo (5-12)

Jimenez last pitched for Baltimore on July 5th after suffering a right ankle sprain. He’s scheduled to make two rehab starts in the first part of August before returning to the Orioles. However, the Birds have been playing very good baseball without him and his 3-8 record and 4.52 ERA, thus you have to wonder if he moves back into Buck Showalter’s rotation.

*Maholm, Paul (3-8)

Strictly a reliever and spot starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has an ERA of almost five and just 34 punch-outs to go along with 27 walks.

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CFL Betting Notes - Week 6
By David Schwab

The CFL schedule heads into Week 6 of the regular season and the gap in talent between the West and East Division continues to widen. The West has four teams sitting at .500 or better while the four teams in the East have a combined record of 4-13 straight up.

Week 5 in the league kicked things off last Thursday with Calgary remaining perfect on the year in a 26-22 victory over Edmonton as a two-point road underdog. The total in that game stayed just UNDER the 49-point closing line. Friday’s only action saw Winnipeg continuing its strong start with a 23-6 victory against British Columbia as an eight-point underdog on the road. The total stayed well UNDER the closing line of 51 ½ points in that contest.

This past Saturday’s double-header kicked things off with Hamilton outlasting Ottawa 33-23 as a 6 ½-point home favorite with the total going OVER the 47-point line. Saskatchewan wrapped things up with a 37-9 rout over Toronto as an eight-point favorite at home. The total stayed UNDER the closing 51-point betting line.

Friday, Aug. 1

Toronto (1-4 SU, 1-4 ATS) at Montreal (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Montreal -3 ½
Total: 48

Game Overview

Toronto has bared little resemblance to the team that won the East last season with a SU record of 11-7. Ricky Ray is still throwing the ball all over the field with a CFL-high 1,501 passing yards and six touchdown throws, but the Argonauts’ defense has not made things easy with an average of 29.8 points allowed. This is also the highest total in the league.

Montreal is coming off a bye week after stumbling out to a 1-3 start against three different teams from the West (it split two games against BC). An ineffective Troy Smith has seen the majority of the action at quarterback, but look for the Alouettes to possibly turn to Tanner Marsh if Smith gets off to another slow start.

Betting Trends

Toronto has covered the spread in five of its last six trips to Montreal, but overall in this East Division showdown it is 7-15 ATS in the last 22 meetings. The road team has won the last six games SU and the total has stayed UNDER in eight of the last nine meetings between the two.

British Columbia (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS) at Calgary (4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -5
Total: 45 ½

Game Overview

Last week’s loss to Winnipeg was a serious set-back for a Lions’ team that was favored by many to win the West this year so this Friday becomes a huge test to get back into the race. Kevin Glenn continues to fill-in at quarterback for the injured Travis Lulay, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury.

Calgary may not have the most dynamic offense in the CFL with an average 24.8 points a game, but that has been more than enough production with a defense that has given-up a grand total of 52 points through its first four outings. Bo Levi Mitchell has done an excellent job at managing the game at quarterback and Matt Walter is the team’s leading rusher with 139 yards on 29 carries.

Betting Trends

BC is 7-15-1 ATS in the last 23 meetings and the total has gone OVER in four of the last six games. The home team in this West Division clash has won SU in seven of the last nine games and the total has stayed UNDER in two of the last three meetings.

Saturday, Aug. 2

Saskatchewan (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) at Ottawa (1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS)
Point-spread: Saskatchewan -4
Total: 50

Game Overview

Last season’s CFL Grey Cup Champs proved they still know how to put points on the board and play defense with last week’s win over Toronto. This followed a shaky 1-2 start in the Roughriders first three games. Will Ford led the way against the Argonauts with 114 yards rushing and three touchdowns after recently joining the team.

The expansion RedBlacks keep showing up week after week as a better team than their record might indicate. Henry Burris put the ball up 44 times against Hamilton last week and completed 27 passes for 290 yards and two scores. Running back Chevon Walker is ranked fourth in the league in rushing yards with 251 yards on 45 attempts.

Betting Trends

Saskatchewan is 3-1-1 ATS in its last five games following a SU win, but it is just 8-22 ATS in its last 30 games against a team with a SU losing record. The total has stayed UNDER in 10 of their last 14 games.

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Arthur Ralph Sports

Free play FRI

Cards -165 w/ Wainwright

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Mighty Quinn

Mighty missed with the Tigers on Thursday and likes the Reds on Friday.

The deficit is 451 sirignanos.

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Hondo

It’s easy to win if you have the Cards, especially when they bludgeon the Padres as they did

Thursday to lower Hondo’s deficit to 1,325 caldwells.

Friday night: It’s the end of the week and Mr. Aitch needs a Brew — 10 units on Peralta to cut the Cards down to size.

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Gamblers Data

Free Plays Friday

Phils/ Nats under 7.5

Braves/Pads under 7