Saturday Selections

Nice to knockdown two out of three winners, taking us to 81-52-3, 60.9 percent. Have a rare NBA system this time of year, however at 84.6 percent, difficult to ignore. Top notch Trend going in the NL East and Sal tries to deliver another winner with Free Play. Good Luck. By the way, added new feature to bottom of page.

What I thought yesterday- The NHL really screwed up the Stanley Cup Finals. Back to back games, three games and four days and four games in six days. Games three and four won’t even be televised on major network (Versus). Commish Gary Bettman should be fired on this alone.

Free Basketball System-1) PLAY OVER when the total is between 190 to 199.5 points in the sixth game of a playoff series. (22-4, 84.6 percent L13Y)

Free Baseball Trend -2) Josh Johnson and the Florida Marlins are 13-1 against NL East rivals.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Sal stays hot and backs Detroit Tigers with Justin Verlander pitching.

Holy Craps! How a Gambling Grandma Broke the Record

By Claire Suddath from Time.com

Friday, May. 29, 2009

It sounds like a homework problem out of a high school math book: What is the probability of rolling a pair of dice 154 times continuously at a craps table, without throwing a seven?

The answer is roughly 1 in 1.56 trillion, and on May 23, Patricia Demauro, a New Jersey grandmother, beat those odds at Atlantic City's Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa. Demauro's 154-roll lucky streak, which lasted four hours and 18 minutes, broke the world records for the longest craps roll and the most successive dice rolls without "sevening out."

According to Stanford University statistics professor Thomas Cover, the chances of that happening are smaller than getting struck by lightning (one in a million), being hit by an errant ball at a baseball game (one in 1.5 million) or winning the lottery (one in 100 million, depending on the game).So, how did it happen?

On Saturday, Denville native Demauro and her friend John Capra decided to indulge their yen to bet. Their Atlantic City jaunt began innocuously enough, with Demauro, only a casual casinogoer, planting herself in front of a penny slot machine on the Borgata floor and Capra going off to try his hand at three-card poker.By 8 p.m., a few hours later, Demauro had grown tired of the slots.

She ventured into the poker room to collect her friend, who was losing money. He offered to show her how to play craps. Of the 14 available craps tables, they sidled up to the nearest one and waited for the three other players to finish rolling. Capra shot next, but sevened out quickly.

Then, he handed Demauro the dice. Craps is known as the world's most common dice game and it is played, with varying rules and sizes of table, in virtually every casino on the planet. Craps is a game of chance rather than skill, and with a low house advantage — around 1.4%, which makes it harder to beat than blackjack but easier than roulette — even novices can win. That is, if they're lucky.

According to the casino, Demauro started her roll at 8:13 p.m. She bought into the game with $100 and when the orange-colored dice came around to her, she rubbed her hands together and let them fly.

Demauro says she had played craps only once before, and being an inexperienced better, followed Capra's advice when placing bets. A craps turn begins with an initial or "come out" roll, in which the player tries to establish a "point number" — that is, when the dice add up to four, five, six, eight, nine or 10. Once that happens, the player must roll the point again before throwing a seven, which is statistically the most likely outcome on a pair of dice.

If the player rolls a seven before the point, the turn ends. As soon as Demauro hit her point number (eight), people started betting. She says the game moved so fast after that, she couldn't really keep up. "There are all these terms I didn't know," Demauro says. "People were yelling out 'Yo.'" I said to John, 'What's "yo?"' I think that's an 11."The table filled up and a throng of spectators gathered. Demauro rolled double sixes, hard fours, snake eyes, every possible combination of the dice. Some people called out requests and Demauro managed to fulfill them.

Players from the nearby blackjack table came over to watch, and then came the casino executives, or as she describes them, "men in dark suits." Demauro and her audience knew they would never witness anything like this again.

"There was a woman there, and we happened to catch each other's eyes," Demauro says, "She smiled at me, and I smiled and said, 'I don't know how to play the game.'"Although there is no official organization that keeps track of gambling world records, a number of clubs record significant dice rolls.

Before Demauro's, the longest craps roll lasted three hours and six minutes — accomplished at a Las Vegas casino in 1989, with 118 rolls. And according to gambling expert and author of Beat the Craps Out of the Casinos, Frank Scoblete, the highest number of successive dice rolls was 147, thrown by a man operating under the pseudonym the "Captain" in 2005. The average number of dice rolls before sevening out? Eight.

Given the rules of the game, there are any number of ways to achieve 154 consecutive rolls without crapping out, though all of them are highly unlikely. Unlikely but not impossible.

Stanford's Cover explains: "Let's say we have a million gamblers trying a thousand events at any one time. That's a billion different rolls of craps." Out of a billion different games, the probability of getting an event that special is reduced to one in 1,000.

"It's not out of the realm of possibility," he says.

Demauro declined to reveal how much money she won, but gambling experts estimate that if she made good bets, her winnings were probably in the hundreds of thousands; expert bets would have put them in the millions. Demauro and Capra spent the rest of their holiday weekend in Atlantic City, and even returned to the same craps table two nights later — but only as spectators.

"The expectations were too high," she says. "I wasn't ready to be the shooter again."Once the shock of her good fortune wears off, however, she says she'll try throwing the dice again. After all, sometimes lightning strikes twice.

Can Orlando closeout Cleveland at home?

From sweaty t-shirts printed, to songs from Cold World and Non Phixion, the story is all the same – Refuse to Lose. That is what the Cleveland Cavaliers did at home and they live to play again in Game 6 in Orlando. The chief architect was a familiar face, LeBron James and while he deserves the king’s share of credit, he hardly did it by himself this time.

The focus on news outlets was James triple-double; however this time he had comrades in arms, who were ready to seize the moment. LeBron was also helped by the fact his coach Mike Brown, made adjustments prior to the game, which kept the Magic off-balance and could play into how long this Eastern Final continues.

Cleveland started the game with best ball movement of the series, having all five players on the floor involved and it paid immediate dividends with both Mo Williams and Delonte West making shots and restoring their confidence. Of course with Orlando, take nothing for granted and by halftime, the Cavaliers 17-point lead had melted faster than a Disney snow cone in June, with Cleveland up by just a single point after 24 minutes.

The third quarter was back and forth, with Orlando showing why they were 17-4 ATS playing as underdog coming into Game 5 and held slim one digit lead after three quarters.

With Cleveland 6-1 ATS in last seven games after breaking century mark in points, it was James will that did not allow his team to lose. After receiving much credit for guarding LeBron well, Orlando’s Mickael Pietrus more resembled Wally Szczerbiak trying to contain James. When LeBron needed to score he did, when he needed to find open shooter, he did and this time his teammates responded.

Coach Brown added a new offense wrinkle that widened the area James had at the top of the key, giving him more freedom to roam than a person wanting breakfast at dinner time at IHOP. This spacing prevented effective Orlando double-teams and set up Cleveland shooters to “walk into” shots in rhythm. Because of how effective this adjustment worked, coach Ron Jeremy, whoops, Stan Van Gundy will have to come up with an answer to counter, otherwise this series heads back to Cleveland.

The Cavaliers are 8-0 ATS in road games after failing to cover four of their last five contests against the spread since 2007, winning by almost six points a game (5.8). Coach Brown and James, have their fingers crossed the Cavs guards have rediscovered shooting touch and reserve Daniel Gibson can come off the bench and supply double digits again. Cleveland is a two-point underdog at DiamondSportsbook.com, with a total of 193, easily the highest of the series. The Cavs are 14-4 ATS after scoring 110 points or more and seemed resigned to the fact they have to outscore Orlando, rather than out-defend them.

This will be the Magic’s second opportunity in the postseason to clinch series at Amway Arena, having failed in same spot against Boston. Orlando is 10-1 ATS at home after a loss by 10 points or more and 14-2 against the spread in downtown Orlando after allowing 110 points or more two straight games. The Magic will have to bring sterner defense, as Cavs shot 50 percent from the field and the three-balls. Dwight Howard needs more than 10 attempts and he has to be more assertive on offensive glass then snagging three boards.

Rashard Lewis can’t be so passive and Rafer Alston can’t miss nine of 10 shots. Coach Van Gundy must talk about ball movement, since Orlando had as many assists (12) as LeBron did.

Game 6 should be fascinating on TNT starting at 8:35 Eastern and totals players; here is a sterling system to consider - Play OVER when the total is between 190 to 199.5 points in the sixth game of a playoff series. (22-4, 84.6 percent L13Y)

Stanley Cup Final Preview

The NHL powers that be in their haste to capitalize on good television ratings and unique rematch, more or less screwed up the Stanley Cup Finals. They were originally scheduled for long break after Detroit and Pittsburgh clinched early, starting on Friday June 5. Instead, the teams will play back to back games this weekend, three games in four days and four games in six days, all before the original start of the series.

Detroit, the defending Cup champions, can’t help but feel the league is against them. The Red Wings have more nagging ailments than a wing at a retirement home.

"We're not happy, I have to be honest," Wings GM Ken Holland told ESPN.com from his office Thursday. "We're disappointed that we haven't had an extra day's rest. It's a double-whammy, the quick turnaround and back-to-back games [to open the finals]. We're disappointed because we think when you win a series in five games or less, that you have earned an opportunity to have a few more days of rest.”

This should provide emotional fuel for Detroit, who still has the most depth of any NHL team and it will be tested against younger and hungry Pittsburgh team. For both teams the schedule is set, thus you have to win four contests to be Stanley Cup champions, even if the league set up doubleheaders.

This is the first rematch from the prior season in 25 years and the parallels are eerie. A young Edmonton team, led by Wayne Gretzky, had been handled by a veteran New York Islanders squad who had dominated play for a number of years. The Oilers learned their lessons and came back and defeated the Isles the following season and set on their own journey.

Pittsburgh, led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, are trying to do much the same thing. This duo has been the dominant force in this year’s postseason, totaling 56 points. Both struggled in last year’s Finals, especially Malkin, and each seeks redemption. The Penguins are also receiving contributions from players like Bill Guerin and Ruslan Fedotenko, making them especially dangerous.

One big difference for Pittsburgh is maturity level, they have played with more purpose and everyone is doing a superb job forechecking, which has led to numerous scoring chances. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury will give up a couple of soft goals, but has been resolute in not letting it bother him and he’s turned back many difficult shots and is in Cup Finals again. Pittsburgh has won 24 of last 33 games against teams with winning records.

Detroit is banged up and is expecting to have defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom back. How close to full strength he and the other walking wounded will be is anyone’s guess, however this is for the Stanley Cup and there is a great deal of pride involved when your team has won four of last 11.

Pittsburgh does not have anyone like Johan Franzen or Marian Hossa who can causes real headaches for Penguins defense. Neither has been special in the playoffs, though wholly capable. The Hossa situation is a delicious subplot, since he walked away from a better long-term contract offer with Pittsburgh last season, to play for Detroit. He basically thumbed his nose at the Penguins, believing the Red Wings were a better team. Though opinions vary about his decision, Detroit is still 54-18 in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last three seasons.

In the name of Gump Worsley, let’s stop all this nonsense about how good is Chris Osgood. All he does is set up the last line of defense of what has been the best team in hockey for a decade. Does he sometimes falter during the regular season, no doubt. If he wasn’t an elite goaltender, he wouldn’t be in net, period.

Detroit is a -150 money line choice to take the first game on home ice, with total Un5.5. The Red Wings have won 16 of last 19 games in the Finals and are 42-9 at Joe Louis after playing at home. Pittsburgh is 9-3 as road underdog of +110 to +150 and is 11-4 as visitor after scoring three or more goals in three consecutive games. The teams split a pair of meetings, each winning on the others home ice.

As far as the series is concerned, Detroit is -145 favorite. If completely healthy, the Red Wings are the best team in hockey. However, they are not and the league did them no favors in setting up schedule this way. Detroit is not nearly as good a defensive team as last year, surrendering 60 more goals during the regular season. With Pittsburgh at the top of their game and their dynamic duo hungry and more forceful, the Penguins are well-positioned. To date, have 11-3 record in selecting series winners and will back Pittsburgh to be crowned champions.

Pick- Pittsburgh (+125) in six

Series odds from DiamondSportsbook.com

Plays for the last Friday in May

Split a pair yesterday and nod to the LCC on Baltimore, never would have thought they would beat the Tigers. Sal returns with a Free Play, which is in the American League. The Padres are in ticklish situation in a backwards way for Top Trend. The Halos are in 35-6 system against Seattle this evening. Good Luck. By the way, added new small feature at bottom of the page.

What I learned yesterday- Before defeating the Rays today, 2-1, Cleveland had lost the last 29 games in which it scored two or fewer runs, which was the longest current losing streak of that type in the major leagues heading into play on Thursday.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON home favorites with a money line of -125 to -175, who are average AL offensive team totaling 4.7 to 5.2 runs per game, against a descent starter (4.20 or less ERA), after a combined score of four runs or less. The L.A. Angels the team that fits this description for system that is 35-6, 85.4 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Chris Young and San Diego are 0-7 in road games vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .250 or worse over the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Sal likes Texas to win Game 2 of their doubleheader against Oakland tonight.

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L.A. Lakers stir pot, try to chew up Nuggets

It turned out to be true; Kobe Bryant of the Lakers really does have teammates that want to win and are willing to put forth the effort to do so. Because Kobe finally was comforted with company, Los Angeles is within one game of return trip to NBA Finals, though not without a little controversy along the way, which makes for good playoff fodder.

An anonymous member of the Denver Nuggets told the Denver Post, "The Lakers paid $50,000 to win that game," he said. "They got their money's worth." He was referring to 25 grand in fines David Stern’s minions handed out to coach Phil Jackson and the Lakers organization for comments after Game 4.

Denver’s George Karl lamented essentially, the squeaky wheel gets taken care of and the Lakers got the benefit of calls for critical Game 5. Evidently Karl has no sense of history, since this coaching showmanship has gone on since Eddie Gottlieb’s Philadelphia Warriors defeated the Chicago Staggs to win first ever NBA title in 1947.

Having watched the entire game with no sound (don’t ask, just trust it made sense to me), I never got the sense the officiating was one-sided. I did however take note that Denver stopped taking the ball to the rim in the fourth quarter and was 5 for 21 shooting in last 12 minutes. I also noticed the strong interior defense of Denver completely fell apart in the fourth quarter, as the Lakers ran screens to set up isolation plays and scored six baskets that I recall within three feet of basket.

The first 17 minutes of the game was played like any regular season game, as neither team was emotionally involved, until both teams had manufactured exciting dunks, which revved up the crowd and the emotions of players.

Lamar Odom, showed why he can be the difference between L.A. being among the best teams, to NBA champs when he adds 19 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Derek Fisher tossed in a dozen points and though he saw limited minutes, Andrew Bynum contributed when on the floor. In fact, the Lakers bench outscored the Denver reserves 34-26, which is telling, with final margin of victory nine points.

Denver is 17-7 ATS revenging a road loss and is backed into corner. The Nuggets never matched the same intensity they had the first two games in La-La Land, even as they built seven-point lead midway thru the third quarter. This was proven as they had no answer to blunt Lakers rush that saw them run off 23 of next 28 points to wrestle control of contest. The Lakers finally challenged Karl’s troops with unfamiliar style, playing intense defense.

The Lakers enter Game 6 as 5.5-point underdogs and are 8-3 ATS when DiamondSportsbook.com or another oddsmaker places them in that position. Only one game has exceeded the total in West Finals and Los Angeles is 9-1 UNDER in conference finals. Denver is 7-0 against the number off a straight up loss and is 8-1 ATS as home favorites. Of the last 12 games the Nuggets have played against winning teams, 10 have gone UNDER the number.

It’s do-or-die for Carmelo Anthony and mates, and as the Lakers have shown, they don’t necessarily have the killer instinct to polish off opponent. If should be quite an atmosphere at the Pepsi Center, with Denver trying to avoid falling to 3-11 ATS when trailing in playoff series and head back to downtown Los Angeles for Sunday showdown.

MLB Series Betting- Red Sox at Blue Jays

The heavy sigh emitting out of the Toronto Blue Jays clubhouse is one of relief. Though everything is far from perfect, it’s nice to be home after a road trip that was as bad as it gets. On May 19, Toronto embarked on nine-game road trip, with 3 1/2 game lead in the AL East. After visits to Boston, Atlanta and Baltimore, the Blue Jays limped home 0-9 and in third place. The offense deserves most of the blame scoring 13 runs in first eight games. When the bats finally awoke, the bullpen couldn’t hold a five-run lead in the eighth inning in Baltimore and blew a two-run lead in extra innings in the same game. Manager Cito Gaston was relieved his club was off on Thursday, "I think it's going to be a welcome thing for all of us to get away from the game for a day and come back and pick up on Friday," said Gaston.

Boston earned a split in Minnesota, with 3-1 afternoon victory Thursday, to start 10-game road trip 2-2. "(Playing) .500 baseball on the road is pretty good," Jeff Bailey said. "If you can get above of that, it's excellent. It's a good thing -- especially coming off two straight losses -- to get that win." This allowed Boston to have half-game lead over New York for first place in the AL East.

The Red Sox have had their problems are artificial turf and are 11-23 on the fake stuff the last couple of years. Toronto is ninth in on-base percentage with .353 average and Boston is 18-4 vs. an AL team with an on base percentage of .345 or better this season. The Red Sox will start Tim Wakefield (6-2, 3.99) in the opener, who is 17-11 lifetime against the Jays with 3.68 ERA. DiamondSportsbook.com has Boston and their knuckle-baller as -114 money line favorites, with a total of Un10 and they are 16-7 OVER as a favorite of -110 or higher since last season.

Toronto counters with Casey Janssen (0-1, 4.50 ERA), who started six days ago and had a solid game, which was his first big league outing since 2007. He pitched six innings and allowed three runs after returning from torn labrum he suffered to pitching shoulder in March 2008. The Jays are 20-7 in home games after allowing eight runs or more, which they did in 12-10 loss to Orioles two days ago.

Game 1 Edge: Boston

This will be the first game of the day on Saturday, with just after 1:00 Eastern start and Toronto has won 11 of last 15 games on this day of the week. The Blue Jays coming into the series being one the best home team’s in baseball with 16-6 record, picking up +8 units of profit. Toronto has also enjoyed playing in the daytime with 14-5 record. They will start Brian Tallet (2-3, 4.31), who is a career reliever, forced into action with depleted starting staff. He’s pitched well in seven of eight starts and the left-hander has been much tough on right-hand batters who are hitting only .190 against him (lefty’s .270). He’s also pitched much better at the Rogers Centre with 2.66 ERA.

Brad Penny (5-1, 5.96) has a very good record, which doesn’t explain how poorly he has pitched, with ERA more indicative of efforts, coupled with a great deal of luck. In Penny’s nine starts, Boston batters have averaged 6.4 runs per game. He could be the beneficiary of more run support with the BoSox 10-3 versus left-hand starters.

Game 2 Edge: Boston

The series concludes with a battle of young port-siders going head to head. Boston’s Jon Lester (3-5, 6.07) has been a disappointment, continually finding too much of the plate and getting the ball up, as teams are hitting .307 against him this season. His ERA is over seven on the road, though he is 2-2 with a 3.52 ERA in six career starts against the Blue Jays. Ricky Romero (2-1, 3.08) is the Toronto hurler and the 24-year old is known as more of ground ball pitcher. In 26 1/3 innings, he has better than 3-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio. Like most young pitchers, he throws much better at home, with 1.38 ERA. Romero generates fastball in the low-90’s, with a good curve. He’ll have to keep his wits about him, since the Red Sox come north of the border 10-3 OVER against lefties on the road.

Game 3 Edge: Toronto

Everything would seem to favor Boston in this series, having better pitchers facing a slumping team. The Red Sox pitchers haven’t exactly performed well and the Toronto pitchers have been much more effective on home turf. These teams have split last 18 contests at the Rogers Centre, thus expect a hotly-contested series, especially with Blue Jays having been swept. In the end, the Red Sox record against left-hander starters and having better bullpen make the difference.

DiamondSportsbook.com series odds: Boston -125, Toronto -105

3DW Edge Pick: Boston

2009 Record – 2-4

Thursday May 28 action and wife's birthday

You get knocked down and you get right back up, which is what we did yesterday with 3-0 day. Not much to choose from today, which is why Sal is passing; however LLC bettors have a curious, in my opinion, selection, which won’t be official Free play. Top Trend looks at Game 5 in the East and Best System is on the base paths at 48-11 since 2004. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday- Johan Santana allowed three runs in six innings in the Mets win. That snapped a streak of 14 consecutive home starts in which he did not allow more than two runs, tying the longest such streak by any pitcher in baseball's "modern era" (i.e. since 1900). Doc White (1905-06 White Sox) and Ed Reulbach (1906-07 Cubs) also had 14-start streaks at home.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs like Atlanta with a money line of +100 or higher, who are batting .200 or worse over their last three games, against opponent with a hot starting pitcher with WHIP of 1.000 or less over his last five starts. This is the only quality system on a short sked, which is 48-11, 81.4 percent.

Free Basketball Trend -2) The Orlando Magic are 13-1 ATS in last 14 contests with Cleveland.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Sal doesn’t like anything today, but five of seven Left Coast Connection members prefer Baltimore for some reason tonight.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right. You will also receive all my personal plays for Free and your name will NEVER be given to anyone.

Inhospitable home MLB teams

Its happened to all of us, we are invited over someone’s home as a guest and the place is set up as a palace. The entire house looks like out of magazine, where everything is perfect. If you have or did have children visiting this palatial estate, your body temperature just rose about three degrees, thinking about how you are going to keep your kids in tow, without messing up beautiful setting. You know you are in conundrum when the host gives you coasters, before they ask you what you want to drink.

This happens to be how many major league baseball teams feel when they have to play at certain ballparks. Though they can spit and spill drinks, more often than not, they are ill-equipped to do their job as visitors, win in opposing parks.

Sometimes, teams are just superior and the park has nothing to do with it. Other times there are quirks, which intimidate opponents and make them feel unsettled. Whatever the rationale, it works for these teams that take the field first and have the last at bat. Here is what clubs have enjoyed the home cookin’ and been downright rude to guests.

At the top of the list are the Los Angeles Dodgers at 18-5, garnering +10.8 units of profit, after record start of 13-0. Dodger Stadium has always been known as pitchers’ park, with the heavy air for most evening encounters. Most of the time when the Dodgers are at their best, they are able to put together a potent offensive team. Los Angeles is tied with Tampa Bay with the most productive offense in the majors at 5.7 runs per game and they are second in the National League behind Colorado at home. The Dodgers have been lambasting teams wearing the home whites, winning by 2.5 runs per contest, thanks to balanced line-up that is not feeling the affects of Manny Ramirez’s suspension. Orlando Hudson and Casey Blake have been stripen’ the horsehide and Juan Pierre has made the most of his chance to play for Manny, batting almost .400 this season.

If there is one shocking team to be among the best in baseball at home, it is the San Diego Padres. The Friars were supposed to be among the worst teams in baseball, lacking talent at most positions and having to rebuild bullpen as cash-strapped club. For some reason, the people that designed ballparks in San Diego, like them to have outfield expanse similar to the Grand Canyon. This alone keeps scores down and add in the heavy marine air at Petco Park, which is situated not far from Pacific Ocean, well you get the picture. Though the offense has been as sorry as presumed in scoring 3.7 RPG at home, the pitching has looked like the 1969 Mets. The Padres are 17-6 (+10.3) at Petco, presently holding a 10-game winning streak. No team in baseball allows fewer runs at home than San Diego at 3.2 per contest and while Jake Peavy and Chris Young are the known quantities, it is a bullpen that has ERA of 2.20 (over six on the road) at home that has allowed the Pads to manufacture just enough runs to win home games.

Another team that plays to its park is Boston, who is 17-6 (+7.9) at Fenway Park this season. The Red Sox fans are right on top of the action at the venerable ball yard and create intimidation factor when the opposing batter has two strikes or pitcher is in challenging spot, if Boston has rally emerging. Talent of course is the number one factor and this team has evolved from one that used to just swing to beat the ball off Green Monster, to one that takes advantage of the deeper parts of center and right-center or left-handed hitters that jack the ball down the short right field porch. Playing the Red Sox on the run line is effective method of wagering, since they win by two runs per game and are 13-4 at home in games determined by two or more runs.

One of the early surprises in the first quarter of the MLB season has been the Toronto Blue Jays. A miserable road trip has dropped the Blue Jays out of the AL East lead, but when they return home to Rogers Centre, Toronto will try to pick up where they left off with 16-6 record (+8 units). The most notable factor about the Jays playing at home is the pitching and defense. The RC is fairly neutral ballpark, however no team in the American League surrenders fewer runs than the Jays at home (3.9). Having Roy “Doc” Halladay at the top of the rotation is a benefit to pitching staff that was riddled with injuries to start the season. With so many youngsters forced into action, like most youthful hurlers, they are more comfortable at home. The team ERA is over 1.50 lower at home and the offense picks up, scoring 5.2 RPG and ranking fifth in home park home runs among the 30 competing teams.

How will these four teams be playing by the All-Star break, nobody knows for sure, nonetheless, for the present, each club deserves our attention as possible Play On squad when playing on own diamond.

Cleveland Cavs and backers in search of answers

It’s not a great time to be a Cleveland basketball fan, because what looked like a return to the NBA Finals is in serious jeopardy. The Cavaliers situation has everything to do with what is taking place on the court, not preconceived notions. Cleveland may have one of the two best players in basketball; however their team is not as good as Orlando’s. The margin of difference is not dramatic, but it is enough to matter and Cleveland backers have four losing wagering tickets to prove it in this series.

So what have been the differences to this point, let’s examine.

Orlando plays an unusual style of offense; basically they have Dwight Howard as only true post player, surrounded by four perimeter players. Howard, though limited in offensive moves, has superior strength over Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao and its laughable to suggest Ben Wallace would do better job than either of those two. Howard has had his way in the paint and uses his quickness to snatch offensive rebounds and have put-backs.

When Cleveland decides to double-team Howard, this leaves open the Magic’s array of shooters, who either can make medium or long distance shots, or drive to the basket thru open lanes created by doubling-down on Howard. It is clear the Cavs players are much more comfortable double-teaming within 5-15 feet range, as compared to being spread out like Orlando forces them to do at greater distances. This leaves coach Mike Brown with a real dilemma, either drink the poison or be injected with it.

Though Mo Williams and Delonte West are normally reliable shooters, they have not been in this series, not even close. This was never more evident than in Game 4, when the Cavaliers where moving the ball crisply and players that were able to get into the teeth of Orlando defense were kicking out passes to Williams and West and neither looked like they could make a shot if the basket was 2-feet larger in diameter. West to his credit worked on isolation matchups and was effective on the block in postup situations. Unfortunately, this twosome was gruesome 0-6 beyond the arc.

Cleveland returns home, where they are 44-3 (31-16 ATS), with one of the losses coming in the East Finals. As mentioned previously, one of the most difficult challenges for a sports bettor to overcome is believing what you are seeing and letting go of paradigms. Though Cleveland had the best regular season record and breezed thru first two rounds, they were 2-8 ATS versus teams that had 70 percent or higher win percentage during the regular season and four more losses have been added during this series.

Because Orlando had never accomplished much in the postseason, they were fairly easy to dismiss going up against Cleveland. The fact is the Magic are 32-18 SU and ATS on the road and though they were hammered a couple times in the postseason, to be that strong as a visitor speaks to the team’s true value.

Also, matchups are important and seeing Orlando is 10-4 and 13-1 ATS against the Cavaliers, this proves they have the physical and physiological edge.

DiamondSportsbook.com has Cleveland as 7.5-point favorite with total of 190. For the Cavs to force Game 6 and beyond, they have to have starters play as they have all season. Orlando has gone through shooting droughts and still managed to make enough baskets to matter, Cleveland has not. The Cavs need to find help off the bench as well, since they are being buried by Magic reserves. Cleveland is 13-2 ATS off a road loss and 17-6 against the spread if it was three points or less.

Cleveland has too often talked, instead of played in this series. Even coach Brown is living in make-believe land. “This is about as even of a series as you can ask for. They’ve just made one or two plays down the stretch more than us. But I still feel the confidence, I still feel the togetherness and I still feel like we have a chance to win this,” Brown said. Coach, I hope you know this, but it is those one or two critical plays in games that make the difference between wins and losses and your team isn’t making them, no matter how much you love each other.

Though Orlando won’t discuss it, they are 9-1 ATS off two or more consecutive home wins this season and teams with 3-1 leads in NBA playoffs are 182-8 in league history to finish off series as winners.

The action continues on TNT starting at 8:35 Eastern.

Climbing up the hump on Hump Day

Got punched in the mouth but good yesterday with 0-3 record. It was one of those days you felt it coming, since I missed both personal wagers, and if I would have been real smart, would have passed yesterday all together. But this blog is about information and sometimes you win and sometimes you don’t. In our last 127 plays we are 75-50-3, 60 percent. We come right back to same series for Best System that is 62-9, none too shabby. Heading to the ice for Top Trend, wondering if Red Wings close out series? Sal off a sharp day, can he keep it up with Free play, check it out. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday- Zack Grienke allowed six hits in a complete-game 6-1 victory over the Tigers, raising his ERA to 0.84 in 10 starts this season. Greinke is only the third pitcher in the live-ball era to compile an ERA below 1.00 over his first 10 starts in a season. The others were Hoyt Wilhelm (0.83 in 1959) and Juan Marichal (0.59 in 1966).

Free Baseball System-1) This system is hybrid version of article listed below about Pale Hose and Halos and it reads this way – PLAY AGAINST underdogs with a money line of +175 to +250, with an on base percentage of .310 or worse over their last 20 games, against opponent with a hot starting pitcher with WHIP of 1.000 or less over his last five starts. This is Jered Weaver and Angles at 62-9, 87.3 percent.

Free Hockey Trend -2) The Detroit Red Wings are 11-0 in home games after playing two games where seven or more total goals were scored.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Sal was 5-0 yesterday and likes Minnesota Twins to series over Boston.

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Hot Sox bats could cool against hot Halos hurler

The Chicago White Sox have found their hitting shoes in Anaheim, totaling 35 hits the last two days against Los Angeles, beating the Angels twice. Though the White Sox are showing strong signs of coming out of slump, this has not been the case recently.

The team from the south side of Chicago prior to leaving for the West Coast, went thru a period where they went 12 consecutive games without registering double digit base hits (longest streak in baseball this season) and 16 of 17 overall. Take away the 17 runs Chicago scored on Monday night and they had totaled a drought-like 3.3 runs per game in 19 of last 20 games.

Chicago will try to become the first team since Kansas City on June 24-27, 2007, to sweep Los Angeles at the Big A in a three-game series. Their task won’t be easy, going up against Jered Weaver (3-2, 2.52 ERA, 1.071 WHIP), who is winless in last three starts.

That is not entirely Weaver’s fault, since he has 2.25 ERA in last three outings and has allowed just 10 runs in last 35 innings of work. In home games, the right-hander has been almost impossible to score on, with 3-0 record and miniscule 1.23 ERA in five starts.

The Angels are -200 money line favorites according to DiamondSportsbook.com, with the total Un9. The Halos are sensational 24-6 after two or more consecutive losses over the last two seasons, playing the White Sox, who are up against a super system.

Play Against road underdogs with a money line of +150 or more, who are batting .250 or worse over their last 20 games, against opponent with a hot starting pitcher, with a WHIP of 1.000 or less over his last five starts.

Since 2004, this is a money-making baseball system with 72-13 record, at 84.7 percent. In recent seasons, this system has performed even better, with 31 wins in 35 tries. Despite winning the first two games of the series, the Pale Hose are 18-33 (-17.2 Units) against the money line after winning three of their last four games and the Angels are 30-10 revenging a loss vs opponent as a home favorite.

Chicago has been unable to solve Weaver’s assortment of pitches, as he is 3-0 with microscopic 0.34 ERA in four starts, all Angels’ wins. Consider this system for money line or run line action.

Denver Nuggets are better team

The title of this article won’t be real popular in L.A., but who cares, as Joe Friday of Dragnet used to say, “Just the facts”. After watching four games between Denver and the Los Angeles Lakers, the truth is in, the Nuggets are better team. That’s doesn’t mean they will win the NBA title, what the heck, it doesn’t even mean they will win this series against the Lake Show, it just means my adjusted 20-15 laser vision can see who the better team is after 16 quarters of professional basketball in the Western Conference Finals.

Denver has more players interested in playing hard than Los Angeles, which is fairly remarkable, since the supposed vision of the Lakers was to make up for losing in last year’s finals to Boston. All season, television talking heads spoke about the new Lakers toughness and the resolve they had, which is a whole lot easier to do against the Clippers, as opposed to mixing it up with Denver.

I’m wondering if the NBA should give up this all-access in game coverage, as NBA coaches are no longer coming off as wizards of the hardwood. It started last year really, when Doc Rivers didn’t so much coach his team, he more implored them to victory. This has followed up with George Karl, telling his team to “stay focused” or “keep playing hard”, not exactly how one pictures Red Auerbach in the huddle talking to his team. With this style of coaching, the only thing missing is pom-poms and “let’s go team”.

Maybe that is how coaches need to talk to their teams, since Phil Jackson has the greatest collection ever of unmotivated players expected to win a NBA title. In watching a portion of Spike Lee’s ESPN thing -John & Kate plus 8 - Kobe style, Bryant talked about the diversity of language spoken by the Lakers. This makes more sense than ever, since communication for motivation purposes is surely lacking for a team that has lost six postseason games by almost 10 points per game.

Maybe Jackson should lower himself to this primitive-method of coaching, since his players are too nonchalant, plus they are less athletic and less talented than their Denver counterparts.
L.A. has not lost two in a row in the playoffs, winning six times by 15 PPG, making bettors pleased with six matching covers.

We’ve all heard how complex the triangle offense is, but is it me or has Kobe given up on teammates, when Lakers need points? The number of assists Bryant has to have in the fourth quarter should be able to be counted on one hand. Besides if the triangle offense is so difficult to understand and execute properly, is Jackson really helping matters playing three different point guards, or does desperation force his hand?

If Derek Fisher didn’t have championship jewelry, retiring right now would be suitable option. Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar, no wonder Kobe is keeping the ball for a team that is 2-8 ATS after being burned for 100 or more points.

Denver’s frontcourt is SO much more active than the Lakers it’s ludicrous. Mark Cuban might have been right about Kenyon Martin being thug, but he’s outplayed Lamar Odom by a mile. Nene has played exceptional position defense on Pau Gasol, whose every touch has been as mechanical as Yao Ming, flustering the Spaniard. If the Denver does win NBA title, Chris “Birdman” Anderson, will be the most requested person on talk show circuit, with people wanting to hear his story of overcoming himself. Phil Jackson would love to look down the bench to find a high effort guy.

The Nuggets have covered like 49 of last 50 games, OK, 21 of last 26, including last six pressure-packed road tilts. Denver, despite playing so well is still volatile. J.R. Smith is loose cannon, as is Martin. Dahntay Jones is not above some chicanery and Denver shot selection can alter games towards the negative.

I checked DiamondSportsbook.com and they opened the Lakers as six-point favorites and Jackson coached teams on the left coast are 15-5 against the spread when series is tied up. Even with the Game 2 loss, L.A. has covered 11 of last 14 at Staples Center against the Nuggies, though I forget, this is different Denver team (wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that since playoffs began).

The Nuggets are 13-5 ATS after scoring 105 or more points and have covered the number is seven of last eight times with one day’s rest.

I’ll probably make a small wager on Denver, because they are the better team and if they really want to prove it, they win Game 5 setting up clincher at Pepsi Center Friday.

Penned by Red Wydley.

Seeking Tuesday Triumphs

Two more official winners in what was a crazy day in baseball wagering with unfathomable comebacks (I should know, had D-Backs). Uncovered an 87.8 percent system in the American League and a prefect reverse trend that is 11-0, depending how you look at it. Greg has a quality weekend and has NL Free Play to hopefully keep us going. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday- The Denver Nuggets scored 43 points in the fourth quarter of their Game 4 win over the Lakers on Monday night. In Phil Jackson's 293 playoff games as an NBA head coach, his team had never before allowed that many points in any one quarter.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST all underdogs with a money line of +125 to +175, averaging 4.5 or less runs per game, against a good AL starting pitcher with ERA 4.20 or less, with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.500 to 1.600 on the season. This system is imposing 36-5, 87.8 percent and is going against the White Sox.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Cleveland Indians are 0-11 against the money line after scoring eight runs or more this season.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Greg of the LCC had an 8-2 holiday weekend and is backing Roy Oswalt over Reds this evening.

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Cavs favored in must win contest

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in trouble, they just don’t want to acknowledge it. In losing Game Three 99-89 as 1.5-point underdogs, Cleveland failed to take advantage of Orlando, who didn’t play their best game. Consider two of the Magic’s main scoring options, Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis, were 6 for 19, totaling 28 points. Neither found an offensive rhythm, thanks to sticky Cavaliers defense, yet Cleveland still lost.

It appears the rules regarding foul calls either have changed or are being called by the book by refs, as Dwight Howard play only 28 minutes, before fouling out, yet Cleveland still lost.

The Cavaliers out-rebounded Orlando yet again, yet they still lost.

Orlando plays very much like a skilled counter-puncher. They seldom give up, absorb some hellacious shots, (openings of games 1 and 2) yet keep battling away. Though Rafer Alston makes several mistakes almost every game, he makes one more good play than bad and usually at the most opportune time.

The Magic have covered all three games in the series and are 14-6 ATS in next try after doing so. Cleveland looks like they need the guy that beat up Jose Canseco to defend Howard, since Zydrunas Ilgauskas looks slow trying to keep up with his younger counterpart. Even if Howard manages to get into some foul problems, backup Marcin Gortat has played exceptionally well in his place.

Rookie Courtney Lee makes important plays at just the right time and Mickael Pietrus is the best player off the bench for either team, making significant contributions every time he is called upon for a team that is 6-2 ATS off a win.

Cleveland players are defiant, if not all together correct. “We’re the best team in basketball,” guard Mo Williams said. While that might have been true during the regular season and first two rounds of the playoffs, they are one miracle shot away from being down 3-0 to Orlando.

“They (Orlando) deserve respect,” Williams said. “They are a good team. But we are the best team in basketball. I don’t feel that they’ve had to adjust to us one time in the series.” Ah, Mo, whose fault would that be?

Cleveland is 13-1 ATS off a road loss this season, winning by 13.9 points per game, however Orlando wasn’t next opponent. When LeBron James was asked about Williams guaranteeing series win, James was somewhat uncharacteristically boastful, “He should. There’s no other reason why we should be here,” he said.

While LeBron has totaled 90 points in two losses in the East Finals, the team that looked so complete to win title, hasn’t had enough players to throw it in Lake Erie or Lake Eola. Williams is shooting 32.1 percent in the series, Ilgauskas at 38.2 percent and Delonte West 41.9, none shooting up to usual standards.

Even James was sort of calling out his teammates, while distancing himself, at least verbally. When asked if he needs more help, LeBron offered these words, “It’s going to be tough,” he said. “I know they can play a lot better. They know they can play a lot better. I don’t want to put pressure on those guys. They’ve just got to come out and do it. We just got to knock shots down.” Maybe it was unintentional and means nothing, but James used four “they’s and those guys” while referencing “we” just once about inquiry.

Sports bettors have faith in Cleveland, taking them from one-point underdogs to 1.5-point favorites at DiamondSportsbook.com with total at 188. The Cavs are 8-0 ATS as postseason favorites of 4.5 or less points and are 29-13-1 UNDER with one day off. Orlando is now 8-1 against the spread vs. top caliber teams outscoring their opponents by nine or more points a game this season. The Magic are 30-13 UNDER versus offensive teams scoring 99 or more points per game this year.

Cleveland is in virtual must-win conflict and will try and reclaim home court advantage starting at 8:30 Eastern on TNT. The underdog is 10-4 ATS in this series, with Orlando 5-1 SU and ATS at Amway Arena vs Cavs.

Happy Memorial Day to You!

A very rare losing day around here as Chicago gave up two runs to Pittsburgh with two out and nobody on in the top of the ninth, to give us 1-2 day. Can’t feel too bad however, with 73-47-3 record (60.8 percent). If you like a lot of plays have perfect system for you today, 14 in all at 78.9 percent. The Red Sox are in near perfect spot as Top Trend and thanks to Kendall for six straight winners before falling yesterday. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday- The San Diego Padres swept their nine-game homestand to even their season record at 22-22. It was the longest winning streak for any major-league team to reach the .500 mark since the Padres themselves won 14 straight games in 1999 to improve their mark to 39-39.

Free Baseball System-1) No qualifying 80 percent system, but this is pretty interesting and delves out a number of plays at 45-12, 78.9 percent. PLAY ON home teams after three consecutive games versus an interleague opponent, in May games. Today this would be all home teams except for the Chicago Cubs.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Boston Red Sox are 15-1 against the money line vs. AL teams scoring 5.2 or more runs a game on the season this season.

Free Basketball Selection -3) Final tally from LCC has 17 on Denver and seven on Lakers for tonight, with OVER 7-0.

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What needs to happen for Lakers or Nuggets to win

Thus far the Western Conference Finals have been three hotly contested games. The visiting team has covered each contest, emerging with two victories. Here are observations from the perspective of both teams in which they could win and cover the spread or fall flat on their collective faces and come up short, being disappointed. One thing both teams are showing signs of is fatigue, which might be the biggest factor of all, especially in the fourth quarter.

Denver’s Carmelo Anthony was either too geeked or showed signs of wearing down in Game 3. Anthony got to the line plenty of times in converting 12 of 14 free throws; however had only four baskets on 13 attempts. The pull-up jump shots is there any time he wants it, Carmelo just needs to take it more in rhythm, squared to the rim instead of having body tilted. If ‘Melo does this, no reason Denver doesn’t move to 13-1 ATS in postseason.

Kenyon Martin and Chauncey Billups are playing at very high level, with the occasional poor choice in shot selection or judgment being the only negative. Martin has to make his wide open shots and Billups has to be a little more selective in taking three-points (as does J.R. Smith), since 5 for 27 as a team from behind the arc is settling on offense too much, instead of working for better shots. The Nuggets are 23-13 ATS after failing to cover the number.

Denver must keep taking the ball to the rim and frontcourt players must be alert to receive passes or crash the boards on missed shots. The Nuggets did not display the same energy at home they showed at Los Angeles, if they expect to tie up series, George Karl’s team has to out-work the Lakers.

One can only presume the Denver spent a lot of time working on side out in-bound plays. The Nuggets are 17-6 ATS in revenge mode.

After wondering about Trevor Ariza's skills, Ariza is starting to look like a former Laker, who contributed a great deal, just in different ways, A.C. Green. Ariza does solid job as straight-up defender, with long, lean body and has knack for tipping balls and creating offense off of defensive plays. Though not a consistently good long shooter, he’s growing in confidence deep and when he takes flight for dunks, get out of his way, help making the Lakers treacherous 8-1 ATS underdog.

If the other Lakers players didn’t have Kobe Bryant to push, pull and drag them at various points throughout games, would Los Angeles be more than a .500 team? Bryant’s unquenchable thirst for victory forces his teammates to ride along, even when body language suggests other feelings. Kobe’s relentless pursuit of victory is why the Lakers have a chance to go up 3-1 in series and are 37-23 ATS playing against teams with 60 to 70 percent win percentage over the last two seasons.

The Lakers are more often than necessary too slow in transition defense and have to be more alert to that fact. Giving away easy points in tight games is a waste. Pau Gasol must work a little harder to establish position on Nene and Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom must occupy Chris Anderson more on the opposite block and be more productive as scorers and rebounders.

DiamondSportsbook.com has Denver by 4.5-points, with the total at series low 208.5. The Nuggets are 11-2 ATS after allowing 100 points or more four straight games and 13-3 UNDER when trailing in playoff series. L.A. is 12-4 ATS on the road off a road win and has played UNDER in eight straight conference final games.

It was extremely rare to see Kobe as tired as he looked at the end of Game 3 and you have to wonder if the team’s 11 for 46 shooting from behind the arc was contributing factor. Both are putting out max effort and with the pressure of the situation, this can be draining.

Game 4 is at Pepsi Center again starting at 9:05 Eastern on ESPN.

Enjoying Memorial Day Hour after Hour

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, being a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed Memorial Day and it was first observed May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Though the true meaning has been lost over the years, Memorial Day is a time to reflect about those who came before us and enjoy family and friends. Baseball has always been a part of the fabric of the day, as people go to the ballpark on this holiday to enjoy and get a small lesson on the history of the day.

3Daily Winners honors those who died for our country with an hourly look at a number of baseball games being played on Memorial Day.

1:10 E – Houston at Cincinnati

Local Boy Scout groups will be in action in Cincinnati, as the Reds host Houston in the first game of the day. Aaron Harang is pitching better this season for Cincy with 4-4 record and has 2.45 ERA at Great American Ballpark. For some reason he and Reds are just 6-15 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday. The Astros Wandy Rodriguez is pitching superbly with 5-2 record and sharp 1.83 ERA. Houston could use big effort after 1-5 homestand.

2:05 E – St. Louis at Milwaukee

Various suburbs in the Milwaukee area hold Memorial Day parades, to honor brave men and women who have served our country. The Brewers and St. Louis will continue to fight for the lead in NL Central. The Cardinals are off crazy homestand in which they were 5-4, being swept by Milwaukee and having pitchers surrendering just five total runs in winning five of next six. The Brew Crew was barreling until they struggled with interleague killer Minnesota. Good pitching matchup with Cris Carpenter (2-0, 0.00) and Yovani Gallardo (4-2, 3.83) scheduled and the Redbirds are 8-0 after batting .225 or worse over a 10-game span over the last two seasons.

3:10 E - L.A. Dodgers at Colorado

American Legion posts throughout the state of Colorado will have celebrations and in Denver, the Rockies are back home after winning series in Detroit. Colorado pitchers have only allowed eight runs in last four contests. Jorge De La Rosa will try and add to productivity seeking his first win (0-4) in 2009 in eight starts. He’s facing potent Dodgers lineup that is 10-3 against left-handers, scoring six runs per game. DiamondSportsbook.com has Rocks are -135 money line favorites versus L.A. who is 20-8 against NL West opponents this season.

4:05 E – Seattle at Oakland

Division rivals Seattle and Oakland meet coming off a win. The A’s had chance to take series over Arizona, but failed to hold 5-1 lead Saturday and is only 21-28 in home games when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) over the last three seasons. The Mariners have enjoyed the Bay Area and is 14-7 at Oakland, including 3-0 this season.

6:05 E – Tampa Bay at Cleveland

With Scott Kazmir on DL, phenom David Price is expected to make 2009 debut with Tampa Bay. Price has electric stuff and still had options, which is why primarily he didn’t make big club out of spring training. He was just 1-4 with a 3.93 ERA in eight starts at Triple-A, likely due to in part to disappointment of not making original 25-man roster and can prove he belongs starting Monday. The Rays have been making steady progress after slow start and have not lost a series in last four. Cleveland continues to languish, with poor pitching and lack of consistent run production. Maybe Tampa Bay will spark the Tribe to run off winning streak, since they have defeated them eight straight times in Cleveland.

7:05 E- Florida at Philadelphia

Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars will have ceremonies in Philadelphia, as the Phillies return home all smiles, after taking two of three at Yankee Stadium and completing 8-2 road trip. Now the Phils want to build momentum at home, where they are below average 8-12, losing -8.5 units. Jamie Moyer has been horrendous all season, with 7.62 ERA and WHIP of 1.815. He’s hoping facing Florida will cure him, since he is 12-1 with 2.84 ERA against the Marlins.

8:05 E – Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs

The Cubs road trip was a complete disaster, totaling five runs and 30 hits in six consecutive losses. Manager Lou Pinella has to hope the Friendly Confines are just that and the Chicago bats awake from slumber. Pittsburgh makes the unusual trip of going from the south side of Chicago to north side to open up new series. The Pirates bats were quiet also, being shutout twice before scoring three times in last two innings to come from behind and beat Pale Hose 4-3. The Bucs are miserable 4-11 at Wrigley Field and are +150 underdogs and will face Ryan Dempster, who is 13-0 at home in the first half of the season over the last two seasons. (Cubs Record)

9:05 E – Chicago White Sox at L.A. Angels

The Angels return to the Big A in Anaheim after playing at Dodger Stadium over the weekend. The Halos starting pitchers are coming back to health, including Ervin Santana, who is scheduled starter Monday night. Santana has thrown fairly well in first two starts coming back from elbow sprain, however hasn’t reached typical velocity yet. The Angels will face Chicago’s John Danks and are 41-24 against left-handed starters since last year. Danks is 3-3 and hasn’t found same groove as last season, which is why in partially the White Sox are +145 road underdogs. The Sox are despicable 22-47 as a road underdog of +100 or higher.

Remember Monday to fly U.S. flag proudly and at 3 p.m. local time, to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day.

Gentlemen start your engines

We got a little lucky with Arizona coming from behind and then hanging on to win to give us 2-1 day. More than happy to take the gift and will follow that up with another outstanding system that is 89.8 percent in baseball. Kendall gives us another top winner, making it six straight and is loaded with another today as Free Play. Uncovered a perfect Trend that shows up in the game featuring the teams with the letter M. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday- The Chicago White Sox allowed 20 runs to Minnesota on Thursday and have held Pittsburgh scoreless in back to back since. It has NEVER occurred that a team gave up that many runs and followed that up with consecutive shutouts.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON all favorites with a money line of -175 to -250, stranding 6.9 or less runners on base per game on the season, in May games. This sumptuous system is 44-5 since 2004 and says the White Sox are the team to pile on.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Minnesota Twins are 10-0 vs. an NL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.250 or better since 2007.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kendall actually had an off day for him with 2-2 mark, however nailed his top play yesterday. On Sunday he’s Cardinals to finish off sweep of K.C.

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