Mariners-Rangers Odds Preview

The Seattle Mariners will be trying to extend a winning streak on Thursday when they take on the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark.
Lefthander Garrett Olson will take the mound for the Mariners to start this game. Olson is 3-4 this season with a 6.25 ERA.
It’ll be Derek Holland toeing the rubber for the Rangers in this contest. Lefthander Holland is 1-5 with a 6.42 ERA so far this season.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Ken Griffey Jr. drove in a pair of runs as the Mariners got past the Blue Jays 3-2 on Wednesday, as +160 underdogs. That game’s five runs went UNDER the posted over/under (7.5).
Jose Lopez went 3-for-4 at the plate with a solo home run, while Ryan Rowland-Smith collected his first win. David Aardsma tossed a scoreless ninth for his 25th save.
Andruw Jones hit two home runs, and Michael Young drove in a pair of runs in the Rangers’ 13-5 loss to the Tigers last time out. Oddsmakers listed that game as a -110 pick’em, while the 18 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (8.5).
Scott Feldman gave up 10 hits and six runs over 2 1-3 innings in suffering the loss.
Current streak:
Seattle has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Seattle: 53-48 SU
Texas: 56-43 SU
Seattle most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Texas are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 7-3
After a win are 5-5

Texas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Seattle are 8-2
After playing Detroit are 2-8
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle’s last 7 games on the road
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle’s last 5 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas’s last 10 games at home
Texas is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Next up:
Texas home to Seattle, Friday, July 31

 

Braves-Marlins Odds Preview

The Atlanta Braves and the Florida Marlins will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at LandShark Stadium.
Righthander Javier Vazquez will take the mound for the Braves to start this game. Vazquez is 8-7 this season with a 2.98 ERA.
Vazquez’s opponent in this one will be Rick Vanden Hurk. The Marlins righthander has a 2.45 ERA to go along with a 1-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 160-moneyline favorites versus the Marlins, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Josh Johnson belted a three-run homer to help the Marlins defeat the Braves 6-3 on Wednesday, as -160 favorites. That game’s nine runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8).
Hanley Ramirez homered and drove in a pair of runs, while Dan Uggla launched a solo home run for the Marlins. Johnson improved to 9-2 with the win, allowing just three runs over six innings.
Garret Anderson went deep for a two-run shot for the Braves, who were +140 underdogs. Kenshin Kawakami gave up seven hits and six runs over 4 2-3 innings in the loss.
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 2 straight games.
Florida has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 51-50 SU
Florida: 53-48 SU
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing LA Dodgers are 6-4
After playing Florida are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3

Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Chi Cubs are 5-5
After playing Atlanta are 7-3
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta’s last 12 games when playing Florida
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Florida is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games at home
Florida is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Florida’s last 7 games at home
Next up:
Atlanta home to LA Dodgers, Friday, July 31
Florida home to Chi Cubs, Friday, July 31

 

Astros-Cubs Odds Preview

The Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Wrigley Field.
The Astros will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Russ Ortiz in this game. Ortiz has a 2-4 record and a 5.55 ERA this season.
The Cubs will counter Ortiz with Kevin Hart. Righthander Hart has a 2.25 ERA to go along with a 2-1 record this season.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
The Cubs scored six runs in the first inning en route to a 12-0 pounding of the Astros on Wednesday, as -200 favorites. The game’s 12 runs made it OVER the day’s posted over/under (9).
Alfonso Soriano went deep for a three-run homer to lead the Cubs, and Aramis Ramirez drove in two runs. Randy Wells scattered six hits over eight scoreless innings for the win.
Mike Hampton was tagged for nine runs over four innings in the loss for the Astros, who were +180 underdogs.
Team records:
Houston: 51-50
SU
Chicago
: 53-46 SU
Houston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing St. Louis are 5-5
After playing Chi Cubs are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Florida are 5-5
After playing Houston are 2-8
After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston’s last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston’s last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Houston is 5-10 SU in their last 15 games when playing Chi Cubs
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs’s last 6 games when playing Houston
Chi Cubs are 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing Houston
Next up:
Houston at St. Louis, Friday, July 31
Chi Cubs at Florida, Friday, July 31

 

Nationals-Brewers Odds Preview

The Washington Nationals and the Milwaukee Brewers will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Miller Park.
J.D. Martin will be the starting pitcher for the Nationals on this day. righthander Martin is 0-1 this season with a 7.50 ERA.
Starting this game for the Brewers will be ace Yovani Gallardo. The righthander has a 3.09 ERA to go along with a 9-7 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Brewers listed as 275-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Brewers ended a three-game losing skid with a 7-5 victory over the Nationals on Wednesday, as -200 favorites. That game’s 12 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (10).
Casey McGeehee belted a pinch-hit two-run homer for the Brewers. Manny Parra pitched six innings for the win, and Trevor Hoffman closed out the game with his 23rd save.
Ryan Zimmerman had two hits and drove in a pair of runs for the Nationals, who were +180 underdogs. Tyler Clippard gave up two runs in relief and was tagged with the loss.
Team records:
Washington: 32-69 SU
Milwaukee: 50-51 SU
Washington most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Pittsburgh are 3-7
After playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After a loss are 3-7

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing San Diego are 6-4
After playing Washington are 8-2
After a win are 1-9

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington’s last 8 games on the road
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington’s last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington’s last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee’s last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee’s last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee’s last 5 games when playing Washington
Milwaukee is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Washington
Next up:
Washington at Pittsburgh, Friday, July 31
Milwaukee at San Diego, Friday, July 31

 

Athletics-Red Sox Lines Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the Oakland Athletics on Thursday when they battle the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
The Athletics will trot Gio Gonzalez out to the mound in this one. Lefthander Gonzalez has a 2-2 record and a 7.87 ERA this season.
Starting this game for the Red Sox will be Jon Lester. The lefthander has a 3.79 ERA to go along with a 9-7 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Red Sox listed as 340-moneyline favorites versus the Athletics, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The A’s scored five runs in the first inning and went on to defeat the Red Sox 8-6 on Wednesday, as +160 underdogs. That game’s 14 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9).
Rajai Davis hit a bases-loaded double to drive in three runs for the A’s. Brett Anderson allowed just four hits and three runs over six innings for his sixth victory.
Mike Lowell smacked a three-run homer and finished with four RBIs for the Red Sox, who were -180 favorites. Brad Penny surrendered seven hits and seven runs over five innings in the loss.
Current streak:
Oakland has won 2 straight games.
Boston has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Oakland: 43-57 SU
Boston: 58-42 SU
Oakland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Toronto are 3-7
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a win are 3-7

Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Baltimore are 7-3
After playing Oakland are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland’s last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland’s last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oakland’s last 9 games when playing Boston
Oakland is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston’s last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston’s last 9 games when playing Oakland
Boston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
Next up:
Oakland home to Toronto, Friday, July 31
Boston at Baltimore, Friday, July 31

 

 

Royals-Orioles Odds Preview

The Kansas City Royals and the Baltimore Orioles will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Camden Yards.
The Royals will give the ball to starter Luke Hochevar in this one. Righthander Hochevar is 6-3 this season with a 4.84 ERA.
It’ll be Brad Bergesen toeing the rubber for the Orioles in this contest. Righthander Bergesen is 6-5 with a 3.56 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Orioles listed as 155-moneyline favorites versus the Royals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Adam Jones belted a three-run homer as the Orioles defeated the Royals 7-3 last time out, as +115 underdogs. The game’s 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8).
Nick Markakis went 3-for-5 at the plate and drove in three runs for the Orioles. Matt Albers got the win in relief, and Jim Johnson tossed two innings in picking up the save.
Alberto Collaspo, Miguel Olivo, and Mike Jacobs went deep for the Royals, who were -135 favotites. Robinson Tejeda gave up a pair of runs in relief in suffering the loss.
Team records:
Kansas City: 40-60
SU
Baltimore
: 43-57 SU
Kansas City most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Tampa Bay are 1-9
After playing Baltimore are 5-5
After a loss are 2-8

Baltimore most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Boston are 1-9
After playing Kansas City are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Kansas City’s last 17 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City’s last 6 games
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore’s last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Baltimore’s last 9 games
Baltimore is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Baltimore is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing Kansas City
Next up:
Kansas City at Tampa Bay, Friday, July 31
Baltimore home to Boston, Friday, July 31

 

Padres-Reds Lines Preview

The Cincinnati Reds will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Thursday when they take on the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park.
Righthander Tim Stauffer will take the mound for the Padres to start this game. Stauffer is 0-2 this season with a 3.21 ERA.
The Reds will counter Stauffer with ace Johnny Cueto. Righthander Cueto has a 3.78 ERA to go along with a 8-7 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Reds listed as 160-moneyline favorites versus the Padres, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Kyle Blanks and Adrian Gonzalez homered in a five-run first inning as the Padres cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Reds on Wednesday. The Padres won that game as a +140 underdog, while the eight runs went UNDER the posted over/under (8.5).
Blanks finished with three RBIs, while Gonzalez drove in a pair of runs for the Padres. Mat Latos combined on a one-hitter and picked up his second win with the seven-inning performance.
Jerry Hairston hit a solo home run for the Reds, who were favored at -160. Aaron Harang allowed nine hits and seven runs over seven innings in the loss.
Current streak:
San Diego has won 2 straight games.
Cincinnati has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
San Diego: 40-62 SU
Cincinnati: 45-55 SU
San Diego most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Milwaukee are 4-6
After playing Cincinnati are 7-3
After a win are 3-7

Cincinnati most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 7-3
Before playing Colorado are 3-7
After playing San Diego are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Diego’s last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego’s last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati’s last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 5 games
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
Cincinnati is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Next up:
San Diego home to Milwaukee, Friday, July 31
Cincinnati home to Colorado, Friday, July 31

 

Rockies-Mets Odds Preview

The New York Mets will be trying to extend a winning streak on Thursday afternoon when they take on the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field in the first game of a doubleheader.
Jason Hammel will be the starting pitcher for the Rockies on this day. Righthander Hammel is 5-5 this season with a 4.39 ERA.
Hammel’s opponent in this one will be Johan Santana. The Mets ace lefthander has a 3.12 ERA to go along with a 11-8 record this season.
Odds aren’t yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total.
Mike Pelfrey tossed 6 1-3 scoreless innings to earn the victory, as the Mets downed the Rockies 4-0 on Tuesday night.
New York won as +130 home underdogs as the game played UNDER the 8.5-run total set by sportsbooks.
David Murphy was 2-for-3 with a run batted in for the Mets, while David Wright also went 2-for-3 for New York.
Jason Marquis allowed two earned runs over six innings to take the loss for Colorado, as Todd Helton was 2-for-3 for the Rockies.
Current streak:
Colorado has lost 2 straight games.
New York has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 54-46 SU
New York: 48-51 SU
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing NY Mets are 4-6
After playing NY Mets are 3-7
After a loss are 7-3

New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 1-9
Before playing Colorado are 8-2
After playing Colorado are 6-4
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado’s last 7 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado’s last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Colorado’s last 10 games on the road
Colorado is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games on the road
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets’s last 7 games when playing Colorado
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
NY Mets home to Colorado, Thursday, July 30

 

UFC 101 Betting – Examining Griffin’s Underdog Chances

Like any UFC fight card, UFC 101 features some big favorites and some big underdogs on the card. The key for bettors, especially those who like to chase the long-shot wins, is to distinguish between legit and foolish underdog plays. Into which category does Forrest Griffin fall?

Forrest Griffin (16-5) +255 to beat Anderson Silva (24-4)

If you’re an MMA odds fan at all, chances are you love Forrest Griffin. It’s hard not to, as he’s a courageous, hard-working fighter who gives off an “everyman” vibe that endears him to fans. Preparing for legendary Anderson Silva, what other fighter would be earnest enough to admit “I could die or at least get seriously hurt”? That’s Forrest for you.

However, just because you like Griffin doesn’t mean you should bet with your heart at UFC 101. Unlike Kenny Florian, Griffin is a trap pick as an underdog. He simply isn’t better than Anderson Silva in any major area. It’s not because Griffin is a bad fighter; Silva is just that good.

Is Forrest Griffin fast for a 205 pounder? Sure he is. But Anderson Silva is among the fastest fighters the sport has ever known. His ability to pick opponents apart and land surgical strikes reminds us of Floyd Mayweather. His amazing evasive skills, which allow him to dodge punches simply by bobbing his head, are reminiscent of Muhammad Ali.

What about punching power? Sorry, Griffin fans. Because he’s a big brawler, there’s a misconception that Griffin has power. He doesn’t. Just two of his 16 wins are knockouts. Anderson Silva doesn’t have one-punch knockout power per se, but he can bludgeon opponents with his kicks and knees from the Muay Thai clinch.

On the ground, Griffin has respectable Jiu-Jitsu, but Silva’s is even better. The only real hope Griffin has is that he can overpower Silva using his slightly bigger frame. If he can get on top of Silva and lean on him, he could control the pace of the fight.

We know Griffin will make Silva work harder than Patrick Cote or Thales Leites did, but that won’t be enough. As Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin proved, that only seems to bring out the best in Silva. It’s smart betting management to avoid Griffin in UFC 101 online wagering.

Even With Cliff Lee, Phillies 4th in World Series Odds

Cliff Lee has been traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, but not every sportsbook has adjusted. Going to the Tribe in exchange for last year’s American League Cy Young Award winner is outfielder Ben Francisco, Jason Knapp and Carlos Carrasco as well as shortstop Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson.

Sports bettors are rushing to bet on the Philadelphia Phillies at +700 to win the World Series. MLB handicapper Stevie Vincent confirms that he placed a wager on the Phillies at BetUs Sportsbook.

Philadelphia is not even the favorite to win the National League as the LA Dodgers are +550. The defending World Champions also remain behind the New York Yankees +350 and Boston Red Sox +450.

“At the risk of stating the obvious, these lines will change depending on who gets Roy Halladay,” says Gary Cliborne of CasinoBettingNews.com.  But Cliborne continued, “I am surprised Philadelphia can still be bet at +700.

Despite getting Matt Holliday to join Albert Pujols in the middle of the St. Louis Cardinals line-up, the Redbirds are a hefty +1500. That puts them behind the Chicago Cubs at +1400.

For more information: Get MLB futures odds and all baseball betting options. Free daily MLB picks and more on the Offshore Insiders Network.