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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/16/2021

by Big Al Staff

Monday, Aug 16, 2021

The Monday sports card features ten games in Major League Baseball.The New York Yankees host the Los Angeles Angels in a one-game series at 7:05 PM ET. The Yankees have won three of their last four games with their 5-3 victory at Chicago against the White Sox on Sunday. The Angels ended a two-game losing streak with a 3-1 win against Houston yesterday. Los Angeles pitches Jose Suarez against New York’s Gerrit Cole. The Yankees are a -260 money line favorite with the total set at 8.5. Three games start at 7:10 PM ET. Tampa Bay hosts Baltimore after dropping two in a row after a 5-4 loss at Minnesota on Sunday. The Orioles lost their eleventh game in a row after a 6-2 loss at Boston yesterday. Matt Harvey pitches for Baltimore against Collin McHugh of the Rays. Tampa Bay is a -260 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Atlanta plays at Miami after winning six of seven after their 6-5 win at Washington. The Marlins have won four in a row after a 4-1 win against the Chicago Cubs. Miami pitches Braxton Garrett against the Braves Touki Toussaint. Atlanta is a -150 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Cincinnati hosts the Chicago Cubs after winning their third game in their last four in a 7-4 win at Philadelphia yesterday. The Cubs lost their eleventh game in a row in their loss to Miami. They pitch Justin Steele against the Reds’ Wade Miley. Cincinnati is a -225 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. Three games start at 8:10 PM ET. Houston visits Kansas City after ending a four-game winning streak with a 3-1 loss in Los Angeles against the Angels. The Royals lost their fourth game in a row in a 7-2 setback against St. Louis. Kansas City pitches Carlos Hernandez against the Astros’ Jake Odorizzi. Houston is a -165 money line road favorite with the total of 10.5. The Chicago White Sox host Oakland on ESPN. The White Sox have lost four of five after a 5-3 loss at home to the New York Yankees on Sunday. The A’s have lost two of three after a 7-4 loss at Texas yesterday. Dallas Keuchel pitches for the White Sox against Oakland’s Frankie Montas. Chicago is a -110 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. Minnesota is at home against Cleveland after winning their fourth game in their last five in a 5-4 win against Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Indians won two of three after an 11-0 win at Detroit yesterday. Cleveland pitches Cal Quantrill against the Twins’ Griffin Jax. Minnesota is a -125 money line favorite, with the total at 9.5. San Diego visits Colorado at 8:40 PM ET. The Padres ended a four-game losing streak with an 8-2 win at Arizona yesterday. The Rockies have lost four of five after a 5-2 setback at San Francisco. Ryan Weathers pitches for San Diego against Antonio Senzatela for Colorado. The Padres are a -135 money line road favorite with an over/under of 12. San Francisco plays at home against the New York Mets at 9:45 PM ET. The Giants have won seven of eight after their win against the Rockies yesterday. The Mets have lost three in a row after a 14-4 loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers last night. They pitch Rich Hill against San Francisco’s Kevin Gausman. The Giants are a -180 money line favorite with a total of 8. The Los Angeles Dodgers host Pittsburgh at 10:10 PM ET. The Dodgers won their seventh game in their last eight after their win last night against the Mets. The Pirates lost their 10th in 11 games after their 2-1 loss to Milwaukee yesterday. Pittsburgh pitches Steven Brault against a starter yet to be named for Los Angeles. The Dodgers are a -380 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: NFL, MLB, WNBA, CFL and EPL Previews and Odds - 08/15/2021

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Aug 15, 2021

The Sunday sports card features action in the NFL preseason, MLB, WNBA, the CFL, and the EPL.One game is on the NFL preseason schedule. The Indianapolis Colts host the Carolina Panthers on the NFL Network at 1 PM ET. The Colts are a 3-point favorite with the total set at 34.5 (all odds from DraftKings).Fifteen games are on the MLB slate. Three games begin the card at 1:05 PM ET. Milwaukee plays at Pittsburgh as a -210 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. Atlanta is at Washington as a -155 money line road favorite with a total of 10. Philadelphia hosts Cincinnati as a -145 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Three games start at 1:10 PM ET. Cleveland concludes their series at Detroit as a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 9.5. Boston plays at home against Baltimore as a -300 money line favorite with an over/under of 10.5. Miami is at home against the Chicago Cubs as a -135 money line favorite with a total of 7. Three games begin at 2:10 PM ET. St. Louis plays at Kansas City as a -125 money line road favorite with an over/under of 10. The Chicago White Sox host the New York Yankees on TBS as a -180 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Tampa Bay is at Minnesota as a -190 money line road favorite with an over/under of 10. Oakland concludes their series at Texas at 2:35 PM ET as a -225 money line road favorite with a total of 9. San Francisco is at home against Colorado at 4:05 PM ET as a -195 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. Houston plays at Los Angeles against the Angels at 4:07 PM ET as a -200 money line road favorite with a total of 10. Two games begin at 4:10 PM ET. San Diego finishes their series at Arizona as a -160 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. Toronto is at Seattle as a -125 money line road favorite with a total of 9.The MLB card concludes with the Los Angeles Dodgers playing in New York against the Mets on ESPN at 7:08 PM ET. The Dodgers are a -180 money line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Six games are on the WNBA docket with the league returning to action after hiatus for the Olympics. Seattle plays at Chicago on ABC at 4 PM ET. Connecticut plays at Dallas at 4 PM ET. Washington visits Las Vegas at 6 PM ET. Atlanta travels to Phoenix on the CBS Sports Network at 6 PM ET. Indiana plays at Los Angeles at 9 PM ET. The English Premier League concludes it's opening week with two matches on the NBC Sports Network. West Ham United plays at Newcastle United at 9 AM ET as a -0.25 goal line road favorite with a total of 2.5. Manchester City visits Tottenham at 11:30 AM ET as a -1 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 2.75.

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2021 NCAA Impact Transfer Quarterbacks

by Nelly's Sports

Saturday, Aug 14, 2021

2021 NCAA Impact Transfer Quarterbacks  After uninspiring results in three years at NC State, Russell Wilson transferred to Wisconsin for the 2011 season and delivered tremendous results. His success set the tone for a new era of college football with transfer acquisitions being a critical component in recruiting. Coming off the abbreviated 2020 season and with relaxed transfer rules in place, there are several proven quarterbacks that changed schools this off-season. Here are a handful of quarterback transfers for the 2021 college football season that could have a big impact in the 2021 season.   Charlie Brewer (From Baylor to Utah) Brewer is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the nation having been the starter for the better part of four seasons at Baylor. He should eclipse 10,000 career passing yards in September and has a career completion rate of 63.5%. His numbers dropped last season in a chaotic season for the Bears with a major Covid pause and a coaching transition, but he should step into a good situation to be successful at Utah. Kyle Whittingham’s program has won consistently riding seven consecutive seasons above .500 and the roster has a significant amount of returning experience. Given his size Brewer isn’t much of an NFL prospect, but he has a chance to end his college career on a high note with a potential Pac-12 contender.  Jack Coan (From Wisconsin to Notre Dame) A steady presence for the Badgers in 2018 and 2019, Coan was named the starter in 2020 ahead of super prospect Graham Mertz before suffering an injury ahead of the season. Coan has good size and is quicker than he appears, though he is not in the mold of Ian Book, the long-time Notre Dame quarterback that was a serious rushing threat. Brian Kelly has not officially named Coan the starter for an Irish team coming off a College Football Playoff appearance, but it would be a surprise if sophomore Drew Pyne beat out Coan. It will be difficult to replicate last season’s success but being Notre Dame’s quarterback is still a high-profile gig and Coan has the potential to have good numbers on a nationally relevant team and will also get a chance to face his former team in Chicago as well.  Grant Gunnell (From Arizona to Memphis)  Gunnell isn’t a household name after being an off-and-on starter for marginal Arizona teams the past two seasons, but he could be by season’s end. He has 15 career touchdowns against only three interceptions however and at 6’6” he will stand out now playing in the American. Ryan Silverfield’s offense should remain a high-scoring unit and Gunnell can go from relative anonymity to being an NFL draft pick like Paxton Lynch was out of Memphis in 2016. Defense has not often been a strength for the Memphis program as Gunnell could produce big numbers in many high-scoring shootout style games with last year’s Memphis quarterback Brady White posting the sixth most passing yards in the nation in 2020.  McKenzie Milton (From UCF to Florida State) A star for UCF from 2016 to 2018 including the undefeated 2017 season, Milton suffered a terrible injury late in the 2018 season. There were questions on whether he would ever play again given the nature of the injury and the subsequent surgeries, but his knee has been rebuilt and he has been cleared to play. He ultimately has won the last 23 games he has started but there are major questions to whether he can return to being the dynamic playmaker he was for the Knights and he will face significantly upgraded opposition in the ACC. Florida State has been a mess in recent years now led by Mike Norvell with the Seminoles going just 3-6 last year. A storybook finish for Milton doesn’t seem likely but it is certainly worth rooting for.  Tyler Shough (From Oregon to Texas Tech)  While Texas Tech has changed coaches and isn’t quite the Air Raid squad of the past, being the Red Raiders quarterback remains a coveted position, especially when the face of the NFL is an alum. Shough was one of the most sought-after recruits after a stellar high school campaign as he has an NFL build and great athleticism. After redshirting behind Justin Herbert, Shough carried high expectations into 2020 at Oregon but ultimately did not have a great statistical season despite a Pac-12 Championship. Texas Tech is not expected to be a Big XII contender but the opportunity to post big numbers in high-profile games will be there.     Terry Wilson (From Kentucky to New Mexico)  An electric playmaker for the 2018 Wildcats team that beat Penn State in the Citrus Bowl, Wilson suffered a season-ending injury early in the 2019 season. He didn’t capture the same level of success last season and with Kentucky having several promising young options at quarterback Wilson found a new opportunity leaving the SEC. His mobility should play well in the Mountain West and while he is heading to a program that has 10 wins combined the past four seasons, he could immediately be among the conference’s top quarterbacks as well as a formidable rusher.  Logan Bonner (From Arkansas State to Utah State)  A two-year starter and quarterback that has played in each of the past four seasons at Arkansas State, Bonner followed coach Blake Anderson to Utah State. That should allow him to have much more comfort and the potential for more immediate success than most transfer quarterbacks. Utah State went just 1-5 last season, but the season had all sorts of challenges with internal Covid issues forcing the cancellation of a game while another game was cancelled due to a player protest. Head coach Gary Andersen left the team after three games as well as not much went right and it showed in the results. Anderson has a 51-37 career record and with Bonner in tow the Aggies could be a mild surprise, as this was an 11-2 team in 2018 and has generally been an above average Mountain West team in the last decade.  Bailey Zappe (From Houston Baptist to Western Kentucky)  Zappe has generated a big buzz now leading Tyson Helton’s offense at Western Kentucky. Zappe set all sorts of records at Houston Baptist, averaging 458 passing yards per game in an Air Raid style offense. The Hilltoppers had a slow start last season but won their final three Conference USA games and they line up as a possible team on the rise in the conference for 2021. Zappe could quickly emerge on the national passing leaderboards if he lives up to the hype and the Hilltoppers have a pair of Big Ten non-conference tests early in the year for showcase opportunities. In Conference USA the Hilltoppers are also a serious contender in the East division and the schedule is favorable for a strong bowl season.  Here are a few other transfer quarterbacks that are worth watching, all of which have a likely path to a starting role at their new school:  Ryan Hilinski (From South Carolina to Northwestern) Tanner Mordecai (From Oklahoma to SMU)  N’Kosi Perry (From Miami, FL to Florida Atlantic)  Chase Brice (From Duke to Appalachian State)  Jacob Sirmon (From Washington to Central Michigan)  D’Wan Mathis (From Georgia to Temple)  Bailey Hockman (From NC State to Middle Tennessee State)  Also worth mentioning is that notable transfers will be fighting for starting roles at several major conference programs including Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, and Arizona. It is too soon to say whether those jobs will be won however. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB, NFL, CFL and EPL Previews and Odds - 08/14/2021

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Aug 14, 2021

The Saturday sports card features action in the NFL preseason, MLB, the Canadian Football League, and the English Premier League.Ten games are on the NFL preseason slate. Two games kickoff in the afternoon on the NFL Network. The Chicago Bears host the Miami Dolphins at 1 PM as a 3.5-point favorite, with the total set at 37 (all odds from DraftKings). The Denver Broncos visit the Minnesota Vikings at 4 PM ET as a 2.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 33.5.Two games begin at 7 PM ET. The Jacksonville Jaguars are at home against the Cleveland Browns on the NFL Network as a 3-point favorite with a total of 36.5. The Baltimore Ravens host the New Orleans Saints as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 36. Two games kickoff at 7:30 PM ET. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at home against the Cincinnati Bengals as a 6-point favorite with a total of 33.5. The New York Jets travel to the Meadowlands to play the New York Giants as a 2-point road favorite with an over/under of 35. The Green Bay Packers play at home against the Houston Texans at 8 PM ET as a 3-point favorite with a total of 35. The San Francisco 49ers host the Kansas City Chiefs at 8:30 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with an over/under of 36.5. The Las Vegas Raiders are at home against the Seattle Seahawks at 9 PM ET as a 2.5-point favorite with a total of 36.5. The Los Angeles Chargers play at the Los Angeles Rams on the NFL Network at 10 PM ET as a 3.5-point road favorite with an over/under of 32.5. Sixteen games are on the MLB docket. Three games start in the afternoon. Milwaukee plays at Pittsburgh at 2:30 PM ET in the first game of their seven-inning doubleheader to make up for their postponed game on Friday. Cincinnati is at Philadelphia on FS1 at 4:05 PM ET. The Reds are a -145 money line road favorite with a total of 9.5. Boston hosts Baltimore at 4:10 PM ET as a -280 money line favorite with an over/under of 10. Atlanta is at Washington at 6:10 PM ET as a -180 money line road favorite with a total of 9. Two games start at 6:10 PM ET. Cleveland plays at Detroit as a -130 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. Miami hosts the Chicago Cubs as a -135 money line favorite with a total of 7.5.Two games start at 7:05 PM ET. Oakland plays at Texas as a -210 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. The Brewers play the Pirates in the second game of their doubleheader. Four games begin at 7:10 PM ET. Minnesota hosts Tampa Bay as a -170 money line favorite with a total of 9.5. St. Louis plays at Kansas City as a -120 money line road favorite with an over/under of 10. The Los Angeles Dodgers are at New York against the Mets as a -170 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. The Chicago White Sox are at home against the New York Yankees as a -135 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. San Diego plays at Arizona at 8:10 PM ET as a -220 money line road favorite with a total of 9. San Francisco is at home against Colorado as a -210 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. Houston is in Los Angeles against the Angels at 9:07 PM ET as a -180 money line road favorite with a total of 9.5. Toronto plays at Seattle at 10:10 PM ET as a -160 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5.Two games take place in the CFL. Edmonton hosts Montreal on ESPN+ at 7 PM ET. The Eskimos come off a 16-12 upset loss as a 7-point favorite last Saturday. The Alouettes got the bye last week. Hamilton travels to Saskatchewan on ESPN News at 10 PM ET. The Tiger-Cats got upset last Thursday, 19-6, at Winnipeg as a 2-point road favorite. The Roughriders beat British Columbia, 33-29, as a 6.5-point favorite last Friday. The opening week of the English Premier League continues with seven matches. Manchester United hosts Leeds United on the NBC Sports Network at 7:30 AM ET. The Red Devils are a -1 goal line favorite with a total of 3. Five games begin at 10 AM ET. Everton plays at home against Southampton on the NBC Sports Network as a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.25. Leicester City is at home against Wolverhampton on the USA Network as a -0.75 goal line favorite with a total of 2.5. Chelsea hosts Crystal Palace on Peacock as a -1.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2.75. Brighton and Hove Albion travel to Burnley on Peacock as a -0.75 road favorite with a total of 2.25. Aston Villa visits Watford on Peacock as a -0.25 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. Liverpool travels to Norwich City on NBC at 12:30 PM ET. The Reds are a -1.5 goal line favorite with a total of 3.25. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB, NFL CFL and EPL Previews and Odds - 08/13/2021

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Aug 13, 2021

The Friday sports card features action in the NFL preseason, MLB, the Canadian Football League, and the English Premier League.Three games are on the NFL preseason slate. Two games start at 7 PM ET. The Buffalo Bills visit the Detroit Lions in the first game of the doubleheader on the NFL Network. The game is a pick ‘em with the total set at 37 (all odds from DraftKings). The Tennessee Titans travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons in a pick ‘em contest with an over/under of 38. The Arizona Cardinals hosts the Dallas Cowboys in the second game on the NFL Network at 10 PM ET. The Cardinals are a -1.5 point favorite with a total of 39.Fifteen games are on the MLB docket. Three games start at 7:05 PM ET. Philadelphia is at home against Cincinnati as a -170 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Atlanta visits Washington as a -145 money line road favorite with a total of 9. Milwaukee travels to Pittsburgh as a -210 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. Four games begin at 7:10 PM ET. Cleveland plays at Detroit as a -120 money line road favorite with a total of 9.5. Boston hosts Baltimore as a -225 money line favorite with an over/under of 11. The Los Angeles Dodgers visit New York to play the Mets as a -155 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Miami is at home against the Chicago Cubs as a -130 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Oakland travels to Texas to play the Rangers at 8:05 PM ET. The A’s are a -160 money line road favorite with a total of 9. Two games begin at 8:10 PM ET. St. Louis plays at Kansas City as a -140 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Tampa Bay visits Minnesota as a -160 money line with a total of 9. Houston visits Los Angeles to play the Angels at 9:38 PM ET. The Astros are a -150 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8.5. San Diego plays at Arizona at 9:40 PM ET. The Padres are a -170 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5. San Francisco hosts Colorado at 9:45 PM ET. The Giants are a -220 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. Toronto travels to Seattle at 10:10 PM ET. The Blue Jays are a -165 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5.Week 2 of the CFL continues with Toronto playing at Winnipeg on ESPN+ at 8:30 PM ET. The Argonauts upset Calgary on the road, 23-20, as a 7-point underdog last Saturday. The Blue Bombers upset Hamilton at home by a 19-6 score as a 2-point underdog last Thursday. The 2021-22 English Premier League season begins with Arsenal playing at Brentford on the NBC Sports Network at 3 PM ET. The Bees were one of three promoted teams from the Championship League last season. The Arsenal Gunners are a -0.5 goal line road favorite with an over/under of 2.5. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB, NFL and CFL Previews and Odds - 08/12/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Aug 12, 2021

The Thursday sports card features action in the NFL preseason, MLB, and the Canadian Football League. Two games are on the NFL preseason slate at 7:30 PM ET. The Philadelphia Eagles host the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers defeated Dallas in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, 16-3, last Thursday. This is the Eagles’ first preseason game. Philadelphia is a 1-point favorite with the total set at 35 (all odds from DraftKings). Washington visits New England on the NFL Network in the opening preseason game for both teams. The Football Team is a -2 point road favorite with an over/under of 36.5.Fourteen games are on the MLB docket. Ten games start in the afternoon. Washington plays at New York against the Mets at 12:10 PM ET in the first game of their seven-inning doubleheader. St. Louis is at Pittsburgh at 12:35 PM ET. The Cardinals are a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 9. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at Philadelphia at 1:05 PM ET. Both teams are a -110 money line favorite with an over/under of 10.5. Oakland concludes their visit at Cleveland at 1:10 PM ET. The A’s are a -180 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Milwaukee completes their series in Chicago against the Cubs at 2:20 PM ET. The Brewers are a -220 money line road favorite with a total of 9. Baltimore hosts Detroit at 4:05 PM ET. The Orioles are a -150 money line favorite with an over/under of 10.5. The second game of the Nationals/Mets doubleheader is tentatively scheduled for 4:10 PM ET. Two other games start at 4:10 PM ET. Boston plays at home against Tampa Bay as a -130 money line favorite with a total of 10.5. Seattle is at home against Texas as a -200 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Atlanta plays at home against Cincinnati at 5:10 PM ET. The Braves are a -140 money line favorite with a total of 10.5. Four games take place at night. The New York Yankees play against the Chicago White Sox in the Field of Dreams game on Fox at 7 PM ET. The game takes place in Dyersville, Iowa in a ball park configured to replicate the White Sox’s historic Comiskey Stadium. Chicago is a -160 money line favorite as the designated home team with an over/under of 9.5. Toronto plays at Los Angeles against the Angels at 9:38 PM ET. The Blue Jays are a -135 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. San Diego is at Arizona at 9:40 PM ET. The Padres are a -210 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. San Francisco hosts Colorado at 9:45 PM ET. The Giants are a -180 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. The Canadian Football League kicks off the second week of their season with one game. The Calgary Stampeders play at home against the British Columbia Lions on ESPN+ at 9:30 PM ET. The Stampeders were upset at home against Toronto by a 23-20 score as a 7-point favorite on Saturday. The Lions lost at Saskatchewan, 33-29, as a 6.5-point favorite last Friday. Calgary is a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 48.5.

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CFL Injury Report: Week 2

by Sean Murphy

Wednesday, Aug 11, 2021

With one week of CFL action in the books it's time to turn our attention to Week 2. Here's a look at some injury concerns to keep an eye on ahead of this week's four matchups.B.C. at Calgary - Thursday, 9:30 pm etThe Lions will give rookie QB Nathan Rourke his second consecutive start but haven't ruled out Mike Reilly seeing some snaps as well on Friday night. Both performed to mixed reviews in last week's wild 33-29 loss in Saskatchewan. Note that B.C. has ruled out prized offseason acquisition OL Ryker Matthews for this one. Calgary is expected to have the services of QB Bo Levi Mitchell after he was limited in practice earlier in the week. Veteran DB Jamar Wall has been placed on the Injured List.Toronto at Winnipeg - Friday, 8:30 pm et The Argos look a little healthier than they were a week ago when they rolled into Calgary and upset the Stampeders. Backup QB Nick Arbuckle was once again limited in practice all week and it remains up in the air whether he'll be available on Friday.Winnipeg has a number of injury concerns, particularly on the defensive side of the football. The anchor of the Bombers defense, DL Willie Jefferson, hasn't practiced this week. His pass rushing mate DL Jackson Jeffcoat did return to practice on Wednesday but was limited. Offensively, Winnipeg will likely be without the trio of RB Andrew Harris and WRs Darvin Adams and Ardarius Stewart. Montreal at Edmonton - Saturday, 7 pm etThe Als will be playing their first game of the season after being idle last week and enter the contest at virtually full strength.Edmonton WR Armanti Edwards returned as a full participant at practice on Wednesday after being limited earlier in the week. All told, the Elks came out of last Saturday's disappointing loss to the RedBlacks relatively unscathed injury-wise.Hamilton at Saskatchewan - Saturday, 10 pm etHamilton enters this one with a long list of injury concerns, but most of its banged-up players are expected to suit up on Saturday. Star WR Brandon Banks was dealing with an illness earlier in the week but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.The Riders had only three players miss practice on Wednesday. DL Kevin Francis, OL Mattland Riley and DL Peter Robertson are all questionable to play on Saturday night. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/11/2021

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Aug 11, 2021

The Wednesday sports card features 16 games in MLB. Five games take place in the afternoon. The Chicago White Sox concludes their three-game series at Minnesota at 1:10 PM ET. The White Sox pitch Lance Lynn against the Twins Bailey Ober. Chicago is a -165 money line road favorite with the total set at 9 (all odds from DraftKings). Two games start at 2:10 PM ET. Houston hosts Colorado to complete their two-game series. Framber Valdez pitches for the Astros against Antonio Senzatela of the Rockies. Houston is a -250 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The New York Yankees play at Kansas City to finish their three-game series. The Royals pitch Brady Singer against a Yankees pitcher yet to be determined. New York is a -120 money line road favorite with a total of 9.5.San Diego hosts Miami at 4:10 PM ET in the final game of their three-game series. Ryan Weathers pitches for the Padres against Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins. San Diego is a -170 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. The Washington Nationals and New York Mets will continue their nine-inning game from Tuesday at 4:10. Rain suspended the game in the top of the second inning with the Nationals leading, 3-1. Three games begin at 7:05 PM ET. Detroit plays at Baltimore in the second game of their three-game series. The Tigers pitch Tarik Skubal against the Orioles Matt Harvey. Detroit is a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 10. The Los Angeles Dodgers are in Philadelphia on ESPN for Game 2 of their three-game series. David Price pitches for the Dodgers against Kyle Gibson for the Phillies. Los Angeles is a -140 money line road favorite with an over/under of 10. St. Louis is at Pittsburgh in the middle game of their three-game series. The Cardinals pitch J.A. Happ against the Pirates Wil Crowe. St. Louis is a -170 money line road favorite with a total of 9. Two games begin at 7:10 PM ET. Boston plays at home against Tampa Bay in Game 2 of their three-game series. Nathan Eovaldi pitches for the Red Sox against Ryan Yarbrough of the Rays. Boston is a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Oakland is at Cleveland in the second game of their three-game series. The A’s pitch Frankie Montas against the Indians Cal Quantrill. Oakland is a -140 money line road favorite with a total of 9.5. The second game between the Nationals and Mets will take place 30-40 minutes after the completion of their first game but no earlier than 7:10 PM ET. Joe Ross will pitch for Washington against Marcus Stroman for the Mets in a seven-inning game. Atlanta is at home against Cincinnati at 7:20 PM ET in the middle game of their three-game series. The Braves pitch Drew Smyly against the Reds’ Wade Miley. Atlanta is a -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5.Milwaukee plays in Chicago against the Cubs at 8:05 PM ET. Corbin Burnes pitches for the Brewers against Jake Arrieta of the Cubs. Milwaukee is a -150 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Toronto is in Los Angeles against the Angels in the third game of their four-game series. The Blue Jays pitch Alek Manoah against Los Angeles starting pitcher Dylan Bundy. Toronto is a -180 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. San Francisco hosts Arizona at 9:45 PM ET in the second game of their two-game series. Kevin Gausman pitches for the Giants against Merrill Kelly of the Diamondbacks. San Francisco is a -260 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. Seattle is at home against Texas at 10:10 PM ET in Game 2 of their three-game series. The Mariners pitch Tyler Anderson against the Rangers Spencer Howard. Seattle is a -190 money line favorite with an over/under of 8. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/10/2021

by Big Al Staff

Tuesday, Aug 10, 2021

The Tuesday sports card features 17 games in MLB. Two games start in the afternoon in the opening games of the two seven-inning doubleheaders. Milwaukee plays at Chicago against the Cubs at 2:20 PM ET after their game on Monday got postponed because of rain. Freddy Peralta is set to pitch for the Brewers against Justin Steele of the Cubs. Toronto visits Los Angeles to play the Angels at 6:07 PM ET. The Blue Jays will be the technical home team batting last in the opener to make up for the postponed game on April 11th in their temporary first home of the season in Dunedin, Florida. For statistical purposes, the Angels will be considered the home team. Los Angeles pitches Chris Rodriguez against Toronto starting pitcher Steven Matz. The Blue Jays are a -160 money line favorite with the total set at 7.5 (all odds from DraftKings). Three games start at 7:05 PM ET. St. Louis travels to Pittsburgh for the opening game of their three-game series. J.A. Happ pitches for the Cardinals against the Pirates Steven Brault. St. Louis is a -125 money line road favorite with a total of 9.5. Baltimore hosts Detroit in Game 1 of their three-game series. The Orioles pitch Keegan Akin against the Tigers Casey Mize. Baltimore is a -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 10.5. The Los Angeles Dodgers visit Philadelphia in the opener of their three-game series. Max Scherzer pitches for the Dodgers against Aaron Nola for the Phillies. Los Angeles is a -170 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. Three games begin at 7:10 PM ET. Boston plays at home against Tampa Bay in the first game of their three games series. The Red Sox pitch Eduardo Rodriguez against the Rays Luis Patino. Boston is a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The New York Mets host Washington in the opener of their three-game series. Carlos Carrasco pitches for the Mets against Paolo Espino of the Nationals. New York is a -250 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. Oakland visits Cleveland in Game 1 of their three-game series. The A’s pitch Sean Manaea against the Indians Triston McKenzie. Oakland is a -155 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Cincinnati travels to Atlanta at 7:20 PM ET for the opener of their three-game series. Sonny Gray pitches for the Reds against Drew Smyly of the Braves. Both teams are priced at -110 with the total at 9.5. The second game of the Brewers/Cubs doubleheader is set at 8:05 PM ET. Milwaukee pitches Aaron Ashby against Chicago’s Alec Mills. Three games start at 8:10 PM ET. Houston hosts Colorado in the opener of their two-game series. Jake Odorizzi pitches for the Astros against Jon Gray for the Rockies. Houston is a -170 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Chicago White Sox are in Minnesota for the second game of their three-game series. The White Sox pitch Dallas Keuchel against the Twins Griffin Jax. Chicago is a -150 money line road favorite with a total of 10. The New York Yankees play at Kansas City in the second game of their three-game series. The Yankees pitch Nestor Cortes, Jr. against the Royals' Daniel Lynch. New York is a -155 money line road favorite with an over/under of 10.5. San Francisco hosts Arizona at 9:45 PM ET in the opener of their two-game series. Alex Wood pitches for the Giants against Zac Gallen of the Diamondbacks. San Francisco is a -220 money line favorite with a total of 7.5. The second game of the Blue Jays/Angels doubleheader starts at 10:07 PM ET. Toronto pitches Ross Stripling against Los Angeles starting pitcher Jose Suarez. The Blue Jays are a -145 money line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Two games start at 10:10 PM ET. Seattle plays at home against Texas in the first game of their three-game series. Logan Gilbert pitches or the Mariners against Kolby Allard of the Rangers. Seattle is a -220 money line favorite with a total of 8. San Diego plays at home against Miami in the second game of their three-game series. The Padres pitch Craig Stammen against a starting pitcher yet to be determined for the Marlins. San Diego is a -240 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. 

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MLB Division Races Heating Up

by Ben Burns

Monday, Aug 09, 2021

With the calendar now well into August, things are really heating up at the ballpark. The American League Central Division, dominated by the Chicago White Sox this season, is the only division where we know the winner. The other five divisions are very much up for grabs. Naturally, when handicapping games, it's important to know which teams still have a chance and which teams are now playing out the string. Let's take a closer look.AL EASTFour of the five teams still have hopes of winning the division. The Rays enter the week with a 4-game lead over Boston. New York and Toronto aren't far behind. All four teams will be fighting it out right until the end. The Orioles, of course, are long out of contention.AL CENTRALAs mentioned, the White Sox have all but mathematically won this division. Not only will none of the other teams (Cleveland, Detroit, Minnesota, KC) catch Chicago, none are alive in the Wild Card race. AL WESTThe Astros can't quite shake the A's. Houston leads Oakland by 2.5 games. The other teams in the division, Seattle, LA and Texas, are out of the running. No shot at the Wild Card for any of those three, either. NL EastThree of five teams in the East are alive. None have a shot at the Wild Card, so it's truly a winner-takes-all affair. The surging Phillies currently hold a 2-game lead over the Braves. The Mets are only half a game back of the Braves. Washington and Miami are done.NL CentralWith a 5-game lead over the Reds, the Brewers are in fairly good shape at the moment. They better not falter though, as the Wild Card isn't likely an option. The Cards, Cubs and Pirates are playing for pride.NL WestEveryone knew the Dodgers would be strong. Most thought, however, that it would be San Diego which would challenge them. The Padres have indeed played well. Only 3.5 games behind the defending champs, they're in good shape for a Wild Card spot. It's the Giants who continue to surprise though. At 71-41, they've got the best record in baseball. Could the three top teams in baseball all be in the same division? The next few weeks are going to be exciting. We know that the teams fighting for the playoffs will give their best effort. Remember to also keep a close eye on the ones which are playing out the string. Those teams will be calling up young players and evaluating talent. Some will relish the chance to play spoiler and will keep playing hard. Others are likely to really struggle. Identifying which category the various clubs fall into will help with your handicapping. Enjoy the pennant races and best of luck with all your wagers. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/09/2021

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Aug 08, 2021

The Monday sports card features five games in MLB.Cincinnati travels to Cleveland for their one-game series at 6:10 PM ET. The Reds won their fifth game in a row with their 3-2 victory against Pittsburgh on Sunday. It is Luis Castillo’s turn in the starting rotation. The right-hander has a 6-10 record with a 4.09 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP in 23 starts. The Indians won their second game in their last three with their 7-5 victory against Detroit yesterday. Sam Hentges appears set to be the Cleveland starting pitcher. The left-hander has a 1-4 record with a 7.86 ERA and a 2.01 WHIP in eight starts and 17 appearances this season. Cincinnati is a -165 money line road favorite, with the total set at 8.5 (all odds from DraftKings).Milwaukee visits the Chicago Cubs at 8:05 PM ET in the opening game of their four-game series. The Brewers lost their third game in their last five with their 5-4 loss to San Francisco on Sunday. They pitch Freddy Peralta, who has an 8-3 record with a 2.21 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP in 20 starts and 21 games this season. The Cubs have lost four straight and six of their last seven after a 9-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox last night. They counter with Alec Mills, who has a 5-4 record with a 4.41 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP in 69 1/3 innings. Milwaukee is a -180 money line road favorite. The New York Yankees play at Kansas City at 8:10 PM ET in Game 1 of their three-game series. The Yankees had their five-game winning streak end in a 2-0 loss to Seattle on Sunday. Jameson Taillon is the New York starting pitcher. He has a 7-4 record with a 4.04 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. The Royals lost their third game in a row in a 6-5 loss at St. Louis yesterday. Carlos Hernandez pitches for Kansas City. He has a 3-1 record with a 4.58 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. The Yankees are a -170 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5. The Chicago White Sox are at Minnesota on ESPN at 8:10 PM ET in the opening game of their three-game series. The White Sox won their third straight game in a 9-3 victory on the road against the Cubs last night. They pitch Lucas Giolito with his 8-8 record, 3.98 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP in 22 starts this season. The Twins won their third game in their last four in a 7-5 victory at Houston on Sunday. Beau Burrows looks slated to pitch to make his first start of the season for Minnesota. He has a 0-0 record with an 11.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in nine innings. Chicago is a -170 money line road favorite with a total of 9.San Diego hosts Miami at 10:10 PM ET in the first game of their three-game series. The Padres won their fourth game in their last six with a 2-0 victory at home against Arizona on Sunday. Joe Musgrove takes the mound for San Diego with a 7-7 record along with a 2.87 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. The Marlins lost their third game in a row in a 13-8 loss at Colorado yesterday. They pitch Zach Thompson, who has a 2-4 record with a 2.53 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP in nine starts. The Padres are a -250 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 08/08/2021

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Aug 08, 2021

The Sunday sports card features action in MLB. Fifteen games are on the MLB docket. Three games open the slate at 1:05 PM ET. Tampa Bay plays at Baltimore in the final game of their four-game series. Michael Wacha pitches for the Rays against Jorge Lopez. Tampa Bay is a -180 money line road favorite with the total set at 10.5. Philadelphia hosts the New York Mets on TBS in the third game of their three-game series. The Phillies pitch Zack Wheeler against the Mets Taijuan Walker. Philadelphia is a -170 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The New York Yankees are at home against Seattle in the fourth game of their four-game series. Luis Gil pitches for the Yankees against the Mariners Yusei Kikuchi. New York is a -150 money line favorite with a total of 9.5. Toronto hosts Boston at 1:07 PM ET in the final game of their four-game series. The Blue Jays pitch Hyun Jin Ryu against the Red Sox Garrett Richards. Toronto is a -210 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Two games start at 1:10 PM ET. Cleveland plays at home against Detroit in Game 3 of their three-game series. Zach Plesac pitches for the Indians against Wily Peralta of the Tigers. Cleveland is a -160 money line favorite with a total of 9.5. Cincinnati is at home against Pittsburgh in the fourth game of their four-game series. The Reds pitch Tyler Mahle against the Pirates Bryse Wilson. Cincinnati is a -255 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Atlanta hosts Washington at 1:20 PM ET in the third game of their three-game series. Max Fried pitches for the Braves against Patrick Corbin of the Nationals. Atlanta is a -225 money line favorite with a total of 9. Two games start at 2:10 PM ET. Houston plays at home against Minnesota in the fourth game of their four-game series. The Astros pitch Lance McCullers against the Twins Kenta Maeda. Houston is a -200 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Milwaukee is at home against San Francisco in the final game of their three-game series. Brett Anderson pitches for the Brewers against Johnny Cueto of the Giants. Milwaukee is a -120 money line favorite with a total of 9. St. Louis hosts Kansas City at 2:15 PM ET in the third game of their three-game series. The Cardinals pitch Jon Lester against the Royals Kris Bubic. St. Louis is a -155 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. Colorado plays at home against Miami at 3:10 PM ET in the final game of their three-game series. Kyle Freeland pitches for the Rockies against a starting pitcher yet to be determined for the Marlins. Colorado is a -155 money line favorite with a total of 10.5. Oakland hosts Texas at 4:07 PM ET in the third game of their three-game series. The A’s pitch James Kaprielian against the Rangers Jordan Lyles. Oakland is a -275 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two games start at 4:10 PM ET. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at home against the Los Angeles Angels in the final game of their three-game series. Walker Buehler pitches for the Dodgers against Reid Detmers of the Angels. The Dodgers are a -310 money line favorite with a total of 8.5. San Diego plays Arizona in the third game of their three-game series. The Padres pitch Blake Snell against the Diamondbacks Madison Bumgarner. San Diego is a -195 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Chicago White Sox play at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs on ABC at 7:09 PM ET. The White Sox pitch Dylan Cease against Zach Davies of the Cubs. The White Sox are a -190 money line favorite.

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