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Target tracking basic sensors are used alone or in multi-sensor combination for multi-target surveillance systems. Optimal assignment of targets to pseudo sensor combinations of single basic sensor groups or to sensor groups formed of a plurality of basic sensors is provided subject to given constraints on basic sensor capacity for a given definition of optimal. The approach taken here is to determine the predicted gain in information content of a track i after it is updated with data from pseudo sensor i for all pairs i,j. This information content is then used to predict without making actual observations by using the properties of the Kalman covariance matrix. Assignments of tracks to pseudo sensors are then made on a continuing basis so that the total information gain is maximized. This is achieved by imposing unique constraints on the pseudo sensors and then calculation maximized information gain using linear programming methods.
1. A sensing system for optimizing the allocation of sensors to targets that are being tracked by the system on a continuing basis comprising,
a plurality of basic sensors arranged into sensor groups so that a separate pseudo sensor group is formed by each basic sensor and by each possible combination of said basic sensors,
a Kalman filter which provides track covariance matrix vector data for each target which is dependent on state vector data being tracked for predicting track errors and the position of its associated target,
a programmable digital computer controllable by software code coupled to said Kalman filter for receiving available basic sensor data, basic sensor capacity data and basic sensor error input data target state vector data and Kalman filter covariance matrix data,
a first software process for causing said computer to calculate information gain of said system for each pseudo sensor and target assignment on a continuing basis as a function of the ratio of the covariance matrix data of each associated Kalman filter when state vector data of the associated target is observed to the covariance matrix data of each associated Kalman filter when state vector of the associated target is not observed,
a second software process that utilizes mathematical linear programming to maximize the relative information gain in a calculation cycle in which the state vectors and the gain values for each possible combination of said sensors and said targets are calculated, namely: ##EQU10## where C is relative gain, Gij is the information gain of a track j and sensor i, and Xij is the state vector for each track j and sensor i, and said second software code imposes the first constraint, ##EQU11## where S is the number of basic sensors and 2s -1=τ, and to the second constraint ##EQU12## where τk is the maximum tracking capacity of the basic sensor k, i J(k) means i is a subset of J(k), and J(k) represents the set of all pseudo sensors that include the basic sensor k, and
control means for utilizing said basic sensors as selected combinations of pseudo sensors formed of one or more basic sensors on a continuing basis after each information gain calculation which is coupled to said computer and to said pseudo sensors for recombining said sensors with said targets in response to the maximization value, c, of said relative gain that is obtained after each information gain calculation.
This invention relates to multi-sensor, multi-target radar surveillance systems and in particular to the optimal assignment of targets to sensors in such systems.
The problem of allocating of multiple sensors for the surveillance of multiple targets advanced in radar systems are formidable. The sensors are often of different types and are usually located on different platforms while the surveillance is confined to a particular Volume of Interest (VOI). Target ranking, spatial and temporal coverage, conversion of assignments into sensor control commands, immunity to countermeasures, emission control, cueing and handoff, event prediction, and the ability of sensors to observe targets are among the many complicated aspects of the problem. Prior allocation methods were often ad hoc and sub-optimal.
The mathematical foundations of the invention are shown in equations 1-5 below. Let X be a discrete parameter space with a finite number of parameters. The most general way of describing any state of information on X is by defining a probability measure of μ that extends over X. The most familiar case is when μ is a probability for a given state of information and f(x) is its corresponding probability density function. Thus for any A X, where A is equal to, or is in, the set X, we have ##EQU1##
The probability density function f(x) is said to represent the state of information. Each track process is described by a Kalman filter. It is a property of the Kalman filter that one can, a priori, calculate the updated covariance matrix for the target, if it is assumed that a selected sensor will be used to observe or track the state vector. The form of the uncertainty of the components of the state vector x is selected as a gaussian multi-variate distribution. The form of the density function f(x; m,P) is then given by
ƒ(x, m, P)=([2π]n/2 [det P]1/2)-1 exp (-1/2[x-m]T P-1 [x-m]) (2)
where m is the mean vector of the state and P is the covariance matrix. The mean vector m is the most probable value of the state and the covariance matrix P is a symmetric matrix whose diagonal elements are the variances of the components of the state vector. In order to evaluate the efficacy of assigning a sensor to a target, we choose to use the predicted information content of the state vector as a comparative measure of how to make the best assignment.
The relative information content I(f,λ) of a probability density function f(x) with respect to the (normalized) non-informative probability density λ(x) is given by:
I(ƒ,λ)=∫d xƒ(x) ln (ƒ(x)/λ(x))(3)
and is simply called the information content of f(x). When the logarithm is to the base 2, the unit of information is termed a bit; if the base is e=2.71828 . . . , the unit is the nep or neper; and when the base is 10 the unit is the digit. It is known that I(f,λ) is invariant under a change of variables that is one-to-one and onto (called bijective). It is also known that λ is a uniform probability density if the coordinate system is Cartesian.
If sensors are assigned to observe the state vector x, then the new updated covariance matrix will be called P1, while the updated covariance matrix if the state vector is not observed will be called Po. The density function for the one step ahead (i.e., one calculation cycle) state vector if the track is observed by a sensor is fi (x;m1,P1). The density function for the one step ahead updated state vector if the track is not observed by a sensor is fo (x;m,Po). When the information gain in the one step ahead state vector for a track T is the difference in the information content if the track is observed minus the information content if the track is not observed. This "gain" in information can be denoted by G where
The notation for the gain in assigning sensor i to track j is obtained by subscripting the gain as Gij. If the density functions are Gaussian, we can then evaluate I in closed form, and, therefore, also G to obtain for the gain in information content, the expression ##EQU2## where the notation |P| stands for the determinant of P and the unit is the neper.
The use of Kalman filters to obtain preferred sensor-to-target assignments in a generic surveillance context is known. Jeffrey M. Nash's article in Proceedings of the IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, 1997 entitled "Optimal Allocation of Tracking Resources" discusses an approach to the general problem. The Nash paper utilizes pseudo sensors in addition to the original independent sensors in which the pseudo sensors are provided for all possible sensor combinations. The Kalman filter is utilized to provide the covariance matrices P1 and P0 which are used in G to calculate the gains in information content which can then be presented in an augmented sensor target assignment array in which the targets 1-n are aligned in a row across the top of the array, and the sensors 1-m are aligned in a column on the left side of the array. Thus there will be formed n�m cells in the array, and a maximum information gain and associated sensor to target assignment will be calculated by a digital computer using a linear programming algorithm on a step-by-step basis. The assignment thus obtained is the optimal assignment in the sense of maximum gain of information.
Allocation of multiple sensor as single basic sensor "pseudo sensors" or as collections of basic sensors to form additional pseudo sensors to multiple targets is achieved for a radar surveillance system by determining the predicted gain in information content of a track i after it is updated with data from pseudo sensor j for all pairs of tracks and pseudo sensors i,j. This information content is predicted by using a Kalman covariance matrix data for each target track. The particular assignment of tracks to pseudo sensors that maximizes the total information gain subject to the constraints on basic sensor capacities is generated by a software process that implements the mathematical technique of linear programming.
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention, and
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the process of optimization by which information gain is obtained with the invention.
The invention will be described with reference to a surveillance problem in which there are s pseudo sensors and t targets or tracks. In the assignment of a pseudo sensor to a target we assume that each pseudo sensor is described by a Kalman filter covariance matrix which provides the errors the basic sensors make in measuring various features related to a target's state vector.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a representative embodiment of the present invention in which five targets T1 -T5 are the targets that are to be tracked. The system uses three independent basic, or actual, sensors S1 -S3. In addition to the three basic sensors, four other sensor groups are formed S4 -S7. Three of these sensor groups, S4, S5 and S6, are formed by utilizing the various combinations of the basic sensors S1, S2 and S3 taken two at a time. The seventh sensor group is then formed with a combination of all three sensors S1 -S3. There are then seven possible sensor groups to target tracks assignments that may be formed since a sensor group may consist of only a single basic sensor. Each group of sensors, whether formed of a single sensor or a plurality of sensors, may be called either a "pseudo sensor" or a "sensor" in this document, where the context will make the meaning or the term apparent. Each track has a Kalman filter assigned to it in the described embodiment. These gain serials are then utilized by a digital computer C which receives the information from the Kalman filters K1 -K5 and utilizes a software program to implement mathematical linear programming in a manner which will maximize the information gain on a continuing step-by-step basis. In this manner the assignment of pseudo sensors to targets is resolved in the most efficient tracking procedure on a substantially real-time basis. The results of the computer are utilized by the pseudo sensor target assignment controller A to update the pseudo sensor combinations on a step-by-step updated basis and to provide the results to the sensor control B. FIG. 1 is only a schematic and it is to be realized that all of the pseudo sensors are coupled to suitable known antenna or antenna arrays so that any of the pseudo sensors may track any of the targets which are in their fields of view.
FIG. 2 illustrates the process in which the method of optimizing the allocation of sensors to targets in radar surveillance systems in which the present invention is employed. In systems in which multiple pseudo sensors are allocated to multiple targets, the available basic sensors, the capacity of each basic sensor and the capability of the basic sensors for producing errors must first be determined, and this information must be supplied to the data processing resources of the system, as indicated in step 10. This information is derived from information obtained from the basic sensors, such as the fields of view and the accuracies indicated in step 12.
Once this information is known, data received from the basic sensors are combined by implementation of equation 8 to form additional "pseudo sensors," as indicated in step 14. A process of constructing and attempting to optimize pseudo sensors was described by J. M. Nash in the article "Optimal Allocation of Tracking Resources," Proceedings of IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, 1977, pp 1177-1180. The method of step 14 allows for the combination of basic sensors which is assigned to a single target by considering that the combination of basic sensors is a single pseudo sensor which is assigned to the target. The number of "sensors" employed is thus increased from S to 2s -1.
Once the optimal pseudo sensor to target assignment is obtained, it can be employed to observe the various targets returned tracks if the Kalman filter for each target is then employed to update the filter, based on the observation. Following updating of the Kalman filter, information is utilized to compute predicted track errors and positions. There are constraints, however, on the assignment of pseudo sensors. One of the most important constraints is the maximum tracking capacity of the basic sensors. Given a specified time interval, some sensors can observe a certain volume of space and also track a specified number of targets. They cannot exceed this maximum tracking capacity in the specified time period. If the maximum tracking capacity is known for each of the basic sensors, then this must be accounted for when the pseudo sensors are assigned. Prior work in this area did not achieve the desired optimization because it did not adequately address the pseudo-sensor constraints.
The process of this invention relies on information gain that is obtained by the assignment of the pseudo sensors as calculated by use of the equation 5 in step 16. The optimization method of step 18 of this invention then assigns pseudo sensors to targets in such a way that the one step-ahead gain in information content of the track set is maximized. To do this, the one step ahead predicted gain in information content Gij, of a track j after it is updated with covariance data from pseudo sensor i is determined for all pairs i, j. This can be formulated as a linear programming problem with suitable constraints, where the constraints are handled as follows.
Let the basic sensors be numbered from 1 to s. Let the pseudo sensors be numbered from s+1 up to 2s-1. For each basic sensor k, let J(k) be the set of integers consisting of k and the integer numbers of the pseudo sensors which contain sensor k in their combination. There will be 2s-1 integers in each set J(k). These sets J(k) will appear in the constraints that are given for the linear programming formulation to our optimal assignment problem.
We can now state the linear programming problem. It is to: ##EQU3## where C is the maximum relative gain in a cycle, and equation 6 is subject to the following constraints which are generated from the pseudo sensor assignments. The first constraints are: ##EQU4##
These constraints require that the quantity on the left side of the equation is equal to 0 or 1. In other words, each of the columns of the pseudo sensor target matrix of Table I can only have a single "1", or it may have all "0" states, where "1" means a pseudo sensor is assigned and means no pseudo sensor is assigned. Also, the solution must satisfy: ##EQU5## where τk is the maximum tracking capacity of the basic sensor k.
This constraint means that the row designator of the matrix is determined by the J(k) set for a given pseudo sensor k for the second summation while the column designator of the matrix varies from 1 to 0's for the first summation.
Equation 6 in the present invention provides a maximized information gain function which is based upon the evaluation of equation 5 by the digital computer. This maximized gain function is different from the "sensor cost" function of the Nash article. The double integrated function of equation 6 does have some similarities to the double integrated function of the Nash article in that the state vector Xij is utilized and the Gij replaces the "c" (from the sensor cost function) of the Nash article. The constraints which are imposed in the evaluation of the linear program represented in equations 7, 8 and 9 are entirely different from those used by Nash, however. The result is a substantially improved sensor and target optimization system.
The linear programming problem of equation 6 under the constraints of equation 7, 8 and 9 may be evaluated by standard linear programming methods. Illustrations of a three basic sensor, five-target example problem using a linear programming method implemented with a commercial program called Mathematica™ which is available from Wolfram Research are shown in the Appendix. This implementation incorporates the Kalman filter P, Q and R variances associated with track, sensor and process noise variances.
The implementation of the evaluation of equation 6 can be better understood by reference to the following Table I.
In this table S1, S2 and S3 are the basic sensors (and hence also are pseudo sensors), and S4, S5 and S7 are additional pseudo-sensors. T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 are targets. The values X11, X12, X13, etc., represent the corresponding state vector value Xij of the table where i represents the pseudo sensor number and j represents the target number.
With this implementation, the constraint equation 7 for j=1 becomes: ##EQU6##
This means that either all of the X11, X21, X31, X41, X51, X61, X71 values are 0, or only one of these values is 1 and the rest are 0. A 0 value means a pseudo sensor is not assigned to a corresponding target, while a 1 value means that it is assigned to the corresponding target. The constraint of equations 8 and 0 may be evaluated, as shown by the example for J(2) where J(2)={2, 4, 6, 7}] as follows. In this evaluation the basic sensor 2 may be used alone to form pseudo sensor 2 or in combination with other sensors to form the pseudo sensors 4, 6 and 7. For this example then: ##EQU7## where 2 is a physical constraint that means the number of targets that pseudo sensor 2 can track is a maximum of 2 targets.
Equation (7) fixes each j and sums over the pseudo sensors. The fact that this is constrained to be less than or equal to "1" means that only one or none of the pseudo sensors will be assigned to target j. Equation (6) sums the Gij values for which there is a pseudo sensor assigned because the xij values are "0" or "1" if the τk are integers. Equation (8), by virtue of the sets J(k), insures that the number of targets tracked by the assigned pseudo sensors does not exceed the maximum tracking capacity of a basic sensor k. If there are more targets than the total tracking capacity, then Equation (7) allows some targets do not have pseudo sensors assigned to them.
Following the determination optimal assignment of pseudo sensors to tracks, assignment is made in step 20. The assignment of tracks in step 20 allows updating of the Kalman filter in step 22 in accordance with known processing steps. After updating of the Kalman filter, predicted track errors and positions, the information gain is calculated for each sensor target cell of the matrix by known means by the computer in step 24. The process continues on a real-time basis, as information from the sensors continues to be provided to the system. Each time through the loop (i.e., each new calculation cycle) a new assignment of pseudo sensors to targets may be accomplished.
Examples of optimization. Some simple examples will illustrate the concept. They are based on three basic sensors and five targets.
With three basic sensors, s=3, and 2s-1 =7. Let S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7 be the designations of all of the pseudo sensors with S4={S1,S2}, S5={S1,S3}, S6={S2,S3}, and S7-{S1,S2,S3}. The integer sets J(k) then contain 23-1 =4 integers and are then: J(1)={1,4,5,7}, J(2)={2,4,6,7}, J(3)={3,5,6,7}.
Example 1
Information gains are calculated according to a model in which the five targets are one-dimensional state vectors with initial P, Q, R covariance matrices for Kalman filters (actually variances) given by
the covariance matrices (variances) of the three sensors are
and the covariance matrices (variances) of the target process noises are
The updated target covariance matrix (variance) is 1/P(new;j,i)=1/(P(old;j)+Q(j))+1/R(i) if target j is to be observed by sensor i, and P(new;j,0)=P(old;j)+Q(j) if the target is not going to be observed. The information gains achievable by assigning pseudo sensor i to target j are then (it will not alter the solution if we suppress the multiplier 1/2) ##EQU8##
In all the cases covered, the integer sets J(k) used in equation (8) are as in Example 1. The solutions may be obtained by using linear programming and the Mathematica™ software program, which is illustrated in the Appendix. (Note in the Appendix that the term "sensor" is used instead of the term "pseudo sensor" to represent a group of basic sensors, as well as the basic sensors.) The optimal assignments are indicated in boldface type.
Case 1. The maximum tracking capacities are 2 for S1, 1 for S2, and 1 for S3. The information gain matrix is derived from Table II.
TABLE II______________________________________T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 τi______________________________________ S1 1.099 ##STR1## 1.050 1.050 ##STR2## 2 S2 ##STR3## 2.015 2.015 2.015 2.015 1 S3 0.773 0.734 0.734 ##STR4## 0.734 1S4 2.303 2.236 2.236 2.236 2.236S5 1.427 1.371 1.371 1.371 1.371S6 2.216 2.150 2.150 2.150 2.150S7 2.413 2.346 2.346 2.346 2.346______________________________________
A count shows the maximum tracking constraints are met. The information gain for this optimal assignment is 4.913 nepers. The new P-vector (in general this would be a set of covariance matrices) is P={0.0764, 0.2275, 0.65, 0.65, 0.65}. The small t column is not part of the pseudo sensor/target array. It is used to indicate the maximum number of targets a given sensor on the same row can track.
Case 2. If more tracking capacity is allowed than there are targets, e.g., the maximum tracking capacities are 2 each for S1, S2, and S3, then the information gain matrix is derived from Table III.
TABLE III______________________________________T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 τ______________________________________ S1 1.099 1.050 1.050 1.050 ##STR5## 2 S2 ##STR6## 2.015 2.015 ##STR7## 2.015 2 S3 0.773 ##STR8## 0.734 0.734 0.734 2S4 2.303 2.236 2.236 2.236 2.236 S5 1.427 1.371 ##STR9## 1.371 1.371S6 2.216 2.150 2.150 2.150 2.150S7 2.413 2.346 2.346 2.346 2.346______________________________________
Again, it is clear that the maximum tracking capacity constraints are met. The information gain for this case is 7.249 nepers. The resulting value of the P-vector is P={0.0875, 0.3120, 0.1650, 0.0867, 0.2275}.
When track probabilities are known, you can let p(T) be the probability of track T at step k. In a multi-hypothesis algorithm, this is the sum of the hypothesis probabilities of all the hypotheses containing the track. Let f(x;T) be the density function of track T when, as used above, track probabilities were not considered. Then the probability density f(x,;T) of track T taking track probability into consideration is the product of f and P:
f(x;T)=p(T)f(x;T) (14)
The information content of a track T is then
I(ƒ;λ)=∫dxƒ(x;T) ln [ƒ(x; T)/λ]=∫dxp(T)ƒ(x;T) ln p(T)+∫d xp(T)ƒ(x;t) ln [∫(x;T)/λ]. (15)
The gain in information in the probability case is then ##EQU9##
In this example, equation (12) is used to compute the entries of the gain matrix. The maximum tracking capacities are 2 for S1, 1 for S2 and 1 for S3. The track probabilities used are
The gain matrix is derived from Table IV.
TABLE IV______________________________________T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 τ______________________________________ S1 0.890 ##STR10## ##STR11## 0.493 0.241 2 S2 ##STR12## 1.531 1.471 0.947 0.463 1 S3 0.626 0.558 0.536 ##STR13## 0.169 1S4 1.865 1.699 1.632 1.051 0.514S5 1.156 1.042 1.001 0.645 0.315S6 1.795 1.634 1.569 1.010 0.494S7 1.954 1.783 1.712 1.102 0.540______________________________________
Comparing this with Example 2, Case 1, we see that T5 did not receive a pseudo sensor assignment in the present example, but T3 was assigned instead. The difference was caused by the low probability of track five and the resultant lowered gain terms. The new P-vector is P=0 . . . 0.0875, 0.2275, 0.312, 0.65. The information gain is 3.953 nepers. ##SPC1##
Patent Citations
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Composer Vishal Dadlani, of popular musical duo Vishal-Shekhar, says he is having a tough time dealing with a yet unknown person who has been harrasing him and others associated with hit song "Sheila ki jawaani" for the past two years by making crank calls.
Dadlani says the unknown person has been calling singer Sunidhi Chauhan, choreographer-director Farah Khan and his composer Shekhar Ravijani ever since the song "Sheila ki jawaani" was released.
Now Dadlani has put up the concerned person's number on Twitter to seek revenge.
"This guy, +31613566735, has been harassing Shekhar, Sunidhi, Farah, me, ever since 'Sheila' came out. He's very irritating. Time for payback," tweeted Dadlani.
He has urged his Twitter followers to irritate the person by either messaging or calling him.
"Thank you all for your... I'll remind you all again tomorrow. I wanna harass this m***n, as much as he's been harassing us. +31613566735
"This guy is utterly nuts, keeps crank-calling. See if he can take it! I had no choice but to let him see how it feels. He's a psycho, and deserves a taste of it," added the composer, who is behind hit songs like "Chhammak challo" and "Desi girl".
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|sarasingh86, smallwonder
If they know his number, and if this has been going on for two years...surely they could have taken some other action...like blocking the number or tracing the number back to the person?
this vishal guy is seriously pathetic... how he had gurmpled against alisha - shameless fellow. he deserves every bit of harrasment haha
that's really dumb of you guys for taking his calls for two years, and you know his number.
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Thursday Service Plays
(2) Boston (63-21, 43-41 ATS) at (7) Chicago (42-42, 44-39-1 ATS)
After barely escaping with a split at home, the Celtics head to the United Center in the Windy City looking to regain control of this best-of-7 opening-round playoff series against the upstart Bulls.
Ray Allen, who missed a game-tying shot at the buzzer in overtime in Game 1, redeemed himself with a three-pointer in the waning seconds Monday to push Boston to a 118-115 Game 2 victory. However, the Celtics once again failed to cover as an 8½-point home favorite. Allen, who missed 11 of his 12 shot attempts in Game 1, had a team-high 30 points Monday as all five Boston starters scored in double figures. That includes point guard Rajon Rondo, who contributed a triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 16 assists.
Chicago, which scored a 105-103 upset victory in Game 1 to steal home-court advantage in this series, came up short in Game 2 despite shooting 50 percent from the field, going 9-for-20 from three-point range and making 26 of 29 foul shots. After rookie point guard Derrick Rose poured in a game-high 36 points in the series opener, shooting guard Ben Gordon went for 42 points on 14-for-24 shooting. The difference for the Bulls in Game 2 was they got outrebounded 50-36, including 21-8 on the offensive glass, after having a 53-46 rebounding edge in Game 1.
The Bulls shot 46 percent in the two games in Boston, compared with 44.1 percent for the Celtics. Boston has topped the century mark in four straight and 10 of its last 11 games, while the Bulls have done so in 18 of their last 23 contests, putting up 107.4 ppg during this stretch.
Chicago is 28-13 at home this year (22-19 ATS), while the Celtics were 27-14 as a visitor in the regular season (also 22-19 ATS).
Boston is still 7-2 SU in the last nine meetings with Chicago, but the Celtics have failed to cash in the last three battles after going 7-0 ATS in the previous seven. The squads have split their last four clashes at the United Center in Chicago, including the Bulls' 127-121 victory as a 1½-point home underdog on March 17. Also, even though Chicago got the cash as an underdog in the first two games of this series, the favorite is still on a 9-4 ATS run in this rivalry.
The Celtics are now mired in ATS funks of 0-5 against the Central Division, 2-5 in first-round playoff action and 0-4 when coming off two days' rest. On the bright side, Doc Rivers' squad carries pointspread hot streaks of 5-1 on the road, 12-5 on Thursday, 39-17 as an underdog overall, 42-17 as a road pup and 5-0 when catching points in the playoffs.
Chicago has cashed in five straight first-round postseason games and is on additional ATS runs of 11-5 at home, 5-1 on Thursday, 13-3 after a SU loss and 5-2 when laying less than five points.
The last four meetings in this rivalry – including both games in this series – have easily gone over the total. However, prior to Chicago's 127-121 home win over Boston last month, the under had hit in five straight clashes at the United Center.
For the Celtics, the over is on runs of 4-0 overall, 17-5 against the Eastern Conference, 5-2 against the Central Division, 6-1 in first-round postseason games, 6-1 after a SU win and 16-5 after a non-cover. Also, the Bulls are on "over" stretches of 8-3 against the Atlantic Division, 6-1 in first-round playoff action, 4-1 after two days off and 5-2 as a favorite.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO and OVER
(3) San Antonio (55-29, 41-41-2 ATS) vs. Dallas (51-33, 41-43 ATS)
Having salvaged Game 2 in San Antonio, the Spurs travel to American Airlines Arena for Game 3 against the Mavericks in this best-of-7 Western Conference opening-round series.
San Antonio jumped up 30-19 after one quarter in Game 2 on Monday and carried that to a 105-84 victory, covering as a six-point home favorite. The Spurs got a huge game from point guard Tony Parker, who finished with 38 points and eight assists and led five teammates with double-figures in points, including Tim Duncan (13 points, 11 rebounds). San Antonio dominated the boards, outrebounding Dallas 44-28, and held the Mavs to 40.3 percent shooting.
The Spurs, who have won five of their last six overall (3-3 ATS), are in the playoffs for the 12th straight year and gotten out of the first round in eight of those seasons. They ousted Phoenix in five games in last year's opening round (2-2-1 ATS).
The Mavericks, who have still won eight of their last 11 (6-5 ATS), are trying to get out of the first round after going one-and-done in the playoffs each of the last two years, losing to Golden State in six games (1-5 ATS) in 2007 and then falling to New Orleans in five games (2-3 ATS) last season.
Despite San Antonio's Game 2 victory, the road team has still dominated this Texas-sized rivalry, going 15-7 ATS in the last 22 meetings, with the underdog posting a 16-6 ATS mark in those 22 games. Dallas is also 18-9 ATS in the last 27 series clashes.
San Antonio is 7-3-1 ATS in its last 11 conference quarterfinal games and 4-1 ATS in its last five Thursday outings, but the Spurs are on pointspread slides of 0-5 after a spread-cover, 1-6 after a straight-up win, 2-6 as a playoff 'dog and 2-5 after getting two days off
Dallas is on ATS slides of 1-5 as a postseason favorite, 5-21 on Thursdays and 3-8 in first-round playoff games, but the Mavs are on positive ATS runs of 12-4 after a straight-up loss, 14-6 as a home chalk and 8-1 after getting two days off.
Both games in this series have gone over the total, with Monday's contest barely getting over the 188½-point line. Going back to the regular season, the over is on a 4-1 streak in this rivalry.
Rhe under has been the play in each of the Spurs' last five as a playoff 'dog, but they're otherwise on "over" streaks of 10-4-1 overall, 6-2-1 when installed as a road 'dog, 5-2 in first-round postseason action and 11-5-1 as a 'dog of less than five points. Dallas is on "over" runs of 13-5 as a home favorite, 16-7 as a favorite, 5-1 after two days off and 4-1 against teams with winning records, however the under is 5-2 in the Mavericks last seven at home and 13-3 in their last 16 as a playoff favorite.
(1) L.A. Lakers (66-18, 44-40 ATS) at (8) Utah (48-36, 40-44 ATS)
The Lakers, who opened this best-of-7 set with a pair of double-digit home wins, now trek to Salt Lake City looking to grab a commanding 3-0 series lead with a victory over the Jazz at Energy Solutions Arena.
Los Angeles mimicked its Game 1 effort in Game 2, building a big first-half lead before letting off the gas in the second half and eventually winning, this time taking a 119-109 decision Tuesday but coming up short as an 11½-point home favorite. The Lakers, who have won nine of their last 10 games (6-4 ATS), led by more than 20 points late in the first half, but Utah chipped the deficit to three late in the fourth quarter. L.A. shot a blistering 60 percent from the field in Game 2, including going 11-for-20 from three-point range, but it committed 21 turnovers to allow the Jazz to stay in the game.
Deron Williams (35 points, nine assists) led six players in double figures in Game 2, but it wasn't enough for the Jazz, who lost their third straight game, all in Los Angeles, including a 125-112 setback in the regular-season finale. Additionally, Utah has now dropped six of its last seven and nine of its last 11 overall, and despite getting the money Tuesday, the Jazz are still stuck in a 5-15 ATS funk (2-5 ATS in their last seven at home).
Including the two wins in this series, the Lakers are now 5-1 against the Jazz this season (4-2 ATS). Also, they're 11-5-1 ATS in the last 17 meetings with Utah overall. However, the Jazz have won seven of the last 10 clashes with Los Angeles in Salt Lake City, including a 113-109 victory as a one-point home chalk on Feb. 11. Finally, the host has won 10 of the last 11 in this rivalry and is 14-5-1 ATS in the past 20 series battles (4-1 ATS in the last four).
Utah, which has played eight of its last 11 games on the road, won 16 of its last 18 regular-season contests at Energy Solutions Arena, finishing 33-8 at home (22-19 ATS). Los Angeles went 29-12 on the road in the regular season (23-18 ATS), including 8-3 in the last 11 (7-4 ATS).
The Lakers are still on ATS streaks of 5-2 overall, 6-1 in first-round playoff action, 5-1 as a favorite, 13-3 when playing on Thursday, 9-4 after a SU win and 4-1 when playing on one day of rest. However, Phil Jackson's squad has failed to cover in four of its last five on the road and five of its last six as a playoff chalk.
In addition to pointspread slumps of 3-11 overall and 2-8 at home, Utah is in ATS funks of 3-15 as an underdog, 3-13 against winning teams, 3-9 after a SU defeat and 2-5 against the Pacific Division. However, the Jazz are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 first-round playoff contests.
The first two games in this series have gone over the total, making the over 19-6 in the last 25 head-to-head clashes and 8-0 in the last eight (including 5-0 in playoff meetings over the past two seasons). Additionally, Utah is on "over" runs of 10-2 overall, 8-0 against winning teams, 9-2 versus the Western Conference, 35-17 versus the Pacific Division, 41-19-2 as an underdog, 6-2 as a home 'dog and 5-0 as a playoff pup. For the Lakers, the over is on streaks of 6-1 overall, 6-1 against the Northwest Division and 5-0 against the Northwest Division.
Conversely, the under is 11-2 in Utah's last 13 home games, 6-2 in L.A.'s last eight on the highway and 14-5 in L.A.'s last 19 on Thursday.
Tampa Bay (6-9) at Seattle (9-6)
Two of the best young pitchers in baseball are set to square off at Safeco Field, where the Rays' James Shields (2-1, 4.58) opposes Felix Hernandez (2-0, 4.26) and the Mariners in the finale of a three-game series.
Tampa Bay snapped a three-game losing skid in emphatic fashion with Wednesday's 9-3 victory over Seattle. The defending American League champs are still just 2-6 in their last eight games, scoring two or three runs in all six defeats. Going back to last year's playoffs, the Rays have lost eight of their last 12 on the road and they're 2-6 in their last eight as an underdog, but they've now won 10 of their last 14 against the A.L. West.
Seattle has followed up a six-game winning streak by going 2-4 in its last six. Also, although they're still 7-4 in their last 11 home games, the Mariners have dropped seven of their last 10 as a chalk and five of their last six on Thursday.
Tampa is now 6-2 in the last eight meetings between these squads.
Despite giving up five runs on seven hits (two home runs) in seven innings on Friday against the White Sox, Shields escaped with a 6-5 victory. The shaky outing was in contrast to his 2009 debut at Baltimore, where he scattered three hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings in an 11-3 road win. Last year, Shields was just 5-6 with a 4.82 ERA in 16 road starts (compared with 9-2, 2.59 ERA at home).
Shields is 1-1 despite a sterling 2.12 ERA in four career starts against the Mariners (1-1, 2.38 ERA in three games at Safeco). He's given up three earned runs or fewer and pitched into the seventh inning in all four contests. With Shields toeing the rubber, the Rays are on streaks of 18-8 overall, 4-1 on the road and 13-3 versus the A.L. West, but they are 6-14 in the right-hander's last 20 outings as an underdog (playoffs included).
The Mariners are a perfect 3-0 with their ace on the hill, including Friday's 6-3 home win over Detroit, with Hernandez allowing all three runs in six innings in his first home start of the season. The hard-throwing right-hander went 5-5 with a 3.88 ERA in 16 outings at Safeco last season.
Although Hernandez is only 1-1 with a 2.54 ERA in five career starts against the Rays, the Mariners have won four of those contests, all in Seattle.
For Tampa Bay, the under is on streaks of 4-2 on the road, 4-0 as an underdog, 12-2 when Shields takes the mound as a 'dog and 4-0 in Shields' four career starts versus Seattle. Also, Seattle sports "under" trends of 20-10 against A.L. East opponents, 6-0 when Hernandez pitches on Tuesday and 10-1 when Hernandez faces the A.L. East.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Boston at Chicago
The Bulls look to rebound from their loss in Game Two and build on their 13-3 ATS record in their last 16 games following a SU loss. Chicago is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Bulls favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-2 1/2).
Game 507-508: Boston at Chicago
Dunkel Ratings: Boston 118.496; Chicago 124.795
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 201
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-2 1/2); Over
Game 509-510: San Antonio at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 119.347; Dallas 125.135
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 6; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 4 1/2; 190
Dunkel Pick: Dallas (-4 1/2); Over
Game 511-512: LA Lakers at Utah
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 122.841; Utah 119.445
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 3 1/2; 209 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 1 1/2; 214 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-1 1/2); Under
Texas at Toronto
The Blue Jays are 7-3 in their last 10 home games and face a Texas team that is 1-5 in Kevin Millwood's last 6 starts as a road favorite between -110 and -150. Toronto is the underdog pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Blue Jays favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115).
Game 951-952: Milwaukee at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Bush) 14.882; Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.964
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-175); Under
Game 953-954: NY Mets at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Hernandez) 15.607; St. Louis (Lohse) 14.982
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-155); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+145); Under
Game 955-956: Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Harang) 15.058; Cubs (Zambrano) 16.249
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-165); No Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-165); N/A
Game 957-958: LA Dodgers at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 16.478; Houston (Rodriguez) 15.281
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-125); Over
Game 959-960: Kansas City at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Meche) 15.387; Cleveland (Reyes) 16.780
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-115); Over
Game 961-962: Tampa Bay at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 15.426; Seattle (Hernandez) 14.222
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+105); Over
Game 963-964: Chicago White Sox at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Colon) 15.219; Baltimore (Eaton) 15.762
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-125); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+115); Over
Game 965-966: Texas at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Millwood) 15.431; Toronto (Richmond) 16.501
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115); Under
Game 967-968: Detroit at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Jackson) 15.045; LA Angels (Palmer) 15.559
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A
Carolina at New Jersey
The Devils look to go up in the series and take advantage of a Carolina team that is 3-12 in its last 15 games as a road underdog between +110 and +150. New Jersey is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Devils favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-150).
Game 23-24: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 11.671; Pittsburgh 13.054
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-215); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-215); Over
Game 25-26: Detroit at Columbus
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.960; Columbus 10.197
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-215); 5
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-215); Over
Game 27-28: Carolina at New Jersey
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 11.496; New Jersey 12.315
Dunkel Line & Total: New Jersey by 1; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: New Jersey (-150); 5
Dunkel Pick: New Jersey (-150); Over
Game 29-30: San Jose at Anaheim
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 10.863; Anaheim 11.520
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1; 4
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-145); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+125); Under
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Cajun Sports
Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Play: Chicago White Sox
Oriole Park will be the site of tonight's third and final game in this three-game set between the host Baltimore Orioles and the visiting Chicago White Sox. The Orioles took game one of the series but the Sox bounced back yesterday with an 8 to 2 win to even things up. Chicago will send right-hander Bartolo Colon to the bump with his 1-0 record, ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.03. The Sox average 6.50 runs per game when he takes the mound this season and they only allow 3.0 runs to be scored. He is coming off his worst outing of the season at Tampa Bay allowing five runs on six hits in 5.2 innings of work to take the loss 6 to 5. In his previous start he pitched six innings gave up three hits and no runs in the win over Minnesota 8 to 0. We expect Bartolo to rebound here and have a strong outing versus this Orioles team as they are 42-71 versus pitchers over .500. Colon qualifies as a contact and fly ball pitcher and the Orioles struggle against either style, going 27-39 versus contact pitchers and 25-36 versus fly ball hurlers. Chicago on the offensive side has performed extremely well against sub .500 pitchers posting a record of 49-26 in that situation and Baltimore is sending Adam Eaton to the hill with his 0-2 record and ERA of 11.25 on the year. The Orioles pitching overall is near the bottom in several key categories with their starters only averaging 4.55 innings per game and their overall pitching staff averaging 166.1 pitches per contest. The Orioles average 3.5 runs per game when Adam Eaton takes the mound and allow 8.5 runs per game. In his last start at Boston he allowed nine hits and six earned runs in just four innings of work averaging 23.2 pitches per inning in a 6 to 4 loss. High pitch counts have been a problem for Eaton in the past his last outing at home versus Tampa Bay saw him average 25.0 pitches per inning. In that game he lasted only four innings giving up eight hits and four earned runs in an 11 to 3 loss. If we go back to last season his last two starts show the same problem with high pitch counts versus Arizona he pitched 3.2 innings giving up eight earned runs and averaging 24.8 pitches per inning. In the game prior to Arizona he lasted 2.2 innings giving up ten hits, six earned runs and averaged 25.5 pitches per inning versus the Mets. Of course both of those games were losses for his team. He will face a White Sox team that is averaging more runs per game on the road than at home so far this season with an average of 5.20 on the highway. They are 4-3 W/L their last seven overall, batting .293 and have an OBP of .374 on the road. While Eaton's team is 2-5 W/L their last seven overall and their bullpen is giving up 7.27 runs per game at home this season with a WHIP of 1.654, all bad signs for the O's and Eaton on Thursday night. Our Team Efficiency numbers show the White Sox with a 75 percent average while the O's come in with only a 40 percent average. These numbers make it even easier to back the better team and pitcher tonight as the Sox get win number two and take this series 2 games to 1.
Graded Selection: 2* Chicago White Sox 6 Baltimore Orioles 4
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Craig Trapp
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Houston Astros
Play: Los Angeles Dodgers
Enough is enough two free play losses in a row have made Craig break out and give his PREMIUM PLAY for FREE TODAY! Take advantage of this yesterday Craig's MLB Premium Plays were undefeated. Today we go to Houston where the Dodgers are trying to avoid the sweep!! Lets look at records and trends on this game:
LA Dodgers 10-5 Billingsley 3-0 (2.84 ERA)
Houston Astros 6-9 Rodriguez 1-1 (1.89 ERA)
Betting Trends
Dodgers are 5-2 in their last 7 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Dodgers are 4-2 in their last 5 vs. National League Central.
Astros are 4-11 in their last 15 games as an underdog.
Astros are 5-1 in Rodriguezs last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
The Astros were really playing poorly before the LAD came into town but in the first two games they have looked like the favorite. Astros pitchers have allowed less than 5 runs in both games and Houston hitters have been tearing up a very good LAD pitching staff. Today that will all change as Billingsley is undefeated (3-0) and has been averaging over one strikeout per inning and is the best power pitcher in the National League. Rodriguez has been good for HOUSTON but for some reason when he pitches his team does not score much for him. EASY ROAD WIN FOR LAD TODAY!! SCORE LAD 5 - HOU 1
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Marc Lawrence
Play On: L.A. Dodgers w/Billingsley
When the Dodgers send Chad Billingsley to the hill in Houston against the Astros this evening they will do so knowing he is 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA in his career team starts in this park. He's also riding a 4-game win streak during the opening month of April. Look for more of the same from Billingsley and the Dodgers here tonight.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
James Patrick Sports
Carolina vs. New Jersey
Goaltending at its best in this series as the Devils Martin Broduer has three Stanley Cup Titles and his young counterpart Cam Ward has won one himself. With these established cool & collective team leaders between the pipes we'll use our Thursday NHL Playoff complimentary selection on New Jersey - Carolina Under the Total
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Ben Burns
Philadelphia Flyers at Pittsburgh Penguins
Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins worked hard to earn home ice advantage for this series while the Flyers squandered their chance to do so. Now, the Penguins can close things out at home and I expect them to make the most of their opportunity. The Pens are more talented and they've been the better team this series. Consider Pittsburgh.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Jeff Benton
How about that big underdog winner on the Royals yesterday, huh? That takes my free-play winning streaks to 19-8 in the last 27 days, 10-2 in the last 12 days and 3-0 in the last three days! For Thursday, we go right back to Kansas City in this early start in Cleveland.
What's not to like about the Royals right now? They're 8-6 on the season (including 5-3 on the road), while Cleveland is now 5-10 on the season (2-3 at home). Kansas City is also trotting out Opening Day starter Gil Meche, who has pitched like an ace so far (1-0, 2.25 ERA in three starts). By comparison, the Tribe are countering with Anthony Reyes (he of the 5.73 ERA).
Going back to the final three meetings of last season, the Royals have now taken six of eight from the Indians, including four of five in Cleveland. And it's not just pitching that has done the damage for K.C. during this 6-2 run against the Indians – the offense has averaged nearly seven runs per game in the eight contests.
Some more numbers for you: Kansas City has won 13 of its last 17 on the road since last season; 21 of its last 30 overall; 12 of its last 14 against right-handed starters; and five of Meche's last six starts overall. And that bullpen discrepancy I mentioned yesterday? It's still there: The Royals' relievers sport a 3.72 ERA on the season. Cleveland's bullpen ERA? How about 7.23, including 9.20 at home. Oh yeah, I absolutely LOVE the Royals in this spot and at this ridiculous price!
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Matt Rivers
For Thursday take the Jazz at home.
There is no team in any sport on the planet that is more Jekyl and Hyde when it comes to playing at home vs. the road. Jerry Sloan's squad is as good as they come when playing in Utah but for some strange reason they just do not travel well and lose more often than they win on the highway.
If the Jazz are going to win a game in this series against the high flying and top seeded Lakers then this is that spot. It is pretty apparent that winning at Staples is not going to happen and if Deron Williams and the fellas fall into an 0-3 hole then game four is probably not going to turn out that well either. This is thee spot for the Jazz as they are still in the series, somewhat.
Williams, Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, possibly Mehmut Okur if he is healthy enough and the rest of the Jazz will come out tonight and lay it all on the line. Will that be enough against Kobe and what is the best team in the game in the Lakers? Maybe, maybe not but if there is ever a spot to back the Jazz and expect them to be successful in this series this is that spot.
It's a perfect letdown spot for LA and the only spot that Utah can probably win a game in this series in so sign me up and I'll root for the Mormons against the Kobe's!
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Sports Gambling Hotline
Boston at CHICAGO
On Monday night we were right on the pulse of this Boston-Chicago showdown, giving you a comp play winner on the OVER.
We will come right back this Thursday evening, and play another OVER between the teams. These teams have combined to go OVER the posted total in their last 4 meetings, and 6 of their last 8 overall have also played HIGH.
For Boston, they are on an OVER run of 4 in a row dating back to the regular season, and 8 of their last 9 dating back to the regular season have also gone HIGH.
Chicago meanwhile has been OVER the total in 4 of their last 6 games, and playing at home this year, the Bulls are on a 23-17-1 OVER clip in their 41 home games to date.
Expect another game played in the 100's for both teams, and expect it to be 5 in a row OVER in the Boston-Chicago series come the final buzzer.
Play the UP!
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Chris Jordan
Boston +2' at CHICAGO
They say the oddsmakers can tell you everything with the line they put out there. When you see a line you don't understand, you have to ask yourself: "What are they trying to tell you? Who is supposed to win that game?"
Thing is, that theory is better served with mysterious road chalk. Here tonight, with this line, I think we're seeing a tad-bit of disrespect, and that we're going to find out how much mettle the defending champs actually have.
If there is any one game this team must show up for – this is it. We already knew Kevin Garnett would be out for the entire postseason. Now we find out forward Leon Powe will miss the rest of the postseason because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee. So in the hell do we count on that loss of forward-presence … again?
The good news is Ray Allen may have single-handedly kept the Celtics from being down 2-games-to-nil when he broke out of a slump to score 30 points - including the decisive 3-pointer with 2 seconds left – and led the defending NBA champions a 118-115 win over the Bulls on Monday night. Quite a change from Game 1, in which he scored just four points on 1-for-12 shooting and in which he missed the final shot in Chicago's 105-103 overtime win two nights earlier.
I know the hype is against us. I know the hype and crowd will be a solid foundation for recently named Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose. And I know these are the same Celtics who were pushed to the brink last season against an eerily similar team from Atlanta. But again, if there was ever one game that mattered to the Celtics, it's this one, as home-court advantage could be back in their corner.
Take the points.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Karl Garrett
San Antonio +5' at DALLAS
Thus far neither game in this San Antonio-Dallas series has been very close, but tonight the G-Man feels we are going to get a close contest. That being the case, I am on the underdog Spurs plus the points to stay inside the number in Big "D" this Thursday night.
San Antonio has won 5 of their last 6 games dating back to the regular season, and they know the best chance to steal back home court advantage always comes in the first game played in a series on the enemy's hardwood.
Dallas finished the regular season just 19-22 against the spread on their home wood, while San Antonio was a positive 23-17-1 against the spread on the road this season.
Also note the Spurs are on a 6-3 straight up run in this series, 5-4 against the spread, and the road team is a profitable 15-7 against the spread the last 22 meetings.
This one has final possession written all over it.
G-Man taking the points with the Spurs.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Bobby Maxwell
San Antonio +4' at DALLAS
Tonight's FREE winner on the hardwood comes from Dallas as we go with the visiting Spurs against the Mavericks in Game 3 of their opening-round Western Conference playoff series.
After getting beaten in the opener, the Spurs came out on Monday with a different look to them and they didn't let up the entire game. Tony Parker is showing he is the best player on the court and look for the Spurs to make life tough on the Mavs in Dallas tonight. Grab the points as this one could come down to a final possession.
Just like in Game 1, San Antonio jumped out to a big first-quarter lead, but this time they didn't blow it in the second half. They kept their foot on the gas pedal as Parker went for 38 points and eight assists. Five Spurs scored in double-digits and Tim Duncan came with 13 points and 11 rebounds and they outrebounded the Mavericks 44-28 and held Dallas to 40.3 percent shooting.
Dallas is on ATS slides of 1-5 as a postseason favorite, 5-21 on Thursdays and 3-8 in conference quarterfinal games. Remember, this team hasn't gotten out of the first round the last two years and we don't see them getting out of this series.
Play the Spurs in this one as they are 7-3-1 ATS in conference quarterfinal games and in this rivalry, the road team is 15-7 ATS and the 'dog is 16-6 in those 22 games. Grab the points and go with San Antonio tonight.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Michael Cannon
Kansas City -105 at CLEVELAND
Take the Royals for the road win this afternoon over the Indians.
Kansas City is a team that is on the rise and it's because of a stellar pitching staff.
It was on display last night when Brian Bannister tossed a gem and the Royals beat last year's Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and the Tribe, 2-0.
Now the Indians have to find some offense against Gil Meche, who has pitched better than his 1-0 record would indicate. The right-hander has a 2.25 ERA in three starts and has walked only four batters while striking out 18 in 20 innings. Meche has yet to allow a home run this year as well.
Cleveland will counter with Anthony Reyes, who is pitching better in the American League than he did when he was in St. Louis.
But I can't see Reyes outperforming Meche in this setting, as the Cleveland starter will have little room for error going against a pitcher who seems to give the Royals a quality start just about every time out.
Reyes has pitched well against Kansas City in his brief stint with the Tribe, but I can't overlook his 13-25 overall career record.
Take the Royals as they grab the road win.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Bobby Maxwell
L.A. Dodgers -120 at HOUSTON
The Dodgers have dropped the first two games of this three-game set in Houston, but there's no way they're losing a third straight, especially with Chad Billingsley (3-0, 2,84 ERA) going to the mound. Lay the chalk and play the Dodgers tonight.
Los Angeles came into Houston having won eight straight, but losses Tuesday and Wednesday have them looking to salvage this one. The Dodgers certainly know how to score runs, having gotten five runs or more in eight straight.
Lefty Wandy Rodriguez (1-1, 1.89 ERA) is on the mound for Houston and he was tough at home on Saturday, blanking the Reds for seven innings, allowing just two hits and striking out 10. He hasn't been very good against the Dodgers in his career, including last year's home start when he gave up five run on six hits in five innings of a 7-6 loss. In his last 10 innings against Los Angeles he's allowed nine runs in 10 innings.
Going back to last season, Billingsley has kept the opposition to three runs or less in eight of his last 10 outings. Against Houston, he was nasty last year, allowing two runs (none earned) in eight innings of a 5-2 victory.
Look for the Dodgers offense to blow up in this one and deliver a big victory, plus Billingsley will keep the Astros in check. Play Los Angeles.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Take ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Livan Hernandez has been better than expected so far for the Mets, but Kyle Lohse is in tremendous early form for the Cardinals. I don't give out big chalk on the service, but I definitely have to give the edge to the Cardinals in today's game.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Take Under
A pair of hot hurlers on the hill. Houston lefty Wandy Rodriguez has a 2.96 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 29 starts at home, plus off to a sizzling start in 2009: 1.89 ERA with 18 Ks in 19 innings. Rodriguez has improved his ERA, WHIP, strikeout-to-walk ratio and OPS allowed in each of the past two seasons -- the latter two categories substantially so. Houston's offense, though, is 10th in the NL in batting and 15th in runs. They face a hot righty in Chad Billingsley (3-0, 2.84 ERA). He has fanned 21 in just 19 innings. Look for a lot of strikeouts and few runs, play the Dodgers/Astros under the total.
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Nick Parsons
Carolina Hurricanes @ New Jersey Devils -150
Enough is enough; I look for the home team to bounce back tonight in front of the home town crowd behind the play of star goaltender Martin Brodeur. The NHL's all-time winningest goaltender in the regular season had an outburst worthy of You Tube in the moments after the Devils dropped a 4-3 decision on a disputed goal by Jussi Jokinen with 0.2 of a second to play in regulation. To say this outburst is out of character would be an understatement; I believe it will have a profound effect on the rest of his team tonight though. Look for NEW JERSEY to improve to 16-7 (+8.2 units) after allowing 4 goals or more!
Re: Thursday Service Plays
LT Profits
Kansas City Royals @ Cleveland Indians
Gil Meche is pitching like the ace of the Kansas City Royals staff that he is supposed to be, and we look for him to key an Under here as the Royals visit the Cleveland Indians.
Sure, these teams had played eight consecutive Overs against each other here in Cleveland before last night, but that trend may have started to shift with that 2-0 Kansas City win over Cliff Lee, and today it is the Royals that have their best pitcher on the mound.
Meche has a 2.25 ERA and an excellent 1.15 WHIP in the early going, and he just tossed six scoreless innings while allowing only six hits vs. the hard-hitting Texas Rangers last Friday. Meche is also a proven commodity vs. the Indians, hold them to three runs or less in six of his last eight starts against them over the last two seasons, and he has the support of a fine Royals bullpen that owns a 3.72 ERA.
Now Anthony Reyes may be a bit of a question mark for the Indians, but he did not pitch badly in his last start vs. the New York Yankees in their new stadium that is playing like a bandbox, as he allowed a reasonable three runs and five hits in five innings. He is now facing a much weaker offense in a more pitcher-friendly park, and Reyes has allowed two runs or less in each of his three career starts vs. Kansas City.
Throw on some natural lethargy that usually exists in these 12 Noon starts following a night game, and look for the bats to be kept quiet today.
Pick: Royals / Indians Under 8.5
Re: Thursday Service Plays
Jimmy The Moose
San Jose Sharks at Anaheim Ducks
Prediction: Over
The team's combined for 7 goals in their last game. The over is 5-2-4 in the Sharks last 11 games as a playoff favorite. The over is 6-2-1 in the Ducks last 9 games overall. In their last 10 games as home dog the over is 7-3. In their last 7 games overall as a dog the over is 5-1-1. The over is 4-0 in their last 4 games played with 1 day rest. This will be a high tempo game and should easily play over the total.
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I have been on the Sears TED for three weeks now, but about 2 weeks ago I swapped quinoa for rice because I think rice gave my son a reaction. I've been waiting to see "normal" breastfed poop (mustardy color, seedy, sweet smell), but I don't know if that will ever happen. My DS' diapers are now yellow-ish (sometime more yellow, sometimes less so), still mucusy (though WAY better than before), no blood (haven't had any visible blood since cutting out dairy and soy months ago), but still has a sour smell (which in all honesty seems to get better sometimes, but comes back worse later). The smell is what bothers me most as I know the mucus can take a LONG time to clear up. The GI said something to the effect of "the smell may just be normal for him" which I found odd. I added in probiotics for him 4 days ago and have not yet seen any change. Can I declare this baseline? GI said I should start adding things back into my diet and his (he's 7.5 months), but I don't know if this is really baseline.
Is this baseline? So confused.
Michelle -mommy to Peyton, my princess (5) (Platinum boobies!) and Paxton, my little man (8 mos) (BF'ing, MSPI, bananas, rice, oats, corn and beef).
Comments (4)
i have heard peopple say normal bf poop smells like yougurt. i cant really remember ods poop smell but i think yds does have a sourish odor similar to yogurt. i think w these kids it is going to be hard to get perfect poop. i just try to go by the baseline for my son, which seems to be runny brown/yellow poops that occasionally have some mucous but dont have blood. i dont think its perfect but its baseline for him kwim?
DS - born 2/2012 (IgE to cow's milk/chronic FPIES to soy, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes and chicken.)
Twin girls - due 5/2014, counting down!
My LO's poop smelled like buttermilk when he was at baseline. I would go more by your baby's demeanor and sleep rather than their poop. Like you said, it can take a really long time for their gut to heal. Not that you should ignore his poop, but how happy he is and how he sleeps might be a better indicator of how he's doing. My LO is now 16 months and is no longer breastfed, so another indicator I use is something I call the "Red Ring of Doom" around his anus.
Good job on sticking to the TED. It's so hard but so worth it!!
Thanks ladies. I am so obsessed with his poop it's ridiculous! The smell is actually a little more acidic than buttermilk or yogurt, like yogurt with vinegar mixed in...so yeah, it bothers me. BUT it does not seem to bother him which I guess is what really matters? The past two mornings he's been woken up by poop and the one this morning was greenish (like a "spring green" LOL) again, but not that mucusy. He's been sick the past week (RSV) so he does get a little cranky, but for the most part he is generally very happy. Thank you all for your reassurance. I am really anxious to start adding stuff back in...I am really sick and tire of quinoa, but it has been worth it!
Michelle -mommy to Peyton, my princess (5) (Platinum boobies!) and Paxton, my little man (8 mos) (BF'ing, MSPI, bananas, rice, oats, corn and beef).


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49 CFR 213.119 - Continuous welded rail (CWR); plan contents.
The track owner shall comply with the contents of the CWR plan approved or conditionally approved under § 213.118. The plan shall contain the following elements—
(1) Designation of a desired rail installation temperature range for the geographic area in which the CWR is located; and
(2) De-stressing procedures/methods which address proper attainment of the desired rail installation temperature range when adjusting CWR.
(b) Rail anchoring or fastening requirements that will provide sufficient restraint to limit longitudinal rail and crosstie movement to the extent practical, and specifically addressing CWR rail anchoring or fastening patterns on bridges, bridge approaches, and at other locations where possible longitudinal rail and crosstie movement associated with normally expected train-induced forces, is restricted.
(2) In the case of a bolted joint installed during CWR installation after October 21, 2009, the track owner shall either, within 60 days—
(3) In the case of a bolted joint in CWR experiencing service failure or a failed bar with a rail gap present, the track owner shall either—
(ii) Replace the broken bar(s), replace the broken bolts, adjust the anchors and, within 30 days, weld the joint;
(iii) Replace the broken bar(s), replace the broken bolts, install one additional bolt per rail end, and adjust anchors;
(iv) Replace the broken bar(s), replace the broken bolts, and anchor every tie 195 feet in both directions from the CWR joint; or
(v) Replace the broken bar(s), replace the broken bolts, add rail with provisions for later adjustment pursuant to paragraph (d)(2) of this section, and reapply the anchors.
(d) Procedures which specifically address maintaining a desired rail installation temperature range when cutting CWR, including rail repairs, in-track welding, and in conjunction with adjustments made in the area of tight track, a track buckle, or a pull-apart. Rail repair practices shall take into consideration existing rail temperature so that—
(1) When rail is removed, the length installed shall be determined by taking into consideration the existing rail temperature and the desired rail installation temperature range; and
(2) Under no circumstances should rail be added when the rail temperature is below that designated by paragraph (a)(1) of this section, without provisions for later adjustment.
(e) Procedures which address the monitoring of CWR in curved track for inward shifts of alinement toward the center of the curve as a result of disturbed track.
(1) Maintenance work, track rehabilitation, track construction, or any other event occurs which disturbs the roadbed or ballast section and reduces the lateral or longitudinal resistance of the track; and
(2) The difference between the average rail temperature and the average rail neutral temperature is in a range that causes buckling-prone conditions to be present at a specific location; and
(3) In formulating the procedures under paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this section, the track owner shall—
(i) Determine the speed required, and the duration and subsequent removal of any speed restriction based on the restoration of the ballast, along with sufficient ballast re-consolidation to stabilize the track to a level that can accommodate expected train-induced forces. Ballast re-consolidation can be achieved through either the passage of train tonnage or mechanical stabilization procedures, or both; and
(B) Locations where track work of the nature described in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this section has recently been performed; and
(ii) Pull-apart prone conditions in CWR track, including locations where pull-apart or stripped-joint rail conditions are likely to occur; and
(ii) Specify the appropriate remedial actions to be taken when either buckling-prone or pull-apart prone conditions are found.
(h) Procedures which prescribe the scheduling and conduct of inspections to detect cracks and other indications of potential failures in CWR joints. In formulating the procedures under this paragraph, the track owner shall—
(1) Address the inspection of joints and the track structure at joints, including, at a minimum, periodic on-foot inspections;
(2) Identify joint bars with visible or otherwise detectable cracks and conduct remedial action pursuant to § 213.121;
(3) Specify the conditions of actual or potential joint failure for which personnel must inspect, including, at a minimum, the following items:
(iii) Evidence of excessive longitudinal rail movement in or near the joint, including, but not limited to; wide rail gap, defective joint bolts, disturbed ballast, surface deviations, gap between tie plates and rail, or displaced rail anchors;
(4) Specify the procedures for the inspection of CWR joints that are imbedded in highway-rail crossings or in other structures that prevent a complete inspection of the joint, including procedures for the removal from the joint of loose material or other temporary material;
(5) Specify the appropriate corrective actions to be taken when personnel find conditions of actual or potential joint failure, including on-foot follow-up inspections to monitor conditions of potential joint failure in any period prior to completion of repairs;
(6) Specify the timing of periodic inspections, which shall be based on the configuration and condition of the joint:
(i) Except as provided in paragraphs (h)(6)(ii) through (h)(6)(iv) of this section, track owners must specify that all CWR joints are inspected, at a minimum, in accordance with the intervals identified in the following table:
|Freight trains operating over track with an annual tonnage of:
|Passenger trains operating over track with an annual tonnage of:
|Less than 40 mgt
|40 to 60 mgt
|Greater than 60 mgt
|Less than 20 mgt
|Greater than or equal to 20 mgt
|1 Where a track owner operates both freight and passenger trains over a given segment of track, and there are two different possible inspection interval requirements, the more frequent inspection interval applies.
|2 When extreme weather conditions prevent a track owner from conducting an inspection of a particular territory within the required interval, the track owner may extend the interval by up to 30 calendar days from the last day that the extreme weather condition prevented the required inspection.
|Class 5 & above
|3 2
|4 2
|3 2
|Class 4
|3 2
|4 2
|3 2
|Class 3
|Class 2
|Class 1
|Excepted Track
|4 = Four times per calendar year, with one inspection in each of the following periods: January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December; and with consecutive inspections separated by at least 60 calendar days.
|3 = Three times per calendar year, with one inspection in each of the following periods: January to April, May to August, and September to December; and with consecutive inspections separated by at least 90 calendar days.
|2 = Twice per calendar year, with one inspection in each of the following periods: January to June and July to December; and with consecutive inspections separated by at least 120 calendar days.
|1 = Once per calendar year, with consecutive inspections separated by at least 180 calendar days.
(ii) Consistent with any limitations applied by the track owner, a passenger train conducting an unscheduled detour operation may proceed over track not normally used for passenger operations at a speed not to exceed the maximum authorized speed otherwise allowed, even though CWR joints have not been inspected in accordance with the frequency identified in paragraph (h)(6)(i) of this section, provided that:
(B) The unscheduled detour operation lasts no more than 14 consecutive calendar days. In order to continue operations beyond the 14-day period, the track owner must inspect the CWR joints in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (h)(6)(i) of this section.
(iii) Tourist, scenic, historic, or excursion operations, if limited to the maximum authorized speed for passenger trains over the next lower class of track, need not be considered in determining the frequency of inspections under paragraph (h)(6)(i) of this section.
(iv) All CWR joints that are located in switches, turnouts, track crossings, lift rail assemblies or other transition devices on moveable bridges must be inspected on foot at least monthly, consistent with the requirements in § 213.235; and all records of those inspections must be kept in accordance with the requirements in § 213.241. A track owner may include in its § 213.235 inspections, in lieu of the joint inspections required by paragraph (h)(6)(i) of this section, CWR joints that are located in track structure that is adjacent to switches and turnouts, provided that the track owner precisely defines the parameters of that arrangement in the CWR plans.
(i) The track owner shall keep a record of each periodic and follow-up inspection required to be performed by the track owner's CWR plan, except for those inspections conducted pursuant to § 213.235 for which track owners must maintain records pursuant to § 213.241. The record shall be prepared on the day the inspection is made and signed by the person making the inspection. The record shall include, at a minimum, the following items: the boundaries of the territory inspected; the nature and location of any deviations at the joint from the requirements of this part or of the track owner's CWR plan, with the location identified with sufficient precision that personnel could return to the joint and identify it without ambiguity; the date of the inspection; the remedial action, corrective action, or both, that has been taken or will be taken; and the name or identification number of the person who made the inspection.
(ii) The track owner shall generate a Fracture Report for every cracked or broken CWR joint bar that the track owner discovers during the course of an inspection conducted pursuant to § 213.119(g), § 213.233, or § 213.235 on track that is required under § 213.119(h)(6)(i) to be inspected.
(A) The Fracture Report shall be prepared on the day the cracked or broken joint bar is discovered. The Report shall include, at a minimum: the railroad name; the location of the joint bar as identified by milepost and subdivision; the class of track; annual million gross tons for the previous calendar year; the date of discovery of the crack or break; the rail section; the type of bar (standard, insulated, or compromise); the number of holes in the joint bar; a general description of the location of the crack or break in bar; the visible length of the crack in inches; the gap measurement between rail ends; the amount and length of rail end batter or ramp on each rail end; the amount of tread mismatch; the vertical movement of joint; and in curves or spirals, the amount of gage mismatch and the lateral movement of the joint.
(B) The track owner shall submit the information contained in the Fracture Reports to the FRA Associate Administrator twice annually, by July 31 for the preceding six-month period from January 1 through June 30 and by January 31 for the preceding six-month period from July 1 through December 31.
(C) After February 1, 2010, any track owner may petition FRA to conduct a technical conference to review the Fracture Report data submitted through December of 2009 and assess whether there is a continued need for the collection of Fracture Report data. The track owner shall submit a written request to the Associate Administrator, requesting the technical conference and explaining the reasons for proposing to discontinue the collection of the data.
(8) In lieu of the requirements for the inspection of rail joints contained in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(7) of this section, a track owner may seek approval from FRA to use alternate procedures.
(i) The track owner shall submit the proposed alternate procedures and a supporting statement of justification to the Associate Administrator.
(ii) If the Associate Administrator finds that the proposed alternate procedures provide an equivalent or higher level of safety than the requirements in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(7) of this section, the Associate Administrator will approve the alternate procedures by notifying the track owner in writing. The Associate Administrator will specify in the written notification the date on which the procedures will become effective, and after that date, the track owner shall comply with the procedures. If the Associate Administrator determines that the alternate procedures do not provide an equivalent level of safety, the Associate Administrator will disapprove the alternate procedures in writing, and the track owner shall continue to comply with the requirements in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(7) of this section.
(iii) While a determination is pending with the Associate Administrator on a request submitted pursuant to paragraph (h)(8) of this section, the track owner shall continue to comply with the requirements contained in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(7) of this section.
(i) The track owner shall have in effect a comprehensive training program for the application of these written CWR procedures, with provisions for annual re-training, for those individuals designated under § 213.7(c) as qualified to supervise the installation, adjustment, and maintenance of CWR track and to perform inspections of CWR track. The track owner shall make the training program available for review by FRA upon request.
(j) The track owner shall prescribe and comply with recordkeeping requirements necessary to provide an adequate history of track constructed with CWR. At a minimum, these records must include:
(1) Rail temperature, location, and date of CWR installations. Each record shall be retained for at least one year;
(2) A record of any CWR installation or maintenance work that does not conform to the written procedures. Such record shall include the location of the rail and be maintained until the CWR is brought into conformance with such procedures; and
(k) The track owner shall make readily available, at every job site where personnel are assigned to install, inspect or maintain CWR, a copy of the track owner's CWR procedures and all revisions, appendices, updates, and referenced materials related thereto prior to their effective date. Such CWR procedures shall be issued and maintained in one CWR standards and procedures manual.
Adjusting/de-stressing means a procedure by which a rail's neutral temperature is re-adjusted to the desired value. It typically consists of cutting the rail and removing rail anchoring devices, which provides for the necessary expansion and contraction, and then re-assembling the track.
Annual re-training means training every calendar year.
Buckling incident means the formation of a lateral misalignment sufficient in magnitude to constitute a deviation from the Class 1 requirements specified in § 213.55. These normally occur when rail temperatures are relatively high and are caused by high longitudinal compressive forces.
Buckling-prone condition means a track condition that can result in the track being laterally displaced due to high compression forces caused by critical rail temperature combined with insufficient track strength and/or train dynamics.
Continuous welded rail (CWR) means rail that has been welded together into lengths exceeding 400 feet. Rail installed as CWR remains CWR, regardless of whether a joint or plug is installed into the rail at a later time.
Corrective actions mean those actions which track owners specify in their CWR plans to address conditions of actual or potential joint failure, including, as applicable, repair, restrictions on operations, and additional on-foot inspections.
CWR joint means any joint directly connected to CWR.
Desired rail installation temperature range means the rail temperature range, within a specific geographical area, at which forces in CWR should not cause a buckling incident in extreme heat, or a pull apart during extreme cold weather.
Disturbed track means the disturbance of the roadbed or ballast section, as a result of track maintenance or any other event, which reduces the lateral or longitudinal resistance of the track, or both.
Mechanical stabilization means a type of procedure used to restore track resistance to disturbed track following certain maintenance operations. This procedure may incorporate dynamic track stabilizers or ballast consolidators, which are units of work equipment that are used as a substitute for the stabilization action provided by the passage of tonnage trains.
Pull apart or stripped joint means a condition when no bolts are mounted through a joint on the rail end, rending the joint bar ineffective due to excessive expansive or contractive forces.
Pull-apart prone condition means a condition when the actual rail temperature is below the rail neutral temperature at or near a joint where longitudinal tensile forces may affect the fastenings at the joint.
Rail anchors mean those devices which are attached to the rail and bear against the side of the crosstie to control longitudinal rail movement. Certain types of rail fasteners also act as rail anchors and control longitudinal rail movement by exerting a downward clamping force on the upper surface of the rail base.
Rail neutral temperature is the temperature at which the rail is neither in compression nor tension.
Rail temperature means the temperature of the rail, measured with a rail thermometer.
Remedial actions mean those actions which track owners are required to take as a result of requirements of this part to address a non-compliant condition.
Tight/kinky rail means CWR which exhibits minute alinement irregularities which indicate that the rail is in a considerable amount of compression.
Tourist, scenic, historic, or excursion operations mean railroad operations that carry passengers with the conveyance of the passengers to a particular destination not being the principal purpose.
Track lateral resistance means the resistance provided by the rail/crosstie structure against lateral displacement.
Track longitudinal resistance means the resistance provided by the rail anchors/rail fasteners and the ballast section to the rail/crosstie structure against longitudinal displacement.
Train-induced forces means the vertical, longitudinal, and lateral dynamic forces which are generated during train movement and which can contribute to the buckling potential of the rail.
Unscheduled detour operation means a short-term, unscheduled operation where a track owner has no more than 14 calendar days' notice that the operation is going to occur.
[74 FR 43002, Aug. 25, 2009, as amended at 74 FR 53889, Oct. 21, 2009; 75 FR 4705, Jan. 29, 2010]
Title 49 published on 2014-10-01
no entries appear in the Federal Register after this date.