BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 2
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh (4) 2nd (DH), 3rd, 4th
The vastly improved Brewers (+$1155 as an underdog) have a golden opportunity to continue their winning ways. First, they owe the Pirates for losing four of five (-$435) earlier this year and second, the Pirates are currently playing the worst baseball (lost 16 of 21) in either league. Milwaukee is scheduled to start their only two lefties (Chris Capuano and Doug Davis) and if they do be advised that both of them have ERAs under 3.50 in their last three starts and the Pirates are 1-7 (-$625) at home vs. southpaws averaging 2.8 RPG. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Pirates.
Chicago White Sox at Chicago Cubs (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
In last week?s meeting in U.S. Cellular Field, the Pale Hose lost the opening game and then rallied to beat both Carlos Zambrano and Greg Maddux. However, Zambrano is a much different pitcher in Wrigley Field (5-0 with 1.61 ERA and .181 BA in 44.2 innings) and we?ll jump on him. The Sox are just 6-13 (-$970) vs. lefties which makes the surprising Glendon Rusch (7.6 H/W ratio last two starts) worth your consideration. BEST BET: Zambrano/ Rusch.
Toronto at Montreal (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th (San Juan, PR)
It?s a sure sign that MLB doesn?t have his act together that this all Canadian series is being played in Puerto Rico. In Toronto last weekend, the Blue Jays captured the series (2-1, +$100) and the pitching match ups favor them again this time around. Roy Halladay is 23-8 on the road in the last two plus years and has a 3.09 ERA for his career in 32 innings vs. the Expos. Montreal?s 14-35 (-$1785) record vs. righties only serves to add fuel to the fire. BEST BET: Halladay.
Baltimore at Philadelphia (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Baltimore has now lost 21of their last 31 games. While the Phillies have been playing better ball than the Birds, they are a major disappointment and Larry Bowa is just about ready to walk the plank. We?ll refrain from taking sides here, but urge you to watch the Vegas totals. The Orioles starters? road ERA is 6.28 and their offense is hitting a solid .273 away from Camden Yards, so will go OVER any reasonable number. PREFERRED: Over 9.5 runs or less.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Yankees have won 11 of their last 16 road games so the residents of Shea Stadium have their work cut out for them. And, the Yankees will be starting Jose Contreras, who had his best game of the year (6 innings, no runs, 2 hits, 10Ks) vs. the Mets in Yankee Stadium last Sunday as well as Mike Mussina who has been on fire lately. It looks like another lost weekend for the Mets against their hated rivals. PREFERRED: Contreras/Mussina.
Cleveland at Cincinnati (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
In Cleveland three weeks ago, the Tribe swept the previously hot Reds and averaged eight RPG in the process which is not all that shocking when one considers that only four teams in both leagues have a higher team ERA than Cincinnati. But, the Reds have the fourth best home record (22-12, +$985) in MLB including 18-6 (+$1225) against righties. Cincy?s not nearly as effective, however, against lefties, so don?t get involved if C.C. Sabathia or the Cliff Lee take the hill. BEST BET: Reds vs. righthanders.
Boston at Atlanta (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Yes, this is not a vintage Atlanta team, but the way Boston has performed on the road (-$1020), any investment on them has to considered carefully. And, as Boston continues to drift farther and farther away from the hated Yankees, we wonder about their psyche in an inter-league match up. Don?t be afraid to go up against the Red Sox dynamic duo of Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling. The Sox are 15-1 (+$1300) when they pitch at home, but just 6-9 (-$1030) on the road. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
Tampa Bay at Florida (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Last week in a three-game series in Tampa Bay that we guarantee you will draw less than September?s meeting between the Gators and Seminoles, the Rays took two of three. Amazingly, after losing 19 of their previous 22 games, the Rays have won 26 of 34 including 12 straight. Victor Zambrano has allowed one or less earned runs in four of his last six starts and is certainly worth an investment as a dog. In fact, given the way the Marlins are hitting lately, we have no problem recommending the ?Sting Rays? across the board. BEST BET: Zambrano. PREFERRED: Devil Rays in all other games.
Texas at Houston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
With rumors continuing to swirl over Jimy Williams? head, the Astros continue to have problems. Not even the acquisition of Carlos Beltran was able to stop the bleeding as the Astros lost two of three in Texas last weekend. In fact, if you eliminate a four-game series against the awful Pirates from their recent schedule, the Astros lost nine of 13, all against teams over .500. We want no part of these overpriced stiffs (-$2005 as chalk this year, the only favorite at -$1300 or more in MLB). PREFERRED None.
Detroit at Colorado (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
With Preston Wilson and Larry Walker (three HRs last weekend) finally in the Rockies? line up, Colorado has a chance to play like the 49-32 team they were at home last year. It should be a runs galore series what with the Rockies hitting .302 at home while averaging 6.6 RPG and the Tigers hitting a more than respectable .281 on the road. Colorado is even more dynamic at home vs. southpaws (7-2, +$535 averaging 7.9 RPG). BEST BET: Rockies vs. lefthanders. PREFERRED: Over in all games.
Seattle at St. Louis (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Here?s some more bad news for the Mariners. The Cardinals, after 10 weeks of floundering, are starting to pay to their potential at home (won 10 of their last 13). And, with an all righthanded starting corps to deal with, Seattle (7-17, -$1160 on the road vs. righties) could get swept. We wouldn?t bet against it. You might want to back the rejuvenated Chris Carpenter (8-2, 3.61 ERA). He has a 2.34 ERA at home in 34.2 innings with a .210 BAA. BEST BET: Carpenter. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all other games. .
Minnesota at Arizona (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Twins play in the desert for the first time and will find an opposing pitching staff that, except for Randy Johnson (9-5, 3.10 ERA), has fallen completely apart. Naturally, we like the Big Unit at what should be a fairly reasonable price, but with the rest of their starters? ERAs well over 6.00 and a relief corps that is not doing much better, we?ll definitely take the superior Twins in the other two games. BEST BET: Johnson at -$170 or less. PREFERRED: Twins vs. all but Johnson.
Los Angeles at Anaheim (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Dodgers? excellent pitching staff went up against the Angels at home last weekend and was smacked around for 25 runs while losing two of three games (-$160). We?re not thrilled with the sporadic play and pitching of either team right now so we?re recommending a pass until we?re absolutely sure of the pitching match ups. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at San Diego (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Royals? management kept its promise. It is willing to trade anyone (Carlos Beltran was traded for three minor leaguers) on the current roster in order to get ready for 2005. It?s kind of sad because after a horrendous beginning, Kansas City has played decent baseball. Now, it?s anyone?s guess how they?ll perform, but we?re not about to find out against a Padres? team that has had its own problems lately. PREFERRED: None.
Oakland at San Francisco (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
These two playoff contenders went at it in Oakland last weekend and the Giants continued to pile up the ?W?s. They won two of three and have now won 12 of their last 14 games outscoring their opponents 92-57 . Not bad, and with Tim Hudson most likely headed to the DL, it doesn?t look to good for Oakland this weekend either. San Francisco is 12-1 (+$1100) at home against southpaws, so don?t be afraid to play against the Marks, Mulder and Redman or Barry Zito. BEST BET: Giants vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh (4) 2nd (DH), 3rd, 4th
The vastly improved Brewers (+$1155 as an underdog) have a golden opportunity to continue their winning ways. First, they owe the Pirates for losing four of five (-$435) earlier this year and second, the Pirates are currently playing the worst baseball (lost 16 of 21) in either league. Milwaukee is scheduled to start their only two lefties (Chris Capuano and Doug Davis) and if they do be advised that both of them have ERAs under 3.50 in their last three starts and the Pirates are 1-7 (-$625) at home vs. southpaws averaging 2.8 RPG. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Pirates.
Chicago White Sox at Chicago Cubs (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
In last week?s meeting in U.S. Cellular Field, the Pale Hose lost the opening game and then rallied to beat both Carlos Zambrano and Greg Maddux. However, Zambrano is a much different pitcher in Wrigley Field (5-0 with 1.61 ERA and .181 BA in 44.2 innings) and we?ll jump on him. The Sox are just 6-13 (-$970) vs. lefties which makes the surprising Glendon Rusch (7.6 H/W ratio last two starts) worth your consideration. BEST BET: Zambrano/ Rusch.
Toronto at Montreal (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th (San Juan, PR)
It?s a sure sign that MLB doesn?t have his act together that this all Canadian series is being played in Puerto Rico. In Toronto last weekend, the Blue Jays captured the series (2-1, +$100) and the pitching match ups favor them again this time around. Roy Halladay is 23-8 on the road in the last two plus years and has a 3.09 ERA for his career in 32 innings vs. the Expos. Montreal?s 14-35 (-$1785) record vs. righties only serves to add fuel to the fire. BEST BET: Halladay.
Baltimore at Philadelphia (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Baltimore has now lost 21of their last 31 games. While the Phillies have been playing better ball than the Birds, they are a major disappointment and Larry Bowa is just about ready to walk the plank. We?ll refrain from taking sides here, but urge you to watch the Vegas totals. The Orioles starters? road ERA is 6.28 and their offense is hitting a solid .273 away from Camden Yards, so will go OVER any reasonable number. PREFERRED: Over 9.5 runs or less.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Yankees have won 11 of their last 16 road games so the residents of Shea Stadium have their work cut out for them. And, the Yankees will be starting Jose Contreras, who had his best game of the year (6 innings, no runs, 2 hits, 10Ks) vs. the Mets in Yankee Stadium last Sunday as well as Mike Mussina who has been on fire lately. It looks like another lost weekend for the Mets against their hated rivals. PREFERRED: Contreras/Mussina.
Cleveland at Cincinnati (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
In Cleveland three weeks ago, the Tribe swept the previously hot Reds and averaged eight RPG in the process which is not all that shocking when one considers that only four teams in both leagues have a higher team ERA than Cincinnati. But, the Reds have the fourth best home record (22-12, +$985) in MLB including 18-6 (+$1225) against righties. Cincy?s not nearly as effective, however, against lefties, so don?t get involved if C.C. Sabathia or the Cliff Lee take the hill. BEST BET: Reds vs. righthanders.
Boston at Atlanta (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Yes, this is not a vintage Atlanta team, but the way Boston has performed on the road (-$1020), any investment on them has to considered carefully. And, as Boston continues to drift farther and farther away from the hated Yankees, we wonder about their psyche in an inter-league match up. Don?t be afraid to go up against the Red Sox dynamic duo of Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling. The Sox are 15-1 (+$1300) when they pitch at home, but just 6-9 (-$1030) on the road. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
Tampa Bay at Florida (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Last week in a three-game series in Tampa Bay that we guarantee you will draw less than September?s meeting between the Gators and Seminoles, the Rays took two of three. Amazingly, after losing 19 of their previous 22 games, the Rays have won 26 of 34 including 12 straight. Victor Zambrano has allowed one or less earned runs in four of his last six starts and is certainly worth an investment as a dog. In fact, given the way the Marlins are hitting lately, we have no problem recommending the ?Sting Rays? across the board. BEST BET: Zambrano. PREFERRED: Devil Rays in all other games.
Texas at Houston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
With rumors continuing to swirl over Jimy Williams? head, the Astros continue to have problems. Not even the acquisition of Carlos Beltran was able to stop the bleeding as the Astros lost two of three in Texas last weekend. In fact, if you eliminate a four-game series against the awful Pirates from their recent schedule, the Astros lost nine of 13, all against teams over .500. We want no part of these overpriced stiffs (-$2005 as chalk this year, the only favorite at -$1300 or more in MLB). PREFERRED None.
Detroit at Colorado (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
With Preston Wilson and Larry Walker (three HRs last weekend) finally in the Rockies? line up, Colorado has a chance to play like the 49-32 team they were at home last year. It should be a runs galore series what with the Rockies hitting .302 at home while averaging 6.6 RPG and the Tigers hitting a more than respectable .281 on the road. Colorado is even more dynamic at home vs. southpaws (7-2, +$535 averaging 7.9 RPG). BEST BET: Rockies vs. lefthanders. PREFERRED: Over in all games.
Seattle at St. Louis (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Here?s some more bad news for the Mariners. The Cardinals, after 10 weeks of floundering, are starting to pay to their potential at home (won 10 of their last 13). And, with an all righthanded starting corps to deal with, Seattle (7-17, -$1160 on the road vs. righties) could get swept. We wouldn?t bet against it. You might want to back the rejuvenated Chris Carpenter (8-2, 3.61 ERA). He has a 2.34 ERA at home in 34.2 innings with a .210 BAA. BEST BET: Carpenter. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all other games. .
Minnesota at Arizona (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Twins play in the desert for the first time and will find an opposing pitching staff that, except for Randy Johnson (9-5, 3.10 ERA), has fallen completely apart. Naturally, we like the Big Unit at what should be a fairly reasonable price, but with the rest of their starters? ERAs well over 6.00 and a relief corps that is not doing much better, we?ll definitely take the superior Twins in the other two games. BEST BET: Johnson at -$170 or less. PREFERRED: Twins vs. all but Johnson.
Los Angeles at Anaheim (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Dodgers? excellent pitching staff went up against the Angels at home last weekend and was smacked around for 25 runs while losing two of three games (-$160). We?re not thrilled with the sporadic play and pitching of either team right now so we?re recommending a pass until we?re absolutely sure of the pitching match ups. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at San Diego (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Royals? management kept its promise. It is willing to trade anyone (Carlos Beltran was traded for three minor leaguers) on the current roster in order to get ready for 2005. It?s kind of sad because after a horrendous beginning, Kansas City has played decent baseball. Now, it?s anyone?s guess how they?ll perform, but we?re not about to find out against a Padres? team that has had its own problems lately. PREFERRED: None.
Oakland at San Francisco (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
These two playoff contenders went at it in Oakland last weekend and the Giants continued to pile up the ?W?s. They won two of three and have now won 12 of their last 14 games outscoring their opponents 92-57 . Not bad, and with Tim Hudson most likely headed to the DL, it doesn?t look to good for Oakland this weekend either. San Francisco is 12-1 (+$1100) at home against southpaws, so don?t be afraid to play against the Marks, Mulder and Redman or Barry Zito. BEST BET: Giants vs. lefthanders.
