BEGINNING FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 17
Atlanta at Florida (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Marlins have picked up the pace over the past few weeks, but the Braves (+$1695) show no signs of letting up. They?ve handled their division rival without difficulty (9-4, +$720) and would like to secure home field for their first round playoff series. The Marlins numbers at home are poor (-$875), and two of their top starters (Pavano, Willis ) won?t be available. All things considered, we like the visitor?s chances of taking 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Braves in all games.
Milwaukee at Houston (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Brewers were a terrific value before August, but they?ve collapsed in the standings and appear to be no match for a sizzling Houston team (8-3, +$335 last 10 days) that is back in the thick of the NL playoff picture. Prices on the Astros have been inflated all year, hence their appalling losses (-$1900), so while we think a sweep here is very likely, we?ll steer clear nonetheless. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at San Francisco (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Padres have dominated the Giants in head to head play this year (10-3, +$825) and they?ve been enormously profitable away from Petco Park (+$1095). The Giants have lost money against righties here at Pac Bell (-$1075) and they?ll be up against one of the best when Jake Peavy (+$875, 2.33 ERA in 22 starts) is on the hill. A must win game for the visitor if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive. BEST BET: Peavy.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Yankees will have had the benefit of an off day on Thursday, following an afternoon game in KC on Wednesday, while the Red Sox come in after a night game with Tampa Bay. For all their travails, New York has kept pace with red hot Boston over the past two weeks, and they are still 50-21 (+$1260) in the Bronx. The Sox have lost a bundle on the road (-$1005) and will no doubt limp home having dropped 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Yankees in all games.
Oakland at Seattle (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The A?s looked like a sure thing to capture the AL West title, but they?ve hit the skids in recent days (4-6, -$655 last 10 with a 7.19 ERA among starters), and now must worry about their six remaining games with pesky Anaheim. Seattle might make an inviting spoiler in the right setting, given their profitable record vs. righties at Safeco (+$290). BEST BET: Mariners vs. righthanders at +160 or more.
Texas at Anaheim (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Rangers gave it a nice try, but in the end it?s hard to make the playoffs when you are only 32-39 on the road. They?ll need to handle Texas to stay close to the A?s, but they?ve been shaky at home this year (-$440) and while their numbers vs. lefties are inviting (+$965), it appears they?ll miss Kenny Rogers, the Rangers only southpaw in the regular rotation. Pass for the time being. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20
Atlanta at Florida (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Marlins have picked up the pace over the past few weeks, but the Braves (+$1695) show no signs of letting up. They?ve handled their division rival without difficulty (9-4, +$720) and would like to secure home field for their first round playoff series. The Marlins numbers at home are poor (-$875), and two of their top starters (Pavano, Willis ) won?t be available. All things considered, we like the visitor?s chances of taking 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Braves in all games.
Milwaukee at Houston (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Brewers were a terrific value before August, but they?ve collapsed in the standings and appear to be no match for a sizzling Houston team (8-3, +$335 last 10 days) that is back in the thick of the NL playoff picture. Prices on the Astros have been inflated all year, hence their appalling losses (-$1900), so while we think a sweep here is very likely, we?ll steer clear nonetheless. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at San Francisco (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Padres have dominated the Giants in head to head play this year (10-3, +$825) and they?ve been enormously profitable away from Petco Park (+$1095). The Giants have lost money against righties here at Pac Bell (-$1075) and they?ll be up against one of the best when Jake Peavy (+$875, 2.33 ERA in 22 starts) is on the hill. A must win game for the visitor if they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive. BEST BET: Peavy.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Yankees will have had the benefit of an off day on Thursday, following an afternoon game in KC on Wednesday, while the Red Sox come in after a night game with Tampa Bay. For all their travails, New York has kept pace with red hot Boston over the past two weeks, and they are still 50-21 (+$1260) in the Bronx. The Sox have lost a bundle on the road (-$1005) and will no doubt limp home having dropped 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Yankees in all games.
Oakland at Seattle (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The A?s looked like a sure thing to capture the AL West title, but they?ve hit the skids in recent days (4-6, -$655 last 10 with a 7.19 ERA among starters), and now must worry about their six remaining games with pesky Anaheim. Seattle might make an inviting spoiler in the right setting, given their profitable record vs. righties at Safeco (+$290). BEST BET: Mariners vs. righthanders at +160 or more.
Texas at Anaheim (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Rangers gave it a nice try, but in the end it?s hard to make the playoffs when you are only 32-39 on the road. They?ll need to handle Texas to stay close to the A?s, but they?ve been shaky at home this year (-$440) and while their numbers vs. lefties are inviting (+$965), it appears they?ll miss Kenny Rogers, the Rangers only southpaw in the regular rotation. Pass for the time being. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20
