BEGINNING THURSDAY JUNE 1
Arizona at Atlanta (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Diamondbacks have looked sensational in recent days (7-2, +$550 last 10 days with 6.3 runs per game) and they?ve got one of the better pitching bullpens in the NL (3.79 ERA, 4th lowest). They took 2 out of 3 from the Braves a couple of weeks ago, but you cannot discount Atlanta, a team that has moved up considerably in the NL East standings. They are 12-6 at Turner Field this season (+$455) and it looks like Brandon Webb, the visitor?s ace righthander, will miss this series. The rest of the Arizona starters don?t thrill us vs. this caliber opponent, so we?ll steer clear for now. BEST BET: None.
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Phillies had their hot streak, but they?ve really cooled off in a big way (only 3-7, -$525 last 10 days with a 6.07 ERA among starters), while the Dodgers continue to surge (7-2, +$550 with 7.0 runs per game and a 3.33 ERA among starters last 10 days). LA took 2 out of 3 from this team at Citizen?s Bank and they?ve got a huge statistical edge over the home team. The only Philadelphia pitcher who gives us concern is Brett Myers (2.86 ERA in 10 starts), so pass when he is on the mound. But the rest of the Philadelphia rotation is fair game. BEST BET: Dodgers unless opposed by Myers.
Minnesota at Oakland (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Twins swept the A?s when they ventured into the Metrodome a while ago (+$335), but considering Minnesota?s pitiful record as a visitor (7-17, -$925) we?re going to look for a reversal of fortunes here. We?d feel better if Oakland wasn?t in a bit of a slump, but they?ve got a pair of southpaws in Halsey & Zito who match up well vs. this lineup (Twins 6-12, -$625 vs. lefties with only 3.28 runs per game) and a hot righthander in Danny Haren, who?s been on fire in the month of May. There?s a good chance all three will see action this weekend. BEST BET: Zito/Halsey/Haren.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 2
San Diego at Pittsburgh (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Padres have cooled off, falling to the back of the pack in the topsy-turvy NL West, and they could have an up and down weekend here at PNC Park. Despite their many woes, the Pirates have posted a stunning 11-2 record at home vs. righthanders in night games (+$1105), and they?ll get a couple of chances to improve on that mark vs. this all -righty rotation. The Padres lose money in night games (12-19, -$955) so grab the Bucs in the evening contests, hopefully at a very reasonable price. BEST BET: Padres in night games.
San Francisco at N.Y. Mets (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mets too 2 out of 3 at ATT Park when they were on their west coast swing, but they?ve cooled off a bit in recent days, while the Giants have staged a nice comeback, fueled by some outstanding starting pitching (2.77 ERA last 10 days). It?s difficult to go against the Mets at Shea Stadium, given their 16-8 record at home. But they?ll be laying a huge price when Tom Glavine makes his next start, and that makes the Giants (8-3, +$560 vs. lefties with 6.1 runs per game) too good to pass up. BEST BET: Giants vs. Glavine.
Cincinnati at Houston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
This is a tricky matchup for couple of reasons.The Astros are very hard to beat here at Minutemaid Park (18-9, +$400) and the Reds are slumping. But Houston has very bad numbers vs. righthanded pitching (-$655) while the Reds have excelled in that situation, particularly as a visitor (10-5, +$795). We?ll use the visitor in righty vs. righty matchups, but only when their top hurlers Brandon Arroyo (+$375, 2.29 ERA) and Aaron Harang (+$475, 2.58 ERA) are on the mound for the visitor. BEST BET: Arroyo & Harang vs. righthanders.
Washington at Milwaukee (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Brewers have a dynamic offense (.277 team BA, 2nd best in the NL) but because of pitching injuries their team ERA is now the highest in the league (4.96) and Chris Capuano, their only top notch starter, won?t take the mound this weekend. But it?s hard to work up any enthusiasm for the Nationals (21-30, -$665 overall), so we?re content to stay on the sidelines for now. We?ll take a closer look at this series as game day draws near. BEST BET: None.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Cubs have taken 4 out of 6 from first place St. Louis (+$270) but those games took place earlier in the season, before the Cubs collapsed. This series has bloodbath written all over it, the only question is if the prices on the favorite are prohibitively high. Chicago ranks dead last offensively (.249 team BA with only 3.6 runs per game) while St. Louis is on top of its game (3.81 team ERA, lowest in the league, .274 team BA with 5.1 runs per game). We?ll go with the front running Cardinals if the price is affordable, but right now we?re not too optimistic. BEST BET: Cardinals at -185 or less.
Florida at Colorado (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rockies have dropped back to around .500 and the slide may continue in the days ahead, but they should have enough ammunition to drub the lowly Marlins at Coors Field. They stomped on this team in a three game sweep earlier in the year (+$305) and they continue to enjoy surprisingly good pitching numbers for a team playing at this high altitude (4.28 ERA). Florida checks in with a dismal 15-33 mark (-$1240) so we?ll try our luck with a pair of righthanded hurlers who have looked sharp in 2006, and who are slated to be on the hill this weekend. BEST BET: Cook/Kim.
L.A. Angels at Cleveland (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Indians lost sight of the leaders in the AL Central in a hurry, and it?s going to be very difficult to climb over both the Tigers and White Sox at this point. But they?ve got a very potent attack (.291 team BA, 5.7 runs per game) and one of the top lefthanders in the majors (Sabathia 1.52 ERA in six starts) primed for a start in this series). The Angels are mired in last place in the AL West (only 21-29, -$1050 overall), they?ve averaged just 3.8 runs per game vs. southpaws. and none of the pitchers in their rotation gives us much to worry about vs. the hot Cleveland bats. BEST BET: Sabathia.
N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Not much hope for the O?s to climb back into the AL east race given how poorly their pitchers have performed (5.61 team ERA, 2nd worst in the league). The Yankees will no doubt be overpriced as usual, but we still see some solid opportunities. They are 12-3 vs. lefties in 2006 (+$835 with 7.1 runs per game) and are likely to see a struggling Eric Bedard (5.67 ERA in 11 starts, 14.55 last two). Baltimore is only 4-11 (-$820) vs. lefties, so take a shot with Randy Johnson as well. BEST BET: R. Johnson/Yankees vs. Bedard.
Boston at Detroit (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
This is a challenging homestand for the Tigers, with this series coming on the heels of a four game set with the Yankees. But they are the most profitable team in the majors by far (+$1940) and they?ve got a trio of lefties leading the best pitching staff in baseball (3.36 team ERA). The Red Sox are far less imposing against lefties (-$215 with 4.9 runs per game, one full run less that vs. righties) so stick with the hot home team. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Toronto at Tampa Bay (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Blue Jays look like they may mount a serious challenge in the AL East, but they?ve not fared all that well on the road, particularly in day games (1-6, -$515), and the Devil Rays are a pesky team that has turned a profit vs. righties here at Tropicana Field (10-7, +$510). We?ll look to grab some nice prices as Tampa Bay looks to play spoiler. BEST BET: Devil Rays vs. righthanders & in day games.
Texas at Chicago W. Sox (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rangers are not known for their starting pitching, and their only lefthander John Koronka is not in the mix this weekend. That means Texas must contend with Chicago?s 24-7 (+$1280) record against righthanders. We?ll look for the World Champions to resume their winning ways in this series, but watch out when Mark Buehrle is on the hill, given Texas?s stellar 8-4 (+$435) mark against southpaws. BEST BET: Rangers when righty meets righty.
Kansas City at Seattle (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
At 11-37 (-$1560), the Royals are a completely unusable team under any circumstances, especially on the road where they check in with an unbelievable 3-22 mark. The staff ERA is an appalling 6.31, worst in MLB by far. We?re not crazy about the Mariners and hate to lay price prices on them, but we?ll take a shot with Jaime Moyer and Jarrod Washburn (Royals 0-12, -$1200 vs. lefthanders) unless there?s a lefthander on the hill for the visitor (Seattle 5-12, -$830 with only 3.2 runs per game vs. southpaws). BEST BET: Washburn and Moyer unless opposed by lefthanders.
Arizona at Atlanta (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Diamondbacks have looked sensational in recent days (7-2, +$550 last 10 days with 6.3 runs per game) and they?ve got one of the better pitching bullpens in the NL (3.79 ERA, 4th lowest). They took 2 out of 3 from the Braves a couple of weeks ago, but you cannot discount Atlanta, a team that has moved up considerably in the NL East standings. They are 12-6 at Turner Field this season (+$455) and it looks like Brandon Webb, the visitor?s ace righthander, will miss this series. The rest of the Arizona starters don?t thrill us vs. this caliber opponent, so we?ll steer clear for now. BEST BET: None.
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Phillies had their hot streak, but they?ve really cooled off in a big way (only 3-7, -$525 last 10 days with a 6.07 ERA among starters), while the Dodgers continue to surge (7-2, +$550 with 7.0 runs per game and a 3.33 ERA among starters last 10 days). LA took 2 out of 3 from this team at Citizen?s Bank and they?ve got a huge statistical edge over the home team. The only Philadelphia pitcher who gives us concern is Brett Myers (2.86 ERA in 10 starts), so pass when he is on the mound. But the rest of the Philadelphia rotation is fair game. BEST BET: Dodgers unless opposed by Myers.
Minnesota at Oakland (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Twins swept the A?s when they ventured into the Metrodome a while ago (+$335), but considering Minnesota?s pitiful record as a visitor (7-17, -$925) we?re going to look for a reversal of fortunes here. We?d feel better if Oakland wasn?t in a bit of a slump, but they?ve got a pair of southpaws in Halsey & Zito who match up well vs. this lineup (Twins 6-12, -$625 vs. lefties with only 3.28 runs per game) and a hot righthander in Danny Haren, who?s been on fire in the month of May. There?s a good chance all three will see action this weekend. BEST BET: Zito/Halsey/Haren.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 2
San Diego at Pittsburgh (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Padres have cooled off, falling to the back of the pack in the topsy-turvy NL West, and they could have an up and down weekend here at PNC Park. Despite their many woes, the Pirates have posted a stunning 11-2 record at home vs. righthanders in night games (+$1105), and they?ll get a couple of chances to improve on that mark vs. this all -righty rotation. The Padres lose money in night games (12-19, -$955) so grab the Bucs in the evening contests, hopefully at a very reasonable price. BEST BET: Padres in night games.
San Francisco at N.Y. Mets (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mets too 2 out of 3 at ATT Park when they were on their west coast swing, but they?ve cooled off a bit in recent days, while the Giants have staged a nice comeback, fueled by some outstanding starting pitching (2.77 ERA last 10 days). It?s difficult to go against the Mets at Shea Stadium, given their 16-8 record at home. But they?ll be laying a huge price when Tom Glavine makes his next start, and that makes the Giants (8-3, +$560 vs. lefties with 6.1 runs per game) too good to pass up. BEST BET: Giants vs. Glavine.
Cincinnati at Houston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
This is a tricky matchup for couple of reasons.The Astros are very hard to beat here at Minutemaid Park (18-9, +$400) and the Reds are slumping. But Houston has very bad numbers vs. righthanded pitching (-$655) while the Reds have excelled in that situation, particularly as a visitor (10-5, +$795). We?ll use the visitor in righty vs. righty matchups, but only when their top hurlers Brandon Arroyo (+$375, 2.29 ERA) and Aaron Harang (+$475, 2.58 ERA) are on the mound for the visitor. BEST BET: Arroyo & Harang vs. righthanders.
Washington at Milwaukee (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Brewers have a dynamic offense (.277 team BA, 2nd best in the NL) but because of pitching injuries their team ERA is now the highest in the league (4.96) and Chris Capuano, their only top notch starter, won?t take the mound this weekend. But it?s hard to work up any enthusiasm for the Nationals (21-30, -$665 overall), so we?re content to stay on the sidelines for now. We?ll take a closer look at this series as game day draws near. BEST BET: None.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Cubs have taken 4 out of 6 from first place St. Louis (+$270) but those games took place earlier in the season, before the Cubs collapsed. This series has bloodbath written all over it, the only question is if the prices on the favorite are prohibitively high. Chicago ranks dead last offensively (.249 team BA with only 3.6 runs per game) while St. Louis is on top of its game (3.81 team ERA, lowest in the league, .274 team BA with 5.1 runs per game). We?ll go with the front running Cardinals if the price is affordable, but right now we?re not too optimistic. BEST BET: Cardinals at -185 or less.
Florida at Colorado (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rockies have dropped back to around .500 and the slide may continue in the days ahead, but they should have enough ammunition to drub the lowly Marlins at Coors Field. They stomped on this team in a three game sweep earlier in the year (+$305) and they continue to enjoy surprisingly good pitching numbers for a team playing at this high altitude (4.28 ERA). Florida checks in with a dismal 15-33 mark (-$1240) so we?ll try our luck with a pair of righthanded hurlers who have looked sharp in 2006, and who are slated to be on the hill this weekend. BEST BET: Cook/Kim.
L.A. Angels at Cleveland (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Indians lost sight of the leaders in the AL Central in a hurry, and it?s going to be very difficult to climb over both the Tigers and White Sox at this point. But they?ve got a very potent attack (.291 team BA, 5.7 runs per game) and one of the top lefthanders in the majors (Sabathia 1.52 ERA in six starts) primed for a start in this series). The Angels are mired in last place in the AL West (only 21-29, -$1050 overall), they?ve averaged just 3.8 runs per game vs. southpaws. and none of the pitchers in their rotation gives us much to worry about vs. the hot Cleveland bats. BEST BET: Sabathia.
N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Not much hope for the O?s to climb back into the AL east race given how poorly their pitchers have performed (5.61 team ERA, 2nd worst in the league). The Yankees will no doubt be overpriced as usual, but we still see some solid opportunities. They are 12-3 vs. lefties in 2006 (+$835 with 7.1 runs per game) and are likely to see a struggling Eric Bedard (5.67 ERA in 11 starts, 14.55 last two). Baltimore is only 4-11 (-$820) vs. lefties, so take a shot with Randy Johnson as well. BEST BET: R. Johnson/Yankees vs. Bedard.
Boston at Detroit (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
This is a challenging homestand for the Tigers, with this series coming on the heels of a four game set with the Yankees. But they are the most profitable team in the majors by far (+$1940) and they?ve got a trio of lefties leading the best pitching staff in baseball (3.36 team ERA). The Red Sox are far less imposing against lefties (-$215 with 4.9 runs per game, one full run less that vs. righties) so stick with the hot home team. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Toronto at Tampa Bay (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Blue Jays look like they may mount a serious challenge in the AL East, but they?ve not fared all that well on the road, particularly in day games (1-6, -$515), and the Devil Rays are a pesky team that has turned a profit vs. righties here at Tropicana Field (10-7, +$510). We?ll look to grab some nice prices as Tampa Bay looks to play spoiler. BEST BET: Devil Rays vs. righthanders & in day games.
Texas at Chicago W. Sox (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rangers are not known for their starting pitching, and their only lefthander John Koronka is not in the mix this weekend. That means Texas must contend with Chicago?s 24-7 (+$1280) record against righthanders. We?ll look for the World Champions to resume their winning ways in this series, but watch out when Mark Buehrle is on the hill, given Texas?s stellar 8-4 (+$435) mark against southpaws. BEST BET: Rangers when righty meets righty.
Kansas City at Seattle (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
At 11-37 (-$1560), the Royals are a completely unusable team under any circumstances, especially on the road where they check in with an unbelievable 3-22 mark. The staff ERA is an appalling 6.31, worst in MLB by far. We?re not crazy about the Mariners and hate to lay price prices on them, but we?ll take a shot with Jaime Moyer and Jarrod Washburn (Royals 0-12, -$1200 vs. lefthanders) unless there?s a lefthander on the hill for the visitor (Seattle 5-12, -$830 with only 3.2 runs per game vs. southpaws). BEST BET: Washburn and Moyer unless opposed by lefthanders.
