BEGINNING THURSDAY MAY 31
Florida at Milwaukee (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Brewers were in fine form until a couple of weeks ago, but they are gradually falling back to the pack in the NL Central (3-7, -$515 last 10 days, with only 3.3 runs per game and a 6.80 ERA among starters). Even their more reliable hurlers have fallen on hard times, so we?re not inclined to bet on a quick turnaround. But they do play well here at Miller Park, and the Marlins don?t inspire much confidence (4.49 team ERA, 6th worst in the league), especially after watching them get drubbed in three straight by the Mets at Dolphin Stadium last weekend. BEST BET: None.
Chicago W. Sox at Toronto (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The White Sox will need to improve offensively of they hope to stay close to Cleveland and Detroit (.236 team BA for Chicago, lowest in the AL). But they?ve fared well against righthanders on the road this year (+$545) so they?ve got a decent shot against a Toronto rotation that is in some disarray. Roy Halladay is due back for this series, but his numbers before going on the DL were nothing special, and the Blue Jays don?t hit well enough to give us much cause for concern (only 13-22, -$1130 vs. righthanders, with 4.0 runs per game). BEST BET: White Sox when righty meets righty.
Detroit at Cleveland (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Tribe got the best of the Tigers at Comerica last weekend, (3-0, +$300). The clubs could not be more evenly matched statistically (Detroit .278 BA, 4.44 ERA . . . Cleveland .272 BA, 4.41 ERA), and they appear poised to put distance between themselves and the rest of the NL Central. The Tigers are a solid road team, but the Indians are awesome here at Jacobs Field, particularly vs. righties (15-2, +$1225), so caution is advised. The Indians average far fewer runs per game against lefties, so we?ll limit ourselves to a play on the profitable Mike Maroth (+$670 in eight starts this year), who will take a turn in this series. BEST BET: Maroth.
Texas at Seattle (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Mariners have taken 3 out of 4 from the struggling Rangers already (+$220) and they looked sensational at Kaufman Stadium, pounding a hapless KC team in three straight contests by a combined score of 26-7. Texas is a worse team than the Royals at this point, if such a thing is possible (-$1245 overall), so the host has an opportunity to continue their offensive surge against a team whose starters have posted a 6.32 ERA in the past 10 days. The visitor will be lucky to salvage a single win. BEST BET: Mariners in all games.
Baltimore at L.A. Angels (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Angels have taken command of the AL West, and their pitching has been everything they hoped for and more (3.66 team ERA, best in the league). They?ve had some ups and downs on the road this year, but when playing here in Anaheim they?ve been unstoppable (17-6, +$860 so far). The Orioles have been lousy as visitors (only 8-16, -$665), but their pitching is showing modest improvement, so stay away from inflated prices. BEST BET: Angels at -150 or less.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 1
Atlanta at Chicago Cubs (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Braves are coming off a tough weekend at Turner Field, losing ground to the Mets and allowing the Phillies to stay close in the competitive NL East. But they?ve made money against righthanders overall this year (18-9, +$540 with 5.3 runs per game) and the Cubs have been totally unreliable here at Wrigley Field so far (only 10-12, -$830). Chicago?s starters have not looked very sharp in recent days (4.54 ERA last 10 days), and they got a ways to go just to get to .500. BEST BET: Braves vs. righthanders.
San Diego at Washington (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Nationals have posted a nice profit in recent days on the strength of a 7-4 record (+$685), but their pitching has been as dreadful as ever over that stretch (5.20 ERA among starters). The Padres are surging to the top of the NL West (7-2, +$490 last 10 days), thanks in large part to the best pitching staff in the majors (3.00 overall ERA), and would love to grab some easy wins at RFK this weekend. We?d like to see more run production against righthanders, but they?ve been solid vs. lefties (9-4, +$525 with 5.0 runs per game), and they are likely to see at least one or two on the hill for the Nationals. BEST BET: Padres vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Dodgers are deadlocked atop the NL West with the Padres, so they need to seize opportunities to beat up on the league?s weak sisters. The Pirates make an inviting target, with their sorrowful 9-14 record here at PNC Park (-$725) and a starting rotation that is loaded with lefthanders. The Dodgers have feasted on southpaws in 2007 (10-4, +$500 with 5.3 runs per game) and they?ve got an outstanding mound corp (3.61 team ERA) that can easily throttle the anemic Pittsburgh attack. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
San Francisco at Philadelphia (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Phillies had a very successful road trip to Atlanta last weekend, and they dominate righthanded pitchers (21-12, +$705 so far). But the Giants are getting outstanding work from their starters right now (3.03 ERA last 10 days), and they?re likely to use both Noah Lowry and Barry Zito in this series. Lowry in particular has been outstanding (3.08 ERA in ten outings), and the Phillies check in with a very feeble 5-12 (-$730) record against southpaws. BEST BET: Lowry/Zito/Phillies vs. righthanders.
Arizona at N.Y. Mets (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Mets are looking sharper with each passing week, with the best hitting lineup in the NL (.281) and the second best pitching staff (3.42 ERA). They are opening up a bit of distance in the NL East, and have an opportunity to build on the success they had against Arizona when the teams squared off at Chase Field earlier this year (3-1, +$215). The Mets are in the red vs. righthanders at Shea, so we?ll focus on the Diamondback southpaws, given New York?s 11-3 (+$675) mark vs. lefties in ?07. BEST BET: Mets vs. lefthanders.
St. Louis at Houston (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Cardinals continue to languish well below the .500 mark a year after winning it all, and won?t get very far in 2007 with Braden Looper as their only reliable starter (4.60 team ERA, 4th worst in the league). but the Astros have been every bit as bad (21-29, -$1085 overall), so neither team in this series has anything to recommend them. We?ll steer clear of this one. BEST BET: None.
Cincinnati at Colorado (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Reds started the season with what appeared to be a formidable starting rotation. But after a few promising weeks early on the wheels have come off, and what remains is a club in total disarray (18-33, -$1770). The Rockies took 2 out of 3 in an earlier meeting (+$150) and they?ve posted a modest profit vs. righthanders overall (+$370). They should have no trouble taking at least 2 out of 3 from faltering Cincinnati. BEST BET: Rockies in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Boston (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The window is nearly closed on a 10th consecutive division title for the Yankees, and even a wildcard berth now appears to be very much in doubt (21-27, -$2050 overall). The Red Sox are clicking on all cylinders at the moment (3.67 team ERA, .277 team BA) but the jury is still out on Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has been average at best this year (5.54 ERA, last two starts). The Yankee are 8-4 (+$365 with 6.3 runs per game) vs. righties in night games on the road, so they look to be worth a shot. BEST BET: Yankees vs. Matsuszaka.
Kansas City at Tampa Bay (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Another one of those ugly showdowns between perennial AL cellar dwellers. The Devil Rays aren?t doing much to recommend themselves, but they can rely on a couple of capable hurlers in James Shields (3.15 ERA) and Scott Kazmir (3.96). It looks like the Royals might miss Shields?s turn in the rotation, but Kazmir is a definite, and he should fare well against a KC team that checks in with an anemic 3-12 (-$705) record vs. southpaws. Hopefully the price on the home team stays reasonable. BEST BET: Kazmir.
Minnesota at Oakland (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Twins catch the Athletics while they are down, nursing a variety of injuries, most notably closer Huston Street, as they struggle to keep the Angels from turning the AL West into a runaway. Enter the Twins, a team that has turned a modest profit on the road vs. righthanders (+$245) and one that would love to exact a measure of revenge from the team that unexpectedly knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Oakland has lost money at McAfee (-$605) so we?ll stick with the visitor as long as there isn?t a southpaws on the hill for the A?s. BEST BET: Twins vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 4
Florida at Atlanta (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Marlins have already taken 3 out of 5 from the Braves this year (+$145) and Dontrelle Willis, who has led Florida to victories in 8 of his 11 starts (+$465), has seen his ERA steadily drop over the past month (3.38 last two outings). Atlanta is only 10-13 (-$615) against lefthanders so far in 2007. PREFERRED: Willis.
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Cubs have one of the better pitching staffs in the NL (3.93 team ERA) and they?ve posted nice profits against righthanders outside of Wrigley Field (10-7, +$395 with 5.3 runs per game). As noted before, the Brewers are fading (3-7, -$515), but watch out for Ben Sheets, who has continued to perform well, and might turn up in this series depending on when he recovers from a blister. PREFERRED: Cubs vs. all righthanders except Sheets.
N.Y. Yankees at Chicago W. Sox (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Yanks were just here a couple of weeks ago, dropping 2 out of 3 (-$190) before heading into a meat-grinder, taking on Boston, the Angels and the Mets in 12 of the 15 games leading up to this series. After a weekend at Fenway, the Bombers will no doubt letdown, which opens the door for Chicago to fatten up on the beleaguered New York righties (ChiSox +$760 in that situation). Roger Clemens may make his ?07 debut. PREFERRED: White Sox vs. righthanders.
Baltimore at Seattle (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Mariners are playing reasonably well these days, and they?ve got a chance to beat up a pair of southpaws in Eric Bedard and Brian Burres, both of whom could see action. The Marines check in with a 9-3 (+$870) record vs. lefthanders in 2007, and the Orioles are only 5-11 (-$440) against righthanders on the road this year. PREFERRED: Mariners righthanders vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Oakland (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
We always like going against the Red Sox after they play a series with the Yankees, though it didn?t work out in Texas last week. The A?s are a more formidable opponent, and the one team in the league with a lower team ERA than Boston (3.57 vs. 3.67), but it?s hard to go against Boston?s 18-8 (+$1155) road record. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at L.A. Angels (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Twins do match up well against the all-righty LA rotation, but they may be flat after a revenge affair in Oakland, and it?s awfully daunting to take on the sizzling hot Angels in this ballpark (17-6, +$860 at Anaheim so far). PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 5
Pittsburgh at Washington (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Nationals are actually showing a profit for the year (+$505), despite their last place 21-30 record, but the Pirates are one team that might be available at prices low enough to make backing them worthwhile. They?ve got a solid pair in Tom Gorzelanny (2.51 ERA in 10 starts) and Ian Snell (3.06 in 10 starts), at least one of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Gorzelanny/Snell.
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mets slapped this team when they squared off earlier this year (3-1, +$150), but the Phillies have looked much sharper in recent days (6-4, +$160 last 10) and the Mets have lost money vs. righthanders here at Shea (-$560). Philadelphia is in the black vs. righthanders (+$705) so we?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Phillies when righty meets righty.
Cincinnati at St. Louis (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Cardinals aren?t going to make it back into the World Series this year it seems safe to say, and we?ve avoided using them this year except in rare instances. But the Reds now hold the worst record in all of baseball (18-33, -$1870), so there is no way we can recommend them in this setting at this time. PREFERRED: None.
Houston at Colorado (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Rockies have posted a modest profit against righthanders (+$370) and could be an excellent value as home underdogs against Houston ace Roy Oswalt, who has looked sharp (3.36) but who has only led the Astros to wins in six of his 12 starts (-$315). Houston is one of the biggest money-burner in the National league so far in 2007 (-$1085). PREFERRED: Rockies vs. Oswalt.
San Francisco at Arizona (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Diamondbacks have bounced back nicely after a rough stretch, and are within easy striking distance of the division frontrunners. They?ve posted solid numbers vs. righthanders, particularly here at Chase Field (15-7, +$670), and are worth a shot against the quality hurlers in the SF rotation, as long as the price is reasonable. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. righthanders at -12 or less.
L.A. Dodgers at San Diego (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Last year the Padres dominated head to head play, taking 13 out of 18 from the Dodgers (+$925). LA has jumped out to the early lead (4-2, +$215 so far), but the Padres have been dominant against lefthanders (9-4, +$525 with 5.0 runs per game), and there is a chance they?ll be up against both Randy Wolf and Mark Hendrickson at Petco Park this week. PREFERRED: Padres vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at Toronto (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Both teams have turned a profit against lefthanders (TB +$270, Toronto +$435) but have lost a substantial amount when up against righthanders (Devil Rays -$540, Blue Jays -$1130). We?ll play this series accordingly, passing anytime righty meets righty or when southpaws square off. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. lefthanders.
Kansas City at Cleveland (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Hard to believe, but at the moment the Royals are winning the season series with Cleveland (2-1, +$210). Prices in this series will be through the roof, but we might steal a win with KC when they start a lefthander (Tribe only averaging 4.4 runs per game vs. southpaws). But only do if if Cleveland starts a righthander (KC +$460 in that situation on the road this year). PREFERRED: Royals lefthanders vs. righthanders.
Detroit at Texas (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
These teams are on opposite ends of the food chain right now, and the way Texas is playing they?ll be lucky to win anything from the Tigers, who are 14-9 (+$630) outside of Comerica Park this year (Rangers -$1245 overall). PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
Florida at Milwaukee (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Brewers were in fine form until a couple of weeks ago, but they are gradually falling back to the pack in the NL Central (3-7, -$515 last 10 days, with only 3.3 runs per game and a 6.80 ERA among starters). Even their more reliable hurlers have fallen on hard times, so we?re not inclined to bet on a quick turnaround. But they do play well here at Miller Park, and the Marlins don?t inspire much confidence (4.49 team ERA, 6th worst in the league), especially after watching them get drubbed in three straight by the Mets at Dolphin Stadium last weekend. BEST BET: None.
Chicago W. Sox at Toronto (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The White Sox will need to improve offensively of they hope to stay close to Cleveland and Detroit (.236 team BA for Chicago, lowest in the AL). But they?ve fared well against righthanders on the road this year (+$545) so they?ve got a decent shot against a Toronto rotation that is in some disarray. Roy Halladay is due back for this series, but his numbers before going on the DL were nothing special, and the Blue Jays don?t hit well enough to give us much cause for concern (only 13-22, -$1130 vs. righthanders, with 4.0 runs per game). BEST BET: White Sox when righty meets righty.
Detroit at Cleveland (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Tribe got the best of the Tigers at Comerica last weekend, (3-0, +$300). The clubs could not be more evenly matched statistically (Detroit .278 BA, 4.44 ERA . . . Cleveland .272 BA, 4.41 ERA), and they appear poised to put distance between themselves and the rest of the NL Central. The Tigers are a solid road team, but the Indians are awesome here at Jacobs Field, particularly vs. righties (15-2, +$1225), so caution is advised. The Indians average far fewer runs per game against lefties, so we?ll limit ourselves to a play on the profitable Mike Maroth (+$670 in eight starts this year), who will take a turn in this series. BEST BET: Maroth.
Texas at Seattle (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Mariners have taken 3 out of 4 from the struggling Rangers already (+$220) and they looked sensational at Kaufman Stadium, pounding a hapless KC team in three straight contests by a combined score of 26-7. Texas is a worse team than the Royals at this point, if such a thing is possible (-$1245 overall), so the host has an opportunity to continue their offensive surge against a team whose starters have posted a 6.32 ERA in the past 10 days. The visitor will be lucky to salvage a single win. BEST BET: Mariners in all games.
Baltimore at L.A. Angels (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Angels have taken command of the AL West, and their pitching has been everything they hoped for and more (3.66 team ERA, best in the league). They?ve had some ups and downs on the road this year, but when playing here in Anaheim they?ve been unstoppable (17-6, +$860 so far). The Orioles have been lousy as visitors (only 8-16, -$665), but their pitching is showing modest improvement, so stay away from inflated prices. BEST BET: Angels at -150 or less.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 1
Atlanta at Chicago Cubs (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Braves are coming off a tough weekend at Turner Field, losing ground to the Mets and allowing the Phillies to stay close in the competitive NL East. But they?ve made money against righthanders overall this year (18-9, +$540 with 5.3 runs per game) and the Cubs have been totally unreliable here at Wrigley Field so far (only 10-12, -$830). Chicago?s starters have not looked very sharp in recent days (4.54 ERA last 10 days), and they got a ways to go just to get to .500. BEST BET: Braves vs. righthanders.
San Diego at Washington (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Nationals have posted a nice profit in recent days on the strength of a 7-4 record (+$685), but their pitching has been as dreadful as ever over that stretch (5.20 ERA among starters). The Padres are surging to the top of the NL West (7-2, +$490 last 10 days), thanks in large part to the best pitching staff in the majors (3.00 overall ERA), and would love to grab some easy wins at RFK this weekend. We?d like to see more run production against righthanders, but they?ve been solid vs. lefties (9-4, +$525 with 5.0 runs per game), and they are likely to see at least one or two on the hill for the Nationals. BEST BET: Padres vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Dodgers are deadlocked atop the NL West with the Padres, so they need to seize opportunities to beat up on the league?s weak sisters. The Pirates make an inviting target, with their sorrowful 9-14 record here at PNC Park (-$725) and a starting rotation that is loaded with lefthanders. The Dodgers have feasted on southpaws in 2007 (10-4, +$500 with 5.3 runs per game) and they?ve got an outstanding mound corp (3.61 team ERA) that can easily throttle the anemic Pittsburgh attack. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
San Francisco at Philadelphia (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Phillies had a very successful road trip to Atlanta last weekend, and they dominate righthanded pitchers (21-12, +$705 so far). But the Giants are getting outstanding work from their starters right now (3.03 ERA last 10 days), and they?re likely to use both Noah Lowry and Barry Zito in this series. Lowry in particular has been outstanding (3.08 ERA in ten outings), and the Phillies check in with a very feeble 5-12 (-$730) record against southpaws. BEST BET: Lowry/Zito/Phillies vs. righthanders.
Arizona at N.Y. Mets (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Mets are looking sharper with each passing week, with the best hitting lineup in the NL (.281) and the second best pitching staff (3.42 ERA). They are opening up a bit of distance in the NL East, and have an opportunity to build on the success they had against Arizona when the teams squared off at Chase Field earlier this year (3-1, +$215). The Mets are in the red vs. righthanders at Shea, so we?ll focus on the Diamondback southpaws, given New York?s 11-3 (+$675) mark vs. lefties in ?07. BEST BET: Mets vs. lefthanders.
St. Louis at Houston (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Cardinals continue to languish well below the .500 mark a year after winning it all, and won?t get very far in 2007 with Braden Looper as their only reliable starter (4.60 team ERA, 4th worst in the league). but the Astros have been every bit as bad (21-29, -$1085 overall), so neither team in this series has anything to recommend them. We?ll steer clear of this one. BEST BET: None.
Cincinnati at Colorado (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Reds started the season with what appeared to be a formidable starting rotation. But after a few promising weeks early on the wheels have come off, and what remains is a club in total disarray (18-33, -$1770). The Rockies took 2 out of 3 in an earlier meeting (+$150) and they?ve posted a modest profit vs. righthanders overall (+$370). They should have no trouble taking at least 2 out of 3 from faltering Cincinnati. BEST BET: Rockies in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Boston (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The window is nearly closed on a 10th consecutive division title for the Yankees, and even a wildcard berth now appears to be very much in doubt (21-27, -$2050 overall). The Red Sox are clicking on all cylinders at the moment (3.67 team ERA, .277 team BA) but the jury is still out on Daisuke Matsuzaka, who has been average at best this year (5.54 ERA, last two starts). The Yankee are 8-4 (+$365 with 6.3 runs per game) vs. righties in night games on the road, so they look to be worth a shot. BEST BET: Yankees vs. Matsuszaka.
Kansas City at Tampa Bay (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Another one of those ugly showdowns between perennial AL cellar dwellers. The Devil Rays aren?t doing much to recommend themselves, but they can rely on a couple of capable hurlers in James Shields (3.15 ERA) and Scott Kazmir (3.96). It looks like the Royals might miss Shields?s turn in the rotation, but Kazmir is a definite, and he should fare well against a KC team that checks in with an anemic 3-12 (-$705) record vs. southpaws. Hopefully the price on the home team stays reasonable. BEST BET: Kazmir.
Minnesota at Oakland (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Twins catch the Athletics while they are down, nursing a variety of injuries, most notably closer Huston Street, as they struggle to keep the Angels from turning the AL West into a runaway. Enter the Twins, a team that has turned a modest profit on the road vs. righthanders (+$245) and one that would love to exact a measure of revenge from the team that unexpectedly knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Oakland has lost money at McAfee (-$605) so we?ll stick with the visitor as long as there isn?t a southpaws on the hill for the A?s. BEST BET: Twins vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 4
Florida at Atlanta (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Marlins have already taken 3 out of 5 from the Braves this year (+$145) and Dontrelle Willis, who has led Florida to victories in 8 of his 11 starts (+$465), has seen his ERA steadily drop over the past month (3.38 last two outings). Atlanta is only 10-13 (-$615) against lefthanders so far in 2007. PREFERRED: Willis.
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Cubs have one of the better pitching staffs in the NL (3.93 team ERA) and they?ve posted nice profits against righthanders outside of Wrigley Field (10-7, +$395 with 5.3 runs per game). As noted before, the Brewers are fading (3-7, -$515), but watch out for Ben Sheets, who has continued to perform well, and might turn up in this series depending on when he recovers from a blister. PREFERRED: Cubs vs. all righthanders except Sheets.
N.Y. Yankees at Chicago W. Sox (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Yanks were just here a couple of weeks ago, dropping 2 out of 3 (-$190) before heading into a meat-grinder, taking on Boston, the Angels and the Mets in 12 of the 15 games leading up to this series. After a weekend at Fenway, the Bombers will no doubt letdown, which opens the door for Chicago to fatten up on the beleaguered New York righties (ChiSox +$760 in that situation). Roger Clemens may make his ?07 debut. PREFERRED: White Sox vs. righthanders.
Baltimore at Seattle (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Mariners are playing reasonably well these days, and they?ve got a chance to beat up a pair of southpaws in Eric Bedard and Brian Burres, both of whom could see action. The Marines check in with a 9-3 (+$870) record vs. lefthanders in 2007, and the Orioles are only 5-11 (-$440) against righthanders on the road this year. PREFERRED: Mariners righthanders vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Oakland (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
We always like going against the Red Sox after they play a series with the Yankees, though it didn?t work out in Texas last week. The A?s are a more formidable opponent, and the one team in the league with a lower team ERA than Boston (3.57 vs. 3.67), but it?s hard to go against Boston?s 18-8 (+$1155) road record. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at L.A. Angels (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Twins do match up well against the all-righty LA rotation, but they may be flat after a revenge affair in Oakland, and it?s awfully daunting to take on the sizzling hot Angels in this ballpark (17-6, +$860 at Anaheim so far). PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 5
Pittsburgh at Washington (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Nationals are actually showing a profit for the year (+$505), despite their last place 21-30 record, but the Pirates are one team that might be available at prices low enough to make backing them worthwhile. They?ve got a solid pair in Tom Gorzelanny (2.51 ERA in 10 starts) and Ian Snell (3.06 in 10 starts), at least one of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Gorzelanny/Snell.
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mets slapped this team when they squared off earlier this year (3-1, +$150), but the Phillies have looked much sharper in recent days (6-4, +$160 last 10) and the Mets have lost money vs. righthanders here at Shea (-$560). Philadelphia is in the black vs. righthanders (+$705) so we?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Phillies when righty meets righty.
Cincinnati at St. Louis (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Cardinals aren?t going to make it back into the World Series this year it seems safe to say, and we?ve avoided using them this year except in rare instances. But the Reds now hold the worst record in all of baseball (18-33, -$1870), so there is no way we can recommend them in this setting at this time. PREFERRED: None.
Houston at Colorado (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Rockies have posted a modest profit against righthanders (+$370) and could be an excellent value as home underdogs against Houston ace Roy Oswalt, who has looked sharp (3.36) but who has only led the Astros to wins in six of his 12 starts (-$315). Houston is one of the biggest money-burner in the National league so far in 2007 (-$1085). PREFERRED: Rockies vs. Oswalt.
San Francisco at Arizona (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Diamondbacks have bounced back nicely after a rough stretch, and are within easy striking distance of the division frontrunners. They?ve posted solid numbers vs. righthanders, particularly here at Chase Field (15-7, +$670), and are worth a shot against the quality hurlers in the SF rotation, as long as the price is reasonable. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. righthanders at -12 or less.
L.A. Dodgers at San Diego (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Last year the Padres dominated head to head play, taking 13 out of 18 from the Dodgers (+$925). LA has jumped out to the early lead (4-2, +$215 so far), but the Padres have been dominant against lefthanders (9-4, +$525 with 5.0 runs per game), and there is a chance they?ll be up against both Randy Wolf and Mark Hendrickson at Petco Park this week. PREFERRED: Padres vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at Toronto (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Both teams have turned a profit against lefthanders (TB +$270, Toronto +$435) but have lost a substantial amount when up against righthanders (Devil Rays -$540, Blue Jays -$1130). We?ll play this series accordingly, passing anytime righty meets righty or when southpaws square off. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. lefthanders.
Kansas City at Cleveland (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Hard to believe, but at the moment the Royals are winning the season series with Cleveland (2-1, +$210). Prices in this series will be through the roof, but we might steal a win with KC when they start a lefthander (Tribe only averaging 4.4 runs per game vs. southpaws). But only do if if Cleveland starts a righthander (KC +$460 in that situation on the road this year). PREFERRED: Royals lefthanders vs. righthanders.
Detroit at Texas (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
These teams are on opposite ends of the food chain right now, and the way Texas is playing they?ll be lucky to win anything from the Tigers, who are 14-9 (+$630) outside of Comerica Park this year (Rangers -$1245 overall). PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
