BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 13
Philadelphia at St. Louis (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Phillies have moved to a healthy lead in the NL East on the strength of their recent hot streak (8-2, +$545 last 10 days) and this looks like a good spot for them. Their pitching staff boasts one of the league?s lowest ERA?s (3.85), while two key members of the St. Louis rotation (Wainwright, Wellemeyer) may be hampered by minor injuries, and possibly unavailable. Adam Eaton (2.84 ERA in his last two starts) and Brett Myers (2.35 ERA last two starts) have been improving steadily, and they are backed by the best bullpen in baseball (2.58 ERA). Both of them are expected to see action at Busch Stadium this weekend. BEST BET: Eaton/Myers.
Chicago Cubs at Toronto (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Blue Jays have a solid mound corps (3.56 ERA, 3rd lowest in the AL), but they?ve lost 6 of their last 10 (-$285) and could be in a tight spot vs. the Cubs, who check in here with the best record in baseball (40-24, +$1025), the highest team BA in the league (.283) and the 3rd lowest team ERA (3.73). But as tempting as Chicago might be, we?re concerned by their ineffectiveness on the road vs. righties (7-11, -$440). Since Toronto?s rotation is exclusively righthanded, we prefer to steer clear for the time being. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at Cleveland (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
Both these teams have dramatically under-performed so far in 2008, but we sense things may be turning around for the Padres (8-3, +$615 with a 2.80 ERA last 11 games). They manhandled the Mets at Petco Park last weekend, and with Jake Peavy?s return expected soon, this might be the right time to get on board. The Indians pitching staff has seen its ERA balloon in recent days (7.90 last 10), as their money-losses continue to climb (-$1665). Veteran Greg Maddux has held up wonderfully over his first 13 starts (3.48 ERA . . 2.08 last two outings) and could be an excellent underdog value when he takes the hill at Progressive Field. BEST BET: Maddux.
L.A. Dodgers at Detroit (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Dodgers don?t have the win total that one would expect from a team with their impressive statistics (3.83 ERA, .266 team BA, 4th best in the NL in both departments), but we like their chances here at Comerica. The Tigers are not the team they were expected to be (only 26-36, -$1700), and the lefthanders in their rotation have contributed to their 2nd worst team ERA in the AL (4.81). LA checks in with a solid 10-6 mark vs. southpaws (+$260 with 5.9 runs per game) and they?re likely to see at least one or two on the mound in this series. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Pirates have had their difficulties outside of PNC Park, but we like their chances against the Orioles nonetheless. Baltimore has lost considerable ground after a strong month of April, and their pitching rotation is in considerable disarray. They are only 5-9 vs. lefties so far in 2008 (-$335) and Pittsburgh has a trio of southpaws who are all profitable and coming off strong outings (Duke +$260, Dumatrait +$545, Maholm +$255). Avoid Tom Gorzelanny and his bloated ERA (6.83), but the rest of the Buc southpaws are worth a shot. BEST BET: Duke/Dumatrait/Maholm.
Florida at Tampa Bay (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Rays were roughed up by the Bosox at Fenway last week, but they continue to perform at a high level, thanks to the dramatic turnaround in their pitching (3.78 team ERA. 4th lowest in the AL). The Marlins are fading steadily in the NL East (4-6, -$80 last 10 days with a 6.39 ERA among starters) and they?ll have a hard time slowing down a Tampa Bay team that is 24-10 (+$1335) at Tropicana Field. Expect to see the home team take at least 2 out of 3 on their home turf. BEST BET: Rays in all games.
Texas at N.Y. Mets (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Rangers have gotten decent work from a couple of starters, but it?s their offense that has kept them close to the .500 mark (.284 team BA) and they?ve amassed a spectacular 11-5 mark vs. righties in night games (+$1150 with 6.3 runs per game). The Mets are back in crisis mode after dropping three straight 2-1 decision to the Padres, and they check in with big cash losses vs. righties (-$1180). Their rotation is unsettled, so take a shot with the visitor when appropriate. BEST BET: Rangers when righty meets righty in night games.
Boston at Cincinnati (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
This looks like an excellent spot for the Reds, who have excelled here at Great American Ballpark this season (19-10, +$700 so far). Their pitching hasn?t been that good overall, and Aaron Harang has struggled (-$590 overall with an 7.94 ERA last 2 starts). But Edinson Volquez is the hottest pitcher in baseball without a doubt (+$845, 1.35 ERA in 12 starts) and he?ll be on the mound against the defending champs this weekend. The Red Sox are unbeatable at Fenway, but their dismal showing on the road, particularly against righthanders (-$1265) is a cause for concern. BEST BET: Volquez.
Minnesota at Milwaukee (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Brewers are coming off a decent stretch of games (7-3, +$365 last 10 days) and they?ve been especially effective here at Miller Park in their night games (12-4, +$720). The Twins are an average team at best, and they?ve been least effective against lefthanders so far (only 6-10, -$370). Milwaukee?s only starting southpaw is Manny Parra (+$135 overall), and he?s coming off a pair of quality outings (1.38 ERA). He?ll be on the mound this weekend, and we?ll lay the price when is goes. BEST BET: Parra.
N.Y. Yankees at Houston (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Astros have fallen on some hard times (2-8, -$630 with only 2.6 runs per game and a 4.82 ERA among starts in their last 10 games), but this is a tricky situation for New York. Despite Houston?s recent woes, they check in with a 13-7 record vs. righthanders here at Minute Maid Park (+$530), and the always overpriced Yankees are only averaging 4.6 runs per game (-$830 overall). Their pitching ranks an uninspiring 10th in the AL (4.51) so we don?t see much of an edge either way at this time. BEST BET: None.
Colorado at Chicago White Sox (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The White Sox are starting to hit (6.3 runs per game last 10 days) and they?ve moved to a comfortable lead atop the underachieving AL Central (+$1080 overall). They?ve been outstanding here at US Cellular, particularly vs. righthanders (15-5, +$900). and the hapless Rockies come into town with the NL?s highest team ERA (4.85). They are only 10-24 outside of Coors Field (-$975) and will be lucky to salvage a single victory. BEST BET: White Sox in all games.
Kansas City at Arizona (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Diamondbacks appeared poised to run away with the NL West, but they?ve had trouble scoring runs (.252 team BA, 4th lowest in the league), relying on their solid pitching (3.66 ERA) to keep themselves in first place. The Royals are the right team to get healthy against. They?ve lost 14 of their last 15 on the road, and their pitching is collapsing (5.64). If the prices aren?t too high, stick with the home team throughout. BEST BET: Diamondbacks at -170 or less.
Atlanta at L.A. Angels (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
This is not a good situation to be in if you are the Braves. Despite the lowest team ERA in the NL (3.66) and the 3rd best team BA (.275), Atlanta has been a disaster outside of Turner Field this year (7-21, -$1685). The Angels are one of the hottest teams in baseball (7-2, +$515 last 10 days), widening their lead in the AL West in the process. They are 12-2 against lefthanders this year (+$1040) and none of the southpaws in the Atlanta rotation give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Angels vs. lefthanders.
Washington at Seattle (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
This season has been a major disappointment for Seattle fans, who believed their team was positioned to make a serious playoff push in 2008 (only 22-41, -$2290 so far). The Nationals appear destined for another last place finish in the NL East (.231 team BA, 4.55 team ERA), but the one bright spot has been the resurrection of Tim Redding, who has led Washington to wins in 10 of his 13 starts (+$890 overall). He?ll be on the mound at Safeco Field this weekend, and we?ll be on board when he is. BEST BET: Redding.
Oakland at San Francisco (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Athletics need a strong showing to stay close to the Angels in the AL West, but the SF rotation is loaded with lefthanders, is situation the A?s don?t handle all that well (only 2-7 on the road with just 3.6 runs per game). On the other hand, they?ve excelled against righthanders outside of McAfee Coliseum (11-7, +$700), and other than Tim Lincecum, who is not slated to appear, none of the Giants? righties are flashing good form. Play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Athletics/ Athletics vs. righthanders
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 16
Atlanta at Colorado (1) 16th
An unwelcome makeup game sandwiched between inter-league matchups that offers very little at the moment from a handicapping perspective. The Braves are a disaster on the road (-$1685) So the Rockies might be worth a shot, particularly against a lefthander (Rockies 4-1, +$300 vs. southpaws at Coors Field). But we?ll wait until game day and assess the situation. PREFERRED: None.
Boston at Philadelphia (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Red Sox are a team to avoid when they take on righthanders outside of Fenway Park (-$1265 in that situation). But they are 9-2 vs. lefthanders this year (+$690 with 6.2 runs per game) and will no doubt catch a nice price when Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer are on the mound. Neither of the Philly southpaws has looked sharp in recent outings. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at L.A. Angels (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Mets make another trip to the west coast for what could turn out to be a disastrous series. They?ve posted a 6-16 record on the road vs. righties (-$1195), and when they send ace Johan Santana to the mound it will be against an LA team with a 12-2 (+$1040) record vs. lefties. Look for the Angels to pad their lead in the AL West. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Mets/Angels vs. lefthanders.
Florida at Seattle (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Marlins? team ERA has been climbing, but they?ve been able to rely on Scott Olsen, who?s led them to wins in nine of his 13 starts (+$525 with a 3.45 ERA among starters). The Mariners continue to flounder in all settings, including a pitiful 4-12 (-$995) record s. lefthanders so far in ?08. PREFERRED: Olsen.
Detroit at San Francisco (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
We keep waiting for the Tigers to wake up, but it appears less and less likely that they will. They are only 17-32 vs. righthanders this year (-$2155) and they?ll be up against one of the best at ATT Park, when SF ace time Lincecum (+$635, 2.15 ERA in 12 starts) takes his turn in this series. PREFERRED: Lincecum.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 17
L.A. Dodgers at Cincinnati (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Dodgers have already taken 4 out of 5 from the Reds (+$300), but LA is only 7-14 on the road against righthanders (-$630), while Cincy checks in with a fat profit here at Great American Ballpark (+$700). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Dodgers.
Houston at Baltimore (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
We certainly don?t have a great deal of faith the Baltimore?s long term prospects, but they are a very respectable 14-7 vs. righthanders here at Camden Yards (+$865) and the Astros have been getting hammered in recent days (only 2-8, -$630 in their last 10). PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
San Diego at N.Y. Yankees (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Padres have not been very effective outside of Petco Park (only 10-20, -$960), and for all their difficulties, the Yankees are an impressive 8-1 vs. righthanders in home day games (+$590 with 7.1 runs per game). With two afternoon contests on tap, the Yankees could gain back some lost ground in the competitive AL East. PREFERRED: Yankees vs. righthanders in day games.
Chicago Cubs at Tampa Bay (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
This is a nice test for the Rays, taking on a quality team at home in what could be a favorable situation. Tampa Bay is 18-5 at home vs. righthanders (+$1310) while the Cubs are only 7-11 (-$440) on the road vs. righties. Play these games accordingly, and steer clear if lefthanders are involved. PREFERRED: Rays when righty meets righty.
Atlanta at Texas (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
Another potential road disaster for the Braves, only 7-21 (-$1685) as visitors so far this year. The Rangers are 19-11 vs. righties in night games (+$1325) and the first two games of this series are evening affairs. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. righthanders in night games.
Toronto at Milwaukee (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Blue Jays have not been getting particularly good results in recent days (only 4-6, -$285 last 10), while the Brewers have amassed a 12-4 record in night games here at Miller Park (+$720). Ben Sheets is having a sensational year (+$280, 2.62 ERA in 12 starts) and is an excellent value any time he takes the mound. PREFERRED: Sheets/Brewers in night games.
Washington at Minnesota (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Twins have some decent young pitchers, though they lack the big gun they enjoyed before Johan Santana moved on. But the Nationals are a team to get healthy against (-$890 overall), so take a shot with Nick Blackburn (3.94) who is expected to see action. PREFERRED: Blackburn
Pittsburgh at Chicago W. Sox (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The White Sox have the lowest team ERA in the AL (3.34) while the Pirates check in here with one of the worst (4.82) so things look good for the home team. Chicago does it?s best work vs. righthanders (15-5, +$900 at home) and Ian Snell (5.65 ERA in 13 starts), Pittsburgh?s only righthander, will take a turn here at US Cellular. PREFERRED: White Sox vs. Snell.
Kansas City at St. Louis (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
Intra-state rivals square off in what could be another big weekend for the surprisingly strong Cardinals. St. Louis is 14-7 vs. righties at Busch Stadium (+$525) and none of the KC starters has looked sharp in recent days. PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. righthanders.
Cleveland at Colorado (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
If any of these games were taking place in the afternoon, we?d consider using Colorado (Indians 6-15, -$1260). But everything is scheduled at night, and we don?t have much faith in the inept Rockies at this time (-$1555 overall). PREFERRED: None.
Oakland at Arizona (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
Excellent matchup of quality teams, and we could get some outstanding value on the visitor. The Athletics are big money-makers on the road vs. righthander (+$700) and they?ll catch fat prices vs. Brandon Webb and Danny Haren. Arizona has lost money vs. lefties at Chase Field (-$145) so jump on Greg Smith (3.74) vs. any opposition. PREFERRED: G.Smith/Athletics vs. Webb & Haren.
Philadelphia at St. Louis (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Phillies have moved to a healthy lead in the NL East on the strength of their recent hot streak (8-2, +$545 last 10 days) and this looks like a good spot for them. Their pitching staff boasts one of the league?s lowest ERA?s (3.85), while two key members of the St. Louis rotation (Wainwright, Wellemeyer) may be hampered by minor injuries, and possibly unavailable. Adam Eaton (2.84 ERA in his last two starts) and Brett Myers (2.35 ERA last two starts) have been improving steadily, and they are backed by the best bullpen in baseball (2.58 ERA). Both of them are expected to see action at Busch Stadium this weekend. BEST BET: Eaton/Myers.
Chicago Cubs at Toronto (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Blue Jays have a solid mound corps (3.56 ERA, 3rd lowest in the AL), but they?ve lost 6 of their last 10 (-$285) and could be in a tight spot vs. the Cubs, who check in here with the best record in baseball (40-24, +$1025), the highest team BA in the league (.283) and the 3rd lowest team ERA (3.73). But as tempting as Chicago might be, we?re concerned by their ineffectiveness on the road vs. righties (7-11, -$440). Since Toronto?s rotation is exclusively righthanded, we prefer to steer clear for the time being. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at Cleveland (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
Both these teams have dramatically under-performed so far in 2008, but we sense things may be turning around for the Padres (8-3, +$615 with a 2.80 ERA last 11 games). They manhandled the Mets at Petco Park last weekend, and with Jake Peavy?s return expected soon, this might be the right time to get on board. The Indians pitching staff has seen its ERA balloon in recent days (7.90 last 10), as their money-losses continue to climb (-$1665). Veteran Greg Maddux has held up wonderfully over his first 13 starts (3.48 ERA . . 2.08 last two outings) and could be an excellent underdog value when he takes the hill at Progressive Field. BEST BET: Maddux.
L.A. Dodgers at Detroit (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Dodgers don?t have the win total that one would expect from a team with their impressive statistics (3.83 ERA, .266 team BA, 4th best in the NL in both departments), but we like their chances here at Comerica. The Tigers are not the team they were expected to be (only 26-36, -$1700), and the lefthanders in their rotation have contributed to their 2nd worst team ERA in the AL (4.81). LA checks in with a solid 10-6 mark vs. southpaws (+$260 with 5.9 runs per game) and they?re likely to see at least one or two on the mound in this series. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Pirates have had their difficulties outside of PNC Park, but we like their chances against the Orioles nonetheless. Baltimore has lost considerable ground after a strong month of April, and their pitching rotation is in considerable disarray. They are only 5-9 vs. lefties so far in 2008 (-$335) and Pittsburgh has a trio of southpaws who are all profitable and coming off strong outings (Duke +$260, Dumatrait +$545, Maholm +$255). Avoid Tom Gorzelanny and his bloated ERA (6.83), but the rest of the Buc southpaws are worth a shot. BEST BET: Duke/Dumatrait/Maholm.
Florida at Tampa Bay (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Rays were roughed up by the Bosox at Fenway last week, but they continue to perform at a high level, thanks to the dramatic turnaround in their pitching (3.78 team ERA. 4th lowest in the AL). The Marlins are fading steadily in the NL East (4-6, -$80 last 10 days with a 6.39 ERA among starters) and they?ll have a hard time slowing down a Tampa Bay team that is 24-10 (+$1335) at Tropicana Field. Expect to see the home team take at least 2 out of 3 on their home turf. BEST BET: Rays in all games.
Texas at N.Y. Mets (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Rangers have gotten decent work from a couple of starters, but it?s their offense that has kept them close to the .500 mark (.284 team BA) and they?ve amassed a spectacular 11-5 mark vs. righties in night games (+$1150 with 6.3 runs per game). The Mets are back in crisis mode after dropping three straight 2-1 decision to the Padres, and they check in with big cash losses vs. righties (-$1180). Their rotation is unsettled, so take a shot with the visitor when appropriate. BEST BET: Rangers when righty meets righty in night games.
Boston at Cincinnati (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
This looks like an excellent spot for the Reds, who have excelled here at Great American Ballpark this season (19-10, +$700 so far). Their pitching hasn?t been that good overall, and Aaron Harang has struggled (-$590 overall with an 7.94 ERA last 2 starts). But Edinson Volquez is the hottest pitcher in baseball without a doubt (+$845, 1.35 ERA in 12 starts) and he?ll be on the mound against the defending champs this weekend. The Red Sox are unbeatable at Fenway, but their dismal showing on the road, particularly against righthanders (-$1265) is a cause for concern. BEST BET: Volquez.
Minnesota at Milwaukee (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Brewers are coming off a decent stretch of games (7-3, +$365 last 10 days) and they?ve been especially effective here at Miller Park in their night games (12-4, +$720). The Twins are an average team at best, and they?ve been least effective against lefthanders so far (only 6-10, -$370). Milwaukee?s only starting southpaw is Manny Parra (+$135 overall), and he?s coming off a pair of quality outings (1.38 ERA). He?ll be on the mound this weekend, and we?ll lay the price when is goes. BEST BET: Parra.
N.Y. Yankees at Houston (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Astros have fallen on some hard times (2-8, -$630 with only 2.6 runs per game and a 4.82 ERA among starts in their last 10 games), but this is a tricky situation for New York. Despite Houston?s recent woes, they check in with a 13-7 record vs. righthanders here at Minute Maid Park (+$530), and the always overpriced Yankees are only averaging 4.6 runs per game (-$830 overall). Their pitching ranks an uninspiring 10th in the AL (4.51) so we don?t see much of an edge either way at this time. BEST BET: None.
Colorado at Chicago White Sox (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The White Sox are starting to hit (6.3 runs per game last 10 days) and they?ve moved to a comfortable lead atop the underachieving AL Central (+$1080 overall). They?ve been outstanding here at US Cellular, particularly vs. righthanders (15-5, +$900). and the hapless Rockies come into town with the NL?s highest team ERA (4.85). They are only 10-24 outside of Coors Field (-$975) and will be lucky to salvage a single victory. BEST BET: White Sox in all games.
Kansas City at Arizona (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Diamondbacks appeared poised to run away with the NL West, but they?ve had trouble scoring runs (.252 team BA, 4th lowest in the league), relying on their solid pitching (3.66 ERA) to keep themselves in first place. The Royals are the right team to get healthy against. They?ve lost 14 of their last 15 on the road, and their pitching is collapsing (5.64). If the prices aren?t too high, stick with the home team throughout. BEST BET: Diamondbacks at -170 or less.
Atlanta at L.A. Angels (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
This is not a good situation to be in if you are the Braves. Despite the lowest team ERA in the NL (3.66) and the 3rd best team BA (.275), Atlanta has been a disaster outside of Turner Field this year (7-21, -$1685). The Angels are one of the hottest teams in baseball (7-2, +$515 last 10 days), widening their lead in the AL West in the process. They are 12-2 against lefthanders this year (+$1040) and none of the southpaws in the Atlanta rotation give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Angels vs. lefthanders.
Washington at Seattle (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
This season has been a major disappointment for Seattle fans, who believed their team was positioned to make a serious playoff push in 2008 (only 22-41, -$2290 so far). The Nationals appear destined for another last place finish in the NL East (.231 team BA, 4.55 team ERA), but the one bright spot has been the resurrection of Tim Redding, who has led Washington to wins in 10 of his 13 starts (+$890 overall). He?ll be on the mound at Safeco Field this weekend, and we?ll be on board when he is. BEST BET: Redding.
Oakland at San Francisco (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Athletics need a strong showing to stay close to the Angels in the AL West, but the SF rotation is loaded with lefthanders, is situation the A?s don?t handle all that well (only 2-7 on the road with just 3.6 runs per game). On the other hand, they?ve excelled against righthanders outside of McAfee Coliseum (11-7, +$700), and other than Tim Lincecum, who is not slated to appear, none of the Giants? righties are flashing good form. Play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Athletics/ Athletics vs. righthanders
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 16
Atlanta at Colorado (1) 16th
An unwelcome makeup game sandwiched between inter-league matchups that offers very little at the moment from a handicapping perspective. The Braves are a disaster on the road (-$1685) So the Rockies might be worth a shot, particularly against a lefthander (Rockies 4-1, +$300 vs. southpaws at Coors Field). But we?ll wait until game day and assess the situation. PREFERRED: None.
Boston at Philadelphia (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Red Sox are a team to avoid when they take on righthanders outside of Fenway Park (-$1265 in that situation). But they are 9-2 vs. lefthanders this year (+$690 with 6.2 runs per game) and will no doubt catch a nice price when Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer are on the mound. Neither of the Philly southpaws has looked sharp in recent outings. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at L.A. Angels (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Mets make another trip to the west coast for what could turn out to be a disastrous series. They?ve posted a 6-16 record on the road vs. righties (-$1195), and when they send ace Johan Santana to the mound it will be against an LA team with a 12-2 (+$1040) record vs. lefties. Look for the Angels to pad their lead in the AL West. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Mets/Angels vs. lefthanders.
Florida at Seattle (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Marlins? team ERA has been climbing, but they?ve been able to rely on Scott Olsen, who?s led them to wins in nine of his 13 starts (+$525 with a 3.45 ERA among starters). The Mariners continue to flounder in all settings, including a pitiful 4-12 (-$995) record s. lefthanders so far in ?08. PREFERRED: Olsen.
Detroit at San Francisco (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
We keep waiting for the Tigers to wake up, but it appears less and less likely that they will. They are only 17-32 vs. righthanders this year (-$2155) and they?ll be up against one of the best at ATT Park, when SF ace time Lincecum (+$635, 2.15 ERA in 12 starts) takes his turn in this series. PREFERRED: Lincecum.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 17
L.A. Dodgers at Cincinnati (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Dodgers have already taken 4 out of 5 from the Reds (+$300), but LA is only 7-14 on the road against righthanders (-$630), while Cincy checks in with a fat profit here at Great American Ballpark (+$700). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Dodgers.
Houston at Baltimore (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
We certainly don?t have a great deal of faith the Baltimore?s long term prospects, but they are a very respectable 14-7 vs. righthanders here at Camden Yards (+$865) and the Astros have been getting hammered in recent days (only 2-8, -$630 in their last 10). PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
San Diego at N.Y. Yankees (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Padres have not been very effective outside of Petco Park (only 10-20, -$960), and for all their difficulties, the Yankees are an impressive 8-1 vs. righthanders in home day games (+$590 with 7.1 runs per game). With two afternoon contests on tap, the Yankees could gain back some lost ground in the competitive AL East. PREFERRED: Yankees vs. righthanders in day games.
Chicago Cubs at Tampa Bay (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
This is a nice test for the Rays, taking on a quality team at home in what could be a favorable situation. Tampa Bay is 18-5 at home vs. righthanders (+$1310) while the Cubs are only 7-11 (-$440) on the road vs. righties. Play these games accordingly, and steer clear if lefthanders are involved. PREFERRED: Rays when righty meets righty.
Atlanta at Texas (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
Another potential road disaster for the Braves, only 7-21 (-$1685) as visitors so far this year. The Rangers are 19-11 vs. righties in night games (+$1325) and the first two games of this series are evening affairs. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. righthanders in night games.
Toronto at Milwaukee (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Blue Jays have not been getting particularly good results in recent days (only 4-6, -$285 last 10), while the Brewers have amassed a 12-4 record in night games here at Miller Park (+$720). Ben Sheets is having a sensational year (+$280, 2.62 ERA in 12 starts) and is an excellent value any time he takes the mound. PREFERRED: Sheets/Brewers in night games.
Washington at Minnesota (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Twins have some decent young pitchers, though they lack the big gun they enjoyed before Johan Santana moved on. But the Nationals are a team to get healthy against (-$890 overall), so take a shot with Nick Blackburn (3.94) who is expected to see action. PREFERRED: Blackburn
Pittsburgh at Chicago W. Sox (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The White Sox have the lowest team ERA in the AL (3.34) while the Pirates check in here with one of the worst (4.82) so things look good for the home team. Chicago does it?s best work vs. righthanders (15-5, +$900 at home) and Ian Snell (5.65 ERA in 13 starts), Pittsburgh?s only righthander, will take a turn here at US Cellular. PREFERRED: White Sox vs. Snell.
Kansas City at St. Louis (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
Intra-state rivals square off in what could be another big weekend for the surprisingly strong Cardinals. St. Louis is 14-7 vs. righties at Busch Stadium (+$525) and none of the KC starters has looked sharp in recent days. PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. righthanders.
Cleveland at Colorado (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
If any of these games were taking place in the afternoon, we?d consider using Colorado (Indians 6-15, -$1260). But everything is scheduled at night, and we don?t have much faith in the inept Rockies at this time (-$1555 overall). PREFERRED: None.
Oakland at Arizona (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
Excellent matchup of quality teams, and we could get some outstanding value on the visitor. The Athletics are big money-makers on the road vs. righthander (+$700) and they?ll catch fat prices vs. Brandon Webb and Danny Haren. Arizona has lost money vs. lefties at Chase Field (-$145) so jump on Greg Smith (3.74) vs. any opposition. PREFERRED: G.Smith/Athletics vs. Webb & Haren.
