4/12 MLB Lightning Strikes
***ALL PITCHERS LISTED***
NL
Marlins +130 ? 2* ? I?ll take young Josh Beckett who the Braves haven?t seen yet over a less than 100% Greg Maddux here at the dog price. The Braves lineup may also be without Sheffield who was injured last night. I think the young Marlins are going to be tough this year and Beckett is the best young pitcher in the league.
Cardinals ?135 ? 2* ? Should be a good pitching duel between Wade Miller and Matt Morris but I?ll go with the hot Cards at home to prevail in a tight one.
Brewers +150 ? 2* ? Thus far in 2002, Ben Sheets looks to have found his good stuff again after falling apart the 2nd half of 2001. Though the Giants are playing well, I think this price warrants a play on the Brewers.
AL
Orioles +185 ? 2* ? Josh Towers is not a bad pitcher and although the Orioles stink, the White Sox are only 4-4 with 2 wins coming over the pathetic Tigers. This is a value-based play since I think the line should be about White Sox ?150 at most.
Yankees ?140 ? 3* ? Orlando Hernandez has pitched well and I like the Yankees at this small price coming off yesterday?s ass-kicking by the Jays.
Devil Rays +100 ... 1* ... Taking a shot on Rupe who pitched well the first time around as the D'Rays are an improved team.
A?s ?145 ? 2* ? Tim Hudson is the A?s best pitcher and IMO, their lineup is much better than the Angels as well. I think this is a fair price to wager on the better team who is also playing well and coming off a bad loss.
Good Luck!
