METS +127 over Atlanta 236/300
Ramirez comes off the fantastic performance against Willis and the Marlins but this is a good spot for a letdown. In the two previous games he struck out 7 and 8 while walking only 1 but then against the Marlins he struck out only 4 while walking 4. Seo comes off his second straight poor outing and relatively early departure. I do think he will rebound however because he only threw 60 pitches last time out and he had success vs. Atlanta earlier this season in two straight strong starts. Both teams come in winners of 5 of 6. Bullpens probably give a slight advantage to New York due to stronger middle relief and the fact that Smoltz has worked 2 of the last 3 nights including actually surrendering a run yesterday. Middle of the Mets lineup has been especially strong lately with Burnitz and Floyd both playing to their potential.
St. Louis +123 over SAN FRANCISCO 244/300
Honestly, I probably should wait to make this play because I think the line will rise. I have a lot of work to do today so I am going to play it early and get my work done. Williams seems to get better ith every start but tonight he pitches on 4 days rest for the second consecutive start and comes off a career high 113 pitches. Williams excelled the last time he faced a team in consecutive starts but that is an aberration, as in general the hitter has the advantage seeing a pitcher again soon. Giants bullpen was used liberally to say the least in the Padres series and that could come back to bite them tonight. Cards bullpen was used quite a bit as well but key guys Eldred and Isringhausen should be pretty fresh. Giants are without a key bat in Santiago while the Cards are missing Drew most likely. That is a greater hit to San Francisco because Palmeiro can fillin capably for Drew. Stephenson has had mediocre numbers all year including mediocre numbers in his last start vs. San Francisco, but his hit totals have gone down in 3 straight games which is a sign of him polishing his work.
I must say I was darned tempted to play the Yankees over this morning but I had to pass. 8 runs with those teams at a reasonable price looked almost too good to be true even with great starters going. I figured I'd just stick to my two best plays today. Good luck.
Ramirez comes off the fantastic performance against Willis and the Marlins but this is a good spot for a letdown. In the two previous games he struck out 7 and 8 while walking only 1 but then against the Marlins he struck out only 4 while walking 4. Seo comes off his second straight poor outing and relatively early departure. I do think he will rebound however because he only threw 60 pitches last time out and he had success vs. Atlanta earlier this season in two straight strong starts. Both teams come in winners of 5 of 6. Bullpens probably give a slight advantage to New York due to stronger middle relief and the fact that Smoltz has worked 2 of the last 3 nights including actually surrendering a run yesterday. Middle of the Mets lineup has been especially strong lately with Burnitz and Floyd both playing to their potential.
St. Louis +123 over SAN FRANCISCO 244/300
Honestly, I probably should wait to make this play because I think the line will rise. I have a lot of work to do today so I am going to play it early and get my work done. Williams seems to get better ith every start but tonight he pitches on 4 days rest for the second consecutive start and comes off a career high 113 pitches. Williams excelled the last time he faced a team in consecutive starts but that is an aberration, as in general the hitter has the advantage seeing a pitcher again soon. Giants bullpen was used liberally to say the least in the Padres series and that could come back to bite them tonight. Cards bullpen was used quite a bit as well but key guys Eldred and Isringhausen should be pretty fresh. Giants are without a key bat in Santiago while the Cards are missing Drew most likely. That is a greater hit to San Francisco because Palmeiro can fillin capably for Drew. Stephenson has had mediocre numbers all year including mediocre numbers in his last start vs. San Francisco, but his hit totals have gone down in 3 straight games which is a sign of him polishing his work.
I must say I was darned tempted to play the Yankees over this morning but I had to pass. 8 runs with those teams at a reasonable price looked almost too good to be true even with great starters going. I figured I'd just stick to my two best plays today. Good luck.
