ARROWS PLAYS FOR TUESDAY
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Thanks for the plays! Got on early lines with Texas and Washington and will hop on Milwaukee once my book posts a line.
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bet these first 5's this morning
game 1 ch wh sox under 5.5
st louis under 5.5
det under 5
ARROW
adding
bet these first 5's this morning
game 1 ch wh sox under 5.5
st louis under 5.5
det under 5
ARROW
St. Louis at Cincinnati (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The NL Central is a tight*three way*race at the moment, but the Reds are not far off the pace, as their starting pitching continues to excel (3.65 last 10 days). They?ve been very profitable in night games this season, particularly against right-handers (+$1330), and they?ll be taking on a St. Louis club that has lost money outside of Busch Stadium (-$605). Luis Castillo checks in with a 2.76 ERA after starting 24 games, and Sonny Gray has been a big contributor as well, with the Reds prevailing in 14 of his 23 outings so far (+$530, 3.10 ERA). An opportunity for the home team to make it a*four way*race within the division.*BEST BET: Castillo & S. Gray
San Francisco at Arizona (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Giants seem to have cooled off after roaring back to a winning record in July (4-7, -$315 in their last 11), but they are just behind Arizona for 2nd place in the*NL West, and*are still eying an October wildcard slot. They?ve been very profitable outside of Oracle Park in 2019 (+$1445), while the Diamondbacks have lost money in home games when taking on right-handers (-$675). Jeff*Samardzija**has*enjoyed a fine season for San Francisco (+$470, 3.55 ERA in 24 appearances) and he looks like a solid choice when he takes the mound at Chase Field this weekend.*BEST BET: Samardzija.
Cleveland at N.Y. Yankees (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Indians are deadlocked with Minnesota atop the AL Central standings, but this week-long trip to New York presents a difficult challenge. Before facing the surging Mets at*CitiField*they?ll play four games against the sizzling hot Yankees (9-2, +$670 in their last 11), a team that has posted a 30-9 record vs. right-handers when playing here in the Bronx (+$1015). The Tribe has not fared well in night game vs. righties on the road (-$1205) and they?ll have to contend with*Mashiro*Tanak
(+$225), who pitched eight shut-out innings at Toronto in his most recent start.*BEST BET: Tanaka.
Minnesota at Texas (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Rangers have been far better than expected in 2019, and while*there*chance of capturing a wildcard berth are slim, they could play a spoiler in this four game series at Arlington. The Twins have blown a double-digit lead in the AL Central and now find themselves deadlocked with the red-hot Indians. And while they?ve fared well outside of Target Field, they have lost money against left-handers. The Rangers have dominated in this ballpark (+$1790) and they?ll send the sensational Mike Minor to the mound this weekend. He checks in with a 2.90 ERA in 24 appearances (+$290), but*should still be available at a reasonable price.*BEST BET: Minor.
Chic. W. Sox at L.A. Angels (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Angels enjoyed a solid month of*July*but they have crashed & burned in August (2-8, -$550 last 10 days), as their pitiful pitching staff flounders (5.02 team ERA, 4th worst in the American League). They are projected to send left-handers to the mound in all four of these games against Chicago, a dubious strategy when taking on a team that has racked up huge profits vs. southpaws (+$1515, 5.0 runs per game). The Angels have been a disaster when playing here at Anaheim (-$845) so we?ll take
the visitor throughout and happily settle for a profitable split.*BEST BET: White Sox vs. left-handers.
Houston at Oakland (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The A?s still have eight games to play with the AL West leading Astros, but they?ll need a sweep at the Coliseum to further their long-shot bid to win the division. They are only 2-9 vs. Houston in head to head competition (-$650), but they?ve continued to play well (6-3, +$260 last 10 days, with a 2.90 ERA among starters) and could do well enough to at least stay competitive in the AL wildcard hunt. Mike*Fiers*has been terrific in his 24 outings (+$695, 3.19 ERA) and he?s in against a Houston team that has lost money vs. righties outside of Minute Maid Park (-$1160).*BEST BET:*Fiers.**
BEGINNING, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Milwaukee at Washington (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The NL Central is still up for grabs, but the Milwaukee pitching staff remains in disarray (4.59 team ERA, 4th worst in the league) and while they did sweep Washington at Miller Park earlier this year, the Nationals have improved dramatically since that time. Washington is still awaiting the return of Max Scherzer, who?s been sidelined in recent weeks. The rest of the rotation has had*it?s*up & downs, and the club is still in the red overall (-$565). Milwaukee has lost money in 2019 as well (-$640) so we?re content to stay on the sidelines for the time being.*BEST BET: None.
San Diego at Philadelphia (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Padres will be hard pressed to wind up with a .500 record, but they look like a team with great promise for next year, and they could pose a problem for the Phillies this weekend at Citizens Bank. San Diego has posted a fat profit vs. right-handers outside of Petco Park (+$1195) and they?ll be sending a pair of left-handers (Lauer &*Lucchesi) to the mound in this series. The Phillies are only 12-18 vs. left-handers so far this season (-$880), so when the right situation*arises*we?ll take the underdog price on the visiting team.*BEST BET: Left-handers vs. Philadelphia right-handers.
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Pirates have been in free-fall in recent weeks (1-9, -$790 last 10 days), dropping a full 21 games below .500 after competing well throughout the spring. They are only 24-32 here at PNC Park (-$980), and their team ERA is a pitiful 5.04 (2nd worst in the National League). The Cubs have looked good lately (7-3, +$375 last 10 10) and they could fatten their slim lead with a strong showing this weekend. But their numbers away from Wrigley Field are certainly not encouraging (only 23-35, -$1375) and prices throughout this series are likely to be inflated. We?ll take a closer look on game day before jumping in. BEST BET: None.
L.A. Dodgers at Atlanta (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Dodgers can coast for the next several weeks, with home field advantage in the NLCS assured. Their pitching remains the best in MLB (3.29 team ERA) and their offense has averaged 5.4 runs per game in 2019. They swept the Braves at Chavez Ravine earlier this season (+$300), but Atlanta should not be taken lightly. They are fighting off challenges from three teams in the NL East and need to avoid a disaster this weekend at SunTrust Park. The Braves have averaged 5.6 runs per game vs. left-handers so far (+$300) and they?ll take on two top notch southpaws in this series. LA has lost money in road games (-$370) and they could stumble in this venue.*BEST BET: Braves vs. left-handers.
Miami at Colorado (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
A lackluster match-up featuring a pair of non-contenders that doesn?t have much appeal. The Rockies had high hopes that their pitching had improved enough to challenge in the NL West, but that has not worked out (5.56 team ERA, worst in the National League), while the hapless Marlins check in with the weakest offense in baseball (only 3.6 runs per game at the plate). German Marquez & Jon Gray might merit some consideration vs. the weak hitting Marlins, but we?ll hold off for the moment.*BEST BET: None.
Seattle at Toronto (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Blue Jays showed some life against the Yankees here at Rogers Centre last weekend (+$365 in their last 11) and might pick up a couple of victories vs. the sorrowful Mariners. Toronto has turned a profit vs. left-handers in 2019 (+$655 so far) and will face at least two southpaws in this series. Seattle continues to flounder in the AL West (2-8, -$560 last 10 days, averaging just 2.1 runs per game in those contests) and they are in jeopardy of losing 100 games. A dreadful follow-up for a team that posted 89 wins in 2018.*BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. left-handers.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Red Sox lost hope of repeating as AL East champs a while ago, and it is now apparent that they won?t be able to return to post-season as a wildcard team either (3-8, -$725 in their last 11). They?ve managed to lose money to the Orioles in head to head competition (-$355) and their southpaws look especially vulnerable this weekend at Fenway Park. Baltimore checks in with a 10-10 mark vs. southpaws outside of Camden Yards, good for a fat profit (+$1100), and Boston?s rotation is loaded with lefties. The Red Sox are one of the biggest money-burners in baseball this year (-$2795), a stunning reversal for a team that posted its greatest season ever just one year ago.*BEST BET: Orioles vs. left-handers.
Detroit at Tampa Bay (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Tigers are the worst team in baseball this year (35-80, -$3085). They have horrendous stats (5.19 team ERA, .235 BA) and they?ll be hard pressed to salvage a victory this weekend at Tropicana Field, especially with staff ace Charlie Morton (+$365, 2.90 ERA) slated to take the mound in one of these contests. However, even though the Rays are in the thick of the AL Wildcard chase their numbers in this ballpark are terrible (-$1115). Considering that they?ll be prohibitively expense throughout, we can?t see using them in this series.*BEST BET: None.
N.Y. Mets at Kansas City (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Rematch of the 2015 World Series comes at a time when the Mets are duplicating the 2nd half run that propelled them to the October classic four years ago (9-2, +$600 in their last 11). Their pitchers have been flashing excellent form since the All-Star Break and they check in with a 10-4 record in inter-league competition (+$495). The Royals have fallen on hard times since winning that championship (43-76, -$1860) and their best hope is to avoid another*100 loss*debacle. A sweep would further New York?s ambitions and is not at all unlikely.*BEST BET: Mets in all games.
BEGINNING, MONDAY, AUGUST 19
Washington at Pittsburgh (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Nationals have turned a profit against right-handers on the road (+$460) and they?ll be sending some terrific arms to the hill when they venture into PNC Park. The hapless Pirates have lost money at home in 2019 (-$980) and will be fortunate to salvage a win vs. the playoff hungry visitor.*PREFERRED: Nationals vs. right-handers.
San Diego at Cincinnati (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Reds took 3 out of 4 when these teams squared off at Petco Park (+$290), but the Padres have excellent road numbers vs. right-handers (+$1195) so caution is advised. Cincinnati has floundered in day games in 2019 (-$1500) so we?ll back the visitor in Wednesday?s afternoon finale.*PREFERRED: Padres in day games.
Milwaukee at St. Louis (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Brewers have been a losing proposition outside of Miller Park (-$565) while the Cardinals have made money vs. right-handers when playing here at Busch Stadium. We?ll play this series accordingly, as both teams battle to displace the Cubs atop the NL Central standings.*PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. right-handers.
Colorado at Arizona (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Kyle Freeland was a rising star for the Rockies in 2018, but he?s suffered a meltdown in 2019, with Colorado losing 12 of his 18 starts (-$585, 7.33 ERA). Now, he?ll have to contend with an Arizona team that averages 5.7 runs per game vs. lefties (+$440).*PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. Freeland.
Kansas City at Baltimore (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Not much to say about these two also rans, though Mike Montgomery is coming off a pair of quality starts for KC (1.50 ERA). The Orioles are only 18-43 (-$1285) at Camden Yards in 2019, so take a shot with the KC lefty.*PREFERRED: M. Montgomery.
Seattle at Tampa Bay (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Mariners were swept in a*three game*series at T-Mobile Park earlier this year (-$300), but they have been profitable in night games vs. right-handers on the road (+$725, averaging 5.3 runs per game in those contests). Tampa Bay has lost money here at Tropicana Field in 2019 (-$1115) so if that situation*arises*we?ll jump in.*PREFERRED: Mariners vs. right-handers in night games.
L.A. Angels at Texas (4) 19th, 20th (DH), 21st
We?ve been going back to Mike Minor time after time on these pages (+$300, 2.90 ERA) and he looks too good to pass up once again. The Angels are in a free-fall (2-8, -$550 last 10 days) and they?ve posted an ugly 15-23 record vs. lefties (-$1150). Easy call one the Texas southpaw.*PREFERRED: Minor
.
Chicago W. Sox at Minnesota (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Twins have a 7-3 record vs. the*ChiSox*in head to head play (+$245) but the visitor should not be taken*lighty. Chicago is 22-17 (+$1515) vs. lefties in 2019, and it appears they?ll face at least one here at Target Field.*PREFERRED: White Sox vs. left-handers.
Detroit at Houston (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Astros swept the Tigers at Comerica (3-0, +$300) and they are likely to do so again here at Minute Maid Park. However, we saw the Astros & Verlander lose a game at -500 vs. the Orioles at Camden Yards last week. We could see similar prices in this series, and it?s simply not*work*the risk.*PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING, TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
Miami at Atlanta (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The 1st place Braves check in with a 12-4 record vs. Miami in head to head competition (+$355) and they?ve averaged 5.4 runs per game on offense this year, close to two*fulls*runs per game more than have the Marlins. The visiting team has lost 8 of its last 11 (-$210) and they will be fortunate to salvage a single win here at SunTrust Park.*PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
San Francisco at Chicago Cubs (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Giants took 2 out of 3 from the Giants at Oracle Park, and they?ve been a terrific money-maker on the road (+$1445). The Cubs have lost money vs. left-handers (-$555) and while they?re expected to avoid Madison Bumgarner, they are likely to face a*southpaw*nonetheless.*PREFERRED: Left-handers vs. the Cubs.
N.Y. Yankees at Oakland (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Big spot for the Athletics, who are one of four teams that will divide up three available AL post-season slots. They?ve been a big breadwinner vs. left-handers in 2019 (21-9, +$1250, averaging 5.6 runs per game) and the New York rotation is loaded with less than stellar southpaws.*PREFERRED: Athletics vs. left-handers.
Philadelphia at Boston (2) 20th, 21st
The Red Sox look very vulnerable as over-priced favorites here at Fenway Park (-$2330) but the Phillies have not fared well outside of Citizens Bank, particularly vs. left-handers (only 5-12, -$830), so caution is advised.*PREFERRED: None.
Cleveland at N.Y. Mets (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Tribe gets to stay in the Big Apple following a*four game*series with the Yankees in the Bronx. Unfortunately, the Mets are as hot as the Yankees at the moment (9-2, +$600 in their last 11) and the Tribe has lost money vs. righties in night games (-$1205). They?ll face some formidable ones at*CitiField,,*where the Mets have prospered (+$395).*PREFERRED: Right-handers vs. the Indians.
Toronto at L.A. Dodgers (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Blue Jays could be an appealing underdog, given their profitability vs. left-handers up to this point (+$655). LA?s rotation is loaded with southpaws, and prices could exceed 3-1 in some of these contests.*PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. left-handers.
The NL Central is a tight*three way*race at the moment, but the Reds are not far off the pace, as their starting pitching continues to excel (3.65 last 10 days). They?ve been very profitable in night games this season, particularly against right-handers (+$1330), and they?ll be taking on a St. Louis club that has lost money outside of Busch Stadium (-$605). Luis Castillo checks in with a 2.76 ERA after starting 24 games, and Sonny Gray has been a big contributor as well, with the Reds prevailing in 14 of his 23 outings so far (+$530, 3.10 ERA). An opportunity for the home team to make it a*four way*race within the division.*BEST BET: Castillo & S. Gray
San Francisco at Arizona (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Giants seem to have cooled off after roaring back to a winning record in July (4-7, -$315 in their last 11), but they are just behind Arizona for 2nd place in the*NL West, and*are still eying an October wildcard slot. They?ve been very profitable outside of Oracle Park in 2019 (+$1445), while the Diamondbacks have lost money in home games when taking on right-handers (-$675). Jeff*Samardzija**has*enjoyed a fine season for San Francisco (+$470, 3.55 ERA in 24 appearances) and he looks like a solid choice when he takes the mound at Chase Field this weekend.*BEST BET: Samardzija.
Cleveland at N.Y. Yankees (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Indians are deadlocked with Minnesota atop the AL Central standings, but this week-long trip to New York presents a difficult challenge. Before facing the surging Mets at*CitiField*they?ll play four games against the sizzling hot Yankees (9-2, +$670 in their last 11), a team that has posted a 30-9 record vs. right-handers when playing here in the Bronx (+$1015). The Tribe has not fared well in night game vs. righties on the road (-$1205) and they?ll have to contend with*Mashiro*Tanak
(+$225), who pitched eight shut-out innings at Toronto in his most recent start.*BEST BET: Tanaka.
Minnesota at Texas (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Rangers have been far better than expected in 2019, and while*there*chance of capturing a wildcard berth are slim, they could play a spoiler in this four game series at Arlington. The Twins have blown a double-digit lead in the AL Central and now find themselves deadlocked with the red-hot Indians. And while they?ve fared well outside of Target Field, they have lost money against left-handers. The Rangers have dominated in this ballpark (+$1790) and they?ll send the sensational Mike Minor to the mound this weekend. He checks in with a 2.90 ERA in 24 appearances (+$290), but*should still be available at a reasonable price.*BEST BET: Minor.
Chic. W. Sox at L.A. Angels (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Angels enjoyed a solid month of*July*but they have crashed & burned in August (2-8, -$550 last 10 days), as their pitiful pitching staff flounders (5.02 team ERA, 4th worst in the American League). They are projected to send left-handers to the mound in all four of these games against Chicago, a dubious strategy when taking on a team that has racked up huge profits vs. southpaws (+$1515, 5.0 runs per game). The Angels have been a disaster when playing here at Anaheim (-$845) so we?ll take
the visitor throughout and happily settle for a profitable split.*BEST BET: White Sox vs. left-handers.
Houston at Oakland (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The A?s still have eight games to play with the AL West leading Astros, but they?ll need a sweep at the Coliseum to further their long-shot bid to win the division. They are only 2-9 vs. Houston in head to head competition (-$650), but they?ve continued to play well (6-3, +$260 last 10 days, with a 2.90 ERA among starters) and could do well enough to at least stay competitive in the AL wildcard hunt. Mike*Fiers*has been terrific in his 24 outings (+$695, 3.19 ERA) and he?s in against a Houston team that has lost money vs. righties outside of Minute Maid Park (-$1160).*BEST BET:*Fiers.**
BEGINNING, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16
Milwaukee at Washington (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The NL Central is still up for grabs, but the Milwaukee pitching staff remains in disarray (4.59 team ERA, 4th worst in the league) and while they did sweep Washington at Miller Park earlier this year, the Nationals have improved dramatically since that time. Washington is still awaiting the return of Max Scherzer, who?s been sidelined in recent weeks. The rest of the rotation has had*it?s*up & downs, and the club is still in the red overall (-$565). Milwaukee has lost money in 2019 as well (-$640) so we?re content to stay on the sidelines for the time being.*BEST BET: None.
San Diego at Philadelphia (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Padres will be hard pressed to wind up with a .500 record, but they look like a team with great promise for next year, and they could pose a problem for the Phillies this weekend at Citizens Bank. San Diego has posted a fat profit vs. right-handers outside of Petco Park (+$1195) and they?ll be sending a pair of left-handers (Lauer &*Lucchesi) to the mound in this series. The Phillies are only 12-18 vs. left-handers so far this season (-$880), so when the right situation*arises*we?ll take the underdog price on the visiting team.*BEST BET: Left-handers vs. Philadelphia right-handers.
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Pirates have been in free-fall in recent weeks (1-9, -$790 last 10 days), dropping a full 21 games below .500 after competing well throughout the spring. They are only 24-32 here at PNC Park (-$980), and their team ERA is a pitiful 5.04 (2nd worst in the National League). The Cubs have looked good lately (7-3, +$375 last 10 10) and they could fatten their slim lead with a strong showing this weekend. But their numbers away from Wrigley Field are certainly not encouraging (only 23-35, -$1375) and prices throughout this series are likely to be inflated. We?ll take a closer look on game day before jumping in. BEST BET: None.
L.A. Dodgers at Atlanta (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Dodgers can coast for the next several weeks, with home field advantage in the NLCS assured. Their pitching remains the best in MLB (3.29 team ERA) and their offense has averaged 5.4 runs per game in 2019. They swept the Braves at Chavez Ravine earlier this season (+$300), but Atlanta should not be taken lightly. They are fighting off challenges from three teams in the NL East and need to avoid a disaster this weekend at SunTrust Park. The Braves have averaged 5.6 runs per game vs. left-handers so far (+$300) and they?ll take on two top notch southpaws in this series. LA has lost money in road games (-$370) and they could stumble in this venue.*BEST BET: Braves vs. left-handers.
Miami at Colorado (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
A lackluster match-up featuring a pair of non-contenders that doesn?t have much appeal. The Rockies had high hopes that their pitching had improved enough to challenge in the NL West, but that has not worked out (5.56 team ERA, worst in the National League), while the hapless Marlins check in with the weakest offense in baseball (only 3.6 runs per game at the plate). German Marquez & Jon Gray might merit some consideration vs. the weak hitting Marlins, but we?ll hold off for the moment.*BEST BET: None.
Seattle at Toronto (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Blue Jays showed some life against the Yankees here at Rogers Centre last weekend (+$365 in their last 11) and might pick up a couple of victories vs. the sorrowful Mariners. Toronto has turned a profit vs. left-handers in 2019 (+$655 so far) and will face at least two southpaws in this series. Seattle continues to flounder in the AL West (2-8, -$560 last 10 days, averaging just 2.1 runs per game in those contests) and they are in jeopardy of losing 100 games. A dreadful follow-up for a team that posted 89 wins in 2018.*BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. left-handers.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Red Sox lost hope of repeating as AL East champs a while ago, and it is now apparent that they won?t be able to return to post-season as a wildcard team either (3-8, -$725 in their last 11). They?ve managed to lose money to the Orioles in head to head competition (-$355) and their southpaws look especially vulnerable this weekend at Fenway Park. Baltimore checks in with a 10-10 mark vs. southpaws outside of Camden Yards, good for a fat profit (+$1100), and Boston?s rotation is loaded with lefties. The Red Sox are one of the biggest money-burners in baseball this year (-$2795), a stunning reversal for a team that posted its greatest season ever just one year ago.*BEST BET: Orioles vs. left-handers.
Detroit at Tampa Bay (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Tigers are the worst team in baseball this year (35-80, -$3085). They have horrendous stats (5.19 team ERA, .235 BA) and they?ll be hard pressed to salvage a victory this weekend at Tropicana Field, especially with staff ace Charlie Morton (+$365, 2.90 ERA) slated to take the mound in one of these contests. However, even though the Rays are in the thick of the AL Wildcard chase their numbers in this ballpark are terrible (-$1115). Considering that they?ll be prohibitively expense throughout, we can?t see using them in this series.*BEST BET: None.
N.Y. Mets at Kansas City (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Rematch of the 2015 World Series comes at a time when the Mets are duplicating the 2nd half run that propelled them to the October classic four years ago (9-2, +$600 in their last 11). Their pitchers have been flashing excellent form since the All-Star Break and they check in with a 10-4 record in inter-league competition (+$495). The Royals have fallen on hard times since winning that championship (43-76, -$1860) and their best hope is to avoid another*100 loss*debacle. A sweep would further New York?s ambitions and is not at all unlikely.*BEST BET: Mets in all games.
BEGINNING, MONDAY, AUGUST 19
Washington at Pittsburgh (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Nationals have turned a profit against right-handers on the road (+$460) and they?ll be sending some terrific arms to the hill when they venture into PNC Park. The hapless Pirates have lost money at home in 2019 (-$980) and will be fortunate to salvage a win vs. the playoff hungry visitor.*PREFERRED: Nationals vs. right-handers.
San Diego at Cincinnati (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Reds took 3 out of 4 when these teams squared off at Petco Park (+$290), but the Padres have excellent road numbers vs. right-handers (+$1195) so caution is advised. Cincinnati has floundered in day games in 2019 (-$1500) so we?ll back the visitor in Wednesday?s afternoon finale.*PREFERRED: Padres in day games.
Milwaukee at St. Louis (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Brewers have been a losing proposition outside of Miller Park (-$565) while the Cardinals have made money vs. right-handers when playing here at Busch Stadium. We?ll play this series accordingly, as both teams battle to displace the Cubs atop the NL Central standings.*PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. right-handers.
Colorado at Arizona (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Kyle Freeland was a rising star for the Rockies in 2018, but he?s suffered a meltdown in 2019, with Colorado losing 12 of his 18 starts (-$585, 7.33 ERA). Now, he?ll have to contend with an Arizona team that averages 5.7 runs per game vs. lefties (+$440).*PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. Freeland.
Kansas City at Baltimore (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Not much to say about these two also rans, though Mike Montgomery is coming off a pair of quality starts for KC (1.50 ERA). The Orioles are only 18-43 (-$1285) at Camden Yards in 2019, so take a shot with the KC lefty.*PREFERRED: M. Montgomery.
Seattle at Tampa Bay (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Mariners were swept in a*three game*series at T-Mobile Park earlier this year (-$300), but they have been profitable in night games vs. right-handers on the road (+$725, averaging 5.3 runs per game in those contests). Tampa Bay has lost money here at Tropicana Field in 2019 (-$1115) so if that situation*arises*we?ll jump in.*PREFERRED: Mariners vs. right-handers in night games.
L.A. Angels at Texas (4) 19th, 20th (DH), 21st
We?ve been going back to Mike Minor time after time on these pages (+$300, 2.90 ERA) and he looks too good to pass up once again. The Angels are in a free-fall (2-8, -$550 last 10 days) and they?ve posted an ugly 15-23 record vs. lefties (-$1150). Easy call one the Texas southpaw.*PREFERRED: Minor
.
Chicago W. Sox at Minnesota (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Twins have a 7-3 record vs. the*ChiSox*in head to head play (+$245) but the visitor should not be taken*lighty. Chicago is 22-17 (+$1515) vs. lefties in 2019, and it appears they?ll face at least one here at Target Field.*PREFERRED: White Sox vs. left-handers.
Detroit at Houston (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Astros swept the Tigers at Comerica (3-0, +$300) and they are likely to do so again here at Minute Maid Park. However, we saw the Astros & Verlander lose a game at -500 vs. the Orioles at Camden Yards last week. We could see similar prices in this series, and it?s simply not*work*the risk.*PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING, TUESDAY, AUGUST 20
Miami at Atlanta (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The 1st place Braves check in with a 12-4 record vs. Miami in head to head competition (+$355) and they?ve averaged 5.4 runs per game on offense this year, close to two*fulls*runs per game more than have the Marlins. The visiting team has lost 8 of its last 11 (-$210) and they will be fortunate to salvage a single win here at SunTrust Park.*PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
San Francisco at Chicago Cubs (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Giants took 2 out of 3 from the Giants at Oracle Park, and they?ve been a terrific money-maker on the road (+$1445). The Cubs have lost money vs. left-handers (-$555) and while they?re expected to avoid Madison Bumgarner, they are likely to face a*southpaw*nonetheless.*PREFERRED: Left-handers vs. the Cubs.
N.Y. Yankees at Oakland (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Big spot for the Athletics, who are one of four teams that will divide up three available AL post-season slots. They?ve been a big breadwinner vs. left-handers in 2019 (21-9, +$1250, averaging 5.6 runs per game) and the New York rotation is loaded with less than stellar southpaws.*PREFERRED: Athletics vs. left-handers.
Philadelphia at Boston (2) 20th, 21st
The Red Sox look very vulnerable as over-priced favorites here at Fenway Park (-$2330) but the Phillies have not fared well outside of Citizens Bank, particularly vs. left-handers (only 5-12, -$830), so caution is advised.*PREFERRED: None.
Cleveland at N.Y. Mets (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Tribe gets to stay in the Big Apple following a*four game*series with the Yankees in the Bronx. Unfortunately, the Mets are as hot as the Yankees at the moment (9-2, +$600 in their last 11) and the Tribe has lost money vs. righties in night games (-$1205). They?ll face some formidable ones at*CitiField,,*where the Mets have prospered (+$395).*PREFERRED: Right-handers vs. the Indians.
Toronto at L.A. Dodgers (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Blue Jays could be an appealing underdog, given their profitability vs. left-handers up to this point (+$655). LA?s rotation is loaded with southpaws, and prices could exceed 3-1 in some of these contests.*PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. left-handers.
