FRIDAY FIRE WORKS
- Thread starter RAYMOND
- Start date
SERIES INFO
SERIES INFO
BEGINNING THURSDAY JULY 1
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
With inter-league baseball in the rear view mirror, the focus returns to the division races, and Cincinnati is in a tight one. They?ll be hard pressed to hold off the superior Cardinals, but a strong showing here at Wrigley Field will certainly help. The Reds have taken 4 of 6 from the Cubs in head to head play (+$170) and Chicago has been a huge money-loser in 2010 (-$1850 so far). Cincinnati is having a solid season, but they?ve lost money in day games (-$540), and all four games in this series are scheduled for the afternoon. We?ll back of except when Mike Leake is on the mound. The rookie has looked sharp in his 14 starts (+$295, 2.92 ERA) and appears to be an excellent value in this matchup. BEST BET: Leake.
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Pirates are the worst team in the NL so far in 2010, but we won?t count them out of this series just yet. For all their difficulties they?ve been decent here at PNC Park, and they?ve racked up a nice profit vs. lefthanders (+$550). The Phillies, on the other hand are only 7-10 vs. southpaws (-$850). Both rotations feature a number of lefthanders, so we should see some lefty vs. lefty matchups which offer hope for the home team. Righthanders are a different story (Bucs -$1620, Phillies +$380), so we?ll be on the visitor when that situation arises. BEST BET: Pirates when lefty meets lefty/Phillies when righty meets righty.
N.Y. Mets at Washington (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mets have been on fire in June and they are catching Washington in the midst of a severe dry spell (2-8, -$855 last 10 days with only .7 runs per game). But New York backers should proceed with caution. The Nationals have already taken 5 of 8 from this team in head to head play (+$435) and the Mets have lost money outside of CitiField (-$240 so far). The addition of Stephen Strasburg to the Nats? rotation has lowered the team?s ERA considerably, and they are getting decent outings from a variety of starters. We?ll pass for now and take a closer look on game day. BEST BET: None.
Milwaukee at St. Louis (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Brewers have played better in recent days (6-3, +$310 last 10), and they make an interesting proposition here at Busch Stadium. They?ve made a modest amount of money as a road team (+$100) and the Cardinals have been a much shakier proposition than we expected earlier in the year (-$735 overall in 2010). Yovani Gallardo has lowered his ERA to 2.36 after 16 starts, including an 0.60 mark in his last two outings. He?s the class of the Milwaukee rotation and an excellent value in this series. BEST BET: Gallardo.
San Francisco at Colorado (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Giants have been running hot and cold, and they are in a downturn at the moment (3-6, -$420 last 10 days, averaging just 3.3 runs per game with a 5.97 ERA among starters). They?ve been successful at ATT Park, but they?re only 15-20 on the road (-$640). The Rockies are still very much in the NL West chase (6-4, +$230 last 10 days), with a staff ERA of 3.76, 5th best in the league. Ubaldo Jimenez is an automatic at this point (+$1290, 1.51 ERA) and Aaron Cook (2.40 ERA last 2 starts) is worth a shot as well. BEST BET: Jimenez/Cook.
Houston at San Diego (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Astros have been simply dreadful this year, and they continue to flounder near the NL Central basement (3-7, -$170 last 10 days). Look for Roy Oswalt to join another team later this month, as Houston starts the rebuilding process. The Padres remain the big surprise in MLB this year (+$1960 with a 3.00 team ERA, lowest in the majors this year). Prices are high, but Houston is only 21-38 vs. righthanders (-$760) and they?ll face a number of good ones at Petco Park this weekend. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Astros.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Neither team is playing well as the season nears its midway point (Tampa Bay 3-7, -$755 last 10 days . . . Twins 3-7, -$310) and both are in tough three team division races. The Rays have had a terrible time at Tropicana Field, but their road numbers are simply awesome (24-12, +$1080), so Target Field is an inviting venue. The Twins are only 4-7 vs. righthanders in day games at home (-$785) and there are two scheduled afternoon contests on deck this weekend. If we get the right matchup we?ll get on board with the visiting Rays. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Twins in day games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 2
Florida at Atlanta (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Marlins have some quality starters, most notably Josh Johnson (1.83 ERA), who?s on deck for a start at Turner Field. But it?s hard to go against Atlanta. They?ve moved into the top slot in the NL East thanks to a 26-8 record in this ballpark (+$1505) and should devour this fading Florida team without difficulty. Their starters have looked sharp, most notably Tim Hudson, who checks in with a 2.54 ERA after 15 starts. They?ve already taken 2 of 3 from this team in head to head play, and the Marlins will be fortunate to salvage a single win. BEST BET: Braves unless opposed by Jo. Johnson.
L.A. Dodgers at Arizona (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Dodgers were manhandled by AL teams in recently completed inter-league action, putting them very much on the downslide (only 2-8, -$600 in the last 10 days). This trip to Chase Field might be just what they need. They?ve taken 8 of 9 from the Diamondbacks already (+$675) and they?ll be sending ace lefthander Clay Kershaw to the hill in one game. He checks in with an impressive 3.19 ERA after 16 starts and should fare well against an Arizona team that is only 5-11 vs. lefthanders (-$635). BEST BET: Kershaw.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Jays took 2 out of 3 from the Yankees when they visited Rogers Centre (+$135) and they could give New York some trouble in the Bronx this weekend. Toronto has been very profitable on the road this year (+$635) and they?ve been wildly successful vs. righthanders in all settings (+$1300 with 5.1 runs per game). The Yankees are looking sharp these days, but they are always overpriced, particularly at home. The Yankees figure to start two righties in this series, and if the Jays can steal a win in at least one of the two as a fat underdog, they stand to rack up a very tidy profit. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. righthanders.
Seattle at Detroit (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Mariners have begun to win some games (6-3, +$295 last 10 days) and they continue to get quality starts from their rotation (3.90 team ERA, 3rd best in the AL). But they still cannot generate sufficient offense (.239 team BA), averaging a pathetic 3.4 runs per game on the year. They?ve been a disaster outside of Safeco Field (only 11-26, -$1360) and could be in for a thrashing by the Tigers, who are anxious for revenge after dropping 4 of 5 to Seattle in head to head competition (-$385). Detroit has a commanding 25-11 record at Comerica (+$1175) and they are poised to overtake Minnesota in the AL Central. BEST BET: Tigers in all games.
Oakland at Cleveland (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
Whatever glimmer of hope there was for the Indians has been dashed by their most recent tailspin (2-8, -$570 last 10 days with 3.7 runs per game and a 6.11 ERA among starters). They are among the league?s worst teams statistically (4.85 ERA, .248 BA) and they?ve lost money here at Progressive Field (-$720). But the Athletics have not looked sharp in recent days (4-6, -$255 last 10) and their road record is awful (13-24, -$890). We?ll pass for now. BEST BET: None.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Red Sox have been playing well (7-3, +$380 last 10 days with 5.8 runs per game and a 3.29 ERA among starters) but they suffered some devastating injuries over the weekend, so they enter the 2nd half of the season under a cloud. They should handle the hapless Orioles (only 8-29, -$1540), but caution is advised. Baltimore has already won 5 of 9 meeting with Boston (+$335) and the O?s have flashed an improved offense in recent days (5.3 runs per game last 10). It?s not worth laying fat prices on the home team right now. BEST BET: None
Chicago W. Sox at Texas (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Rangers are up 4-2 in head to head play vs. Chicago (+$190) and they are sizzling hot at the moment (9-1, +$635 last 10 days, averaging 7.1 runs per game with a 3.81 ERA among starters in those contests). But the White Sox are playing just as well (9-1, +$845 in their last 10), so this matchup looks very inviting. Chicago has been profitable on the road (+$595) but you can?t argue with Texas?s stats. They are tops in the AL in team BA (.281) and they check in with a 3.90 team ERA. In addition, they are 34-16 in night games this year (+$1480). As well as the Sox are playing, we can?t pass up the Rangers at Arlington. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Kansas City at L.A. Angels (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Angels appeared dead in the water when Kendry Morales went down with a broken leg, but they?ve clawed their way back to respectability and should take at least 2 of 3 from the last place Royals. They?ve taken 4 of 5 in head to head play already (+$190) and they?ve turned a nice profit vs. righties (+$755 so far). The Royals can hit a bit, but their pitching has been a disaster (4.71 team ERA, 3rd worst in the AL), and staff ace Zack Greinke is not due to take a turn at Anaheim. A good opportunity for LA to at least keep pace with first place Texas. BEST BET: Angels in all games.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 5
San Francisco at Milwaukee (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Giants will be much higher in the standings if they can improve on their mediocre 15-20 road record (-$640). Miller Park presents an opportunity for them. The Brewers have been terrible at home (16-20, -$795) and their pitching isn?t nearly as good as SF?s (4.85 team ERA, vs. 3.42 for the Giants). PREFERRED: Giants in all games.
Chicago Cubs at Arizona (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Cubs took 3 of 4 from the Diamondbacks in an earlier meting (+$150) but they are a dreadful road team (15-24, -$1005) and Arizona has been profitable vs. righthanders at Chase Field (+$330). None of the starters in the Chicago rotation gives us much cause for concern. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. righthanders.
Atlanta at Philadelphia (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Braves are hot, but they are a very different team away from Turner Field (18-24, -$640) and their all-righty rotation will have a tough time at Citizens Bank, taking on a Philly team that is a stellar 24-10 (+$1280) vs. righthanders in night games. A huge opportunity for the struggling home team. PREFERRED: Phillies in all games.
Cincinnati at N.Y. Mets (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
As much as we respect the job Cincinnati has been doing, they are extremely vulnerable here at CitiField, where the Mets boast an amazing 20-6 record in night games (+$1500). With no day games on tap, we love the home team. PREFERRED: Mets in all games.
Florida at L.A. Dodgers (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Josh Johnson (1.83 ERA) is an excellent value on the road, especially in a setting where the price looks promising. The Dodgers could be in rough shape if their just completed series with the Diamondbacks went poorly. PREFERRED: Jo. Johnson.
Baltimore at Detroit (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Tigers have a 25-11 record here at Comerica (+$1175) while the Orioles sport a 8-29 mark outside of Camden Yards (-$1540). Baltimore will be fortunate to salvage a single win in this series. PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
L.A. Angels at Chicago W. Sox (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The White Sox are a hot team at the moment, but the Angels are well positioned to prevail in this series. LA has turned a nice profit away from Anaheim (+$725) and for all their recent success, Chicago has lost a fortune in night games played here at US Cellular (-$970). PREFERRED: Angels in night games.
Boston at Tampa Bay (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Red Sox have been crippled by injuries, but things aren?t going well in Tampa Bay. The Rays are fading fast (3-7, -$755 last 10 days) and their numbers at Tropicana Field, particularly vs. righthanders, are horrendous (-$1380). Good value on the road team in this one. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Rays.
Cleveland at Texas (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
There?s not much hope in Cleveland these days, but they might steal a win at Arlington. The Indians have turned a profit vs. lefthanders on the road this year (+$430) and they?ll no doubt be taking a huge underdog price in all these games. We?ll take a shot with the visitor when the matchup permits. PREFERRED: Indians vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Oakland (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Athletics are 19-11 (+$785) vs. righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum, and they still have one of the better pitching staffs in the AL (3.93 team ERA). We?ll grab the fat price vs. the always overpriced Yankees. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. righthanders.
Kansas City at Seattle (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mariners may unload Cliff Lee later this month, but until they do their mound corps remains dangerous (3.90 team ERA, 3rd best in the league). They are 13-5 vs. righties in night games at Safeco Field (+$770) and they?ll face a number of them when KC rolls into town for this series. PREFERRED: Mariners vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 6
San Diego at Washington (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Padres continue to dominate in the National League, enjoying considerable success in all settings (+$1455 on the road, +$505 at home). The Nats are fading fast (2-8, -$855 last 10 days) and they?ve already lost 2 of 3 to San Diego in head to head play. Love the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Padres in all games.
Pittsburgh at Houston (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The two worst teams in the NL Central square off in a battle to see who can avoid the division basement. The Bucs are hopeless outside of PNC Park, particularly vs. righties (-$1400), and despite their many difficulties, the Astros have turned a modest profit vs. righthanders in day games at Minute Maid Park. PREFERRED: Astros vs. righthanders in day games.
St. Louis at Colorado (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cardinals don?t look like a team destined to go deep into the post-season, if they get their at all, and that 10-16 (-$970) record on the road in night games won?t help them much at Coors Field. Colorado is 8-3 vs. lefthanders at home (+$395). PREFERRED: Rockies vs. lefthanders/Rockies in night games.
Minnesota at Toronto (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Blue Jays are 18-11 vs. righthanders at Rogers Centre (+$775) but they are only 3-8 vs. lefties at home (-$530). We?ll play this series according to the matchups that develop. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. righthanders/Lefthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
SERIES INFO
BEGINNING THURSDAY JULY 1
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
With inter-league baseball in the rear view mirror, the focus returns to the division races, and Cincinnati is in a tight one. They?ll be hard pressed to hold off the superior Cardinals, but a strong showing here at Wrigley Field will certainly help. The Reds have taken 4 of 6 from the Cubs in head to head play (+$170) and Chicago has been a huge money-loser in 2010 (-$1850 so far). Cincinnati is having a solid season, but they?ve lost money in day games (-$540), and all four games in this series are scheduled for the afternoon. We?ll back of except when Mike Leake is on the mound. The rookie has looked sharp in his 14 starts (+$295, 2.92 ERA) and appears to be an excellent value in this matchup. BEST BET: Leake.
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Pirates are the worst team in the NL so far in 2010, but we won?t count them out of this series just yet. For all their difficulties they?ve been decent here at PNC Park, and they?ve racked up a nice profit vs. lefthanders (+$550). The Phillies, on the other hand are only 7-10 vs. southpaws (-$850). Both rotations feature a number of lefthanders, so we should see some lefty vs. lefty matchups which offer hope for the home team. Righthanders are a different story (Bucs -$1620, Phillies +$380), so we?ll be on the visitor when that situation arises. BEST BET: Pirates when lefty meets lefty/Phillies when righty meets righty.
N.Y. Mets at Washington (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mets have been on fire in June and they are catching Washington in the midst of a severe dry spell (2-8, -$855 last 10 days with only .7 runs per game). But New York backers should proceed with caution. The Nationals have already taken 5 of 8 from this team in head to head play (+$435) and the Mets have lost money outside of CitiField (-$240 so far). The addition of Stephen Strasburg to the Nats? rotation has lowered the team?s ERA considerably, and they are getting decent outings from a variety of starters. We?ll pass for now and take a closer look on game day. BEST BET: None.
Milwaukee at St. Louis (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Brewers have played better in recent days (6-3, +$310 last 10), and they make an interesting proposition here at Busch Stadium. They?ve made a modest amount of money as a road team (+$100) and the Cardinals have been a much shakier proposition than we expected earlier in the year (-$735 overall in 2010). Yovani Gallardo has lowered his ERA to 2.36 after 16 starts, including an 0.60 mark in his last two outings. He?s the class of the Milwaukee rotation and an excellent value in this series. BEST BET: Gallardo.
San Francisco at Colorado (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Giants have been running hot and cold, and they are in a downturn at the moment (3-6, -$420 last 10 days, averaging just 3.3 runs per game with a 5.97 ERA among starters). They?ve been successful at ATT Park, but they?re only 15-20 on the road (-$640). The Rockies are still very much in the NL West chase (6-4, +$230 last 10 days), with a staff ERA of 3.76, 5th best in the league. Ubaldo Jimenez is an automatic at this point (+$1290, 1.51 ERA) and Aaron Cook (2.40 ERA last 2 starts) is worth a shot as well. BEST BET: Jimenez/Cook.
Houston at San Diego (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Astros have been simply dreadful this year, and they continue to flounder near the NL Central basement (3-7, -$170 last 10 days). Look for Roy Oswalt to join another team later this month, as Houston starts the rebuilding process. The Padres remain the big surprise in MLB this year (+$1960 with a 3.00 team ERA, lowest in the majors this year). Prices are high, but Houston is only 21-38 vs. righthanders (-$760) and they?ll face a number of good ones at Petco Park this weekend. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Astros.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Neither team is playing well as the season nears its midway point (Tampa Bay 3-7, -$755 last 10 days . . . Twins 3-7, -$310) and both are in tough three team division races. The Rays have had a terrible time at Tropicana Field, but their road numbers are simply awesome (24-12, +$1080), so Target Field is an inviting venue. The Twins are only 4-7 vs. righthanders in day games at home (-$785) and there are two scheduled afternoon contests on deck this weekend. If we get the right matchup we?ll get on board with the visiting Rays. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Twins in day games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 2
Florida at Atlanta (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Marlins have some quality starters, most notably Josh Johnson (1.83 ERA), who?s on deck for a start at Turner Field. But it?s hard to go against Atlanta. They?ve moved into the top slot in the NL East thanks to a 26-8 record in this ballpark (+$1505) and should devour this fading Florida team without difficulty. Their starters have looked sharp, most notably Tim Hudson, who checks in with a 2.54 ERA after 15 starts. They?ve already taken 2 of 3 from this team in head to head play, and the Marlins will be fortunate to salvage a single win. BEST BET: Braves unless opposed by Jo. Johnson.
L.A. Dodgers at Arizona (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Dodgers were manhandled by AL teams in recently completed inter-league action, putting them very much on the downslide (only 2-8, -$600 in the last 10 days). This trip to Chase Field might be just what they need. They?ve taken 8 of 9 from the Diamondbacks already (+$675) and they?ll be sending ace lefthander Clay Kershaw to the hill in one game. He checks in with an impressive 3.19 ERA after 16 starts and should fare well against an Arizona team that is only 5-11 vs. lefthanders (-$635). BEST BET: Kershaw.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Jays took 2 out of 3 from the Yankees when they visited Rogers Centre (+$135) and they could give New York some trouble in the Bronx this weekend. Toronto has been very profitable on the road this year (+$635) and they?ve been wildly successful vs. righthanders in all settings (+$1300 with 5.1 runs per game). The Yankees are looking sharp these days, but they are always overpriced, particularly at home. The Yankees figure to start two righties in this series, and if the Jays can steal a win in at least one of the two as a fat underdog, they stand to rack up a very tidy profit. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. righthanders.
Seattle at Detroit (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Mariners have begun to win some games (6-3, +$295 last 10 days) and they continue to get quality starts from their rotation (3.90 team ERA, 3rd best in the AL). But they still cannot generate sufficient offense (.239 team BA), averaging a pathetic 3.4 runs per game on the year. They?ve been a disaster outside of Safeco Field (only 11-26, -$1360) and could be in for a thrashing by the Tigers, who are anxious for revenge after dropping 4 of 5 to Seattle in head to head competition (-$385). Detroit has a commanding 25-11 record at Comerica (+$1175) and they are poised to overtake Minnesota in the AL Central. BEST BET: Tigers in all games.
Oakland at Cleveland (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
Whatever glimmer of hope there was for the Indians has been dashed by their most recent tailspin (2-8, -$570 last 10 days with 3.7 runs per game and a 6.11 ERA among starters). They are among the league?s worst teams statistically (4.85 ERA, .248 BA) and they?ve lost money here at Progressive Field (-$720). But the Athletics have not looked sharp in recent days (4-6, -$255 last 10) and their road record is awful (13-24, -$890). We?ll pass for now. BEST BET: None.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Red Sox have been playing well (7-3, +$380 last 10 days with 5.8 runs per game and a 3.29 ERA among starters) but they suffered some devastating injuries over the weekend, so they enter the 2nd half of the season under a cloud. They should handle the hapless Orioles (only 8-29, -$1540), but caution is advised. Baltimore has already won 5 of 9 meeting with Boston (+$335) and the O?s have flashed an improved offense in recent days (5.3 runs per game last 10). It?s not worth laying fat prices on the home team right now. BEST BET: None
Chicago W. Sox at Texas (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Rangers are up 4-2 in head to head play vs. Chicago (+$190) and they are sizzling hot at the moment (9-1, +$635 last 10 days, averaging 7.1 runs per game with a 3.81 ERA among starters in those contests). But the White Sox are playing just as well (9-1, +$845 in their last 10), so this matchup looks very inviting. Chicago has been profitable on the road (+$595) but you can?t argue with Texas?s stats. They are tops in the AL in team BA (.281) and they check in with a 3.90 team ERA. In addition, they are 34-16 in night games this year (+$1480). As well as the Sox are playing, we can?t pass up the Rangers at Arlington. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Kansas City at L.A. Angels (3) 2nd, 3rd. 4th
The Angels appeared dead in the water when Kendry Morales went down with a broken leg, but they?ve clawed their way back to respectability and should take at least 2 of 3 from the last place Royals. They?ve taken 4 of 5 in head to head play already (+$190) and they?ve turned a nice profit vs. righties (+$755 so far). The Royals can hit a bit, but their pitching has been a disaster (4.71 team ERA, 3rd worst in the AL), and staff ace Zack Greinke is not due to take a turn at Anaheim. A good opportunity for LA to at least keep pace with first place Texas. BEST BET: Angels in all games.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 5
San Francisco at Milwaukee (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Giants will be much higher in the standings if they can improve on their mediocre 15-20 road record (-$640). Miller Park presents an opportunity for them. The Brewers have been terrible at home (16-20, -$795) and their pitching isn?t nearly as good as SF?s (4.85 team ERA, vs. 3.42 for the Giants). PREFERRED: Giants in all games.
Chicago Cubs at Arizona (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Cubs took 3 of 4 from the Diamondbacks in an earlier meting (+$150) but they are a dreadful road team (15-24, -$1005) and Arizona has been profitable vs. righthanders at Chase Field (+$330). None of the starters in the Chicago rotation gives us much cause for concern. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. righthanders.
Atlanta at Philadelphia (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Braves are hot, but they are a very different team away from Turner Field (18-24, -$640) and their all-righty rotation will have a tough time at Citizens Bank, taking on a Philly team that is a stellar 24-10 (+$1280) vs. righthanders in night games. A huge opportunity for the struggling home team. PREFERRED: Phillies in all games.
Cincinnati at N.Y. Mets (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
As much as we respect the job Cincinnati has been doing, they are extremely vulnerable here at CitiField, where the Mets boast an amazing 20-6 record in night games (+$1500). With no day games on tap, we love the home team. PREFERRED: Mets in all games.
Florida at L.A. Dodgers (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Josh Johnson (1.83 ERA) is an excellent value on the road, especially in a setting where the price looks promising. The Dodgers could be in rough shape if their just completed series with the Diamondbacks went poorly. PREFERRED: Jo. Johnson.
Baltimore at Detroit (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Tigers have a 25-11 record here at Comerica (+$1175) while the Orioles sport a 8-29 mark outside of Camden Yards (-$1540). Baltimore will be fortunate to salvage a single win in this series. PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
L.A. Angels at Chicago W. Sox (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The White Sox are a hot team at the moment, but the Angels are well positioned to prevail in this series. LA has turned a nice profit away from Anaheim (+$725) and for all their recent success, Chicago has lost a fortune in night games played here at US Cellular (-$970). PREFERRED: Angels in night games.
Boston at Tampa Bay (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Red Sox have been crippled by injuries, but things aren?t going well in Tampa Bay. The Rays are fading fast (3-7, -$755 last 10 days) and their numbers at Tropicana Field, particularly vs. righthanders, are horrendous (-$1380). Good value on the road team in this one. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Rays.
Cleveland at Texas (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
There?s not much hope in Cleveland these days, but they might steal a win at Arlington. The Indians have turned a profit vs. lefthanders on the road this year (+$430) and they?ll no doubt be taking a huge underdog price in all these games. We?ll take a shot with the visitor when the matchup permits. PREFERRED: Indians vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Oakland (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Athletics are 19-11 (+$785) vs. righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum, and they still have one of the better pitching staffs in the AL (3.93 team ERA). We?ll grab the fat price vs. the always overpriced Yankees. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. righthanders.
Kansas City at Seattle (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mariners may unload Cliff Lee later this month, but until they do their mound corps remains dangerous (3.90 team ERA, 3rd best in the league). They are 13-5 vs. righties in night games at Safeco Field (+$770) and they?ll face a number of them when KC rolls into town for this series. PREFERRED: Mariners vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 6
San Diego at Washington (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Padres continue to dominate in the National League, enjoying considerable success in all settings (+$1455 on the road, +$505 at home). The Nats are fading fast (2-8, -$855 last 10 days) and they?ve already lost 2 of 3 to San Diego in head to head play. Love the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Padres in all games.
Pittsburgh at Houston (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The two worst teams in the NL Central square off in a battle to see who can avoid the division basement. The Bucs are hopeless outside of PNC Park, particularly vs. righties (-$1400), and despite their many difficulties, the Astros have turned a modest profit vs. righthanders in day games at Minute Maid Park. PREFERRED: Astros vs. righthanders in day games.
St. Louis at Colorado (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cardinals don?t look like a team destined to go deep into the post-season, if they get their at all, and that 10-16 (-$970) record on the road in night games won?t help them much at Coors Field. Colorado is 8-3 vs. lefthanders at home (+$395). PREFERRED: Rockies vs. lefthanders/Rockies in night games.
Minnesota at Toronto (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Blue Jays are 18-11 vs. righthanders at Rogers Centre (+$775) but they are only 3-8 vs. lefties at home (-$530). We?ll play this series according to the matchups that develop. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. righthanders/Lefthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
