2-0 Monday
Tuesday................................
1)Boston/Toronto over 8.5,-105
I know it's Pedro, but let's face it, this is not the same Pedro we have grown to adore over the last few years. His 3.72 ERA is the highest of his career as is the batting average against him. He has given up 17 homeruns in 159 IP this year as opposed to a total of 20 homeruns against in a total of 386 IP the last 2 years.
This is also his 5th start of the year vs the Jays and the advantage swings to the offence the more times they see a pitcher.
Lilly starts for Toronto and although he has been good this year, he faces a veteran Sox team that will wait him out to get to the horrendous Blue Jay bullpen..........they made starter Justin Miller throw 92 pitches in 4.1 IP last night, and then teed off later against the pen. This is also his 4th start of the campaign against Boston, and he has not gotten out of the 6th inning in any of the first 3.
The other reason I like this is that both these teams are poor defensive teams. I am not talking solely about raw numbers like "errors", but also about simply having the horses just to get to balls, or to turn the all important double play. Other than Vernon Wells, Toronto outfielders can easily turn singles into extra base hits. And what was that last night with the Red Sox starting Mientkiewicz at 2nd base? Should be lots of base runners in this one and the 8.5 total should be surpassed.
2)Atlanta (+110)
The Braves are HOT, HOT, HOT. Won 9/12 overall, won 17/20 road, have gone 34-11 (.756) since June 25.
Padres are NOT, NOT, NOT. Lost 7/8 home games.
Both pitchers are pitching very well...............
Wright 11-5 and has won his L9 decisions. 10-2 at night with a 1.81 ERA at night.
Peavy won 6/7 decisions and has 1.66 ERA in his last 6.
Simply put, the Braves are the better team, the hotter team, and the team that is finding a way to win every night. With a pitching saw-off, I'll take them as a dog.
Boy, the Reds are tempting tonight as a big underdog. Anyone else see anything there? Perhaps wise not to play them, but rather just to lay off playing the Cardinals? Would be glad to discuss it.
Good luck out there tonight,
Tiger
Tuesday................................
1)Boston/Toronto over 8.5,-105
I know it's Pedro, but let's face it, this is not the same Pedro we have grown to adore over the last few years. His 3.72 ERA is the highest of his career as is the batting average against him. He has given up 17 homeruns in 159 IP this year as opposed to a total of 20 homeruns against in a total of 386 IP the last 2 years.
This is also his 5th start of the year vs the Jays and the advantage swings to the offence the more times they see a pitcher.
Lilly starts for Toronto and although he has been good this year, he faces a veteran Sox team that will wait him out to get to the horrendous Blue Jay bullpen..........they made starter Justin Miller throw 92 pitches in 4.1 IP last night, and then teed off later against the pen. This is also his 4th start of the campaign against Boston, and he has not gotten out of the 6th inning in any of the first 3.
The other reason I like this is that both these teams are poor defensive teams. I am not talking solely about raw numbers like "errors", but also about simply having the horses just to get to balls, or to turn the all important double play. Other than Vernon Wells, Toronto outfielders can easily turn singles into extra base hits. And what was that last night with the Red Sox starting Mientkiewicz at 2nd base? Should be lots of base runners in this one and the 8.5 total should be surpassed.
2)Atlanta (+110)
The Braves are HOT, HOT, HOT. Won 9/12 overall, won 17/20 road, have gone 34-11 (.756) since June 25.
Padres are NOT, NOT, NOT. Lost 7/8 home games.
Both pitchers are pitching very well...............
Wright 11-5 and has won his L9 decisions. 10-2 at night with a 1.81 ERA at night.
Peavy won 6/7 decisions and has 1.66 ERA in his last 6.
Simply put, the Braves are the better team, the hotter team, and the team that is finding a way to win every night. With a pitching saw-off, I'll take them as a dog.
Boy, the Reds are tempting tonight as a big underdog. Anyone else see anything there? Perhaps wise not to play them, but rather just to lay off playing the Cardinals? Would be glad to discuss it.
Good luck out there tonight,
Tiger
