sat
- Thread starter RAYMOND
- Start date
OAKLAND (Dinardo) -165 over ST. LOUIS (Wellemeyer)
The Athletics are surging right now (8-2, +$720 last
10 days) and their best in baseball pitching staff has
gotten even better now that Lenny Dinardo has been
moved into the rotation (1.22 overall ERA, 0.56 in his
three starts). He gets a chance to pad his statistics vs.
a floundering St. Louis team that is only 7-11 (-$645)
vs. lefthanders, averaging just 3.3 runs per game in
those contests. The Cards counter with unimpressive
Todd Wellemyer, who isn't any better as a starter than
he was in the bullpen (5.79 ERA in three outings). The
A's pounded this team for 14 runs last night, and when
their starter gets in trouble today they'll be asking an
already depleted bullpen to take over. The price is a
bit more than we care to lay, but seems like a pretty
good investment, all things considered.
The Athletics are surging right now (8-2, +$720 last
10 days) and their best in baseball pitching staff has
gotten even better now that Lenny Dinardo has been
moved into the rotation (1.22 overall ERA, 0.56 in his
three starts). He gets a chance to pad his statistics vs.
a floundering St. Louis team that is only 7-11 (-$645)
vs. lefthanders, averaging just 3.3 runs per game in
those contests. The Cards counter with unimpressive
Todd Wellemyer, who isn't any better as a starter than
he was in the bullpen (5.79 ERA in three outings). The
A's pounded this team for 14 runs last night, and when
their starter gets in trouble today they'll be asking an
already depleted bullpen to take over. The price is a
bit more than we care to lay, but seems like a pretty
good investment, all things considered.
BASEBALL
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 15
San Diego at Chicago Cubs (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Padres have grabbed first place in the NL West thanks to the finest pitching staff in the majors (3.00 team ERA) and the setup for them this weekend at Wrigley Field could not be better. They?ve been flexing their muscle at the plate (5.0 runs per game last 10 day) and they?ve compiled a 9-3 (+$515) record in day games this year. The Cubs have played somewhat better, but they?ve been dreadful in this ballpark (only 11-17, -$1475), and with three scheduled afternoon contests, they?ll be lucky to salvage a single victory. BEST BET: Padres in all games.
Atlanta at Cleveland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Indians still hold the top slot in the AL Central and they?ve been dominant here at Jacobs Field (21-7, +$1105), but they may run into trouble in the near future if their starters continue to struggle (4.92 ERA last 10 days). One starter who has not struggled is staff ace C.C. Sabathia, who has led the Tribe to victories in 12 of his 14 starts (+$935, 3.09 ERA), and who is set to take his next turn this weekend. The Braves are a capable team that might cause problems for the home team, but with a 13-17 (-$710 with only 3.8 runs per game) record against lefthanders, they just don?t have an answer for Cleveland?s big southpaw. BEST BET: Sabathia.
Chicago W. Sox at Pittsburgh (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
We expected better from the White Sox in 2007, but they?ve fallen on very hard times (3-8, -$560 last 11 games) as their offense continues to sputter (.232 team BA, lowest in the majors). The Pirates are another struggling ballclub (3-8, -$505 last 11 with only 4.2 runs per game), but they?ve got some quality pitchers who can make life tough for the visitor. But they?ve been terrible vs. righthanders here at PNC Park (only 4-13, -$1325), so we?ll stick to a play against Mark Buehrle when he makes his next start (Bucs +$255 vs. southpaws in 2007). BEST BET: Pirates vs. Buehrle.
Arizona at Baltimore (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Diamondbacks have climbed into the thick of the NL West race with a pitching staff that has improved steadily over the past two months (3.69 ERA, 4th lowest in the league). They?ve been very effective outside of Chase Field, particularly in night games (12-6, +$685). The Orioles are in the midst of yet another sub .500 campaign, and their lackluster performance vs. righthanders (-$615 with only 3.9 runs per game) is not encouraging, given the quality of pitching they?ll be up against at Camden Yards this weekend. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Orioles in night games.
Detroit at Philadelphia (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Tigers have had a tough time keeping a healthy rotation, but they are blessed with the most explosive attack in baseball right now (.289 team BA). They are at their best vs. lefthanders (13-5, +$845 with 6.7 runs per game), in stark contrast to the Phillies, who check in with an anemic 7-16 (-$980) mark against southpaws, averaging just 4.0 runs per game in those contests. The home team?s mound corps has been floundering (4.66 team ERA, 3rd worst in the league), and will have their hands full coping with the visitor?s offense. BEST BET: Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
San Francisco at Boston (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Red Sox went 16-2 (+$1450) against the National League in 2006 and they?ve gone 4-2 (+$200) so far this year. In addition, the team is 16-4 in day games this year (+$1295). They?ve got the second lowest team ERA in the AL (3.73) so there does not appear to be much hope for the Giants, who have only won one game vs. the AL this year (-$305). SF has some decent hurlers and that might keep the prices from getting too outrageous, but we?re sticking with the home team in this one. BEST BET: Red Sox at -170 or less.
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Things have changed since these teams squared off in May. The Yankees have gotten hot (8-2, +$640 last 10 days) thanks to key hitters coming out of slumps, and they?ve got added stability in the starting rotation with the addition of Roger Clemens, who we expect to see on the mound this weekend. The Mets, on the other hand, are banged up and trying to cobble together a functioning outfield, a task made even more difficult now that backup man Endy Chavez is out of commission. The Mets are losing money here at Shea (-$705), so while their lefties might provide some value, we?ll look for situations to take the Bombers, who have posted a modest profit vs. righties on the road. BEST BET: Yankees vs. righthanders.
Washington at Toronto (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Nationals are now one of the two most profitable teams in the NL (+$750), which is what happens when a team that appears destined to lose 110 games exceeds expectations. Knocking off a pitcher like Johan Santana at the Metrodome doesn?t hurt either. They may steal a win or two here at inflated prices, but do not use any of their lefthanders, given Toronto?s 9-2 (+$735) record vs. southpaws at Rogers Centre. But the Blue Jays are only 18-26 (-$1100) vs. righthanders, so grab the price when Washington sends one to the hill. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
Texas at Cincinnati (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
This series can?t be what they had in mind when they introduced inter-league baseball ten years ago. We?ve got the worst team in the NL (Reds only 25-39, -$1630 in 2007) squaring off a Texas team that has hit the skids (23-40, -$1365). Both teams were expected to be much better, but pitching woes have proved their undoing (Rangers 5.47 ERA 2nd worst in the AL, Reds 4.72, 2nd worst in the AL). Hard to offer might insight into this mess. BEST BET: None.
Florida at Kansas City (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Marlins are hanging tough in the NL East, hoping to see Josh Johnson back in the rotation as he works his way through minor league rehab assignments. The emergence of Sergio Mitre (1.59 ERA in 10 starts) has helped the team immensely, and he?s expected to make his next start this weekend after skipping his last turn. The Royals can?t hit (only 3.9 runs per game), and they are a dismal 11-22 (-$735) here at Kaufman Stadium. BEST BET: Mitre.
Seattle at Houston (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Mariners are finally getting the type of run production you would expect from an offense of this caliber (.286 overall team BA with 6.8 runs per game last 10 days), and they?ve been a big moneymaker vs. lefthanders this season (12-3, +$1205). The Astros are having another bad year (26-37, -$1445), and the only lefty in their rotation (Wandy Rodriguez 4.52 ERA in 12 starts) doesn?t give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Mariners vs. W. Rodriguez.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Brewers jumped 14 games over .500 in early May, but they?ve been losing ground ever since (5-5, -$190 last 10 days). The Twins have fallen well off the pace in the AL Central, and for the first time in many years are simply not reliable here at the Metrodome (only 16-16, -$860). We?re not seeing anything from either club that makes us want to get involved right now. BEST BET: None.
Tampa Bay at Colorado (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rockies have been competitive, but we don?t like what we?ve seen from them on the mound in recent days (4.62 ERA last 10). The Devil Rays have lots of pitching issues of their own (5.51 team ERA, worst in the league), but they?ve got a solid pair of starters in Scott Kazmir (+$115, 3.92), and James Shields (+$365, 3.04) who are helping avert a general collapse. Kazmir is particularly appealing at Coors Field, given Colorado?s 6-11 (-$590 with 3.7 runs per game) record vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Kazmir.
St. Louis at Oakland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The pitching staff they?ve assembled in Oakland is simply not to be believed. Despite all the free-agent losses, as well as the injury to Rich Harden, they check in with a 3.16 team ERA, over half a run lower than the league?s next best. St. Louis has the worst pitching in the NL (4.79 ERA), with no starter boasting an ERA under 4.00, so give the home team a huge edge. Unfortunately, the A?s struggle to score runs vs. righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum (only 2.6 per game), and the Cardinals are currently without a lefty in the starting rotation. We?re going to hold off until game day. BEST BET: None.
L.A. Angels at L.A. Dodgers (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Angels spanked the Dodgers in a three game sweep at Anaheim back in May (+$305), and they?ve remained sizzling hot ever since (7-3, +$190 last 10 days). Each of these clubs has outstanding pitching (Dodgers 3.60 ERA, Angels 3.76), but the Dodgers do their best work against lefthanders, and they probably won?t see one here today (-$435 with only 3.9 runs per game vs. righties so far). The Angels have gotten better and better on the road, and their numbers vs. righthanders are sensational (31-17, +$1160 with 5.2 runs per game). Look for the visitor to continue their winning ways against their LA rival. BEST BET: Angels when righty meets righty.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 18
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
We?ve backed away from the Brewers over the past several weeks after using them a lot in April. But they?ve got a solid record against lefthanders, particularly here at Miller Park (10-3, +$610), and they might be available at a decent price when the visiting Giants start one of their southpaws. PREFERRED: Brewers vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Atlanta (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
AS we noted earlier, the Red Sox are a tremendous value against the NL, and they did take 2 out of 3 from this team at Fenway Park last month. Boston is 17-6 (+$1290) on the road vs. righthanders, while the Braves are overall losers here at Turner Field (-$440). In addition, the Atlanta starting rotation has not looked very sharp in recent days (6.07 ERA last 11). PREFERRED: Red Sox in all games.
Detroit at Washington (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Nationals have posted a fat profit against lefthanders this year (+$820 overall, with 5.3 runs per game at night) and the Detroit southpaws have been struggling. Nate Robertson has landed on the DL, but Mike Maroth should be available, and despite leading his team to wins in 8 of his 11 starts, his ERA is far from impressive (5.29). PREFERRED: Nationals vs. Maroth.
Philadelphia at Cleveland (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
Impossible to go against the Indians here at Jacobs Field (21-7, +$1105 so far in 2007), but the Phillies are tough on righthanders (+$745 with 5.6 runs per game) so caution is advised. Jeremy Sowers has been sent down, C.C. Sabathia is not expected to start, and we?re not interested in Cliff Lee (6.31 ERA). PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at N.Y. Mets (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Twins don?t inspire much confidence, so even though the Mets have had problems here at Shea Stadium we?re not interested. NY has solid run production vs. lefthanders (5.4 per game) and they might be available at a decent price when hard luck ace Johan Santana (-$835) is on the hill. PREFERRED: Mets vs. J. Santana.
Florida at Chicago W. Sox (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The White Sox can?t score runs and they?ve been a losing proposition here at U.S. Cellular this season
(-$505). The Marlins have been an excellent value on in road night games (14-9, +$900) and the first two contests in this series are scheduled to take place in the evening. PREFERRED: Marlins in night games.
Kansas City at St. Louis (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Royals are a very good proposition in road games against righthanders (+$590) and they?ll catch some decent underdog prices here at Busch Stadium. Gil Meche continues to put together quality starts (3.17 ERA in 14 tries) and the Cardinals are bad bet in home games (only 14-16, -$690 so far). PREFERRED: Meche.
Tampa Bay at Arizona (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The D?Backs are big moneymakers against righthanders this year (29-18, +$1025) but they?ve not fared well vs. lefties here at Chase Field (-$385 so far). The Devil Rays, on the other hand, have lost money vs. righties (-$300) but they are in the black vs. southpaws (+$350 with 5.1 runs per game). PREFERRED: Diamondbacks when righty meets righty/Devil Rays when lefty meets lefty.
Cincinnati at Oakland (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
If the Reds could win a ballgame once in a while (25-39, -$1630 in 2007) we?d be interested in them as underdogs in this series. Prices will be very high, and the Reds? all-righty rotation might fare well vs. an A?s team that has struggled vs. righties at home (-$460 with only 2.6 runs per game). But we?ll pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
Houston at L.A. Angels (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Astros have been a major disappointment this year (-$1345) and they?ll be hard pressed to make much headway against the red-hot Angels, who currently hold a 19-5 (+$1110) record vs. righthanders in this ballpark. None of the starters in the Houston rotation give us much cause for concern. PREFERRED: Angels vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 19
L.A. Dodgers at Toronto (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
These teams battled it out in LA last week, with Toronto taking 2 out of 3 (+$140). The Blue Jays have excellent numbers against lefthanders here at Rogers Centre (9-2, +$735) but they are awful in home games vs. righthanders (9-14, -$805). Similarly, the Dodgers are 8-2 (+$600) on the road against lefties, but only 9-14 (-$505) on the road against righties. We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. lefthanders.
Chicago Cubs at Texas (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Cubs have performed very well against righthanders away from the confines of Wrigley Field (13-10, +$410) and get a chance to close the gap in the NL Central by fattening up on the hapless Rangers, a team with a 5.47 team ERA, and money losses of -$1365 already this year. PREFERRED: Cubs vs. righthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Colorado (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Yankees are beginning to click on all cylinders (8-2, +$640 with 7.4 runs per game last 10 days) and it?s hard to bet against a team like this when they are on a roll. They?ll no doubt be favored throughout, but might be worth taking a shot when Andy Pettitte (3.18 ERA in 13 starts) takes his turn. The home town Rockies are only 6-11 (-$590) vs. lefthanders this season, averaging a measly 3.7 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Pettitte.
Baltimore at San Diego (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Orioles are in the red outside of Camden Yards (-$545) and they?ll have a tough time at Petco Park taking on the premier pitching staff in MLB (SD 3.00 ERA). The Padres are toughest against lefthanders in this ballpark (6-1, +$485) and the Baltimore southpaws are adequate at best. PREFERRED: Padres vs. lefthanders.
Pittsburgh at Seattle (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Mariners have emerged as bona fide playoff contenders (8-2, +$590 last 10 days) and that 12-3 (+$1205) record vs. lefthanders means they?ll be a solid proposition vs. a mediocre NL club with three southpaws in the starting rotation. We?ll lay the high prices in this one. PREFERRED: Mariners vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 15
San Diego at Chicago Cubs (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Padres have grabbed first place in the NL West thanks to the finest pitching staff in the majors (3.00 team ERA) and the setup for them this weekend at Wrigley Field could not be better. They?ve been flexing their muscle at the plate (5.0 runs per game last 10 day) and they?ve compiled a 9-3 (+$515) record in day games this year. The Cubs have played somewhat better, but they?ve been dreadful in this ballpark (only 11-17, -$1475), and with three scheduled afternoon contests, they?ll be lucky to salvage a single victory. BEST BET: Padres in all games.
Atlanta at Cleveland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Indians still hold the top slot in the AL Central and they?ve been dominant here at Jacobs Field (21-7, +$1105), but they may run into trouble in the near future if their starters continue to struggle (4.92 ERA last 10 days). One starter who has not struggled is staff ace C.C. Sabathia, who has led the Tribe to victories in 12 of his 14 starts (+$935, 3.09 ERA), and who is set to take his next turn this weekend. The Braves are a capable team that might cause problems for the home team, but with a 13-17 (-$710 with only 3.8 runs per game) record against lefthanders, they just don?t have an answer for Cleveland?s big southpaw. BEST BET: Sabathia.
Chicago W. Sox at Pittsburgh (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
We expected better from the White Sox in 2007, but they?ve fallen on very hard times (3-8, -$560 last 11 games) as their offense continues to sputter (.232 team BA, lowest in the majors). The Pirates are another struggling ballclub (3-8, -$505 last 11 with only 4.2 runs per game), but they?ve got some quality pitchers who can make life tough for the visitor. But they?ve been terrible vs. righthanders here at PNC Park (only 4-13, -$1325), so we?ll stick to a play against Mark Buehrle when he makes his next start (Bucs +$255 vs. southpaws in 2007). BEST BET: Pirates vs. Buehrle.
Arizona at Baltimore (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Diamondbacks have climbed into the thick of the NL West race with a pitching staff that has improved steadily over the past two months (3.69 ERA, 4th lowest in the league). They?ve been very effective outside of Chase Field, particularly in night games (12-6, +$685). The Orioles are in the midst of yet another sub .500 campaign, and their lackluster performance vs. righthanders (-$615 with only 3.9 runs per game) is not encouraging, given the quality of pitching they?ll be up against at Camden Yards this weekend. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Orioles in night games.
Detroit at Philadelphia (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Tigers have had a tough time keeping a healthy rotation, but they are blessed with the most explosive attack in baseball right now (.289 team BA). They are at their best vs. lefthanders (13-5, +$845 with 6.7 runs per game), in stark contrast to the Phillies, who check in with an anemic 7-16 (-$980) mark against southpaws, averaging just 4.0 runs per game in those contests. The home team?s mound corps has been floundering (4.66 team ERA, 3rd worst in the league), and will have their hands full coping with the visitor?s offense. BEST BET: Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
San Francisco at Boston (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Red Sox went 16-2 (+$1450) against the National League in 2006 and they?ve gone 4-2 (+$200) so far this year. In addition, the team is 16-4 in day games this year (+$1295). They?ve got the second lowest team ERA in the AL (3.73) so there does not appear to be much hope for the Giants, who have only won one game vs. the AL this year (-$305). SF has some decent hurlers and that might keep the prices from getting too outrageous, but we?re sticking with the home team in this one. BEST BET: Red Sox at -170 or less.
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Things have changed since these teams squared off in May. The Yankees have gotten hot (8-2, +$640 last 10 days) thanks to key hitters coming out of slumps, and they?ve got added stability in the starting rotation with the addition of Roger Clemens, who we expect to see on the mound this weekend. The Mets, on the other hand, are banged up and trying to cobble together a functioning outfield, a task made even more difficult now that backup man Endy Chavez is out of commission. The Mets are losing money here at Shea (-$705), so while their lefties might provide some value, we?ll look for situations to take the Bombers, who have posted a modest profit vs. righties on the road. BEST BET: Yankees vs. righthanders.
Washington at Toronto (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Nationals are now one of the two most profitable teams in the NL (+$750), which is what happens when a team that appears destined to lose 110 games exceeds expectations. Knocking off a pitcher like Johan Santana at the Metrodome doesn?t hurt either. They may steal a win or two here at inflated prices, but do not use any of their lefthanders, given Toronto?s 9-2 (+$735) record vs. southpaws at Rogers Centre. But the Blue Jays are only 18-26 (-$1100) vs. righthanders, so grab the price when Washington sends one to the hill. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
Texas at Cincinnati (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
This series can?t be what they had in mind when they introduced inter-league baseball ten years ago. We?ve got the worst team in the NL (Reds only 25-39, -$1630 in 2007) squaring off a Texas team that has hit the skids (23-40, -$1365). Both teams were expected to be much better, but pitching woes have proved their undoing (Rangers 5.47 ERA 2nd worst in the AL, Reds 4.72, 2nd worst in the AL). Hard to offer might insight into this mess. BEST BET: None.
Florida at Kansas City (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Marlins are hanging tough in the NL East, hoping to see Josh Johnson back in the rotation as he works his way through minor league rehab assignments. The emergence of Sergio Mitre (1.59 ERA in 10 starts) has helped the team immensely, and he?s expected to make his next start this weekend after skipping his last turn. The Royals can?t hit (only 3.9 runs per game), and they are a dismal 11-22 (-$735) here at Kaufman Stadium. BEST BET: Mitre.
Seattle at Houston (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Mariners are finally getting the type of run production you would expect from an offense of this caliber (.286 overall team BA with 6.8 runs per game last 10 days), and they?ve been a big moneymaker vs. lefthanders this season (12-3, +$1205). The Astros are having another bad year (26-37, -$1445), and the only lefty in their rotation (Wandy Rodriguez 4.52 ERA in 12 starts) doesn?t give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Mariners vs. W. Rodriguez.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Brewers jumped 14 games over .500 in early May, but they?ve been losing ground ever since (5-5, -$190 last 10 days). The Twins have fallen well off the pace in the AL Central, and for the first time in many years are simply not reliable here at the Metrodome (only 16-16, -$860). We?re not seeing anything from either club that makes us want to get involved right now. BEST BET: None.
Tampa Bay at Colorado (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rockies have been competitive, but we don?t like what we?ve seen from them on the mound in recent days (4.62 ERA last 10). The Devil Rays have lots of pitching issues of their own (5.51 team ERA, worst in the league), but they?ve got a solid pair of starters in Scott Kazmir (+$115, 3.92), and James Shields (+$365, 3.04) who are helping avert a general collapse. Kazmir is particularly appealing at Coors Field, given Colorado?s 6-11 (-$590 with 3.7 runs per game) record vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Kazmir.
St. Louis at Oakland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The pitching staff they?ve assembled in Oakland is simply not to be believed. Despite all the free-agent losses, as well as the injury to Rich Harden, they check in with a 3.16 team ERA, over half a run lower than the league?s next best. St. Louis has the worst pitching in the NL (4.79 ERA), with no starter boasting an ERA under 4.00, so give the home team a huge edge. Unfortunately, the A?s struggle to score runs vs. righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum (only 2.6 per game), and the Cardinals are currently without a lefty in the starting rotation. We?re going to hold off until game day. BEST BET: None.
L.A. Angels at L.A. Dodgers (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Angels spanked the Dodgers in a three game sweep at Anaheim back in May (+$305), and they?ve remained sizzling hot ever since (7-3, +$190 last 10 days). Each of these clubs has outstanding pitching (Dodgers 3.60 ERA, Angels 3.76), but the Dodgers do their best work against lefthanders, and they probably won?t see one here today (-$435 with only 3.9 runs per game vs. righties so far). The Angels have gotten better and better on the road, and their numbers vs. righthanders are sensational (31-17, +$1160 with 5.2 runs per game). Look for the visitor to continue their winning ways against their LA rival. BEST BET: Angels when righty meets righty.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 18
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
We?ve backed away from the Brewers over the past several weeks after using them a lot in April. But they?ve got a solid record against lefthanders, particularly here at Miller Park (10-3, +$610), and they might be available at a decent price when the visiting Giants start one of their southpaws. PREFERRED: Brewers vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Atlanta (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
AS we noted earlier, the Red Sox are a tremendous value against the NL, and they did take 2 out of 3 from this team at Fenway Park last month. Boston is 17-6 (+$1290) on the road vs. righthanders, while the Braves are overall losers here at Turner Field (-$440). In addition, the Atlanta starting rotation has not looked very sharp in recent days (6.07 ERA last 11). PREFERRED: Red Sox in all games.
Detroit at Washington (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Nationals have posted a fat profit against lefthanders this year (+$820 overall, with 5.3 runs per game at night) and the Detroit southpaws have been struggling. Nate Robertson has landed on the DL, but Mike Maroth should be available, and despite leading his team to wins in 8 of his 11 starts, his ERA is far from impressive (5.29). PREFERRED: Nationals vs. Maroth.
Philadelphia at Cleveland (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
Impossible to go against the Indians here at Jacobs Field (21-7, +$1105 so far in 2007), but the Phillies are tough on righthanders (+$745 with 5.6 runs per game) so caution is advised. Jeremy Sowers has been sent down, C.C. Sabathia is not expected to start, and we?re not interested in Cliff Lee (6.31 ERA). PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at N.Y. Mets (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Twins don?t inspire much confidence, so even though the Mets have had problems here at Shea Stadium we?re not interested. NY has solid run production vs. lefthanders (5.4 per game) and they might be available at a decent price when hard luck ace Johan Santana (-$835) is on the hill. PREFERRED: Mets vs. J. Santana.
Florida at Chicago W. Sox (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The White Sox can?t score runs and they?ve been a losing proposition here at U.S. Cellular this season
(-$505). The Marlins have been an excellent value on in road night games (14-9, +$900) and the first two contests in this series are scheduled to take place in the evening. PREFERRED: Marlins in night games.
Kansas City at St. Louis (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Royals are a very good proposition in road games against righthanders (+$590) and they?ll catch some decent underdog prices here at Busch Stadium. Gil Meche continues to put together quality starts (3.17 ERA in 14 tries) and the Cardinals are bad bet in home games (only 14-16, -$690 so far). PREFERRED: Meche.
Tampa Bay at Arizona (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The D?Backs are big moneymakers against righthanders this year (29-18, +$1025) but they?ve not fared well vs. lefties here at Chase Field (-$385 so far). The Devil Rays, on the other hand, have lost money vs. righties (-$300) but they are in the black vs. southpaws (+$350 with 5.1 runs per game). PREFERRED: Diamondbacks when righty meets righty/Devil Rays when lefty meets lefty.
Cincinnati at Oakland (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
If the Reds could win a ballgame once in a while (25-39, -$1630 in 2007) we?d be interested in them as underdogs in this series. Prices will be very high, and the Reds? all-righty rotation might fare well vs. an A?s team that has struggled vs. righties at home (-$460 with only 2.6 runs per game). But we?ll pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
Houston at L.A. Angels (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Astros have been a major disappointment this year (-$1345) and they?ll be hard pressed to make much headway against the red-hot Angels, who currently hold a 19-5 (+$1110) record vs. righthanders in this ballpark. None of the starters in the Houston rotation give us much cause for concern. PREFERRED: Angels vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 19
L.A. Dodgers at Toronto (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
These teams battled it out in LA last week, with Toronto taking 2 out of 3 (+$140). The Blue Jays have excellent numbers against lefthanders here at Rogers Centre (9-2, +$735) but they are awful in home games vs. righthanders (9-14, -$805). Similarly, the Dodgers are 8-2 (+$600) on the road against lefties, but only 9-14 (-$505) on the road against righties. We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. lefthanders.
Chicago Cubs at Texas (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Cubs have performed very well against righthanders away from the confines of Wrigley Field (13-10, +$410) and get a chance to close the gap in the NL Central by fattening up on the hapless Rangers, a team with a 5.47 team ERA, and money losses of -$1365 already this year. PREFERRED: Cubs vs. righthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Colorado (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Yankees are beginning to click on all cylinders (8-2, +$640 with 7.4 runs per game last 10 days) and it?s hard to bet against a team like this when they are on a roll. They?ll no doubt be favored throughout, but might be worth taking a shot when Andy Pettitte (3.18 ERA in 13 starts) takes his turn. The home town Rockies are only 6-11 (-$590) vs. lefthanders this season, averaging a measly 3.7 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Pettitte.
Baltimore at San Diego (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Orioles are in the red outside of Camden Yards (-$545) and they?ll have a tough time at Petco Park taking on the premier pitching staff in MLB (SD 3.00 ERA). The Padres are toughest against lefthanders in this ballpark (6-1, +$485) and the Baltimore southpaws are adequate at best. PREFERRED: Padres vs. lefthanders.
Pittsburgh at Seattle (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Mariners have emerged as bona fide playoff contenders (8-2, +$590 last 10 days) and that 12-3 (+$1205) record vs. lefthanders means they?ll be a solid proposition vs. a mediocre NL club with three southpaws in the starting rotation. We?ll lay the high prices in this one. PREFERRED: Mariners vs. lefthanders.
Jun 16 5:09pm 6 Team Parlay - Pending 50.00 to win 2938.88
1. Baseball - Detroit Tigers - moneyline (-111)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 6:05pm [pending]
A Miller -L must start and J Moyer -L must start for action
2. Baseball - Florida Marlins/Kansas City Royals - total Over 10? (-105)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 6:10pm [pending]
R Vanden Hurk -R must start and J De La Rosa - L must start for action
3. Baseball - Minnesota Twins - runline -1? (+155)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 6:10pm [pending]
D Bush -R must start and B Bonser -R must start for action
4. Baseball - Cincinnati Reds - runline -1? (+115)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 6:10pm [pending]
JM Wright -R must start and A Harang -R must start for action
5. Baseball - Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Colorado Rockies - total Over 10 (-115)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 7:05pm [pending]
A Sonnanstine -R must start and J Hirsh -R must start for action
6. Baseball - Oakland Athletics - moneyline (-175)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 7:05pm [pending]
T Wellermeyer -R must start and L Dinardo -L must start for action
1. Baseball - Detroit Tigers - moneyline (-111)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 6:05pm [pending]
A Miller -L must start and J Moyer -L must start for action
2. Baseball - Florida Marlins/Kansas City Royals - total Over 10? (-105)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 6:10pm [pending]
R Vanden Hurk -R must start and J De La Rosa - L must start for action
3. Baseball - Minnesota Twins - runline -1? (+155)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 6:10pm [pending]
D Bush -R must start and B Bonser -R must start for action
4. Baseball - Cincinnati Reds - runline -1? (+115)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 6:10pm [pending]
JM Wright -R must start and A Harang -R must start for action
5. Baseball - Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Colorado Rockies - total Over 10 (-115)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 7:05pm [pending]
A Sonnanstine -R must start and J Hirsh -R must start for action
6. Baseball - Oakland Athletics - moneyline (-175)
for the entire game held on Jun 16 at 7:05pm [pending]
T Wellermeyer -R must start and L Dinardo -L must start for action
