BASEBALL
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 13
Arizona at Chicago Cubs (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Diamondbacks are just under .500 as the 2nd half of the season gets underway, and they are very much alive in the NL West, where the Dodgers & Giants do appear vulnerable. They?ll need to fatten up on league weaklings like Chicago, and there?s no reason they can?t be successful this weekend at Wrigley. Arizona is already 3-0 in head to head play (+$300) and they have a quality lefthander in Wade Miley (+$380, 3.03 ERA) who matches up well with the Cubs. Chicago is a pitiful 8-18 vs. southpaws (-$900) and they remain the worst team in baseball. BEST BET: Miley.
Washington at Miami (4) 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th
The Nationals are coming off a tremendous first half and are poised to make their first ever playoff appearance if they can hold things together, With the best pitching staff in baseball (3.19 team ERA) there?s no reason to think they won?t. They?ve been very profitable on the road thus far (+$725) and they?ve been averaging 6.0 runs per game on offense over the past 10 days. Miami has been a disappointment in 2012, and there numbers in this ballpark have been terrible (-$745). If we take the visitor throughout and they manage a split we can?t get hurt. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Reds have used the same five righthanded starters in every game this year and they are looking very sharp (1.93 ERA in their last 11). St. Louis has had a big problem with righties (-$945) so this trip to Great American Ballpark could be problematic. The Cardinals have two profitable hurlers in Kyle Lohse (+$505) and Lance Lynn (+$545) whom we intend to avoid. But the rest of the staff has been underperforming, so we?ll stick with the home team when they go. BEST BET: Reds unless opposed by Lohse & Lynn.
N.Y. Mets at Atlanta (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Mets have been a big surprise in 2012, getting great work from a pitching staff that was lightly regarded at the start of the season. They?ve dominated righthanded starters so far (+$1760) and they?ll probably get a steady diet of them at Turner Field this weekend. The Braves are neck & neck with New York in the standings, but they?ve lost money at home, including a pitiful 4-11 record against lefthanders (-$970). Johan Santana has bounced back nicely in 17 starts this year (3.24 ERA) and Jonathan Niese has been effective as well (3.65 ERA in 17 appearances). The Mets are 4-2 (+$275) in head to head play vs. the Braves. BEST BET: J.Santana/Niese.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Pirates are one of the big surprise teams in 2012, and now that they?ve begun to hit (7.1 runs per game in their last 11) they?ve catapulted themselves to the top slot in the NL Central. The pitching has been fantastic (3.49 team ERA, 4th best in the league) and they?ve turned a nice profit outside of PNC Park (+$420). The Brewers are not a good team (4.26 team ERA, .244 BA, near the bottom of the NL in both departments) and they are unlikely to contend in the second half. They?ll be fortunate to salvage a single win at Miller Park this weekend. BEST BET: Pirates in all games.
Philadelphia at Colorado (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
With their stellar starting staff the Phillies had every reason to expect another big year. But instead, their season has been an utter disaster (-$2605 overall) and they will be hard pressed to avoid the NL East basement. Their team ERA ranks as fifth worst in the league (4.24) and they?ve averaged a mere 3.1 runs per game during their current losing cycle (1-9, -$870). But the Rockies? woes are just as significant. Their pitching is the worst in MLB by far (5.28 ERA) and they?ve lost a bundle here at Coors Field (-$1025). We?ll stay away from this series for now. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Dodgers have been treading water for several weeks, as injuries have caused them to surrender their fat lead in the NL West. However, they still have a winning record at home (27-16, +$755) and they?ve had no difficulty beating up on the Padres in their earlier meetings (7-2, +$535). San Diego has the league?s most anemic offense (.234 team BA) and they are only 8-20 vs. lefthanders this year (-$1160 with 3.3 runs per game). Chris Capuano (2.62 ERA) and Clay Kershaw (2.91) are having fine seasons in 2012, and look to be worth the high asking price. BEST BET: Capuano/Kershaw.
Houston at San Francisco (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Astros were able to post a respectable record in the first two months of the season, but they?ve fallen on hard times (1-10, -$875 in their last 11, averaging just 2.5 runs per game) and unlikely to enjoy much success at Pac Bell. They enter the 2nd half with a pathetic 9-32 record outside of Minute Maid Park (-$1830) and their pitching is next to last in the NL (4.47 ERA). The Giants look like a formidable contender for a division title (.262 BA. 3.54 team ERA). They?ve performed well at home (+$670) and should shut down anemic Houston without difficulty. BEST BET: Giants in all games.
L.A. Angels at N.Y. Yankees (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
Good matchup between two quality teams that have split the first six meetings this year. Both are getting excellent pitching (LA 3.68 ERA, NY 3.75) and the Angels have improved significantly on offense (5.2 runs per game in the past 10 days). The Yankees score the most runs when they square off against lefties (5.6 per game), so take a shot when CJ Wilson takes a turn. Prices will tend to be high on the home team, so we?ll look closely at individual matchups on game day where we might try our luck with the visiting underdog. BEST BET: Yankees vs. C. Wilson.
Cleveland at Toronto (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Blue Jays are hovering around .500 and that?s surprising considering their pitching woes (4.41 ERA, 3rd worst in the American League). They?ve employed 10 different starters already as they try to cobble together a functioning rotation. They?ve lost money at Rogers Centre (-$135) and they?ve got a big trip to Yankee Stadium on tap. The Indians are in the thick of the AL Central race, with a solid record vs. righthanders this year (+$1090). None of Toronto?s righty starters gives us much cause for concern, so while Cleveland?s pitching has only been so-so, we like their chances vs. the beleaguered Toronto mound corps. BEST BET: Indians vs. righthanders.
Detroit at Baltimore (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Tigers have been a tremendous disappointment in the 1st half of the season (-$1315 so far), but they are only four games off the pace in the AL Central with plenty of time to make up ground. The long suffering Orioles are having a terrific year (+$1265 overall), but with the Yankees surging ahead in the AL East they?ll be fighting for a wildcard slot following the All-Star break. Baltimore is 13-9 against lefthanders this year (+$720), averaging 4.5 runs per game so far). None of the southpaws in the Detroit rotation has excelled up to this point, so we?ll look for the home team to prevail when the Tigers send one to the mound. BEST BET: Orioles vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Tampa Bay (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
Both these teams are losing ground in the AL East, but with two wildcard slots available they?re still both very much alive in the post-season picture. The Red Sox have turned a nice profit vs. lefthanders this year (+$705 with 5.4 runs per game), but they?ve dropped a bundle vs. righties (-$1730). Tampa Bay has been just the opposite; tough on righties (+$620) but ineffective against southpaws (only 11-17, -$695). Hard to say how these rotations will be set up after the break but, we?ll play these accordingly in any event. BEST BET: Red Sox when lefty meets lefty/Rays when righty meets righty.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The White Sox have been on a tear as the season crosses the midway point (7-3, +$495 last 10 days, averaging 6.1 runs per game) and they?ve been a huge money-maker on the road when taking on righthanders (+$1225). They have a modest lead in the AL Central, and this trip to Kaufman Stadium affords them an opportunity to at least maintain their position. The Royals have been OK on the road, but for some reason they?ve been unsuccessful in this ballpark (only 14-23, -$1025). If the Sox keep hitting they should overwhelm the lackluster KC pitching staff. BEST BET: White Sox vs. righthanders.
Oakland at Minnesota (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Athletics have been flying underneath the radar, but they are having a decent season, and they?ve been a nice money-maker in the 1st half. They?ve turned a tidy profit vs. righthanders (+$1255) and they?ve made money on the road as well (+$385). They dropped three games to Minnesota in their first meeting (-$315), but the Twins are not a good team (4.93 ERA, worst in the AL) and they?ve dropped a bundle here at Target Field (-$630), so we expect a turnaround in this series. Jarrod Parker has been a fine addition to the Oakland rotation (2.86 ERA in 14 starts) and we?ll get on board if we have the chance this weekend. BEST BET: Parker.
Texas at Seattle (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Mariners have a 5-5 record vs. the Rangers in 2012, and that?s translated into a tidy profit (+$330). Texas?s offense is still the best in the business (.280 BA, 5.1 runs per game) but they?ve had a number of injuries to the pitching staff (4.76 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) and they?ve been losing ground in the process. We?d like to try our luck with the home team, but Seattle has been dreadful here at Safeco Field (-$1095) so caution is advised. We?ll stay away from this one for now. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 16
Arizona at Cincinnati (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Diamondbacks are only four games of the pace in the NL West after taking 3 of 4 from LA just before the break. But the Reds are a stronger club at the moment, and they?ve excelled in day games (10-4, +$525 here at Great American Ballpark). We?ll take the home team in Thursday?s series finale. PREFERRED: Reds in day games.
St. Louis at Milwaukee (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Brewers have been a losing proposition here at Miller Park in 2012 (-$475) and they?ve already lost 4 of 6 to the Cards in head to head play (-$235). But St. Louis has had a very tough time taking on righthanders (-$945 overall) and it?s likely that?s what they?ll mostly see in this series. But if they get a shot at at lefty (+$350 in that situation) we?ll be interested. PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. lefthanders.
Pittsburgh at Colorado (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Pirates have tremendous momentum coming into the 2nd half of the season (+$1940 overall) and they should dispatch the inept Rockies here at Coors Field. Colorado is 18-25 in home games so far (-$1025). PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Houston at San Diego (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
If ever there was a good time to take Houston as a road team this might be it. San Diego is arguably the worst team in the league this year (-$885 at Petco Park), but how do you back a team that is 9-32 (-$1830) as a visitor. PREFERRED: None.
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Dodgers are far from dead, but if they hope to survive challenges from San Francisco and Arizona in the NL West they?ll need to continue to dominate teams like the last place Phillies (Dodgers 4-0, +$550 vs. the Phillies already). If the price is low enough we?ll stick with LA. PREFERRED: Dodgers at -135 or less.
L.A. Angels at Detroit (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
Jered Weaver is looking more and more like a Cy Young winner these days, leading the Angels to wins in 12 of his first 15 starts (+$775, 1.96 ERA). The Tigers have lost money at Comerica this year (-$985) and will be hard pressed to top the visitor?s ace righthander. PREFERRED: Jr. Weaver.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
First New York visit for the Blue Jays comes at a time when Toronto is struggling to cobble together a rotation (5.92 ERA among starters in the last 10 days). The Yankees have superior pitching and should get the best of a team that has lost money on the road (-$580 as visitors so far). PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Boston (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Red Sox have a winning record vs. lefthanders (18--9, +$705) but they?ve dropped a fortune s. righties (-$1730 overall). The White Sox are just the opposite (+$1135 vs. righties, -$395 vs. lefties). We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: White Sox when righty meets righty/Red Sox when lefty meets lefty.
Cleveland at Tampa Bay (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Rays have turned a modest profit vs. righthanders (+$620) and Cleveland?s rotation contains no lefties. But the Tribe still looks tempting. They?ve been strong in night games all year (+$940) and they?ll no doubt be catching nice underdog prices throughout the week. PREFERRED: Indians in night games.
Baltimore at Minnesota (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Orioles swept a three game set from the Twins earlier this year (+$310) and they?ve been very productive on the road thus far (+$1115). Minnesota has a terrible record at Target Field (-$630) and their pitching remains the worst in the league (4.93). If the O?s can split we won?t get hurt. PREFERRED: Orioles in all games.
Seattle at Kansas City (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Royals have a terrible record here at Kaufman Stadium (only 14-23, -$1025) and the Mariners may be able to capitalize. Seattle has fared well vs. righties in night games on the road (+$750 with 5.0 runs per game), and no one on the KC staff gives us much cause for concern. PREFERRED: Mariners in night games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 17
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Nationals hold a 4-2 edge in head to head play (+$195) but the Mets have been too strong vs. righthanders (+$1760), so caution is advised. If Gio Gonzalez (2.92) or Ross Detwiler (3.86) take a turn we?ll be interested (Mets -$745 vs. lefties), otherwise we?ll stay away. PREFERRED: G. Gonzalez/Detwiler.
San Francisco at Atlanta (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Braves are only 4-11 against lefthanders at Turner Field (-$970) have a quality duo in Bradley Bumgarner (+$470, 3.27) and Barry Zito (+$235, 4.01), at least one of whom is likely to see action in this series. PREFERRED: Bumgarner/Zito.
Miami at Chicago Cubs (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
Mark Buehrle has been Miami?s best pitcher in 2012 (3.25 ERA in his 17 starts) and he matches up well with the Cubs, who are only 8-18 (-$900) vs. lefthanders this year, averaging a sorrowful 3.5 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Buehrle.
Texas at Oakland (2) 17th, 18th
The A?s and Rangers split 10 days before the All-Star Break, resulting in a tidy profit for Oakland (+$270). They?ve been pitching well (2.57 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) and they?ve turned a profit at home (+$520). No reason they can?t earn at least a split in this two game set. PREFERRED: Athletics in both games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 13
Arizona at Chicago Cubs (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Diamondbacks are just under .500 as the 2nd half of the season gets underway, and they are very much alive in the NL West, where the Dodgers & Giants do appear vulnerable. They?ll need to fatten up on league weaklings like Chicago, and there?s no reason they can?t be successful this weekend at Wrigley. Arizona is already 3-0 in head to head play (+$300) and they have a quality lefthander in Wade Miley (+$380, 3.03 ERA) who matches up well with the Cubs. Chicago is a pitiful 8-18 vs. southpaws (-$900) and they remain the worst team in baseball. BEST BET: Miley.
Washington at Miami (4) 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th
The Nationals are coming off a tremendous first half and are poised to make their first ever playoff appearance if they can hold things together, With the best pitching staff in baseball (3.19 team ERA) there?s no reason to think they won?t. They?ve been very profitable on the road thus far (+$725) and they?ve been averaging 6.0 runs per game on offense over the past 10 days. Miami has been a disappointment in 2012, and there numbers in this ballpark have been terrible (-$745). If we take the visitor throughout and they manage a split we can?t get hurt. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Reds have used the same five righthanded starters in every game this year and they are looking very sharp (1.93 ERA in their last 11). St. Louis has had a big problem with righties (-$945) so this trip to Great American Ballpark could be problematic. The Cardinals have two profitable hurlers in Kyle Lohse (+$505) and Lance Lynn (+$545) whom we intend to avoid. But the rest of the staff has been underperforming, so we?ll stick with the home team when they go. BEST BET: Reds unless opposed by Lohse & Lynn.
N.Y. Mets at Atlanta (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Mets have been a big surprise in 2012, getting great work from a pitching staff that was lightly regarded at the start of the season. They?ve dominated righthanded starters so far (+$1760) and they?ll probably get a steady diet of them at Turner Field this weekend. The Braves are neck & neck with New York in the standings, but they?ve lost money at home, including a pitiful 4-11 record against lefthanders (-$970). Johan Santana has bounced back nicely in 17 starts this year (3.24 ERA) and Jonathan Niese has been effective as well (3.65 ERA in 17 appearances). The Mets are 4-2 (+$275) in head to head play vs. the Braves. BEST BET: J.Santana/Niese.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Pirates are one of the big surprise teams in 2012, and now that they?ve begun to hit (7.1 runs per game in their last 11) they?ve catapulted themselves to the top slot in the NL Central. The pitching has been fantastic (3.49 team ERA, 4th best in the league) and they?ve turned a nice profit outside of PNC Park (+$420). The Brewers are not a good team (4.26 team ERA, .244 BA, near the bottom of the NL in both departments) and they are unlikely to contend in the second half. They?ll be fortunate to salvage a single win at Miller Park this weekend. BEST BET: Pirates in all games.
Philadelphia at Colorado (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
With their stellar starting staff the Phillies had every reason to expect another big year. But instead, their season has been an utter disaster (-$2605 overall) and they will be hard pressed to avoid the NL East basement. Their team ERA ranks as fifth worst in the league (4.24) and they?ve averaged a mere 3.1 runs per game during their current losing cycle (1-9, -$870). But the Rockies? woes are just as significant. Their pitching is the worst in MLB by far (5.28 ERA) and they?ve lost a bundle here at Coors Field (-$1025). We?ll stay away from this series for now. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Dodgers have been treading water for several weeks, as injuries have caused them to surrender their fat lead in the NL West. However, they still have a winning record at home (27-16, +$755) and they?ve had no difficulty beating up on the Padres in their earlier meetings (7-2, +$535). San Diego has the league?s most anemic offense (.234 team BA) and they are only 8-20 vs. lefthanders this year (-$1160 with 3.3 runs per game). Chris Capuano (2.62 ERA) and Clay Kershaw (2.91) are having fine seasons in 2012, and look to be worth the high asking price. BEST BET: Capuano/Kershaw.
Houston at San Francisco (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Astros were able to post a respectable record in the first two months of the season, but they?ve fallen on hard times (1-10, -$875 in their last 11, averaging just 2.5 runs per game) and unlikely to enjoy much success at Pac Bell. They enter the 2nd half with a pathetic 9-32 record outside of Minute Maid Park (-$1830) and their pitching is next to last in the NL (4.47 ERA). The Giants look like a formidable contender for a division title (.262 BA. 3.54 team ERA). They?ve performed well at home (+$670) and should shut down anemic Houston without difficulty. BEST BET: Giants in all games.
L.A. Angels at N.Y. Yankees (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
Good matchup between two quality teams that have split the first six meetings this year. Both are getting excellent pitching (LA 3.68 ERA, NY 3.75) and the Angels have improved significantly on offense (5.2 runs per game in the past 10 days). The Yankees score the most runs when they square off against lefties (5.6 per game), so take a shot when CJ Wilson takes a turn. Prices will tend to be high on the home team, so we?ll look closely at individual matchups on game day where we might try our luck with the visiting underdog. BEST BET: Yankees vs. C. Wilson.
Cleveland at Toronto (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Blue Jays are hovering around .500 and that?s surprising considering their pitching woes (4.41 ERA, 3rd worst in the American League). They?ve employed 10 different starters already as they try to cobble together a functioning rotation. They?ve lost money at Rogers Centre (-$135) and they?ve got a big trip to Yankee Stadium on tap. The Indians are in the thick of the AL Central race, with a solid record vs. righthanders this year (+$1090). None of Toronto?s righty starters gives us much cause for concern, so while Cleveland?s pitching has only been so-so, we like their chances vs. the beleaguered Toronto mound corps. BEST BET: Indians vs. righthanders.
Detroit at Baltimore (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Tigers have been a tremendous disappointment in the 1st half of the season (-$1315 so far), but they are only four games off the pace in the AL Central with plenty of time to make up ground. The long suffering Orioles are having a terrific year (+$1265 overall), but with the Yankees surging ahead in the AL East they?ll be fighting for a wildcard slot following the All-Star break. Baltimore is 13-9 against lefthanders this year (+$720), averaging 4.5 runs per game so far). None of the southpaws in the Detroit rotation has excelled up to this point, so we?ll look for the home team to prevail when the Tigers send one to the mound. BEST BET: Orioles vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Tampa Bay (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
Both these teams are losing ground in the AL East, but with two wildcard slots available they?re still both very much alive in the post-season picture. The Red Sox have turned a nice profit vs. lefthanders this year (+$705 with 5.4 runs per game), but they?ve dropped a bundle vs. righties (-$1730). Tampa Bay has been just the opposite; tough on righties (+$620) but ineffective against southpaws (only 11-17, -$695). Hard to say how these rotations will be set up after the break but, we?ll play these accordingly in any event. BEST BET: Red Sox when lefty meets lefty/Rays when righty meets righty.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The White Sox have been on a tear as the season crosses the midway point (7-3, +$495 last 10 days, averaging 6.1 runs per game) and they?ve been a huge money-maker on the road when taking on righthanders (+$1225). They have a modest lead in the AL Central, and this trip to Kaufman Stadium affords them an opportunity to at least maintain their position. The Royals have been OK on the road, but for some reason they?ve been unsuccessful in this ballpark (only 14-23, -$1025). If the Sox keep hitting they should overwhelm the lackluster KC pitching staff. BEST BET: White Sox vs. righthanders.
Oakland at Minnesota (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Athletics have been flying underneath the radar, but they are having a decent season, and they?ve been a nice money-maker in the 1st half. They?ve turned a tidy profit vs. righthanders (+$1255) and they?ve made money on the road as well (+$385). They dropped three games to Minnesota in their first meeting (-$315), but the Twins are not a good team (4.93 ERA, worst in the AL) and they?ve dropped a bundle here at Target Field (-$630), so we expect a turnaround in this series. Jarrod Parker has been a fine addition to the Oakland rotation (2.86 ERA in 14 starts) and we?ll get on board if we have the chance this weekend. BEST BET: Parker.
Texas at Seattle (3) 13th, 14th, 15th
The Mariners have a 5-5 record vs. the Rangers in 2012, and that?s translated into a tidy profit (+$330). Texas?s offense is still the best in the business (.280 BA, 5.1 runs per game) but they?ve had a number of injuries to the pitching staff (4.76 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) and they?ve been losing ground in the process. We?d like to try our luck with the home team, but Seattle has been dreadful here at Safeco Field (-$1095) so caution is advised. We?ll stay away from this one for now. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 16
Arizona at Cincinnati (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Diamondbacks are only four games of the pace in the NL West after taking 3 of 4 from LA just before the break. But the Reds are a stronger club at the moment, and they?ve excelled in day games (10-4, +$525 here at Great American Ballpark). We?ll take the home team in Thursday?s series finale. PREFERRED: Reds in day games.
St. Louis at Milwaukee (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Brewers have been a losing proposition here at Miller Park in 2012 (-$475) and they?ve already lost 4 of 6 to the Cards in head to head play (-$235). But St. Louis has had a very tough time taking on righthanders (-$945 overall) and it?s likely that?s what they?ll mostly see in this series. But if they get a shot at at lefty (+$350 in that situation) we?ll be interested. PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. lefthanders.
Pittsburgh at Colorado (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Pirates have tremendous momentum coming into the 2nd half of the season (+$1940 overall) and they should dispatch the inept Rockies here at Coors Field. Colorado is 18-25 in home games so far (-$1025). PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Houston at San Diego (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
If ever there was a good time to take Houston as a road team this might be it. San Diego is arguably the worst team in the league this year (-$885 at Petco Park), but how do you back a team that is 9-32 (-$1830) as a visitor. PREFERRED: None.
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Dodgers are far from dead, but if they hope to survive challenges from San Francisco and Arizona in the NL West they?ll need to continue to dominate teams like the last place Phillies (Dodgers 4-0, +$550 vs. the Phillies already). If the price is low enough we?ll stick with LA. PREFERRED: Dodgers at -135 or less.
L.A. Angels at Detroit (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
Jered Weaver is looking more and more like a Cy Young winner these days, leading the Angels to wins in 12 of his first 15 starts (+$775, 1.96 ERA). The Tigers have lost money at Comerica this year (-$985) and will be hard pressed to top the visitor?s ace righthander. PREFERRED: Jr. Weaver.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
First New York visit for the Blue Jays comes at a time when Toronto is struggling to cobble together a rotation (5.92 ERA among starters in the last 10 days). The Yankees have superior pitching and should get the best of a team that has lost money on the road (-$580 as visitors so far). PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Boston (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Red Sox have a winning record vs. lefthanders (18--9, +$705) but they?ve dropped a fortune s. righties (-$1730 overall). The White Sox are just the opposite (+$1135 vs. righties, -$395 vs. lefties). We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: White Sox when righty meets righty/Red Sox when lefty meets lefty.
Cleveland at Tampa Bay (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Rays have turned a modest profit vs. righthanders (+$620) and Cleveland?s rotation contains no lefties. But the Tribe still looks tempting. They?ve been strong in night games all year (+$940) and they?ll no doubt be catching nice underdog prices throughout the week. PREFERRED: Indians in night games.
Baltimore at Minnesota (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Orioles swept a three game set from the Twins earlier this year (+$310) and they?ve been very productive on the road thus far (+$1115). Minnesota has a terrible record at Target Field (-$630) and their pitching remains the worst in the league (4.93). If the O?s can split we won?t get hurt. PREFERRED: Orioles in all games.
Seattle at Kansas City (4) 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th
The Royals have a terrible record here at Kaufman Stadium (only 14-23, -$1025) and the Mariners may be able to capitalize. Seattle has fared well vs. righties in night games on the road (+$750 with 5.0 runs per game), and no one on the KC staff gives us much cause for concern. PREFERRED: Mariners in night games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 17
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Nationals hold a 4-2 edge in head to head play (+$195) but the Mets have been too strong vs. righthanders (+$1760), so caution is advised. If Gio Gonzalez (2.92) or Ross Detwiler (3.86) take a turn we?ll be interested (Mets -$745 vs. lefties), otherwise we?ll stay away. PREFERRED: G. Gonzalez/Detwiler.
San Francisco at Atlanta (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
The Braves are only 4-11 against lefthanders at Turner Field (-$970) have a quality duo in Bradley Bumgarner (+$470, 3.27) and Barry Zito (+$235, 4.01), at least one of whom is likely to see action in this series. PREFERRED: Bumgarner/Zito.
Miami at Chicago Cubs (3) 17th, 18th, 19th
Mark Buehrle has been Miami?s best pitcher in 2012 (3.25 ERA in his 17 starts) and he matches up well with the Cubs, who are only 8-18 (-$900) vs. lefthanders this year, averaging a sorrowful 3.5 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Buehrle.
Texas at Oakland (2) 17th, 18th
The A?s and Rangers split 10 days before the All-Star Break, resulting in a tidy profit for Oakland (+$270). They?ve been pitching well (2.57 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) and they?ve turned a profit at home (+$520). No reason they can?t earn at least a split in this two game set. PREFERRED: Athletics in both games.
