BEGINNING THURSDAY JUNE 28
Colorado at Houston (4) 28th, 29th, 30th, 1st
The Rockies have had a sensational month of June (7-3, +$780 last 10 days) and are nicely poised to turn the NL West into a hotly contested four way race, if they can take advantage of the league?s weak sisters. They?ve got four starters performing at a high level (Cook, Francis, Fogg and R. Lopez), and all of them are likely to see action in this series. The Astros have been utterly hopeless in 2007 (-$1625 overall), and their struggling pitching staff (5.37 ERA among starters last 10 days), will he hard pressed to stop a Colorado team that is +$1380 against righthanders. BEST BET: Rockies vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 29
Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Brewers started out with a strong April, faded in May, but have bounced back with a solid month of June (9-1, +$865 last 10 days) and are once again firmly in command of the NL Central. The Cubs are trying to climb into the division race, but their solid stats (3.86 team ERA, .267 team BA, near the top of the NL In both departments) aren?t translating into very many victories. They tend to be overpriced at Wrigley (-$1465 so far) and with a trio of lefties in their rotation they are tailor made a Milwaukee team that is 16-8 (+$795) vs. southpaws in ?07. BEST BET: Brewers vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Mets desperately needed a winning weekend against the A?s at Shea last weekend to hold onto first place in the NL East, and this series against division rival Philadelphia could prove pivotal. They have a winning mark on the road this year (+$580), but it?s hard to use their righthanders here at Citizen?s Bank (Phillies +$745 vs. righties in 2007). The Phillies are only 10-18 vs. lefties (-$850), but Tom Glavine won?t see action, so that leaves us with Oliver Perez (3.16 ERA in 14 starts), who is slated to start. BEST BET: Ol. Perez.
Atlanta at Florida (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Marlins have taken 6 of the first 9 head to head contests with Atlanta (+$580) but their pitching is a far cry from what it was last year, so it?s hard to see them becoming a factor in the NL East. The much anticipated return of Josh Johnson last week was a bust (14.68 ERA in two tries) and other than Sergio Mitre (2.84 ERA) all of their starters have struggled. But the Braves are in bad slump (3-7, -$305 with only 2.5 runs per game last 10 days), so they don?t make an attractive choice at the moment. BEST BET: None.
Washington at Pittsburgh (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Nationals lose a lot more games than they win, but they are always underdogs and have won often enough to keep their backers very happy (+$955 so far in 2007). The Pirates are a disaster here at PNC Park (-$875 so far), but will be favored throughout this series, even though they have the same overall won/lost record as the visitor. It?s hard to single out any one member of the banged up Washington pitching staff, so we?ll wait to see a price that looks good and then jump in. BEST BET: Nationals at +130 or better.
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Cardinals can?t pitch (5.01 team ERA, worst in the NL), but they are starting to swing the bats a bit better (6.6 run per game last 10 days) and they?ve taken 4 out of 6 from this team already (+$115). The Reds held out a great deal of promise when the season got underway, but the wheels have come off (-$1895 overall) and they check in with the worst record in the league. We?ve avoided St. Louis up to this point, but this series may prove to be an exception. However, we refuse to use them as favorites no matter what the pitching matchup. BEST BET: Cardinals as underdogs.
Arizona at San Francisco (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
When you look at the Giants? pitching statistics, it?s difficult to understand why the have collapsed so badly (4.01 team ERA, 6th best in the NL). They?ve an offense that is comparable to Arizona?s, yet they find themselves 11 games back in the competitive NL West. The Diamondbacks have been very effective as a visitor, particularly in night games (14-8, +$755). They?ll probably be available at a reasonable prices here at ATT Park, and they need to keep pace with their top division rivals. BEST BET: Diamondbacks in night games.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
Things have stayed close in the NL West, but in the end our money is with the Padres and that remarkable pitching staff (3.01 ERA, by far the best in the majors). The problem is that LA has been dominant in night games here at Chavez Ravine (19-8, +$845) and it?s doubtful we?ll get an attractive price on the visitor in that situation. On the other hand, the Dodgers are only 2-8 (-$620) vs. righties in home day games, so we?ll and it looks like David Wells, SD?s only southpaw, won?t see action against the Dodgers this weekend. BEST BET: Dodgers in night games/Padres in day games.
L.A. Angels at Baltimore (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Angels are playing remarkably well (.292 team BA, 2nd best in the AL, 3.85 team ERA, 3rd best), but they are a bit banged up right now, and are generally far less imposing as a visitor. But they did take 3 out of 4 from the Orioles in an earlier meeting, and Baltimore has been a disaster here at Camden Yards this season (-$800 so far). Jeremy Guthrie has been sensational (1.64 ERA in 10 starts), so stay away when he is on the mound. But none of the other starters in the Baltimore rotation give us much concern, and the talent disparity is enormous. BEST BET: Angels unless opposed by Guthrie.
Minnesota at Detroit (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
Perhaps it?s too early to write off the Twins this year because they?ve gotten some decent work from their mound corps (4.20 team ERA, 4th best in the AL), but we?ll be shocked if the Tigers don?t win the AL Central. They?ve got an offense averaging 6.1 runs per game (.293 team BA, tops in the league) and they check in here with a stellar 15-6 (+$945) record vs. lefthanders. They?ll catch a nice underdog prices vs. Johan Santana, who has lost a bundle in ?07 (-$635) despite a 2.91 ERA. BEST BET: Tigers vs. J. Santana.
Oakland at N.Y. Yankees (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The A?s wrap up a brutal road trip that included series vs. Cleveland and the Mets with a trip to the Bronx this weekend. Their staff ERA is still solid (3.36), but has been climbing in recent days, so caution is advised. The good news is they?ll be sending their two top arms, Danny Haren (+$705, 1.78 ERA) and Chad Gaudin (+$670 to the hill this weekend. The Yanks are still hovering around .500 and their ?07 money losses are staggering (-$1875). BEST BET: Haren/Gaudin.
Tampa Bay at Cleveland (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Indians have a real find in Fausto Carmona (3.21 ERA) and we expect to see him take a turn in this series. But the Devil Rays have a decent offense, they?ve been profitable vs. lefthanders (+$350, 5.2 runs per game), and all the Tribe lefties other than C.C. Sabathia have been ineffective. We?ll stick with the Cleveland ace but look to score with the visiting dog when the right situation arises. BEST BET: Carmona/Devil Rays vs. all lefthanders except Sabathia.
Texas at Boston (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Rangers are challenging the Royals for the title of worst team in the AL, and with a 12-25
(-$840) record on the road it?s hard to see how we use them at Fenway vs. the sizzling Red Sox. But Boston has lost money vs. righties in home night games, so we?re not about to lay a fat price in that situation. But considering the fact that they are 19-4 in day games this year (+$1495) we?ll use them in Sunday?s afternoon contest. BEST BET: Red Sox in day games.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The White Sox are in free fall (-$1210 overall) and if they aren?t careful they could wind up looking up at the lowly Royals in the standings. KC doesn?t have many assets, but they are hitting well right now (5.8 runs per game last 10) and they have a pair of capable hurlers in Gil Meche (3.21 ERA in 16 starts) and Brian Bannister (3.78 ERA in 11 starts). Both are expected to see action this weekend and should be able to throttle the anemic Chicago attack (.234 team BA, lowest in MLB). BEST BET: Meche/Bannister.
Toronto at Seattle (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Blue Jays are back at .500 and playing well in recent days (6-3, +$250 last 10), and considering how well the Mariners have played against southpaws (15-6, +$1070) it?s a good thing their rotation is exclusively righthanded. Seattle is coming off a bad stretch (only 3-7, -$540 last 10) and they?ve lost money vs. righthanders (-$340). Toronto has a 14-8 (+$595 with 5.2 runs per game) record against lefthanders, and should catch a nice price when Jarrod Washburn makes his start. The Seattle lefty is coming off a good outing, but has been inconsistent. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. Washburn.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 2
Chicago Cubs at Washington (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Cubs swept the Nationals three straight in their only prior series this year (-$300), and their starting pitching is beginning to excel (3.86 team ERA). They?ve made money on the road vs. righthanders this season (+$355) and none of the starters in the Washington rotation give us much cause for concern. An important series for Chicago if they hope to climb back into the NL Central pennant chase. PREFERRED: Cubs vs righthanders.
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Brewers have dominated the Pirates in head to head play this year (5-1, +$360) and they are playing sensational baseball at the moment. They?ve done their best work against lefthanders so far (14-8, +$795 with 5.0 runs per game) and the Pittsburgh rotation is loaded with southpaws. PREFERRED: Brewers vs. lefthanders.
Philadelphia at Houston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Phillies took 2 out of 3 the last time these teams met, and they?ve made up considerable ground in the NL East over the past month while the Mets and Braves have struggled. But their pitching is highly suspect, so caution is advised. We have no interest in Houston whatsoever (-$1625 so far in 2007). PREFERRED: None.
Arizona at St. Louis (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Four night games scheduled here at Busch Stadium provides an ideal setting for the D?backs, who have excelled in that situation (14-8, +$755 on the road in the evening). The Cardinals are a bad baseball team (5.01 team ERA, worst in the league) and their numbers in this ballpark are dreadful (-$665). We?ll stick with the competitive visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Colorado (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mets are 13-4 (+$1025) record vs. righties in night games and it looks like they won?t have to square off against ace lefty Jeff Francis. Tom Glavine is coming off a solid performance, and considering that the Mets have won 5 of his 6 starts in road night games (+$440, 2.43 ERA) he looks like an excellent value vs. a Colorado team that is a dismal 7-12 (-$565) against lefthanders. PREFERRED: Glavine.
Florida at San Diego (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Marlins appear overmatched, but they?ve fared well on the road in night games (16-11, +$-910 with 5.7 runs per game), and they?ll no doubt be heavy underdogs. The Padres are in the red vs. righties at Petco Park (-$235, 3.8 runs per game) so play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Padres in night games.
Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Braves are coming into a very unfavorable setting, taking on a Dodger team that is 19-8 (+$845) in night games in this ballpark. All four games will take place in the evening, and the Braves have not been playing well (3-7, -$305 last 10 days, scoring only 3.5 runs per game with a 5.52 ERA). Brad Penny (3.14) and Derek Lowe (3.14) are a value at any price, and we like Randy Wolf, given Atlanta?s 14-19
(-$740) record vs. lefties. PREFERRED: Penny/Lowe/Wolf.
Minnesota at N.Y. Yankees (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Yankees are going to be wildly overpriced as usual, and it?s especially inappropriate given their barely .500 record. They?ve lost a bundle here in the Bronx (-$585) while the Twins have made money as a visitor (+$270). Minnesota is playing reasonably well (6-4,+$245 last 10 days) and they need to win to stay viable in the playoff chase. PREFERRED: Twins at +150 or better.
Baltimore at Chicago W. Sox (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Orioles got off to a promising start, but they?ve fallen on hard times (-$1135 overall) and have slipped below perennial cellar dweller Tampa Bay in the AL East. The White Sox are another team that is underachieving (-$1310) so there?s not much in this series that looks appealing right now. PREFERRED: None.
Seattle at Kansas City (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mariners have a chance to get back on track when they take on a Kansas City team they?ve already beaten in 5 of 6 head to head contests (+$385). They?ve done their best work against lefthanders this year (14-6, +$1070) and the Royals have lost money here at Kaufman Stadium (-$550). PREFERRED: Mariners vs. lefthanders.
Toronto at Oakland (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Athletics have lost money against righthanders this year (-$415) but it?s doubtful they?ll see one here, given the current composition of the Toronto rotation. The Blue Jays have also struggled vs. righthanders
(--$990) but they?ve cleaned up against southpaws (14-8, +$595) so if Oakland sends one to the mound in this series we?ll try our luck with the visitor. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 3
San Francisco at Cincinnati (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
We?ve been avoiding the Reds for the past couple of months and we intend to continue doing so. They?ve got the worst record in the NL right now, including a pathetic 14-23 mark here at Great American Ballpark
(-$1505). But the Giants aren?t much better (-$1140 overall) so we?ll steer clear for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Cleveland at Detroit (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Indians took 5 of the first 7 head to head meetings this year (+$265) but we believe the Tribe is fading, and look for the Tigers to ultimately dominate the AL Central. Detroit does its best work against lefthanded opposition (15-6, +$945) and they?ll undoubtedly get some opportunities against the southpaw heavy Cleveland rotation. PREFERRED: Tigers vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at Boston (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
It is hard to believe the first meeting of the year between these AL East clubs is coming at the beginning of July. The Red Sox have had trouble with this team over the years (-$500 in 2006) so caution is advised. Why not grab the price with Scott Kazmir (+$425) given Boston?s losing figure vs. lefthanders (-$305)? PREFERRED: Kazmir.
L.A. Angels at Texas (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Angels are 6-1 (+$485) vs. Texas this year, and the way they?ve been playing it?s hard to imagine things changing much. Statistically they are excelling (.293 team BA, 3.85 ERA), while the Rangers rank dear the bottom in both categories (.258, 5.32). They?ll be lucky to salvage a single victory. PREFERRED: Angels in all games.
Colorado at Houston (4) 28th, 29th, 30th, 1st
The Rockies have had a sensational month of June (7-3, +$780 last 10 days) and are nicely poised to turn the NL West into a hotly contested four way race, if they can take advantage of the league?s weak sisters. They?ve got four starters performing at a high level (Cook, Francis, Fogg and R. Lopez), and all of them are likely to see action in this series. The Astros have been utterly hopeless in 2007 (-$1625 overall), and their struggling pitching staff (5.37 ERA among starters last 10 days), will he hard pressed to stop a Colorado team that is +$1380 against righthanders. BEST BET: Rockies vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 29
Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Brewers started out with a strong April, faded in May, but have bounced back with a solid month of June (9-1, +$865 last 10 days) and are once again firmly in command of the NL Central. The Cubs are trying to climb into the division race, but their solid stats (3.86 team ERA, .267 team BA, near the top of the NL In both departments) aren?t translating into very many victories. They tend to be overpriced at Wrigley (-$1465 so far) and with a trio of lefties in their rotation they are tailor made a Milwaukee team that is 16-8 (+$795) vs. southpaws in ?07. BEST BET: Brewers vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Mets desperately needed a winning weekend against the A?s at Shea last weekend to hold onto first place in the NL East, and this series against division rival Philadelphia could prove pivotal. They have a winning mark on the road this year (+$580), but it?s hard to use their righthanders here at Citizen?s Bank (Phillies +$745 vs. righties in 2007). The Phillies are only 10-18 vs. lefties (-$850), but Tom Glavine won?t see action, so that leaves us with Oliver Perez (3.16 ERA in 14 starts), who is slated to start. BEST BET: Ol. Perez.
Atlanta at Florida (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Marlins have taken 6 of the first 9 head to head contests with Atlanta (+$580) but their pitching is a far cry from what it was last year, so it?s hard to see them becoming a factor in the NL East. The much anticipated return of Josh Johnson last week was a bust (14.68 ERA in two tries) and other than Sergio Mitre (2.84 ERA) all of their starters have struggled. But the Braves are in bad slump (3-7, -$305 with only 2.5 runs per game last 10 days), so they don?t make an attractive choice at the moment. BEST BET: None.
Washington at Pittsburgh (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Nationals lose a lot more games than they win, but they are always underdogs and have won often enough to keep their backers very happy (+$955 so far in 2007). The Pirates are a disaster here at PNC Park (-$875 so far), but will be favored throughout this series, even though they have the same overall won/lost record as the visitor. It?s hard to single out any one member of the banged up Washington pitching staff, so we?ll wait to see a price that looks good and then jump in. BEST BET: Nationals at +130 or better.
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Cardinals can?t pitch (5.01 team ERA, worst in the NL), but they are starting to swing the bats a bit better (6.6 run per game last 10 days) and they?ve taken 4 out of 6 from this team already (+$115). The Reds held out a great deal of promise when the season got underway, but the wheels have come off (-$1895 overall) and they check in with the worst record in the league. We?ve avoided St. Louis up to this point, but this series may prove to be an exception. However, we refuse to use them as favorites no matter what the pitching matchup. BEST BET: Cardinals as underdogs.
Arizona at San Francisco (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
When you look at the Giants? pitching statistics, it?s difficult to understand why the have collapsed so badly (4.01 team ERA, 6th best in the NL). They?ve an offense that is comparable to Arizona?s, yet they find themselves 11 games back in the competitive NL West. The Diamondbacks have been very effective as a visitor, particularly in night games (14-8, +$755). They?ll probably be available at a reasonable prices here at ATT Park, and they need to keep pace with their top division rivals. BEST BET: Diamondbacks in night games.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
Things have stayed close in the NL West, but in the end our money is with the Padres and that remarkable pitching staff (3.01 ERA, by far the best in the majors). The problem is that LA has been dominant in night games here at Chavez Ravine (19-8, +$845) and it?s doubtful we?ll get an attractive price on the visitor in that situation. On the other hand, the Dodgers are only 2-8 (-$620) vs. righties in home day games, so we?ll and it looks like David Wells, SD?s only southpaw, won?t see action against the Dodgers this weekend. BEST BET: Dodgers in night games/Padres in day games.
L.A. Angels at Baltimore (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Angels are playing remarkably well (.292 team BA, 2nd best in the AL, 3.85 team ERA, 3rd best), but they are a bit banged up right now, and are generally far less imposing as a visitor. But they did take 3 out of 4 from the Orioles in an earlier meeting, and Baltimore has been a disaster here at Camden Yards this season (-$800 so far). Jeremy Guthrie has been sensational (1.64 ERA in 10 starts), so stay away when he is on the mound. But none of the other starters in the Baltimore rotation give us much concern, and the talent disparity is enormous. BEST BET: Angels unless opposed by Guthrie.
Minnesota at Detroit (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
Perhaps it?s too early to write off the Twins this year because they?ve gotten some decent work from their mound corps (4.20 team ERA, 4th best in the AL), but we?ll be shocked if the Tigers don?t win the AL Central. They?ve got an offense averaging 6.1 runs per game (.293 team BA, tops in the league) and they check in here with a stellar 15-6 (+$945) record vs. lefthanders. They?ll catch a nice underdog prices vs. Johan Santana, who has lost a bundle in ?07 (-$635) despite a 2.91 ERA. BEST BET: Tigers vs. J. Santana.
Oakland at N.Y. Yankees (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The A?s wrap up a brutal road trip that included series vs. Cleveland and the Mets with a trip to the Bronx this weekend. Their staff ERA is still solid (3.36), but has been climbing in recent days, so caution is advised. The good news is they?ll be sending their two top arms, Danny Haren (+$705, 1.78 ERA) and Chad Gaudin (+$670 to the hill this weekend. The Yanks are still hovering around .500 and their ?07 money losses are staggering (-$1875). BEST BET: Haren/Gaudin.
Tampa Bay at Cleveland (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Indians have a real find in Fausto Carmona (3.21 ERA) and we expect to see him take a turn in this series. But the Devil Rays have a decent offense, they?ve been profitable vs. lefthanders (+$350, 5.2 runs per game), and all the Tribe lefties other than C.C. Sabathia have been ineffective. We?ll stick with the Cleveland ace but look to score with the visiting dog when the right situation arises. BEST BET: Carmona/Devil Rays vs. all lefthanders except Sabathia.
Texas at Boston (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Rangers are challenging the Royals for the title of worst team in the AL, and with a 12-25
(-$840) record on the road it?s hard to see how we use them at Fenway vs. the sizzling Red Sox. But Boston has lost money vs. righties in home night games, so we?re not about to lay a fat price in that situation. But considering the fact that they are 19-4 in day games this year (+$1495) we?ll use them in Sunday?s afternoon contest. BEST BET: Red Sox in day games.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The White Sox are in free fall (-$1210 overall) and if they aren?t careful they could wind up looking up at the lowly Royals in the standings. KC doesn?t have many assets, but they are hitting well right now (5.8 runs per game last 10) and they have a pair of capable hurlers in Gil Meche (3.21 ERA in 16 starts) and Brian Bannister (3.78 ERA in 11 starts). Both are expected to see action this weekend and should be able to throttle the anemic Chicago attack (.234 team BA, lowest in MLB). BEST BET: Meche/Bannister.
Toronto at Seattle (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Blue Jays are back at .500 and playing well in recent days (6-3, +$250 last 10), and considering how well the Mariners have played against southpaws (15-6, +$1070) it?s a good thing their rotation is exclusively righthanded. Seattle is coming off a bad stretch (only 3-7, -$540 last 10) and they?ve lost money vs. righthanders (-$340). Toronto has a 14-8 (+$595 with 5.2 runs per game) record against lefthanders, and should catch a nice price when Jarrod Washburn makes his start. The Seattle lefty is coming off a good outing, but has been inconsistent. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. Washburn.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 2
Chicago Cubs at Washington (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Cubs swept the Nationals three straight in their only prior series this year (-$300), and their starting pitching is beginning to excel (3.86 team ERA). They?ve made money on the road vs. righthanders this season (+$355) and none of the starters in the Washington rotation give us much cause for concern. An important series for Chicago if they hope to climb back into the NL Central pennant chase. PREFERRED: Cubs vs righthanders.
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Brewers have dominated the Pirates in head to head play this year (5-1, +$360) and they are playing sensational baseball at the moment. They?ve done their best work against lefthanders so far (14-8, +$795 with 5.0 runs per game) and the Pittsburgh rotation is loaded with southpaws. PREFERRED: Brewers vs. lefthanders.
Philadelphia at Houston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Phillies took 2 out of 3 the last time these teams met, and they?ve made up considerable ground in the NL East over the past month while the Mets and Braves have struggled. But their pitching is highly suspect, so caution is advised. We have no interest in Houston whatsoever (-$1625 so far in 2007). PREFERRED: None.
Arizona at St. Louis (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
Four night games scheduled here at Busch Stadium provides an ideal setting for the D?backs, who have excelled in that situation (14-8, +$755 on the road in the evening). The Cardinals are a bad baseball team (5.01 team ERA, worst in the league) and their numbers in this ballpark are dreadful (-$665). We?ll stick with the competitive visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Colorado (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mets are 13-4 (+$1025) record vs. righties in night games and it looks like they won?t have to square off against ace lefty Jeff Francis. Tom Glavine is coming off a solid performance, and considering that the Mets have won 5 of his 6 starts in road night games (+$440, 2.43 ERA) he looks like an excellent value vs. a Colorado team that is a dismal 7-12 (-$565) against lefthanders. PREFERRED: Glavine.
Florida at San Diego (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Marlins appear overmatched, but they?ve fared well on the road in night games (16-11, +$-910 with 5.7 runs per game), and they?ll no doubt be heavy underdogs. The Padres are in the red vs. righties at Petco Park (-$235, 3.8 runs per game) so play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Padres in night games.
Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Braves are coming into a very unfavorable setting, taking on a Dodger team that is 19-8 (+$845) in night games in this ballpark. All four games will take place in the evening, and the Braves have not been playing well (3-7, -$305 last 10 days, scoring only 3.5 runs per game with a 5.52 ERA). Brad Penny (3.14) and Derek Lowe (3.14) are a value at any price, and we like Randy Wolf, given Atlanta?s 14-19
(-$740) record vs. lefties. PREFERRED: Penny/Lowe/Wolf.
Minnesota at N.Y. Yankees (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Yankees are going to be wildly overpriced as usual, and it?s especially inappropriate given their barely .500 record. They?ve lost a bundle here in the Bronx (-$585) while the Twins have made money as a visitor (+$270). Minnesota is playing reasonably well (6-4,+$245 last 10 days) and they need to win to stay viable in the playoff chase. PREFERRED: Twins at +150 or better.
Baltimore at Chicago W. Sox (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Orioles got off to a promising start, but they?ve fallen on hard times (-$1135 overall) and have slipped below perennial cellar dweller Tampa Bay in the AL East. The White Sox are another team that is underachieving (-$1310) so there?s not much in this series that looks appealing right now. PREFERRED: None.
Seattle at Kansas City (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mariners have a chance to get back on track when they take on a Kansas City team they?ve already beaten in 5 of 6 head to head contests (+$385). They?ve done their best work against lefthanders this year (14-6, +$1070) and the Royals have lost money here at Kaufman Stadium (-$550). PREFERRED: Mariners vs. lefthanders.
Toronto at Oakland (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Athletics have lost money against righthanders this year (-$415) but it?s doubtful they?ll see one here, given the current composition of the Toronto rotation. The Blue Jays have also struggled vs. righthanders
(--$990) but they?ve cleaned up against southpaws (14-8, +$595) so if Oakland sends one to the mound in this series we?ll try our luck with the visitor. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 3
San Francisco at Cincinnati (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
We?ve been avoiding the Reds for the past couple of months and we intend to continue doing so. They?ve got the worst record in the NL right now, including a pathetic 14-23 mark here at Great American Ballpark
(-$1505). But the Giants aren?t much better (-$1140 overall) so we?ll steer clear for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Cleveland at Detroit (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Indians took 5 of the first 7 head to head meetings this year (+$265) but we believe the Tribe is fading, and look for the Tigers to ultimately dominate the AL Central. Detroit does its best work against lefthanded opposition (15-6, +$945) and they?ll undoubtedly get some opportunities against the southpaw heavy Cleveland rotation. PREFERRED: Tigers vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at Boston (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
It is hard to believe the first meeting of the year between these AL East clubs is coming at the beginning of July. The Red Sox have had trouble with this team over the years (-$500 in 2006) so caution is advised. Why not grab the price with Scott Kazmir (+$425) given Boston?s losing figure vs. lefthanders (-$305)? PREFERRED: Kazmir.
L.A. Angels at Texas (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Angels are 6-1 (+$485) vs. Texas this year, and the way they?ve been playing it?s hard to imagine things changing much. Statistically they are excelling (.293 team BA, 3.85 ERA), while the Rangers rank dear the bottom in both categories (.258, 5.32). They?ll be lucky to salvage a single victory. PREFERRED: Angels in all games.
