BEGINNING THURSDAY JULY 19
Cincinnati at Florida (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
It?s been a tough season for the Reds, but they?ve shown some signs of life in recent days, with a starting rotation that is flashing some of the form we expected to see when the season began (3.67 ERA last 10 days). The Marlins are fading fast in the competitive NL East, and they?ve been particularly ineffective in night games here at Dolphin Stadium (13-22, -$1160). Since the first three games of this series will take place in the evening, the improved visitor could be a solid underdog value. But steer clear when Sergio Mitre, Florida?s only consistent starter (2.81 ERA in 17 starts), takes his turn. BEST BET: Reds in night games unless opposed by Mitre.
Colorado at Washington (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Nationals have made money vs. lefthanders (+$910), but Jeff Francis, the only southpaw in the Colorado rotation, is not expected to see action. That means a number of righty vs. righty matchups this weekend, something that should work to the visitor?s favor. The Rockies have posted solid numbers in that situation (+$860 overall with 5.0 runs per game), while Washington has floundered (only 10-19, -$455 with 3.1 runs per game at home). Don?t get involved anytime the Nationals send a southpaw to the hill (Colorado -$320 vs. lefties). BEST BET: Rockies when righty meets righty.
St. Louis at Atlanta (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Braves have looked very sharp (7-1, +$680 last 10 days with 6.1 runs per game), as they close in on the Mets in the NL East. They?ve had to do without John Smoltz, though he is expected back shortly, but they?ve gotten solid work from Tim Hudson (3.35 ERA in 20 starts) and Chuck James (3.73 in 19 starts). Buddy Carlyle (+$435 overall) has chipped in with quality starts in his two most recent outings (2.55 ERA). The Cardinals are simply not a very good baseball team (-$660 overall) and their pitching ranks near the bottom in the NL (4.82). Atlanta should have no trouble handling the righties in their rotation (+$735 so far). BEST BET: Braves vs. righthanders.
Philadelphia at San Diego (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Padres have faltered a bit in recent days (3-5, -$440 last 10 with only 3.8 runs per game and a 4.92 ERA among starters), and while they?ve been a good value vs. lefthanders in 2007, their numbers vs. righties at Petco Park are not encouraging (-$690 with only 3.7 runs per game). The Phillies are scoring lots of runs these days (.274 team BA, 2nd highest in the league), and their numbers against righthanders in all settings are outstanding (35-26, +$540 with 5.6 runs per game). We should catch nice underdog prices on the visitor throughout. BEST BET: Phillies when righty meets righty.
N.Y. Mets at L.A. Dodgers (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Dodgers embarrassed the Mets when they visited LA in June (3-0, +$300) and they?ll be looking to inflict similar treatment on the New York team this weekend. The Mets have had some success on the road, but the home team has outstanding pitching (3.80 ERA) and it?s hard to quibble with the Dodgers? stellar 17-8 record vs. lefthanders (+$775 with 5.3 runs per game). Both Tm Glavine and Oliver Perez will take the mound this weekend, jump on the home team when they do. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. Glavine and Ol. Perez.
Chicago W. Sox at Boston (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
First 2007 meeting of these clubs, and while the Red Sox are far more formidable on paper (3.79 team ERA, .275 BA as opposed a to 4.62 ERA and a .242 BA for Chicago), it?s important to note that Boston continues to come up short in night games against righties here at Fenway Park (only 8-11, -$1075). The White Sox, on the other hand, are 11-8 vs. righties on the road at night (+$455) and are likely to be enormous underdogs in most, if not all, of the games in this series. BEST BET: White Sox vs. righthanders in night games.
Cleveland at Texas (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Indians may run into trouble here in the 2nd half. They have problems with their pitching staff (4.48 team ERA, 5th worst in the AL) and even ace C.C. Sabathia has been roughed up in recent outings (10.64 ERA last two). Couple that with a disappointing 21-24 record outside of Jacobs Field (-$505 as a visitor), and it?s going to be hard to back them this weekend, even against a team as ugly as Texas (39-52, -$450 overall). But Cleveland?s difficulties aren?t enough to induce us to use the Rangers, one of the worst teams in baseball this year (5.07 team ERA, .256 team BA). BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 20
Arizona at Chicago Cubs (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
We?ve avoided taking the Cubs at Wrigley Field this year, and for obvious reasons (-$760 overall). But the team is mounting a serious challenge in the NL Central, and if they continue to play the way they have since early June those numbers will inevitably improve. The Diamondbacks continue to hang tough in the NL West, and their overall pitching matches up well with Chicago?s (3.99 ERA vs. 3.89). But they are a break-even team on the road, so we prefer to avoid this matchup and reassess on game day. BEST BET: None.
Houston at Pittsburgh (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
No one expected much from the Pirates when the season began, and they are about where everyone figured they would be (only 40-51, -$585). But they?ve got a pair of solid starters, one of whom, Tom Gorzelanny, is likely to see action at PNC Park this weekend (3.24 ERA in 19 starts). The Astros were not expected to be this bad, and now their only blue chip starter, Roy Oswalt, has seen his ERA climb to 3.91. The team is horrible on the road (15-31, -$1425) so take a shot with the home team when they send their top lefthanded starter to the hill. BEST BET: Gorzelanny.
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Brewers dominated the Giants in an earlier three game set (+$300) and they continue to hold into the top spot in the NL, just as they have since the beginning of the season. Their numbers here at Miller Park are outstanding (32-14, +$1300) and it?s difficult to imagine the soft hitting Giants (.250 team BA, 3rd lowest in the league) doing much to derail them. SF is only 26-39 against righthanders in 2007 (-$1460) so any of the Milwaukee starters should be a solid value. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Giants.
Kansas City at Detroit (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Tigers have made short work of the AL Central; cellar dwellers in head to head play this year (only 7-2, +$320), but the Royals could be an excellent value in this series nonetheless. Despite their success (.290 team BA, with 5.9 runs per game, best in baseball), Detroit has been a major disappointment vs. righthanders here at Comerica (only 17-16, -$680). The Royals, on the other hand, are 15-16 on the road vs. righties (+$970), good for a fat profit thanks to huge underdog prices. The betting lines on these games will no doubt be through the roof, so an upset by the visitor will reap handsome rewards. BEST BET: Royals when righty meets righty.
Seattle at Toronto (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Mariners engineered a sweep of the Blue Jays when these teams squared off at Safeco in June (+$300) and things look very good for them this weekend at Rogers Centre. Their road numbers are excellent (+$755), their offense is one of the league?s best (.281 team BA), and their only lefthanded starter, Jarrod Washburn, is not due to appear in the series. The Blue Jays have been a disaster against righties (28-37, -$1075 overall) and the Seattle rotation is flashing its best form in quite some time. We?ll stick with the visitor when the setting permits. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (4) 20th, 21st (DH), 22nd
The Devil Rays have made life miserable for the Yankees this year (4-4, +$290) and they?ll be getting fat prices here in the Bronx once again this weekend. Considering how much money the Yankees have lost their backers in 2007 (-$2090) it?s tempting to back the underdog throughout. But Tampa Bay has struggled vs. righties overall (-$1450), so we?ll limit ourselves to playing against Andy Pettitte and Kei Igawa, given that the visitor averages 5.0 runs per game vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Devil Rays vs. Pettitte and Igawa.
L.A. Angels at Minnesota (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Angels have the best record in baseball right now, but at 24-22 they are far less imposing when they leave Anaheim. The Twins are playing well in recent days (7-3, +$425 with 6.7 runs per game last 10), but their poor numbers in night games at the Metrodome is a cause for concern (-$665). But they?ve fared well in day games so far, particularly vs. righthanders, and that?s what they?ll be up against when LA comes to town. We?ll take a shot in Sunday?s series finale. BEST BET: Twins in day games.
Baltimore at Oakland (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
We expected the Athletics to be gearing up for another of their patented 2nd half surges, but they?ve fallen on hard times instead (1-8, -$960 last 10 days with only 2.3 runs per game and a 6.36 ERA among starters). The Orioles have been a disappointment, particularly against righthanders (-$1045) so we?d love to take those outstanding Oakland starters against them. But given their current difficulties, we?re forced to stay on the sidelines for now and reassess this match-up on game day. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 23
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
If the Brewers hope to hold off the hard charging Cubs in the NL Central, they?ll need to improve their performance in road games (only 19-26, -$755 so far). We?d be tempted to go against them, but the Reds have been horrible here at Great American Ballpark (only 20-26, -$1225) so caution is advised. PREFERRED: None.
L.A. Dodgers at Houston (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Dodgers have turned a nice profit in night games (+$635 so far) and all the games in this series will take place in the evening. The Astros aren?t scoring runs (only 3.6 per game last 10), so take a shot with LA?s more formidable hurlers, both of whom will see action. PREFERRED: Penny/Lowe.
San Diego at Colorado (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Rockies have already dropped 4 of 6 head to head contests with the Padres (-$190), but chances are they?ll miss David Wells and just take on those high priced San Diego aces. The Padres are a solid road team, but Colorado is 19-11 (+$770) vs. righthanders at Coors Field and they?re likely to catch some nice underdog prices. The Padres have only averaged 4.0 runs per game vs. righthanders so far in 2007. PREFERRED: Rockies when righty meets righty.
Florida at Arizona (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
The Marlins have underachieved in 2007, but they?ve posted excellent numbers on the road this year (+$970). We expect to see Scott Olsen (+$520) and Dontrelle Willis (+$240) take the hill at Chase Field in this series. The D?Backs have lost money vs. lefthanders at home (-$320). PREFERRED: Olsen/Willis.
Atlanta at San Francisco (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
The Braves are moving up fast in the NL East and they are doing excellent work against righthanders (31-19, +$735 with 5.1 runs per game). The last place Giants are only 26-39 against righthanders (+$1460) so we?ll stick with the visitor when the situation permits. PREFERRED: Braves when righty meets righty.
Boston at Cleveland (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
Good matchup between key AL playoff contenders and you have to like the Indians? chances. They?ve been unstoppable here at Jacobs Field (33-13, +$1285) and while the Red Sox have fared well vs. righties, they are only 4-10 (-$905) vs. lefthanders outside of Fenway Park. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Minnesota at Toronto (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Twins are picking up steam (7-3, +$425 last 10 days) and they?ve eked out a modest profit outside of the Metrodome (+$340). The Blue Jays are only 28-37 against righthanders (-$1075) so take a shot when Minnesota sends one to the mound. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
Detroit at Chicago W. Sox (5) 23rd, 24th (DH), 25th, 26th
The Tigers need to keep winning, with the Indians still running neck and neck and the Twins coming on strong. The White Sox provide an inviting target, given their dismal 19-25 mark here at U.S. Cellular
(-$1090). The Tigers are the most profitable road team in baseball (+$1290). PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Kansas City (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
It?s hard to believe, but the Yankees are only 1-11 vs. lefthanders on the road this year (-$1460 with only 3.3 runs per game). Nevertheless, they?ll still be overwhelming favorites when KC sends a southpaw to the hill. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Yankees.
Seattle at Texas (4) 23rd, 24th (DH), 25th
The Mariners are drawing close to the Angels in the AL West, and they are formidable wildcard contenders as well. They?ve cleaned up away from Safeco Field in night games (+$925) and they have little to fear from a Texas team they?ve already beaten in 6 of 8 meetings this year (+$355). PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
Oakland at L.A. Angels (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Athletics have taken 4 out of 6 from the Angels thus far (+$270) and it?s hard to believe that a team with such an outstanding pitching staff (3.72 ERA) can be in the midst of this horrendous losing streak. We?d consider taking them if they improve between now and game day, but we?ll pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 24
Washington at Philadelphia (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Nationals could be an outstanding value as high priced underdogs when taking on the likes of Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer. They?ve cleaned up against lefthanders in 2007 (+$910) and they?ll no doubt be heavily favored in all games of this series. PREFERRED: Nationals vs. lefthanders.
Pittsburgh at N.Y. Mets (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Mets have lost money here at Shea Stadium (-$455) and they average less than 4.2 runs per game vs. righthanders. Ian Snell has been very impressive in his 18 starts (+$475, 3.11 ERA) and will catch a nice underdog price when he goes. PREFERRED: Snell.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Cubs are a hot team right now and the best time to take them is as visitor against righthanders (20-12, +$865 so far in 2007). The Cardinals are at their worse vs. lefties (12-17, -$850 with 3.0 runs per game at Busch Stadium) and the trio of Ted Lilly (3.51), Rich Hill (3.81) and Seam Marshall (3.48) are all flashing fine form. PREFERRED: Lilly, R. Hill & Marshall when opposed by righthanders.
Tampa Bay at Baltimore (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The O?s have gotten the best of the Devil Rays in earlier meetings (5-1, +$410) and they are worth a shot vs. Scott Kazmir, who is likely to see action (Baltimore averaging 5.2 runs per game against lefthanders). PREFERRED: Orioles vs. Kazmir.
Cincinnati at Florida (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
It?s been a tough season for the Reds, but they?ve shown some signs of life in recent days, with a starting rotation that is flashing some of the form we expected to see when the season began (3.67 ERA last 10 days). The Marlins are fading fast in the competitive NL East, and they?ve been particularly ineffective in night games here at Dolphin Stadium (13-22, -$1160). Since the first three games of this series will take place in the evening, the improved visitor could be a solid underdog value. But steer clear when Sergio Mitre, Florida?s only consistent starter (2.81 ERA in 17 starts), takes his turn. BEST BET: Reds in night games unless opposed by Mitre.
Colorado at Washington (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Nationals have made money vs. lefthanders (+$910), but Jeff Francis, the only southpaw in the Colorado rotation, is not expected to see action. That means a number of righty vs. righty matchups this weekend, something that should work to the visitor?s favor. The Rockies have posted solid numbers in that situation (+$860 overall with 5.0 runs per game), while Washington has floundered (only 10-19, -$455 with 3.1 runs per game at home). Don?t get involved anytime the Nationals send a southpaw to the hill (Colorado -$320 vs. lefties). BEST BET: Rockies when righty meets righty.
St. Louis at Atlanta (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Braves have looked very sharp (7-1, +$680 last 10 days with 6.1 runs per game), as they close in on the Mets in the NL East. They?ve had to do without John Smoltz, though he is expected back shortly, but they?ve gotten solid work from Tim Hudson (3.35 ERA in 20 starts) and Chuck James (3.73 in 19 starts). Buddy Carlyle (+$435 overall) has chipped in with quality starts in his two most recent outings (2.55 ERA). The Cardinals are simply not a very good baseball team (-$660 overall) and their pitching ranks near the bottom in the NL (4.82). Atlanta should have no trouble handling the righties in their rotation (+$735 so far). BEST BET: Braves vs. righthanders.
Philadelphia at San Diego (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Padres have faltered a bit in recent days (3-5, -$440 last 10 with only 3.8 runs per game and a 4.92 ERA among starters), and while they?ve been a good value vs. lefthanders in 2007, their numbers vs. righties at Petco Park are not encouraging (-$690 with only 3.7 runs per game). The Phillies are scoring lots of runs these days (.274 team BA, 2nd highest in the league), and their numbers against righthanders in all settings are outstanding (35-26, +$540 with 5.6 runs per game). We should catch nice underdog prices on the visitor throughout. BEST BET: Phillies when righty meets righty.
N.Y. Mets at L.A. Dodgers (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Dodgers embarrassed the Mets when they visited LA in June (3-0, +$300) and they?ll be looking to inflict similar treatment on the New York team this weekend. The Mets have had some success on the road, but the home team has outstanding pitching (3.80 ERA) and it?s hard to quibble with the Dodgers? stellar 17-8 record vs. lefthanders (+$775 with 5.3 runs per game). Both Tm Glavine and Oliver Perez will take the mound this weekend, jump on the home team when they do. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. Glavine and Ol. Perez.
Chicago W. Sox at Boston (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
First 2007 meeting of these clubs, and while the Red Sox are far more formidable on paper (3.79 team ERA, .275 BA as opposed a to 4.62 ERA and a .242 BA for Chicago), it?s important to note that Boston continues to come up short in night games against righties here at Fenway Park (only 8-11, -$1075). The White Sox, on the other hand, are 11-8 vs. righties on the road at night (+$455) and are likely to be enormous underdogs in most, if not all, of the games in this series. BEST BET: White Sox vs. righthanders in night games.
Cleveland at Texas (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Indians may run into trouble here in the 2nd half. They have problems with their pitching staff (4.48 team ERA, 5th worst in the AL) and even ace C.C. Sabathia has been roughed up in recent outings (10.64 ERA last two). Couple that with a disappointing 21-24 record outside of Jacobs Field (-$505 as a visitor), and it?s going to be hard to back them this weekend, even against a team as ugly as Texas (39-52, -$450 overall). But Cleveland?s difficulties aren?t enough to induce us to use the Rangers, one of the worst teams in baseball this year (5.07 team ERA, .256 team BA). BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 20
Arizona at Chicago Cubs (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
We?ve avoided taking the Cubs at Wrigley Field this year, and for obvious reasons (-$760 overall). But the team is mounting a serious challenge in the NL Central, and if they continue to play the way they have since early June those numbers will inevitably improve. The Diamondbacks continue to hang tough in the NL West, and their overall pitching matches up well with Chicago?s (3.99 ERA vs. 3.89). But they are a break-even team on the road, so we prefer to avoid this matchup and reassess on game day. BEST BET: None.
Houston at Pittsburgh (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
No one expected much from the Pirates when the season began, and they are about where everyone figured they would be (only 40-51, -$585). But they?ve got a pair of solid starters, one of whom, Tom Gorzelanny, is likely to see action at PNC Park this weekend (3.24 ERA in 19 starts). The Astros were not expected to be this bad, and now their only blue chip starter, Roy Oswalt, has seen his ERA climb to 3.91. The team is horrible on the road (15-31, -$1425) so take a shot with the home team when they send their top lefthanded starter to the hill. BEST BET: Gorzelanny.
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Brewers dominated the Giants in an earlier three game set (+$300) and they continue to hold into the top spot in the NL, just as they have since the beginning of the season. Their numbers here at Miller Park are outstanding (32-14, +$1300) and it?s difficult to imagine the soft hitting Giants (.250 team BA, 3rd lowest in the league) doing much to derail them. SF is only 26-39 against righthanders in 2007 (-$1460) so any of the Milwaukee starters should be a solid value. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Giants.
Kansas City at Detroit (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Tigers have made short work of the AL Central; cellar dwellers in head to head play this year (only 7-2, +$320), but the Royals could be an excellent value in this series nonetheless. Despite their success (.290 team BA, with 5.9 runs per game, best in baseball), Detroit has been a major disappointment vs. righthanders here at Comerica (only 17-16, -$680). The Royals, on the other hand, are 15-16 on the road vs. righties (+$970), good for a fat profit thanks to huge underdog prices. The betting lines on these games will no doubt be through the roof, so an upset by the visitor will reap handsome rewards. BEST BET: Royals when righty meets righty.
Seattle at Toronto (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Mariners engineered a sweep of the Blue Jays when these teams squared off at Safeco in June (+$300) and things look very good for them this weekend at Rogers Centre. Their road numbers are excellent (+$755), their offense is one of the league?s best (.281 team BA), and their only lefthanded starter, Jarrod Washburn, is not due to appear in the series. The Blue Jays have been a disaster against righties (28-37, -$1075 overall) and the Seattle rotation is flashing its best form in quite some time. We?ll stick with the visitor when the setting permits. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (4) 20th, 21st (DH), 22nd
The Devil Rays have made life miserable for the Yankees this year (4-4, +$290) and they?ll be getting fat prices here in the Bronx once again this weekend. Considering how much money the Yankees have lost their backers in 2007 (-$2090) it?s tempting to back the underdog throughout. But Tampa Bay has struggled vs. righties overall (-$1450), so we?ll limit ourselves to playing against Andy Pettitte and Kei Igawa, given that the visitor averages 5.0 runs per game vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Devil Rays vs. Pettitte and Igawa.
L.A. Angels at Minnesota (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Angels have the best record in baseball right now, but at 24-22 they are far less imposing when they leave Anaheim. The Twins are playing well in recent days (7-3, +$425 with 6.7 runs per game last 10), but their poor numbers in night games at the Metrodome is a cause for concern (-$665). But they?ve fared well in day games so far, particularly vs. righthanders, and that?s what they?ll be up against when LA comes to town. We?ll take a shot in Sunday?s series finale. BEST BET: Twins in day games.
Baltimore at Oakland (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
We expected the Athletics to be gearing up for another of their patented 2nd half surges, but they?ve fallen on hard times instead (1-8, -$960 last 10 days with only 2.3 runs per game and a 6.36 ERA among starters). The Orioles have been a disappointment, particularly against righthanders (-$1045) so we?d love to take those outstanding Oakland starters against them. But given their current difficulties, we?re forced to stay on the sidelines for now and reassess this match-up on game day. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 23
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
If the Brewers hope to hold off the hard charging Cubs in the NL Central, they?ll need to improve their performance in road games (only 19-26, -$755 so far). We?d be tempted to go against them, but the Reds have been horrible here at Great American Ballpark (only 20-26, -$1225) so caution is advised. PREFERRED: None.
L.A. Dodgers at Houston (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Dodgers have turned a nice profit in night games (+$635 so far) and all the games in this series will take place in the evening. The Astros aren?t scoring runs (only 3.6 per game last 10), so take a shot with LA?s more formidable hurlers, both of whom will see action. PREFERRED: Penny/Lowe.
San Diego at Colorado (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Rockies have already dropped 4 of 6 head to head contests with the Padres (-$190), but chances are they?ll miss David Wells and just take on those high priced San Diego aces. The Padres are a solid road team, but Colorado is 19-11 (+$770) vs. righthanders at Coors Field and they?re likely to catch some nice underdog prices. The Padres have only averaged 4.0 runs per game vs. righthanders so far in 2007. PREFERRED: Rockies when righty meets righty.
Florida at Arizona (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
The Marlins have underachieved in 2007, but they?ve posted excellent numbers on the road this year (+$970). We expect to see Scott Olsen (+$520) and Dontrelle Willis (+$240) take the hill at Chase Field in this series. The D?Backs have lost money vs. lefthanders at home (-$320). PREFERRED: Olsen/Willis.
Atlanta at San Francisco (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
The Braves are moving up fast in the NL East and they are doing excellent work against righthanders (31-19, +$735 with 5.1 runs per game). The last place Giants are only 26-39 against righthanders (+$1460) so we?ll stick with the visitor when the situation permits. PREFERRED: Braves when righty meets righty.
Boston at Cleveland (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
Good matchup between key AL playoff contenders and you have to like the Indians? chances. They?ve been unstoppable here at Jacobs Field (33-13, +$1285) and while the Red Sox have fared well vs. righties, they are only 4-10 (-$905) vs. lefthanders outside of Fenway Park. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Minnesota at Toronto (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Twins are picking up steam (7-3, +$425 last 10 days) and they?ve eked out a modest profit outside of the Metrodome (+$340). The Blue Jays are only 28-37 against righthanders (-$1075) so take a shot when Minnesota sends one to the mound. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
Detroit at Chicago W. Sox (5) 23rd, 24th (DH), 25th, 26th
The Tigers need to keep winning, with the Indians still running neck and neck and the Twins coming on strong. The White Sox provide an inviting target, given their dismal 19-25 mark here at U.S. Cellular
(-$1090). The Tigers are the most profitable road team in baseball (+$1290). PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Kansas City (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
It?s hard to believe, but the Yankees are only 1-11 vs. lefthanders on the road this year (-$1460 with only 3.3 runs per game). Nevertheless, they?ll still be overwhelming favorites when KC sends a southpaw to the hill. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Yankees.
Seattle at Texas (4) 23rd, 24th (DH), 25th
The Mariners are drawing close to the Angels in the AL West, and they are formidable wildcard contenders as well. They?ve cleaned up away from Safeco Field in night games (+$925) and they have little to fear from a Texas team they?ve already beaten in 6 of 8 meetings this year (+$355). PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
Oakland at L.A. Angels (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Athletics have taken 4 out of 6 from the Angels thus far (+$270) and it?s hard to believe that a team with such an outstanding pitching staff (3.72 ERA) can be in the midst of this horrendous losing streak. We?d consider taking them if they improve between now and game day, but we?ll pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 24
Washington at Philadelphia (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Nationals could be an outstanding value as high priced underdogs when taking on the likes of Cole Hamels and Jamie Moyer. They?ve cleaned up against lefthanders in 2007 (+$910) and they?ll no doubt be heavily favored in all games of this series. PREFERRED: Nationals vs. lefthanders.
Pittsburgh at N.Y. Mets (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Mets have lost money here at Shea Stadium (-$455) and they average less than 4.2 runs per game vs. righthanders. Ian Snell has been very impressive in his 18 starts (+$475, 3.11 ERA) and will catch a nice underdog price when he goes. PREFERRED: Snell.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Cubs are a hot team right now and the best time to take them is as visitor against righthanders (20-12, +$865 so far in 2007). The Cardinals are at their worse vs. lefties (12-17, -$850 with 3.0 runs per game at Busch Stadium) and the trio of Ted Lilly (3.51), Rich Hill (3.81) and Seam Marshall (3.48) are all flashing fine form. PREFERRED: Lilly, R. Hill & Marshall when opposed by righthanders.
Tampa Bay at Baltimore (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The O?s have gotten the best of the Devil Rays in earlier meetings (5-1, +$410) and they are worth a shot vs. Scott Kazmir, who is likely to see action (Baltimore averaging 5.2 runs per game against lefthanders). PREFERRED: Orioles vs. Kazmir.
