BASEBALL
BEGINNING THURSDAY JULY 26
San Diego at Houston (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Padres need to win series against clubs like the Astros if they hope to prevail in the competitive NL West, and that means generating more offense (.242 team BA, lowest in the league). But their pitching is still the best in the majors (3.23 team ERA) and they?ve fared well on the road so far in ?07 (+$465). Houston has fallen below Cincinnati as the biggest money-burner in the NL (-$1860 overall) so this shapes up as an excellent opportunity for the visitor. BEST BET: Padres in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at Colorado (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rockies have managed to stay competitive far longer than people expected, and they could make life difficult for the Dodgers, who look a little thin on the mound with Randy Wolf sidelined. They?ve got a good record here at Coors Field, but LA is also a very strong road team, and they might catch a nice price when lefty ace Jeff Francis is on the mound. The Dodgers are 18-10 overall against southpaws, including a 10-3 mark as visitors (+$750), with 5.4 runs per game. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. Francis.
Oakland at Seattle (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
These two teams were running neck and neck at the start of July, did they?ve been going in opposite directions ever since. Despite the lowest team ERA in the AL (3.77), nothing is working for the Athletics these days (2-8, -$755 last 10 with only 2.7 runs per game and a 4.68 ERA among starters). They?ve not fared well in head to head play with Seattle (only 2-7, -$785) and they?re pitiful in night games (-$1110). The Mariners are close to overtaking the Angels for the top slot in the AL West, and are making more money than any team in baseball (+$1775). We?ll lay the price in the two scheduled evening contests. BEST BET: Mariners in night games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 27
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Phillies are scoring runs in bunches (7.5 per game last 10 days) but it?s going to be difficult getting into the post-season with the worst team ERA in the NL (4.95). The Pirates are struggling (only 1-8, -$740 last 10 days) but we might be able to steal a win at Citizen?s Bank this weekend. The Phillies have not had much success against lefthanders this year (13-19, -$610 so far) and the Pittsburgh rotation is loaded with southpaws, at least one or two of whom should see action this weekend. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Phillies.
Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Reds got the best of the Cubs in their earlier head to head meetings (4-2, +$280) but Chicago has been on fire (7-3, +$235 with 5.6 runs per game and a 2.64 ERA among starters last 10 days) and they are a huge moneymaker on the road against righthanders so far (20-12, +$865). They?ll see plenty of them vs. this mostly righthanded rotation and they don?t need to be too concerned with the last place host, a team that is losing money in all settings this year (-$1675 so far). BEST BET: Cubs vs. righthanders.
Washington at N.Y. Mets (4) 27th, 28th (DH), 29th
The Mets survived their recent trip to the west coast in reasonably good shape (7-4, +$300 last 10 days) and it appears as though some of their underachieving stars may finally be coming out of their season long slumps. But this is a dangerous series for New York. They?ve not had much success money-wise here at Shea Stadium this year (-$455) and the Nationals, despite all their woes, have been profitable on the road (+$665) and against lefthanders (+$910). They?ll catch nice prices throughout the series, so jump on board when the situation permits. BEST BET: Nationals vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at St. Louis (4) 27th, 28th (DH), 29th
The Brewers statistics are average (.263 team BA, 4.14 ERA) but they?ve been in first place in the NL Central all season long, and they?ve already taken 4 out of 5 from the floundering Cardinals in head to head play (+$305). Unfortunately, they are facing a strong challenge from the Cubs right now, and their mediocre road record is a cause for some concern (only19-26, -$755). St. Louis is having a miserable year, and they?ve been big losers here at Busch Stadium so far (-$670), so it?s hard to find a spot where we can use them. We?ll stay away from this one for now. BEST BET: None.
Atlanta at Arizona (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Braves look very tempting right now, as they close the gap with the Mets in the NL East (5.9 runs per game with a 1.98 ERA among starters last 10 days). But Arizona is a formidable opponent vs. righthanders here at Chase Field (23-14, +$600) and Chuck James, Atlanta?s only quality southpaw, is not slated to see action. Doug Davis checks in with a respectable (4.13 ERA in 20 starts), and looks like a decent value vs. a Braves team that is only 20-24 (-$705) vs. lefthanders in 2007. BEST BET: D. Davis.
Florida at San Francisco (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
These clubs have underachieved in 2007, but the Marlins are 25-22 on the road, so they?ve been very profitable for their backers when in the role of visitors (+$970). The Giants have had a miserable season in every way (41-55, -$1455), so whatever excitement their may be surrounding Barry Bonds won?t alter the fact that this is an aging ballclub that is unlikely to contend anytime soon. Look for a weak finish in SF this year. BEST BET: Marlins in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Yankees are 9-3 since the All-Star break (+$270) and their run production in recent days has been tremendous, including scoring 49 times in last weekend?s series with Tampa Bay. They?ll be finished a suspended game before the start of Friday?s game, so they?re in a position to close the gap with the AL?s other playoff contenders if they can continue their winning ways. They are 16-9 on the road vs. righties at night (+$475) and they won?t be facing hot Eric Bedard this weekend. The O?s have lost money here at Camden Yards (-$440). BEST BET: Yankees vs. righthanders in night games.
Minnesota at Cleveland (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Indians are a perfect 5-0 vs. the Twins this year (+$650) but their lack of pitching depth may be catching up with them (4.52 team ERA, 5th worst in the AL). The Twins have looked sharp since the 2nd half got underway (6-4, with a 3.19 ERA among starters), and they?ve posted a modest profit outside of the Metrodome (+$340). So we like the visitor?s chances, but it?s tough to go against the Tribe here at Jacobs Field. BEST BET: None.
Boston at Tampa Bay (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Devil Rays have been just awful again this year (38-60, -$1485 so far), with an 0-3 (-$300) mark against the Red Sox already. Boston checks in with a healthy 21-10 record on the road against righties (+$1265), so we?ll jump in against the beleaguered Tampa Bay pitching staff (5.82 team ERA, by far the worst in MLB). But the Sox are only 4-10 (-$905) vs. lefties away from Fenway, so take a shot on staff ace Scott Kazmir (+$305) when he takes his turn. BEST BET: Kazmir/Red Sox vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Chicago W. Sox (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The White Sox are having a truly disastrous 2007 campaign (only 43-54, -$1060) with the weakest offense in the league (.243 team BA) and the 3rd worst team ERA (4.73). The Blue Jays have had their own problems, and their road numbers are not particularly encouraging. But they?ve managed to go 17-11 against lefthanders (+$650 with 5.5 runs per game) so they?re worth a shot as underdogs when Mark Buehrle is on the hill. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. Buehrle.
Texas at Kansas City (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
Dreary matchup between to last place clubs with little to recommend them. The only pitcher who appeals to us from either team is Gil Meche (+$765) but he?s not slated to take a turn. The Royals have lost money here at Kaufman Stadium (-$445) but the Rangers are not a profitable choice (-$440) and they don?t have a single pitcher who appeals to us. We?ll steer clear of this mess, and perhaps take another look on game day. BEST BET: None.
Detroit at L.A. Angels (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Tigers continue to excel, and don?t be surprised if they start to put some distance between themselves and the Indians in the AL Central. They check in here with a 32-17 record in road games (+$1685) and they are poised for a big weekend vs. the Angels, a club that is faltering as July winds down (4-5, -$255 with only 4.1 runs per game last 10 days). LA has lost money against southpaws in 2007 (-$210) and Detroit has a trio of quality southpaws, at least two of whom should see action. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Angels.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 30
Philadelphia at Chicago Cubs (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
Both these teams have turned a tidy profit against righthanders (Phillies +$565, Chicago +$290) but they?ve been dreadful vs. lefthanders so far (Cubs -$1030, Phillies -$610). Both pitching staffs have a mix of righties and lefties, so we?ll wait for the right situation. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Tampa Bay (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Blue Jays have underperformed offensively this season (.258 overall team BA, only 3.4 runs per game last 10 days) and they?ve not fared well outside of Rogers Centre (-$580). But the Devil Rays are floundering (-$1485) and their lack of pitching (5.82 ERA) makes it impossible to back them. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at Minnesota (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Twins have a losing record against the Royals in head to head play this year (2-3, -$215) and KC has a terrific record vs. righthanders in road games (+$1260). Minnesota has had a very difficult time with lefthanders at home (-$755), so we?ve got a few angles where we can use the visitor. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Twins/Royals in night games vs. righthanders.
L.A. Angels at Seattle (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Angels have dominated the Mariners in head to head play so far (7-2, +$460) but Seattle has outperformed LA in recent weeks, closing to within a couple of games in the AL West. They?ve been very tough at Safeco (+$1115) while the Angels have struggled on the road (-$170 overall). We?ll stick with the hot home team in this key division matchup. PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
Detroit at Oakland (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Athletics have produced the fewest runs in the AL this year (only 4.1 per game with a .251 team BA), proving that you need more than great pitching to compete effectively. They?ve lost money here at McAfee
(-$1305) and the Tigers are the best road team in baseball (+$1685). PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 31
Cincinnati at Washington (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Reds have had a difficult season and because more was expected of them their money losses are enormous (-$1675 so far). Bobby Livingston has given them a lefty in the starting rotation, and he?s likely to see action. The Nationals have have turned a nice profit vs. southpaws in 2007 (+$910). PREFERRED: Nationals vs. Livingston.
Colorado at Florida (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Rockies are having a solid, if not spectacular season, but 2007 has been a big disappointment for the Marlins, The visitor should fare well in righty vs. righty matchups. Florida is only 10-18 vs. righties in night games here at Dolphin Stadium (-$1125) while Colorado is in the black vs. righties in all settings (+$945 with 5.0 runs per game. Play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Rockies when righty meets righty.
St. Louis at Pittsburgh (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
We haven?t had many situations where we can use the Cardinals this year, but we may get some opportunities at PNC Park in this series. St. Louis has turned a profit vs. lefties in road games (+$540) and the Pirates rotation s loaded with southpaws. Pittsburgh is slumping since the break (1-8, -$740 last 10 days) and they?ve lost money at home this year (-$845). PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. lefthanders.
Houston at Atlanta (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
Logic suggests the Braves should win at least 2 out of 3, given Houston?s lousy record in 2007 (42-56,
-$1860) and the fact that Atlanta has been playing well since June. But Atlanta still has lost money here at Turner Field (-$780) so it?s difficult to give them a wholehearted recommendation. PREFERRED: None.
N.Y. Mets at Milwaukee (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Brewers have been a sensational home team (+$1290) but the Mets are 18-8 in road games vs. righthanders at night (+$1105) so a degree of caution is advised. They?ve had much more difficulty in day games vs. righthanders (-$720) so perhaps we?ll have an opportunity to use the home team in Thursday?s afternoon contest. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Mets in day games.
Arizona at San Diego (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Padres had a terrible weekend hosting the Phillies at Petco Park, and their inability to score runs is taking its toll (only 4.1 per game, .242 team BA, lowest in the league). They?ve fared poorly vs. righthanders at home (-$995) and the D?Backs have already won 5 of 8 in head to head play (+$160). Take a shot vs. David Wells (4.57 ERA) who is set to make a start in this series, if the matchup permits. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. D. Wells.
San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Dodgers are a much better team than the Giants and should win at least 2 out of 3 games in this series, having prevailed in 6 of the first 9 head to head meetings. But prices tend to be high on LA when they play here at Chavez Ravine, so we?ll limit ourselves to playing against the Giants? lefthanders, given LA? 18-10 (+$645) record vs. southpaws. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at N.Y. Yankees (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Yankees are clicking offensively, and even though their overall numbers money-wise are horrible
(-$1970) this looks like a bad time to go against them, especially with a lackluster Chicago team with the worst stats in the league (.243 team BA, 4.73 ERA). But prices on the home team will be prohibitive. PREFERRED: None.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Red hot have been pitiful against righthanders in night games at Fenway (10-13, -$1275) but they are 21-5 in day games against righties (+$1525). It?s also worth noting that Boston has lost money vs. lefthanders (-$620) and it appears they?ll be facing Eric Bedard (3.12 in 21 starts) at some point. PREFERRED: Bedard/Red Sox vs. righties in day games/Righthanders vs. the Red Sox in night games.
Texas at Cleveland (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Tribe checks in with a 5-1 record vs. the Rangers in head to head play (+$375) and their numbers at Jacobs Field are spectacular (34-15, +$1065). Prices could be high, but if the number is not to unreasonable, we?ll consider taking a shot with the superior home team. PREFERRED: Indians at -170 or less.
BEGINNING THURSDAY JULY 26
San Diego at Houston (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Padres need to win series against clubs like the Astros if they hope to prevail in the competitive NL West, and that means generating more offense (.242 team BA, lowest in the league). But their pitching is still the best in the majors (3.23 team ERA) and they?ve fared well on the road so far in ?07 (+$465). Houston has fallen below Cincinnati as the biggest money-burner in the NL (-$1860 overall) so this shapes up as an excellent opportunity for the visitor. BEST BET: Padres in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at Colorado (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rockies have managed to stay competitive far longer than people expected, and they could make life difficult for the Dodgers, who look a little thin on the mound with Randy Wolf sidelined. They?ve got a good record here at Coors Field, but LA is also a very strong road team, and they might catch a nice price when lefty ace Jeff Francis is on the mound. The Dodgers are 18-10 overall against southpaws, including a 10-3 mark as visitors (+$750), with 5.4 runs per game. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. Francis.
Oakland at Seattle (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
These two teams were running neck and neck at the start of July, did they?ve been going in opposite directions ever since. Despite the lowest team ERA in the AL (3.77), nothing is working for the Athletics these days (2-8, -$755 last 10 with only 2.7 runs per game and a 4.68 ERA among starters). They?ve not fared well in head to head play with Seattle (only 2-7, -$785) and they?re pitiful in night games (-$1110). The Mariners are close to overtaking the Angels for the top slot in the AL West, and are making more money than any team in baseball (+$1775). We?ll lay the price in the two scheduled evening contests. BEST BET: Mariners in night games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 27
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Phillies are scoring runs in bunches (7.5 per game last 10 days) but it?s going to be difficult getting into the post-season with the worst team ERA in the NL (4.95). The Pirates are struggling (only 1-8, -$740 last 10 days) but we might be able to steal a win at Citizen?s Bank this weekend. The Phillies have not had much success against lefthanders this year (13-19, -$610 so far) and the Pittsburgh rotation is loaded with southpaws, at least one or two of whom should see action this weekend. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Phillies.
Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Reds got the best of the Cubs in their earlier head to head meetings (4-2, +$280) but Chicago has been on fire (7-3, +$235 with 5.6 runs per game and a 2.64 ERA among starters last 10 days) and they are a huge moneymaker on the road against righthanders so far (20-12, +$865). They?ll see plenty of them vs. this mostly righthanded rotation and they don?t need to be too concerned with the last place host, a team that is losing money in all settings this year (-$1675 so far). BEST BET: Cubs vs. righthanders.
Washington at N.Y. Mets (4) 27th, 28th (DH), 29th
The Mets survived their recent trip to the west coast in reasonably good shape (7-4, +$300 last 10 days) and it appears as though some of their underachieving stars may finally be coming out of their season long slumps. But this is a dangerous series for New York. They?ve not had much success money-wise here at Shea Stadium this year (-$455) and the Nationals, despite all their woes, have been profitable on the road (+$665) and against lefthanders (+$910). They?ll catch nice prices throughout the series, so jump on board when the situation permits. BEST BET: Nationals vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at St. Louis (4) 27th, 28th (DH), 29th
The Brewers statistics are average (.263 team BA, 4.14 ERA) but they?ve been in first place in the NL Central all season long, and they?ve already taken 4 out of 5 from the floundering Cardinals in head to head play (+$305). Unfortunately, they are facing a strong challenge from the Cubs right now, and their mediocre road record is a cause for some concern (only19-26, -$755). St. Louis is having a miserable year, and they?ve been big losers here at Busch Stadium so far (-$670), so it?s hard to find a spot where we can use them. We?ll stay away from this one for now. BEST BET: None.
Atlanta at Arizona (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Braves look very tempting right now, as they close the gap with the Mets in the NL East (5.9 runs per game with a 1.98 ERA among starters last 10 days). But Arizona is a formidable opponent vs. righthanders here at Chase Field (23-14, +$600) and Chuck James, Atlanta?s only quality southpaw, is not slated to see action. Doug Davis checks in with a respectable (4.13 ERA in 20 starts), and looks like a decent value vs. a Braves team that is only 20-24 (-$705) vs. lefthanders in 2007. BEST BET: D. Davis.
Florida at San Francisco (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
These clubs have underachieved in 2007, but the Marlins are 25-22 on the road, so they?ve been very profitable for their backers when in the role of visitors (+$970). The Giants have had a miserable season in every way (41-55, -$1455), so whatever excitement their may be surrounding Barry Bonds won?t alter the fact that this is an aging ballclub that is unlikely to contend anytime soon. Look for a weak finish in SF this year. BEST BET: Marlins in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Yankees are 9-3 since the All-Star break (+$270) and their run production in recent days has been tremendous, including scoring 49 times in last weekend?s series with Tampa Bay. They?ll be finished a suspended game before the start of Friday?s game, so they?re in a position to close the gap with the AL?s other playoff contenders if they can continue their winning ways. They are 16-9 on the road vs. righties at night (+$475) and they won?t be facing hot Eric Bedard this weekend. The O?s have lost money here at Camden Yards (-$440). BEST BET: Yankees vs. righthanders in night games.
Minnesota at Cleveland (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Indians are a perfect 5-0 vs. the Twins this year (+$650) but their lack of pitching depth may be catching up with them (4.52 team ERA, 5th worst in the AL). The Twins have looked sharp since the 2nd half got underway (6-4, with a 3.19 ERA among starters), and they?ve posted a modest profit outside of the Metrodome (+$340). So we like the visitor?s chances, but it?s tough to go against the Tribe here at Jacobs Field. BEST BET: None.
Boston at Tampa Bay (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Devil Rays have been just awful again this year (38-60, -$1485 so far), with an 0-3 (-$300) mark against the Red Sox already. Boston checks in with a healthy 21-10 record on the road against righties (+$1265), so we?ll jump in against the beleaguered Tampa Bay pitching staff (5.82 team ERA, by far the worst in MLB). But the Sox are only 4-10 (-$905) vs. lefties away from Fenway, so take a shot on staff ace Scott Kazmir (+$305) when he takes his turn. BEST BET: Kazmir/Red Sox vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Chicago W. Sox (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The White Sox are having a truly disastrous 2007 campaign (only 43-54, -$1060) with the weakest offense in the league (.243 team BA) and the 3rd worst team ERA (4.73). The Blue Jays have had their own problems, and their road numbers are not particularly encouraging. But they?ve managed to go 17-11 against lefthanders (+$650 with 5.5 runs per game) so they?re worth a shot as underdogs when Mark Buehrle is on the hill. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. Buehrle.
Texas at Kansas City (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
Dreary matchup between to last place clubs with little to recommend them. The only pitcher who appeals to us from either team is Gil Meche (+$765) but he?s not slated to take a turn. The Royals have lost money here at Kaufman Stadium (-$445) but the Rangers are not a profitable choice (-$440) and they don?t have a single pitcher who appeals to us. We?ll steer clear of this mess, and perhaps take another look on game day. BEST BET: None.
Detroit at L.A. Angels (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Tigers continue to excel, and don?t be surprised if they start to put some distance between themselves and the Indians in the AL Central. They check in here with a 32-17 record in road games (+$1685) and they are poised for a big weekend vs. the Angels, a club that is faltering as July winds down (4-5, -$255 with only 4.1 runs per game last 10 days). LA has lost money against southpaws in 2007 (-$210) and Detroit has a trio of quality southpaws, at least two of whom should see action. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Angels.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 30
Philadelphia at Chicago Cubs (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
Both these teams have turned a tidy profit against righthanders (Phillies +$565, Chicago +$290) but they?ve been dreadful vs. lefthanders so far (Cubs -$1030, Phillies -$610). Both pitching staffs have a mix of righties and lefties, so we?ll wait for the right situation. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Tampa Bay (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Blue Jays have underperformed offensively this season (.258 overall team BA, only 3.4 runs per game last 10 days) and they?ve not fared well outside of Rogers Centre (-$580). But the Devil Rays are floundering (-$1485) and their lack of pitching (5.82 ERA) makes it impossible to back them. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at Minnesota (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Twins have a losing record against the Royals in head to head play this year (2-3, -$215) and KC has a terrific record vs. righthanders in road games (+$1260). Minnesota has had a very difficult time with lefthanders at home (-$755), so we?ve got a few angles where we can use the visitor. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Twins/Royals in night games vs. righthanders.
L.A. Angels at Seattle (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Angels have dominated the Mariners in head to head play so far (7-2, +$460) but Seattle has outperformed LA in recent weeks, closing to within a couple of games in the AL West. They?ve been very tough at Safeco (+$1115) while the Angels have struggled on the road (-$170 overall). We?ll stick with the hot home team in this key division matchup. PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
Detroit at Oakland (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Athletics have produced the fewest runs in the AL this year (only 4.1 per game with a .251 team BA), proving that you need more than great pitching to compete effectively. They?ve lost money here at McAfee
(-$1305) and the Tigers are the best road team in baseball (+$1685). PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 31
Cincinnati at Washington (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Reds have had a difficult season and because more was expected of them their money losses are enormous (-$1675 so far). Bobby Livingston has given them a lefty in the starting rotation, and he?s likely to see action. The Nationals have have turned a nice profit vs. southpaws in 2007 (+$910). PREFERRED: Nationals vs. Livingston.
Colorado at Florida (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Rockies are having a solid, if not spectacular season, but 2007 has been a big disappointment for the Marlins, The visitor should fare well in righty vs. righty matchups. Florida is only 10-18 vs. righties in night games here at Dolphin Stadium (-$1125) while Colorado is in the black vs. righties in all settings (+$945 with 5.0 runs per game. Play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Rockies when righty meets righty.
St. Louis at Pittsburgh (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
We haven?t had many situations where we can use the Cardinals this year, but we may get some opportunities at PNC Park in this series. St. Louis has turned a profit vs. lefties in road games (+$540) and the Pirates rotation s loaded with southpaws. Pittsburgh is slumping since the break (1-8, -$740 last 10 days) and they?ve lost money at home this year (-$845). PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. lefthanders.
Houston at Atlanta (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
Logic suggests the Braves should win at least 2 out of 3, given Houston?s lousy record in 2007 (42-56,
-$1860) and the fact that Atlanta has been playing well since June. But Atlanta still has lost money here at Turner Field (-$780) so it?s difficult to give them a wholehearted recommendation. PREFERRED: None.
N.Y. Mets at Milwaukee (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Brewers have been a sensational home team (+$1290) but the Mets are 18-8 in road games vs. righthanders at night (+$1105) so a degree of caution is advised. They?ve had much more difficulty in day games vs. righthanders (-$720) so perhaps we?ll have an opportunity to use the home team in Thursday?s afternoon contest. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Mets in day games.
Arizona at San Diego (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Padres had a terrible weekend hosting the Phillies at Petco Park, and their inability to score runs is taking its toll (only 4.1 per game, .242 team BA, lowest in the league). They?ve fared poorly vs. righthanders at home (-$995) and the D?Backs have already won 5 of 8 in head to head play (+$160). Take a shot vs. David Wells (4.57 ERA) who is set to make a start in this series, if the matchup permits. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. D. Wells.
San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Dodgers are a much better team than the Giants and should win at least 2 out of 3 games in this series, having prevailed in 6 of the first 9 head to head meetings. But prices tend to be high on LA when they play here at Chavez Ravine, so we?ll limit ourselves to playing against the Giants? lefthanders, given LA? 18-10 (+$645) record vs. southpaws. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at N.Y. Yankees (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Yankees are clicking offensively, and even though their overall numbers money-wise are horrible
(-$1970) this looks like a bad time to go against them, especially with a lackluster Chicago team with the worst stats in the league (.243 team BA, 4.73 ERA). But prices on the home team will be prohibitive. PREFERRED: None.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Red hot have been pitiful against righthanders in night games at Fenway (10-13, -$1275) but they are 21-5 in day games against righties (+$1525). It?s also worth noting that Boston has lost money vs. lefthanders (-$620) and it appears they?ll be facing Eric Bedard (3.12 in 21 starts) at some point. PREFERRED: Bedard/Red Sox vs. righties in day games/Righthanders vs. the Red Sox in night games.
Texas at Cleveland (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Tribe checks in with a 5-1 record vs. the Rangers in head to head play (+$375) and their numbers at Jacobs Field are spectacular (34-15, +$1065). Prices could be high, but if the number is not to unreasonable, we?ll consider taking a shot with the superior home team. PREFERRED: Indians at -170 or less.
