BEGINNING THURSDAY AUGUST 2
L.A. Angels at Oakland (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Athletics tend to pick up the pace in the 2nd half, in time to make a run at the playoffs. But despite outstanding pitching (3.78 team ERA, 2nd best in the league), they?ve fallen way off the pace in the AL West, and their numbers here at McAfee Coliseum are horrible (-$1305). The first place Angels would appear to be a logical choice in this series, but they?ve struggled against Oakland in head to head play (3-6, -$510) and their pitching has not been sharp in recent days (5.27 ERA among starters last 10). We?ll wait until game day before committing ourselves. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING FRIDAY AUGUST 3
N.Y. Mets at Chicago Cubs (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Cubs have been steadily climbing for the past two months, and their pitching has looked very sharp (2.83 ERA last 10 days). But this is a tough assignment, as they fight to pass Milwaukee in the NL Central. The Mets took 3 out of 4 from the Cubs in a series earlier this year (+$150), and they?ve put up terrific numbers in road games vs. righthanders at night (18-8, +$1105). Chicago has lost money at Wrigley Field this year (-$825). Sunday night is the only scheduled evening contest, so stick with NY if they get the right matchup. BEST BET: Mets vs. righthanders in night games.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
Neither team has much to recommend them as they fight to decide who winds up in the NL Central basement. The Pirates have been lousy at home this year (-$845) and they?ve averaged an anemic 4.1 runs per game in all settings. For the most part, we?ve stayed away from the Reds for the past three months (-$1580 overall). But they?ve looked more respectable since the All-Star break, and they continue to get quality work from Aaron Harang, who has led Cincinnati to wins in 17 of his 23 starts (+$1180, 3.55 ERA). He?s a solid value at PNC Park when he takes his turn. BEST BET: Harang.
Houston at Florida (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
We?re seeing more ugly matchups between non-contenders as the season moves into its final stages. The Astros have been especially ineffective in the role of visitor (only 18-34, -$1460), and could actually wind up with the worst record in the league if they?re not careful. The Marlins, meanwhile, have been a disaster here at Dolphin Stadium (23-29, -$980) and they?ve lost the first two head to head contests with Houston
(-$200). There is nothing about this series that we find appealing at the present time. BEST BET: None.
St. Louis at Washington (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Nationals still have one of the worst records in the NL, but high prices have transpired to make them the most profitable team in the league (+$1140 so far). They even took 2 out of 3 from St. Louis in an earlier meeting (+$220), so they?ve got an excellent chance vs. a Cardinals? team that continues to struggle on the mound (7.50 ERA among starters last 10 days). Take the home team when they send a righty to the hill (St. Louis 13-20, -$400 in that situation on the road so far). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Cardinals.
Colorado at Atlanta (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Braves are still putting up good stats (.272 team BA, 4.15), but they are having a tough time against some of the league?s better clubs. The Rockies could give them a hard time at Turner Field this weekend. They?ve been getting excellent pitching lately (3.03 ERA last 10 days), they?ve turned a fat profit vs. righties (+$1150) and they?ve got their ace southpaw Jeff Francis (+$900) set to go. The Braves are only 20.26 vs. lefties (-$950) and they?ve lost money in this ballpark (-$780). BEST BET: Francis/Rockies vs. righthanders.
Philadelphia at Milwaukee (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Brewers have held first place in the NL Central since the beginning of the season, but the Cubs are coming on strong, so they?ll need to hold off teams like the Phillies if they hope to make it into the post-season. They?ve been very tough to beat here at Miller Park (36-17, +$1290) and their only regular lefthanded starter, Chris Capuano, is coming off two strong outings (3.14 ERA) following a bad stretch. The Phillies are playing well, but they are still only 15-20 (-$580) vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Capuano.
San Francisco at San Diego (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Padres should continue to prevail over the last place Giants (6-3, +$280 in head to head play so far), but their lack of offense (.242 team BA, lowest in the league) remains a cause for concern. The pitching is spectacular (3.42 ERA, lowest in the majors). San Francisco is having a dreadful season (45-58, -$1360) but we?ll limit ourselves to taking San Diego vs. lefthanders (+$245 in that situation), given their difficulties against righthanders here at Petco Park in 2007. BEST BET: Padres vs. lefthanders.
Arizona at L.A. Dodgers (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Diamondbacks are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now (8-3, +$620 last 11) but the Dodgers have dominated this series so far in 2007 (7-2, +$525), and they check in here with an 18-11 (+$545) record vs. lefthanders, averaging 5.3 runs per game in those contests. Arizona has not fared well against righthanders outside of Chase Field (14-22, -$775) so LA has an opportunity to deal a significant setback to the surging visitor. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. D. Davis/Righthanders vs. the Diamondbacks.
Texas at Toronto (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Blue Jays have one of the better pitching staffs in the AL, and their starters have been particularly effective in recent days (2.40 ERA last 10). That gives them a tremendous edge over the sorrowful Rangers, who lack a single regular starting pitcher with an ERA lower than (5.61). Texas loses money away from Arlington (-$420) and despite taking 5 of 7 in head to head play already (+$390), they?ll be hard pressed to salvage a single victory at Rogers Centre this weekend. BEST BET: Blue Jays in all games.
Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Yankees made short work of last place KC when they squared off at Kaufman Stadium last week (3-1, +$145). But they are bound to be wildly overpriced throughout this series, and that opens the door for us to use the visitor, a team that has posted a fat profit as a visitor (+$1410). New York has dropped a bundle vs. righthanders in the Bronx so far (-$630), so take a shot with staff ace Gil Meche (+$665, 3.76 in 22 starts in 2007) when he goes. BEST BET: Meche.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Tigers can?t seem to pull away in the AL Central, and their pitching in recent days has been dreadful (8.29 ERA last 12). The White Sox don?t have much to play for but they have gotten the best of Detroit in head to head play (+$155), and they?ve turned a profit on the road vs. righties (+$310). The Tigers have lost a bundle vs. righties at Comerica (-$1025) but they?ll do doubt he heavily favored nonetheless. We could catch some nice underdog prices on the visitor. BEST BET: White Sox when righty meets righty.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Orioles have put together a nice stretch of winning baseball as July winds down (7-3, +$495 last 10 days), thanks in large measure to Eric Bedard (3.05 ERA in 22 starts) and Jeremy Guthrie (2.44 in 17 starts). Both are likely to see action and that?s bad news for a beleaguered Tampa team that checks in with the worst team ERA in the majors (6.06) and one that has only beaten the Orioles one time in nine tries this year (-$725). The Devil Rays? money-losses continue to climb (-$1820 so far). BEST BET: Bedard/Guthrie.
Cleveland at Minnesota (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Twins did take 2 out of 3 from the Tribe at Jacobs Field last weekend, but they are still only 2-6
(-$510) in head to head play this year. We believe the Indians are beginning to wear down, and their starting rotation is weak once you get past Sabathia & Carmona. But the ace lefty will be on the hill at the Metrodome this weekend, and that?s bad news for Minnesota. Even though they tagged Sabathia with a loss, this is a team that has fared poorly vs. lefthanders at home (-$755 with only 3.7 runs per game). The Twins don?t look like a team that can climb much above .500. BEST BET: Sabathia.
Boston at Seattle (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Red Sox are deadly against righthanders on the road (24-11, +$1480) and the Mariners are struggling to score runs these days (only 4.4 per game last 10 days). The home team?s best hope for a victory in this series is if they get a lefty vs. lefty matchup when Jon Lester is on the hill. Seattle checks in with a stellar 20-8 mark vs. southpaws (+$1475) and the Bosox are only 6-11 (-$850) vs. lefties outside of Fenway Park. Play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Red Sox when righty meets righty/Mariners when lefty meets lefty.
BEGINNING MONDAY AUGUST 6
Chicago Cubs at Houston (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cubs are rolling right now, as they continue to climb in the NL Central while their team ERA continues to decline (3.86, 2nd lowest in the league). But they?ve had a terrible time dealing with lefthanders (9-15, -$1030 overall with only 2.8 runs per game on the road), and Wandy Rodriguez has been superb in his 12 starts at Minute Maid Park (+$610, 1.77 ERA). PREFERRED: W. Rodriguez.
San Diego at St. Louis (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
We?re partial to the Padres in this series, given the fact that they tend to be more profitable when they venture outside of Petco Park (+$390). But despite last Sunday?s outburst they?ve struggled at the plate, and the Cardinals are still within striking distance in the NL Central. We?ll stay away for now. PREFERRED: None.
Milwaukee at Colorado (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Brewers are on the verge of falling out of first place in the NL Central, and they?ve not been successful against righthanders outside of Miller Park (only 15-23, -$905). The Rockies are hanging close to the leaders in the competitive NL West, thanks in large part to their strong showing against righthanders at Coors Field (23-13, +$975 with 5.8 runs per game). We should get some chances to use the home team. PREFERRED: Rockies when righty meets righty.
Washington at San Francisco (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Nationals are not a team you want to make a habit of betting against (+$1140 so far in 2007). The Giants are almost as bad a team, but unlike Washington, they tend to be favored at home much of the time. That will no doubt be the case in this series, so take a shot with the visitor any time they send a righty to the hill (SF -$745 vs. righties at ATT Park). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Giants.
N.Y. Yankees at Toronto (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Yankees have looked sharp since the All-Star Break, taking 3 out of 4 from Toronto in the Bronx along the way. But the Blue Jays continue to play hard, and they look like an good value when Andy Pettitte (-$500) is on the mound, given their 13-3 (+$1010) record vs. lefties here at Rogers Centre. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. Pettitte.
Tampa Bay at Detroit (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Devil Rays somehow managed to take 2 out of 3 the only time these teams met this year (+$135), and when you consider how much money the Tigers have lost vs. righthanders here at Comerica (-$1025), the high priced visiting underdog looks very tempting. PREFERRED: Rightanders vs. the Tigers at +175 or better.
Oakland at Texas (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Athletics have been a major disappointment in 2007 (-$1445 overall), and while it??s difficult to endorse the last place Rangers, they have turned a modest profit against lefthanders at home (+$290), and they are likely to face at least one given that Lenny Dinardo & Dallas Braden (-$660, 5.65 ERA in 7 starts) are now being used as starters. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. lefthanders.
Boston at L.A. Angels (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Red Sox spanked The Angels when they visited Fenway Park back in April (3-0, +$300), and they are nicely poised to continue their winning ways here at Anaheim. They?ve been sensational vs. righthanders on the road (24-11, +$1480) and that?s what they?ll be up against here. LA is a formidable foe, but their pitching appears suspect at the moment. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING TUESDAY AUGUST 7
Florida at Philadelphia (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
Despite their recent woes the Marlins have posted a nice profit in road games vs. righthanders (+$575). Their two starting lefties, Dontrelle Willis and Scott Olsen, have been getting roughed up lately, but considering the Phillies? 15-20 (-$580) record vs. southpaws, they could both be a solid underdog value. At least one of them should see action. PREFERRED: Willis & Olsen vs. righthanders.
Atlanta at N.Y. Mets (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mets are clinging to an increasingly tenuous grasp in first place in the NL East, and this could prove to be a pivotal series. The Braves have already taken 6 of 9 from the Mets (+$330) and they?ve had tremendous success on the road vs. righthanders (23-12, +$825) while New York has lost money here at Shea (-$600). The Braves are pitching well (3.37 ERA last 10 days) and have a great shot at making up some ground. PREFERRED: Braves vs. righthanders.
L.A. Dodgers at Cincinnati (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Dodgers swept the series when these teams squared off before (+$300) but the Reds seem to be playing somewhat better, so caution is advised. LA has had success against lefthanders, particularly in road games (10-4, +$650) so we?ll take a shot when Bobby Livingston, recently added to the Reds? rotation takes the mound for Cincy. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. Livingston.
Pittsburgh at Arizona (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Diamondbacks continue to excel here at Chase Field (33-21, +$810) and they should dispatch the hapless Pirates without much difficulty. Pittsburgh averages just 4.1 runs per game and they?ve lost money in all settings this year (-$1440). They?ll be hard pressed to salvage a win. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks in all games.
Seattle at Baltimore (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mariners seem to have recovered from their sudden losing streak, and they continue to post outstanding numbers when opposing lefthanders (20-8, +$1475 in ?07). They may miss Eric Bedard, but Brian Burres (4.89 as a starter) is likely to see action and he makes an inviting target. PREFERRED: Mariners vs. Burres.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Twins have not looked sharp in recent days (4-6, -$155 with 3.3 runs per game and a 5.38 ERA among starters) so they could be vulnerable here. But the Royals are lousy here at Kaufman Stadium (24-31, -$300). We?ll pass for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Cleveland at Chicago W. Sox (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
For all their woes in 2007, the White Sox have been making life miserable for the top contenders in their division. They?ve posted a modest profit vs. righties here at US Cellular (+$140) while the Tribe has lost money vs. righties outside of Jacobs Field (-$430). PREFERRED: White Sox when righty meets righty.
L.A. Angels at Oakland (4) 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Athletics tend to pick up the pace in the 2nd half, in time to make a run at the playoffs. But despite outstanding pitching (3.78 team ERA, 2nd best in the league), they?ve fallen way off the pace in the AL West, and their numbers here at McAfee Coliseum are horrible (-$1305). The first place Angels would appear to be a logical choice in this series, but they?ve struggled against Oakland in head to head play (3-6, -$510) and their pitching has not been sharp in recent days (5.27 ERA among starters last 10). We?ll wait until game day before committing ourselves. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING FRIDAY AUGUST 3
N.Y. Mets at Chicago Cubs (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Cubs have been steadily climbing for the past two months, and their pitching has looked very sharp (2.83 ERA last 10 days). But this is a tough assignment, as they fight to pass Milwaukee in the NL Central. The Mets took 3 out of 4 from the Cubs in a series earlier this year (+$150), and they?ve put up terrific numbers in road games vs. righthanders at night (18-8, +$1105). Chicago has lost money at Wrigley Field this year (-$825). Sunday night is the only scheduled evening contest, so stick with NY if they get the right matchup. BEST BET: Mets vs. righthanders in night games.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
Neither team has much to recommend them as they fight to decide who winds up in the NL Central basement. The Pirates have been lousy at home this year (-$845) and they?ve averaged an anemic 4.1 runs per game in all settings. For the most part, we?ve stayed away from the Reds for the past three months (-$1580 overall). But they?ve looked more respectable since the All-Star break, and they continue to get quality work from Aaron Harang, who has led Cincinnati to wins in 17 of his 23 starts (+$1180, 3.55 ERA). He?s a solid value at PNC Park when he takes his turn. BEST BET: Harang.
Houston at Florida (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
We?re seeing more ugly matchups between non-contenders as the season moves into its final stages. The Astros have been especially ineffective in the role of visitor (only 18-34, -$1460), and could actually wind up with the worst record in the league if they?re not careful. The Marlins, meanwhile, have been a disaster here at Dolphin Stadium (23-29, -$980) and they?ve lost the first two head to head contests with Houston
(-$200). There is nothing about this series that we find appealing at the present time. BEST BET: None.
St. Louis at Washington (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Nationals still have one of the worst records in the NL, but high prices have transpired to make them the most profitable team in the league (+$1140 so far). They even took 2 out of 3 from St. Louis in an earlier meeting (+$220), so they?ve got an excellent chance vs. a Cardinals? team that continues to struggle on the mound (7.50 ERA among starters last 10 days). Take the home team when they send a righty to the hill (St. Louis 13-20, -$400 in that situation on the road so far). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Cardinals.
Colorado at Atlanta (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Braves are still putting up good stats (.272 team BA, 4.15), but they are having a tough time against some of the league?s better clubs. The Rockies could give them a hard time at Turner Field this weekend. They?ve been getting excellent pitching lately (3.03 ERA last 10 days), they?ve turned a fat profit vs. righties (+$1150) and they?ve got their ace southpaw Jeff Francis (+$900) set to go. The Braves are only 20.26 vs. lefties (-$950) and they?ve lost money in this ballpark (-$780). BEST BET: Francis/Rockies vs. righthanders.
Philadelphia at Milwaukee (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Brewers have held first place in the NL Central since the beginning of the season, but the Cubs are coming on strong, so they?ll need to hold off teams like the Phillies if they hope to make it into the post-season. They?ve been very tough to beat here at Miller Park (36-17, +$1290) and their only regular lefthanded starter, Chris Capuano, is coming off two strong outings (3.14 ERA) following a bad stretch. The Phillies are playing well, but they are still only 15-20 (-$580) vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Capuano.
San Francisco at San Diego (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Padres should continue to prevail over the last place Giants (6-3, +$280 in head to head play so far), but their lack of offense (.242 team BA, lowest in the league) remains a cause for concern. The pitching is spectacular (3.42 ERA, lowest in the majors). San Francisco is having a dreadful season (45-58, -$1360) but we?ll limit ourselves to taking San Diego vs. lefthanders (+$245 in that situation), given their difficulties against righthanders here at Petco Park in 2007. BEST BET: Padres vs. lefthanders.
Arizona at L.A. Dodgers (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Diamondbacks are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now (8-3, +$620 last 11) but the Dodgers have dominated this series so far in 2007 (7-2, +$525), and they check in here with an 18-11 (+$545) record vs. lefthanders, averaging 5.3 runs per game in those contests. Arizona has not fared well against righthanders outside of Chase Field (14-22, -$775) so LA has an opportunity to deal a significant setback to the surging visitor. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. D. Davis/Righthanders vs. the Diamondbacks.
Texas at Toronto (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Blue Jays have one of the better pitching staffs in the AL, and their starters have been particularly effective in recent days (2.40 ERA last 10). That gives them a tremendous edge over the sorrowful Rangers, who lack a single regular starting pitcher with an ERA lower than (5.61). Texas loses money away from Arlington (-$420) and despite taking 5 of 7 in head to head play already (+$390), they?ll be hard pressed to salvage a single victory at Rogers Centre this weekend. BEST BET: Blue Jays in all games.
Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Yankees made short work of last place KC when they squared off at Kaufman Stadium last week (3-1, +$145). But they are bound to be wildly overpriced throughout this series, and that opens the door for us to use the visitor, a team that has posted a fat profit as a visitor (+$1410). New York has dropped a bundle vs. righthanders in the Bronx so far (-$630), so take a shot with staff ace Gil Meche (+$665, 3.76 in 22 starts in 2007) when he goes. BEST BET: Meche.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Tigers can?t seem to pull away in the AL Central, and their pitching in recent days has been dreadful (8.29 ERA last 12). The White Sox don?t have much to play for but they have gotten the best of Detroit in head to head play (+$155), and they?ve turned a profit on the road vs. righties (+$310). The Tigers have lost a bundle vs. righties at Comerica (-$1025) but they?ll do doubt he heavily favored nonetheless. We could catch some nice underdog prices on the visitor. BEST BET: White Sox when righty meets righty.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Orioles have put together a nice stretch of winning baseball as July winds down (7-3, +$495 last 10 days), thanks in large measure to Eric Bedard (3.05 ERA in 22 starts) and Jeremy Guthrie (2.44 in 17 starts). Both are likely to see action and that?s bad news for a beleaguered Tampa team that checks in with the worst team ERA in the majors (6.06) and one that has only beaten the Orioles one time in nine tries this year (-$725). The Devil Rays? money-losses continue to climb (-$1820 so far). BEST BET: Bedard/Guthrie.
Cleveland at Minnesota (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Twins did take 2 out of 3 from the Tribe at Jacobs Field last weekend, but they are still only 2-6
(-$510) in head to head play this year. We believe the Indians are beginning to wear down, and their starting rotation is weak once you get past Sabathia & Carmona. But the ace lefty will be on the hill at the Metrodome this weekend, and that?s bad news for Minnesota. Even though they tagged Sabathia with a loss, this is a team that has fared poorly vs. lefthanders at home (-$755 with only 3.7 runs per game). The Twins don?t look like a team that can climb much above .500. BEST BET: Sabathia.
Boston at Seattle (3) 3rd, 4th, 5th
The Red Sox are deadly against righthanders on the road (24-11, +$1480) and the Mariners are struggling to score runs these days (only 4.4 per game last 10 days). The home team?s best hope for a victory in this series is if they get a lefty vs. lefty matchup when Jon Lester is on the hill. Seattle checks in with a stellar 20-8 mark vs. southpaws (+$1475) and the Bosox are only 6-11 (-$850) vs. lefties outside of Fenway Park. Play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Red Sox when righty meets righty/Mariners when lefty meets lefty.
BEGINNING MONDAY AUGUST 6
Chicago Cubs at Houston (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cubs are rolling right now, as they continue to climb in the NL Central while their team ERA continues to decline (3.86, 2nd lowest in the league). But they?ve had a terrible time dealing with lefthanders (9-15, -$1030 overall with only 2.8 runs per game on the road), and Wandy Rodriguez has been superb in his 12 starts at Minute Maid Park (+$610, 1.77 ERA). PREFERRED: W. Rodriguez.
San Diego at St. Louis (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
We?re partial to the Padres in this series, given the fact that they tend to be more profitable when they venture outside of Petco Park (+$390). But despite last Sunday?s outburst they?ve struggled at the plate, and the Cardinals are still within striking distance in the NL Central. We?ll stay away for now. PREFERRED: None.
Milwaukee at Colorado (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Brewers are on the verge of falling out of first place in the NL Central, and they?ve not been successful against righthanders outside of Miller Park (only 15-23, -$905). The Rockies are hanging close to the leaders in the competitive NL West, thanks in large part to their strong showing against righthanders at Coors Field (23-13, +$975 with 5.8 runs per game). We should get some chances to use the home team. PREFERRED: Rockies when righty meets righty.
Washington at San Francisco (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Nationals are not a team you want to make a habit of betting against (+$1140 so far in 2007). The Giants are almost as bad a team, but unlike Washington, they tend to be favored at home much of the time. That will no doubt be the case in this series, so take a shot with the visitor any time they send a righty to the hill (SF -$745 vs. righties at ATT Park). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Giants.
N.Y. Yankees at Toronto (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Yankees have looked sharp since the All-Star Break, taking 3 out of 4 from Toronto in the Bronx along the way. But the Blue Jays continue to play hard, and they look like an good value when Andy Pettitte (-$500) is on the mound, given their 13-3 (+$1010) record vs. lefties here at Rogers Centre. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. Pettitte.
Tampa Bay at Detroit (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Devil Rays somehow managed to take 2 out of 3 the only time these teams met this year (+$135), and when you consider how much money the Tigers have lost vs. righthanders here at Comerica (-$1025), the high priced visiting underdog looks very tempting. PREFERRED: Rightanders vs. the Tigers at +175 or better.
Oakland at Texas (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Athletics have been a major disappointment in 2007 (-$1445 overall), and while it??s difficult to endorse the last place Rangers, they have turned a modest profit against lefthanders at home (+$290), and they are likely to face at least one given that Lenny Dinardo & Dallas Braden (-$660, 5.65 ERA in 7 starts) are now being used as starters. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. lefthanders.
Boston at L.A. Angels (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Red Sox spanked The Angels when they visited Fenway Park back in April (3-0, +$300), and they are nicely poised to continue their winning ways here at Anaheim. They?ve been sensational vs. righthanders on the road (24-11, +$1480) and that?s what they?ll be up against here. LA is a formidable foe, but their pitching appears suspect at the moment. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING TUESDAY AUGUST 7
Florida at Philadelphia (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
Despite their recent woes the Marlins have posted a nice profit in road games vs. righthanders (+$575). Their two starting lefties, Dontrelle Willis and Scott Olsen, have been getting roughed up lately, but considering the Phillies? 15-20 (-$580) record vs. southpaws, they could both be a solid underdog value. At least one of them should see action. PREFERRED: Willis & Olsen vs. righthanders.
Atlanta at N.Y. Mets (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mets are clinging to an increasingly tenuous grasp in first place in the NL East, and this could prove to be a pivotal series. The Braves have already taken 6 of 9 from the Mets (+$330) and they?ve had tremendous success on the road vs. righthanders (23-12, +$825) while New York has lost money here at Shea (-$600). The Braves are pitching well (3.37 ERA last 10 days) and have a great shot at making up some ground. PREFERRED: Braves vs. righthanders.
L.A. Dodgers at Cincinnati (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Dodgers swept the series when these teams squared off before (+$300) but the Reds seem to be playing somewhat better, so caution is advised. LA has had success against lefthanders, particularly in road games (10-4, +$650) so we?ll take a shot when Bobby Livingston, recently added to the Reds? rotation takes the mound for Cincy. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. Livingston.
Pittsburgh at Arizona (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Diamondbacks continue to excel here at Chase Field (33-21, +$810) and they should dispatch the hapless Pirates without much difficulty. Pittsburgh averages just 4.1 runs per game and they?ve lost money in all settings this year (-$1440). They?ll be hard pressed to salvage a win. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks in all games.
Seattle at Baltimore (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mariners seem to have recovered from their sudden losing streak, and they continue to post outstanding numbers when opposing lefthanders (20-8, +$1475 in ?07). They may miss Eric Bedard, but Brian Burres (4.89 as a starter) is likely to see action and he makes an inviting target. PREFERRED: Mariners vs. Burres.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Twins have not looked sharp in recent days (4-6, -$155 with 3.3 runs per game and a 5.38 ERA among starters) so they could be vulnerable here. But the Royals are lousy here at Kaufman Stadium (24-31, -$300). We?ll pass for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Cleveland at Chicago W. Sox (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
For all their woes in 2007, the White Sox have been making life miserable for the top contenders in their division. They?ve posted a modest profit vs. righties here at US Cellular (+$140) while the Tribe has lost money vs. righties outside of Jacobs Field (-$430). PREFERRED: White Sox when righty meets righty.
