BEGINNING THURSDAY APRIL 10
St. Louis at San Francisco (4) 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th
The Cardinals struggled against San Francisco in 2007 (1-4, -$325) but they?ve gotten off to a fast 5-1 start, and are in a position to exact a measure of revenge from the floundering Giants (1-5, -$355 so far this season). Barry Zito was slapped around in his first two starts, after posting disappointing numbers in in 2007 (-$595). St. Louis was 12-4 vs. lefthanders in night road games last year (+$1090 with 6.1 runs per game), and it?s likely they?ll be in against Zito in Friday?s evening contest. BEST BET: Cardinals vs. Zito.
BEGINNING FRIDAY APRIL 11
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Reds jumped out to an impressive 4-2 start in 2008, with their starting pitchers yielding minimal runs in the process. The Pirates were not so fortunate, as their starters were far from imposing. Cincinnati looks like a team that can be competitive this year, and they should fare well here at PNC Park, taking on a Pittsburgh team that dropped a bundle vs. righthanders in 2007 (-$1735). Bronson Arroyo and Johnny Cueto are likely to see action, and both looked sharp in their first outings. BEST BET: Arroyo/Cueto.
Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Phillies are off to their usual slow start, dropping 4 of their first 6 contests in 2008 (-$465). The Cubs were at their very best last year against righthanders in games away from Wrigley Field (35-25, +$1040). They should fare quite well against the Phillies when that situation presents itself. Carlos Zambrano has turned in a pair of outstanding outings to start the new year (1.32 ERA) and he looks like an excellent value regardless of the opposition. BEST BET: C. Zambrano/Cubs vs. righthanders.
Milwaukee at N.Y. Mets (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Brewers appeared to be somewhat lacking in the pitching department during spring training, but so far the results have been very satisfactory. They exit the first week of the new season with a solid 5-1 record (+$470), including a 2-1 mark against division rival Chicago at Wrigley. This team did struggle as visitors in 2007, but the Mets lost a fortune at Shea Stadium last year (-$2505), and their pitching staff looks very thin right now. Avoid Johan Santana & Oliver Perez, who have excelled in the early going, but the rest of the New York rotation is fair game. BEST BET: Brewers unless opposed by J. Santana or Ol. Perez.
Atlanta at Washington (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Braves make a return trip to Washington having dropped a tight one to the Nationals on opening night. They certainly feel optimistic about their pitching staff based on the rotation?s first week performance, and it?s hard to see the Nationals getting by with the hurlers they?ve rolled out to start the year. Atlanta averaged a very potent 5.7 runs per game on the road last season, and they should take at least 2 out of 3 from the lackluster home team this weekend. BEST BET: Braves in all games.
Florida at Houston (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Marlins started the season with a respectable 3-3 mark, but their starting rotation is in shambles, with no individual pitcher posting an ERA lower than 6.00. The Astros opened up against tough opponents in San Diego and Chicago, but their pitching looked much more respectable, and their chances for a good weekend here at Minute Maid Park appear to be outstanding. They saw excellent work on the mound from three unheralded starters, at least two of whom should see action this weekend, no doubt at fairly reasonable prices. BEST BET: Backe/Chacon/Sampson.
Colorado at Arizona (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Diamondbacks threw down the gauntlet when they swept a three game set at Coors Field last weekend, partial payback for knocking them out of the post-season last October. They racked up huge profit here at Chase Field in 2007 (+$1185) but it?s still hard to lay fat prices on their righthanders, given Colorado?s impressive numbers vs. righties in road games last year (+$1335).However, the Rockies did not fare well against lefthanders (20-24, -$530) and there?s a good chances they?ll square off against Doug Davis, a reliable southpaw for the D?Backs in ?07 (+$935). BEST BET: D. Davis.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
These teams had a hard fought series at Petco Park last weekend, with LA coming out on top in 2 of 3. Both pitching staffs have been outstanding, so we expect to see more close, low scoring games here at Chavez Ravine. We?ll get an opportunity to use Cy Young winner Jake Peavy at a relatively short price in this ballpark, where the home team tends to be overpriced. He?s been unhittable in his first two outings (+$200, 0.56 ERA), and the Dodgers were a losing proposition vs. righthanders in 2007 (56-58, -$825). BEST BET: Peavy.
N.Y. Yankees at Boston (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Red Sox appeared to have weathered their trip to Japan without difficulty when they grabbed a pair of wins from the Athletics at McAfee Coliseum last week. Then they rolled into Rogers Centre and saw their rotation abused by the Toronto offense, surrendering 23 runs in the three game sweep (-$340). Boston lost a substantial sum vs. righthanders in night games at Fenway Park last year (-$1125) and they?ll be up against Chien Ming Wang (+$200, 1.38 ERA) in Friday?s opener, and Phil Hughes (+$100, 3.00) in Sunday?s ESPN affair. An excellent value on two solid New York hurlers in a favorable setting at reasonable prices. BEST BET: Wang & Hughes in night games.
Oakland at Cleveland (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Indians managed to salvage the final game of their weekend set at McAfee Coliseum last weekend. Oakland?s pitching looks very sharp right now, so the circumstances for the home team as far from ideal. The Athletics had success putting up runs against lefthanders in 2007 (5.4 per game) and Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia has not had success in his first two starts (7.60 ERA). He?s due to take his next turn here at Progressive Field, so we?ll grab the fat underdog price on the visitor when he goes. BEST BET: Athletics vs. Sabathia.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Orioles were expected to proceed directly to the AL East basement, but it has not worked out that way. They?ve jumped out to a 4-1 opening (+$335), managing a sweep over the highly regarded Mariners at Camden Yards last weekend. But their starting pitching still leaves much to be desired, and they?ll have to take on James Shields (3.00 in his two starts so far), who has moved into the role of #1 man in the absence of Scott Kazmir. BEST BET: Shields.
Toronto at Texas (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Blue Jays drew an ugly opening week schedule, but they bounced back from losing 2 out of 3 at Yankee Stadium with a convincing three game sweep over the champion Red Sox. Not a bad way to get things started in 2008. But they fared poorly on the road last year (-$795) while the Rangers posted a profit here at Arlington (+$1145). Millwood (1.29) and Padilla (2.77) have both put forth a pair of quality starts. BEST BET: Millwood/Padilla.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Royals will be better this year because they possess a trio of quality arms in Gil Meche, Brian Bannister and Zack Greinke. The Twins are a far far cry from what we?ve seen in recent years now that Johan Santana and Torii Hunter are gone. They lost a bundle in ?07 (-$1445) and will be hard pressed vs. the KC righties, at least a couple of whom should see action. BEST BET: Meche/Bannister/Greinke.
Detroit at Chicago W. Sox (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Tigers were expected to run away from the competition in 2008, but they?ve dug an early hole for themselves, dropping their first six games of the season (-$1020). The White Sox scored some nice wins at Comerica, but their pitching still leaves much to be desired, and it?s only a matter of time before Detroit snaps out of it. Mark Buehrle pitched well last Sunday, but the Tigers were 28-15 vs. lefthanders in ?07 (+$1390 with 5.9 runs per game), so he makes an inviting target for the visitor here at U.S. Cellular. BEST BET: Tigers vs. Buehrle.
L.A. Angels at Seattle (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Angels dominated the season series in 2007, winning 13 of the 19 head to head contests (+$575). But with Lackey and Escobar out of the rotation, it?s going to be difficult for LA to keep pace with the Mariners this year. They?ll have particular trouble when they send Joe Saunders to the mound at Safeco this weekend. The southpaw performed well in his first appearance of the new campaign, but Seattle was 28-13 vs. lefties in ?07 (+$1730 with 5.3 runs per game). Jump on the home team when he goes. BEST BET: Mariners vs. Saunders.
BEGINNING MONDAY APRIL 14
Pittsburgh at L.A. Dodgers (3) 14th, 15th, 16th
The Dodgers took 5 of 7 from the last place Pirates in 2007 (+$265) and they are getting great pitching right now, so it?s difficult to recommend the visitor. But since prices on the home team will be high we prefer to steer clear for now. PREFERRED: None.
Arizona at San Francisco (3) 14th, 15th, 16th
The Diamondbacks were very effective against lefthanders in 2007 (28-17, +$1195 overall), and neither of the southpaws currently in the San Francisco rotation (Zito, J. Sanchez) has enjoyed much success so far this year. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Angels at Texas (2) 14th, 15th
The Rangers more or less split the season series with the Angels last year (9-10, +$30) and after taking 2 out of 3 at Anaheim last weekend, it?s reasonable to assume they can manage at least a profitable split in this two game set. PREFERRED: Rangers in both games.
Oakland at Chicago W. Sox (2) 14th, 15th
The Athletics are an excellent value anytime they oppose a lefthander (5.4 runs per game in 2007) or if they send a southpaw to take on the White Sox (Chicago -$1280 vs. lefthanders last season). PREFERRED: Athletics vs. lefthanders/Lefthanders vs. the White Sox.
Kansas City at Seattle (2) 14th, 15th
The Royals turned a nice profit in their 2007 road games (+$745) and considering the early difficulties the Mariners are having, they?ll be tough to pass up in this series, as long as one of their trio of quality righties is on the mound. PREFERRED: Meche/Bannister/Greinke.
Toronto at Baltimore (2) 14th, 15th
Despite their good weekend vs. Seattle we?re not keen on the Orioles here at Camden Yards (-$1480 in ?07). But we don?t trust the Blue Jays outside of Rogers Centre (-$795 last year). PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Detroit (2) 14th, 15th
The Tigers are shell-shocked after getting dumped six times to open the ?08 campaign, and their lefthanders could be vulnerable to a Twins team that posted a 14-8 (+$940) mark on the road against lefties last year. Take the fat underdog price. PREFERRED: Twins vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Cleveland (2) 14th, 15th
This two game set for Boston is sandwiched between a pair of series with the Yankees, so this figures to be a classic letdown situation. The Sox haven?t looked very sharp this season anyway, and there is also a measure of revenge to be exacted for having knocked the Tribe out of the playoffs last October. PREFERRED: Indians in both games.
N.Y. Yankees at Tampa Bay (2) 14th, 15th
Like Boston, this quick trip to Tropicana follows a three game set at Fenway Park (including a Sunday night finale), with another showdown with the Red Sox on tap starting on Wednesday in the Bronx. Can?t imagine the Yankees taking both of these, if either, and a split will net Ray backers a nice payday. PREFERRED: Rays in both games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY APRIL 15
Houston at Philadelphia (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Astros lost money on the road vs. righties in ?07 (-$1010), while the Phillies turned a profit vs. righties in all settings (+$1080). Play these accordingly. PREFERRED: Phillies when righty meets righty.
Washington at N.Y. Mets (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Don?t trust the Mets here at Shea (-$1415 last year), but none of Washington?s starters appeal to us. PREFERRED: None.
Atlanta at Florida (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Braves have a huge edge over the hapless Marlins in terms of pitching, so they should have no trouble taking at least 2 out of 3 here at Dolphin Stadium. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Chicago has starting slow once again, and none of their righties other than Zambrano concern us. The Cubs lost money at Wrigley in 2007 (-$950). PREFERRED: Reds vs. all righthanders except C. Zambrano.
Milwaukee at St. Louis (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Brewers are the better team, but they lost money vs. the Cards last year (-$335) and it?s still hard to trust them away from Miller Park (32-49, -$1745 in ?07). PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Colorado at San Diego (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
No love lost between these two following that classic 13 inning tie-breaker last October. The Padres will be expensive, but the Rockies haven?t done much to warrant consideration. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING WEDNESDAY APRIL 16
Detroit at Cleveland (2) 16th, 17th
The Tigers have looked terrible and they lost a bundle vs. righties last year (-$1385) while the Tribe was profitable vs. southpaws (+$1025). PREFERRED: Indian righthanders vs. lefthanders.
Texas at Toronto (2) 16th, 17th
If the Rangers happen to roll out a southpaw in this series we?ll lay the price on the home favorite (Blue Jays 18-5, +$1240 vs. lefthanders in 2007). PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (2) 16th, 17th
If Mike Mussina (-$850, 5.16 ERA in 2007, -$145, 4.77 so far in ?08) takes a turn we?ll take a shot with the visiting Red Sox (Boston+$875 on the road vs. righties last year). PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. Mussina.
Chicago W. Sox at Baltimore (2) 16th, 17th
The White Sox should salvage at least at split here at Camden Yards (O?s -$1480 at home in ?07). PREFERRED: White Sox in both games.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota (2) 16th, 17th
The Rays turned a profit vs. Minnesota last year (+$280) and the Twins aren?t nearly as good. PREFERRED: Rays at +120 or better.
Kansas City at L.A. Angels (2) 16th, 17th
The Angels are too tough on righties (+$1515 in ?07) so we?ll only consider taking the visitor if they send a southpaw to the hill (Angels -$1010 in that spot last year). PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Angels.
Seattle at Oakland (2) 16th, 17th
Take any of the Seattle righties against the A?s in this series (Oakland -$1875 vs. righties in ?07). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Athletics.
St. Louis at San Francisco (4) 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th
The Cardinals struggled against San Francisco in 2007 (1-4, -$325) but they?ve gotten off to a fast 5-1 start, and are in a position to exact a measure of revenge from the floundering Giants (1-5, -$355 so far this season). Barry Zito was slapped around in his first two starts, after posting disappointing numbers in in 2007 (-$595). St. Louis was 12-4 vs. lefthanders in night road games last year (+$1090 with 6.1 runs per game), and it?s likely they?ll be in against Zito in Friday?s evening contest. BEST BET: Cardinals vs. Zito.
BEGINNING FRIDAY APRIL 11
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Reds jumped out to an impressive 4-2 start in 2008, with their starting pitchers yielding minimal runs in the process. The Pirates were not so fortunate, as their starters were far from imposing. Cincinnati looks like a team that can be competitive this year, and they should fare well here at PNC Park, taking on a Pittsburgh team that dropped a bundle vs. righthanders in 2007 (-$1735). Bronson Arroyo and Johnny Cueto are likely to see action, and both looked sharp in their first outings. BEST BET: Arroyo/Cueto.
Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Phillies are off to their usual slow start, dropping 4 of their first 6 contests in 2008 (-$465). The Cubs were at their very best last year against righthanders in games away from Wrigley Field (35-25, +$1040). They should fare quite well against the Phillies when that situation presents itself. Carlos Zambrano has turned in a pair of outstanding outings to start the new year (1.32 ERA) and he looks like an excellent value regardless of the opposition. BEST BET: C. Zambrano/Cubs vs. righthanders.
Milwaukee at N.Y. Mets (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Brewers appeared to be somewhat lacking in the pitching department during spring training, but so far the results have been very satisfactory. They exit the first week of the new season with a solid 5-1 record (+$470), including a 2-1 mark against division rival Chicago at Wrigley. This team did struggle as visitors in 2007, but the Mets lost a fortune at Shea Stadium last year (-$2505), and their pitching staff looks very thin right now. Avoid Johan Santana & Oliver Perez, who have excelled in the early going, but the rest of the New York rotation is fair game. BEST BET: Brewers unless opposed by J. Santana or Ol. Perez.
Atlanta at Washington (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Braves make a return trip to Washington having dropped a tight one to the Nationals on opening night. They certainly feel optimistic about their pitching staff based on the rotation?s first week performance, and it?s hard to see the Nationals getting by with the hurlers they?ve rolled out to start the year. Atlanta averaged a very potent 5.7 runs per game on the road last season, and they should take at least 2 out of 3 from the lackluster home team this weekend. BEST BET: Braves in all games.
Florida at Houston (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Marlins started the season with a respectable 3-3 mark, but their starting rotation is in shambles, with no individual pitcher posting an ERA lower than 6.00. The Astros opened up against tough opponents in San Diego and Chicago, but their pitching looked much more respectable, and their chances for a good weekend here at Minute Maid Park appear to be outstanding. They saw excellent work on the mound from three unheralded starters, at least two of whom should see action this weekend, no doubt at fairly reasonable prices. BEST BET: Backe/Chacon/Sampson.
Colorado at Arizona (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Diamondbacks threw down the gauntlet when they swept a three game set at Coors Field last weekend, partial payback for knocking them out of the post-season last October. They racked up huge profit here at Chase Field in 2007 (+$1185) but it?s still hard to lay fat prices on their righthanders, given Colorado?s impressive numbers vs. righties in road games last year (+$1335).However, the Rockies did not fare well against lefthanders (20-24, -$530) and there?s a good chances they?ll square off against Doug Davis, a reliable southpaw for the D?Backs in ?07 (+$935). BEST BET: D. Davis.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
These teams had a hard fought series at Petco Park last weekend, with LA coming out on top in 2 of 3. Both pitching staffs have been outstanding, so we expect to see more close, low scoring games here at Chavez Ravine. We?ll get an opportunity to use Cy Young winner Jake Peavy at a relatively short price in this ballpark, where the home team tends to be overpriced. He?s been unhittable in his first two outings (+$200, 0.56 ERA), and the Dodgers were a losing proposition vs. righthanders in 2007 (56-58, -$825). BEST BET: Peavy.
N.Y. Yankees at Boston (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Red Sox appeared to have weathered their trip to Japan without difficulty when they grabbed a pair of wins from the Athletics at McAfee Coliseum last week. Then they rolled into Rogers Centre and saw their rotation abused by the Toronto offense, surrendering 23 runs in the three game sweep (-$340). Boston lost a substantial sum vs. righthanders in night games at Fenway Park last year (-$1125) and they?ll be up against Chien Ming Wang (+$200, 1.38 ERA) in Friday?s opener, and Phil Hughes (+$100, 3.00) in Sunday?s ESPN affair. An excellent value on two solid New York hurlers in a favorable setting at reasonable prices. BEST BET: Wang & Hughes in night games.
Oakland at Cleveland (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Indians managed to salvage the final game of their weekend set at McAfee Coliseum last weekend. Oakland?s pitching looks very sharp right now, so the circumstances for the home team as far from ideal. The Athletics had success putting up runs against lefthanders in 2007 (5.4 per game) and Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia has not had success in his first two starts (7.60 ERA). He?s due to take his next turn here at Progressive Field, so we?ll grab the fat underdog price on the visitor when he goes. BEST BET: Athletics vs. Sabathia.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Orioles were expected to proceed directly to the AL East basement, but it has not worked out that way. They?ve jumped out to a 4-1 opening (+$335), managing a sweep over the highly regarded Mariners at Camden Yards last weekend. But their starting pitching still leaves much to be desired, and they?ll have to take on James Shields (3.00 in his two starts so far), who has moved into the role of #1 man in the absence of Scott Kazmir. BEST BET: Shields.
Toronto at Texas (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Blue Jays drew an ugly opening week schedule, but they bounced back from losing 2 out of 3 at Yankee Stadium with a convincing three game sweep over the champion Red Sox. Not a bad way to get things started in 2008. But they fared poorly on the road last year (-$795) while the Rangers posted a profit here at Arlington (+$1145). Millwood (1.29) and Padilla (2.77) have both put forth a pair of quality starts. BEST BET: Millwood/Padilla.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Royals will be better this year because they possess a trio of quality arms in Gil Meche, Brian Bannister and Zack Greinke. The Twins are a far far cry from what we?ve seen in recent years now that Johan Santana and Torii Hunter are gone. They lost a bundle in ?07 (-$1445) and will be hard pressed vs. the KC righties, at least a couple of whom should see action. BEST BET: Meche/Bannister/Greinke.
Detroit at Chicago W. Sox (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Tigers were expected to run away from the competition in 2008, but they?ve dug an early hole for themselves, dropping their first six games of the season (-$1020). The White Sox scored some nice wins at Comerica, but their pitching still leaves much to be desired, and it?s only a matter of time before Detroit snaps out of it. Mark Buehrle pitched well last Sunday, but the Tigers were 28-15 vs. lefthanders in ?07 (+$1390 with 5.9 runs per game), so he makes an inviting target for the visitor here at U.S. Cellular. BEST BET: Tigers vs. Buehrle.
L.A. Angels at Seattle (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Angels dominated the season series in 2007, winning 13 of the 19 head to head contests (+$575). But with Lackey and Escobar out of the rotation, it?s going to be difficult for LA to keep pace with the Mariners this year. They?ll have particular trouble when they send Joe Saunders to the mound at Safeco this weekend. The southpaw performed well in his first appearance of the new campaign, but Seattle was 28-13 vs. lefties in ?07 (+$1730 with 5.3 runs per game). Jump on the home team when he goes. BEST BET: Mariners vs. Saunders.
BEGINNING MONDAY APRIL 14
Pittsburgh at L.A. Dodgers (3) 14th, 15th, 16th
The Dodgers took 5 of 7 from the last place Pirates in 2007 (+$265) and they are getting great pitching right now, so it?s difficult to recommend the visitor. But since prices on the home team will be high we prefer to steer clear for now. PREFERRED: None.
Arizona at San Francisco (3) 14th, 15th, 16th
The Diamondbacks were very effective against lefthanders in 2007 (28-17, +$1195 overall), and neither of the southpaws currently in the San Francisco rotation (Zito, J. Sanchez) has enjoyed much success so far this year. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Angels at Texas (2) 14th, 15th
The Rangers more or less split the season series with the Angels last year (9-10, +$30) and after taking 2 out of 3 at Anaheim last weekend, it?s reasonable to assume they can manage at least a profitable split in this two game set. PREFERRED: Rangers in both games.
Oakland at Chicago W. Sox (2) 14th, 15th
The Athletics are an excellent value anytime they oppose a lefthander (5.4 runs per game in 2007) or if they send a southpaw to take on the White Sox (Chicago -$1280 vs. lefthanders last season). PREFERRED: Athletics vs. lefthanders/Lefthanders vs. the White Sox.
Kansas City at Seattle (2) 14th, 15th
The Royals turned a nice profit in their 2007 road games (+$745) and considering the early difficulties the Mariners are having, they?ll be tough to pass up in this series, as long as one of their trio of quality righties is on the mound. PREFERRED: Meche/Bannister/Greinke.
Toronto at Baltimore (2) 14th, 15th
Despite their good weekend vs. Seattle we?re not keen on the Orioles here at Camden Yards (-$1480 in ?07). But we don?t trust the Blue Jays outside of Rogers Centre (-$795 last year). PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Detroit (2) 14th, 15th
The Tigers are shell-shocked after getting dumped six times to open the ?08 campaign, and their lefthanders could be vulnerable to a Twins team that posted a 14-8 (+$940) mark on the road against lefties last year. Take the fat underdog price. PREFERRED: Twins vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Cleveland (2) 14th, 15th
This two game set for Boston is sandwiched between a pair of series with the Yankees, so this figures to be a classic letdown situation. The Sox haven?t looked very sharp this season anyway, and there is also a measure of revenge to be exacted for having knocked the Tribe out of the playoffs last October. PREFERRED: Indians in both games.
N.Y. Yankees at Tampa Bay (2) 14th, 15th
Like Boston, this quick trip to Tropicana follows a three game set at Fenway Park (including a Sunday night finale), with another showdown with the Red Sox on tap starting on Wednesday in the Bronx. Can?t imagine the Yankees taking both of these, if either, and a split will net Ray backers a nice payday. PREFERRED: Rays in both games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY APRIL 15
Houston at Philadelphia (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Astros lost money on the road vs. righties in ?07 (-$1010), while the Phillies turned a profit vs. righties in all settings (+$1080). Play these accordingly. PREFERRED: Phillies when righty meets righty.
Washington at N.Y. Mets (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Don?t trust the Mets here at Shea (-$1415 last year), but none of Washington?s starters appeal to us. PREFERRED: None.
Atlanta at Florida (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Braves have a huge edge over the hapless Marlins in terms of pitching, so they should have no trouble taking at least 2 out of 3 here at Dolphin Stadium. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Chicago has starting slow once again, and none of their righties other than Zambrano concern us. The Cubs lost money at Wrigley in 2007 (-$950). PREFERRED: Reds vs. all righthanders except C. Zambrano.
Milwaukee at St. Louis (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Brewers are the better team, but they lost money vs. the Cards last year (-$335) and it?s still hard to trust them away from Miller Park (32-49, -$1745 in ?07). PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Colorado at San Diego (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
No love lost between these two following that classic 13 inning tie-breaker last October. The Padres will be expensive, but the Rockies haven?t done much to warrant consideration. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING WEDNESDAY APRIL 16
Detroit at Cleveland (2) 16th, 17th
The Tigers have looked terrible and they lost a bundle vs. righties last year (-$1385) while the Tribe was profitable vs. southpaws (+$1025). PREFERRED: Indian righthanders vs. lefthanders.
Texas at Toronto (2) 16th, 17th
If the Rangers happen to roll out a southpaw in this series we?ll lay the price on the home favorite (Blue Jays 18-5, +$1240 vs. lefthanders in 2007). PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (2) 16th, 17th
If Mike Mussina (-$850, 5.16 ERA in 2007, -$145, 4.77 so far in ?08) takes a turn we?ll take a shot with the visiting Red Sox (Boston+$875 on the road vs. righties last year). PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. Mussina.
Chicago W. Sox at Baltimore (2) 16th, 17th
The White Sox should salvage at least at split here at Camden Yards (O?s -$1480 at home in ?07). PREFERRED: White Sox in both games.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota (2) 16th, 17th
The Rays turned a profit vs. Minnesota last year (+$280) and the Twins aren?t nearly as good. PREFERRED: Rays at +120 or better.
Kansas City at L.A. Angels (2) 16th, 17th
The Angels are too tough on righties (+$1515 in ?07) so we?ll only consider taking the visitor if they send a southpaw to the hill (Angels -$1010 in that spot last year). PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Angels.
Seattle at Oakland (2) 16th, 17th
Take any of the Seattle righties against the A?s in this series (Oakland -$1875 vs. righties in ?07). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Athletics.
