BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 16
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Pirates have already played the Cubs six times this year and they haven?t notched a single victory (-$605). And despite a nice run over the past few days, Pittsburgh still has the highest team ERA in the NL (4.98), bad news vs. a Chicago team that checks in with a .280 team BA. The Cubs are a better pitching team (3.77 ERA) and their staff ace Carlos Zambrano has been superb (1.80 ERA in eight starts). Prices will be high when he?s on the hill, but the value looks outstanding. BEST BET: C. Zambrano.
Toronto at Philadelphia (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Blue Jays look very good on paper (3.69 team ERA) so it?s hard to understand why they aren?t winning more games. They are only 7-12 on the road (-$545) and they?ve been very ineffective against lefthanders (only 3-7, -$565 with 2.7 runs per game). The Phillies don?t inspire much confidence, and their ace southpaw Cole Hamels is not expected to see action in this series. But Jamie Moyer (+$180, 4.15 ERA) is expected to take a turn and should fare well vs. the Toronto lineup. BEST BET: Moyer.
Washington at Baltimore (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Nationals (4.9 team ERA, .238 team BA, next to last in the NL in both departments) are now firmly entrenched in the NL East basement, and that 7-14 record against righthanders (-$460 with only 4.6 runs per game) suggests they are in for a very rough weekend at Camden Yards. The Orioles have played much better than was expected, and thy check in here with a solid 9-5 (+$485) mark against righthanders in home games. They should dispatch the lackluster Washington team without much difficulty. BEST BET: Orioles when righty meets righty.
Milwaukee at Boston (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Brewers have had a very bad stretch of games in recent days (only 3-7, -$520 with 3.2 runs per game and a 6.58 ERA among starters), certainly not what you want when heading into Fenway Park to take on a hot Boston team. The Red Sox are 7-4 in their last 11 (+$250 with 6.4 runs per game and a 3.77 ERA among starters), and they manhandled the NL in inter-league play last year (12-6, +$310). Ben Sheets is not expected to take a turn in this series, and Yovani Gallardo is on the DL with knee surgery upcoming. The fading Brewers will be fortunate to salvage a single victory. BEST BET: Red Sox in all games.
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The way the rotations line up, it appears the Yankees will dodge Johan Santana in this weekend?s hometown showdown in the Bronx, good news for a team averaging a pathetic 3.3 runs per game vs. lefthanders (-$340). But Oliver Perez will be on the hill, and even though he?s been inconsistent, this looks like an ideal spot. The Mets check in with a solid 8-3 record vs. lefthanders (+$380). Andy Pettitte has pitched well but doesn?t have very much to show for it (-$305). When righthanders square off, we?ll consider those games on a case by case basis. BEST BET: Ol.Perez/Mets vs. Pettitte.
Cleveland at Cincinnati (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
We expected a much better season from the Reds, but they?ve been a major disappointment thus far in 2008 (-$930 overall) and their pitching staff is nowhere close to that of Cleveland (4.62 team ERA vs.3.62 for the Tribe). Reigning Cy Young champ C.C. Sabathia has regained his form, Fausto Carmona looks very sharp (2.95 ERA in seven starts) and lefty Cliff Lee is the hottest pitcher in MLB (+$645, 0.81 ERA in six starts). Even Paul Byrd (3.22 ERA last two outings) and Aaron Laffey (1.83 ERA in three starts) are contributing, so the Indians should dominate their in-state rival this weekend. BEST BET: Indians in all games.
Kansas City at Florida (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Marlins are an astounding nine games over .500, making them the most profitable team in baseball this season (+$1295), something that no one saw coming. Their stats are unremarkable, but they should fare well at home against the fading Royals, who started strong but quickly faded (4-6, -$180 last 10 days). Despite some nice young arms. KC?s team ERA is climbing (4.49, 3rd worst in the AL) and they are struggling to score runs (only 3.6 per game). Mark Hendrickson (+$445, 3.56 ERA) and Scott Olsen (+$690, 2.63) are the two Florida hurlers who look most promising, and both are likely to see action here. BEST BET: Hendrickson/Olsen.
Oakland at Atlanta (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Athletics ran into a bit of trouble at Arlington last weekend, but their pitching staff is hard to pass up (3.25 team ERA, best in baseball). They?ve been sensational against righthanders in road games (9-3, +$885), but the Braves are a spectacular 9-1 (+$770) vs. righties at Turner Field, so we?ll steer clear when righty meets righty. Greg Smith isn?t slated to make a start here, but Dana Eveland (+$295, 3.23) is likely to see action. Atlanta is far less imposing vs. southpaws (-$415, 4.2 runs per game). BEST BET: Eveland.
Houston at Texas (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The two teams from Texas are the hottest clubs in baseball right now (Astros 8-1, +$880 . . . Rangers 8-3, +$790), not bad for a pair of clubs who would love to wind up anywhere close to .500 by season?s end. The Rangers do their best work vs. righthanders (+$350 with 5.0 runs per game) and Houston is going with an all-righty rotation at the moment. They were very successful vs. the NL in 2007 (11-7, +$710) and they?ve gotten surprisingly effective work from veteran Vicente Padilla (+$710, 3.02 ERA) and comeback player Sidney Ponson (3.16 ERA in four starts), both of whom will be on the mound this weekend. BEST BET: Padilla/Ponson.
Tampa Bay at St. Louis (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Another pair of teams that have over-performed in 2008 squaring off at Busch Stadium this weekend. The Cardinals continue to get outstanding work on the mound from the trio of Braden Looper (4.21), Adam Wainwright (2.25) and Todd Wellemeyer (3.56), but the Rays have been profitable vs. righthanders (+$780 with 5.1 runs per game) so caution is advised. Tampa Bay gets a big boost now that Scott Kazmir is back in the rotation (2.70 ERA in two starts) and James Shields (3.14) has been flashing excellent form. Bit neither is expected to see action this weekend. We?ll need to take a another look at this series when game day draws near. BEST BET: None.
Minnesota at Colorado (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Twins have been playing well (6-3, +$395 last 10 days) but their pitching is average at best (4.18 team ERA) and they have trouble scoring runs against righthanders (only 4.1 per game so far). But the Rockies are in extremely bad shape at the moment (-$790 overall with a 6.22 ERA among starters last 10 days). Their staff ace Jeff Francis is having a terrible year thus far (-$270, 5.27 ERA) and he appears tailor made for the Minnesota offense. He?s scheduled to make a start at Coors Field this weekend, so take a shot with the visitor when he goes. BEST BET: Twins vs. Francis.
Detroit at Arizona (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Diamondbacks have hit a minor bump in the road in recent days (3-7, -$515 last 10), but they still boast one of the top pitching staffs baseball (3.61 team ERA) and they check in with an impressive 14-7 (+$480) record here at Chase Field. The Tigers are mired in last place because their vaunted pitching staff has been horrible. They?ve dropped a fortune vs. righthanders already this year (11-21, -$1520) while Arizona has excelled in that situation (15-10, +$375 with 5.6 runs per game). Prices may be high, but the home team is worth it. BEST BET: Diamondbacks when righty meets righty.
L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Dodgers have stayed very competitive in the NL West, but while they?ve dominated lefthanded opposition (9-3, +$510 with 7.1 runs per game), they?ve been ineffective vs. righthanders (only 10-15, -$860 with 4.0 runs per game). The Angels are still well above .500 despite an unexpected sweep at the hands of the Rays at Tropicana Field last weekend, but their pitching looks like a cause for concern (4.33 ERA, 11th in the league). They?ll send a steady diet of righties against the Dodgers in this series, but Ervin Santana (+$375, 2.63 ERA in eight starts) is the only one performing well enough to warrant consideration. BEST BET: E. Santana.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Much was expected from these clubs in 2008, but they?ve both under-performed badly in the early going. San Diego?s pitching has been adequate, but they are woefully inept on offense (.229 team BA, lowest in the majors, averaging just 3.3 runs per game). The Mariners can?t seem to do anything right (2-9, -$910 last 11 days with only 2.4 runs per game and a 6.82 ERA among starters), recording the worst record in the AL to date. Both teams have the talent to turn things around, but this series is far too unappetizing at the moment to warrant consideration. BEST BET: None.
Chicago W. Sox at San Francisco (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
After a pair of sub-par seasons, the White Sox are back in the AL Central playoff hunt, thanks in large part to quality pitching (3.66 team ERA, 3rd best in the league). They have had trouble on the offensive side, but their numbers against lefties are respectable (6-4, +$190 with 5.1 runs per game) and they?ll no doubt be squaring off against one or more southpaws at ATT Park this weekend. The Giants are averaging a mere 3.2 runs per game against righthanders (-$265) so we?ll use that angle when we approach this matchup. BEST BET: White Sox righthanders vs. lefthanders.
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Pirates have already played the Cubs six times this year and they haven?t notched a single victory (-$605). And despite a nice run over the past few days, Pittsburgh still has the highest team ERA in the NL (4.98), bad news vs. a Chicago team that checks in with a .280 team BA. The Cubs are a better pitching team (3.77 ERA) and their staff ace Carlos Zambrano has been superb (1.80 ERA in eight starts). Prices will be high when he?s on the hill, but the value looks outstanding. BEST BET: C. Zambrano.
Toronto at Philadelphia (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Blue Jays look very good on paper (3.69 team ERA) so it?s hard to understand why they aren?t winning more games. They are only 7-12 on the road (-$545) and they?ve been very ineffective against lefthanders (only 3-7, -$565 with 2.7 runs per game). The Phillies don?t inspire much confidence, and their ace southpaw Cole Hamels is not expected to see action in this series. But Jamie Moyer (+$180, 4.15 ERA) is expected to take a turn and should fare well vs. the Toronto lineup. BEST BET: Moyer.
Washington at Baltimore (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Nationals (4.9 team ERA, .238 team BA, next to last in the NL in both departments) are now firmly entrenched in the NL East basement, and that 7-14 record against righthanders (-$460 with only 4.6 runs per game) suggests they are in for a very rough weekend at Camden Yards. The Orioles have played much better than was expected, and thy check in here with a solid 9-5 (+$485) mark against righthanders in home games. They should dispatch the lackluster Washington team without much difficulty. BEST BET: Orioles when righty meets righty.
Milwaukee at Boston (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Brewers have had a very bad stretch of games in recent days (only 3-7, -$520 with 3.2 runs per game and a 6.58 ERA among starters), certainly not what you want when heading into Fenway Park to take on a hot Boston team. The Red Sox are 7-4 in their last 11 (+$250 with 6.4 runs per game and a 3.77 ERA among starters), and they manhandled the NL in inter-league play last year (12-6, +$310). Ben Sheets is not expected to take a turn in this series, and Yovani Gallardo is on the DL with knee surgery upcoming. The fading Brewers will be fortunate to salvage a single victory. BEST BET: Red Sox in all games.
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The way the rotations line up, it appears the Yankees will dodge Johan Santana in this weekend?s hometown showdown in the Bronx, good news for a team averaging a pathetic 3.3 runs per game vs. lefthanders (-$340). But Oliver Perez will be on the hill, and even though he?s been inconsistent, this looks like an ideal spot. The Mets check in with a solid 8-3 record vs. lefthanders (+$380). Andy Pettitte has pitched well but doesn?t have very much to show for it (-$305). When righthanders square off, we?ll consider those games on a case by case basis. BEST BET: Ol.Perez/Mets vs. Pettitte.
Cleveland at Cincinnati (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
We expected a much better season from the Reds, but they?ve been a major disappointment thus far in 2008 (-$930 overall) and their pitching staff is nowhere close to that of Cleveland (4.62 team ERA vs.3.62 for the Tribe). Reigning Cy Young champ C.C. Sabathia has regained his form, Fausto Carmona looks very sharp (2.95 ERA in seven starts) and lefty Cliff Lee is the hottest pitcher in MLB (+$645, 0.81 ERA in six starts). Even Paul Byrd (3.22 ERA last two outings) and Aaron Laffey (1.83 ERA in three starts) are contributing, so the Indians should dominate their in-state rival this weekend. BEST BET: Indians in all games.
Kansas City at Florida (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Marlins are an astounding nine games over .500, making them the most profitable team in baseball this season (+$1295), something that no one saw coming. Their stats are unremarkable, but they should fare well at home against the fading Royals, who started strong but quickly faded (4-6, -$180 last 10 days). Despite some nice young arms. KC?s team ERA is climbing (4.49, 3rd worst in the AL) and they are struggling to score runs (only 3.6 per game). Mark Hendrickson (+$445, 3.56 ERA) and Scott Olsen (+$690, 2.63) are the two Florida hurlers who look most promising, and both are likely to see action here. BEST BET: Hendrickson/Olsen.
Oakland at Atlanta (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Athletics ran into a bit of trouble at Arlington last weekend, but their pitching staff is hard to pass up (3.25 team ERA, best in baseball). They?ve been sensational against righthanders in road games (9-3, +$885), but the Braves are a spectacular 9-1 (+$770) vs. righties at Turner Field, so we?ll steer clear when righty meets righty. Greg Smith isn?t slated to make a start here, but Dana Eveland (+$295, 3.23) is likely to see action. Atlanta is far less imposing vs. southpaws (-$415, 4.2 runs per game). BEST BET: Eveland.
Houston at Texas (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The two teams from Texas are the hottest clubs in baseball right now (Astros 8-1, +$880 . . . Rangers 8-3, +$790), not bad for a pair of clubs who would love to wind up anywhere close to .500 by season?s end. The Rangers do their best work vs. righthanders (+$350 with 5.0 runs per game) and Houston is going with an all-righty rotation at the moment. They were very successful vs. the NL in 2007 (11-7, +$710) and they?ve gotten surprisingly effective work from veteran Vicente Padilla (+$710, 3.02 ERA) and comeback player Sidney Ponson (3.16 ERA in four starts), both of whom will be on the mound this weekend. BEST BET: Padilla/Ponson.
Tampa Bay at St. Louis (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Another pair of teams that have over-performed in 2008 squaring off at Busch Stadium this weekend. The Cardinals continue to get outstanding work on the mound from the trio of Braden Looper (4.21), Adam Wainwright (2.25) and Todd Wellemeyer (3.56), but the Rays have been profitable vs. righthanders (+$780 with 5.1 runs per game) so caution is advised. Tampa Bay gets a big boost now that Scott Kazmir is back in the rotation (2.70 ERA in two starts) and James Shields (3.14) has been flashing excellent form. Bit neither is expected to see action this weekend. We?ll need to take a another look at this series when game day draws near. BEST BET: None.
Minnesota at Colorado (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Twins have been playing well (6-3, +$395 last 10 days) but their pitching is average at best (4.18 team ERA) and they have trouble scoring runs against righthanders (only 4.1 per game so far). But the Rockies are in extremely bad shape at the moment (-$790 overall with a 6.22 ERA among starters last 10 days). Their staff ace Jeff Francis is having a terrible year thus far (-$270, 5.27 ERA) and he appears tailor made for the Minnesota offense. He?s scheduled to make a start at Coors Field this weekend, so take a shot with the visitor when he goes. BEST BET: Twins vs. Francis.
Detroit at Arizona (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Diamondbacks have hit a minor bump in the road in recent days (3-7, -$515 last 10), but they still boast one of the top pitching staffs baseball (3.61 team ERA) and they check in with an impressive 14-7 (+$480) record here at Chase Field. The Tigers are mired in last place because their vaunted pitching staff has been horrible. They?ve dropped a fortune vs. righthanders already this year (11-21, -$1520) while Arizona has excelled in that situation (15-10, +$375 with 5.6 runs per game). Prices may be high, but the home team is worth it. BEST BET: Diamondbacks when righty meets righty.
L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Dodgers have stayed very competitive in the NL West, but while they?ve dominated lefthanded opposition (9-3, +$510 with 7.1 runs per game), they?ve been ineffective vs. righthanders (only 10-15, -$860 with 4.0 runs per game). The Angels are still well above .500 despite an unexpected sweep at the hands of the Rays at Tropicana Field last weekend, but their pitching looks like a cause for concern (4.33 ERA, 11th in the league). They?ll send a steady diet of righties against the Dodgers in this series, but Ervin Santana (+$375, 2.63 ERA in eight starts) is the only one performing well enough to warrant consideration. BEST BET: E. Santana.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Much was expected from these clubs in 2008, but they?ve both under-performed badly in the early going. San Diego?s pitching has been adequate, but they are woefully inept on offense (.229 team BA, lowest in the majors, averaging just 3.3 runs per game). The Mariners can?t seem to do anything right (2-9, -$910 last 11 days with only 2.4 runs per game and a 6.82 ERA among starters), recording the worst record in the AL to date. Both teams have the talent to turn things around, but this series is far too unappetizing at the moment to warrant consideration. BEST BET: None.
Chicago W. Sox at San Francisco (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
After a pair of sub-par seasons, the White Sox are back in the AL Central playoff hunt, thanks in large part to quality pitching (3.66 team ERA, 3rd best in the league). They have had trouble on the offensive side, but their numbers against lefties are respectable (6-4, +$190 with 5.1 runs per game) and they?ll no doubt be squaring off against one or more southpaws at ATT Park this weekend. The Giants are averaging a mere 3.2 runs per game against righthanders (-$265) so we?ll use that angle when we approach this matchup. BEST BET: White Sox righthanders vs. lefthanders.
