BEGINNING THURSDAY JULY 3
Washington at Cincinnati (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
First meeting of the year between these NL also-rans, neither of whom have done much to distinguish themselves. The Nationals have the worst record in the league (33-50, -$930), and they rank at or near the bottom in team BA (.239) and in pitching (4.58). The Reds have the nucleus of a fine pitching staff, but they are struggling at the moment (only 3.7 runs per game and a 6.01 ERA among starters last 10 days), so we?re not inclined to lay prices on the home favorite. Steer clear for now. BEST BET: None.
Florida at Colorado (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Marlins finished the first half of the season with a winning record, posting a tidy profit along the way (+$960). The Rockies have been a disaster so far in 2008, and they?re playing poorly at the moment (only 2-8, -$650 with 3.5 per game and a 5.88 ERA among starters last 10 days). They?ve turned a small profit vs. lefties, but they?re bleeding money vs. righties (-$1980), so we?ll stick with Florida, a team that has made a profit in their road games this far (+$320). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Rockies.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Yankees have climbed back into the AL East picture, as the offense has begun to fire on all cylinders (.274 team BA, 3rd highest in the AL). Boston still looks like the team to best in the AL East, but their road record vs. righthanders is troubling (only 14-22, -$1215) so far). Joba Chamberlain has emerged as a potent force in the starting rotation (+$285, 1.85 ERA in his five starts) and Mike Mussina (+$180, 3.93 ERA in 16 starts) is having a nice comeback year. We?ll get to use both in this four game set, but watch out for Andy Pettitte, given Boston?s 13-3 (+$995) record vs. lefthanders. BEST BET: Chamberlain/Mussina/Red Sox vs. Pettitte.
Oakland at Chicago W. Sox (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Athletics? rotation just keeps looking sharper and sharper (3.32 team ERA, best in baseball), but Chicago?s staff rates a strong second (3.46), so this looks like an exciting matchup of quality clubs. The White Sox have been extremely formidable here at US Cellular (27-11, +$1285) and while Oakland has good road numbers vs. righties, they?ve struggling badly vs. southpaws (only 3-8, -$405 with 2.5 runs per game as visitors). John Danks is having a standout year (2.62 ERA in 16 starts) and Mark Buehrle is coming off two nice outings (0.60 ERA). Both are expected to see action vs. the Athletics over the holiday weekend. BEST BET: Danks/Buehrle.
Detroit at Seattle (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
We?ve climbed aboard the Detroit bandwagon and we?ll keep on riding through Safeco Field this weekend. Despite winning a few games vs. the NL last week, the Mariners are an unmitigated disaster (-$2120 overall) and no match for a surging Tiger team (7-2, +$445 last 10 days). They still look shaky vs. righthanders, but they check in with a 15-5 mark vs. southpaws (+$950 with 5.4 runs per game) so take a shot vs. Eric Bedard (-$170), against whom we may catch a very decent price. BEST BET: Tigers vs. Bedard.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 4
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Brewers took 2 out of 3 the first time these clubs met, and they?ve moved into contention in the very competitive NL Central on the strength of a recent hot streak (6-4, +$140 last 10 days). They?ve made money here at Miller Park (+$790) while the Bucs, owners of baseball?s highest team ERA (5.12), are only 13-24 (-$495) outside of PNC Park. The visitor will be fortunate to avoid a sweep in this one. BEST BET: Brewers in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Dodgers are the beneficiaries of the Arizona collapse, and despite a lackluster first half come into July with a legitimate shot at the NL West crown. The team ERA remains 2nd best in the league (3.78) despite the loss of Penny & Kuroda to the DL, and is significantly better the San Francisco?s. Staff ace Tim Lincecum is not expected to see action, and the Giants are big losers here at ATT Park (-$1020). If the price is in line, we?ll look for LA to keep their playoff hopes on track. BEST BET: Dodgers at -120 or less.
N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mets have taken 4 out of 6 from the Phillies in earlier head to head play (+$145) and with the Phillies in a funk (2-7, -$640 last 10 days with only 3.0 runs per game and a 5.11 ERA among starters), they are in a position to make up some lost ground in the NL East. They?ve not fared well vs. righties, but they are 15-10 vs. lefthanders (+$140). The Phillies have lost money vs. righties here at Citizens Bank (-$420) so if we get a good matchup we?ll go with the visiting underdog. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. Philly lefthanders.
Houston at Atlanta (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Astros don?t win many road games, but they have a chance to score a victory as huge underdogs when Wandy Rodriguez (2.58 ERA in 10 starts) takes his turn. The Braves are a disaster vs. lefthanders (only 12-17, -$1010 with 3.6 runs per game), but at the same time, they?ve been a dominant force vs. righthanders here at Turner Field (18-7, +$965). The rest of the Houston mound corps is suspect, so we?ll get some opportunities to stick with the strong home team. BEST BET: W. Rodriguez/Braves vs. righthanders.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Cubs have lost a bit of their edge (4-6, -$300 last 10 days with a 6.26 ERA among starters) as they cope with the continued absences of Alphonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano. They?ve lost money as visitors vs. righthanders (-$685) and that makers them particularly vulnerable to the all-righty St. Louis rotation. The Cardinals are big money-makers vs. righties in ?08 (+$1155) and that gives them a big edge as the look to close the gap with the Chicago in the rugged NL Central. BEST BET: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
San Diego at Arizona (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Diamondback?s dramatic reversal of fortune has left the NL West wide open, but don?t look for the hapless Padres to capitalize. San Diego is in the midst of another horrendous slide (1-9, -$1040 last 10 days with 3.1 runs per game and a 5.30 ERA among starters) and they?ve been worse outside of Petco Park (11-25, -$1285). The Diamondbacks have turned a modest profit here at Chase Field (+$195) and should improve on their 4-2 (+$145) head to head mark with SD. BEST BET: Diamondbacks in all games.
Texas at Baltimore (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Orioles have dominated at Camden Yards (22-12, +$1120), but the Rangers have been phenomenally successful vs. righthanders in road games (+$1195), so caution is advised. The good news for Baltimore is that the presence of so many lefties in their current rotation makes this staff perfectly suited to derail a Texas team that, despite its prolific offense, has only managed an 9-17 (-$655) record vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Rangers.
Kansas City at Tampa Bay (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Rays can?t be dismissed as a flash in the pan, no that the season is half over and they are hovering around the .600 level. They are blessed with an outstanding mound corps (3.71 team ERA, 4th best in the AL) and their 30-13 record here at Tropicana Field (+$1440) puts the far less imposing Royals in a tough spot. KC has been on a roll in recent days (7-3, +$350 last 10), but they fattened up at the expense of weaker NL clubs. Hard to pass up Tampa Bay unless prices rise to a prohibitive level. BEST BET: Rays at -160 or less.
Cleveland at Minnesota (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Indians? disappointing showing has led to widespread speculation at C.C. Sabathia will soon be headed to a contending team. That?s not what you want when heading into the unfriendly Metrodome to take on the hottest team in either league (Twins 9-1, +$945 last 10 days with 5.6 runs per game and a 3.04 ERA among starters). Minnesota has dominated righthanders (+$1905 so far) and none of the righties in the Cleveland rotation gives us much cause for concern. The Indians have dropped a bundle in 2008 (-$2085) and they check in with the lowest team BA in the AL (.246). BEST BET: Twins vs. righthanders.
Toronto at L.A. Angels (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Angels are having a fine season, but they?ve been an awful proposition at home vs. righthanders (-$705) and they?re likely to see a number of them when they take on the Toronto rotation. The Blue Jays have introduced a couple of untested lefties into their rotation, and if any of them make an appearance in this series we?ll jump on the home team (LA 15-4, +$1120 vs. southpaws in ?08). Toronto will miss Joe Saunders, and that?s good news for a team that is only 8-15 (-$1035) vs. southpaws this year. BEST BET: Angels vs. lefthanders/ Blue Jays when righty meets righty.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 7
Houston at Pittsburgh (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Astros faded in June, and they are in a virtual dead heat with division rival Pittsburgh at the season?s mid-point. The Pirates have played well here at PNC Park (+$740) and none of the righthanders in the Astros? rotation gives us much cause for concern (Bucs +$610 in that situation). PREFERRED: Pirates vs. righthanders.
Colorado at Milwaukee (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rockies actually took 2 out of 3 in an earlier meeting, but this match-up looks pretty one sided at the moment. The Brewers are moving up in the NL Central standings (6-4, +$140 last 10 days) and they?ve turned a profit here at Miller Park (+$790). The Rockies are a dreadful road team (only 12-31, -$1590) so the home team should take at least 3 out of 4. PREFERRED: Brewers in all games.
Florida at San Diego (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The sad-sack Padres are only 13-22 in night games here at Petco Park (-$1300) so this is an ideal spot for the Marlins in the first two games of this series. Ricky Nolasco (+$900) and Scott Olsen (+$325, 3.47 ERA) are both expected to see action. As long as they aren?t pitching in the afternoon (SD 8-5, +$230 in home day games) we?ll use them. PREFERRED: Nolasco and Olsen in night games.
Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Dodgers were swept by the Braves at Turner Field the first time these clubs squared off (-$340), but things tend to be very different for Atlanta when they are on the road (only 12-29, -$1895). LA?s pitching is on par with Atlanta?s, both at the top of the NL and for all their woes, the Dodgers have a winning record here at Chavez Ravine. PREFERRED: Dodgers in all games.
Minnesota at Boston (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Twins took 3 out of 4 from the Red Sox at the Metrodome (+$240), and they?ve been the hottest team in baseball entering the month of July, winning 11 of their last 12 (+$1125). But the Red Sox are far to formidable here at Fenway Park (31-10, +$1540) so we?ll stay away for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
L.A. Angels at Texas (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rangers are big money-makers against righthanders in 2008, but they are still only 9-17 vs. southpaws (-$655). The Angels are a superb road club (27-15, +$1320) and their top earner Joe Saunders (+$760, 3.06 ERA) will be taking a turn. PREFERRED: Saunders.
Seattle at Oakland (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Despite Oakland?s success in ?08 they still can?t get the job done in night games vs. righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum. But they are 12-6 at home vs. lefthanders (+$485) and 12-5 in home day games (+$720) so we?ll use them in either of those situation regardless of the price. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. lefthanders and in day games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 8
St. Louis at Philadelphia (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Phillies are losers vs. righthanders here at Citizens Bank (-$420) and the all-righty St. Louis rotation is well suited to take them on. The host team is struggling at the plate (only 3.0 runs per game last 10 days) and the Cardinals have been very tough on righthanders, including a profitable 16-11 mark as a visitor (+$865). PREFERRED: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
Arizona at Washington (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
Even though they?ve allowed their NL West rivals to climb back into the playoff picture, the Diamondbacks have enough pitching (3.91 team ERA) to overcome the anemic Nationals (-$930 overall). Stay away from the incredibly profitable Tim Redding (+$1410), but the rest of the Washington starting staff is fair game. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks unless opposed by Redding.
San Francisco at N.Y. Mets (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
This looks like an excellent underdog spot for the visitor, given the Giants? stellar record on the road vs. righties (+$645), as opposed to New York?s pitiful showing vs. righthanders in all settings (-$1285). A chance for SF to get even, after dropping 2 out of 3 to the Mets at ATT Park. PREFERRED: Giants when righty meets righty.
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
Prices may get high in this one, but all the numbers point to a strong showing by Chicago. In 2008 the Cubs have been huge money-makers here at Wrigley Field (+$1760) while the stumbling Reds (2.9 runs per game, 6.91 ERA among starters last 10 days) have been hammered in their road games (17-28, -$900). Edinson Volquez is not likely to pitch, so the stage is set for a sweep. PREFERRED: Cubs in all games unless opposed by Volquez.
Cleveland at Detroit (2) 8th, 9th
We still don?t trust the Tigers vs. righthanders (-$1605 in that spot), but they are 15-5 overall vs. lefthanders (+$950 with 5.4 runs per game) and the Cleveland rotation is loaded with southpaws. The Tribe ranks as one of the biggest disappointments in the first half of 2008 (-$2085). PREFERRED: Tigers vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (2) 8th, 9th
These teams have already split 10 games, with Tampa Bay yielding a tidy profit (+$160). They?ll send quality pitchers to the mound in this two game set, most likely as medium range underdogs, and they?ve played so well this year (+$1615) at a split seems the least they?ll come away with. PREFERRED: Rays in both games.
Baltimore at Toronto (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Blue Jays lost 3 out of 5 to the Orioles in earlier meetings, and the team has been a big disappointment, particularly in night games at Rogers Centre (-$1085). The Orioles are a a solid choice, having dominated righthanders in all settings (+$1370) and managing to stay above the .500 level through the first half of the ?08 campaign. PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Royals were swept in three straight when they met at US Cellular (-$300) and they?ve fared poorly here at Kaufman Stadium in night games (12-19, -$885). The White Sox aren?t the best road team, but they can handle righties (+$745) and their mound corp is outstanding (3.46 ERA). PREFERRED: White Sox vs. righthanders.
Washington at Cincinnati (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
First meeting of the year between these NL also-rans, neither of whom have done much to distinguish themselves. The Nationals have the worst record in the league (33-50, -$930), and they rank at or near the bottom in team BA (.239) and in pitching (4.58). The Reds have the nucleus of a fine pitching staff, but they are struggling at the moment (only 3.7 runs per game and a 6.01 ERA among starters last 10 days), so we?re not inclined to lay prices on the home favorite. Steer clear for now. BEST BET: None.
Florida at Colorado (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Marlins finished the first half of the season with a winning record, posting a tidy profit along the way (+$960). The Rockies have been a disaster so far in 2008, and they?re playing poorly at the moment (only 2-8, -$650 with 3.5 per game and a 5.88 ERA among starters last 10 days). They?ve turned a small profit vs. lefties, but they?re bleeding money vs. righties (-$1980), so we?ll stick with Florida, a team that has made a profit in their road games this far (+$320). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Rockies.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Yankees have climbed back into the AL East picture, as the offense has begun to fire on all cylinders (.274 team BA, 3rd highest in the AL). Boston still looks like the team to best in the AL East, but their road record vs. righthanders is troubling (only 14-22, -$1215) so far). Joba Chamberlain has emerged as a potent force in the starting rotation (+$285, 1.85 ERA in his five starts) and Mike Mussina (+$180, 3.93 ERA in 16 starts) is having a nice comeback year. We?ll get to use both in this four game set, but watch out for Andy Pettitte, given Boston?s 13-3 (+$995) record vs. lefthanders. BEST BET: Chamberlain/Mussina/Red Sox vs. Pettitte.
Oakland at Chicago W. Sox (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Athletics? rotation just keeps looking sharper and sharper (3.32 team ERA, best in baseball), but Chicago?s staff rates a strong second (3.46), so this looks like an exciting matchup of quality clubs. The White Sox have been extremely formidable here at US Cellular (27-11, +$1285) and while Oakland has good road numbers vs. righties, they?ve struggling badly vs. southpaws (only 3-8, -$405 with 2.5 runs per game as visitors). John Danks is having a standout year (2.62 ERA in 16 starts) and Mark Buehrle is coming off two nice outings (0.60 ERA). Both are expected to see action vs. the Athletics over the holiday weekend. BEST BET: Danks/Buehrle.
Detroit at Seattle (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
We?ve climbed aboard the Detroit bandwagon and we?ll keep on riding through Safeco Field this weekend. Despite winning a few games vs. the NL last week, the Mariners are an unmitigated disaster (-$2120 overall) and no match for a surging Tiger team (7-2, +$445 last 10 days). They still look shaky vs. righthanders, but they check in with a 15-5 mark vs. southpaws (+$950 with 5.4 runs per game) so take a shot vs. Eric Bedard (-$170), against whom we may catch a very decent price. BEST BET: Tigers vs. Bedard.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 4
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Brewers took 2 out of 3 the first time these clubs met, and they?ve moved into contention in the very competitive NL Central on the strength of a recent hot streak (6-4, +$140 last 10 days). They?ve made money here at Miller Park (+$790) while the Bucs, owners of baseball?s highest team ERA (5.12), are only 13-24 (-$495) outside of PNC Park. The visitor will be fortunate to avoid a sweep in this one. BEST BET: Brewers in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Dodgers are the beneficiaries of the Arizona collapse, and despite a lackluster first half come into July with a legitimate shot at the NL West crown. The team ERA remains 2nd best in the league (3.78) despite the loss of Penny & Kuroda to the DL, and is significantly better the San Francisco?s. Staff ace Tim Lincecum is not expected to see action, and the Giants are big losers here at ATT Park (-$1020). If the price is in line, we?ll look for LA to keep their playoff hopes on track. BEST BET: Dodgers at -120 or less.
N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mets have taken 4 out of 6 from the Phillies in earlier head to head play (+$145) and with the Phillies in a funk (2-7, -$640 last 10 days with only 3.0 runs per game and a 5.11 ERA among starters), they are in a position to make up some lost ground in the NL East. They?ve not fared well vs. righties, but they are 15-10 vs. lefthanders (+$140). The Phillies have lost money vs. righties here at Citizens Bank (-$420) so if we get a good matchup we?ll go with the visiting underdog. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. Philly lefthanders.
Houston at Atlanta (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Astros don?t win many road games, but they have a chance to score a victory as huge underdogs when Wandy Rodriguez (2.58 ERA in 10 starts) takes his turn. The Braves are a disaster vs. lefthanders (only 12-17, -$1010 with 3.6 runs per game), but at the same time, they?ve been a dominant force vs. righthanders here at Turner Field (18-7, +$965). The rest of the Houston mound corps is suspect, so we?ll get some opportunities to stick with the strong home team. BEST BET: W. Rodriguez/Braves vs. righthanders.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Cubs have lost a bit of their edge (4-6, -$300 last 10 days with a 6.26 ERA among starters) as they cope with the continued absences of Alphonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano. They?ve lost money as visitors vs. righthanders (-$685) and that makers them particularly vulnerable to the all-righty St. Louis rotation. The Cardinals are big money-makers vs. righties in ?08 (+$1155) and that gives them a big edge as the look to close the gap with the Chicago in the rugged NL Central. BEST BET: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
San Diego at Arizona (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Diamondback?s dramatic reversal of fortune has left the NL West wide open, but don?t look for the hapless Padres to capitalize. San Diego is in the midst of another horrendous slide (1-9, -$1040 last 10 days with 3.1 runs per game and a 5.30 ERA among starters) and they?ve been worse outside of Petco Park (11-25, -$1285). The Diamondbacks have turned a modest profit here at Chase Field (+$195) and should improve on their 4-2 (+$145) head to head mark with SD. BEST BET: Diamondbacks in all games.
Texas at Baltimore (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Orioles have dominated at Camden Yards (22-12, +$1120), but the Rangers have been phenomenally successful vs. righthanders in road games (+$1195), so caution is advised. The good news for Baltimore is that the presence of so many lefties in their current rotation makes this staff perfectly suited to derail a Texas team that, despite its prolific offense, has only managed an 9-17 (-$655) record vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Rangers.
Kansas City at Tampa Bay (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Rays can?t be dismissed as a flash in the pan, no that the season is half over and they are hovering around the .600 level. They are blessed with an outstanding mound corps (3.71 team ERA, 4th best in the AL) and their 30-13 record here at Tropicana Field (+$1440) puts the far less imposing Royals in a tough spot. KC has been on a roll in recent days (7-3, +$350 last 10), but they fattened up at the expense of weaker NL clubs. Hard to pass up Tampa Bay unless prices rise to a prohibitive level. BEST BET: Rays at -160 or less.
Cleveland at Minnesota (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Indians? disappointing showing has led to widespread speculation at C.C. Sabathia will soon be headed to a contending team. That?s not what you want when heading into the unfriendly Metrodome to take on the hottest team in either league (Twins 9-1, +$945 last 10 days with 5.6 runs per game and a 3.04 ERA among starters). Minnesota has dominated righthanders (+$1905 so far) and none of the righties in the Cleveland rotation gives us much cause for concern. The Indians have dropped a bundle in 2008 (-$2085) and they check in with the lowest team BA in the AL (.246). BEST BET: Twins vs. righthanders.
Toronto at L.A. Angels (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Angels are having a fine season, but they?ve been an awful proposition at home vs. righthanders (-$705) and they?re likely to see a number of them when they take on the Toronto rotation. The Blue Jays have introduced a couple of untested lefties into their rotation, and if any of them make an appearance in this series we?ll jump on the home team (LA 15-4, +$1120 vs. southpaws in ?08). Toronto will miss Joe Saunders, and that?s good news for a team that is only 8-15 (-$1035) vs. southpaws this year. BEST BET: Angels vs. lefthanders/ Blue Jays when righty meets righty.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 7
Houston at Pittsburgh (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Astros faded in June, and they are in a virtual dead heat with division rival Pittsburgh at the season?s mid-point. The Pirates have played well here at PNC Park (+$740) and none of the righthanders in the Astros? rotation gives us much cause for concern (Bucs +$610 in that situation). PREFERRED: Pirates vs. righthanders.
Colorado at Milwaukee (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rockies actually took 2 out of 3 in an earlier meeting, but this match-up looks pretty one sided at the moment. The Brewers are moving up in the NL Central standings (6-4, +$140 last 10 days) and they?ve turned a profit here at Miller Park (+$790). The Rockies are a dreadful road team (only 12-31, -$1590) so the home team should take at least 3 out of 4. PREFERRED: Brewers in all games.
Florida at San Diego (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The sad-sack Padres are only 13-22 in night games here at Petco Park (-$1300) so this is an ideal spot for the Marlins in the first two games of this series. Ricky Nolasco (+$900) and Scott Olsen (+$325, 3.47 ERA) are both expected to see action. As long as they aren?t pitching in the afternoon (SD 8-5, +$230 in home day games) we?ll use them. PREFERRED: Nolasco and Olsen in night games.
Atlanta at L.A. Dodgers (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Dodgers were swept by the Braves at Turner Field the first time these clubs squared off (-$340), but things tend to be very different for Atlanta when they are on the road (only 12-29, -$1895). LA?s pitching is on par with Atlanta?s, both at the top of the NL and for all their woes, the Dodgers have a winning record here at Chavez Ravine. PREFERRED: Dodgers in all games.
Minnesota at Boston (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Twins took 3 out of 4 from the Red Sox at the Metrodome (+$240), and they?ve been the hottest team in baseball entering the month of July, winning 11 of their last 12 (+$1125). But the Red Sox are far to formidable here at Fenway Park (31-10, +$1540) so we?ll stay away for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
L.A. Angels at Texas (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rangers are big money-makers against righthanders in 2008, but they are still only 9-17 vs. southpaws (-$655). The Angels are a superb road club (27-15, +$1320) and their top earner Joe Saunders (+$760, 3.06 ERA) will be taking a turn. PREFERRED: Saunders.
Seattle at Oakland (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Despite Oakland?s success in ?08 they still can?t get the job done in night games vs. righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum. But they are 12-6 at home vs. lefthanders (+$485) and 12-5 in home day games (+$720) so we?ll use them in either of those situation regardless of the price. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. lefthanders and in day games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 8
St. Louis at Philadelphia (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Phillies are losers vs. righthanders here at Citizens Bank (-$420) and the all-righty St. Louis rotation is well suited to take them on. The host team is struggling at the plate (only 3.0 runs per game last 10 days) and the Cardinals have been very tough on righthanders, including a profitable 16-11 mark as a visitor (+$865). PREFERRED: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
Arizona at Washington (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
Even though they?ve allowed their NL West rivals to climb back into the playoff picture, the Diamondbacks have enough pitching (3.91 team ERA) to overcome the anemic Nationals (-$930 overall). Stay away from the incredibly profitable Tim Redding (+$1410), but the rest of the Washington starting staff is fair game. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks unless opposed by Redding.
San Francisco at N.Y. Mets (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
This looks like an excellent underdog spot for the visitor, given the Giants? stellar record on the road vs. righties (+$645), as opposed to New York?s pitiful showing vs. righthanders in all settings (-$1285). A chance for SF to get even, after dropping 2 out of 3 to the Mets at ATT Park. PREFERRED: Giants when righty meets righty.
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
Prices may get high in this one, but all the numbers point to a strong showing by Chicago. In 2008 the Cubs have been huge money-makers here at Wrigley Field (+$1760) while the stumbling Reds (2.9 runs per game, 6.91 ERA among starters last 10 days) have been hammered in their road games (17-28, -$900). Edinson Volquez is not likely to pitch, so the stage is set for a sweep. PREFERRED: Cubs in all games unless opposed by Volquez.
Cleveland at Detroit (2) 8th, 9th
We still don?t trust the Tigers vs. righthanders (-$1605 in that spot), but they are 15-5 overall vs. lefthanders (+$950 with 5.4 runs per game) and the Cleveland rotation is loaded with southpaws. The Tribe ranks as one of the biggest disappointments in the first half of 2008 (-$2085). PREFERRED: Tigers vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (2) 8th, 9th
These teams have already split 10 games, with Tampa Bay yielding a tidy profit (+$160). They?ll send quality pitchers to the mound in this two game set, most likely as medium range underdogs, and they?ve played so well this year (+$1615) at a split seems the least they?ll come away with. PREFERRED: Rays in both games.
Baltimore at Toronto (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Blue Jays lost 3 out of 5 to the Orioles in earlier meetings, and the team has been a big disappointment, particularly in night games at Rogers Centre (-$1085). The Orioles are a a solid choice, having dominated righthanders in all settings (+$1370) and managing to stay above the .500 level through the first half of the ?08 campaign. PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Royals were swept in three straight when they met at US Cellular (-$300) and they?ve fared poorly here at Kaufman Stadium in night games (12-19, -$885). The White Sox aren?t the best road team, but they can handle righties (+$745) and their mound corp is outstanding (3.46 ERA). PREFERRED: White Sox vs. righthanders.
