BASEBALL
BEGINNING THURSDAY AUGUST 7
Houston at Cincinnati (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Astros have been playing well in recent days (7-2, +$620 last 10 days), and are coming off a strong showing vs. the Mets at Minute Maid Park. They?ve dominated the Reds in head to head play already (4-1, +$375) and they are catching Cincinnati in the midst of a serious slump (1-8, -$770 last 10 days, averaging 3.1 runs per game with an 8.22 ERA among starters). Brian Moehler has put together a decent record in his 15 starts this year (+$420, 3.98 ERA) and he should fare well against the Reds, a team that is only 31-41 (-$1240) vs. righthanders in 2008. BEST BET: Moehler.
Atlanta at Arizona (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
When you fall 10 games back of the division leader and unload top talent at the July 31 trading deadline, you?ve effectively thrown in the towel for the season. Such is the case for the stumbling Braves (3-7, -$380 last 10 days) and we don?t expect they?ll enjoy much success here at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks have regained the form they were flashing in April (7-3, +$420 last 10 days), and appear poised to take control in the NL West. They check in with a 3.84 team ERA, 3rd best in the league. Atlanta is only 18-35 on the road this year (-$1850) and they?ll be fortunate to salvage a single victory this weekend. BEST BET: Diamondbacks in all games.
Tampa Bay at Seattle (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rays have picked up the pace since the All-Star break (7-3, +$395 last 10 days) and their pitching continues to shine (3.73 team ERA), but they need to beat up on league weaklings if they hope to hold off the Yankees and Red Sox. The Mariners are custom made for a drubbing, having already amassed the most cash losses in the AL (-$2855). Tampa?s run production vs. lefties is sub-par (only 3.8 per game), but they handle righthanders well (+$1640), and with the exception of Felix Hernandez, none of the home starters concern us. BEST BET: Rays vs. all righthanders except F. Hernandez.
BEGINNING FRIDAY AUGUST 8
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Cardinals desperately need a strong showing at Wrigley Field this weekend, but they are catching a hot Chicago team (8-3, +$235 last 10 days) that?s been dominant in this ballpark (41-15, +$1495). St. Louis?s pitching has not looked sharp in recent days (5.63 ERA among starters last 10) and they are only 6-11 vs. lefthanders in day games this year (-$620). Ted Lilly (+$430 overall) has been coming on strong (2.92 ERA last 2 outings) and when he takes the hill this weekend we?ll be on board. BEST BET: Lilly.
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Phillies keep plodding along, but they are in first place in the NL East and they have a chance to improve their situation against a Pittsburgh rotation loaded with lefthanders. The Phillies are an impressive 24-15 vs. southpaws (+$734 with 5.7 runs per game) and they?ll also be in good shape when they send one of their own lefhanders to the hill (Pirates only 13-19, -$445 in that situation). BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Pirates/Phillies vs. lefthanders.
Florida at N.Y. Mets (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Mets tanked their series against the Astros last weekend and there is growing concern about their pitching rotation, with Martinez struggling to stay healthy and John Maine coping with a rotator cuff strain. They?ve bad a tough time dealing with righthanders this year (37-41, -$1220) while the upstart Marlins check in with a solid 44-36 (+$1555) mark vs, righthanders. We should catch some nice underdog prices on the visitor this weekend. BEST BET: Marlins when righty meets righty.
Washington at Milwaukee (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
The Nationals are the worst team in baseball, and they are enduring another losing stretch (3-7, -$390 last 10- days with 3.1 runs per game and a 5.24 ERA among starters). The Brewers lost ground in the NL Central when they were manhandled by the Cubs here at Miller Park last week. They need to take at least 3 out of 4 from Washington this weekend, but prices will be very high. We?re inclined to sit this one out. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at Colorado (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Padres have already lost money to the Rockies in ?08 (-$260 in head to head play), and Colorado has been playing better as of late (6-4, +$220 last 10 days). The Rockies are an impressive 24-14 in night games at Coors Field (+$795) and they have a huge offensive edge over San Diego (.269 team BA vs. .245 for the visitor). San Diego has been a disaster any way you measure it (-$3135 in 2008) and they?ll have a tough time vs. a hot team that still hopes to climb back into the NL West race. BEST BET: Rockies in night games.
L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Dodgers have had SF?s number this year (6-3, +$140 in head to head play) and bolstering their lineup with the acquisition of Manny Ramirez takes pressure of their NL best pitching staff (3.64 team ERA, tops in the league). The Giants have been an unmitigated disaster here at ATT Park (20-34, -$1560) and their best pitcher, Tim Lincecum, is not expected to see action. LA can fatten up on the SF lefthanders, none of whom gives us much cause for concern (LA 5.1 runs per game vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Texas at Baltimore (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rangers continue to lead the league in hitting (.282 team BA) but they are saddled with the least effective mound corps in the majors (5.27 team ERA). They have terrific numbers vs. righties, particularly in night games (+$2205), but they are only 13-21 vs. lefthanders in 2008 (-$640). The Orioles have been tough to beat here at Camden Yards (+$665 at home), so we?ll back their southpaws against the Texas attack. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Rangers.
Oakland at Detroit (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Athletics have collapsed in the wake of management?s July fire sale (1-8, -$895 last 10 days with only 3.1 runs per game and a 8.07 ERA among starters), and that 5-12 (-$865) record vs. lefties in day games is something the Tigers can certainly exploit. Detroit hasn?t fully capitalized on their opportunity to climb back on top in the AL Central, but they are a healthy 21-9 vs. southpaws (+$1105 with 5.3 runs per game). They get a chance to avenge the sweep they suffered at McAfee Coliseum the last time these clubs squared off. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Athletics/Tigers vs. lefthanders.
Cleveland at Toronto (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
You would think the Blue Jays would be better than just a .500 team given how well their pitching staff has performed (3.69 team ERA, 2nd best in the AL), but they are hopelessly off the pace in the competitive AL East. We?d consider using the Tribe, who are 3-1 vs. Toronto in head to head pay (+$145), but they?ve failed spectacularly outside of Progressive Field (only 19-36, -$1835) so caution is advised. Roy Halladay is in top form right now (2.89 ERA in 22 starts) and is a good value at any price. BEST BET: Halladay.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Royals haven?t had much success against Minnesota in head to head play this year (only 3-7, -$615 so far), but they looked good taking 2 out of 3 from the first place White Sox at Kaufman Stadium last weekend. Now that Francisco Liriano has returned to the rotation, the Twins have a pair of southpaws in their starting rotation. There is a chance both of them will see action this weekend, and that is good news for a KC team that is 22-16 (+$1115) vs. lefthanders this year. BEST BET: Royals vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Chicago W. Sox (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
First meeting of the year between the Sox, and it comes with both teams stumbling a bit. Boston was roughed up by the Angels in a three game sweep at Fenway before bouncing back against the A?s, while Chicago surrendered 23 runs in two straight losses to Kansas City. We?ll take our shot with the home team, given their remarkable performance here at US Cellular (+$1330), coupled with Boston?s lousy 24-32 record in their road games (-$1165). We?ll look for the home team to take at least 2 out of 3 from the defending champs this weekend. BEST BET: White Sox in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at L.A. Angels (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
These teams split a hard-fought four game set in the Bronx last weekend, and believe it or not, they?ll meet here in Anaheim again in less than a month. For all their success, the Angels have actually lost money vs. righthanders in this ballpark (-$315) and they?ll be up against Joba Chamberlain (+$400, 2.23 ERA in 11 starts), who they sidestepped in New York last weekend. The Yankee offense is picking up steam (6.4 runs per game last 10 days), and with LA having opened up a hue lead in the AL West, the Yankees will be the more motivated club. BEST BET: Chamberlain.
BEGINNING MONDAY AUGUST 11
Pittsburgh at N.Y. Mets (1) 11th
A make-up game that robs both teams of a needed day off, and we?ll be tempted to try our luck with the visiting dog if New York starts a righty (Bucs +$595 in that situation). But if it?s a lefty, we?ll stick with the home team (Pirates 3-13, -$875 vs. southpaws on the road). PREFERRED: Pirates vs. righthanders/Lefthanders vs. the Pirates.
St. Louis at Florida (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
Both these teams need wins to keep pace in their respective division races, with an eye on the wild-card as well. Both teams handle righthanded pitching extremely well (Marlins +$1555, Cardinals +$940) so limit ourselves to a play on Scott Olsen (3.12 ERA at Dolphin Stadium). St. Louis only averages 4.3 runs per game against lefthanders. PREFERRED: Olsen.
San Francisco at Houston (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Astros took 3 out of 4 from the Giants in earlier competition (+$240), but the Giants are tough on righthanders outside of ATT Park, so be careful. San Francisco is only 12-21 vs.lefthanders this year, and now that Randy Wolf is in the rotation alongside Wandy Rodriguez, the home team has a pair of quality southpaws, at least one of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Wolf/W.Rodriguez.
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Phillies have solid numbers in their road night games (27-13, +$1410) and all four of these contests are scheduled evening affairs. The Dodgers have outstanding pitching, but they only average 3.8 runs per game vs. righthanders (-$810). Could be a big week for the visitor. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Dodgers.
Baltimore at Cleveland (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Orioles have been a very profitable item vs. righthanders this year, particularly in night games (33-22, +$1755) so it?s hard to pass them up against the beleaguered Indians (Tribe -$2565 overall). We?ll avoid Cliff Lee if he goes (+$715, 2.58 ERA in 21 starts), but the rest of the decimated Cleveland staff is fair game. PREFERRED: Orioles unless opposed by Lee
Toronto at Detroit (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Tigers have their weaknesses, but they are still in the playoff hunt, and their southpaws should have their way with a Toronto team that is 4-17 vs. lefties in night games (-$1660 with only 3.0 runs per game). A chance for the home team to close the gap in the AL Central. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
N.Y. Yankees at Minnesota (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Twins are only 2-5 vs. the Yankees in head to head play (-$250) but it?s hard to challenge a team with a 39-21 rrecord here at the Metrodome (+$1735). It does not appear they?ll face Joba Chamberlain, but avoid Mike Mussina as well. He checks in with a 3.44 ERA in 23 starts and an outstanding lifetime record vs. Minnesota. PREFERRED: Twins unless opposed by Mussina.
BEGINNING TUESDAY AUGUST 12
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Reds have hit the skids (1-8, -$770 last 10 days) and their disappointing 3-6 (-$540) record against Pittsburgh does not bode well for this series. The Pirates are profitable here at PNC Park (+$775) so we?ll back them throughout and look to come away with at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Chicago Cubs at Atlanta (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Cubs brushed aside the Braves without difficulty when the clubs squared off at Wrigley Field (3-0, +$300) and while Atlanta had been playing well at Turner Field, their season has completely unraveled (3-7, -$380 last 10 days). Chicago does its best work against lefthanders (+$650 with 6.1 runs per game), so play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Cubs vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Mets have had difficulty vs. righthanders away from Shea Stadium (-$1010), but they?ve fared well against lefthanders in all settings (21-12, +$485). We can?t see backing the Nationals under any circumstances. PREFERRED: Mets vs. lefthanders.
Arizona at Colorado (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Diamondbacks have crushed division rival Colorado so far in 2008 (8-1, +$720) and they?ve turned a nice profit on the road vs. lefthanders (14-10, +$355). The Rockies are playing much better these days, but Arizona is back on track and could be tough going down the stretch. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at San Diego (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
First meeting of the year comes at an opportune time for the visiting Brewers, who are locked in a tough playoff struggle. The addition of C.C. Sabathia gives them a trio of solid starters, at least a couple of whom should see action at Petco Park during this series. PREFERRED: Sabathia/Sheets/Parra.
Texas at Boston (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Rangers have made money on the road vs. righthanders in night games (19-9, +$1820 with 6.2 runs per game) but they are only 2-10 in that situation vs. lefties (-$740 with only 2.8 runs per game). John Lester has given the Bosox a huge boost in 2008 (+$815, 3.14 ERA) and is expected to see action in this series. PREFERRED: Lester.
Kansas City at Chicago W. Sox (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Royals knocked off a pair of Chicago lefthanders at Kaufman Stadium last weekend, and their record vs. lefties in road games is noteworthy (+$625). They?ll be taking fat prices here, so we?ll see if they can do it again. PREFERRED: Royals vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at Oakland (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Athletics have had their share of woes in recent days, but their numbers vs. lefthanders at McAfee are still solid (+$385). Scott Kazmir will be a heavy favorite, but the Rays have lost money outside of Tropicana Field (-$415) so we?re getting good value going against the Tampa ace. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. Kazmir.
Seattle at L.A. Angels (2) 12th, 13th
The Angels have already taken 6 of 9 from Seattle (+$280) and given the disparity in talent, there is no way to back the visitor. But prices on LA will be prohibitive, so we?ll steer clear. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING THURSDAY AUGUST 7
Houston at Cincinnati (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Astros have been playing well in recent days (7-2, +$620 last 10 days), and are coming off a strong showing vs. the Mets at Minute Maid Park. They?ve dominated the Reds in head to head play already (4-1, +$375) and they are catching Cincinnati in the midst of a serious slump (1-8, -$770 last 10 days, averaging 3.1 runs per game with an 8.22 ERA among starters). Brian Moehler has put together a decent record in his 15 starts this year (+$420, 3.98 ERA) and he should fare well against the Reds, a team that is only 31-41 (-$1240) vs. righthanders in 2008. BEST BET: Moehler.
Atlanta at Arizona (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
When you fall 10 games back of the division leader and unload top talent at the July 31 trading deadline, you?ve effectively thrown in the towel for the season. Such is the case for the stumbling Braves (3-7, -$380 last 10 days) and we don?t expect they?ll enjoy much success here at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks have regained the form they were flashing in April (7-3, +$420 last 10 days), and appear poised to take control in the NL West. They check in with a 3.84 team ERA, 3rd best in the league. Atlanta is only 18-35 on the road this year (-$1850) and they?ll be fortunate to salvage a single victory this weekend. BEST BET: Diamondbacks in all games.
Tampa Bay at Seattle (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rays have picked up the pace since the All-Star break (7-3, +$395 last 10 days) and their pitching continues to shine (3.73 team ERA), but they need to beat up on league weaklings if they hope to hold off the Yankees and Red Sox. The Mariners are custom made for a drubbing, having already amassed the most cash losses in the AL (-$2855). Tampa?s run production vs. lefties is sub-par (only 3.8 per game), but they handle righthanders well (+$1640), and with the exception of Felix Hernandez, none of the home starters concern us. BEST BET: Rays vs. all righthanders except F. Hernandez.
BEGINNING FRIDAY AUGUST 8
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Cardinals desperately need a strong showing at Wrigley Field this weekend, but they are catching a hot Chicago team (8-3, +$235 last 10 days) that?s been dominant in this ballpark (41-15, +$1495). St. Louis?s pitching has not looked sharp in recent days (5.63 ERA among starters last 10) and they are only 6-11 vs. lefthanders in day games this year (-$620). Ted Lilly (+$430 overall) has been coming on strong (2.92 ERA last 2 outings) and when he takes the hill this weekend we?ll be on board. BEST BET: Lilly.
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Phillies keep plodding along, but they are in first place in the NL East and they have a chance to improve their situation against a Pittsburgh rotation loaded with lefthanders. The Phillies are an impressive 24-15 vs. southpaws (+$734 with 5.7 runs per game) and they?ll also be in good shape when they send one of their own lefhanders to the hill (Pirates only 13-19, -$445 in that situation). BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Pirates/Phillies vs. lefthanders.
Florida at N.Y. Mets (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Mets tanked their series against the Astros last weekend and there is growing concern about their pitching rotation, with Martinez struggling to stay healthy and John Maine coping with a rotator cuff strain. They?ve bad a tough time dealing with righthanders this year (37-41, -$1220) while the upstart Marlins check in with a solid 44-36 (+$1555) mark vs, righthanders. We should catch some nice underdog prices on the visitor this weekend. BEST BET: Marlins when righty meets righty.
Washington at Milwaukee (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
The Nationals are the worst team in baseball, and they are enduring another losing stretch (3-7, -$390 last 10- days with 3.1 runs per game and a 5.24 ERA among starters). The Brewers lost ground in the NL Central when they were manhandled by the Cubs here at Miller Park last week. They need to take at least 3 out of 4 from Washington this weekend, but prices will be very high. We?re inclined to sit this one out. BEST BET: None.
San Diego at Colorado (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Padres have already lost money to the Rockies in ?08 (-$260 in head to head play), and Colorado has been playing better as of late (6-4, +$220 last 10 days). The Rockies are an impressive 24-14 in night games at Coors Field (+$795) and they have a huge offensive edge over San Diego (.269 team BA vs. .245 for the visitor). San Diego has been a disaster any way you measure it (-$3135 in 2008) and they?ll have a tough time vs. a hot team that still hopes to climb back into the NL West race. BEST BET: Rockies in night games.
L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Dodgers have had SF?s number this year (6-3, +$140 in head to head play) and bolstering their lineup with the acquisition of Manny Ramirez takes pressure of their NL best pitching staff (3.64 team ERA, tops in the league). The Giants have been an unmitigated disaster here at ATT Park (20-34, -$1560) and their best pitcher, Tim Lincecum, is not expected to see action. LA can fatten up on the SF lefthanders, none of whom gives us much cause for concern (LA 5.1 runs per game vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Texas at Baltimore (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rangers continue to lead the league in hitting (.282 team BA) but they are saddled with the least effective mound corps in the majors (5.27 team ERA). They have terrific numbers vs. righties, particularly in night games (+$2205), but they are only 13-21 vs. lefthanders in 2008 (-$640). The Orioles have been tough to beat here at Camden Yards (+$665 at home), so we?ll back their southpaws against the Texas attack. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Rangers.
Oakland at Detroit (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Athletics have collapsed in the wake of management?s July fire sale (1-8, -$895 last 10 days with only 3.1 runs per game and a 8.07 ERA among starters), and that 5-12 (-$865) record vs. lefties in day games is something the Tigers can certainly exploit. Detroit hasn?t fully capitalized on their opportunity to climb back on top in the AL Central, but they are a healthy 21-9 vs. southpaws (+$1105 with 5.3 runs per game). They get a chance to avenge the sweep they suffered at McAfee Coliseum the last time these clubs squared off. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Athletics/Tigers vs. lefthanders.
Cleveland at Toronto (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
You would think the Blue Jays would be better than just a .500 team given how well their pitching staff has performed (3.69 team ERA, 2nd best in the AL), but they are hopelessly off the pace in the competitive AL East. We?d consider using the Tribe, who are 3-1 vs. Toronto in head to head pay (+$145), but they?ve failed spectacularly outside of Progressive Field (only 19-36, -$1835) so caution is advised. Roy Halladay is in top form right now (2.89 ERA in 22 starts) and is a good value at any price. BEST BET: Halladay.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Royals haven?t had much success against Minnesota in head to head play this year (only 3-7, -$615 so far), but they looked good taking 2 out of 3 from the first place White Sox at Kaufman Stadium last weekend. Now that Francisco Liriano has returned to the rotation, the Twins have a pair of southpaws in their starting rotation. There is a chance both of them will see action this weekend, and that is good news for a KC team that is 22-16 (+$1115) vs. lefthanders this year. BEST BET: Royals vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Chicago W. Sox (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
First meeting of the year between the Sox, and it comes with both teams stumbling a bit. Boston was roughed up by the Angels in a three game sweep at Fenway before bouncing back against the A?s, while Chicago surrendered 23 runs in two straight losses to Kansas City. We?ll take our shot with the home team, given their remarkable performance here at US Cellular (+$1330), coupled with Boston?s lousy 24-32 record in their road games (-$1165). We?ll look for the home team to take at least 2 out of 3 from the defending champs this weekend. BEST BET: White Sox in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at L.A. Angels (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
These teams split a hard-fought four game set in the Bronx last weekend, and believe it or not, they?ll meet here in Anaheim again in less than a month. For all their success, the Angels have actually lost money vs. righthanders in this ballpark (-$315) and they?ll be up against Joba Chamberlain (+$400, 2.23 ERA in 11 starts), who they sidestepped in New York last weekend. The Yankee offense is picking up steam (6.4 runs per game last 10 days), and with LA having opened up a hue lead in the AL West, the Yankees will be the more motivated club. BEST BET: Chamberlain.
BEGINNING MONDAY AUGUST 11
Pittsburgh at N.Y. Mets (1) 11th
A make-up game that robs both teams of a needed day off, and we?ll be tempted to try our luck with the visiting dog if New York starts a righty (Bucs +$595 in that situation). But if it?s a lefty, we?ll stick with the home team (Pirates 3-13, -$875 vs. southpaws on the road). PREFERRED: Pirates vs. righthanders/Lefthanders vs. the Pirates.
St. Louis at Florida (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
Both these teams need wins to keep pace in their respective division races, with an eye on the wild-card as well. Both teams handle righthanded pitching extremely well (Marlins +$1555, Cardinals +$940) so limit ourselves to a play on Scott Olsen (3.12 ERA at Dolphin Stadium). St. Louis only averages 4.3 runs per game against lefthanders. PREFERRED: Olsen.
San Francisco at Houston (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Astros took 3 out of 4 from the Giants in earlier competition (+$240), but the Giants are tough on righthanders outside of ATT Park, so be careful. San Francisco is only 12-21 vs.lefthanders this year, and now that Randy Wolf is in the rotation alongside Wandy Rodriguez, the home team has a pair of quality southpaws, at least one of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Wolf/W.Rodriguez.
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Phillies have solid numbers in their road night games (27-13, +$1410) and all four of these contests are scheduled evening affairs. The Dodgers have outstanding pitching, but they only average 3.8 runs per game vs. righthanders (-$810). Could be a big week for the visitor. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Dodgers.
Baltimore at Cleveland (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Orioles have been a very profitable item vs. righthanders this year, particularly in night games (33-22, +$1755) so it?s hard to pass them up against the beleaguered Indians (Tribe -$2565 overall). We?ll avoid Cliff Lee if he goes (+$715, 2.58 ERA in 21 starts), but the rest of the decimated Cleveland staff is fair game. PREFERRED: Orioles unless opposed by Lee
Toronto at Detroit (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Tigers have their weaknesses, but they are still in the playoff hunt, and their southpaws should have their way with a Toronto team that is 4-17 vs. lefties in night games (-$1660 with only 3.0 runs per game). A chance for the home team to close the gap in the AL Central. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
N.Y. Yankees at Minnesota (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Twins are only 2-5 vs. the Yankees in head to head play (-$250) but it?s hard to challenge a team with a 39-21 rrecord here at the Metrodome (+$1735). It does not appear they?ll face Joba Chamberlain, but avoid Mike Mussina as well. He checks in with a 3.44 ERA in 23 starts and an outstanding lifetime record vs. Minnesota. PREFERRED: Twins unless opposed by Mussina.
BEGINNING TUESDAY AUGUST 12
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Reds have hit the skids (1-8, -$770 last 10 days) and their disappointing 3-6 (-$540) record against Pittsburgh does not bode well for this series. The Pirates are profitable here at PNC Park (+$775) so we?ll back them throughout and look to come away with at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Chicago Cubs at Atlanta (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Cubs brushed aside the Braves without difficulty when the clubs squared off at Wrigley Field (3-0, +$300) and while Atlanta had been playing well at Turner Field, their season has completely unraveled (3-7, -$380 last 10 days). Chicago does its best work against lefthanders (+$650 with 6.1 runs per game), so play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Cubs vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Mets have had difficulty vs. righthanders away from Shea Stadium (-$1010), but they?ve fared well against lefthanders in all settings (21-12, +$485). We can?t see backing the Nationals under any circumstances. PREFERRED: Mets vs. lefthanders.
Arizona at Colorado (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Diamondbacks have crushed division rival Colorado so far in 2008 (8-1, +$720) and they?ve turned a nice profit on the road vs. lefthanders (14-10, +$355). The Rockies are playing much better these days, but Arizona is back on track and could be tough going down the stretch. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at San Diego (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
First meeting of the year comes at an opportune time for the visiting Brewers, who are locked in a tough playoff struggle. The addition of C.C. Sabathia gives them a trio of solid starters, at least a couple of whom should see action at Petco Park during this series. PREFERRED: Sabathia/Sheets/Parra.
Texas at Boston (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Rangers have made money on the road vs. righthanders in night games (19-9, +$1820 with 6.2 runs per game) but they are only 2-10 in that situation vs. lefties (-$740 with only 2.8 runs per game). John Lester has given the Bosox a huge boost in 2008 (+$815, 3.14 ERA) and is expected to see action in this series. PREFERRED: Lester.
Kansas City at Chicago W. Sox (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Royals knocked off a pair of Chicago lefthanders at Kaufman Stadium last weekend, and their record vs. lefties in road games is noteworthy (+$625). They?ll be taking fat prices here, so we?ll see if they can do it again. PREFERRED: Royals vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at Oakland (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Athletics have had their share of woes in recent days, but their numbers vs. lefthanders at McAfee are still solid (+$385). Scott Kazmir will be a heavy favorite, but the Rays have lost money outside of Tropicana Field (-$415) so we?re getting good value going against the Tampa ace. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. Kazmir.
Seattle at L.A. Angels (2) 12th, 13th
The Angels have already taken 6 of 9 from Seattle (+$280) and given the disparity in talent, there is no way to back the visitor. But prices on LA will be prohibitive, so we?ll steer clear. PREFERRED: None.
