BEGINNING FRIDAY AUGUST 15
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Mets need a big weekend against the weak Pirates, but this Pittsburgh team could pose some difficulties. Despite a dreadful team ERA (5.18) the home team has turned a tidy profit here at PNC Park (+$775) and their offensive output this year is nearly identical to that of New York. The Mets have lost money against righthanders (-$1250) and they are a disappointing 26-33 (-$975) away from Shea Stadium. Yankee farm-hand Jeff Karstens joined the Bucs rotation with a pair of spectacular starts (+$420, 0.00 ERA), and he?s expected to see action here, no doubt at an attractive price. We?ll take a shot when he goes. BEST BET: Karstens.
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Cardinals are thrilled to see Scott Carpenter back in the rotation (+$115, 1.88 ERA in three outings) and the team remains very much alive in the post-season chase. They?ve spanked Cincinnati in head to head play this year (4-2, +$215) and the hapless Reds have completely fallen apart (1-9, -$930 last 10 days, averaging only 3.4 runs per game with a 7.84 ERA among starters). Cinny?s rotation is exclusively righthanded, and St. Louis has only had two games started by lefthanders in 2008. Given the relative performances of these clubs vs. righties (Cards +$1240, Reds -$1695) this looks like a big series for the visitor. BEST BET: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
Chicago Cubs at Florida (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Marlins split four games with the Cubs earlier in the year, scoring a nice profit in the process (+$215). If you go by stats, then Chicago should dominate (.280 team BA,tops in the NL . . 3.82 ERA, 2nd best). But Florida has an outstanding record here at Dolphin Stadium (+$810) and their numbers vs. righthanders are outstanding (+$1485). The Cubs haven?t fared well vs. righties on the road, most notably in night games (9-15, -$640 with 3.4 runs per game), so the home team has a shot to improve on their head to head record. BEST BET: Marlins when righty meets righty in night games.
San Francisco at Atlanta (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
It may be too late for the Braves to climb back into the playoff mix, especially after dealing away offensive standout Mark Teixiera. But the club has an excellent trio of righty starters in Tim Hudson (3.19 in 22 starts), Jair Jurrjens (3.18 in 23 starts) and Jorge Campillo (3.21 ERA in his 16 starts since leaving the bullpen), and they do own the 4th highest team BA in the league (.268). The Giants have been profitable on the road, but their run production is lousy (only 3.8 per game), so we?re inclined to take our chances with Atlanta?s trio of quality arms. BEST BET: Hudson/Jurrjens/Campillo.
Colorado at Washington (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rockies blew an opportunity to creep back into NL West contention when they lost a doubleheader at home to the lowly Nationals. They are coming off a rough week (4-7, -$685 with a 7.81 ERA among starters), and it?s hard to have confidence in a team with a 20-40 road record (-$1525). Washington might prove to be a tempting choice in this series, having already beaten Colorado in 3 of their 4 meetings (+$485). But it?s hard top trust the worst team in baseball unders any circumstances (44-74, -$1715) so we prefer to stay away for the time being. BEST BET: None.
Arizona at Houston (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Diamondbacks appeared to have regained their early season form following the All-Star break, but they are still struggling around the .500 level (-$1020 overall) and now have to deal with a hot Houston team (Astros 8-2, +$790 last 10 days). Roy Oswalt seems to have regained his form after a disappointing first half (3.46 ERA last two outings). Arizona has lost money vs. righthanders (-$1530) so take a shot with Houston?s former ace. BEST BET: Oswalt.
Philadelphia at San Diego (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
With Curt Young back in the rotation, the Padres now own four righthanded starters who have seen their ERA?S improve in recent days (3.79 last 10 days). Their losses in 2008 have been staggering (46-72, -$3015 overall), but we might be tempted to take a shot with them as home underdogs nonetheless. The Phillies have a dreadful record in day games (15-22, -$1190) so when they are in against a capable San Diego hurler we?ll grab the home team, assuming the price is right. BEST BET: Padres as underdogs in day games.
Milwaukee at L.A. Dodgers (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Dodgers pitching staff holds the lowest ERA in either league (3.66) but they can?t manage to break above .500. The Brewers currently lead in the wildcard race (7-3, +$350 with a 2.58 ERA among starters last 10 days), and are within striking distance of first place Chicago in the NL Central. They?ve averaged 5.2 runs per game vs. lefties, and the righties in their rotation can shut down an LA offense that averages just 3.8 runs per game against righthanders. BEST BET: Brewers vs. lefthanders/ Righthanders vs. the Dodgers.
Baltimore at Detroit (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Tigers are in the process of blowing any shot they may have had to climb back into the AL Central race (3-7, -$475 last 10 days with a 5.12 ERA among starters). The Orioles have plenty of problems as well, but they check with with a 36-22 record vs. righthanders in night games. Detroit has been a disaster vs. righties in all settings (-$2110), so we?ll play these games accordingly. Lefties are another story (Tigers +$1050 vs. southpaws, O?s -$800), so we?ll back the home team if two square off. BEST BET: Orioles when righty meets righty/Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
Toronto at Boston (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Blue Jays always seem to give the Red Sox a hard time (4-2, +$225 in head to head play this year), but it is so hard to bet against Boston here at Fenway Park (40-16, +$1515 in their home games). There is some hope for Toronto, since Bosox aces Jon Lester (+$700) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (+$925) are not slated to see action. The visitor has the best team ERA in the league (3.67) and an 8-5 (+$355) record in road day games. Given the inevitable fat price, perhaps we can steal one. BEST BET: Blue Jays in day games.
L.A. Angels at Cleveland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Angels are tearing up the league at this point (74-43, +$2320 overall, best record in baseball) while the Tribe is enduring its worst season in years (-$2235). LA?s numbers on the road are outstanding, and their pitching staff (3.88 ERA) should have no difficulty throttling the anemic Cleveland bats (.253 team BA, 2nd lowest in the AL). The home team will be fortunate to salvage a single victory this weekend. BEST BET: Angels in all games.
Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
You can only sustain so many injuries to your starting rotation and everyday lineup, and the Yankees may have reached the breaking point. The rotation is in shambles (5.51 ERA among starters last 10 days) and they could have their hands full with the pesky Royals, who have already taken 4 of 7 in head to head play (+$365). KC?s best chance is against Andy Pettitte. The veteran lefty?s ERA in the Bronx is inflated (4.80) and the Royals check in with a 22-17 (+$1015) record vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Royals vs. Pettitte.
Tampa Bay at Texas (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rays are poised to complete their stunning turnaround and earn their first ever playoff ticket (8-2,+$570 last 10 days), and the pitching poor Rangers (5.31 ERA, worst in MLB) make an inviting target. They?ll be sending ace lefty Scott Kazmir to the mound, who has led Tampa Bay to wins in 11 of his 12 night starts (+$995). All three of these games will take place in the evening, and the Rangers are only 15-22 (-$470) vs. southpaws in ?08. BEST BET: Kazmir.
Seattle at Minnesota (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Twins briefly climbed to the top in the AL Central last weekend, and the visiting Mariners are tailor made for a thumping here at the Metrodome. Minnesota has been dominant in their home games (39-21, +$1735) and they average 5.5 runs per game at night in this ballpark. Seattle is almost 30 games back in the AL West. They have the worst record in the league (45-73, -$2910) and with the exception of Felix Hernandez,, who won?t see action in this series, their starting rotation is mediocre at best. The Twins should do no worse than 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Twins in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Oakland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Athletics have been in free fall over a month (1-9, -$755 with only 2.1 runs per game and a 6.47 ERA among starters), and they?ll be hard pressed to slow down a Chicago team locked in a tight playoff struggle. The two pitchers who have done the most to put the White Sox where they are have been Gavin Floyd (+$910, 3.84 ERA in 22 starts) and John Danks (+$415, 3.21 ERA in 23 starts), not the names you might have guessed when the season began. Both are slated to see action at McAfee Coliseum this weekend. We?ll be on board when they take the mound. BEST BET: Floyd/Danks.
BEGINNING MONDAY AUGUST 18
Houston at Milwaukee (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Brewers are riding the arms of some outstanding starters at the moment, newly acquired C.C. Sabathia in particular. His numbers have been spectacular (+$430, 1.58 ERA in six starts), but the Astros are playing decently, and have turned a profit vs. lefthanders (+$450). We?ll take a shot with them as fat underdogs vs. the big Milwaukee southpaw. PREFERRED: Astros vs. Sabathia.
Boston at Baltimore (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Orioles have fared well against righthanders here at Camden Yards, particularly in night games (20-10, +$1050 with 5.6 runs per game). The Red Sox have floundered vs. righties on the road in night games (only 14-21, -$1045), and all three of these contests will take place in the evening. We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Orioles when righty meets righty.
L.A. Angels at Tampa Bay (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Rays have already taken 4 out of 6 from the Angels in head to head play (+$240), and both teams are running roughshod over the American League at the moment. Tampa Bay checks in with a 45-17 record at Tropicana Field (+$2325) but LA has the best road record in baseball (38-21, +$1910). This one is too close to call, so we?ll take a closer look on game day. PREFERRED: None.
Detroit at Texas (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Tigers make money against lefties (+$1050) but they have been a disaster against righties (-$2110), while the Rangers have been exactly the opposite (-$470 vs. lefties, +$2040 against righties). If we get a usable matchup, we?ll jump in. PREFERRED: Rangers when righty meets righty/Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
Oakland at Minnesota (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
Things look pretty bleak for the Athletics as they venture into the Metrodome. They check in with a 5-14 record vs. lefthanders in road games (-$715) Francisco Liriano has returned to the Minnesota rotation and appears to be healthy at long last (2.32 ERA last 2 outings). He?s worth a shot at any price. PREFERRED: Liriano.
Seattle at Chicago W. Sox (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
Prices on this series are likely to be prohibitive, given Chicago?s 39-18 record here at US Cellular (+$1500), as opposed to Seattle?s pitiful 21-35 mark as visitors (--$890). If the road team is showing signs of life we?ll consider using Felix Hernandez (2.94 ERA in 22 starts), but we?ll hold off for now. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY AUGUST 19
Washington at Philadelphia (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
For all their success thus far in 2008, the Phillies have lost a great deal of money vs. righthanders here at Citizens Bank (-$780). Tim Redding has parlayed a less than imposing ERA into a substantial profit this year, leading the Nationals to victories in 16 of his 26 starts (+$1135). Not bad when you are on a team with the worst record in baseball. PREFERRED: Redding.
Atlanta at N.Y. Mets (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Mets need to start beating up on the Braves if they hope to emerge victorious in the competitive NL East (2-7, -$595 vs. Atlanta in head to head play so far). New York is 10-2 against lefthanders in night games at Shea (+$700 with 5.4 runs per game), so if they get a shot against an Atlanta southpaw, they?ll be an outstanding value. PREFERRED: Mets vs. lefthanders.
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Reds were competitive with Chicago earlier in the year, but they?ve had the skids in recent weeks (1-9, -$930 last 10 days) so what we?re left with is another mismatch. Prices at Wrigley Field will be through the roof, but Cincinnati is a terrible road team (only 21-36, -$1180) while the Cubs have been unstoppable at home (+$1620). If you can stomach these exorbitant prices, Chicago is the way to go. PREFERRED: Cubs in all games.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis (2) 19th, 20th
The Pirates have fought division rival to a draw (6-6, +$165) and if they can gain another split of this series here at Busch Stadium, we can turn a nice profit. The Bucs have made money vs. righthanders (+$465) and they are likely to see more of the same from the St. Louis rotation. We?ll grab the fat underdog price in both and hope to take at least one. PREFERRED: Pirates in both games.
San Diego at Arizona (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
We keep expecting the Diamondbacks to assert themselves in the NL West, but they can?t seem to sustain a winning streak (only 59-58, -$1020 in 2008). We?ve been waiting for the Padres to at least put together a respectable run of games, but at this point it appears unlikely (-$3015 in ?08). We?ll pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Rockies have been getting pushed around by bad teams, and there is a huge disparity between these teams? pitching staffs. (LA 3.66 team ERA, Colorado 4.82). The Dodgers are 20-15 against lefthanders this year (+$290 with 5.1 runs per game) and should fare well against any southpaws the visitor sends to the hill. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Florida at San Francisco (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Despite a sub .500 record, the Marlins are a big moneymaker outside of Dolphin Stadium (+$945), while the Giants have been a disaster here at ATT Park (24-36, -$1250). We?ll look for those patterns to repeat themselves. PREFERRED: Marlins in all games.
Kansas City at Cleveland (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Royals have an opportunity to avoid the AL Central basement for the first time in several years. They are a money-maker outside of Kaufman Stadium (+$660) and are profitable vs. lefties (+$1015). The Cleveland rotation is heavy with southpaws, at least one or two of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Royals vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Toronto (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Time is clearly running out on the Yankees, who suffered a nasty sweep at the hands of the Angels in Anaheim last weekend. With a starting rotation in disarray, they are not set up well to take on the club with the lowest team ERA in the AL (Blue Jays 3.67). Toronto can put another nail in the NY coffin with a strong showing at Rogers Centre. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. righthanders.
N.Y. Mets at Pittsburgh (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Mets need a big weekend against the weak Pirates, but this Pittsburgh team could pose some difficulties. Despite a dreadful team ERA (5.18) the home team has turned a tidy profit here at PNC Park (+$775) and their offensive output this year is nearly identical to that of New York. The Mets have lost money against righthanders (-$1250) and they are a disappointing 26-33 (-$975) away from Shea Stadium. Yankee farm-hand Jeff Karstens joined the Bucs rotation with a pair of spectacular starts (+$420, 0.00 ERA), and he?s expected to see action here, no doubt at an attractive price. We?ll take a shot when he goes. BEST BET: Karstens.
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Cardinals are thrilled to see Scott Carpenter back in the rotation (+$115, 1.88 ERA in three outings) and the team remains very much alive in the post-season chase. They?ve spanked Cincinnati in head to head play this year (4-2, +$215) and the hapless Reds have completely fallen apart (1-9, -$930 last 10 days, averaging only 3.4 runs per game with a 7.84 ERA among starters). Cinny?s rotation is exclusively righthanded, and St. Louis has only had two games started by lefthanders in 2008. Given the relative performances of these clubs vs. righties (Cards +$1240, Reds -$1695) this looks like a big series for the visitor. BEST BET: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
Chicago Cubs at Florida (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Marlins split four games with the Cubs earlier in the year, scoring a nice profit in the process (+$215). If you go by stats, then Chicago should dominate (.280 team BA,tops in the NL . . 3.82 ERA, 2nd best). But Florida has an outstanding record here at Dolphin Stadium (+$810) and their numbers vs. righthanders are outstanding (+$1485). The Cubs haven?t fared well vs. righties on the road, most notably in night games (9-15, -$640 with 3.4 runs per game), so the home team has a shot to improve on their head to head record. BEST BET: Marlins when righty meets righty in night games.
San Francisco at Atlanta (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
It may be too late for the Braves to climb back into the playoff mix, especially after dealing away offensive standout Mark Teixiera. But the club has an excellent trio of righty starters in Tim Hudson (3.19 in 22 starts), Jair Jurrjens (3.18 in 23 starts) and Jorge Campillo (3.21 ERA in his 16 starts since leaving the bullpen), and they do own the 4th highest team BA in the league (.268). The Giants have been profitable on the road, but their run production is lousy (only 3.8 per game), so we?re inclined to take our chances with Atlanta?s trio of quality arms. BEST BET: Hudson/Jurrjens/Campillo.
Colorado at Washington (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rockies blew an opportunity to creep back into NL West contention when they lost a doubleheader at home to the lowly Nationals. They are coming off a rough week (4-7, -$685 with a 7.81 ERA among starters), and it?s hard to have confidence in a team with a 20-40 road record (-$1525). Washington might prove to be a tempting choice in this series, having already beaten Colorado in 3 of their 4 meetings (+$485). But it?s hard top trust the worst team in baseball unders any circumstances (44-74, -$1715) so we prefer to stay away for the time being. BEST BET: None.
Arizona at Houston (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Diamondbacks appeared to have regained their early season form following the All-Star break, but they are still struggling around the .500 level (-$1020 overall) and now have to deal with a hot Houston team (Astros 8-2, +$790 last 10 days). Roy Oswalt seems to have regained his form after a disappointing first half (3.46 ERA last two outings). Arizona has lost money vs. righthanders (-$1530) so take a shot with Houston?s former ace. BEST BET: Oswalt.
Philadelphia at San Diego (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
With Curt Young back in the rotation, the Padres now own four righthanded starters who have seen their ERA?S improve in recent days (3.79 last 10 days). Their losses in 2008 have been staggering (46-72, -$3015 overall), but we might be tempted to take a shot with them as home underdogs nonetheless. The Phillies have a dreadful record in day games (15-22, -$1190) so when they are in against a capable San Diego hurler we?ll grab the home team, assuming the price is right. BEST BET: Padres as underdogs in day games.
Milwaukee at L.A. Dodgers (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Dodgers pitching staff holds the lowest ERA in either league (3.66) but they can?t manage to break above .500. The Brewers currently lead in the wildcard race (7-3, +$350 with a 2.58 ERA among starters last 10 days), and are within striking distance of first place Chicago in the NL Central. They?ve averaged 5.2 runs per game vs. lefties, and the righties in their rotation can shut down an LA offense that averages just 3.8 runs per game against righthanders. BEST BET: Brewers vs. lefthanders/ Righthanders vs. the Dodgers.
Baltimore at Detroit (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Tigers are in the process of blowing any shot they may have had to climb back into the AL Central race (3-7, -$475 last 10 days with a 5.12 ERA among starters). The Orioles have plenty of problems as well, but they check with with a 36-22 record vs. righthanders in night games. Detroit has been a disaster vs. righties in all settings (-$2110), so we?ll play these games accordingly. Lefties are another story (Tigers +$1050 vs. southpaws, O?s -$800), so we?ll back the home team if two square off. BEST BET: Orioles when righty meets righty/Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
Toronto at Boston (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Blue Jays always seem to give the Red Sox a hard time (4-2, +$225 in head to head play this year), but it is so hard to bet against Boston here at Fenway Park (40-16, +$1515 in their home games). There is some hope for Toronto, since Bosox aces Jon Lester (+$700) and Daisuke Matsuzaka (+$925) are not slated to see action. The visitor has the best team ERA in the league (3.67) and an 8-5 (+$355) record in road day games. Given the inevitable fat price, perhaps we can steal one. BEST BET: Blue Jays in day games.
L.A. Angels at Cleveland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Angels are tearing up the league at this point (74-43, +$2320 overall, best record in baseball) while the Tribe is enduring its worst season in years (-$2235). LA?s numbers on the road are outstanding, and their pitching staff (3.88 ERA) should have no difficulty throttling the anemic Cleveland bats (.253 team BA, 2nd lowest in the AL). The home team will be fortunate to salvage a single victory this weekend. BEST BET: Angels in all games.
Kansas City at N.Y. Yankees (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
You can only sustain so many injuries to your starting rotation and everyday lineup, and the Yankees may have reached the breaking point. The rotation is in shambles (5.51 ERA among starters last 10 days) and they could have their hands full with the pesky Royals, who have already taken 4 of 7 in head to head play (+$365). KC?s best chance is against Andy Pettitte. The veteran lefty?s ERA in the Bronx is inflated (4.80) and the Royals check in with a 22-17 (+$1015) record vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Royals vs. Pettitte.
Tampa Bay at Texas (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rays are poised to complete their stunning turnaround and earn their first ever playoff ticket (8-2,+$570 last 10 days), and the pitching poor Rangers (5.31 ERA, worst in MLB) make an inviting target. They?ll be sending ace lefty Scott Kazmir to the mound, who has led Tampa Bay to wins in 11 of his 12 night starts (+$995). All three of these games will take place in the evening, and the Rangers are only 15-22 (-$470) vs. southpaws in ?08. BEST BET: Kazmir.
Seattle at Minnesota (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Twins briefly climbed to the top in the AL Central last weekend, and the visiting Mariners are tailor made for a thumping here at the Metrodome. Minnesota has been dominant in their home games (39-21, +$1735) and they average 5.5 runs per game at night in this ballpark. Seattle is almost 30 games back in the AL West. They have the worst record in the league (45-73, -$2910) and with the exception of Felix Hernandez,, who won?t see action in this series, their starting rotation is mediocre at best. The Twins should do no worse than 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Twins in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Oakland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Athletics have been in free fall over a month (1-9, -$755 with only 2.1 runs per game and a 6.47 ERA among starters), and they?ll be hard pressed to slow down a Chicago team locked in a tight playoff struggle. The two pitchers who have done the most to put the White Sox where they are have been Gavin Floyd (+$910, 3.84 ERA in 22 starts) and John Danks (+$415, 3.21 ERA in 23 starts), not the names you might have guessed when the season began. Both are slated to see action at McAfee Coliseum this weekend. We?ll be on board when they take the mound. BEST BET: Floyd/Danks.
BEGINNING MONDAY AUGUST 18
Houston at Milwaukee (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Brewers are riding the arms of some outstanding starters at the moment, newly acquired C.C. Sabathia in particular. His numbers have been spectacular (+$430, 1.58 ERA in six starts), but the Astros are playing decently, and have turned a profit vs. lefthanders (+$450). We?ll take a shot with them as fat underdogs vs. the big Milwaukee southpaw. PREFERRED: Astros vs. Sabathia.
Boston at Baltimore (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Orioles have fared well against righthanders here at Camden Yards, particularly in night games (20-10, +$1050 with 5.6 runs per game). The Red Sox have floundered vs. righties on the road in night games (only 14-21, -$1045), and all three of these contests will take place in the evening. We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Orioles when righty meets righty.
L.A. Angels at Tampa Bay (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Rays have already taken 4 out of 6 from the Angels in head to head play (+$240), and both teams are running roughshod over the American League at the moment. Tampa Bay checks in with a 45-17 record at Tropicana Field (+$2325) but LA has the best road record in baseball (38-21, +$1910). This one is too close to call, so we?ll take a closer look on game day. PREFERRED: None.
Detroit at Texas (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Tigers make money against lefties (+$1050) but they have been a disaster against righties (-$2110), while the Rangers have been exactly the opposite (-$470 vs. lefties, +$2040 against righties). If we get a usable matchup, we?ll jump in. PREFERRED: Rangers when righty meets righty/Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
Oakland at Minnesota (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
Things look pretty bleak for the Athletics as they venture into the Metrodome. They check in with a 5-14 record vs. lefthanders in road games (-$715) Francisco Liriano has returned to the Minnesota rotation and appears to be healthy at long last (2.32 ERA last 2 outings). He?s worth a shot at any price. PREFERRED: Liriano.
Seattle at Chicago W. Sox (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
Prices on this series are likely to be prohibitive, given Chicago?s 39-18 record here at US Cellular (+$1500), as opposed to Seattle?s pitiful 21-35 mark as visitors (--$890). If the road team is showing signs of life we?ll consider using Felix Hernandez (2.94 ERA in 22 starts), but we?ll hold off for now. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY AUGUST 19
Washington at Philadelphia (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
For all their success thus far in 2008, the Phillies have lost a great deal of money vs. righthanders here at Citizens Bank (-$780). Tim Redding has parlayed a less than imposing ERA into a substantial profit this year, leading the Nationals to victories in 16 of his 26 starts (+$1135). Not bad when you are on a team with the worst record in baseball. PREFERRED: Redding.
Atlanta at N.Y. Mets (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Mets need to start beating up on the Braves if they hope to emerge victorious in the competitive NL East (2-7, -$595 vs. Atlanta in head to head play so far). New York is 10-2 against lefthanders in night games at Shea (+$700 with 5.4 runs per game), so if they get a shot against an Atlanta southpaw, they?ll be an outstanding value. PREFERRED: Mets vs. lefthanders.
Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Reds were competitive with Chicago earlier in the year, but they?ve had the skids in recent weeks (1-9, -$930 last 10 days) so what we?re left with is another mismatch. Prices at Wrigley Field will be through the roof, but Cincinnati is a terrible road team (only 21-36, -$1180) while the Cubs have been unstoppable at home (+$1620). If you can stomach these exorbitant prices, Chicago is the way to go. PREFERRED: Cubs in all games.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis (2) 19th, 20th
The Pirates have fought division rival to a draw (6-6, +$165) and if they can gain another split of this series here at Busch Stadium, we can turn a nice profit. The Bucs have made money vs. righthanders (+$465) and they are likely to see more of the same from the St. Louis rotation. We?ll grab the fat underdog price in both and hope to take at least one. PREFERRED: Pirates in both games.
San Diego at Arizona (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
We keep expecting the Diamondbacks to assert themselves in the NL West, but they can?t seem to sustain a winning streak (only 59-58, -$1020 in 2008). We?ve been waiting for the Padres to at least put together a respectable run of games, but at this point it appears unlikely (-$3015 in ?08). We?ll pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Rockies have been getting pushed around by bad teams, and there is a huge disparity between these teams? pitching staffs. (LA 3.66 team ERA, Colorado 4.82). The Dodgers are 20-15 against lefthanders this year (+$290 with 5.1 runs per game) and should fare well against any southpaws the visitor sends to the hill. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Florida at San Francisco (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Despite a sub .500 record, the Marlins are a big moneymaker outside of Dolphin Stadium (+$945), while the Giants have been a disaster here at ATT Park (24-36, -$1250). We?ll look for those patterns to repeat themselves. PREFERRED: Marlins in all games.
Kansas City at Cleveland (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Royals have an opportunity to avoid the AL Central basement for the first time in several years. They are a money-maker outside of Kaufman Stadium (+$660) and are profitable vs. lefties (+$1015). The Cleveland rotation is heavy with southpaws, at least one or two of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Royals vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Toronto (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Time is clearly running out on the Yankees, who suffered a nasty sweep at the hands of the Angels in Anaheim last weekend. With a starting rotation in disarray, they are not set up well to take on the club with the lowest team ERA in the AL (Blue Jays 3.67). Toronto can put another nail in the NY coffin with a strong showing at Rogers Centre. PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. righthanders.
