- Apr 1, 2011
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BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 20
Colorado at Milwaukee (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Brewers have been languishing well under .500 up until this point, but they had a terrific weekend vs. the Pirates, and with Zack Greinke now in the rotation this is a team that could start to move up in the NL Central standings. The Rockies have fallen well off the pace in recent weeks (2-8, -$900 last 10 days) and their offense has yet to gel (.238 team BA). Milwaukee has been doing excellent work here at Miller Park (13-6, +$510) and they are catching Colorado at the perfect time. They should have no trouble taking at least 2 of 3 at home. BEST BET: Brewers in all games.
Chicago Cubs at Boston (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Red Sox are still having their share of difficulties, but they fared well against the Yankees in the Bronx last weekend, and they are no doubt pleased by the strong performances of Josh Beckett & Clay Buccholz. Unfortunately, barring a rainout leading up to this series, neither is likely to see action here at Fenway Park in this one. They have been effective in day games at home, but all three of these contests will take place at night. They made money in inter-league play last year (+$785), but their best pitcher (Jon Lester, 3.28 ERA) will be prohibitively priced, and Chicago has turned a profit vs. lefties (+$310). Can?t pull the trigger on this one. BEST BET: None.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Indians have had a wonderful run as Memorial Day approaches, boasting the best record in the AL up to this point (+$1450). But the Reds are proving to be a very strong club in 2011 (8-2, +$575 last 10 days, with a 1.93 ERA among starters) and they could give the Tribe a run for their money here at Progressive Field. Obviously we need to be careful taking on a team with a 15-4 record at home, but after watching Homer Bailey post an 0.69 ERA in 13 innings over his first two starts (+$200), we expect he?ll be a very attractive underdog when he takes the mound this weekend. BEST BET: Bailey.
Texas at Philadelphia (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Rangers stats really don?t look that bad on paper (.259 team BA, 3rd highest in the AL . . .3.96 ERA), but it?s true that they simply aren?t the same team without Josh Hamilton in the lineup. They?ve fallen back to just a little over .500 following a torrid April in which they appeared ready to run away with the division crown, and they?ve been a losing team away from Arlington (-$395). That makes this a very dangerous spot for the high flying Phillies, the team to beat in the NL this year. The Phillies are 9-1 vs. lefthanders in 2010 (+$700) and they?ll no doubt see at least one or two when Texas rolls into town. BEST BET: Phillies vs. lefthanders.
Washington at Baltimore (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Orioles are doing a nice job staying near the .500 mark despite some mediocre team stats (.241 BA, 4.38 ERA) and they should dispatch the Nationals without much trouble. Washington?s starters have not looked very sharp in recent days (4.93 ERA last 10) and they?ve had little success vs. lefthanders (3-6, -$290 with only 2.3 runs per game). Baltimore has come up with an impressive southpaw in Zack Britton (+$425, 2.42 ERA) and we expect to see him take a turn this weekend. BEST BET: Britton.
Houston at Toronto (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Blue Jays are staying with the tightly grouped pack that we see in the AL East and they?ve been doing strong work when opposing lefthanders (7-4, +$415, averaging 6.0 runs per game in those contests). Houston has looked just terrible all season long, and they?ve continued to flounder in recent days (3-7, -$400 last 10). They have the worst pitching staff in MLB (4.97 ERA) and they?ve been at their worst away from Minute Maid Park (6-12, -$385). If that?s not bad enough they posted a pitiful 3-12 (-$665) mark in inter-league games in 2010. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Things are not well in New York at the moment. The Mets have moved up a bit in recent days (7-3, +$505 last 10), but their stats are still miserable (.244 BA, 4.41 ERA) and they appear destined to another losing campaign. The Yankees have a host of concerns after playing so lethargically in the past couple of weeks (3-7, -$670 last 10 days), as the weak performances of aging veterans make the team look more ordinary with each passing day. Interestingly, the Mets were successful against the AL in 2010 (13-5, +$950) so if the price is right we?ll try to steal a win or two in the Bronx when these Big Apple rivals square off. BEST BET: Mets at +160 or better.
Detroit at Pittsburgh (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Tigers couldn?t do anything right in April and early May, now they?ve become an unstoppable force (9-1, +$820 last 10 days, averaging 6.3 runs per game with a 1.84 ERA among starters), as they continue to drive to overtake Cleveland in the AL Central. The Pirates are a better team than the 2010 version that managed only two victories in their 15 inter-league games, but their hitting remains weak (.232 team BA) and they are only 3-8 (-$460) vs. righthanders here at PNC Park. Great opportunity for red hot Detroit to pick up a few easy road wins. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Pirates.
Tampa Bay at Florida (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Two great teams in the same state, neither of which were expected to be playing this well at this stage of the season. The Orioles cooled Tampa off a bit at Tropicana last weekend, but their pitching has been better than anticipated (3.23 ERA) and their road numbers have been sensational (13-5, +$995). The Marlins are getting outstanding pitching as well (3.33) and they have dominated righthanders (+$885). But they?ve been less effective vs. lefthanders (-210 with only 3.8 runs per game), and that makes Rays? ace David Price a solid value (3.12 in eight starts). BEST BET: Price.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Hats off to the Royals for getting this far into the season with a better than .500 record (+$510 overall), but this match-up does not bode well. The Cardinals have amassed some very impressive statistics (a league leading .284 team BA, coupled with a solid 3.63 ERA) and are likely to make short work of this vastly inferior KC squad. St. Louis has been very effective in night games this season (+$490) and that offense should manhandle the Royals pitching corps, one that checks in with a 4.14 ERA, 4th worst in the AL this season. BEST BET: Cardinals in night games.
L.A. Dodgers at Chicago W. Sox (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Dodgers are beset by front-office/ownership distractions, but they?ve stayed reasonably competitive, and could pick up some needed victories at US Cellular this weekend. The White Sox have finally picked up the pace to some degree, but Phil Humber and Gavin Floyd, both of whom are coming off strong appearances, are not expected to see action. LA checks in with an 8-3 record vs. lefthanders in 2011 (+$500) and we?ve been underwhelmed by John Danks (4.50) and Mark Buehrle (4.07), both of whom are likely to see action in this series. Prices on the road team might makes this a profitable series. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Minnesota at Arizona (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Twins were decimated by the Blue Jays at Target Field in a three game sweep last weekend, as they continue to plod through an inexplicably bad 2011 campaign (12-26, -$1340). They rank dead last in team ERA (4.88) and they?ve scored the fewest runs of any team in the American League (just 3.1 per game). The Diamondbacks certainly aren?t a club that we feel enthusiastic about, but they seem to have hit the jackpot with Ian Kennedy (+$400, 3.05 ERA in nine starts). Daniel Hudson did not live up to expectations in April, but he?s looked sharp in recent outings (1.98 ERA last two). Both are likely to take turns vs. Minnesota. BEST BET: Kennedy/D. Hudson.
Atlanta at L.A. Angels (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Those five righthanded Atlanta starters look absolutely sensational at the moment (3.01 overall team ERA, best in the NL), as the Braves move closer to Philadelphia in the NL East standings. This trip to Anaheim is an opportunity to improve on their numbers. Atlanta turned a profit in inter-league games last year (+$295) and they?ll be up against an LA team that has been horrible vs. righthanders when playing in this ballpark (only 5-9, -$660). We should get prices close to pick ?em in most of these games, so the visitor looks too good to pass up. BEST BET: Braves in all games.
Seattle at San Diego (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Mariners had a nice run where they briefly got close to .500, but it?s been all downhill in recent days (2-7, -$575 last 10 days) as their offense continues to sputter (.228 team BA, lowest in the league). The Padres have some strong pitching again, but it has not been in evidence lately (7.82 ERA among starters last 10 days) and it took a 23 hit outburst in a game at Miller Park last week to pull their team BA up to .234. Their could be some interesting match-ups on game day, but we?re undecided right now. BEST BET: None.
Oakland at San Francisco (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
This battle by the Bay could be very interesting, as the Giants continue to surge (8-2, +$620 last 10 days) while Oakland sends a string of phenomenal hurlers to the mound night after night, putting themselves within striking distance of first place in the AL West. Neither team has generated much run production, so we expect some low scoring affairs here at ATT Park. Oakland checks in with a stellar 9-4 mark against lefthanders (+$360) and they?ll get at least one or two tries against SF southpaws. We should see some nice underdog prices as well. BEST BET: Athletics vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 23
Cincinnati at Philadelphia (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
This is a match-up worth savoring, as the Phillies send their staff of aces against the surging Reds (8-2, +$575 last 10 days). The Reds have done their best work against lefthanders (7.4 runs per game) and they?ll catch some fat underdog prices when Cole Hamels & Cliff Lee take their turns. PREFERRED: Reds vs. Hamels & Lee.
L.A. Dodgers at Houston (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
We?ll stay away from the Astros, who continue to flounder (-$740 so far in 2011) but the Dodgers are worth a look. They?ve racked up a tidy profit vs. lefthanders (8-3, +$500) and should make short work of a Houston team that has the worst team ERA in MLB (4.97). PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Washington at Milwaukee (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Brewers were swept by the lowly Nats when they squared off in an earlier meeting (0-3, -$365 in those contests), but they?ll encounter a more pitching rich Milwaukee team here at Miller Park. The Brewers are 13-6 at home (+$510) and should make short work of Washington. PREFERRED: Brewers in all games.
St. Louis at San Diego (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Padres took 2 of 3 the first time these teams met up (+$190), but they are only 7-14 here at Petco Park (-$800) and the Cardinals bring a team BA that is 50 points higher than San Diego?s (.284 vs. .234 for the Padres). We like the visitor to come away with at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Tampa Bay at Detroit (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
These teams are both smoking hot (Tampa?s loss of 2 out of 3 vs. Baltimore last weekend notwithstanding) so this promises to be a fun series to watch. The Rays are 13-5 outside of Tropicana Field (+$995) and we?ll be all over them if the price is right. PREFERRED: Rays as underdogs.
Boston at Cleveland (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Tribe swept the Red Sox when they hosted Boston the first week of the season (+$460) and they have continued to play well ever since. Boston is 9-11 on the road (-$555) while the Tribe boasts a 15-4 mark here at Progressive Field (+$1265). Easy call on the home team in this one. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Yankees are not looking sharp at the present time (3-7, -$670 last 10 days) as their offense continues to sputter, and they could be vulnerable to this Toronto team, a club that checks in with a 15-7 record in night games this year (+$1060). We should see nice underdog prices on the visitor. PREFERRED: Blue Jays in night games.
Chicago W. Sox at Texas (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
We?re just not comfortable using Texas, because they?ve fallen off dramatically since Josh Hamilton was placed on the DL. The White Sox are playing a bit better, but their numbers are still truly horrible (-$910), so we?re content to sit this one out. PREFERRED: None.
Seattle at Minnesota (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Mariners aren?t as bad as they were last year, but they?re still pretty bad despite solid pitching (3.85 ERA). The Twins, on the other hand, appear to be in near total meltdown (-$1340 overall), and they?ll go down as 2011?s worst franchise if they don?t turn things around quickly. Rainouts disrupted the Seattle rotation, but we?ll stick with that trio of Seattle righties, at least two of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Fister/F. Hernandez/Pineda.
Oakland at L.A. Angels (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
Unfortunately the A?s won?t see any lefthanders, since LA is going with an all-righty rotation at the moment. The Angels are a good hitting team (.269 BA, tops in the AL) that can get to Oakland?s lefthanders when the opportunity presents itself (Angels 4-1, +$295 vs. southpaws at Anaheim). PREFERRED: Angels vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING TUESDAY MAY 24
Atlanta at Pittsburgh (2) 24th, 25th
The Pirates are only 3-8 vs. righthanders at PNC Park (-$560 with 3.0 runs per game) and they?ll be ripe for the taking by Atlanta?s all-righty mound corps. The Braves are a respectable 11-9 (+$210) outside of Turner Field. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Chicago Cubs (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
Dillon Gee has performed admirably since joining the starting rotation (+$480, 3.68 ERA in four starts) and we like his chances taking on a Chicago team at Wrigley Field that checks in with an ugly 10-17 (-$845) record vs. righthanders, averaging just 3.6 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Gee.
Arizona at Colorado (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Rockies have already lost 3 of 5 to Arizona in head to head competition (-$225) and we?re prepared to stick with Daniel Hudson and Ian Kennedy, assuming one or the other is available. Colorado is a big money-burner vs. righthanders when playing here at Coors Field (-$745). PREFERRED: Kennedy/D. Hudson.
Florida at San Francisco (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Marlins face a tough test against the Giants mound corps (3.31 ERA) but they?ve got some quality pitching of their own (3.33 ERA) and the have amassed a spectacular 18-10 record vs. righthanders in 2011 (+$885). They?ll catch some huge prices vs. Lincecum, Cain & Co. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. righthanders.
Kansas City at Baltimore (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Royals have lost money in night games on the road (-$425) while the Orioles have a 73 record vs. righties in night games at Camden Yards (+$405 with 5.1 runs per game). Play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders in night games.
Colorado at Milwaukee (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Brewers have been languishing well under .500 up until this point, but they had a terrific weekend vs. the Pirates, and with Zack Greinke now in the rotation this is a team that could start to move up in the NL Central standings. The Rockies have fallen well off the pace in recent weeks (2-8, -$900 last 10 days) and their offense has yet to gel (.238 team BA). Milwaukee has been doing excellent work here at Miller Park (13-6, +$510) and they are catching Colorado at the perfect time. They should have no trouble taking at least 2 of 3 at home. BEST BET: Brewers in all games.
Chicago Cubs at Boston (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Red Sox are still having their share of difficulties, but they fared well against the Yankees in the Bronx last weekend, and they are no doubt pleased by the strong performances of Josh Beckett & Clay Buccholz. Unfortunately, barring a rainout leading up to this series, neither is likely to see action here at Fenway Park in this one. They have been effective in day games at home, but all three of these contests will take place at night. They made money in inter-league play last year (+$785), but their best pitcher (Jon Lester, 3.28 ERA) will be prohibitively priced, and Chicago has turned a profit vs. lefties (+$310). Can?t pull the trigger on this one. BEST BET: None.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Indians have had a wonderful run as Memorial Day approaches, boasting the best record in the AL up to this point (+$1450). But the Reds are proving to be a very strong club in 2011 (8-2, +$575 last 10 days, with a 1.93 ERA among starters) and they could give the Tribe a run for their money here at Progressive Field. Obviously we need to be careful taking on a team with a 15-4 record at home, but after watching Homer Bailey post an 0.69 ERA in 13 innings over his first two starts (+$200), we expect he?ll be a very attractive underdog when he takes the mound this weekend. BEST BET: Bailey.
Texas at Philadelphia (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Rangers stats really don?t look that bad on paper (.259 team BA, 3rd highest in the AL . . .3.96 ERA), but it?s true that they simply aren?t the same team without Josh Hamilton in the lineup. They?ve fallen back to just a little over .500 following a torrid April in which they appeared ready to run away with the division crown, and they?ve been a losing team away from Arlington (-$395). That makes this a very dangerous spot for the high flying Phillies, the team to beat in the NL this year. The Phillies are 9-1 vs. lefthanders in 2010 (+$700) and they?ll no doubt see at least one or two when Texas rolls into town. BEST BET: Phillies vs. lefthanders.
Washington at Baltimore (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Orioles are doing a nice job staying near the .500 mark despite some mediocre team stats (.241 BA, 4.38 ERA) and they should dispatch the Nationals without much trouble. Washington?s starters have not looked very sharp in recent days (4.93 ERA last 10) and they?ve had little success vs. lefthanders (3-6, -$290 with only 2.3 runs per game). Baltimore has come up with an impressive southpaw in Zack Britton (+$425, 2.42 ERA) and we expect to see him take a turn this weekend. BEST BET: Britton.
Houston at Toronto (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Blue Jays are staying with the tightly grouped pack that we see in the AL East and they?ve been doing strong work when opposing lefthanders (7-4, +$415, averaging 6.0 runs per game in those contests). Houston has looked just terrible all season long, and they?ve continued to flounder in recent days (3-7, -$400 last 10). They have the worst pitching staff in MLB (4.97 ERA) and they?ve been at their worst away from Minute Maid Park (6-12, -$385). If that?s not bad enough they posted a pitiful 3-12 (-$665) mark in inter-league games in 2010. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Things are not well in New York at the moment. The Mets have moved up a bit in recent days (7-3, +$505 last 10), but their stats are still miserable (.244 BA, 4.41 ERA) and they appear destined to another losing campaign. The Yankees have a host of concerns after playing so lethargically in the past couple of weeks (3-7, -$670 last 10 days), as the weak performances of aging veterans make the team look more ordinary with each passing day. Interestingly, the Mets were successful against the AL in 2010 (13-5, +$950) so if the price is right we?ll try to steal a win or two in the Bronx when these Big Apple rivals square off. BEST BET: Mets at +160 or better.
Detroit at Pittsburgh (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Tigers couldn?t do anything right in April and early May, now they?ve become an unstoppable force (9-1, +$820 last 10 days, averaging 6.3 runs per game with a 1.84 ERA among starters), as they continue to drive to overtake Cleveland in the AL Central. The Pirates are a better team than the 2010 version that managed only two victories in their 15 inter-league games, but their hitting remains weak (.232 team BA) and they are only 3-8 (-$460) vs. righthanders here at PNC Park. Great opportunity for red hot Detroit to pick up a few easy road wins. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Pirates.
Tampa Bay at Florida (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Two great teams in the same state, neither of which were expected to be playing this well at this stage of the season. The Orioles cooled Tampa off a bit at Tropicana last weekend, but their pitching has been better than anticipated (3.23 ERA) and their road numbers have been sensational (13-5, +$995). The Marlins are getting outstanding pitching as well (3.33) and they have dominated righthanders (+$885). But they?ve been less effective vs. lefthanders (-210 with only 3.8 runs per game), and that makes Rays? ace David Price a solid value (3.12 in eight starts). BEST BET: Price.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Hats off to the Royals for getting this far into the season with a better than .500 record (+$510 overall), but this match-up does not bode well. The Cardinals have amassed some very impressive statistics (a league leading .284 team BA, coupled with a solid 3.63 ERA) and are likely to make short work of this vastly inferior KC squad. St. Louis has been very effective in night games this season (+$490) and that offense should manhandle the Royals pitching corps, one that checks in with a 4.14 ERA, 4th worst in the AL this season. BEST BET: Cardinals in night games.
L.A. Dodgers at Chicago W. Sox (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Dodgers are beset by front-office/ownership distractions, but they?ve stayed reasonably competitive, and could pick up some needed victories at US Cellular this weekend. The White Sox have finally picked up the pace to some degree, but Phil Humber and Gavin Floyd, both of whom are coming off strong appearances, are not expected to see action. LA checks in with an 8-3 record vs. lefthanders in 2011 (+$500) and we?ve been underwhelmed by John Danks (4.50) and Mark Buehrle (4.07), both of whom are likely to see action in this series. Prices on the road team might makes this a profitable series. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Minnesota at Arizona (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Twins were decimated by the Blue Jays at Target Field in a three game sweep last weekend, as they continue to plod through an inexplicably bad 2011 campaign (12-26, -$1340). They rank dead last in team ERA (4.88) and they?ve scored the fewest runs of any team in the American League (just 3.1 per game). The Diamondbacks certainly aren?t a club that we feel enthusiastic about, but they seem to have hit the jackpot with Ian Kennedy (+$400, 3.05 ERA in nine starts). Daniel Hudson did not live up to expectations in April, but he?s looked sharp in recent outings (1.98 ERA last two). Both are likely to take turns vs. Minnesota. BEST BET: Kennedy/D. Hudson.
Atlanta at L.A. Angels (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Those five righthanded Atlanta starters look absolutely sensational at the moment (3.01 overall team ERA, best in the NL), as the Braves move closer to Philadelphia in the NL East standings. This trip to Anaheim is an opportunity to improve on their numbers. Atlanta turned a profit in inter-league games last year (+$295) and they?ll be up against an LA team that has been horrible vs. righthanders when playing in this ballpark (only 5-9, -$660). We should get prices close to pick ?em in most of these games, so the visitor looks too good to pass up. BEST BET: Braves in all games.
Seattle at San Diego (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Mariners had a nice run where they briefly got close to .500, but it?s been all downhill in recent days (2-7, -$575 last 10 days) as their offense continues to sputter (.228 team BA, lowest in the league). The Padres have some strong pitching again, but it has not been in evidence lately (7.82 ERA among starters last 10 days) and it took a 23 hit outburst in a game at Miller Park last week to pull their team BA up to .234. Their could be some interesting match-ups on game day, but we?re undecided right now. BEST BET: None.
Oakland at San Francisco (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
This battle by the Bay could be very interesting, as the Giants continue to surge (8-2, +$620 last 10 days) while Oakland sends a string of phenomenal hurlers to the mound night after night, putting themselves within striking distance of first place in the AL West. Neither team has generated much run production, so we expect some low scoring affairs here at ATT Park. Oakland checks in with a stellar 9-4 mark against lefthanders (+$360) and they?ll get at least one or two tries against SF southpaws. We should see some nice underdog prices as well. BEST BET: Athletics vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 23
Cincinnati at Philadelphia (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
This is a match-up worth savoring, as the Phillies send their staff of aces against the surging Reds (8-2, +$575 last 10 days). The Reds have done their best work against lefthanders (7.4 runs per game) and they?ll catch some fat underdog prices when Cole Hamels & Cliff Lee take their turns. PREFERRED: Reds vs. Hamels & Lee.
L.A. Dodgers at Houston (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
We?ll stay away from the Astros, who continue to flounder (-$740 so far in 2011) but the Dodgers are worth a look. They?ve racked up a tidy profit vs. lefthanders (8-3, +$500) and should make short work of a Houston team that has the worst team ERA in MLB (4.97). PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. lefthanders.
Washington at Milwaukee (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Brewers were swept by the lowly Nats when they squared off in an earlier meeting (0-3, -$365 in those contests), but they?ll encounter a more pitching rich Milwaukee team here at Miller Park. The Brewers are 13-6 at home (+$510) and should make short work of Washington. PREFERRED: Brewers in all games.
St. Louis at San Diego (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Padres took 2 of 3 the first time these teams met up (+$190), but they are only 7-14 here at Petco Park (-$800) and the Cardinals bring a team BA that is 50 points higher than San Diego?s (.284 vs. .234 for the Padres). We like the visitor to come away with at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Tampa Bay at Detroit (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
These teams are both smoking hot (Tampa?s loss of 2 out of 3 vs. Baltimore last weekend notwithstanding) so this promises to be a fun series to watch. The Rays are 13-5 outside of Tropicana Field (+$995) and we?ll be all over them if the price is right. PREFERRED: Rays as underdogs.
Boston at Cleveland (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Tribe swept the Red Sox when they hosted Boston the first week of the season (+$460) and they have continued to play well ever since. Boston is 9-11 on the road (-$555) while the Tribe boasts a 15-4 mark here at Progressive Field (+$1265). Easy call on the home team in this one. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Yankees are not looking sharp at the present time (3-7, -$670 last 10 days) as their offense continues to sputter, and they could be vulnerable to this Toronto team, a club that checks in with a 15-7 record in night games this year (+$1060). We should see nice underdog prices on the visitor. PREFERRED: Blue Jays in night games.
Chicago W. Sox at Texas (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
We?re just not comfortable using Texas, because they?ve fallen off dramatically since Josh Hamilton was placed on the DL. The White Sox are playing a bit better, but their numbers are still truly horrible (-$910), so we?re content to sit this one out. PREFERRED: None.
Seattle at Minnesota (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Mariners aren?t as bad as they were last year, but they?re still pretty bad despite solid pitching (3.85 ERA). The Twins, on the other hand, appear to be in near total meltdown (-$1340 overall), and they?ll go down as 2011?s worst franchise if they don?t turn things around quickly. Rainouts disrupted the Seattle rotation, but we?ll stick with that trio of Seattle righties, at least two of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Fister/F. Hernandez/Pineda.
Oakland at L.A. Angels (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
Unfortunately the A?s won?t see any lefthanders, since LA is going with an all-righty rotation at the moment. The Angels are a good hitting team (.269 BA, tops in the AL) that can get to Oakland?s lefthanders when the opportunity presents itself (Angels 4-1, +$295 vs. southpaws at Anaheim). PREFERRED: Angels vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING TUESDAY MAY 24
Atlanta at Pittsburgh (2) 24th, 25th
The Pirates are only 3-8 vs. righthanders at PNC Park (-$560 with 3.0 runs per game) and they?ll be ripe for the taking by Atlanta?s all-righty mound corps. The Braves are a respectable 11-9 (+$210) outside of Turner Field. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Chicago Cubs (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
Dillon Gee has performed admirably since joining the starting rotation (+$480, 3.68 ERA in four starts) and we like his chances taking on a Chicago team at Wrigley Field that checks in with an ugly 10-17 (-$845) record vs. righthanders, averaging just 3.6 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Gee.
Arizona at Colorado (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Rockies have already lost 3 of 5 to Arizona in head to head competition (-$225) and we?re prepared to stick with Daniel Hudson and Ian Kennedy, assuming one or the other is available. Colorado is a big money-burner vs. righthanders when playing here at Coors Field (-$745). PREFERRED: Kennedy/D. Hudson.
Florida at San Francisco (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Marlins face a tough test against the Giants mound corps (3.31 ERA) but they?ve got some quality pitching of their own (3.33 ERA) and the have amassed a spectacular 18-10 record vs. righthanders in 2011 (+$885). They?ll catch some huge prices vs. Lincecum, Cain & Co. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. righthanders.
Kansas City at Baltimore (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Royals have lost money in night games on the road (-$425) while the Orioles have a 73 record vs. righties in night games at Camden Yards (+$405 with 5.1 runs per game). Play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders in night games.
