- Apr 1, 2011
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BASEBALL
BEGINNING THURSDAY MAY 26
Boston at Detroit (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Red Sox have been surging in recent days (8-1, +$675 last 10, including a two game sweep over the Tigers at Fenway last week. They?ve got some starters who should fare well at Comerica, given Detroit?s difficulty handling righthanders (-$960 so far). On the other hand, the Tigers have posted a healthy 12-4 mark against lefthanders (+$725) and they?d no doubt be attractively priced if ace southpaw Jon Lester were taking the mound for Boston, though it?s not expected he?ll see action. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Tigers.
Chicago W. Sox at Toronto (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
Both teams have been picking up the pace in recent days, a particularly welcome development for a Chicago team that had been expected to be a top contender (7-3, +$385 last 10 days). With Jake Peavy pitching a complete game shutout in his 2nd start, the rapidly improving staff ERA should continue to move lower. The Blue Jays are holding their own in the tightly packed AL East, but they?ve not scored many runs vs. righties (only 4.1 per game) and their overall numbers in day games vs. righthanders are dreadful (-$750). Good underdog prices on the visitor should be available. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Blue Jays in day games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 27
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
After winning only 17 games outside of PNC Park last year, the Pirates have become a terrific road proposition in 2011 (+$840 as visitors) and they could be a solid value here at Wrigley. The Cubs are languishing in next to last place in the NL Central, and they have already dropped a bundle in this ballpark (5-11, -$845 vs. righties at home, averaging just 3.4 runs per game in those contests). Pittsburgh continues to get strong work from its no-name rotation (3.66 team ERA) so if the price is right we?ll be backing the Bucs. BEST BET: Pirates at +125 or better.
San Diego at Washington (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Padres one saving grace in what has thus far been a disastrous 2011 campaign had been their quality pitching. But their rotation has let them down in recent days (5.53 ERA among starters last 10) and their righthanders could be at risk against this Washington team that has been profitable vs. righthanders (+$470). San Diego has been particularly inept in night games this year (8-21, -$1410) so we?ll take a shot with the Nationals if circumstances permit. BEST BET: Nationals vs. righthanders in night games.
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Mets have dropped 4 of the first 6 head to head matchups between these clubs, but they have been playing better (6-4, +$330 last 10 days) and they catch a Phillies team that is struggling mightily to score runs (only 2.0 per game in the last 10 days). But despite their lack of offensive output, Philly has posted an astonishing 11-3 mark vs. lefthanders in 2011 (+$660) and they are likely to be facing a pair of southpaws in Johnathan Niese (4.39) and Chris Capuano (5.29), neither of whom should give them much cause for concern. BEST BET: Phillies vs. lefthanders.
Cincinnati at Atlanta (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Braves have a far superior mound corps than does Cincinnati, but the return of Johnny Cueto (1.45 in his first two outings of the season) gives the Reds a chance to improve on their disappointing team ERA.The Reds have scored the 2nd most runs of any team in the NL (over 5.0 per game so far) and they could be competitive as underdogs here at Turner Field. We?ll look for Cueto to continue to flash good form when he takes his turn here, no doubt as a substantial underdog. BEST BET: Cueto.
Arizona at Houston (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Diamondbacks have improved their position in the standings considerably (8-3, +$520 in their last 11) and check in with a team ERA that is down to 3.94. They can continue to fatten up by going after the NL?s weakest club this weekend. The Astros have the worst pitching staff in the league (4.77 ERA) and they own a pitiful 10-23 record vs. righthanders (-$1060). Kennedy & Collmenter are likely to miss this series, but Daniel Hudson has looked better with each start (1.80 ERA in his two most recent outings) and will almost certainly take a turn at Minute Maid. BEST BET: D. Hudson.
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
This could be a very competitive series considering how well both teams have been playing. San Francisco has taken command in the NL West thanks to a 3.17 team ERA, but their run production remains quite meager (only 3.5 per game so far). Milwaukee has moved over .500 thanks to a recent surge (8-2, +$610 last 10 days) and they?ve been unstoppable at Miller Park (16-6, +$825). The Giants are only 4-9 vs. righties in day games (-$670) so we?ll look to go against them then the matchup permits. Avoid those Milwaukee lefthanders, a situation where the visitor has excelled (11-4, +$725). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Giants in day games.
St. Louis at Colorado (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rockies have taken a step backward since April, when it appeared they were poised to run away with the NL West (only 4-7, -$505 last 110 days). They have been a losing proposition here at Coors Field (-$540) and they are in against a strong St. Louis club that has a decided statistical edge (.281 team BA, 3.43 ERA, at or near the top of the league in both departments). The Cardinals have been deadly in night games (18-9, +$705) and two of these contests will take place in the evening. We love the visitor in this situation. BEST BET: Cardinals in night games.
Florida at L.A. Dodgers (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Dodgers are fading away little by little in the NL West (only 3-7, -$455 in the past 10 days) while the upstart Marlins continue to own one of the best records in the league. Florida has been especially successful against righthanders over the first two months of the season (+$685) and they are getting outstanding pitching across the board (3.45 team ERA). LA has gotten off to a miserable start against righties (-$1230) and they are one of MLB?s lowest scoring clubs (3.5 runs per game so far). Righty vs. righty matchups greatly favor the visitor. BEST BET: Marlins when righty meets righty.
Cleveland at Tampa Bay (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
A pair of unlikely contenders who have both exceeded expectations in the early stages of the 2011 campaign square off in what promises to a an exciting series at Tropicana Field. The Indians had been expected to flounder, but they own the best record in baseball (29-15, +$1750), leading the league in team BA .266 and staying near the league leaders in team ERA (3.43). The Rays made up a tremendous amount of ground after that 1-8 start, but they?ve had trouble scoring runs, particularly in this ballpark (-$705 averaging only 2.8 per game). Josh Tomlin (+$545, 2.41 ERA) and Justin Masterson (+$300, 2.52) have been a pleasant surprise for the Tribe, and both are likely to see action this weekend. BEST BET: Tomlin/Masterson.
Kansas City at Texas (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rangers have been treading water as the lead in the AL West changes hands every couple of days. But they?ve clobbered Kansas City in head to head play (4-1, +$295) and the Royals will be vulnerable at Arlington given their ugly 5-11 record outside of Kaufman Stadium (-$260). KC has generated plenty of offense against lefthanders, so avoid those Texas southpaws. But they?ve been anemic at the plate vs. righties (3.4 runs per game) and the Rangers have a pair of righties we?re anxious to back. BEST BET: C. Lewis/Ogando.
L.A. Angels at Minnesota (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Angels were doing just find, but they?ve fallen on some serious hard times (3-7, -$465 in the last 10 days), so a weekend set against the team with the worst record in baseball comes at a good time. Minnesota was not expected to be this awful (15-30, -$1255), saddling with the worst team ERA in baseball (4.95) and the 2nd lowest team BA in the American League (.232). LA has a very respectable 9-5 record against righties when playing away from Anaheim (+$605) and none of the starters in the beleaguered Minnesota rotation give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Angels vs. righthanders.
Baltimore at Oakland (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The three best ERA?s in the AL at the moment all come from the AL West, and these Athletics have the best of all (2.91). They should be in good shape against a last place team like the Orioles, but proceed with caution. Oakland has been dreadful against righthanders this year (13-20, -$1000 with only 3.2 runs per game) and Baltimore has remained competitive. Oakland?s best shot is against lefty sensation Zach Britton, who has played well for the O?s (2.14 ERA in nine starts) and could keep the line on this game close. Oakland is 9-5 vs. lefthanders (+$260), so we?re inclined to take a shot when Britton takes the mound. BEST BET: Athletics vs. Britton.
N.Y. Yankees at Seattle (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
That .251 Yankee BA may not look especially imposing, but they?ve managed to score more runs than any team in the AL up to this point (5.1 per game). The Mariners have a tough time lighting up the scoreboard (.227 team BA, last in the league), but their pitching has helped prevent the type of disaster we saw in Seattle in 2010 (3.35). New York was on the ropes after losing six straight, but they bounced back by taking 5 of 6 last week. We?re going to stay away for now and evaluate matchups on game day. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 30
Philadelphia at Washington (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Phillies have dominated the Nationals in head to head play (5-1, +$375) and their pitching staff is living up to all expectations (3.01 ERA, best in the league). But their continued ineffectiveness at the plate is great cause for concern (2.0 runs per game last 10 days) so we?re content to sit on the sidelines. PREFERRED: None.
San Diego at Atlanta (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Braves have a team ERA just a notch higher than Philly?s (3.07) and with three night games scheduled at Turner Field this series should go their way. San Diego can?t hit (.232) and they?ve posted a dismal 8-21 record in night games (-$1410). They?ll be lucky to salvage a victory here. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
Houston at Chicago Cubs (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Cubs took 2 of 3 in the first series these teams played against each other, and we?ve seen no spark from this lifeless Houston team all year. They?ve gone 8-17 on the road (-$595) so if the price is reasonable we?ll stick with Chicago. PREFERRED: Cubs at -140 or less.
San Francisco at St. Louis (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
Tim Lincecum has looked like a Cy Young winner through his first 10 starts (2.06 ERA) and he?s likely to take a turn in this four game set. Kent Vogelsong has led the Giants to victories in all five of his starts (+$550, 2.25 ERA) and Matt Cain is reliable as always (+$495, 3.43 ERA). Expect to see attractive prices on al three here at Busch Stadium if available. PREFERRED: Lincecum/Vogelsong/Cain.
Pittsburgh at N.Y. Mets (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
No one should take the Pirates lightly (+$505 so far in 2011) but the Mets have posted an 8-4 record vs. lefthanders (+$485). Paul Maholm is Pittsburgh?s only lefty starter, and we expect to see him near the end of this four game set. PREFERRED: Mets vs. Maholm.
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Brewers have been manhandled by the Reds in head to head play this year (1-5, -$475) but they are looking very sharp at the moment (8-2, +$610 last 10 days). The Reds are a good hitting team but their pitching remains suspect (4.32 ERA, 3rd worst in the NL). Milwaukee needs to improve their road performance before we?ll commit (only 8-17, -$900). PREFERRED: None.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Dodgers dropped a pair to the Rockies earlier this year (-$205) and they?ve been in free-fall recently (3-7, -$455 last 10 days). Colorado has been reasonably effective outside of Coors Field, and they have a pair of strong righthanders (Jhoulys Chacin 2.70 & Jason Hammel 3.59), both of whom should see action. LA is only 12-22 vs. righthanders in 2011 (-$1230). PREFERRED: J. Chacin/Hammel.
Florida at Arizona (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Diamondbacks have been playing well at Chase Field (16-10, +$630) but Florida is a money-maker on the road (+$715) and they?ve had great success against righthanders (+$685). All the good Arizona pitchers are righthanded, so we?re in no hurry to make a call in this matchup. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Detroit (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Tigers made a nice recovery after a lousy start, but they?ve fallen off the pace in recent days (3-5, -$295 last 10 days). They did take a pair from the Twins earlier (+$210) and with Minnesota mired in the doldrums they can get back on track. They are 12-4 vs. lefthanders (+$725) and they?ll likely see at least one lefty when the Twins roll into Comerica. PREFERRED: Tigers vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Oakland (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Yankees have had their share of west coast woes over the years, but they are coming off a fine week and should fare well at McAfee Coliseum. They?ve averaged 5.5 runs per game vs. righties, while the Athletics have floundered in that spot (-$1000 with only 3.2 runs per game). PREFERRED: Yankees when righty meets righty.
Baltimore at Seattle (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Mariners suffered a sweep when they ventured into Camden Yards in mid May (-$335) and they continue to underperform at the plate (only 3.5 runs per game). The Orioles have turned a modest profit on the road (+$190) so if the price is right we?ll give them a shot. PREFERRED: Orioles at +130 or better.
L.A. Angels at Kansas City (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Royals took 3 of 4 from the Angels in an earlier meeting (+$255) and they?ve been a steady money-maker here at Kaufman Stadium (+$470). They are catching LA during a bad stretch (only 3-7, -$485) and if their pitching holds steady should take at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Royals in all games.
Texas at Tampa Bay (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Rays have played extremely well on the road this year (15-8, +$840) so we won?t go against them. Stay away from David Price (Texas 6-1, +$505 vs. southpaws at Arlington), but the Tampa Bay righties look inviting. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Rangers.
Cleveland at Toronto (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Blue Jays do good work against lefthanders, but they?ve been far less impressive against righties (only 3.9 runs per game) and the Tribe?s rotation is exclusively righthanded. Look for the Indians to continue their winning ways (+$1750 overall) as they look to widen their lead in the AL Central. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Boston (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Red Sox rotation is in some disarray with John Lackey floundering (8.01 ERA), Josh Beckett being pulled from his latest start with muscle spasms, and Daisuke Matsuzaka likely headed for Tommy John surgery. Chicago is worth a shot if the price is right. PREFERRED: White Sox at +140 or better,
BEGINNING THURSDAY MAY 26
Boston at Detroit (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Red Sox have been surging in recent days (8-1, +$675 last 10, including a two game sweep over the Tigers at Fenway last week. They?ve got some starters who should fare well at Comerica, given Detroit?s difficulty handling righthanders (-$960 so far). On the other hand, the Tigers have posted a healthy 12-4 mark against lefthanders (+$725) and they?d no doubt be attractively priced if ace southpaw Jon Lester were taking the mound for Boston, though it?s not expected he?ll see action. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Tigers.
Chicago W. Sox at Toronto (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
Both teams have been picking up the pace in recent days, a particularly welcome development for a Chicago team that had been expected to be a top contender (7-3, +$385 last 10 days). With Jake Peavy pitching a complete game shutout in his 2nd start, the rapidly improving staff ERA should continue to move lower. The Blue Jays are holding their own in the tightly packed AL East, but they?ve not scored many runs vs. righties (only 4.1 per game) and their overall numbers in day games vs. righthanders are dreadful (-$750). Good underdog prices on the visitor should be available. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Blue Jays in day games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 27
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
After winning only 17 games outside of PNC Park last year, the Pirates have become a terrific road proposition in 2011 (+$840 as visitors) and they could be a solid value here at Wrigley. The Cubs are languishing in next to last place in the NL Central, and they have already dropped a bundle in this ballpark (5-11, -$845 vs. righties at home, averaging just 3.4 runs per game in those contests). Pittsburgh continues to get strong work from its no-name rotation (3.66 team ERA) so if the price is right we?ll be backing the Bucs. BEST BET: Pirates at +125 or better.
San Diego at Washington (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Padres one saving grace in what has thus far been a disastrous 2011 campaign had been their quality pitching. But their rotation has let them down in recent days (5.53 ERA among starters last 10) and their righthanders could be at risk against this Washington team that has been profitable vs. righthanders (+$470). San Diego has been particularly inept in night games this year (8-21, -$1410) so we?ll take a shot with the Nationals if circumstances permit. BEST BET: Nationals vs. righthanders in night games.
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Mets have dropped 4 of the first 6 head to head matchups between these clubs, but they have been playing better (6-4, +$330 last 10 days) and they catch a Phillies team that is struggling mightily to score runs (only 2.0 per game in the last 10 days). But despite their lack of offensive output, Philly has posted an astonishing 11-3 mark vs. lefthanders in 2011 (+$660) and they are likely to be facing a pair of southpaws in Johnathan Niese (4.39) and Chris Capuano (5.29), neither of whom should give them much cause for concern. BEST BET: Phillies vs. lefthanders.
Cincinnati at Atlanta (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Braves have a far superior mound corps than does Cincinnati, but the return of Johnny Cueto (1.45 in his first two outings of the season) gives the Reds a chance to improve on their disappointing team ERA.The Reds have scored the 2nd most runs of any team in the NL (over 5.0 per game so far) and they could be competitive as underdogs here at Turner Field. We?ll look for Cueto to continue to flash good form when he takes his turn here, no doubt as a substantial underdog. BEST BET: Cueto.
Arizona at Houston (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Diamondbacks have improved their position in the standings considerably (8-3, +$520 in their last 11) and check in with a team ERA that is down to 3.94. They can continue to fatten up by going after the NL?s weakest club this weekend. The Astros have the worst pitching staff in the league (4.77 ERA) and they own a pitiful 10-23 record vs. righthanders (-$1060). Kennedy & Collmenter are likely to miss this series, but Daniel Hudson has looked better with each start (1.80 ERA in his two most recent outings) and will almost certainly take a turn at Minute Maid. BEST BET: D. Hudson.
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
This could be a very competitive series considering how well both teams have been playing. San Francisco has taken command in the NL West thanks to a 3.17 team ERA, but their run production remains quite meager (only 3.5 per game so far). Milwaukee has moved over .500 thanks to a recent surge (8-2, +$610 last 10 days) and they?ve been unstoppable at Miller Park (16-6, +$825). The Giants are only 4-9 vs. righties in day games (-$670) so we?ll look to go against them then the matchup permits. Avoid those Milwaukee lefthanders, a situation where the visitor has excelled (11-4, +$725). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Giants in day games.
St. Louis at Colorado (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rockies have taken a step backward since April, when it appeared they were poised to run away with the NL West (only 4-7, -$505 last 110 days). They have been a losing proposition here at Coors Field (-$540) and they are in against a strong St. Louis club that has a decided statistical edge (.281 team BA, 3.43 ERA, at or near the top of the league in both departments). The Cardinals have been deadly in night games (18-9, +$705) and two of these contests will take place in the evening. We love the visitor in this situation. BEST BET: Cardinals in night games.
Florida at L.A. Dodgers (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Dodgers are fading away little by little in the NL West (only 3-7, -$455 in the past 10 days) while the upstart Marlins continue to own one of the best records in the league. Florida has been especially successful against righthanders over the first two months of the season (+$685) and they are getting outstanding pitching across the board (3.45 team ERA). LA has gotten off to a miserable start against righties (-$1230) and they are one of MLB?s lowest scoring clubs (3.5 runs per game so far). Righty vs. righty matchups greatly favor the visitor. BEST BET: Marlins when righty meets righty.
Cleveland at Tampa Bay (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
A pair of unlikely contenders who have both exceeded expectations in the early stages of the 2011 campaign square off in what promises to a an exciting series at Tropicana Field. The Indians had been expected to flounder, but they own the best record in baseball (29-15, +$1750), leading the league in team BA .266 and staying near the league leaders in team ERA (3.43). The Rays made up a tremendous amount of ground after that 1-8 start, but they?ve had trouble scoring runs, particularly in this ballpark (-$705 averaging only 2.8 per game). Josh Tomlin (+$545, 2.41 ERA) and Justin Masterson (+$300, 2.52) have been a pleasant surprise for the Tribe, and both are likely to see action this weekend. BEST BET: Tomlin/Masterson.
Kansas City at Texas (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rangers have been treading water as the lead in the AL West changes hands every couple of days. But they?ve clobbered Kansas City in head to head play (4-1, +$295) and the Royals will be vulnerable at Arlington given their ugly 5-11 record outside of Kaufman Stadium (-$260). KC has generated plenty of offense against lefthanders, so avoid those Texas southpaws. But they?ve been anemic at the plate vs. righties (3.4 runs per game) and the Rangers have a pair of righties we?re anxious to back. BEST BET: C. Lewis/Ogando.
L.A. Angels at Minnesota (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Angels were doing just find, but they?ve fallen on some serious hard times (3-7, -$465 in the last 10 days), so a weekend set against the team with the worst record in baseball comes at a good time. Minnesota was not expected to be this awful (15-30, -$1255), saddling with the worst team ERA in baseball (4.95) and the 2nd lowest team BA in the American League (.232). LA has a very respectable 9-5 record against righties when playing away from Anaheim (+$605) and none of the starters in the beleaguered Minnesota rotation give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Angels vs. righthanders.
Baltimore at Oakland (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The three best ERA?s in the AL at the moment all come from the AL West, and these Athletics have the best of all (2.91). They should be in good shape against a last place team like the Orioles, but proceed with caution. Oakland has been dreadful against righthanders this year (13-20, -$1000 with only 3.2 runs per game) and Baltimore has remained competitive. Oakland?s best shot is against lefty sensation Zach Britton, who has played well for the O?s (2.14 ERA in nine starts) and could keep the line on this game close. Oakland is 9-5 vs. lefthanders (+$260), so we?re inclined to take a shot when Britton takes the mound. BEST BET: Athletics vs. Britton.
N.Y. Yankees at Seattle (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
That .251 Yankee BA may not look especially imposing, but they?ve managed to score more runs than any team in the AL up to this point (5.1 per game). The Mariners have a tough time lighting up the scoreboard (.227 team BA, last in the league), but their pitching has helped prevent the type of disaster we saw in Seattle in 2010 (3.35). New York was on the ropes after losing six straight, but they bounced back by taking 5 of 6 last week. We?re going to stay away for now and evaluate matchups on game day. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 30
Philadelphia at Washington (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Phillies have dominated the Nationals in head to head play (5-1, +$375) and their pitching staff is living up to all expectations (3.01 ERA, best in the league). But their continued ineffectiveness at the plate is great cause for concern (2.0 runs per game last 10 days) so we?re content to sit on the sidelines. PREFERRED: None.
San Diego at Atlanta (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Braves have a team ERA just a notch higher than Philly?s (3.07) and with three night games scheduled at Turner Field this series should go their way. San Diego can?t hit (.232) and they?ve posted a dismal 8-21 record in night games (-$1410). They?ll be lucky to salvage a victory here. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
Houston at Chicago Cubs (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Cubs took 2 of 3 in the first series these teams played against each other, and we?ve seen no spark from this lifeless Houston team all year. They?ve gone 8-17 on the road (-$595) so if the price is reasonable we?ll stick with Chicago. PREFERRED: Cubs at -140 or less.
San Francisco at St. Louis (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
Tim Lincecum has looked like a Cy Young winner through his first 10 starts (2.06 ERA) and he?s likely to take a turn in this four game set. Kent Vogelsong has led the Giants to victories in all five of his starts (+$550, 2.25 ERA) and Matt Cain is reliable as always (+$495, 3.43 ERA). Expect to see attractive prices on al three here at Busch Stadium if available. PREFERRED: Lincecum/Vogelsong/Cain.
Pittsburgh at N.Y. Mets (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
No one should take the Pirates lightly (+$505 so far in 2011) but the Mets have posted an 8-4 record vs. lefthanders (+$485). Paul Maholm is Pittsburgh?s only lefty starter, and we expect to see him near the end of this four game set. PREFERRED: Mets vs. Maholm.
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Brewers have been manhandled by the Reds in head to head play this year (1-5, -$475) but they are looking very sharp at the moment (8-2, +$610 last 10 days). The Reds are a good hitting team but their pitching remains suspect (4.32 ERA, 3rd worst in the NL). Milwaukee needs to improve their road performance before we?ll commit (only 8-17, -$900). PREFERRED: None.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Dodgers dropped a pair to the Rockies earlier this year (-$205) and they?ve been in free-fall recently (3-7, -$455 last 10 days). Colorado has been reasonably effective outside of Coors Field, and they have a pair of strong righthanders (Jhoulys Chacin 2.70 & Jason Hammel 3.59), both of whom should see action. LA is only 12-22 vs. righthanders in 2011 (-$1230). PREFERRED: J. Chacin/Hammel.
Florida at Arizona (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Diamondbacks have been playing well at Chase Field (16-10, +$630) but Florida is a money-maker on the road (+$715) and they?ve had great success against righthanders (+$685). All the good Arizona pitchers are righthanded, so we?re in no hurry to make a call in this matchup. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Detroit (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Tigers made a nice recovery after a lousy start, but they?ve fallen off the pace in recent days (3-5, -$295 last 10 days). They did take a pair from the Twins earlier (+$210) and with Minnesota mired in the doldrums they can get back on track. They are 12-4 vs. lefthanders (+$725) and they?ll likely see at least one lefty when the Twins roll into Comerica. PREFERRED: Tigers vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Oakland (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Yankees have had their share of west coast woes over the years, but they are coming off a fine week and should fare well at McAfee Coliseum. They?ve averaged 5.5 runs per game vs. righties, while the Athletics have floundered in that spot (-$1000 with only 3.2 runs per game). PREFERRED: Yankees when righty meets righty.
Baltimore at Seattle (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Mariners suffered a sweep when they ventured into Camden Yards in mid May (-$335) and they continue to underperform at the plate (only 3.5 runs per game). The Orioles have turned a modest profit on the road (+$190) so if the price is right we?ll give them a shot. PREFERRED: Orioles at +130 or better.
L.A. Angels at Kansas City (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Royals took 3 of 4 from the Angels in an earlier meeting (+$255) and they?ve been a steady money-maker here at Kaufman Stadium (+$470). They are catching LA during a bad stretch (only 3-7, -$485) and if their pitching holds steady should take at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Royals in all games.
Texas at Tampa Bay (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Rays have played extremely well on the road this year (15-8, +$840) so we won?t go against them. Stay away from David Price (Texas 6-1, +$505 vs. southpaws at Arlington), but the Tampa Bay righties look inviting. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Rangers.
Cleveland at Toronto (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Blue Jays do good work against lefthanders, but they?ve been far less impressive against righties (only 3.9 runs per game) and the Tribe?s rotation is exclusively righthanded. Look for the Indians to continue their winning ways (+$1750 overall) as they look to widen their lead in the AL Central. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Boston (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Red Sox rotation is in some disarray with John Lackey floundering (8.01 ERA), Josh Beckett being pulled from his latest start with muscle spasms, and Daisuke Matsuzaka likely headed for Tommy John surgery. Chicago is worth a shot if the price is right. PREFERRED: White Sox at +140 or better,
