BASEBALL
BEGINNING THURSDAY MAY 3
N.Y. Yankees at Kansas City (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Yankees have a few issues with regard to pitching, but there is nothing wrong with their hitting at the moment, as they bludgeon their AL opponents on a daily basis (.276 team BA, 3rd best in the AL, averaging 5.6 runs per game). They should make short work of the floundering Royals (3-6, -$225 last 19 days), a team that is getting nothing of value from its pitching staff (4.58 team ERA). They are only 6-15 after the first month of the season (-$750) so if the prices don?t get too high we?ll stick with the visitor throughout. BEST BET: Yankees at -150 or less.
Toronto at L.A. Angels (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Blue Jays are off to a respectable star in 2012, with a 12-10 record and the 5th best ERA In the league. The Angels are really struggling to score runs so far this year (8-15, -$1465, with 3.5 runs per game) and several of their starters have yet to flash winning form. Thus far, Toronto has done its best work in day games (7-2, +$445) so we?ll back them in Sunday?s afternoon contest. LA has too many weapons to remain stick in the doldrums indefinitely, so caution is advised. BEST BET: Blue Jays in day games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 4
L.A. Dodgers at Chicago Cubs (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Dodgers keep rolling along, jumping out to a four game lead in the competitive NL West, thanks to their sizzling mound corps (2..98 team ERA) and the red hot bat of Matt Kemp. The Cubs can?t score runs (only 3.5 per game so fa) and they are once again losing money here at Wrigley Field (-$235). They were big losers in 2011 (71-91, -$1475) and won?t hold well when taking on the LA juggernaut. Chad Billingsley is putting together his best season in a while (2.64 ERA in five starts) and should make short work of the anemic Chicago attack. BEST BET: Billingsley.
Philadelphia at Washington (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
It?s great to have the quality pitching staff that Philadelphia enjoys (2.99 team ERA), but at some point you need to sore a few runs. The Philly offense has fallen on particularly hard times at the start of the 2012 campaign (only 3.3 runs per game so far) and the result is an ugly 10-12 mark (-$700). The Nationals let some winnable games get away on their west coast swing, and they too need to generate some offense. But the pitching is the best in baseball at the moment (2.33 team ERA) and last year they parlayed a 10-8 mark in head to head play with this team into a fat profit (+$905). We?ll try to take 2 of 3 from the sub .500 Phillies. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Pirates might be an interesting team to watch in 2012 because the pitching staff looks sensational at the moment (2.77 ERA, 3rd lowest in the NL). Unfortunately, they are averaging an MLB worst 2.3 runs per game and that make it difficult for us to commit. The Reds are holding steady at 11-11, and they have a solid duo in Johnny Cueto (+$300, 1.39 ERA in five starts) and Bronson Arroyo (+$240, 2.70 ERA in four starts). We?ll back either vs. the non-existent Pittsburgh offense. BEST BET: Cueto/Arroyo.
Arizona at N.Y. Mets (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Diamondbacks jumped out of the gate quickly at the start of the month, but they?ve been mediocre the past couple of weeks (only 4-6, -$130 in the last 10 days) and their pitching has been well below par (4.10 ERA). The Mets have been been swinging the bats very well (.261 team BA, 3rd best in the NL) and they?ve been heartened by the strong return of ace Johan Santana, who checks in with a 2.25 ERA after five appearances. BEST BET: J. Santana.
St. Louis at Houston (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The world champion Cardinals are off to a quick start in 2012, overcoming the loss of Albert Pujols and the absence of Chris Carpenter without difficulty (14-8, +$455). They are the best hitting team in the National League so far (.280 team BA) and they took 10 of 15 from the hapless Astros in 2011 (+$160). They?ll miss Wandy Rodriguez, Houston only quality starter, who is not slated to appear. None of Houston?s other hurlers give us much cause for concern, so we?ll be on the visitor throughout this series. BEST BET: Cardinals in all games unless opposed by W. Rodriguez.
Atlanta at Colorado (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Braves suffered through that 0-4 start but since then they?ve been the hottest tram in baseball (7-3, +$360 last 10 days) and now they can continue their winning ways vs. a team they took 6 of 8 from in head to head play last season (+$410). The Rockies were a disaster for their backers here at Coors Field last year (-$2030) and they have the 2nd worst pitching staff in the league (4.69 team ERA). Mike Minor has looked strong in four appearances (+$180, 3.42 ERA) and Colorado is only 1-4 (-$390) vs. lefthanders in this ballpark BEST BET: Minor.
Miami at San Diego (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Marlins certainly aren?t enjoying the success they had hoped for when they opened their new ballpark and signed high priced free agents. They are mired in last place in the NL East (-$720) and they are averaging just over 3.0 runs per game. But the Padres have been every bit as bad (only 7-16, -$885 overall with 3.0 runs per game) so it?s hard to work up much enthusiasm for either side. We?ll steer clear for the time being. BEST BET: None.
Milwaukee at San Francisco (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Brewers were expected to be one of the better pitching teams in baseball when the season began, but it certainly has not worked out that way (5.22 team ERA, worst in the league). The Giants are getting into a nice groove (6-4, +_$230 last 10 days with a 2.70 ERA among starters), with Tim Lincecum flashing top form in his last two appearances (0.69 ERA). SF?s other top righty, Matt Cain, has been effective as well (2.37 ERA in four starts) and we like our chances backing those two (Brewers -$440 vs. righthanders so far in 2012). BEST BET: Lincecum/Cain.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Tigers started out strong but they?ve been ineffective in recent days (2-8, -$820 in their last 10, with a 6.79 ERA among starters), and they might have their hands full with Chicago. The White Sox were a huge money-maker outside of US Cellular last year (+$985) and they?ve turned a nice profit as visitors so far in 2012 (+$330). Jake Peavy seemed to have regained the form that made him a dominant pitcher in the NL before injuries took a toll (+$360, 1.67 ERA). He?s worth a shot when he takes the hill. BEST BET: Peavy.
Texas at Cleveland (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Rangers continue to lead the AL in both team pitching (2.98 ERA) and hitting (.291 team BA) and they demolished the Indians in head to head play last season (9-1, +$700). The Tribe has lost money at home (only 4-7, -$380 here at Progressive Field) and they?ll be getting a taste of two hot righthanders. Colby Lewis (+$185, 1.93 ERA) and Yu Darvish (+$400, 2.42) are both expected to see action. We?ll take a shot with both. BEST BET: C. Lewis/Darvish.
Oakland at Tampa Bay (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Athletics took 5 of 7 from a quality Rays team in 2011 (+$410) and thanks to one of the better pitching rotations in the majors they?ve been competitive, with a record just shy of .500 (+$125). They?ve turned a nice profit in night games on the road (5-3, +$480) so if we catch a nice price we?ll see if they can again upset the hot home team. BEST BET: Athletics at +140 or better.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Red Sox seemed to be imploding when they blew that nine run lead vs. the Yankees at Fenway, but they quickly bounced back with a six game winning streak, and appear ready to get back into serious contention. The Orioles have been getting surprisingly good pitching thus far (3.06 team BA, 2nd lowest in the AL) and find themselves in a tie atop the competitive AL East. Despite losing 8 of 18 to the Bosox last season, they managed to turn a profit nonetheless (+$330) Jason Hammel has been fantastic in his first four starts (+$485, 1.73 ERA) and Boston has lost money vs. righties at Fenway both this year (-$350) and last (-$1700). BEST BET: Hammel.
Minnesota at Seattle (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
We thought the Twins would bounce back in 2012 after having fared so poorly in 2011 (-$2465 overall), but that certainly has not been the case. They are tied for the worst record in baseball at the moment (6-15, -$580), and none of their starters has been effective up to now (5.69 team ERA, worst in MLB). The Mariners haven?t been great, but after last year?s disaster they are at least playing respectably (11-12, +$195). With the visitors on the ropes we think the Mariners can 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Mariners in all games.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 7
N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mets took 2 of 3 from the struggling Phillies at CitiField in April and they are making money on the road vs. righthanders (+$220) just as they did in 2011 (+$1850 in that situation). They?ll catch a fat underdog price vs. staff ace Roy Halladay, who?s expected to take a turn this week at Citizens Bank. We?ll stick with the visitor when he takes the mound. PREFERRED: Mets vs. Halladay.
Miami at Houston (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Marlins made short work of the hapless Astros in head to head play last season (6-1, +$485), and despite their recent cold streak they are getting quality work from several starters. Last year Houston dropped a fortune vs. righthanders (-$3560) and the trio of Carlos Zambrano (3.24), Annibal Sanchez (2.73) and Ricky Nolasco (3.20) are all worth a shot here at Minute Maid. At least two of them should see action. PREFERRED: C.Zambrano/A. Sanchez/Nolasco.
Atlanta at Chicago Cubs (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Braves are atop the NL East and the mediocre Chicago pitching staff (4.10 team ERA) will be hard pressed to slow then down. Tommy Hanson has looked sharp in his last two starts (2.08 ERA) and he should fare well against this team that dropped a fortune vs. righties in 2011 (-$1145). PREFERRED: Hanson.
Cincinnati at Milwaukee (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Reds are one of the hotter teams in MLB at the moment (7-3, +$350 in their last 10, with a 3.11 ERA among starters, averaging 5.4 runs per game in those contests). There all-righty rotation should get the best of a Milwaukee team that is only 6-9 (-$440) in that situation so far. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Brewers.
St. Louis at Arizona (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Cardinals are hitting well and that has launched them to the top of the heap in the NL Central. They are 8-5 outside of Busch Stadium already (+$305) and we life their chances here at Chase Field, where the Diamondbacks are only 2-5 (-$395) in night games so far. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Colorado at San Diego (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Padres cannot hit (.212 team BA, lowest in baseball) and they are off to another truly terrible start (-$885). But the Rockies are not a team you can get excited about very easily (-$245 overall) and they lost money to San Diego in 2011 (-$230). We?ll stay away from this one for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
These teams net at ATT Park last week, having evenly split 18 head to head matchups in 2011. The Dodgers continue to excel in the NL West, with a 10-2 mark at Chavez Ravine (+$810). The Giants are beginning to pitch well, but they?ve averaged a mere 3.2 runs per game vs. lefthanders, and LA has a solid trio in Ted Lilly (0.90 ERA), Clayton Kershaw (1.78) and Chris Capuano (2.73). Stick with the home team when they go. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Giants.
Chicago W. Sox at Cleveland (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The White Sox won a pair against the Tribe early in the year (+$220) and they are coming off another series at US Cellular last week. The Indians have not been a money-maker at Progressive Field (4-7, -$405 so far) and Chicago has been an outstanding club in road games, both this year (+$330) and last (+$985). We like their chances in this series. PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Texas at Baltimore (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
We like the way the Orioles have been playing, especially when you look at that 3.06 team ERA. Wei-Yin Chen has gotten off to a very fast start since joining the rotation (+$275, 2.22 ERA in four starts) and we can probably catch him at a nice underdog price vs. this dominating Texas team. PREFERRED: W. Chen.
Boston at Kansas City (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Red Sox have recovered from their early April misfortunes and check in here with a 7-1 record in night games on the road (+$585 with 6.7 runs per game in those contests). All three of these games are scheduled evening contests, and the Royals are still floundering (-$750). PREFERRED: Red Sox in all games.
L.A. Angels at Minnesota (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Angels dominated the pitiful Twins in 2011 (6-3, +$180) but that was a high powered LA team, unlike the pitiful unit we?ve seen on the field in April 2012. They are only 3-9 in games played outside of Anaheim (-$775) and they?ve struggled offensively (.235 team BA). But we?re certainly not going near the Twins under any circumstances (-$580) so we?ll pass. PREFERRED: None.
Detroit at Seattle (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Tigers are still the team to beat in the AL Central, and we like their chances here at Safeco Field. They are 3-0 vs. lefthanders outside of Comerica (+$300) and they?ll get a shot at Jason Vargas, who?s expected to take a turn in this series. Look for the Tigers to put together a solid May. PREFERRED: Tigers vs. J. Vargas.
BEGINNING TUESDAY MAY 8
Washington at Pittsburgh (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Nationals stumbled a bit on the west coast, dropping three low scoring games at LA to close out the trip. But they remain a force to be reckoned with, and their league leading pitching staff (2.33 team ERA) should make short work of the Bucs, who are averaging 2.3 runs per game so far (.224 team BA). A chance for Washington to pick up some easy wins. PREFERRED: Nationals in all games.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rays embarrassed the Yankees when they swept the Bombers at Tropicana Field to start the season (+$315). James Shields has led Tampa Bay to victories in all five of his starts (+$625, 3.31 ERA) and looks like a good value in the Bronx, where New York struggles vs. righties at night (-$1460 in the last two years). PREFERRED: Shields.
Toronto at Oakland (2) 8th, 9th
The A?s have a good group of young pitchers (3.11 team ERA, 3rd best in the league) but they aren?t scoring very many runs. Toronto has been a money-maker outside of Rogers Centre (+$540 over the last two years) and has a shot to sweep this two game set. PREFERRED: Blue Jays in both games.
BEGINNING THURSDAY MAY 3
N.Y. Yankees at Kansas City (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Yankees have a few issues with regard to pitching, but there is nothing wrong with their hitting at the moment, as they bludgeon their AL opponents on a daily basis (.276 team BA, 3rd best in the AL, averaging 5.6 runs per game). They should make short work of the floundering Royals (3-6, -$225 last 19 days), a team that is getting nothing of value from its pitching staff (4.58 team ERA). They are only 6-15 after the first month of the season (-$750) so if the prices don?t get too high we?ll stick with the visitor throughout. BEST BET: Yankees at -150 or less.
Toronto at L.A. Angels (4) 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
The Blue Jays are off to a respectable star in 2012, with a 12-10 record and the 5th best ERA In the league. The Angels are really struggling to score runs so far this year (8-15, -$1465, with 3.5 runs per game) and several of their starters have yet to flash winning form. Thus far, Toronto has done its best work in day games (7-2, +$445) so we?ll back them in Sunday?s afternoon contest. LA has too many weapons to remain stick in the doldrums indefinitely, so caution is advised. BEST BET: Blue Jays in day games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 4
L.A. Dodgers at Chicago Cubs (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Dodgers keep rolling along, jumping out to a four game lead in the competitive NL West, thanks to their sizzling mound corps (2..98 team ERA) and the red hot bat of Matt Kemp. The Cubs can?t score runs (only 3.5 per game so fa) and they are once again losing money here at Wrigley Field (-$235). They were big losers in 2011 (71-91, -$1475) and won?t hold well when taking on the LA juggernaut. Chad Billingsley is putting together his best season in a while (2.64 ERA in five starts) and should make short work of the anemic Chicago attack. BEST BET: Billingsley.
Philadelphia at Washington (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
It?s great to have the quality pitching staff that Philadelphia enjoys (2.99 team ERA), but at some point you need to sore a few runs. The Philly offense has fallen on particularly hard times at the start of the 2012 campaign (only 3.3 runs per game so far) and the result is an ugly 10-12 mark (-$700). The Nationals let some winnable games get away on their west coast swing, and they too need to generate some offense. But the pitching is the best in baseball at the moment (2.33 team ERA) and last year they parlayed a 10-8 mark in head to head play with this team into a fat profit (+$905). We?ll try to take 2 of 3 from the sub .500 Phillies. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Pirates might be an interesting team to watch in 2012 because the pitching staff looks sensational at the moment (2.77 ERA, 3rd lowest in the NL). Unfortunately, they are averaging an MLB worst 2.3 runs per game and that make it difficult for us to commit. The Reds are holding steady at 11-11, and they have a solid duo in Johnny Cueto (+$300, 1.39 ERA in five starts) and Bronson Arroyo (+$240, 2.70 ERA in four starts). We?ll back either vs. the non-existent Pittsburgh offense. BEST BET: Cueto/Arroyo.
Arizona at N.Y. Mets (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Diamondbacks jumped out of the gate quickly at the start of the month, but they?ve been mediocre the past couple of weeks (only 4-6, -$130 in the last 10 days) and their pitching has been well below par (4.10 ERA). The Mets have been been swinging the bats very well (.261 team BA, 3rd best in the NL) and they?ve been heartened by the strong return of ace Johan Santana, who checks in with a 2.25 ERA after five appearances. BEST BET: J. Santana.
St. Louis at Houston (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The world champion Cardinals are off to a quick start in 2012, overcoming the loss of Albert Pujols and the absence of Chris Carpenter without difficulty (14-8, +$455). They are the best hitting team in the National League so far (.280 team BA) and they took 10 of 15 from the hapless Astros in 2011 (+$160). They?ll miss Wandy Rodriguez, Houston only quality starter, who is not slated to appear. None of Houston?s other hurlers give us much cause for concern, so we?ll be on the visitor throughout this series. BEST BET: Cardinals in all games unless opposed by W. Rodriguez.
Atlanta at Colorado (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Braves suffered through that 0-4 start but since then they?ve been the hottest tram in baseball (7-3, +$360 last 10 days) and now they can continue their winning ways vs. a team they took 6 of 8 from in head to head play last season (+$410). The Rockies were a disaster for their backers here at Coors Field last year (-$2030) and they have the 2nd worst pitching staff in the league (4.69 team ERA). Mike Minor has looked strong in four appearances (+$180, 3.42 ERA) and Colorado is only 1-4 (-$390) vs. lefthanders in this ballpark BEST BET: Minor.
Miami at San Diego (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Marlins certainly aren?t enjoying the success they had hoped for when they opened their new ballpark and signed high priced free agents. They are mired in last place in the NL East (-$720) and they are averaging just over 3.0 runs per game. But the Padres have been every bit as bad (only 7-16, -$885 overall with 3.0 runs per game) so it?s hard to work up much enthusiasm for either side. We?ll steer clear for the time being. BEST BET: None.
Milwaukee at San Francisco (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Brewers were expected to be one of the better pitching teams in baseball when the season began, but it certainly has not worked out that way (5.22 team ERA, worst in the league). The Giants are getting into a nice groove (6-4, +_$230 last 10 days with a 2.70 ERA among starters), with Tim Lincecum flashing top form in his last two appearances (0.69 ERA). SF?s other top righty, Matt Cain, has been effective as well (2.37 ERA in four starts) and we like our chances backing those two (Brewers -$440 vs. righthanders so far in 2012). BEST BET: Lincecum/Cain.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Tigers started out strong but they?ve been ineffective in recent days (2-8, -$820 in their last 10, with a 6.79 ERA among starters), and they might have their hands full with Chicago. The White Sox were a huge money-maker outside of US Cellular last year (+$985) and they?ve turned a nice profit as visitors so far in 2012 (+$330). Jake Peavy seemed to have regained the form that made him a dominant pitcher in the NL before injuries took a toll (+$360, 1.67 ERA). He?s worth a shot when he takes the hill. BEST BET: Peavy.
Texas at Cleveland (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Rangers continue to lead the AL in both team pitching (2.98 ERA) and hitting (.291 team BA) and they demolished the Indians in head to head play last season (9-1, +$700). The Tribe has lost money at home (only 4-7, -$380 here at Progressive Field) and they?ll be getting a taste of two hot righthanders. Colby Lewis (+$185, 1.93 ERA) and Yu Darvish (+$400, 2.42) are both expected to see action. We?ll take a shot with both. BEST BET: C. Lewis/Darvish.
Oakland at Tampa Bay (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Athletics took 5 of 7 from a quality Rays team in 2011 (+$410) and thanks to one of the better pitching rotations in the majors they?ve been competitive, with a record just shy of .500 (+$125). They?ve turned a nice profit in night games on the road (5-3, +$480) so if we catch a nice price we?ll see if they can again upset the hot home team. BEST BET: Athletics at +140 or better.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Red Sox seemed to be imploding when they blew that nine run lead vs. the Yankees at Fenway, but they quickly bounced back with a six game winning streak, and appear ready to get back into serious contention. The Orioles have been getting surprisingly good pitching thus far (3.06 team BA, 2nd lowest in the AL) and find themselves in a tie atop the competitive AL East. Despite losing 8 of 18 to the Bosox last season, they managed to turn a profit nonetheless (+$330) Jason Hammel has been fantastic in his first four starts (+$485, 1.73 ERA) and Boston has lost money vs. righties at Fenway both this year (-$350) and last (-$1700). BEST BET: Hammel.
Minnesota at Seattle (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
We thought the Twins would bounce back in 2012 after having fared so poorly in 2011 (-$2465 overall), but that certainly has not been the case. They are tied for the worst record in baseball at the moment (6-15, -$580), and none of their starters has been effective up to now (5.69 team ERA, worst in MLB). The Mariners haven?t been great, but after last year?s disaster they are at least playing respectably (11-12, +$195). With the visitors on the ropes we think the Mariners can 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Mariners in all games.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 7
N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mets took 2 of 3 from the struggling Phillies at CitiField in April and they are making money on the road vs. righthanders (+$220) just as they did in 2011 (+$1850 in that situation). They?ll catch a fat underdog price vs. staff ace Roy Halladay, who?s expected to take a turn this week at Citizens Bank. We?ll stick with the visitor when he takes the mound. PREFERRED: Mets vs. Halladay.
Miami at Houston (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Marlins made short work of the hapless Astros in head to head play last season (6-1, +$485), and despite their recent cold streak they are getting quality work from several starters. Last year Houston dropped a fortune vs. righthanders (-$3560) and the trio of Carlos Zambrano (3.24), Annibal Sanchez (2.73) and Ricky Nolasco (3.20) are all worth a shot here at Minute Maid. At least two of them should see action. PREFERRED: C.Zambrano/A. Sanchez/Nolasco.
Atlanta at Chicago Cubs (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Braves are atop the NL East and the mediocre Chicago pitching staff (4.10 team ERA) will be hard pressed to slow then down. Tommy Hanson has looked sharp in his last two starts (2.08 ERA) and he should fare well against this team that dropped a fortune vs. righties in 2011 (-$1145). PREFERRED: Hanson.
Cincinnati at Milwaukee (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Reds are one of the hotter teams in MLB at the moment (7-3, +$350 in their last 10, with a 3.11 ERA among starters, averaging 5.4 runs per game in those contests). There all-righty rotation should get the best of a Milwaukee team that is only 6-9 (-$440) in that situation so far. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Brewers.
St. Louis at Arizona (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Cardinals are hitting well and that has launched them to the top of the heap in the NL Central. They are 8-5 outside of Busch Stadium already (+$305) and we life their chances here at Chase Field, where the Diamondbacks are only 2-5 (-$395) in night games so far. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Colorado at San Diego (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Padres cannot hit (.212 team BA, lowest in baseball) and they are off to another truly terrible start (-$885). But the Rockies are not a team you can get excited about very easily (-$245 overall) and they lost money to San Diego in 2011 (-$230). We?ll stay away from this one for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
These teams net at ATT Park last week, having evenly split 18 head to head matchups in 2011. The Dodgers continue to excel in the NL West, with a 10-2 mark at Chavez Ravine (+$810). The Giants are beginning to pitch well, but they?ve averaged a mere 3.2 runs per game vs. lefthanders, and LA has a solid trio in Ted Lilly (0.90 ERA), Clayton Kershaw (1.78) and Chris Capuano (2.73). Stick with the home team when they go. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Giants.
Chicago W. Sox at Cleveland (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The White Sox won a pair against the Tribe early in the year (+$220) and they are coming off another series at US Cellular last week. The Indians have not been a money-maker at Progressive Field (4-7, -$405 so far) and Chicago has been an outstanding club in road games, both this year (+$330) and last (+$985). We like their chances in this series. PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Texas at Baltimore (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
We like the way the Orioles have been playing, especially when you look at that 3.06 team ERA. Wei-Yin Chen has gotten off to a very fast start since joining the rotation (+$275, 2.22 ERA in four starts) and we can probably catch him at a nice underdog price vs. this dominating Texas team. PREFERRED: W. Chen.
Boston at Kansas City (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Red Sox have recovered from their early April misfortunes and check in here with a 7-1 record in night games on the road (+$585 with 6.7 runs per game in those contests). All three of these games are scheduled evening contests, and the Royals are still floundering (-$750). PREFERRED: Red Sox in all games.
L.A. Angels at Minnesota (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Angels dominated the pitiful Twins in 2011 (6-3, +$180) but that was a high powered LA team, unlike the pitiful unit we?ve seen on the field in April 2012. They are only 3-9 in games played outside of Anaheim (-$775) and they?ve struggled offensively (.235 team BA). But we?re certainly not going near the Twins under any circumstances (-$580) so we?ll pass. PREFERRED: None.
Detroit at Seattle (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Tigers are still the team to beat in the AL Central, and we like their chances here at Safeco Field. They are 3-0 vs. lefthanders outside of Comerica (+$300) and they?ll get a shot at Jason Vargas, who?s expected to take a turn in this series. Look for the Tigers to put together a solid May. PREFERRED: Tigers vs. J. Vargas.
BEGINNING TUESDAY MAY 8
Washington at Pittsburgh (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Nationals stumbled a bit on the west coast, dropping three low scoring games at LA to close out the trip. But they remain a force to be reckoned with, and their league leading pitching staff (2.33 team ERA) should make short work of the Bucs, who are averaging 2.3 runs per game so far (.224 team BA). A chance for Washington to pick up some easy wins. PREFERRED: Nationals in all games.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rays embarrassed the Yankees when they swept the Bombers at Tropicana Field to start the season (+$315). James Shields has led Tampa Bay to victories in all five of his starts (+$625, 3.31 ERA) and looks like a good value in the Bronx, where New York struggles vs. righties at night (-$1460 in the last two years). PREFERRED: Shields.
Toronto at Oakland (2) 8th, 9th
The A?s have a good group of young pitchers (3.11 team ERA, 3rd best in the league) but they aren?t scoring very many runs. Toronto has been a money-maker outside of Rogers Centre (+$540 over the last two years) and has a shot to sweep this two game set. PREFERRED: Blue Jays in both games.
