BASEBALL
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 1
Miami at Philadelphia (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Phillies are in last place in the NL East, and while there?s still time to recover, things don?t look very promising. Their highly touted pitching staff ranks a disappointing 7th in the league (3.67 ERA) and they?ve been a disaster for their backers here at Citizens Bank (11-13, -$980). Miami was a better team in May than they were in April and they?ve turned a profit vs. lefthanders in 2012 (+$230). They?ll get a shot vs. Cole Hamels and we like their chances when they do. Mark Buehrle has improved his ERA (3.26 in 10 starts) and he can shut down the Phillies, who average just 2.5 runs per game vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Buehrle/Marlins vs. Hamels.
Atlanta at Washington (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Braves have been hit by a number of injuries recently, and as a result they?ve lost 8 of 11 (-$550), including a three game sweep by these Nationals at Turner Field last week. Their pitching, which was excellent in 2011, now ranks 11th in the NL (4.16 ERA), while Washington continues to lead all staffs in the majors (2.93). They check in with a 15-8 record in this ballpark (+$405) and their run production has picked up considerably (4.8 per game in the last 10 days). They should win at least 2 out of 3 against the struggling Braves this weekend. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
St. Louis at N.Y. Mets (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Cardinals have not looked sharp (4-7, -$440 in their last 11), falling out of first place and behind the Reds in the NL Central. The Mets, on the other hand, have picked up the pace in recent days (7-4, +$330) and they?ve improved their record vs. righthanders to 20-9 (+$1460). St. Louis has been a losing proposition vs. righthanders so far in 2012 (-$475) so we could get some nice opportunities to back the home team at CitiField this weekend. BEST BET: Mets when righty meets righty.
Cincinnati at Houston (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Astros have been a big surprise two months into the current campaign, with a much better pitching staff than people realized at the start of the year (3.47 team ERA, 5th best in the league). They?ve been very profitable at Minute Maid Park so far (16-10, +$970) and with a solid effort this weekend they can move over .500 and within striking distance of first place. The Reds are having a fine year, but they?ve floundered in night games (11-15, -$610). We?ll take the visitor in the two schedules night contests. If they can come away with a split we won?t get hurt. BEST BET: Astros in night games.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Last year the Pirates could do no better than 3-12 in head to head play vs. the Brewers (-$645) but much has changed since then. The Brewers are one of the worst teams in the league (19-28, -$1470) while Pittsburgh has climbed to 3rd place in the NL Central, just shy
of the .500 mark. They have the 3rd best team ERA in the National League (3.25) while Milwaukee ranks next to last in that department (4.50). The Brewers are only 6-15 in day games (-$1270) so take a shot in Sunday?s series finale. BEST BET: Pirates in day games.
L.A. Dodgers at Colorado (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Dodgers have been the best team in baseball up to this point (32-15, +$1440), ranking 2nd in both pitching (3.15 ERA) and hitting (.272 team BA). They are 4-2 vs. the Rockies in head to head play (+$135) and they appear poised for a strong showing at Coors Field this weekend. The Rockies have the worst pitching in the NL (5.16) and they?ve posted a dismal 9-14 record at home (-$760). Their numbers in the past 10 days are even more depressing (only 2-8, -$690 with a 7.70 ERA among starters), so they?ll be fortunate to salvage a single victory against this strong opponent. We?ll take the visitor throughout. BEST BET: Dodgers in all games.
Arizona at San Diego (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
It?s been a rough start for the Diamondbacks, who came out of nowhere in 2011 to advance to the post-season. But they?ve performed a bit better in recent days (6-4, +$140 in their last 10) and they have a chance to get back to respectability by beating up on the hapless Padres here at Petco Park. San Diego is already 16 games back in the NL West, thanks in large measure to an anemic offense (.220 team BA, averaging just over 3.0 runs per game). Wade Miley looks very formidable after his first seven starts (+$580, 2.27 ERA) and Joe Saunders has a respectable 3.79 ERA after starting nine games. The Padres are only 3-15 vs. lefties so far in 2012 (-$1240, with 2.4 runs per game). BEST BET: Miley/Saunders.
Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Giants are 7-4 in their last 11 (+$295) and they?ll need to keep winning to prevent the Dodgers from ending the NL West race before the All-Star break. Their pitching is still high quality (3.47 RA) and they?ve improved significantly on offense (.260 team BA, 4th best in the league). They lost money to the Cubs last year (-$320), but Chicago has lost 12 in a row (-$1415 overall) so chances look good for the home team. Prices might get high, but if we get one we like we?ll jump in. BEST BET: Giants at -150 or less.
Boston at Toronto (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Blue Jays have taken a tumble in the last couple of weeks, and are in danger of sinking into last place in the AL East if they lose this series. Their starters have been letting them down (6.96 ERA in the last 10 days) and they?ve lost money overall (-$380). The Red Sox have won 6 of their last 10 (+$160) and there is still plenty of time for them to get back into the thick of the AL East race. They average 5.6 runs per game vs. lefties, so take a shot when Toronto?s Ricky Romero is on the mound. BEST BET: Red Sox vs. Romero.
N.Y. Yankees at Detroit (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Yankees took 2 of 3 when these teams squared off in the Bronx, and they appear poised for a strong weekend at Comerica. The Tigers have under-performed so far in 2012 (-$1160) and they?ll be in against a New York team that is getting great work from the starting rotation. Detroit is only 6-7 vs. southpaws (-$495) and they average just 3.5 runs per game in that spot. C.C. Sabathia (+$245, 3.66 ERA) looks like a solid value when he starts. BEST BET: Sabathia.
Minnesota at Cleveland (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Last year was brutal for the Twins (-$2465 overall), but things were expected to get better. They haven?t, as Minnesota continues to rack up losses for their backers (-$935). The Tribe is going to have a hard time holding 1st place in the AL Central, but they?ve compiled a 22-12 mark vs. righties (+$1175). They?ll be heavily favored in this series, but considering they?re in against MLB?s worst pitching team (5.47 ERA) we?ll take a shot. BEST BET: Indians vs. righthanders.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
A battle for first in the AL East, as both teams hope to grab the top slot, with the Yankees & Red Sox still looming as serious threats down the road. The Orioles have been a huge money-maker outside of Camden Yards (15-6, +$1405) and they have a pair of lefty starters who are likely to see action Wei-Yin Chen has been a welcome addition to the Baltimore staff (+$465, 3.31 ERA), and Tampa is a losing proposition vs. southpaws. BEST BET: W. Chen.
Oakland at Kansas City (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The A?s can?t score runs, but they have a far superior pitching staff compared to Kansas City?s (3.57 ERA as opposed to 4.30 for the Royals) and the home team is nothing to worry about. Oakland has posted a sizeable profit on the road this year (+$760) and they have a quality lefty set to take a turn in Tommy Milone (+$375, 3.64 ERA). The Royals are only 4-9 vs. lefties in 2012, and only 1-7 (-$590) at Kaufman Stadium. BEST BET: Milone.
Seattle at Chicago W. Sox (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The White Sox are the hottest team in the American League at the moment (9-1, +$845 in their last 10) and they?ll be tough for the Mariners to stop here at US Cellular. They swept Seattle in three straight games at Safeco Field (+$300) and they?ve performed well against righthanders (+$370 with 5.3 runs per game). The Mariners have cooled of considerably, and have fallen to last place in the AL West. Their numbers vs. righthanders are terrible (15-22, -$445 with only 3.5 runs per game) so we?ll lay the favorite prices on the home team in this series. BEST BET: White Sox when righty meets righty.
Texas at L.A. Angels (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Angels have begun to turn their season around following a dismal first six weeks (7-4, +$160 in their last 11), as their pitching staff moves to 2nd best in the league (3.42 ERA). The Rangers still lead the AL in all categories (.289 team BA. 3.29 ERA) but they?ve lost money vs. their own division (-$135) so caution is advised. LA will be coming off a tough series with the Yankees, and they lost money vs. Texas in 2011 (-$410). This should be a good series, but it?s difficult to weigh in on either side at the moment. We?ll steer clear for the time being. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 4
L.A. Dodgers at Philadelphia (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
Big Test for the Phillies, who need to improve their record at Citizens Bank if they hope to compete in the NL EAst (11-13, -$980 so far). The Dodgers have been dominant in all settings (+$1440 overall) and the lefty trio of Clay Kershaw (1.97 ERA), Ted Lilly (3.14) and Chris Capuano (2.14) should fare well against a Philly team that is only 4-9 (-$770) vs. southpaws, averaging 2.5 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Phillies.
Colorado at Arizona (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Rockies have been dreadful in 2012 (-$145 overall) and their pitching is still the worst in the league (5.16 ERA). But the Diamondbacks haven?t done much to get excited about either, and they are only 10-15 (-$795) at Chase Field. We?ll take a closer look on game day. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
In this battle of AL Central also rans it?s hard to make a rational for either side. The Royals haven?t been bad on the road, but they are a disastrous 5-17 so far at Kaufman Stadium (-$1230). Nothing here that looks at all interesting. PREFERRED: None.
Texas at Oakland (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Athletics are in another slump (3-7, -$295 in the last 10 days, averaging 2.5 runs per game with a 5.43 ERA among starters). They lack the firepower to compete with a quality Texas team that averages 5.7 runs per game on offense, and owns the lowest ERA in the league (3.29). PREFERRED: Rangers in all games.
Seattle at L.A. Angels (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Mariners are 0-4 vs. the Angels so far (-$435) and will likely get a steady diet of righthanders when they visit Anaheim (-$445 in that situation in 2012). If prices aren?t too high we?ll stick with the home team. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Mariners at -160 or less.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 5
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Nats took 2 out of 3 from the Mets at CitiField as they continue to lead all teams in the NL East (+$835 so far). It?s hard to say if they?ll send a lefty vs. New York, especially if Chien-Ming Wang relaces Ross Detwiler in the rotation (NY -$425 vs. southpaws). If they do we?ll get on board. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Mets.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Pirates are having a respectable season thus far, but they have not performed well against righthanders (only 2.8 runs per game) and Cincy?s rotation does not contain any southpaws. Johnny Cueto has been spectacular in his first 10 starts (+$425, 2.53 ERA) and he?s slated to take a turn this week at Great American Ballpark. We?ll lay the price when he is on the mound. PREFERRED: Cueto.
Atlanta at Miami (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Marlins are moving up steadily in the NL East standings while the Braves continue to fade. Atlanta is averaging just 3.1 runs per game in the past 10 days (-$550) and they?ve lost money vs. lefthanders in 2012 (-$275). Mark Buehrle is a pitcher we?ve been anxious to use (3.26 ERA in 10 starts) and we?ll do so again when he takes the hill in this series. PREFERRED: Buehrle.
St. Louis at Houston (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Astros are becoming a very pesky team and the Cardinals to appear somewhat vulnerable at the moment (4-7, -$440 in the last 10 days). They?ve been a big money-maker here at Minute Maid Park (+$970) and their pitching ranks 5th in the NL (3.47 ERA). They?ve taken 2 out of 3 from St. Louis already and they have a pair of righthanders who?ve looked sharp (Norris +$780, 3.48, Harrell 3.73). We expect at least one of them, if not both, to see action in this series. PREFERRED: Norris/Harrell.
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Cubs are in the midst of an horrendous losing streak, losers of 12 in a row, and they appear to be en route to another 100 loss disaster of a season (-$1415 so far). But after a solid 2011 campaign the Brewers have fallen out of contention early in 2012 (-$1470) so we don?t see anything here we can use. PREFERRED: None.
San Francisco at San Diego (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Giants were able to take 12 of 18 from the sad sack Padres last year (+$350) and they grabbed 2 of 3 in their first meeting this season. They appear to be the only team in the NL West with a shot of overtaking the Dodgers, but they?ll need to continue fattening up on division weaklings. The are 9-5 vs lefties (+$550) so we?ll take them when SD starts a southpaw. PREFERRED: Giants vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Rays will be a tempting choice here in the Bronx, where the Yankees will no doubt be overpriced as usual. Tampa Bay checks in with a 22-11 record vs. righthanders (+$990), while New York has lost money in that situation (-$510 so far). A very good opportunity for the visitor to slow down a key division rival. PREFERRED: Rays when righty meets righty.
Cleveland at Detroit (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Indians are 3-0 against the Tigers in head to head play this year (+$365) and we like their chances of holding off the home team here at Comerica. The Tribe checks in with a 7-1 vs. righties on the road in night games (+$700 with 5.5 runs per game). It appears Justin Verlander will miss this series, and the rest of the Detroit staff does not concern us. PREFERRED: Indians vs. righthanders.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Jason Hammel is having an outstanding season for the surprisingly good Orioles (+$590, 2.78 ERA in nine starts) and we like his chances here at Fenway Park. The Red Sox are only 5-11 vs. righthanders at home (-$950) and they?ve already dumped 4 of 6 to Baltimore in head to head play (-$345). PREFERRED: Hammel.
Toronto at Chicago W. Sox (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Blue Jays are not getting the quality of pitching they?ll need to stay competitive in the AL East, and they are taking on a very hot Chicago team here at US Cellular. Toronto is only 2-5 on the road vs. lefties (-$370 with only 3.4 runs per game), and they are likely to face at least one here. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 1
Miami at Philadelphia (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Phillies are in last place in the NL East, and while there?s still time to recover, things don?t look very promising. Their highly touted pitching staff ranks a disappointing 7th in the league (3.67 ERA) and they?ve been a disaster for their backers here at Citizens Bank (11-13, -$980). Miami was a better team in May than they were in April and they?ve turned a profit vs. lefthanders in 2012 (+$230). They?ll get a shot vs. Cole Hamels and we like their chances when they do. Mark Buehrle has improved his ERA (3.26 in 10 starts) and he can shut down the Phillies, who average just 2.5 runs per game vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Buehrle/Marlins vs. Hamels.
Atlanta at Washington (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Braves have been hit by a number of injuries recently, and as a result they?ve lost 8 of 11 (-$550), including a three game sweep by these Nationals at Turner Field last week. Their pitching, which was excellent in 2011, now ranks 11th in the NL (4.16 ERA), while Washington continues to lead all staffs in the majors (2.93). They check in with a 15-8 record in this ballpark (+$405) and their run production has picked up considerably (4.8 per game in the last 10 days). They should win at least 2 out of 3 against the struggling Braves this weekend. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
St. Louis at N.Y. Mets (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Cardinals have not looked sharp (4-7, -$440 in their last 11), falling out of first place and behind the Reds in the NL Central. The Mets, on the other hand, have picked up the pace in recent days (7-4, +$330) and they?ve improved their record vs. righthanders to 20-9 (+$1460). St. Louis has been a losing proposition vs. righthanders so far in 2012 (-$475) so we could get some nice opportunities to back the home team at CitiField this weekend. BEST BET: Mets when righty meets righty.
Cincinnati at Houston (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Astros have been a big surprise two months into the current campaign, with a much better pitching staff than people realized at the start of the year (3.47 team ERA, 5th best in the league). They?ve been very profitable at Minute Maid Park so far (16-10, +$970) and with a solid effort this weekend they can move over .500 and within striking distance of first place. The Reds are having a fine year, but they?ve floundered in night games (11-15, -$610). We?ll take the visitor in the two schedules night contests. If they can come away with a split we won?t get hurt. BEST BET: Astros in night games.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Last year the Pirates could do no better than 3-12 in head to head play vs. the Brewers (-$645) but much has changed since then. The Brewers are one of the worst teams in the league (19-28, -$1470) while Pittsburgh has climbed to 3rd place in the NL Central, just shy
of the .500 mark. They have the 3rd best team ERA in the National League (3.25) while Milwaukee ranks next to last in that department (4.50). The Brewers are only 6-15 in day games (-$1270) so take a shot in Sunday?s series finale. BEST BET: Pirates in day games.
L.A. Dodgers at Colorado (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Dodgers have been the best team in baseball up to this point (32-15, +$1440), ranking 2nd in both pitching (3.15 ERA) and hitting (.272 team BA). They are 4-2 vs. the Rockies in head to head play (+$135) and they appear poised for a strong showing at Coors Field this weekend. The Rockies have the worst pitching in the NL (5.16) and they?ve posted a dismal 9-14 record at home (-$760). Their numbers in the past 10 days are even more depressing (only 2-8, -$690 with a 7.70 ERA among starters), so they?ll be fortunate to salvage a single victory against this strong opponent. We?ll take the visitor throughout. BEST BET: Dodgers in all games.
Arizona at San Diego (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
It?s been a rough start for the Diamondbacks, who came out of nowhere in 2011 to advance to the post-season. But they?ve performed a bit better in recent days (6-4, +$140 in their last 10) and they have a chance to get back to respectability by beating up on the hapless Padres here at Petco Park. San Diego is already 16 games back in the NL West, thanks in large measure to an anemic offense (.220 team BA, averaging just over 3.0 runs per game). Wade Miley looks very formidable after his first seven starts (+$580, 2.27 ERA) and Joe Saunders has a respectable 3.79 ERA after starting nine games. The Padres are only 3-15 vs. lefties so far in 2012 (-$1240, with 2.4 runs per game). BEST BET: Miley/Saunders.
Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Giants are 7-4 in their last 11 (+$295) and they?ll need to keep winning to prevent the Dodgers from ending the NL West race before the All-Star break. Their pitching is still high quality (3.47 RA) and they?ve improved significantly on offense (.260 team BA, 4th best in the league). They lost money to the Cubs last year (-$320), but Chicago has lost 12 in a row (-$1415 overall) so chances look good for the home team. Prices might get high, but if we get one we like we?ll jump in. BEST BET: Giants at -150 or less.
Boston at Toronto (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Blue Jays have taken a tumble in the last couple of weeks, and are in danger of sinking into last place in the AL East if they lose this series. Their starters have been letting them down (6.96 ERA in the last 10 days) and they?ve lost money overall (-$380). The Red Sox have won 6 of their last 10 (+$160) and there is still plenty of time for them to get back into the thick of the AL East race. They average 5.6 runs per game vs. lefties, so take a shot when Toronto?s Ricky Romero is on the mound. BEST BET: Red Sox vs. Romero.
N.Y. Yankees at Detroit (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Yankees took 2 of 3 when these teams squared off in the Bronx, and they appear poised for a strong weekend at Comerica. The Tigers have under-performed so far in 2012 (-$1160) and they?ll be in against a New York team that is getting great work from the starting rotation. Detroit is only 6-7 vs. southpaws (-$495) and they average just 3.5 runs per game in that spot. C.C. Sabathia (+$245, 3.66 ERA) looks like a solid value when he starts. BEST BET: Sabathia.
Minnesota at Cleveland (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Last year was brutal for the Twins (-$2465 overall), but things were expected to get better. They haven?t, as Minnesota continues to rack up losses for their backers (-$935). The Tribe is going to have a hard time holding 1st place in the AL Central, but they?ve compiled a 22-12 mark vs. righties (+$1175). They?ll be heavily favored in this series, but considering they?re in against MLB?s worst pitching team (5.47 ERA) we?ll take a shot. BEST BET: Indians vs. righthanders.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
A battle for first in the AL East, as both teams hope to grab the top slot, with the Yankees & Red Sox still looming as serious threats down the road. The Orioles have been a huge money-maker outside of Camden Yards (15-6, +$1405) and they have a pair of lefty starters who are likely to see action Wei-Yin Chen has been a welcome addition to the Baltimore staff (+$465, 3.31 ERA), and Tampa is a losing proposition vs. southpaws. BEST BET: W. Chen.
Oakland at Kansas City (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The A?s can?t score runs, but they have a far superior pitching staff compared to Kansas City?s (3.57 ERA as opposed to 4.30 for the Royals) and the home team is nothing to worry about. Oakland has posted a sizeable profit on the road this year (+$760) and they have a quality lefty set to take a turn in Tommy Milone (+$375, 3.64 ERA). The Royals are only 4-9 vs. lefties in 2012, and only 1-7 (-$590) at Kaufman Stadium. BEST BET: Milone.
Seattle at Chicago W. Sox (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The White Sox are the hottest team in the American League at the moment (9-1, +$845 in their last 10) and they?ll be tough for the Mariners to stop here at US Cellular. They swept Seattle in three straight games at Safeco Field (+$300) and they?ve performed well against righthanders (+$370 with 5.3 runs per game). The Mariners have cooled of considerably, and have fallen to last place in the AL West. Their numbers vs. righthanders are terrible (15-22, -$445 with only 3.5 runs per game) so we?ll lay the favorite prices on the home team in this series. BEST BET: White Sox when righty meets righty.
Texas at L.A. Angels (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Angels have begun to turn their season around following a dismal first six weeks (7-4, +$160 in their last 11), as their pitching staff moves to 2nd best in the league (3.42 ERA). The Rangers still lead the AL in all categories (.289 team BA. 3.29 ERA) but they?ve lost money vs. their own division (-$135) so caution is advised. LA will be coming off a tough series with the Yankees, and they lost money vs. Texas in 2011 (-$410). This should be a good series, but it?s difficult to weigh in on either side at the moment. We?ll steer clear for the time being. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 4
L.A. Dodgers at Philadelphia (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
Big Test for the Phillies, who need to improve their record at Citizens Bank if they hope to compete in the NL EAst (11-13, -$980 so far). The Dodgers have been dominant in all settings (+$1440 overall) and the lefty trio of Clay Kershaw (1.97 ERA), Ted Lilly (3.14) and Chris Capuano (2.14) should fare well against a Philly team that is only 4-9 (-$770) vs. southpaws, averaging 2.5 runs per game in those contests. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Phillies.
Colorado at Arizona (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Rockies have been dreadful in 2012 (-$145 overall) and their pitching is still the worst in the league (5.16 ERA). But the Diamondbacks haven?t done much to get excited about either, and they are only 10-15 (-$795) at Chase Field. We?ll take a closer look on game day. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
In this battle of AL Central also rans it?s hard to make a rational for either side. The Royals haven?t been bad on the road, but they are a disastrous 5-17 so far at Kaufman Stadium (-$1230). Nothing here that looks at all interesting. PREFERRED: None.
Texas at Oakland (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Athletics are in another slump (3-7, -$295 in the last 10 days, averaging 2.5 runs per game with a 5.43 ERA among starters). They lack the firepower to compete with a quality Texas team that averages 5.7 runs per game on offense, and owns the lowest ERA in the league (3.29). PREFERRED: Rangers in all games.
Seattle at L.A. Angels (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Mariners are 0-4 vs. the Angels so far (-$435) and will likely get a steady diet of righthanders when they visit Anaheim (-$445 in that situation in 2012). If prices aren?t too high we?ll stick with the home team. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Mariners at -160 or less.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 5
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Nats took 2 out of 3 from the Mets at CitiField as they continue to lead all teams in the NL East (+$835 so far). It?s hard to say if they?ll send a lefty vs. New York, especially if Chien-Ming Wang relaces Ross Detwiler in the rotation (NY -$425 vs. southpaws). If they do we?ll get on board. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Mets.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Pirates are having a respectable season thus far, but they have not performed well against righthanders (only 2.8 runs per game) and Cincy?s rotation does not contain any southpaws. Johnny Cueto has been spectacular in his first 10 starts (+$425, 2.53 ERA) and he?s slated to take a turn this week at Great American Ballpark. We?ll lay the price when he is on the mound. PREFERRED: Cueto.
Atlanta at Miami (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Marlins are moving up steadily in the NL East standings while the Braves continue to fade. Atlanta is averaging just 3.1 runs per game in the past 10 days (-$550) and they?ve lost money vs. lefthanders in 2012 (-$275). Mark Buehrle is a pitcher we?ve been anxious to use (3.26 ERA in 10 starts) and we?ll do so again when he takes the hill in this series. PREFERRED: Buehrle.
St. Louis at Houston (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Astros are becoming a very pesky team and the Cardinals to appear somewhat vulnerable at the moment (4-7, -$440 in the last 10 days). They?ve been a big money-maker here at Minute Maid Park (+$970) and their pitching ranks 5th in the NL (3.47 ERA). They?ve taken 2 out of 3 from St. Louis already and they have a pair of righthanders who?ve looked sharp (Norris +$780, 3.48, Harrell 3.73). We expect at least one of them, if not both, to see action in this series. PREFERRED: Norris/Harrell.
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Cubs are in the midst of an horrendous losing streak, losers of 12 in a row, and they appear to be en route to another 100 loss disaster of a season (-$1415 so far). But after a solid 2011 campaign the Brewers have fallen out of contention early in 2012 (-$1470) so we don?t see anything here we can use. PREFERRED: None.
San Francisco at San Diego (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Giants were able to take 12 of 18 from the sad sack Padres last year (+$350) and they grabbed 2 of 3 in their first meeting this season. They appear to be the only team in the NL West with a shot of overtaking the Dodgers, but they?ll need to continue fattening up on division weaklings. The are 9-5 vs lefties (+$550) so we?ll take them when SD starts a southpaw. PREFERRED: Giants vs. lefthanders.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Rays will be a tempting choice here in the Bronx, where the Yankees will no doubt be overpriced as usual. Tampa Bay checks in with a 22-11 record vs. righthanders (+$990), while New York has lost money in that situation (-$510 so far). A very good opportunity for the visitor to slow down a key division rival. PREFERRED: Rays when righty meets righty.
Cleveland at Detroit (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Indians are 3-0 against the Tigers in head to head play this year (+$365) and we like their chances of holding off the home team here at Comerica. The Tribe checks in with a 7-1 vs. righties on the road in night games (+$700 with 5.5 runs per game). It appears Justin Verlander will miss this series, and the rest of the Detroit staff does not concern us. PREFERRED: Indians vs. righthanders.
Baltimore at Boston (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Jason Hammel is having an outstanding season for the surprisingly good Orioles (+$590, 2.78 ERA in nine starts) and we like his chances here at Fenway Park. The Red Sox are only 5-11 vs. righthanders at home (-$950) and they?ve already dumped 4 of 6 to Baltimore in head to head play (-$345). PREFERRED: Hammel.
Toronto at Chicago W. Sox (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Blue Jays are not getting the quality of pitching they?ll need to stay competitive in the AL East, and they are taking on a very hot Chicago team here at US Cellular. Toronto is only 2-5 on the road vs. lefties (-$370 with only 3.4 runs per game), and they are likely to face at least one here. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Blue Jays.
