BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 8
San Diego at Milwaukee (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Brewers got off to a dreadful start this year, but they are turning things around as June gets underway (6-4, +$225 last 10 days), and have a good chance of getting back into the wide open NL Central chase. There stats are still fairly dismal, but that could be changing, and it?s hard to make a case for the hapless Padres. San Diego is only 5-19 outside of Petco Park (-$1180) and their offense (.224 team BA) is generating a pitiful 3.2 runs per game. Shaun Marcum has looked much better in his recent outings (1.29 ERA last two) and rookie Michael Fiers looked pretty good in his first two MLB starts (3.75). Both are likely to take a turn. BEST BET: Marcum/Fiers.
Kansas City at Pittsburgh (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Pirates teased fans in 2011 well into August, before completely collapsing in the final six weeks of the season. But they are in the hunt again this year thanks to some outstanding pitching (3.25 team ERA, 2nd best in the NL) and they should get the best of KC. The Royals have been getting terrible pitching lately (5.27 ERA among starters last 10 days) and they?ve looked dreadful against lefthanders (5-9, -$290 with only 2.9 runs per game). In 2011 KC was only 5-13 vs. the NL (-$715). The Bucs have been profitable at PNC Park (+$555) and look like a safe bet when Eric Bedard (3.72 ERA) takes the mound. BEST BET: Bedard.
Philadelphia at Baltimore (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
It?s been many years since Orioles? fans had much to cheer about, so they can?t complain about a winning record in early June. But they?ve hit the skids badly (2-7, -$520 last 10 days, with only 3.1 runs per game and a 5.65 ERA among starters), so they may be heading south in the standings very quickly. The Phillies are beset with a variety of woes, but they?ve improved lately (6-4, +$215 last 10 days, averaging 5.4 runs per game) and look like an inviting choice at Camden Yards. They are 13-8 vs. righties on the road (+$45) and none of Baltimore?s starters give us much cause for concern at the moment. BEST BET: Phillies vs. righthanders.
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Yankees pasted the NL in 2011 (13-5, +$610), but the Mets are playing far better than expected, and they are shaping up as an outstanding underdog choice here in the Bronx this weekend. So far in 2012 they are an incredible 24-9 vs. righthanders (+$1865) while the Yankees have fared poorly in that situation (-$550). Yankee pitching has been mediocre (4.13 ERA, 8th in the AL) but we?ll no doubt see inflated prices throughout. Huge edge for the visitor when righties square off. BEST BET: Mets when righty meets righty.
Washington at Boston (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Nationals were expected to be improved in 2012, but they?ve exceeded expectations (30-22, +$500) and they could be a problem for the Red Sox. They have the best pitching staff in the majors this year (2.95 team ERA), including a number of righthanders who match up well with Boston. The Red Sox have been a disaster vs. righties here at Fenway (only 7-12, -$840), so even though they?ve shown improvement in recent days (6-4, +$155 last 10), we like the visitor in this series. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Detroit at Cincinnati (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Tigers were a playoff team last year, but they performed poorly in inter-league games (only 7-11, -$645) and they are struggling mightily thus far in 2012 (-$1565). The Reds didn?t do well against the AL last year, but they?ve grabbed first place in the NL Central (30-23, +$515) and they?ve racked up a 16-7 record in day games (+$945). Their pitching is solid (3.40 team ERA) and they should be tough at Great American when they take on the disappointing Tigers. BEST BET: Reds in day games.
Tampa Bay at Miami (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
After a dismal April the Marlins were the hottest team in baseball in the month of May, and they?ve moved into a virtual tie for 1st place in the NL East. Tampa Bay has taken sole possession of the top slot in the AL East, and they?ve been tremendous when taking on righthanders (23-12, +$930 so far). The Rays have the 2nd best team ERA in the league (3.42) and while it?s true they have a losing record vs. lefthanders, it appears Mark Buehrle, Miami?s only southpaw, is not due to take a turn this weekend. The Rays are a better team and should prevail. BEST BET: Rays vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Atlanta (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
These teams appear evenly matched, and both are holding their own in tightly contested division races. Atlanta has not gotten the caliber of pitching they enjoyed in 2011 (4.21 team ERA, ranked a distant 12th in the National League), but they?ve seen the emergence of Brandon Beachy as their staff ace. He?s posted a miniscule 1.87 ERA in his first 11 starts) and looks better than anyone the Blue Jays have to counter with. We?ll lay the price on Atlanta when he is on the mound. BEST BET: Beachy.
Houston at Chicago W. Sox (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Astros were stealing wins from top teams not long ago, but they?ve reverted to form in recent days (2-8, -$460 in their last 10, with a 7.53 ERA among starters). The White Sox have been the hottest team in baseball (9-1, +$840 last 10 days) nd they?ve been extremely profitable against righthanders (+$705 with 5.4 runs per game). The Astros are a dismal team outside the confines of Minute Maid Park (6-19, -$950) and none o the pitchers they?re likely to face give us much cause for concern. Prices will be high, but we?ll stick with the surging ChiSox. BEST BET: White Sox vs. righthanders.
Chicago Cubs at Minnesota (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
Probably not what MLB had in mind when they instituted inter-league competition, as two pathetic cellar dweller square off at Target Field. The Cubs are rotten as usual (-$1415), unable to score runs (only 3.6 per game) and owners of the 2nd highest team ERA in the NL (4.32). The Twins are the worst pitching team in the majors (5.25), using nine different starters so far. Obviously we?re not enthusiastic about either side, so we?ll steer clear. BEST BET: None.
Cleveland at St. Louis (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Indians may have ceded first place in the AL Central to Chicago, but they are having another solid season nonetheless, faring especially well against righties (+$1240). They?ve floundered vs. southpaws, but St. Louis?s only lefty, Jaime Garcia, is experiencing elbow soreness and could miss this series entirely. The Cardinals were riding high in April, but they?ve been losing a lot lately (only 2-8, -$690 in the last 10 days), suffering two shutouts vs. the Mets in a weekend series. The Tribe made money against the NL in 2011 (+$515) and they look good here. BEST BET: Indians vs. righthanders.
L.A. Angels at Colorado (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Angels have surged from well below .500 to within easy striking distance of first place Texas in the AL West (8-2, +$615 last 10 days). They?ve lost Jered Weaver for the foreseeable future. but CJ Wilson, is beginning to pay dividends after signing with LA for big money (+$290, 2.54 ERA in 12 starts). The Rockies have picked up some ground, but their pitching (5.13 team ERA) is no match for the Angels? (.3.38, best in the AL). BEST BET: C. Wilson.
Oakland at Arizona (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Diamondbacks have been unable to duplicate their success from a year ago, when they stormed to the NL West title, but it?s hard to see them losing at Chase Field to an Oakland team that checks in with an unbelievably bad .209 team BA. But the Athletics have been a profitable item on the road (+$375) and Arizona has dumped a bundle at home (-$795). We?ll pass. BEST BET: None.
L.A. Dodgers at Seattle (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Dodgers were unbeatable for quite some time, but the loss of Matt Kemp is killing the offense (3.3 runs per game in the last 10 days) and what was a firm grasp on first place in the NL West now looks increasingly tenuous. The Mariners aren?t good but they?re not terrible either, and they?ve managed to turn a profit vs. lefthanders (+$185 with 5.1 runs per game). They?re likely to run into at least one or two lefties when LA invades Safeco Field, we?ll take a shot when they do. BEST BET: Mariners vs. lefthanders.
Texas at San Francisco (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rangers have the most impressive offense in the league (.287 team BA, averaging 5.6 runs per game) and while their pitching has under-performed lately, they still rank 3rd in the AL in team ERA (3.58). But the Giants can really pitch (3.33 team ERA) and they are likely to see a steady diet of lefties at ATT Park, with Colby Lewis & Yu Darvish not slated to see action. Despite some sub-par run production the Giants are 12-5 vs. southpaws (+$850) and Texas?s starting lefties haven?t been all that good. We?ll look for SF to keep the pressure on LA in the NL West. BEST BET: Giants vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 11
Washington at Toronto (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Nationals have a far superior pitching staff than the Blue Jays, who rank a disappointing 9th in the AL (4.21 team ERA). Toronto lost money vs. the NL in inter-league play last season (-$290) and Washington has turned a nice profit vs. righthanders this year (+$320). PREFERRED? Nationals vs. righthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Atlanta (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
Highly unusual situation, with the Yanks & Braves scheduled to play six games with each other over the next two weeks. New York is coming off a successful road trip in which they took 6 of 9 on the west coast and at Detroit. Their hitting has been very solid (5.4 runs per game in the last 10 days) and they were 13-5 vs. the NL last season (+$610). The Braves are on a downward slide (3-6, -$380 last 10 days) so the visitor is likely to take at least 2 out of 3 here at Turner Field. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
Boston at Miami (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Red Sox are gathering momentum (6-4, +$155 last 10 days) and they?ve been very successful in night games on the road so far in 2012 (12-6, +$510). All these games are scheduled to take place in the evening, but Miami has been getting quality starts from several members of the rotation. John Johnson (4.83 ERA) and Ricky Nolasco (4.5) have been the least successful members of Miami?s rstaff and we expect to see at least one, if not both, in this series. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. Nolasco & Jo. Johnson.
L.A. Angels at L.A. Dodgers (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
A few weeks ago this would have been an obvious spot to go with the red-hot Dodgers. But fortunes have changed dramatically, with the Dodgers coming down to earth (3-7, -$620 in their last 10), while the Angels are soaring (8-2, +$615). But no one has had much success when visiting Chavez Ravine (Dodgers +$865 at home) and the Angels have not fared well on the road in night games (-$680). We?ll check back on game day. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 12
Houston at San Francisco (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Astros are only 6-19 on the road so far (-$950) while the Giants have turned a modest profit in this ballpark (+$350). San Francisco continues to pitch well (3.33 ERA) so we?ll look for them to take at least 2 of 3 from fading Houston. PREFERRED: Giants in all games.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Orioles have been sinking like a stone (2-7, -$520 last 10 days) while the Bucs are making a serious run in the NL Central, as their pitching continues to excel (3.25 ERA). They?ve gone 10-6 vs. lefthanders (+$610) and Baltimore?s southpaws have been less than stellar in recent outings. PREFERRED: Pirates vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at Tampa Bay (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
Both these teams are playing well, and they share certain characteristics. Both teams have registered huge profits against righthanders (Mets +$1865, Rays +$930), but neither has had much success when taking on lefthanders (Tampa Bay -$440, New York -$625). We?ll play what should be an entertaining series accordingly. PREFERRED: Lefthanders when opposed by righthanders.
Cleveland at Cincinnati (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Indians have been an outstanding road team this year, particularly against righthanders (10-5, +$610) and they?ll see plenty of them against the all-righty Cincinnati rotation. The Reds have lost money in night games at Great American Ballpark (-$350) so we?ll back the visitor in the first two games of this three game set. PREFERRED: Indians in night games.
Detroit at Chicago Cubs (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Cubs have a couple of pitchers who are showing promise, but the price never seems to be quite right to take them here at Wrigley Field (12-15, -$320), and the Tigers have one of the better team averages in the AL (.267). But Detroit is a big money-burner at the moment (-$1565) so we?ll hold off for now. PREFERRED: None.
Arizona at Texas (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Diamondbacks have found themselves a solid lefthander in Wade Miley (+$465, 2.65 ERA in eight starts) and he?s expected to take a turn here at Arlington. The Rangers look far less invincible than they did a few weeks ago, and they?ve lost money at home vs. lefthanders (-$370). PREFERRED: Miley.
Milwaukee at Kansas City (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
Randy Wolf has been a huge disappointment for the Brewers so far, but this could be a chance to redeem himself if given the opportunity . The Royals are only 1-7 vs. lefthanders here at Kaufman Stadium (-$590) and their pitching gives us little cause for concern (5.27 ERA in the last 10 days). PREFERRED: Wolf.
Philadelphia at Minnesota (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Phillies draw an easy target in the inept Twins, a team desperately in need of some stability in their rotation (5.25 ERA, worst in baseball). Even with Halladay sidelined the Philly rotation is formidable (3.80 ERA) and they?ve turned a nice profit on the road (+$350). PREFERRED: Phillies in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at St. Louis (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The White Sox are the hottest team in MLB at the moment (9-1, +$840 in their last 10), and we have a hard time recalling a performance as dismal as what we saw by the Cardinals last weekend at CitiField (outscored 19-1 in three games). Chicago has racked up enormous profits outside of US Cellular so far in 2012 (+$1060). PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Oakland at Colorado (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Rockies are surging offensively (7.2 runs per game in the past 10 days) and while they don?t have much in the way of pitching, you don?t need a great deal when the team you are facing checks in with a .209 team BA. If the price isn?t too high we?ll stick with the home team here at Coors. PREFERRED: Rockies at -145 or less.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Padres are 5-19 away from Petco Park (-$1180) and Seattle has picked up the pace on offense considerably, including that 21 run explosion in a game against Texas last week. San Diego will be fortunate to salvage a single win. PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
San Diego at Milwaukee (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Brewers got off to a dreadful start this year, but they are turning things around as June gets underway (6-4, +$225 last 10 days), and have a good chance of getting back into the wide open NL Central chase. There stats are still fairly dismal, but that could be changing, and it?s hard to make a case for the hapless Padres. San Diego is only 5-19 outside of Petco Park (-$1180) and their offense (.224 team BA) is generating a pitiful 3.2 runs per game. Shaun Marcum has looked much better in his recent outings (1.29 ERA last two) and rookie Michael Fiers looked pretty good in his first two MLB starts (3.75). Both are likely to take a turn. BEST BET: Marcum/Fiers.
Kansas City at Pittsburgh (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Pirates teased fans in 2011 well into August, before completely collapsing in the final six weeks of the season. But they are in the hunt again this year thanks to some outstanding pitching (3.25 team ERA, 2nd best in the NL) and they should get the best of KC. The Royals have been getting terrible pitching lately (5.27 ERA among starters last 10 days) and they?ve looked dreadful against lefthanders (5-9, -$290 with only 2.9 runs per game). In 2011 KC was only 5-13 vs. the NL (-$715). The Bucs have been profitable at PNC Park (+$555) and look like a safe bet when Eric Bedard (3.72 ERA) takes the mound. BEST BET: Bedard.
Philadelphia at Baltimore (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
It?s been many years since Orioles? fans had much to cheer about, so they can?t complain about a winning record in early June. But they?ve hit the skids badly (2-7, -$520 last 10 days, with only 3.1 runs per game and a 5.65 ERA among starters), so they may be heading south in the standings very quickly. The Phillies are beset with a variety of woes, but they?ve improved lately (6-4, +$215 last 10 days, averaging 5.4 runs per game) and look like an inviting choice at Camden Yards. They are 13-8 vs. righties on the road (+$45) and none of Baltimore?s starters give us much cause for concern at the moment. BEST BET: Phillies vs. righthanders.
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Yankees pasted the NL in 2011 (13-5, +$610), but the Mets are playing far better than expected, and they are shaping up as an outstanding underdog choice here in the Bronx this weekend. So far in 2012 they are an incredible 24-9 vs. righthanders (+$1865) while the Yankees have fared poorly in that situation (-$550). Yankee pitching has been mediocre (4.13 ERA, 8th in the AL) but we?ll no doubt see inflated prices throughout. Huge edge for the visitor when righties square off. BEST BET: Mets when righty meets righty.
Washington at Boston (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Nationals were expected to be improved in 2012, but they?ve exceeded expectations (30-22, +$500) and they could be a problem for the Red Sox. They have the best pitching staff in the majors this year (2.95 team ERA), including a number of righthanders who match up well with Boston. The Red Sox have been a disaster vs. righties here at Fenway (only 7-12, -$840), so even though they?ve shown improvement in recent days (6-4, +$155 last 10), we like the visitor in this series. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Detroit at Cincinnati (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Tigers were a playoff team last year, but they performed poorly in inter-league games (only 7-11, -$645) and they are struggling mightily thus far in 2012 (-$1565). The Reds didn?t do well against the AL last year, but they?ve grabbed first place in the NL Central (30-23, +$515) and they?ve racked up a 16-7 record in day games (+$945). Their pitching is solid (3.40 team ERA) and they should be tough at Great American when they take on the disappointing Tigers. BEST BET: Reds in day games.
Tampa Bay at Miami (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
After a dismal April the Marlins were the hottest team in baseball in the month of May, and they?ve moved into a virtual tie for 1st place in the NL East. Tampa Bay has taken sole possession of the top slot in the AL East, and they?ve been tremendous when taking on righthanders (23-12, +$930 so far). The Rays have the 2nd best team ERA in the league (3.42) and while it?s true they have a losing record vs. lefthanders, it appears Mark Buehrle, Miami?s only southpaw, is not due to take a turn this weekend. The Rays are a better team and should prevail. BEST BET: Rays vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Atlanta (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
These teams appear evenly matched, and both are holding their own in tightly contested division races. Atlanta has not gotten the caliber of pitching they enjoyed in 2011 (4.21 team ERA, ranked a distant 12th in the National League), but they?ve seen the emergence of Brandon Beachy as their staff ace. He?s posted a miniscule 1.87 ERA in his first 11 starts) and looks better than anyone the Blue Jays have to counter with. We?ll lay the price on Atlanta when he is on the mound. BEST BET: Beachy.
Houston at Chicago W. Sox (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Astros were stealing wins from top teams not long ago, but they?ve reverted to form in recent days (2-8, -$460 in their last 10, with a 7.53 ERA among starters). The White Sox have been the hottest team in baseball (9-1, +$840 last 10 days) nd they?ve been extremely profitable against righthanders (+$705 with 5.4 runs per game). The Astros are a dismal team outside the confines of Minute Maid Park (6-19, -$950) and none o the pitchers they?re likely to face give us much cause for concern. Prices will be high, but we?ll stick with the surging ChiSox. BEST BET: White Sox vs. righthanders.
Chicago Cubs at Minnesota (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
Probably not what MLB had in mind when they instituted inter-league competition, as two pathetic cellar dweller square off at Target Field. The Cubs are rotten as usual (-$1415), unable to score runs (only 3.6 per game) and owners of the 2nd highest team ERA in the NL (4.32). The Twins are the worst pitching team in the majors (5.25), using nine different starters so far. Obviously we?re not enthusiastic about either side, so we?ll steer clear. BEST BET: None.
Cleveland at St. Louis (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Indians may have ceded first place in the AL Central to Chicago, but they are having another solid season nonetheless, faring especially well against righties (+$1240). They?ve floundered vs. southpaws, but St. Louis?s only lefty, Jaime Garcia, is experiencing elbow soreness and could miss this series entirely. The Cardinals were riding high in April, but they?ve been losing a lot lately (only 2-8, -$690 in the last 10 days), suffering two shutouts vs. the Mets in a weekend series. The Tribe made money against the NL in 2011 (+$515) and they look good here. BEST BET: Indians vs. righthanders.
L.A. Angels at Colorado (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Angels have surged from well below .500 to within easy striking distance of first place Texas in the AL West (8-2, +$615 last 10 days). They?ve lost Jered Weaver for the foreseeable future. but CJ Wilson, is beginning to pay dividends after signing with LA for big money (+$290, 2.54 ERA in 12 starts). The Rockies have picked up some ground, but their pitching (5.13 team ERA) is no match for the Angels? (.3.38, best in the AL). BEST BET: C. Wilson.
Oakland at Arizona (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Diamondbacks have been unable to duplicate their success from a year ago, when they stormed to the NL West title, but it?s hard to see them losing at Chase Field to an Oakland team that checks in with an unbelievably bad .209 team BA. But the Athletics have been a profitable item on the road (+$375) and Arizona has dumped a bundle at home (-$795). We?ll pass. BEST BET: None.
L.A. Dodgers at Seattle (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Dodgers were unbeatable for quite some time, but the loss of Matt Kemp is killing the offense (3.3 runs per game in the last 10 days) and what was a firm grasp on first place in the NL West now looks increasingly tenuous. The Mariners aren?t good but they?re not terrible either, and they?ve managed to turn a profit vs. lefthanders (+$185 with 5.1 runs per game). They?re likely to run into at least one or two lefties when LA invades Safeco Field, we?ll take a shot when they do. BEST BET: Mariners vs. lefthanders.
Texas at San Francisco (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Rangers have the most impressive offense in the league (.287 team BA, averaging 5.6 runs per game) and while their pitching has under-performed lately, they still rank 3rd in the AL in team ERA (3.58). But the Giants can really pitch (3.33 team ERA) and they are likely to see a steady diet of lefties at ATT Park, with Colby Lewis & Yu Darvish not slated to see action. Despite some sub-par run production the Giants are 12-5 vs. southpaws (+$850) and Texas?s starting lefties haven?t been all that good. We?ll look for SF to keep the pressure on LA in the NL West. BEST BET: Giants vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 11
Washington at Toronto (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Nationals have a far superior pitching staff than the Blue Jays, who rank a disappointing 9th in the AL (4.21 team ERA). Toronto lost money vs. the NL in inter-league play last season (-$290) and Washington has turned a nice profit vs. righthanders this year (+$320). PREFERRED? Nationals vs. righthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at Atlanta (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
Highly unusual situation, with the Yanks & Braves scheduled to play six games with each other over the next two weeks. New York is coming off a successful road trip in which they took 6 of 9 on the west coast and at Detroit. Their hitting has been very solid (5.4 runs per game in the last 10 days) and they were 13-5 vs. the NL last season (+$610). The Braves are on a downward slide (3-6, -$380 last 10 days) so the visitor is likely to take at least 2 out of 3 here at Turner Field. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
Boston at Miami (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Red Sox are gathering momentum (6-4, +$155 last 10 days) and they?ve been very successful in night games on the road so far in 2012 (12-6, +$510). All these games are scheduled to take place in the evening, but Miami has been getting quality starts from several members of the rotation. John Johnson (4.83 ERA) and Ricky Nolasco (4.5) have been the least successful members of Miami?s rstaff and we expect to see at least one, if not both, in this series. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. Nolasco & Jo. Johnson.
L.A. Angels at L.A. Dodgers (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
A few weeks ago this would have been an obvious spot to go with the red-hot Dodgers. But fortunes have changed dramatically, with the Dodgers coming down to earth (3-7, -$620 in their last 10), while the Angels are soaring (8-2, +$615). But no one has had much success when visiting Chavez Ravine (Dodgers +$865 at home) and the Angels have not fared well on the road in night games (-$680). We?ll check back on game day. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 12
Houston at San Francisco (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Astros are only 6-19 on the road so far (-$950) while the Giants have turned a modest profit in this ballpark (+$350). San Francisco continues to pitch well (3.33 ERA) so we?ll look for them to take at least 2 of 3 from fading Houston. PREFERRED: Giants in all games.
Pittsburgh at Baltimore (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Orioles have been sinking like a stone (2-7, -$520 last 10 days) while the Bucs are making a serious run in the NL Central, as their pitching continues to excel (3.25 ERA). They?ve gone 10-6 vs. lefthanders (+$610) and Baltimore?s southpaws have been less than stellar in recent outings. PREFERRED: Pirates vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at Tampa Bay (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
Both these teams are playing well, and they share certain characteristics. Both teams have registered huge profits against righthanders (Mets +$1865, Rays +$930), but neither has had much success when taking on lefthanders (Tampa Bay -$440, New York -$625). We?ll play what should be an entertaining series accordingly. PREFERRED: Lefthanders when opposed by righthanders.
Cleveland at Cincinnati (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Indians have been an outstanding road team this year, particularly against righthanders (10-5, +$610) and they?ll see plenty of them against the all-righty Cincinnati rotation. The Reds have lost money in night games at Great American Ballpark (-$350) so we?ll back the visitor in the first two games of this three game set. PREFERRED: Indians in night games.
Detroit at Chicago Cubs (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Cubs have a couple of pitchers who are showing promise, but the price never seems to be quite right to take them here at Wrigley Field (12-15, -$320), and the Tigers have one of the better team averages in the AL (.267). But Detroit is a big money-burner at the moment (-$1565) so we?ll hold off for now. PREFERRED: None.
Arizona at Texas (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Diamondbacks have found themselves a solid lefthander in Wade Miley (+$465, 2.65 ERA in eight starts) and he?s expected to take a turn here at Arlington. The Rangers look far less invincible than they did a few weeks ago, and they?ve lost money at home vs. lefthanders (-$370). PREFERRED: Miley.
Milwaukee at Kansas City (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
Randy Wolf has been a huge disappointment for the Brewers so far, but this could be a chance to redeem himself if given the opportunity . The Royals are only 1-7 vs. lefthanders here at Kaufman Stadium (-$590) and their pitching gives us little cause for concern (5.27 ERA in the last 10 days). PREFERRED: Wolf.
Philadelphia at Minnesota (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Phillies draw an easy target in the inept Twins, a team desperately in need of some stability in their rotation (5.25 ERA, worst in baseball). Even with Halladay sidelined the Philly rotation is formidable (3.80 ERA) and they?ve turned a nice profit on the road (+$350). PREFERRED: Phillies in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at St. Louis (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The White Sox are the hottest team in MLB at the moment (9-1, +$840 in their last 10), and we have a hard time recalling a performance as dismal as what we saw by the Cardinals last weekend at CitiField (outscored 19-1 in three games). Chicago has racked up enormous profits outside of US Cellular so far in 2012 (+$1060). PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Oakland at Colorado (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Rockies are surging offensively (7.2 runs per game in the past 10 days) and while they don?t have much in the way of pitching, you don?t need a great deal when the team you are facing checks in with a .209 team BA. If the price isn?t too high we?ll stick with the home team here at Coors. PREFERRED: Rockies at -145 or less.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 12th, 13th, 14th
The Padres are 5-19 away from Petco Park (-$1180) and Seattle has picked up the pace on offense considerably, including that 21 run explosion in a game against Texas last week. San Diego will be fortunate to salvage a single win. PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
