Vol 42/42 Wednesday, June 20, 2012
BASEBALL
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 15
Cincinnati at N.Y. Mets (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Mets are coming off a brutal three game sweep at the hands of the Yankees in the Bronx, dropping their record vs. the AL to just 1-5 (-$360). They?ll be happy to see some NL competition at CitiField this weekend, and they should match up well vs. the Reds. New York is 25-14 vs. righthanders this year, including a 15-5 mark in home games (+$1030) and Cincinnati?s rotation is exclusively righthanded. The Reds have been dreadful in night games (-$665) and they?ve got two scheduled evening contests on tap in this series. As long as the Mets don?t have to face any lefties (-$725 in that situation) we?ll back the home team. BEST BET: Mets in night games.
Boston at Chicago Cubs (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Red Sox are floundering again (3-7, -$635 last 10 days), dropping three straight vs. the Nationals at Fenway last weekend. But they?ve been modestly profitable on the road this year (+$195), and if there?s an opponent that can get them back on track it?s the Cubs. Chicago is one of the worst teams in MLB this year (-$1645 overall) and they are in the midst of another cold streak (2-8, -$530). Their staff ERA is 3rd worst in the NL, and whatever problems Boston has had, they are capable of scoring some runs (5.1 per game so far). The Cubs are 1-5 in inter-league play (-$435) and will be fortunate to salvage a single win in this series. BEST BET: Red Sox in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Washington (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Nationals dismantled the Red Sox last weekend, and now they?ll be tested against a more formidable AL foe. The Yankees are playing their best baseball of the season (7-2, +$510 last 10 days, averaging 5.4 runs per game with a 1.96 ERA among starters). They?ve been particularly tough on lefthanders (12-7, +$250 with 5.7 runs per game) so we like their chances vs. Gio Gonzalez, whom they?ve faced when he pitched for the Athletics. Washington still has the best pitching in baseball, but they don?t score very many runs (3.9 per game) and the Yankees can be explosive. We?ll take a shot with the visitor. BEST BET: Yankees vs. G. Gonzalez.
Philadelphia at Toronto (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Blue Jays are holding their own in a very competitive division, and they have a chance to improve their position in the standings with a strong showing vs. the beleaguered Phillies at Rogers Centre. The visitor is in another horrific tailspin (2-8, -$860 last 10 days) and their situation appears increasingly bleak. Roy Halladay is injured, Cliff Lee is winless, and their run production, particularly vs. lefthanders has been anemic (6-11, -$770 with only 3.2 runs per game). Ricky Romero has led them to wins in 5 of his 6 starts at home, and we like his chances in this series. BEST BET: Romero.
Colorado at Detroit (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Tigers could use a boost, as they continue to languish well below the .500 mark (-$1660), but it?s hard to have much confidence in their pitching staff (4.29 team ERA, 4th worst in the AL). But the Rockies are only 9-17 outside of Coors Field (-$670) and they are handicapped by the worst pitching staff in baseball (5.31 ERA so far). When Justin Verlander is losing money you know the team has problems, so steer clear for now. BEST BET: None.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Pirates flirted with a winning record in 2011 before collapsing down the stretch in August & September. But they?ve found their form again, and find themselves in a tie for first place in the wide opened NL Central. They?ve been enormously profitable (+$1150) and their pitching has been stellar (3.25 team ERA, 3rd best in the league). The Tribe has been tough, but their pitching has been a disappointment (4.38 ERA). If the price on the visitor looks good we?ll take a shot. BEST BET: Pirates +115 or better.
Miami at Tampa Bay (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rays manhandled the Marlins in a three game series last weekend, giving themselves the best record in the American League up to this point. They check in with a 26-13 record vs. righthanders (+$1145) and their team ERA is now the best in the AL (3.40). The Marlins have lost 9 of their last 11 (-$620) and their numbers vs. righthanders are pretty bad (-$600 with only 3.6 runs per game). James Shields is coming off a solid start vs. this team and he?s been a money-make for Tampa Bay this year (+$555 so far). We?ll take the plunge at any price when he is on the mound. BEST BET: Shields.
Baltimore at Atlanta (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Orioles have been a pleasant surprise in 2012, doing some of their best work outside of Camden Yards (+$1270). It may not last, as the difficult summer months approach, but they look like a promising pick this weekend at Turner Field. They?ll have to take on a solid Atlanta team, but the Braves have lost money vs. lefthanders here at home (-$445). The Orioles have a capable southpaw in Wei-Yin Chen (+$530, 3.49 ERA in 11 starts) who?s expected to take a turn. We?ll be on board when he does. BEST BET: W. Chen.
Houston at Texas (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rangers were running away with the AL West in April, but their huge lead in the division has steadily diminished (4-6, -$460 last 10 days), so it?s hard to lay inflated prices on them here at Arlington. We?d look for a scenario where we would be comfortable using the Astros, but we don?t see one at the moment. Houston is only 8-20 outside of Minute Maid Park (-$745) and their weak pitching staff (4.37 ERA, 2nd worst in the NL), does not give us much confidence vs. the formidable Texas attack (.282 team BA). BEST BET: None.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Twins have had a rough couple of years, but they?ve perked up a bit (6-3, +$395 last 10 days) and they?ve fared well in inter-league competition (+$245). Their numbers are still pretty ugly, but they have a shot against the Brewers, who have done little to distinguish themselves in 2011 (4.30 team ERA, .240 BA). Milwaukee has been a disaster in day games (only 8-17, -$1375) and they have two afternoon contests on tap at Target Field this weekend. We?ll take a shot with the home team in both. BEST BET: Twins in day games.
Kansas City at St. Louis (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Royals will no doubt end up the year with well over 90 losses, but their numbers outside of Kaufman Stadium are quite good, particularly against righthanders (+$905). The Cardinals seemed to have things well in hand in the NL Central, but they?ve been giving up ground steadily to their division rivals (4-6, -$300 last 10 days). They?ve been a losing proposition vs. righties (-$745) so we?ll play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Royals when righty meets righty.
Arizona at L.A. Angels (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Diamondbacks are fighting their way back into the NL West mix (7-2, +$500 with a 2.50 ERA among starters in the last 10 days), and they check in here with a 12-6 record vs. righthanders outside of Chase Field (+$740). The Angels have made up considerable ground in the last month, and appear poised for a strong run in the 2nd half. But their numbers vs. lefthanders are dismal (9-12, -$800) and they?ll be facing a good one in Wade Miley, who has led Arizona to wins in 7 of his 9 starts (+$565, 2.44 ERA). BEST BET: Miley.
San Diego at Oakland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Two last place teams with decent pitching and pathetic offenses squaring off (A?s .220 team BA, Padres .229), this might be this a good spot to consider taking the UNDER. The Athletics are only 1-5 vs. the National League (-$365) but San Diego is a pitiful 6-21 outside of Petco Park (-$1240). Oakland has a couple of pitchers who could be promising, but we prefer to wait until game day before weighing in on this matchup. BEST BET: None.
San Francisco at Seattle (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Giants are proving to be a very good team again this year (34-27, +$620 overall), and we expect they?ll stay close to the Dodgers in the highly competitive NL West. They?ve won 7 of their last 10 (+$385) and if Tim Lincecum ever gets back on track they?ll become a favorite to capture the division. The Mariners are well below .500 and they own a disappointing 10-15 record here at Safeco (-$550). We?ll pass on Lincecum, but all the other available SF starters are worth a shot. BEST BET: Bumgarner/Vogelsong.
Chicago W. Sox at L.A. Dodgers (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Every time it looks like the Dodgers are heading back to earth they bounce right back (7-4, +$485 last 10 days). They?ve been unstoppable at Chavez Ravine (21-9, +$865) and we like their chances in certain situation vs. Chicago. The White Sox have emerged as serious contenders in the AL Central, and they?ve cleaned up outside of US Cellular. But they?ve performed poorly vs. lefties (-$190 with only 3.4 runs per game) and they?ll be squaring off a terrific pair of southpaws in Clay Kershaw (2.65 ERA in 13 starts) and Chris Capuano (2.82 in 12 starts). Hopefully prices on the home team?s southpaws won?t be terribly high. BEST BET: Kershaw/Capuano.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 18
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Tribe can?t hit lefties, but since the Reds have no southpaws in their rotation we like their chances in these home games. The Indians are now 27-14 vs. righthanders (+$1510) and they?ll be fed a steady diet of them when Cincinnati invades Progressive Field. The Reds are a losing proposition in night games (-$665) and all three of these games will take place at night. We?ll stick with the home team throughout. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Atlanta at N.Y. Yankees (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
These teams square off for another three game set, having played a series at Turner Field last week. The Yankees don?t score as many runs against righties as they?d like (4.4 per game, -$250), while Atlanta does well vs. righties and on the road in general (+$705). We should catch some nice prices in the Bronx vs. the always overpriced Yanks. PREFERRED: Braves when righty meets righty.
Baltimore at N.Y. Mets (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Orioles have been very successful outside of Camden Yards this year (+$1270) and they?ve turned a tidy profit in inter-league play (+$215). The Mets, on the other hand, have floundered against the AL (1-5, -$360) and they are only 7-15 vs. lefthanders (-$725). When the Orioles start a southpaw we?ll be quick climb on board. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Mets.
Kansas City at Houston (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Royals have been an outstanding betting proposition outside of Kaufman Stadium (+$1005) and they should continue that success against the lowly Astros. Houston?s pitching continues to be abysmal (7.51 ERA among starters in the past 10 days) so KC has a good shot at taking 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Royals in all games.
Toronto at Milwaukee (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Brewers just aren?t a very good team this year, and they?ve fared poorly against the American League over the past two seasons (only 7-11, -$525). Toronto generates sufficient offense to handle Milwaukee?s sub-par mound corps (4.30 ERA) so if the price is right we?ll jump in. PREFERRED: Blue Jays as underdogs.
Chicago Cubs at Chicago W. Sox (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The White Sox should demolish the hapless Cubs in this crosstown rivalry match-up, but their poor record at home has us very concerned (-$620 at US Cellular). But the Cubs are hopeless (-$1645 overall) so we?ll steer clear of this one. PREFERRED: None.
Seattle at Arizona (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Mariners have actually turned a nice profit on the road this year (+$580) and they have a chance to slow down a surging Arizona team. Felix Hernandez has been solid as usual (3.42 ERA in 12 starts) and veteran Kevin Millwood has also performed well (3.57). At least one of them should see action in this series. The D?Backs are losers vs. righties at home (-$615). PREFERRED: F. Hernandez/Millwood.
Texas at San Diego (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Rangers could use a patsy to beat up on, and San Diego should fit the bill nicely. They can?t score runs (3.3 per game, .229 team BA) and they?ve already used 11 different starting pitchers. Texas is an offensive powerhouse (.282 team BA, tops in the AL) and they have the 3rd best ERA in the league (3.65). The Padres will be lucky to pull out a single victory. PREFERRED: Rangers in all games.
San Francisco at L.A. Angels (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Giants have had tremendous success vs. lefties in 2012 (+$850) and they?ll no doubt catch a nice price when they square off against LA?s ace southpaw CJ Wilson (+$390, 2.39 ERA in 13 starts). The Angels have improved themselves dramatically after that miserable start to the season, but their numbers at home (-$635) make the visitor very appealing. PREFERRED: Giants vs. C. Wilson.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 19
Colorado at Philadelphia (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Phillies had every reason to be optimistic when the season commenced, but the wheels have come off (-$1490), as they languish in the NL East basement. But the Rockies haven?t done anything positive (-$1295 overall) and their pitching is horrible (5.31 team ERA, worst in the majors). Nothing interesting here. PREFERRED: None.
St. Louis at Detroit (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Detroit pitching has been a bitter disappointment (4.29 team ERA, 4th worst in the AL) and the Cardinals are a team that knows how to handle the bats (.275 BA, tops in the National League). The Tigers are only 13-16 here at Comerica (-$1295) and St. Louis is a team loaded with potentially great pitchers. Too early to give up the defending champs. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Tampa Bay at Washington (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Prices are starting to climb on the Nationals, as more and more people catch on to how strong a starting staff they now have. But the Rays are a formidable team vs. righthanders (26-13, +$1145) so if the price is right we?re inclined to give them a shot. PREFERRED: Rays at +120 or better
Minnesota at Pittsburgh (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Pirates didn?t collapse until August last year, and with a strong pitching staff (3.25 ERA) they may not collapse at all. Right now they?re very hot (7-2, +$430 in the last 10 days) and showing great enthusiasm. The Twins are in the midst of another disastrous campaign (24-35, -$235) and they look tailor made for the motivated home team. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Miami at Boston (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Two teams that were moving up in the standings who have suddenly gone cold (Miami 2-7, -$620 last 10 days, Boston 3-7, -$635). Looks like a good chance to take some quality righthanders against the Red Sox, who are only 7-15 (-$1270) vs. righties at Fenway). Boston is 2-4 (-$230) when facing teams in the NL). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
L.A. Dodgers at Oakland (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Dodgers continue to lead baseball in the standings, getting the job done in all settings and against all types of pitchers (+$1500 overall). The A?s are sinking slowly away, as their offense continues to flounder (.220 team BA). PREFERRED: Dodgers in all games.
BASEBALL
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 15
Cincinnati at N.Y. Mets (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Mets are coming off a brutal three game sweep at the hands of the Yankees in the Bronx, dropping their record vs. the AL to just 1-5 (-$360). They?ll be happy to see some NL competition at CitiField this weekend, and they should match up well vs. the Reds. New York is 25-14 vs. righthanders this year, including a 15-5 mark in home games (+$1030) and Cincinnati?s rotation is exclusively righthanded. The Reds have been dreadful in night games (-$665) and they?ve got two scheduled evening contests on tap in this series. As long as the Mets don?t have to face any lefties (-$725 in that situation) we?ll back the home team. BEST BET: Mets in night games.
Boston at Chicago Cubs (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Red Sox are floundering again (3-7, -$635 last 10 days), dropping three straight vs. the Nationals at Fenway last weekend. But they?ve been modestly profitable on the road this year (+$195), and if there?s an opponent that can get them back on track it?s the Cubs. Chicago is one of the worst teams in MLB this year (-$1645 overall) and they are in the midst of another cold streak (2-8, -$530). Their staff ERA is 3rd worst in the NL, and whatever problems Boston has had, they are capable of scoring some runs (5.1 per game so far). The Cubs are 1-5 in inter-league play (-$435) and will be fortunate to salvage a single win in this series. BEST BET: Red Sox in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Washington (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Nationals dismantled the Red Sox last weekend, and now they?ll be tested against a more formidable AL foe. The Yankees are playing their best baseball of the season (7-2, +$510 last 10 days, averaging 5.4 runs per game with a 1.96 ERA among starters). They?ve been particularly tough on lefthanders (12-7, +$250 with 5.7 runs per game) so we like their chances vs. Gio Gonzalez, whom they?ve faced when he pitched for the Athletics. Washington still has the best pitching in baseball, but they don?t score very many runs (3.9 per game) and the Yankees can be explosive. We?ll take a shot with the visitor. BEST BET: Yankees vs. G. Gonzalez.
Philadelphia at Toronto (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Blue Jays are holding their own in a very competitive division, and they have a chance to improve their position in the standings with a strong showing vs. the beleaguered Phillies at Rogers Centre. The visitor is in another horrific tailspin (2-8, -$860 last 10 days) and their situation appears increasingly bleak. Roy Halladay is injured, Cliff Lee is winless, and their run production, particularly vs. lefthanders has been anemic (6-11, -$770 with only 3.2 runs per game). Ricky Romero has led them to wins in 5 of his 6 starts at home, and we like his chances in this series. BEST BET: Romero.
Colorado at Detroit (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Tigers could use a boost, as they continue to languish well below the .500 mark (-$1660), but it?s hard to have much confidence in their pitching staff (4.29 team ERA, 4th worst in the AL). But the Rockies are only 9-17 outside of Coors Field (-$670) and they are handicapped by the worst pitching staff in baseball (5.31 ERA so far). When Justin Verlander is losing money you know the team has problems, so steer clear for now. BEST BET: None.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Pirates flirted with a winning record in 2011 before collapsing down the stretch in August & September. But they?ve found their form again, and find themselves in a tie for first place in the wide opened NL Central. They?ve been enormously profitable (+$1150) and their pitching has been stellar (3.25 team ERA, 3rd best in the league). The Tribe has been tough, but their pitching has been a disappointment (4.38 ERA). If the price on the visitor looks good we?ll take a shot. BEST BET: Pirates +115 or better.
Miami at Tampa Bay (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rays manhandled the Marlins in a three game series last weekend, giving themselves the best record in the American League up to this point. They check in with a 26-13 record vs. righthanders (+$1145) and their team ERA is now the best in the AL (3.40). The Marlins have lost 9 of their last 11 (-$620) and their numbers vs. righthanders are pretty bad (-$600 with only 3.6 runs per game). James Shields is coming off a solid start vs. this team and he?s been a money-make for Tampa Bay this year (+$555 so far). We?ll take the plunge at any price when he is on the mound. BEST BET: Shields.
Baltimore at Atlanta (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Orioles have been a pleasant surprise in 2012, doing some of their best work outside of Camden Yards (+$1270). It may not last, as the difficult summer months approach, but they look like a promising pick this weekend at Turner Field. They?ll have to take on a solid Atlanta team, but the Braves have lost money vs. lefthanders here at home (-$445). The Orioles have a capable southpaw in Wei-Yin Chen (+$530, 3.49 ERA in 11 starts) who?s expected to take a turn. We?ll be on board when he does. BEST BET: W. Chen.
Houston at Texas (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rangers were running away with the AL West in April, but their huge lead in the division has steadily diminished (4-6, -$460 last 10 days), so it?s hard to lay inflated prices on them here at Arlington. We?d look for a scenario where we would be comfortable using the Astros, but we don?t see one at the moment. Houston is only 8-20 outside of Minute Maid Park (-$745) and their weak pitching staff (4.37 ERA, 2nd worst in the NL), does not give us much confidence vs. the formidable Texas attack (.282 team BA). BEST BET: None.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Twins have had a rough couple of years, but they?ve perked up a bit (6-3, +$395 last 10 days) and they?ve fared well in inter-league competition (+$245). Their numbers are still pretty ugly, but they have a shot against the Brewers, who have done little to distinguish themselves in 2011 (4.30 team ERA, .240 BA). Milwaukee has been a disaster in day games (only 8-17, -$1375) and they have two afternoon contests on tap at Target Field this weekend. We?ll take a shot with the home team in both. BEST BET: Twins in day games.
Kansas City at St. Louis (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Royals will no doubt end up the year with well over 90 losses, but their numbers outside of Kaufman Stadium are quite good, particularly against righthanders (+$905). The Cardinals seemed to have things well in hand in the NL Central, but they?ve been giving up ground steadily to their division rivals (4-6, -$300 last 10 days). They?ve been a losing proposition vs. righties (-$745) so we?ll play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Royals when righty meets righty.
Arizona at L.A. Angels (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Diamondbacks are fighting their way back into the NL West mix (7-2, +$500 with a 2.50 ERA among starters in the last 10 days), and they check in here with a 12-6 record vs. righthanders outside of Chase Field (+$740). The Angels have made up considerable ground in the last month, and appear poised for a strong run in the 2nd half. But their numbers vs. lefthanders are dismal (9-12, -$800) and they?ll be facing a good one in Wade Miley, who has led Arizona to wins in 7 of his 9 starts (+$565, 2.44 ERA). BEST BET: Miley.
San Diego at Oakland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Two last place teams with decent pitching and pathetic offenses squaring off (A?s .220 team BA, Padres .229), this might be this a good spot to consider taking the UNDER. The Athletics are only 1-5 vs. the National League (-$365) but San Diego is a pitiful 6-21 outside of Petco Park (-$1240). Oakland has a couple of pitchers who could be promising, but we prefer to wait until game day before weighing in on this matchup. BEST BET: None.
San Francisco at Seattle (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Giants are proving to be a very good team again this year (34-27, +$620 overall), and we expect they?ll stay close to the Dodgers in the highly competitive NL West. They?ve won 7 of their last 10 (+$385) and if Tim Lincecum ever gets back on track they?ll become a favorite to capture the division. The Mariners are well below .500 and they own a disappointing 10-15 record here at Safeco (-$550). We?ll pass on Lincecum, but all the other available SF starters are worth a shot. BEST BET: Bumgarner/Vogelsong.
Chicago W. Sox at L.A. Dodgers (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Every time it looks like the Dodgers are heading back to earth they bounce right back (7-4, +$485 last 10 days). They?ve been unstoppable at Chavez Ravine (21-9, +$865) and we like their chances in certain situation vs. Chicago. The White Sox have emerged as serious contenders in the AL Central, and they?ve cleaned up outside of US Cellular. But they?ve performed poorly vs. lefties (-$190 with only 3.4 runs per game) and they?ll be squaring off a terrific pair of southpaws in Clay Kershaw (2.65 ERA in 13 starts) and Chris Capuano (2.82 in 12 starts). Hopefully prices on the home team?s southpaws won?t be terribly high. BEST BET: Kershaw/Capuano.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 18
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Tribe can?t hit lefties, but since the Reds have no southpaws in their rotation we like their chances in these home games. The Indians are now 27-14 vs. righthanders (+$1510) and they?ll be fed a steady diet of them when Cincinnati invades Progressive Field. The Reds are a losing proposition in night games (-$665) and all three of these games will take place at night. We?ll stick with the home team throughout. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Atlanta at N.Y. Yankees (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
These teams square off for another three game set, having played a series at Turner Field last week. The Yankees don?t score as many runs against righties as they?d like (4.4 per game, -$250), while Atlanta does well vs. righties and on the road in general (+$705). We should catch some nice prices in the Bronx vs. the always overpriced Yanks. PREFERRED: Braves when righty meets righty.
Baltimore at N.Y. Mets (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Orioles have been very successful outside of Camden Yards this year (+$1270) and they?ve turned a tidy profit in inter-league play (+$215). The Mets, on the other hand, have floundered against the AL (1-5, -$360) and they are only 7-15 vs. lefthanders (-$725). When the Orioles start a southpaw we?ll be quick climb on board. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Mets.
Kansas City at Houston (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Royals have been an outstanding betting proposition outside of Kaufman Stadium (+$1005) and they should continue that success against the lowly Astros. Houston?s pitching continues to be abysmal (7.51 ERA among starters in the past 10 days) so KC has a good shot at taking 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Royals in all games.
Toronto at Milwaukee (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Brewers just aren?t a very good team this year, and they?ve fared poorly against the American League over the past two seasons (only 7-11, -$525). Toronto generates sufficient offense to handle Milwaukee?s sub-par mound corps (4.30 ERA) so if the price is right we?ll jump in. PREFERRED: Blue Jays as underdogs.
Chicago Cubs at Chicago W. Sox (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The White Sox should demolish the hapless Cubs in this crosstown rivalry match-up, but their poor record at home has us very concerned (-$620 at US Cellular). But the Cubs are hopeless (-$1645 overall) so we?ll steer clear of this one. PREFERRED: None.
Seattle at Arizona (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Mariners have actually turned a nice profit on the road this year (+$580) and they have a chance to slow down a surging Arizona team. Felix Hernandez has been solid as usual (3.42 ERA in 12 starts) and veteran Kevin Millwood has also performed well (3.57). At least one of them should see action in this series. The D?Backs are losers vs. righties at home (-$615). PREFERRED: F. Hernandez/Millwood.
Texas at San Diego (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Rangers could use a patsy to beat up on, and San Diego should fit the bill nicely. They can?t score runs (3.3 per game, .229 team BA) and they?ve already used 11 different starting pitchers. Texas is an offensive powerhouse (.282 team BA, tops in the AL) and they have the 3rd best ERA in the league (3.65). The Padres will be lucky to pull out a single victory. PREFERRED: Rangers in all games.
San Francisco at L.A. Angels (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Giants have had tremendous success vs. lefties in 2012 (+$850) and they?ll no doubt catch a nice price when they square off against LA?s ace southpaw CJ Wilson (+$390, 2.39 ERA in 13 starts). The Angels have improved themselves dramatically after that miserable start to the season, but their numbers at home (-$635) make the visitor very appealing. PREFERRED: Giants vs. C. Wilson.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 19
Colorado at Philadelphia (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Phillies had every reason to be optimistic when the season commenced, but the wheels have come off (-$1490), as they languish in the NL East basement. But the Rockies haven?t done anything positive (-$1295 overall) and their pitching is horrible (5.31 team ERA, worst in the majors). Nothing interesting here. PREFERRED: None.
St. Louis at Detroit (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Detroit pitching has been a bitter disappointment (4.29 team ERA, 4th worst in the AL) and the Cardinals are a team that knows how to handle the bats (.275 BA, tops in the National League). The Tigers are only 13-16 here at Comerica (-$1295) and St. Louis is a team loaded with potentially great pitchers. Too early to give up the defending champs. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Tampa Bay at Washington (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Prices are starting to climb on the Nationals, as more and more people catch on to how strong a starting staff they now have. But the Rays are a formidable team vs. righthanders (26-13, +$1145) so if the price is right we?re inclined to give them a shot. PREFERRED: Rays at +120 or better
Minnesota at Pittsburgh (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Pirates didn?t collapse until August last year, and with a strong pitching staff (3.25 ERA) they may not collapse at all. Right now they?re very hot (7-2, +$430 in the last 10 days) and showing great enthusiasm. The Twins are in the midst of another disastrous campaign (24-35, -$235) and they look tailor made for the motivated home team. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Miami at Boston (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Two teams that were moving up in the standings who have suddenly gone cold (Miami 2-7, -$620 last 10 days, Boston 3-7, -$635). Looks like a good chance to take some quality righthanders against the Red Sox, who are only 7-15 (-$1270) vs. righties at Fenway). Boston is 2-4 (-$230) when facing teams in the NL). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
L.A. Dodgers at Oakland (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Dodgers continue to lead baseball in the standings, getting the job done in all settings and against all types of pitchers (+$1500 overall). The A?s are sinking slowly away, as their offense continues to flounder (.220 team BA). PREFERRED: Dodgers in all games.
