BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 22
Chicago Cubs at Arizona (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Diamondbacks have regrouped nicely following a very bad couple of months to start the new season (5-4, +$180 last 10 days). They?ve lowered their team ERA to 3.90 (6th best in the NL) and they are poised for a big weekend here at Chase Field. The Cubs are just as pitiful as ever, with a dreadful 8-25 record outside of Wrigley Field (-$1425) and a 3-14 mark vs. lefthanders (-$1135 with only 3.2 runs per game). Wade Miley (2.30 ERA) and Joe Saunders (3.45) have been bright spots for Arizona, and we?ll see at least one of them, if not both, in this series. Prices may get high on the home team, but there?s plenty of value there. BEST BET: Miley/Saunders.
Washington at Baltimore (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Orioles took 2 out of 3 when these teams met at Nationals Park in May, and they?ve been doing a great job in inter-league competition (9-3, +$670 so far). They?ve posted an 11-6 mark vs. lefthanders in 2012 (+$740), averaging 5.3 runs per game in those contests, so we like their chances vs. ace southpaw Gio Gonzalez, who is expected to see action at Camden Yards. But the Nats have a formidable pitching staff (3.00 team ERA, tops in baseball) and they?ve been profitable on the road (+$875). We?ll limit ourselves to a single play for the time being. BEST BET: Orioles vs. G. Gonzalez.
Detroit at Pittsburgh (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
There?s still plenty of time for the Tigers to take control in the AL Central, but they?ve not been a good team in 2012 (-$1550) overall and their pitching will hold them back if it does not improve (4.19 team ERA, 4th worst in the league). The Pirates are a competitive outfit (+$1005) with a superior mound corps (3.48 ERA) and they?ve racked up an 19-11 mark here at PNC Park (+$855). It looks like they?ll miss Justin Verlander, who?s not due for a start in this series, and none of the other Detroit starters gives us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Pirates in all games.
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rays have a great pitching staff (3.55 team ERA), they are one of the top teams in the AL at this point, and they have turned a very nice profit when playing on the road against righthanders (12-7, +$650). The Phillies are in sorry shape at this point, with Cliff Lee still winless and Roy Halladay sidelined. They?ve been a disaster here at Citizens Bank (12-19, -$1700) and they are losing money vs. the AL in inter-league play (-$455). It seems unlikely they?ll improve enough in the weeks ahead to compete in the NL East, so we?ll use the visitor when we can. BEST BET: Rays vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Miami (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
This could have been a great opportunity for the visiting Blue Jays, taking on a floundering Miami team that has been losing a fortune when playing in this ballpark (-$790 so far). Their offense is sputtering (.239 team BA) and they?ve looked terrible in recent days (only 2-8, -$675 in their last 10, averaging 2.0 runs per game with a 5.15 ERA among starters). But Toronto?s rotation has taken a hit with the loss of Brandon Morrow and Kyle Drabek, both of whom are now on the DL. That leaves them in a precarious position, so we?ll stay on the sidelines for now. BEST BET: None.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Yankees made short work of their intra-city rival in the Bronx last weekend, and they?ve been red-hot ever since (9-1, +$760 last 10 days). They?ve dominated the NL in head to head play (10-2, +$665) and they?ve turned a nice profit on the road (+$680). The Mets are a solid team and they?ve been impressive vs. righthanders at CitiField, but they are only 8-15 vs. lefthanders (-$590). CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte are both likely to see action, bad news for the Mets when they are on the hill. BEST BET: Pettitte/Sabathia.
Minnesota at Cincinnati (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Reds have moved out to a comfortable lead in the NL Central, having looked particularly sharp in the month of April (7-3, +$310 last 10 days, averaging 5.6 runs per game with a 3.07 ERA among starters). Their bullpen has been effective (2.65 ERA, best in the league) and they?re 6-3 in inter-league competition (+$395). The Twins can?t pitch (5.12 ERA, worst in the AL) and are mired deep in the AL Central basement. In addition, two of these games will take place in the afternoon, a situation that benefits the home team (Reds 18-8, +$1045). BEST BET: Reds in day games.
Atlanta at Boston (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Braves stumbled against the Yankees and Orioles last week, and they?ll be coming off a second series vs. New York prior to visiting Fenway. They may find circumstances to be more favorable here. The Red Sox have been terribly mediocre, managing just 7 wins in 22 games vs. righthanders here at home (-$1270). Atlanta has made money outside of Turner Field (+$695) and they have a pair of top notch starters in Brandon Beachy (2.00 ERA in 13 starts) and veteran Tim Hudson (+$290, 3.90 ERA), both of whom are slated to take turns against the Bosox. BEST BET: Beachy/T. Hudson.
Cleveland at Houston (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Astros have managed to more than hold their own here at Minute Maid Park this year (+$830) and if they happen to send a lefthander against the Indians we?ll climb on board (Tribe 5-13, -$890 vs, southpaws in 2012). But Wandy Rodriguez is not expected to take a turn, and we can?t resist taking Cleveland vs. the weak Houston starting staff (4.54 ERA, 2nd worst in the NL). The Indians are 28-19 (+$1030) vs. righthanders so far. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Indians/Indians vs. righthanders.
Colorado at Texas (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rockies have been in a free-fall (1-8, -$715 last 10 days, with an astronomical 9.63 ERA), dropping a full 16 games out of first place in the NL West. They?ve lost money on the road (-$730) and that pitiful pitching staff will be no match for the hard hitting Rangers (.282 team BA. best in baseball, averaging 5.4 runs per game in 2012). First place Texas has been punishing the NL In inter-league play (9-3,+$475) and their pitching has been top notch (3.60 ERA, 3rd best in the league). The Rockies will be fortunate to avoid the sweep here at Arlington. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Milwaukee at Chicago W. Sox (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
We?ve been impressed by the White Sox this year, who find themselves in first place having compiled very average stats up to this point (.257 BA, 4.02 ERA). But they?ve not fared well here at US Cellular (16-18, -$620) so we?re reluctant to lay favorite prices in this series. But the Brewers don?t inspire much confidence (-$1330 overall) as they languish well off the pace in the NL Central. We?ll stay away for the time being. BEST BET: None.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Royals have the Cardinals a tough time at Busch Stadium last weekend, taking 2 out of 3 for a nice profit. But they?ve been very ineffective here at Kaufman Stadium (-$1035) and St. Louis packs plenty of punch on offense (.277 BA, best in the NL). 25 year old Lance Lynn has emerged as a star on the Cardinals staff, leading his team to wins in 10 of his 13 starts (+$645, 2.43 ERA). Excellent value when he takes his turn. BEST BET: Lynn.
Seattle at San Diego (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
A pair of last place teams squaring off in a lackluster affair, but the Mariners might be worth a look. They?ve turned a profit in night games on the road (+$565) and Felix Hernandez (3.52 ERA) is always worth a try at the right price. The Padres can?t hit (.229 team BA), and they?ve lost money here at Petco Park (-$515). Take a shot with the visitor?s ace. BEST BET: F. Hernandez.
San Francisco at Oakland (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Giants took 2 out of 3 from the A?s at ATT Park, and they?ve been holding steady behind the Dodgers in the NL West. But Oakland has been playing well in recent days (6-4, +$215 last 10 days, averaging 6.4 runs per game in those contests) and their pitching (3.71 team ERA) will keep them competitive if they continue to hit. Brandon McCarthy is expected to be back in the rotation in time to make a start in this series. He?s been Oakland?s best up to now (+$445, 2.79 ERA in 11 starts) and looks like a terrific value. SF has lost money vs. righthanders (-$345). BEST BET: McCarthy.
L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Angels took 2 of 3 when they were hosted by the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine last week, but we?re not optimistic about their chances at Anaheim. Their numbers at home are still terrible (-$585) and the Dodgers have proved to be a formidable road team (18-13, +$635). The Dodgers have the 2nd best team ERA in MLB (3.17) and their offense averages almost half a run per game more than that of the Angels. At this point we?re comfortable with all the visitors? starting pitchers, so we?ll stick with them throughout. We?ll turn a nice profit if they take 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Dodgers in all games.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 25
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Phillies are in sorry shape, and with a record at Citizens Bank of only 12-19 (-$1700) we?re certainly not inclined to use them against an up and coming young team like the Pirates. Pittsburgh has one of the better ERA?s in the league (3.48) and they have been very profitable vs. lefthanders (+$610). They?ll be a bargain vs. the high prices Philly southpaws. PREFERRED: Pirates vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Reds are coming off a sensational stretch of games (7-3, +$310) and they?ve moved 11 games over .500 as the end of June draws near. But we?d like to see them improve their record in night games, where they?re still losing money. But they?ve dominated the competition in day games (+$1045) so we?ll take them at Great American in Wednesday?s series finale. PREFERRED: Reds in day games.
St. Louis at Miami (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Cardinals hope the Marlins are still stuck in the losing cycle they are currently going through, allowing them to make up some ground on the Reds in the NL Central. Miami has been a disaster in this ballpark (-$790). St. Louis continues to hit well (.277 team BA) and their starters have looked sharp in recent outings (2.45 ERA in their last 10). PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Chicago Cubs (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Mets have performed well outside of CitiField, particularly vs. righthanders (+$715 with 4.9 runs per game) and they can improve their standing with a strong showing at Wrigley. They are unlikely to face a lefthander in this series, while their lefties can have a field day against the Cubs, who own a pitiful 3-15 (-$1235) mark vs. southpaws in 2012. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Cubs.
San Diego at Houston (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Astros have turned a profit at Minute Maid Park (+$830) while the hapless Padres own a 9-23 record outside of Petco (-$890). Houston has a log way to go to achieve respectability, but this is one team they have an edge against. PREFERRED: Astros in all games.
Washington at Colorado (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Nats are licking their wounds after being swept by the Yankees at home, so Coors Field looks like an appealing venue right now. Washington is 20-13 on the road (+$875) while the Rockies are only 15-21 in this ballpark (-$980). Washington?s ERA is almost 2.4 runs per lower than Colorado?s. PREFERRED: Nationals in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
These teams look evenly matched right now (Dodgers 3.17 team ERA, .264 team BA... Giants 3.32 ERA, .262 BA) and much is riding on this NL West showdown. Most shocking for the Giants has been the abject failure of Tim Lincecum, who has yet to find anything close to his usual form (-$1190, 6.20 ERA). He?s too accomplished to bench, and LA is 11-5 (+$685) vs. righties on the road, so take a shot vs. the troubled SF hurler. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. Lincecum.
Cleveland at N.Y. Yankees (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Indians are still over .500 and that is remarkable considering that their pitching ranks next to last in the AL (4.55 ERA) while their hitting ranks 10th (.248 BA). The Yankees are clicking on all cylinders (9-1, +$760 last 10 days, with a 2.31 ERA among starters. If prices aren?t prohibitive, we?ll stick with the home team. PREFERRED: Yankees at -160 or less.
Toronto at Boston (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Red Sox have been a disaster at Fenway Park when taking on righties (7-15, -$1270) so even with the injuries to Toronto?s rotation we?ll gladly use the visitor here. Boston has lost a fortune vs. the AL East (-$800). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Detroit at Texas (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Tigers dropped 3 out of 4 when the Rangers visited Comerica Park (-$200) and they continue to muddle along below .500 (-$1550 in 2012). Texas seems to have picked up the pace in recent days (7-3, +$295 last 10 days) and they?ve averaged close to 6.5 runs per game vs. righthanders at Arlington. Detroit has a 4.19 team ERA, 4th worst in the league. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Minnesota (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The White Sox have been a tremendous money-maker outside of US Cellular, particularly vs. righthanders (+$945) while the Twins have lost money here at Target Field (-$730). Chicago has an excellent pair in Jake Peavy (+$540, 2.91 ERA) and Chris Sale (+$340, 2.50 ERA) and we expect to see at least one of them on the mound in this series. PREFERRED: Peavy/Sale.
Tampa Bay at Kansas City (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Royals have been bad news here at Kaufman Stadium this season (-$1135) and they?ll be up against a quality team when Tampa Bay rolls in. The Rays are big money-makers on the road vs. righthanders (12-7, +$650) and none of KC?s starters gives us much cause for concern. PREFERRED: Rays vs. righthanders.
Oakland at Seattle (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Athletics have produced another promising young starter in Jarrod Parker, who?s posted a very impressive 2.82 ERA after starting 10 games. He?ll be on the mound at Safeco Field for this series, taking on a Seattle team that is only 9-13 (-$565) vs. righthanders at home so far. PREFERRED: Parker.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 26
Arizona at Atlanta (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Diamondbacks dropped 3 of 4 to the Braves in their first series of the year (-$205) but they?ve been profitable against righthanders away from Chase Field (+$720) and they?ll catch some nice prices when they take on Atlanta?s trio of Beachy (2.00), Hanson (3.32) and Hudson (3.90). Expect to see Arizona face at least two of them. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. Beachy, Hanson & T. Hudson.
L.A. Angels at Baltimore (2) 26th, 27th
The Angels have not excelled in night games on the road (-$495) and both these games are evening contests. The Orioles are a solid home team (19-14, +$550 at Camden Yards) and they have a good shot at sweeping this two game set. If they take a least one we can?t get hurt. PREFERRED: Orioles in both games.
Chicago Cubs at Arizona (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Diamondbacks have regrouped nicely following a very bad couple of months to start the new season (5-4, +$180 last 10 days). They?ve lowered their team ERA to 3.90 (6th best in the NL) and they are poised for a big weekend here at Chase Field. The Cubs are just as pitiful as ever, with a dreadful 8-25 record outside of Wrigley Field (-$1425) and a 3-14 mark vs. lefthanders (-$1135 with only 3.2 runs per game). Wade Miley (2.30 ERA) and Joe Saunders (3.45) have been bright spots for Arizona, and we?ll see at least one of them, if not both, in this series. Prices may get high on the home team, but there?s plenty of value there. BEST BET: Miley/Saunders.
Washington at Baltimore (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Orioles took 2 out of 3 when these teams met at Nationals Park in May, and they?ve been doing a great job in inter-league competition (9-3, +$670 so far). They?ve posted an 11-6 mark vs. lefthanders in 2012 (+$740), averaging 5.3 runs per game in those contests, so we like their chances vs. ace southpaw Gio Gonzalez, who is expected to see action at Camden Yards. But the Nats have a formidable pitching staff (3.00 team ERA, tops in baseball) and they?ve been profitable on the road (+$875). We?ll limit ourselves to a single play for the time being. BEST BET: Orioles vs. G. Gonzalez.
Detroit at Pittsburgh (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
There?s still plenty of time for the Tigers to take control in the AL Central, but they?ve not been a good team in 2012 (-$1550) overall and their pitching will hold them back if it does not improve (4.19 team ERA, 4th worst in the league). The Pirates are a competitive outfit (+$1005) with a superior mound corps (3.48 ERA) and they?ve racked up an 19-11 mark here at PNC Park (+$855). It looks like they?ll miss Justin Verlander, who?s not due for a start in this series, and none of the other Detroit starters gives us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Pirates in all games.
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rays have a great pitching staff (3.55 team ERA), they are one of the top teams in the AL at this point, and they have turned a very nice profit when playing on the road against righthanders (12-7, +$650). The Phillies are in sorry shape at this point, with Cliff Lee still winless and Roy Halladay sidelined. They?ve been a disaster here at Citizens Bank (12-19, -$1700) and they are losing money vs. the AL in inter-league play (-$455). It seems unlikely they?ll improve enough in the weeks ahead to compete in the NL East, so we?ll use the visitor when we can. BEST BET: Rays vs. righthanders.
Toronto at Miami (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
This could have been a great opportunity for the visiting Blue Jays, taking on a floundering Miami team that has been losing a fortune when playing in this ballpark (-$790 so far). Their offense is sputtering (.239 team BA) and they?ve looked terrible in recent days (only 2-8, -$675 in their last 10, averaging 2.0 runs per game with a 5.15 ERA among starters). But Toronto?s rotation has taken a hit with the loss of Brandon Morrow and Kyle Drabek, both of whom are now on the DL. That leaves them in a precarious position, so we?ll stay on the sidelines for now. BEST BET: None.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Yankees made short work of their intra-city rival in the Bronx last weekend, and they?ve been red-hot ever since (9-1, +$760 last 10 days). They?ve dominated the NL in head to head play (10-2, +$665) and they?ve turned a nice profit on the road (+$680). The Mets are a solid team and they?ve been impressive vs. righthanders at CitiField, but they are only 8-15 vs. lefthanders (-$590). CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte are both likely to see action, bad news for the Mets when they are on the hill. BEST BET: Pettitte/Sabathia.
Minnesota at Cincinnati (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Reds have moved out to a comfortable lead in the NL Central, having looked particularly sharp in the month of April (7-3, +$310 last 10 days, averaging 5.6 runs per game with a 3.07 ERA among starters). Their bullpen has been effective (2.65 ERA, best in the league) and they?re 6-3 in inter-league competition (+$395). The Twins can?t pitch (5.12 ERA, worst in the AL) and are mired deep in the AL Central basement. In addition, two of these games will take place in the afternoon, a situation that benefits the home team (Reds 18-8, +$1045). BEST BET: Reds in day games.
Atlanta at Boston (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Braves stumbled against the Yankees and Orioles last week, and they?ll be coming off a second series vs. New York prior to visiting Fenway. They may find circumstances to be more favorable here. The Red Sox have been terribly mediocre, managing just 7 wins in 22 games vs. righthanders here at home (-$1270). Atlanta has made money outside of Turner Field (+$695) and they have a pair of top notch starters in Brandon Beachy (2.00 ERA in 13 starts) and veteran Tim Hudson (+$290, 3.90 ERA), both of whom are slated to take turns against the Bosox. BEST BET: Beachy/T. Hudson.
Cleveland at Houston (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Astros have managed to more than hold their own here at Minute Maid Park this year (+$830) and if they happen to send a lefthander against the Indians we?ll climb on board (Tribe 5-13, -$890 vs, southpaws in 2012). But Wandy Rodriguez is not expected to take a turn, and we can?t resist taking Cleveland vs. the weak Houston starting staff (4.54 ERA, 2nd worst in the NL). The Indians are 28-19 (+$1030) vs. righthanders so far. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Indians/Indians vs. righthanders.
Colorado at Texas (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rockies have been in a free-fall (1-8, -$715 last 10 days, with an astronomical 9.63 ERA), dropping a full 16 games out of first place in the NL West. They?ve lost money on the road (-$730) and that pitiful pitching staff will be no match for the hard hitting Rangers (.282 team BA. best in baseball, averaging 5.4 runs per game in 2012). First place Texas has been punishing the NL In inter-league play (9-3,+$475) and their pitching has been top notch (3.60 ERA, 3rd best in the league). The Rockies will be fortunate to avoid the sweep here at Arlington. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Milwaukee at Chicago W. Sox (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
We?ve been impressed by the White Sox this year, who find themselves in first place having compiled very average stats up to this point (.257 BA, 4.02 ERA). But they?ve not fared well here at US Cellular (16-18, -$620) so we?re reluctant to lay favorite prices in this series. But the Brewers don?t inspire much confidence (-$1330 overall) as they languish well off the pace in the NL Central. We?ll stay away for the time being. BEST BET: None.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Royals have the Cardinals a tough time at Busch Stadium last weekend, taking 2 out of 3 for a nice profit. But they?ve been very ineffective here at Kaufman Stadium (-$1035) and St. Louis packs plenty of punch on offense (.277 BA, best in the NL). 25 year old Lance Lynn has emerged as a star on the Cardinals staff, leading his team to wins in 10 of his 13 starts (+$645, 2.43 ERA). Excellent value when he takes his turn. BEST BET: Lynn.
Seattle at San Diego (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
A pair of last place teams squaring off in a lackluster affair, but the Mariners might be worth a look. They?ve turned a profit in night games on the road (+$565) and Felix Hernandez (3.52 ERA) is always worth a try at the right price. The Padres can?t hit (.229 team BA), and they?ve lost money here at Petco Park (-$515). Take a shot with the visitor?s ace. BEST BET: F. Hernandez.
San Francisco at Oakland (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Giants took 2 out of 3 from the A?s at ATT Park, and they?ve been holding steady behind the Dodgers in the NL West. But Oakland has been playing well in recent days (6-4, +$215 last 10 days, averaging 6.4 runs per game in those contests) and their pitching (3.71 team ERA) will keep them competitive if they continue to hit. Brandon McCarthy is expected to be back in the rotation in time to make a start in this series. He?s been Oakland?s best up to now (+$445, 2.79 ERA in 11 starts) and looks like a terrific value. SF has lost money vs. righthanders (-$345). BEST BET: McCarthy.
L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Angels took 2 of 3 when they were hosted by the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine last week, but we?re not optimistic about their chances at Anaheim. Their numbers at home are still terrible (-$585) and the Dodgers have proved to be a formidable road team (18-13, +$635). The Dodgers have the 2nd best team ERA in MLB (3.17) and their offense averages almost half a run per game more than that of the Angels. At this point we?re comfortable with all the visitors? starting pitchers, so we?ll stick with them throughout. We?ll turn a nice profit if they take 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Dodgers in all games.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 25
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Phillies are in sorry shape, and with a record at Citizens Bank of only 12-19 (-$1700) we?re certainly not inclined to use them against an up and coming young team like the Pirates. Pittsburgh has one of the better ERA?s in the league (3.48) and they have been very profitable vs. lefthanders (+$610). They?ll be a bargain vs. the high prices Philly southpaws. PREFERRED: Pirates vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Reds are coming off a sensational stretch of games (7-3, +$310) and they?ve moved 11 games over .500 as the end of June draws near. But we?d like to see them improve their record in night games, where they?re still losing money. But they?ve dominated the competition in day games (+$1045) so we?ll take them at Great American in Wednesday?s series finale. PREFERRED: Reds in day games.
St. Louis at Miami (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Cardinals hope the Marlins are still stuck in the losing cycle they are currently going through, allowing them to make up some ground on the Reds in the NL Central. Miami has been a disaster in this ballpark (-$790). St. Louis continues to hit well (.277 team BA) and their starters have looked sharp in recent outings (2.45 ERA in their last 10). PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Chicago Cubs (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Mets have performed well outside of CitiField, particularly vs. righthanders (+$715 with 4.9 runs per game) and they can improve their standing with a strong showing at Wrigley. They are unlikely to face a lefthander in this series, while their lefties can have a field day against the Cubs, who own a pitiful 3-15 (-$1235) mark vs. southpaws in 2012. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Cubs.
San Diego at Houston (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Astros have turned a profit at Minute Maid Park (+$830) while the hapless Padres own a 9-23 record outside of Petco (-$890). Houston has a log way to go to achieve respectability, but this is one team they have an edge against. PREFERRED: Astros in all games.
Washington at Colorado (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Nats are licking their wounds after being swept by the Yankees at home, so Coors Field looks like an appealing venue right now. Washington is 20-13 on the road (+$875) while the Rockies are only 15-21 in this ballpark (-$980). Washington?s ERA is almost 2.4 runs per lower than Colorado?s. PREFERRED: Nationals in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
These teams look evenly matched right now (Dodgers 3.17 team ERA, .264 team BA... Giants 3.32 ERA, .262 BA) and much is riding on this NL West showdown. Most shocking for the Giants has been the abject failure of Tim Lincecum, who has yet to find anything close to his usual form (-$1190, 6.20 ERA). He?s too accomplished to bench, and LA is 11-5 (+$685) vs. righties on the road, so take a shot vs. the troubled SF hurler. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. Lincecum.
Cleveland at N.Y. Yankees (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Indians are still over .500 and that is remarkable considering that their pitching ranks next to last in the AL (4.55 ERA) while their hitting ranks 10th (.248 BA). The Yankees are clicking on all cylinders (9-1, +$760 last 10 days, with a 2.31 ERA among starters. If prices aren?t prohibitive, we?ll stick with the home team. PREFERRED: Yankees at -160 or less.
Toronto at Boston (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Red Sox have been a disaster at Fenway Park when taking on righties (7-15, -$1270) so even with the injuries to Toronto?s rotation we?ll gladly use the visitor here. Boston has lost a fortune vs. the AL East (-$800). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Detroit at Texas (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Tigers dropped 3 out of 4 when the Rangers visited Comerica Park (-$200) and they continue to muddle along below .500 (-$1550 in 2012). Texas seems to have picked up the pace in recent days (7-3, +$295 last 10 days) and they?ve averaged close to 6.5 runs per game vs. righthanders at Arlington. Detroit has a 4.19 team ERA, 4th worst in the league. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Minnesota (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The White Sox have been a tremendous money-maker outside of US Cellular, particularly vs. righthanders (+$945) while the Twins have lost money here at Target Field (-$730). Chicago has an excellent pair in Jake Peavy (+$540, 2.91 ERA) and Chris Sale (+$340, 2.50 ERA) and we expect to see at least one of them on the mound in this series. PREFERRED: Peavy/Sale.
Tampa Bay at Kansas City (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Royals have been bad news here at Kaufman Stadium this season (-$1135) and they?ll be up against a quality team when Tampa Bay rolls in. The Rays are big money-makers on the road vs. righthanders (12-7, +$650) and none of KC?s starters gives us much cause for concern. PREFERRED: Rays vs. righthanders.
Oakland at Seattle (3) 25th, 26th, 27th
The Athletics have produced another promising young starter in Jarrod Parker, who?s posted a very impressive 2.82 ERA after starting 10 games. He?ll be on the mound at Safeco Field for this series, taking on a Seattle team that is only 9-13 (-$565) vs. righthanders at home so far. PREFERRED: Parker.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 26
Arizona at Atlanta (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Diamondbacks dropped 3 of 4 to the Braves in their first series of the year (-$205) but they?ve been profitable against righthanders away from Chase Field (+$720) and they?ll catch some nice prices when they take on Atlanta?s trio of Beachy (2.00), Hanson (3.32) and Hudson (3.90). Expect to see Arizona face at least two of them. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. Beachy, Hanson & T. Hudson.
L.A. Angels at Baltimore (2) 26th, 27th
The Angels have not excelled in night games on the road (-$495) and both these games are evening contests. The Orioles are a solid home team (19-14, +$550 at Camden Yards) and they have a good shot at sweeping this two game set. If they take a least one we can?t get hurt. PREFERRED: Orioles in both games.
