BEGINNING THURSDAY JULY 19
N.Y. Yankees at Oakland (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Yankees are building a substantial lead in the AL East, but the Athletics are coming on strong (5-1, +$400 last 10 days), and are now only three games off the pace in the league wildcard chase. Oakland now has the lowest team ERA in the AL (3.38 ERA) and they?ll no doubt command some hefty underdog prices vs. an always overpriced New York. Jarrod Parker has emerged as a key component of the A?s rotation (3.07 ERA in 15 starts) and he?s backed by a team that has cleaned up vs. righthanders (+$1365). He?s likely to match up vs. one of the Yankee righties, making him a top value in this series. BEST BET: Parker vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 20
Atlanta at Washington (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Nationals are holding their lead in the NL East, thanks in part to their domination of Atlanta in head to head play (6-2, +$390). Their pitching is still tops in the league (3.16 ERA) and the offense has improved steadily (.251 team BA, 8th in the NL). Atlanta is a very tough team against righthanders, however, so caution is advised. But they are only 5-11 vs. lefties at Turner Field (-$865) and we do expect to see Ross Detwiler on the hill for the Nats. He has a 3.86 ERA in 12 starts so far this year. BEST BET: Detwiler.
Miami at Pittsburgh (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Pirates are now clearly a force to be reckoned with in the 2nd half, as their rotation continues to excel (3.52 ERA, 4th best in the NL). They?ve been deadly here at PNC Park (+$1520) and they?ll be taking on a flat Miami team that averages just 3.9 runs per game. The Marlins are big losers vs. righties in 2012 (-$1080) and they?ve fallen well back in the NL East. They?ll face a steady diet of first rate righthanders when they play in Pittsburgh, and we like the home team?s chances. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Marlins.
San Francisco at Philadelphia (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Phillies managed to take 2 out of 3 at Coors Field last weekend, but their situation remains bleak. They?ve buried themselves in the NL East basement, and their record here at Citizens Bank is appalling (17-27, -$2215). The staff ERA has dropped to 12th in the National League (4.26). Perhaps a return by Roy Halladay will brighten their 2nd half hopes, but right now the Giants look too tempting. They?ve climbed ahead of LA in the NL West, and they?ve been an excellent money-maker vs. lefties in all settings (+$1050). They?ll see at least one southpaw un this series. BEST BET: Giants vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The NL Central is turning into a terrific race, and the Reds are right in the thick of it. They?ve used the same five starters in every game this year, all of whom are righthanders, and they?ll be in against a Milwaukee team that has dropped a bundle in that situation (only 30-34, -$1030). Cincinnati has already taken 4 of 6 from Milwaukee in head to head play (+$200) and we expect them to take at least 2 out of 3 here. BEST BET: Reds in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at N.Y. Mets (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Dodgers are still standing after a rough month of June, as their pitching staff continues to hold up well (3.32 team ERA, 2nd best in the NL). They dropped 3 of 4 to New York when they squared off in LA (-$230), but the Mets are stumbling as the 2nd half gets underway (2-5, -$450 last 10 days). They?ve dominated righthanders fairly consistently, but they?ve floundered against lefties (21-20, -$745). They won?t have to tangle with Clay Kershaw, but former Met Chris Capuano is having a huge comeback year (+$515, 2.75 ERA). We?ll take him vs. his former club. BEST BET: Capuano.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Cubs had a nice weekend at Wrigley Field following the All-Star break, dispatching the Diamondbacks in three straight games. But they?ve been an absolute disaster on the road this season (only 14-32, -$1060) and we expect the Cardinals to fare well this weekend at Busch Stadium. St. Louis is within easy striking distance of Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in the NL Central, and they still own the top team BA in the league (.274). They own a 15-9 mark vs. southpaws (+$350 with 5.8 runs per game), so use them when Chicago sends one to the mound. BEST BET: Cardinals vs. lefthanders.
Houston at Arizona (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Diamondbacks headed into the All-Star break in decent position to make a run at the Giants & Dodgers, but they had a disastrous weekend at Wrigley (0-3, -$330), driving them well under .500. The good news is that they?ve performed well at Chase Field vs. lefties (12-6, +$440) and they have a chance to beat up on a Houston team that is 9-35 outside of Minute Maid Park (-$2130). The Astros are near the bottom of the league in pitching (4.46 ERA) and hitting (.242) at this time. BEST BET: Diamondbacks vs. lefthanders.
Colorado at San Diego (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Two teams slugging it out to avoid the NL West basement offers little to be enthused about. The Padres can?t score runs (.234 team BA, worst in the league) but their pitching is far superior to Colorado?s (3.92 vs. 5.35 for the Rockies), so they have a clear edge in that regard. But they?re well under .500 at Petco Park (-$885) and the Rockies are generating quite a bit of offense (4.9 runs per game). We?ll stay away from this one for now. BEST BET: None.
Baltimore at Cleveland (4) 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Orioles did lose 3 out of 4 to the Tribe earlier (-$285), but they?ve proved to be a profitable and tenacious squad at this point (+$1180) and we like their chances here at Progressive Field. The Indians are close in the AL Central, but their pitching is poor (4.53 ERA, 2nd worst in the AL) and they?ve dropped a bundle against lefthanders at home (3-8, -$665). Not sure if the O?s will send a southpaws to the mound in this series, but if they do we?ll take a shot with the visitor. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Indians.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Tigers may be ready to make a move in the AL Central, winning 7 of their last 8 (+$570 with a 3.33 ERA and averaging 6.3 runs per game on offense). But the White Sox are having a surprisingly good year with Robin Ventura at the helm, with a very impressive 20-11 mark vs. righthanders on the road (+$1200). Avoid Justin Verlander, who looks unhittable, but the rest of the Detroit staff is fair game. BEST BET: White Sox vs. all righthanders except Verlander.
Toronto at Boston (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Blue Jays do not have a set itching staff at the moment (4.46 team ERA), but considering how poorly the Red Sox have fared vs. righthanders here at Fenway Park (11-20, -$1570), we?ll be looking to use the visitor in any event. They?ve been an excellent run producer in 2012, averaging 5.0 runs per game, and the Boston pitching is nothing to get excited about (6.61 ERA among starters in the past 10 days). We should get some attractive price on the visitor. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Seattle at Tampa Bay (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Rays will be in a fight for one of the two AL Wildcard slots, now that New York has taking such a commanding lead in the division. They?ve already taken all four head to head contests with the hapless Mariners (+$400), but we see a nice opportunity to make some money with the visitor. Jason Vargas has eked out a profit in 2012 (+$205 in 19 starts) and is likely to take as turn at Tropicana Field this weekend. Tampa Bay is only 11-18 vs. lefties (-$795), averaging a disappointing 3.9 runs per game. BEST BET: J. Vargas.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
For all their woes in 2012 this series looks like a good opportunity for the Twins to pull out of last place in the AL Central. They?ve already topped the Royals in 6 of 9 head to head contests (+$370) and they?ve managed to turn a modest profit outside of Target Field (+$460). Kansas City has had a disastrous time at Kaufman Stadium, posting a miserable 15-25 record so far (-$1115). Their pitchers have been terrible in recent days (7.48 ERA among starters in their last 7) so take a shot with the Twins, who appear well positioned to take 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Twins in all games.
Texas at L.A. Angels (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
This looks like a juicy matchup, as the Angels look to narrow that five game gap with Texas in the AL West. The Rangers are having a fine year, but they?ve not been scoring runs in the past few days (2.4 per game in their last 7) and they?ll be running to some quality arms when they visit Anaheim. Jered Weaver was roughed up a bit by the Yankees in his last start, but his numbers put him on track for Cy Young contention (+$875, 2.26 ERA). We should get him at a decent price vs. 1st place Texas. BEST BET: Jr. Weaver.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 23
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Pirates show no signs of letting up as August approaches, and they?ll get several more shots vs. the Cubs before the season is through (3-0, +$300 so far). They?ve been profitable in all settings (+$1885 overall), while the Cubs have floundered (36-52, -$795 with only 3.7 runs per game). Look for the home team to come away with at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Milwaukee at Philadelphia (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Phillies have dropped a fortune in 2012 (-$2565) and they continue to flounder in last place in the NL East. They?ve not fared well here at Citizens Bank, but we?re not excited by the Brewers either. Milwaukee is only 18-24 as a visitor (-$820) so we?ll stay on the sidelines for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Atlanta at Miami (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Marlins have been a big disappointment in 2012 (-$1090 overall) and they?ll have their hands full when the Braves roll into town. Atlanta has been heating up (7-0, +$735 last 10 days), and they?ve already beaten Miami in 4 of 5 (+$360). They?re 26-17 outside of Turner Field (+$1180) and they need to keep winning if they hope to overtake the Nationals. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
Washington at N.Y. Mets (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Nationals have taken 4 of 6 from the Mets already (+$195) and they?ve been an excellent money-maker in their road games (+$825). They have a nice edge on the Mets in team ERA (3.16 vs. 4.05 for New York) and we expect to see Gio Gonzalez on the mound at CitiField (+$945, 2.93 ERA in 18 starts). The Mets are 12-20 (-$745) vs. lefties so far. PREFERRED: G. Gonzalez.
Cincinnati at Houston (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Astros have done dome damage vs. lefthanders here at Minute Maid Park, but they?ll not get a chance to improve on that record vs. the all-righty Reds? rotation. On the other hand, Houston is only 22-42 vs. righties this year (-$1505) so we?ll stick with the better team locked in as tight division race. PREFERRED: Reds in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at St. Louis (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
The Cardinals lost a three game set at LA earlier this year (-$345) and they?ve been a lousy proposition here at Busch Stadium (-$755). The Dodgers are blessed with one of the best pitching staffs in MLB (3.32 ERA), which has helped them overcome a weak offense. If we can get the visitor at a decent underdog price we?ll gladly take a shot. PREFERRED: Dodgers at +120 or better.
Colorado at Arizona (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
We?d like to take a shot with the visiting Rockies in this series, considering Arizona?s poor recent play. But their pitching is just sorrowful (5.25 team ERA) and for all their ups and downs the D?backs have been effective vs. lefthanders here at Chase Field (12-6, +$440 with 5.3 runs per game). We?ll stick with Arizona under the circumstances. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. lefthanders.
San Diego at San Francisco (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Padres have turned a nice profit on the road against righties (+$500) while the Giants are in the red vs. righties in all settings (31-31, -$360). But SF kills lefties (18-9, +$1050) while San Diego checks in with a 9-21 mark vs. southpaws (-$1115). We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Giants when lefty meets lefty/ Padres when righty meets righty.
Boston at Texas (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Red Sox dropped a pair to Texas earlier this year (-$215) but they have an 18-10 record vs. lefthanders (+$605), averaging 5.4 runs per game in those contests. The Rangers are commanding very high prices at the moment, particularly when they play at Arlington, so we?re getting solid value with the visitor when the situation is promising. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. lefthanders.
Minnesota at Chicago W. Sox (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
Francisco Liriano pitched a fantastic game against the A?s to start the 2nd half, striking out 15 (2.45 ERA in his last two starts). The Twins have been profitable on the road (+$460) while the White Sox have not been at their best vs. lefties (-$295 with only 3.7 runs per game). PREFERRED: Liriano.
Kansas City at L.A. Angels (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Royals have already taken 2 of 3 from LA in head to head play (+$240) and they?ve turned a fat profit in their road games (+$920). The Angels are still in the red here at Anaheim (-$340) so there?s no reason not to stick with the visitor at the right price as long as they?re winning as a visitor. PREFERRED: Royals at +150 or better.
N.Y. Yankees at Seattle (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Yankees average nearly one extra run per game on offense over the Mariners and they?ve been a bargain for their backers on the road (27-17, +$910). Seattle doesn?t stand much of a chance here at Safeco, considering their record at home (17-27, -$1190). Stick with the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 24
Oakland at Toronto (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Athletics are quietly sneaking up on their AL West competition, (5-1, +$400 last 10 days) and if they stay hot they could overtake the Angels for a wildcard berth. Their pitching is better than Toronto?s (3.38 ERA vs. 4.46 for the Blue Jays) and none of the home team?s starters give us much cause for the concern. Stick with the road team at Rogers Centre. PREFERRED: Athletics in all games.
Tampa Bay at Baltimore (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Rays continue to flounder against lefthanders (11-18, -$795 with only 3.9 runs per game) and the Orioles have gotten a nice return on Wei-Yin Chen (+$630, 3.80 ERA In 18 starts). He?s due to take a turn at Camden Yards vs. Tampa Bay and we?ll be on board when he goes. PREFERRED: W. Chen.
Detroit at Cleveland (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Indians have been a thorn in Detroit?s side this year, compiling an impressive 5-1 record in their head to head contests (+$555). They?ve consistently pounded righthanders in all settings (+$990) and we?ll continue to go against Detroit until their numbers improve (Tigers -$1245 so far in 2012). PREFERRED: Indians vs. all righthanders except Verlander.
N.Y. Yankees at Oakland (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Yankees are building a substantial lead in the AL East, but the Athletics are coming on strong (5-1, +$400 last 10 days), and are now only three games off the pace in the league wildcard chase. Oakland now has the lowest team ERA in the AL (3.38 ERA) and they?ll no doubt command some hefty underdog prices vs. an always overpriced New York. Jarrod Parker has emerged as a key component of the A?s rotation (3.07 ERA in 15 starts) and he?s backed by a team that has cleaned up vs. righthanders (+$1365). He?s likely to match up vs. one of the Yankee righties, making him a top value in this series. BEST BET: Parker vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 20
Atlanta at Washington (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Nationals are holding their lead in the NL East, thanks in part to their domination of Atlanta in head to head play (6-2, +$390). Their pitching is still tops in the league (3.16 ERA) and the offense has improved steadily (.251 team BA, 8th in the NL). Atlanta is a very tough team against righthanders, however, so caution is advised. But they are only 5-11 vs. lefties at Turner Field (-$865) and we do expect to see Ross Detwiler on the hill for the Nats. He has a 3.86 ERA in 12 starts so far this year. BEST BET: Detwiler.
Miami at Pittsburgh (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Pirates are now clearly a force to be reckoned with in the 2nd half, as their rotation continues to excel (3.52 ERA, 4th best in the NL). They?ve been deadly here at PNC Park (+$1520) and they?ll be taking on a flat Miami team that averages just 3.9 runs per game. The Marlins are big losers vs. righties in 2012 (-$1080) and they?ve fallen well back in the NL East. They?ll face a steady diet of first rate righthanders when they play in Pittsburgh, and we like the home team?s chances. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Marlins.
San Francisco at Philadelphia (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Phillies managed to take 2 out of 3 at Coors Field last weekend, but their situation remains bleak. They?ve buried themselves in the NL East basement, and their record here at Citizens Bank is appalling (17-27, -$2215). The staff ERA has dropped to 12th in the National League (4.26). Perhaps a return by Roy Halladay will brighten their 2nd half hopes, but right now the Giants look too tempting. They?ve climbed ahead of LA in the NL West, and they?ve been an excellent money-maker vs. lefties in all settings (+$1050). They?ll see at least one southpaw un this series. BEST BET: Giants vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The NL Central is turning into a terrific race, and the Reds are right in the thick of it. They?ve used the same five starters in every game this year, all of whom are righthanders, and they?ll be in against a Milwaukee team that has dropped a bundle in that situation (only 30-34, -$1030). Cincinnati has already taken 4 of 6 from Milwaukee in head to head play (+$200) and we expect them to take at least 2 out of 3 here. BEST BET: Reds in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at N.Y. Mets (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Dodgers are still standing after a rough month of June, as their pitching staff continues to hold up well (3.32 team ERA, 2nd best in the NL). They dropped 3 of 4 to New York when they squared off in LA (-$230), but the Mets are stumbling as the 2nd half gets underway (2-5, -$450 last 10 days). They?ve dominated righthanders fairly consistently, but they?ve floundered against lefties (21-20, -$745). They won?t have to tangle with Clay Kershaw, but former Met Chris Capuano is having a huge comeback year (+$515, 2.75 ERA). We?ll take him vs. his former club. BEST BET: Capuano.
Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Cubs had a nice weekend at Wrigley Field following the All-Star break, dispatching the Diamondbacks in three straight games. But they?ve been an absolute disaster on the road this season (only 14-32, -$1060) and we expect the Cardinals to fare well this weekend at Busch Stadium. St. Louis is within easy striking distance of Pittsburgh and Cincinnati in the NL Central, and they still own the top team BA in the league (.274). They own a 15-9 mark vs. southpaws (+$350 with 5.8 runs per game), so use them when Chicago sends one to the mound. BEST BET: Cardinals vs. lefthanders.
Houston at Arizona (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Diamondbacks headed into the All-Star break in decent position to make a run at the Giants & Dodgers, but they had a disastrous weekend at Wrigley (0-3, -$330), driving them well under .500. The good news is that they?ve performed well at Chase Field vs. lefties (12-6, +$440) and they have a chance to beat up on a Houston team that is 9-35 outside of Minute Maid Park (-$2130). The Astros are near the bottom of the league in pitching (4.46 ERA) and hitting (.242) at this time. BEST BET: Diamondbacks vs. lefthanders.
Colorado at San Diego (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
Two teams slugging it out to avoid the NL West basement offers little to be enthused about. The Padres can?t score runs (.234 team BA, worst in the league) but their pitching is far superior to Colorado?s (3.92 vs. 5.35 for the Rockies), so they have a clear edge in that regard. But they?re well under .500 at Petco Park (-$885) and the Rockies are generating quite a bit of offense (4.9 runs per game). We?ll stay away from this one for now. BEST BET: None.
Baltimore at Cleveland (4) 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Orioles did lose 3 out of 4 to the Tribe earlier (-$285), but they?ve proved to be a profitable and tenacious squad at this point (+$1180) and we like their chances here at Progressive Field. The Indians are close in the AL Central, but their pitching is poor (4.53 ERA, 2nd worst in the AL) and they?ve dropped a bundle against lefthanders at home (3-8, -$665). Not sure if the O?s will send a southpaws to the mound in this series, but if they do we?ll take a shot with the visitor. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Indians.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Tigers may be ready to make a move in the AL Central, winning 7 of their last 8 (+$570 with a 3.33 ERA and averaging 6.3 runs per game on offense). But the White Sox are having a surprisingly good year with Robin Ventura at the helm, with a very impressive 20-11 mark vs. righthanders on the road (+$1200). Avoid Justin Verlander, who looks unhittable, but the rest of the Detroit staff is fair game. BEST BET: White Sox vs. all righthanders except Verlander.
Toronto at Boston (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Blue Jays do not have a set itching staff at the moment (4.46 team ERA), but considering how poorly the Red Sox have fared vs. righthanders here at Fenway Park (11-20, -$1570), we?ll be looking to use the visitor in any event. They?ve been an excellent run producer in 2012, averaging 5.0 runs per game, and the Boston pitching is nothing to get excited about (6.61 ERA among starters in the past 10 days). We should get some attractive price on the visitor. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Seattle at Tampa Bay (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Rays will be in a fight for one of the two AL Wildcard slots, now that New York has taking such a commanding lead in the division. They?ve already taken all four head to head contests with the hapless Mariners (+$400), but we see a nice opportunity to make some money with the visitor. Jason Vargas has eked out a profit in 2012 (+$205 in 19 starts) and is likely to take as turn at Tropicana Field this weekend. Tampa Bay is only 11-18 vs. lefties (-$795), averaging a disappointing 3.9 runs per game. BEST BET: J. Vargas.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
For all their woes in 2012 this series looks like a good opportunity for the Twins to pull out of last place in the AL Central. They?ve already topped the Royals in 6 of 9 head to head contests (+$370) and they?ve managed to turn a modest profit outside of Target Field (+$460). Kansas City has had a disastrous time at Kaufman Stadium, posting a miserable 15-25 record so far (-$1115). Their pitchers have been terrible in recent days (7.48 ERA among starters in their last 7) so take a shot with the Twins, who appear well positioned to take 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Twins in all games.
Texas at L.A. Angels (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
This looks like a juicy matchup, as the Angels look to narrow that five game gap with Texas in the AL West. The Rangers are having a fine year, but they?ve not been scoring runs in the past few days (2.4 per game in their last 7) and they?ll be running to some quality arms when they visit Anaheim. Jered Weaver was roughed up a bit by the Yankees in his last start, but his numbers put him on track for Cy Young contention (+$875, 2.26 ERA). We should get him at a decent price vs. 1st place Texas. BEST BET: Jr. Weaver.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 23
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Pirates show no signs of letting up as August approaches, and they?ll get several more shots vs. the Cubs before the season is through (3-0, +$300 so far). They?ve been profitable in all settings (+$1885 overall), while the Cubs have floundered (36-52, -$795 with only 3.7 runs per game). Look for the home team to come away with at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Milwaukee at Philadelphia (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Phillies have dropped a fortune in 2012 (-$2565) and they continue to flounder in last place in the NL East. They?ve not fared well here at Citizens Bank, but we?re not excited by the Brewers either. Milwaukee is only 18-24 as a visitor (-$820) so we?ll stay on the sidelines for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Atlanta at Miami (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Marlins have been a big disappointment in 2012 (-$1090 overall) and they?ll have their hands full when the Braves roll into town. Atlanta has been heating up (7-0, +$735 last 10 days), and they?ve already beaten Miami in 4 of 5 (+$360). They?re 26-17 outside of Turner Field (+$1180) and they need to keep winning if they hope to overtake the Nationals. PREFERRED: Braves in all games.
Washington at N.Y. Mets (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Nationals have taken 4 of 6 from the Mets already (+$195) and they?ve been an excellent money-maker in their road games (+$825). They have a nice edge on the Mets in team ERA (3.16 vs. 4.05 for New York) and we expect to see Gio Gonzalez on the mound at CitiField (+$945, 2.93 ERA in 18 starts). The Mets are 12-20 (-$745) vs. lefties so far. PREFERRED: G. Gonzalez.
Cincinnati at Houston (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Astros have done dome damage vs. lefthanders here at Minute Maid Park, but they?ll not get a chance to improve on that record vs. the all-righty Reds? rotation. On the other hand, Houston is only 22-42 vs. righties this year (-$1505) so we?ll stick with the better team locked in as tight division race. PREFERRED: Reds in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at St. Louis (4) 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th
The Cardinals lost a three game set at LA earlier this year (-$345) and they?ve been a lousy proposition here at Busch Stadium (-$755). The Dodgers are blessed with one of the best pitching staffs in MLB (3.32 ERA), which has helped them overcome a weak offense. If we can get the visitor at a decent underdog price we?ll gladly take a shot. PREFERRED: Dodgers at +120 or better.
Colorado at Arizona (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
We?d like to take a shot with the visiting Rockies in this series, considering Arizona?s poor recent play. But their pitching is just sorrowful (5.25 team ERA) and for all their ups and downs the D?backs have been effective vs. lefthanders here at Chase Field (12-6, +$440 with 5.3 runs per game). We?ll stick with Arizona under the circumstances. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. lefthanders.
San Diego at San Francisco (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Padres have turned a nice profit on the road against righties (+$500) while the Giants are in the red vs. righties in all settings (31-31, -$360). But SF kills lefties (18-9, +$1050) while San Diego checks in with a 9-21 mark vs. southpaws (-$1115). We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Giants when lefty meets lefty/ Padres when righty meets righty.
Boston at Texas (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Red Sox dropped a pair to Texas earlier this year (-$215) but they have an 18-10 record vs. lefthanders (+$605), averaging 5.4 runs per game in those contests. The Rangers are commanding very high prices at the moment, particularly when they play at Arlington, so we?re getting solid value with the visitor when the situation is promising. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. lefthanders.
Minnesota at Chicago W. Sox (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
Francisco Liriano pitched a fantastic game against the A?s to start the 2nd half, striking out 15 (2.45 ERA in his last two starts). The Twins have been profitable on the road (+$460) while the White Sox have not been at their best vs. lefties (-$295 with only 3.7 runs per game). PREFERRED: Liriano.
Kansas City at L.A. Angels (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Royals have already taken 2 of 3 from LA in head to head play (+$240) and they?ve turned a fat profit in their road games (+$920). The Angels are still in the red here at Anaheim (-$340) so there?s no reason not to stick with the visitor at the right price as long as they?re winning as a visitor. PREFERRED: Royals at +150 or better.
N.Y. Yankees at Seattle (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Yankees average nearly one extra run per game on offense over the Mariners and they?ve been a bargain for their backers on the road (27-17, +$910). Seattle doesn?t stand much of a chance here at Safeco, considering their record at home (17-27, -$1190). Stick with the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 24
Oakland at Toronto (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Athletics are quietly sneaking up on their AL West competition, (5-1, +$400 last 10 days) and if they stay hot they could overtake the Angels for a wildcard berth. Their pitching is better than Toronto?s (3.38 ERA vs. 4.46 for the Blue Jays) and none of the home team?s starters give us much cause for the concern. Stick with the road team at Rogers Centre. PREFERRED: Athletics in all games.
Tampa Bay at Baltimore (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Rays continue to flounder against lefthanders (11-18, -$795 with only 3.9 runs per game) and the Orioles have gotten a nice return on Wei-Yin Chen (+$630, 3.80 ERA In 18 starts). He?s due to take a turn at Camden Yards vs. Tampa Bay and we?ll be on board when he goes. PREFERRED: W. Chen.
Detroit at Cleveland (3) 24th, 25th, 26th
The Indians have been a thorn in Detroit?s side this year, compiling an impressive 5-1 record in their head to head contests (+$555). They?ve consistently pounded righthanders in all settings (+$990) and we?ll continue to go against Detroit until their numbers improve (Tigers -$1245 so far in 2012). PREFERRED: Indians vs. all righthanders except Verlander.
