BEGINNING THURSDAY JULY 26
Pittsburgh at Houston (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
This has been a sensational year for the long suffering Pirates (+$2300 tops in MLB) as they fight for their first post-season berth in over two decades. They own a 6-1 mark against the Astros in head to head play (+$455) and their staff ERA (3.52) is over a full run lower than Houston?s (4.69). The Astros have turned a profit at Minute Maid Park, but they are only 23-47 vs. righthanders (-$1790) and they?ll see some tough ones when the Bucs come in for the weekend. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Astros.
Washington at Milwaukee (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Nationals showed considerable fortitude for a young team when they bounced back for two wins vs. the Braves in last weekend?s four game set, after blowing a nine run lead in the opener. They?ve been very profitable on the road this year (+$720) and they have a significant advantage over the Brewers in team ERA (3.28 for Washington, tops in the majors, vs. 4.20 for Milwaukee). Jordan Zimmermann has posted the best numbers of any member of the Nats? rotation (2.35 in 19 starts). The Brewers are only 32-38 vs. righties (-$1185) and they?ve lost money at Miller Park (-$285) so we like his chances. BEST BET: Zimmermann.
N.Y. Mets at Arizona (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Mets were in a nice position coming out of the All-Star break, but they?ve hit the skids since play resumed (1-8, -$800 last 10 days with a 6.83 ERA among starters) so their hopes for a playoff appearance have dimmed. The Diamondbacks appear destined to finish out of the money as well, falling well off the pace in the competitive NL West. But Arizona has a 13-6 mark vs. lefties at Chase Field (+$540 with 5.6 runs per game) so we?ll take a shot vs. Jonathan Niese, who?s due to take a turn. BEST BET: Diamondbacks vs. Niese.
Kansas City at Seattle (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Mariners took 3 out of 4 at Kaufman Stadium (+$225) but the Royals have been an outstanding betting proposition on the road (+$920), so caution is advised. In addition, Seattle has been a disaster here at Safeco, checking in with a 17-27 record so far (+$1190). It?s still difficult to make a convincing case for the visitor, considering how ineffective their pitching has been (4.43 ERA, 4th worst in the AL). Two last place teams heading into the late stages of another lost year, we?ll stay away. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 27
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Cardinals are still in a decent position in the NL East standings. The Reds & Pirates are teams unaccustomed to pennant chases, and St. Louis is just five games off the pace. But they?ve performed poorly on the road this year (-$315) and the Cubs check in with a 17-11 record in day games at Wrigley Field (+$690). All three of these contests are scheduled to take place in the afternoon. Chicago has a winning record since the break (5-4, +$135) and they would love to derail the chances of the defending champs. Look for them to grab at least 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Cubs in all games.
San Diego at Miami (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Marlins were expected to compete in 2012, but they?ve been a major disappointment (44-51 overall including a 28-37 record vs. righthanders (-$1400). The Padres have managed to turn a profit on the road vs. righties (+$500) and they?ve been playing rather well in recent days (7-3, +$455 with 5.2 runs per game since the break). For a losing team they have a respectable team ERA (3.80) so we?ll take a shot when the matchup looks most favorable. BEST BET: Padres when righty meets righty.
Philadelphia at Atlanta (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Braves had a chance to lower the hammer on Washington at Nationals Park last weekend, but they dropped the last two games of their series after winning the first two. They?ve been a very good team overall, but their pitching is thin (6.74 ERA among starters since the All-Star break) and their numbers vs. lefthanders are pitiful, particularly here at Turner Field (6-12, -$910). Cliff Lee (3.72) and Cole Hamels (3.23) are both likely to see action. Considering how deep the Phillies have buried themselves in the NL East, prices on the two Philly lefties won?t be too bad. BEST BET: Lee/Hamels.
Cincinnati at Colorado (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Reds are sizzling hot right now (8-2, +$525 last 10 days) as they battle it out with Pittsburgh in the NL Central. This trip to Coors Field affords them an opportunity to fatten up at the expense of a struggling Colorado franchise. The Rockies are in free-fall (3-6, -$300 since the All-Star break), with horrendous pitching (5.30 ERA, by far the worst in the majors) and staggering losses on the year (-$1880). Cincy is getting terrific pitching (3.33 ERA, 3rd best in the league) and we?d be very surprised if they failed to take at least 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Reds in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Dodgers have surrendered 1st place in the NL West to the GIants, and they are hanging on by a thread to their post-season hopes. Their pitching has helped keep them, viable (.330 ERA, 2nd best in the NL) , but they are still only averaging 3.9 runs per game on offense. San Francisco is 7-2 in the last 10 days (+$575) and they?ve posted a 20-9 mark vs. lefties so far in 2012 (+$1275). We like their chances if opposed by any of LA?s southpaws this weekend. BEST BET: GIants vs. lefthanders.
Detroit at Toronto (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
It took a while, but the Tigers appear to be making their move in the AL Central, posting an 8-2 record since the All-Star break (+$565). They?ve turned a nice profit on the road vs. righties (+$340) and their pitching has been steadily improving. The Blue Jays were dealt another blow in this injury plagued season when Jose Bautista went on the DL with a wrist injury. The team has been terrible in night games at Rogers Centre (-$66) so we??ll take a shot if circumstances permit. BEST BET: Tigers vs. righthanders in night games.
Oakland at Baltimore (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Athletics are making a serious and unexpected run at the playoff spot, fueled by an amazing young pitching staff that is getting hot at the perfect time (3.358 ERA, best in the American League this year). They?ve been a solid moneymaker on the road (+$725) and the Orioles, for all their success this year. are in the red vs. righties here Camden Yards (-$455). We?ll try to cash a couple of tickets with the visitor. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Orioles.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Sox are only a .500 team as August draws near and they are just 1-5 (-$475) in head to head play vs. the Yankees. So we expect NY to do well this weekend. They?ve turned a profit in the Bronx, but since prices are always high their profits tend to be slim. But they?ve looked very sharp vs. lefties (+$640 with 5.5 runs per game) and Jon Lester (-$1250, 5.46 ERA) had another terrible start last Sunday. Take the Yankees when he goes. BEST BET: Yankees vs. Lester.
Chicago W. Sox at Texas (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The White Sox are fading (3-7, -$375 last 10 days, averaging just 3.1 runs per game), so a tough trip to Texas comes at a very bad time. The Rangers continue to hold a comfortable lead in the AL West, and they own a 20-8 record vs. righthanders at Arlington (+$520). Chicago?s pitching remains suspect (5.59 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) so we?ll stick with the superior home team if the price is right. BEST BET: Rangers vs. righthanders at -130 or less.
Cleveland at Minnesota (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Twins have fallen back into last place in the AL Central, and with the worst pitching in the league (4.88 ERA) they could be heading towards the American League?s worst record. The Indians have faltered in recent days (3-7, -$485) but they are 19-12 on the road in night games (+$820) and they are still very close to the division leaders in the standings. They?ll be playing Minnesota quite a bit between now and October, an excellent opportunity to fatten up on a division patsy and possible parlay their success into a playoff spot. BEST BET: Indians in night games.
Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The wildcard race in the AL is shaping up as a multi-team affair, with these two clubs among the leading contenders. The Angels are winless vs. Tampa Bay so far in 2012 (0-3, -$305) and they?ve been a losing proposition here at Anaheim (-$235). The Rays have done very well against righthanders this year (+$475) and they won?t have to worry about leading Cy Young contender Jered Weaver who is not due to take a turn. Tampa Bay has the 2nd best team ERA in the AL (3.69) and we like their chances against the Angels this weekend. BEST BET: Rays vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 30
Miami at Atlanta (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Braves have topped Miami in 4 of 5 head to head meetings (+$360) and they?ve been big money-makers vs. righthanders this year (+$1335). The Marlins continue to languish well below .500, and their numbers against righthanders have been dreadful in 2012 (-$1400). We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Braves when righty meets righty.
San Diego at Cincinnati (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Reds are clearly a better team, and they did take 3 of 4 from the Padres already this year (+$160). But this is a tricky spot. San Diego is 7-3 since the break (+$455) and they?ve been profitable vs. righthanders outside of Petco Park (+$500). The Reds have no lefties, whom we would gladly use, so we?ll stay away from this series for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Cubs were swept by the Pirates at PNC Park (-$300) and they rank near the bottom of the league in pitching (4.34 ERA) as well as in runs scored (only 3.7 per game so far). They?ve lost money in night games at Wrigley Field (-$305) and there?s no reason to think the surging visitor (+$2300 overall) won?t roll over them in this series. PREFERRED: Pirates in night games.
Houston at Milwaukee (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Astros are now a laughably bad 10-41 on the road (-$2515) and they?ve lost 9 of 10 since returning to action after the All-Star break (-$785 with only 2.6 runs per game and a 6.69 ERA among starters). The Brewers have averaged 5.2 runs per game vs. righties at Miller Park so far. PREFERRED: Brewers vs. righthanders.
Arizona at L.A. Dodgers (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Diamondbacks could use a sweep if they hope to return to the post-season. But they?ve posted a 4-10 record vs. lefthanders outside of Chase Field (-$615 with 3.1 runs per game), while the Dodgers check in with an 11-4 mark vs. lefties here at Chavez Ravine (+$690). PREFERRED: Dodgers when lefty meets lefty.
N.Y. Mets at San Francisco (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Mets have a strong record vs. righties (+$1040) but they?ve lost money taking on southpaws (-$825). The Giants are the opposite case (-$350 vs. righties, +$1275 vs. lefthanders). We?ll look for the right matchups before jumping in. PREFERRED: Mets when righty meets righty/Giants when lefty meets lefty.
Baltimore at N.Y. Yankees (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Orioles saw a 10 game deficit with the Yankees turn into a six game shortfall when the Yankees dropped a four game set at Oakland while Baltimore was smoking the Indians. The O?s have been sensational outside of Camden Yards (+$1555) and they?ll no doubt be a terrific value against overpriced New York in these games. PREFERRED: Orioles at +140 or better.
Detroit at Boston (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The home teams losses vs. righthanders here at Fenway Park have been staggering (12-23, -$1970) and the Tigers are the hottest team in the league at the moment (8-2, +$565 in their last 10). Detroit is 19-14 vs. righthanders on the road in 2012 (+$340). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
L.A. Angels at Texas (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
Jered Weaver has been the pitcher of the year in the American League (+$975, 2.20 ERA in 17 starts) and as good as Texas is, they lack a pitcher with those credentials. He stopped this team at Anaheim last week, and we like his chances to do it again here at Arlington. PREFERRED: Jr. Weaver.
Chicago W. Sox at Minnesota (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The White Sox are 4-2 vs. the Twins in head to head play (+$140) and after a stretch of difficult opponents they could use a weak club to beat up on. Minnesota is only 19-30 at Target Field (-$1065) and Chicago has been outstanding in the role of visitor (+$730). PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Tampa Bay at Oakland (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
People will start noticing the Athletics after that remarkable four game sweep over the Yankees last week. They?ve cleaned up in this ballpark (+$1050) and they took 2 of 3 from this team at Tropicana Field (+$200). The Rays are only 11-19 vs. lefties (-$945 with only 3.8 runs per game) so take a shot with Tommy Milone (+$710, 3.34 ERA), who?s due to take a turn. PREFERRED: Milone.
Toronto at Seattle (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Mariners have a dismal record at Safeco Field this season (only 17-27, -$1190) and the Blue Jays average a healthy 4.9 runs per game on offense. But Toronto is coping with a decimated rotation (4.44 team ERA, 3rd worst in the AL) and they?ve lost money on the road (-$200). We?ll pass for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 31
Philadelphia at Washington (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The first place Nationals are 4-2 vs. the last place Phillies (+$240), which seems odd considering how these teams fared in the years prior to 2012. The visitor has been terrible vs. lefties (11-20, -$1415 with 3.3 runs per game) and Washington has a solid duo in Ross Detwiler (+$450, 3.29) and Gio Gonzalez (+$815, 3.32), at least one of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Detwiler/G. Gonzalez.
St. Louis at Colorado (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Cardinals have had a hard time coping with righties this year, so caution is advised. But they are 16-10 against southpaws (+$335) averaging a robust 5.7 runs per game in those contests. The Rockies have been big money-burners at Coors Field (-$1200) and we?ll look for more of the same. PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. lefthanders.
Cleveland at Kansas City (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Indians have a chance to shake themselves out of the doldrums when they take on the Royals at Kaufman Stadium. Kansas City has dropped a bundle in this ballpark (-$1565) and the Tribe has turned a nice profit on the road in night games (+$820). All three of these games are scheduled to take place in the evening so we?ll back the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Pittsburgh at Houston (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
This has been a sensational year for the long suffering Pirates (+$2300 tops in MLB) as they fight for their first post-season berth in over two decades. They own a 6-1 mark against the Astros in head to head play (+$455) and their staff ERA (3.52) is over a full run lower than Houston?s (4.69). The Astros have turned a profit at Minute Maid Park, but they are only 23-47 vs. righthanders (-$1790) and they?ll see some tough ones when the Bucs come in for the weekend. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Astros.
Washington at Milwaukee (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Nationals showed considerable fortitude for a young team when they bounced back for two wins vs. the Braves in last weekend?s four game set, after blowing a nine run lead in the opener. They?ve been very profitable on the road this year (+$720) and they have a significant advantage over the Brewers in team ERA (3.28 for Washington, tops in the majors, vs. 4.20 for Milwaukee). Jordan Zimmermann has posted the best numbers of any member of the Nats? rotation (2.35 in 19 starts). The Brewers are only 32-38 vs. righties (-$1185) and they?ve lost money at Miller Park (-$285) so we like his chances. BEST BET: Zimmermann.
N.Y. Mets at Arizona (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Mets were in a nice position coming out of the All-Star break, but they?ve hit the skids since play resumed (1-8, -$800 last 10 days with a 6.83 ERA among starters) so their hopes for a playoff appearance have dimmed. The Diamondbacks appear destined to finish out of the money as well, falling well off the pace in the competitive NL West. But Arizona has a 13-6 mark vs. lefties at Chase Field (+$540 with 5.6 runs per game) so we?ll take a shot vs. Jonathan Niese, who?s due to take a turn. BEST BET: Diamondbacks vs. Niese.
Kansas City at Seattle (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Mariners took 3 out of 4 at Kaufman Stadium (+$225) but the Royals have been an outstanding betting proposition on the road (+$920), so caution is advised. In addition, Seattle has been a disaster here at Safeco, checking in with a 17-27 record so far (+$1190). It?s still difficult to make a convincing case for the visitor, considering how ineffective their pitching has been (4.43 ERA, 4th worst in the AL). Two last place teams heading into the late stages of another lost year, we?ll stay away. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 27
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Cardinals are still in a decent position in the NL East standings. The Reds & Pirates are teams unaccustomed to pennant chases, and St. Louis is just five games off the pace. But they?ve performed poorly on the road this year (-$315) and the Cubs check in with a 17-11 record in day games at Wrigley Field (+$690). All three of these contests are scheduled to take place in the afternoon. Chicago has a winning record since the break (5-4, +$135) and they would love to derail the chances of the defending champs. Look for them to grab at least 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Cubs in all games.
San Diego at Miami (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Marlins were expected to compete in 2012, but they?ve been a major disappointment (44-51 overall including a 28-37 record vs. righthanders (-$1400). The Padres have managed to turn a profit on the road vs. righties (+$500) and they?ve been playing rather well in recent days (7-3, +$455 with 5.2 runs per game since the break). For a losing team they have a respectable team ERA (3.80) so we?ll take a shot when the matchup looks most favorable. BEST BET: Padres when righty meets righty.
Philadelphia at Atlanta (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Braves had a chance to lower the hammer on Washington at Nationals Park last weekend, but they dropped the last two games of their series after winning the first two. They?ve been a very good team overall, but their pitching is thin (6.74 ERA among starters since the All-Star break) and their numbers vs. lefthanders are pitiful, particularly here at Turner Field (6-12, -$910). Cliff Lee (3.72) and Cole Hamels (3.23) are both likely to see action. Considering how deep the Phillies have buried themselves in the NL East, prices on the two Philly lefties won?t be too bad. BEST BET: Lee/Hamels.
Cincinnati at Colorado (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Reds are sizzling hot right now (8-2, +$525 last 10 days) as they battle it out with Pittsburgh in the NL Central. This trip to Coors Field affords them an opportunity to fatten up at the expense of a struggling Colorado franchise. The Rockies are in free-fall (3-6, -$300 since the All-Star break), with horrendous pitching (5.30 ERA, by far the worst in the majors) and staggering losses on the year (-$1880). Cincy is getting terrific pitching (3.33 ERA, 3rd best in the league) and we?d be very surprised if they failed to take at least 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Reds in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Dodgers have surrendered 1st place in the NL West to the GIants, and they are hanging on by a thread to their post-season hopes. Their pitching has helped keep them, viable (.330 ERA, 2nd best in the NL) , but they are still only averaging 3.9 runs per game on offense. San Francisco is 7-2 in the last 10 days (+$575) and they?ve posted a 20-9 mark vs. lefties so far in 2012 (+$1275). We like their chances if opposed by any of LA?s southpaws this weekend. BEST BET: GIants vs. lefthanders.
Detroit at Toronto (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
It took a while, but the Tigers appear to be making their move in the AL Central, posting an 8-2 record since the All-Star break (+$565). They?ve turned a nice profit on the road vs. righties (+$340) and their pitching has been steadily improving. The Blue Jays were dealt another blow in this injury plagued season when Jose Bautista went on the DL with a wrist injury. The team has been terrible in night games at Rogers Centre (-$66) so we??ll take a shot if circumstances permit. BEST BET: Tigers vs. righthanders in night games.
Oakland at Baltimore (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Athletics are making a serious and unexpected run at the playoff spot, fueled by an amazing young pitching staff that is getting hot at the perfect time (3.358 ERA, best in the American League this year). They?ve been a solid moneymaker on the road (+$725) and the Orioles, for all their success this year. are in the red vs. righties here Camden Yards (-$455). We?ll try to cash a couple of tickets with the visitor. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Orioles.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Sox are only a .500 team as August draws near and they are just 1-5 (-$475) in head to head play vs. the Yankees. So we expect NY to do well this weekend. They?ve turned a profit in the Bronx, but since prices are always high their profits tend to be slim. But they?ve looked very sharp vs. lefties (+$640 with 5.5 runs per game) and Jon Lester (-$1250, 5.46 ERA) had another terrible start last Sunday. Take the Yankees when he goes. BEST BET: Yankees vs. Lester.
Chicago W. Sox at Texas (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The White Sox are fading (3-7, -$375 last 10 days, averaging just 3.1 runs per game), so a tough trip to Texas comes at a very bad time. The Rangers continue to hold a comfortable lead in the AL West, and they own a 20-8 record vs. righthanders at Arlington (+$520). Chicago?s pitching remains suspect (5.59 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) so we?ll stick with the superior home team if the price is right. BEST BET: Rangers vs. righthanders at -130 or less.
Cleveland at Minnesota (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Twins have fallen back into last place in the AL Central, and with the worst pitching in the league (4.88 ERA) they could be heading towards the American League?s worst record. The Indians have faltered in recent days (3-7, -$485) but they are 19-12 on the road in night games (+$820) and they are still very close to the division leaders in the standings. They?ll be playing Minnesota quite a bit between now and October, an excellent opportunity to fatten up on a division patsy and possible parlay their success into a playoff spot. BEST BET: Indians in night games.
Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The wildcard race in the AL is shaping up as a multi-team affair, with these two clubs among the leading contenders. The Angels are winless vs. Tampa Bay so far in 2012 (0-3, -$305) and they?ve been a losing proposition here at Anaheim (-$235). The Rays have done very well against righthanders this year (+$475) and they won?t have to worry about leading Cy Young contender Jered Weaver who is not due to take a turn. Tampa Bay has the 2nd best team ERA in the AL (3.69) and we like their chances against the Angels this weekend. BEST BET: Rays vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 30
Miami at Atlanta (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Braves have topped Miami in 4 of 5 head to head meetings (+$360) and they?ve been big money-makers vs. righthanders this year (+$1335). The Marlins continue to languish well below .500, and their numbers against righthanders have been dreadful in 2012 (-$1400). We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Braves when righty meets righty.
San Diego at Cincinnati (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Reds are clearly a better team, and they did take 3 of 4 from the Padres already this year (+$160). But this is a tricky spot. San Diego is 7-3 since the break (+$455) and they?ve been profitable vs. righthanders outside of Petco Park (+$500). The Reds have no lefties, whom we would gladly use, so we?ll stay away from this series for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Cubs were swept by the Pirates at PNC Park (-$300) and they rank near the bottom of the league in pitching (4.34 ERA) as well as in runs scored (only 3.7 per game so far). They?ve lost money in night games at Wrigley Field (-$305) and there?s no reason to think the surging visitor (+$2300 overall) won?t roll over them in this series. PREFERRED: Pirates in night games.
Houston at Milwaukee (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Astros are now a laughably bad 10-41 on the road (-$2515) and they?ve lost 9 of 10 since returning to action after the All-Star break (-$785 with only 2.6 runs per game and a 6.69 ERA among starters). The Brewers have averaged 5.2 runs per game vs. righties at Miller Park so far. PREFERRED: Brewers vs. righthanders.
Arizona at L.A. Dodgers (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Diamondbacks could use a sweep if they hope to return to the post-season. But they?ve posted a 4-10 record vs. lefthanders outside of Chase Field (-$615 with 3.1 runs per game), while the Dodgers check in with an 11-4 mark vs. lefties here at Chavez Ravine (+$690). PREFERRED: Dodgers when lefty meets lefty.
N.Y. Mets at San Francisco (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Mets have a strong record vs. righties (+$1040) but they?ve lost money taking on southpaws (-$825). The Giants are the opposite case (-$350 vs. righties, +$1275 vs. lefthanders). We?ll look for the right matchups before jumping in. PREFERRED: Mets when righty meets righty/Giants when lefty meets lefty.
Baltimore at N.Y. Yankees (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Orioles saw a 10 game deficit with the Yankees turn into a six game shortfall when the Yankees dropped a four game set at Oakland while Baltimore was smoking the Indians. The O?s have been sensational outside of Camden Yards (+$1555) and they?ll no doubt be a terrific value against overpriced New York in these games. PREFERRED: Orioles at +140 or better.
Detroit at Boston (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The home teams losses vs. righthanders here at Fenway Park have been staggering (12-23, -$1970) and the Tigers are the hottest team in the league at the moment (8-2, +$565 in their last 10). Detroit is 19-14 vs. righthanders on the road in 2012 (+$340). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
L.A. Angels at Texas (4) 30th, 31st, 1st, 2nd
Jered Weaver has been the pitcher of the year in the American League (+$975, 2.20 ERA in 17 starts) and as good as Texas is, they lack a pitcher with those credentials. He stopped this team at Anaheim last week, and we like his chances to do it again here at Arlington. PREFERRED: Jr. Weaver.
Chicago W. Sox at Minnesota (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The White Sox are 4-2 vs. the Twins in head to head play (+$140) and after a stretch of difficult opponents they could use a weak club to beat up on. Minnesota is only 19-30 at Target Field (-$1065) and Chicago has been outstanding in the role of visitor (+$730). PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Tampa Bay at Oakland (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
People will start noticing the Athletics after that remarkable four game sweep over the Yankees last week. They?ve cleaned up in this ballpark (+$1050) and they took 2 of 3 from this team at Tropicana Field (+$200). The Rays are only 11-19 vs. lefties (-$945 with only 3.8 runs per game) so take a shot with Tommy Milone (+$710, 3.34 ERA), who?s due to take a turn. PREFERRED: Milone.
Toronto at Seattle (3) 30th, 31st, 1st
The Mariners have a dismal record at Safeco Field this season (only 17-27, -$1190) and the Blue Jays average a healthy 4.9 runs per game on offense. But Toronto is coping with a decimated rotation (4.44 team ERA, 3rd worst in the AL) and they?ve lost money on the road (-$200). We?ll pass for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 31
Philadelphia at Washington (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The first place Nationals are 4-2 vs. the last place Phillies (+$240), which seems odd considering how these teams fared in the years prior to 2012. The visitor has been terrible vs. lefties (11-20, -$1415 with 3.3 runs per game) and Washington has a solid duo in Ross Detwiler (+$450, 3.29) and Gio Gonzalez (+$815, 3.32), at least one of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Detwiler/G. Gonzalez.
St. Louis at Colorado (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Cardinals have had a hard time coping with righties this year, so caution is advised. But they are 16-10 against southpaws (+$335) averaging a robust 5.7 runs per game in those contests. The Rockies have been big money-burners at Coors Field (-$1200) and we?ll look for more of the same. PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. lefthanders.
Cleveland at Kansas City (3) 31st, 1st, 2nd
The Indians have a chance to shake themselves out of the doldrums when they take on the Royals at Kaufman Stadium. Kansas City has dropped a bundle in this ballpark (-$1565) and the Tribe has turned a nice profit on the road in night games (+$820). All three of these games are scheduled to take place in the evening so we?ll back the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
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