BASEBALL
BEGINNING THURSDAY APRIL 25
Cincinnati at Washington (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Nats are considered to be top playoff contenders, but their numbers so far in 2013 have been less than spectacular. Their highly regarded pitching staff has the 10th ranked ERA in the NL (4.16) and their team BA ranks a mediocre 9th (.244). They lost 2 of 3 to this team at Great American Ballpark and the Reds are no pushovers. They?ve been successful vs. lefties (5-2, +$245 with 6.1 runs per game on offense) and they?ll get a shot at Gio Gonzalez, who?s been getting shellacked in recent outings (12.00 ERA last two). Cincy?s pitching has been strong (3.58 ERA) and they?ll catch some nice prices here in Washington. BEST BET: Reds vs. G. Gonzalez.
Chicago Cubs at Miami (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
Two of baseball?s worst square off in a four game set, and we?ll take a good look at the visitor. Miami has been as abysmal as everyone expected they would be (.212 BA. 4.53 team ERA, at or near the bottom of the league in both departments). Chicago isn?t a team to get excited about, but their starting pitching has been decent (3.67 ERA) and they?ve gotten a nice boost from Travis Wood, who?s compiled a 1.83 ERA in his first three outings. The Marlins are a dismal 1-8 vs. lefthanders (-$665 with only 1.2 runs per game) so take a shot with the Chicago southpaw. BEST BET: T. Wood.
Colorado at Arizona (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
No one expected the Rockies to own the best record in baseball at this point, but a powerful offense (.284 BA, averaging almost 6.0 runs per game) and respectable work from the starting staff (3.80 team ERA) has propelled them to the top of the competitive NL West. They did a number on the Diamondbacks at Coors Field last weekend, taking 2 of 3 from their division foe. Arizona checks in with a 2.5 record vs. lefties (-$350) and we like what we?ve seen from Jorge DeLaRosa, who checks in with a 2.82 ERA after four starts. Take a shot when he?s on the hill. BEST BET: DeLaRosa.
Houston at Boston (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Astros are in the AL and so far they?ve allowed their opponents to fatten up, and we expect more of the same this week at Fenway. Houston?s team ERA is a disastrous 5.43, by far the worst in either league, while Boston has been getting very good work on the mound thus far (.278 ERA, 2nd best in the AL). The Red Sox have looked very sharp (7-2, 2.221 ERA in their last 10), so they have a chance to build on that success and continue to hold first place in the Eastern Division. But prices are going to be prohibitive, so caution is advised. BEST BET: None.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Yankees took 2 of 3 from this team at Rogers Centre last weekend, and with Toronto stumbling in the early going (4.70 ERA, .232 BA), the Yanks are poised for a good weekend in the Bronx. New York is averaging 6.2 runs per game vs. righthanders (+$270) and their front-line starters are all in top form (Sabathia 2.57, Kuroda 2.35, Pettitte 2.02). At least two of them are expected to see action in the Bronx this weekend. The Blue Jays have already cost their backers a bundle (-$600) and with a shoddy defense they?ll be lucky to salvage a win in this series. BEST BET: Sabathia/Kuroda/Pettitte.
4
Tampa Bay at Chic. W. Sox (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Rays snapped out of their doldrums with an impressive sweep of the Athletics at Tropicana Field, but it?s too early to say if they?ve really turned the corner. Their offense has been anemic (.228 team BA, averaging 3.7 runs per game) and they are only 2-7 on the road so far (-$510). They lost money to Chicago in 2012 (-$220 in head to head play) and they are only 4-9 (-$705) against righthanders. Jake Peavy checks in with a solid 3.20 ERA after four starts, and we like his chances this weekend at US Cellular. BEST BET: Peavy.
Texas at Minnesota (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Rangers have moved to the top slot in the AL West after demolishing the Mariners at Arlington last weekend, outscoring Seattle 23-3 in the three game sweep. They have the best pitching in the league at the moment (2.72), led by the trio of Yu Darvish (2.03 ERA), Alexi Ogando (3.32) and Nick Tepesch (3.07). The Twins have been respectable, but they lost 8 of 10 meetings with Texas last year (-$445). They lost a fortune at Target Field in 2012 (-$1820) and they are averaging just 3.8 runs per game vs. righties. Go with the hot visitor in this one. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Twins.
Baltimore at Oakland (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Athletics endured a rough weekend at Tropicana Field, scoring only five times during the three game sweep. Now they host another hot team from the AL East (Orioles 6-4, +$215 last 10 days). Baltimore has been making headway vs. some very imposing competition, and considering their strong showing on the road in 2012 (+$2730) we like their chances. We expect they?ll be underdogs in all of these games, so if we take them throughout and they manage at least a split we?ll make money. BEST BET: Orioles in all games.
L.A. Angels at Seattle (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Angels lead MLB in team BA (.287), but their lousy pitching (4.81 ERA) has them well below .500 as April winds down. Despite winning 11 of 18 from Seattle in 2012 they lost money (-$385) and they?ve racked up significant losses already this year (-$590). Seattle has a strong duo at the top of the rotation in Felix Hernandez (2.20 ERA) and Hisashi Iwakuma (1.69), but their offense is dreadful (.218 BA) and their backers are in the red (-$730). We?ll stay away from this one for the time being. BEST BET: None
BEGINNING FRIDAY APRIL 26
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Mets dropped 2 of 3 to the Phillies earlier this month, but they turned a nice profit in head to head play last year (+$585) and they?ve been one of the top run produces in the majors so far (5.8 runs per game). The Phillies have struggled at the plate, particularly vs. righthanders (-$450 with just 3.5 runs per game). Their highly regarded starting rotation owns the worst ERA in the league (4.60 ERA), so all signs point towards the Mets in this matchup. Stick with the home team when the matchup looks most favorable. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Phillies.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Pirates had a terrible opening week, but they?ve stormed back into contention, wrapping up a strong week with a three game sweep of Atlanta here at PNC Park last weekend (7-3, +$525 last 10). They turned a nice profit against the Cardinals last year (+$440) but St. Louis has been a competitive team, with the 2nd best team ERA in the league (3.21). Pittsburgh is only 2-4 on the road this year, following a bad showing on the road in 2012 (-$570). We?ll take a closer look at this matchup as game day draws near, but for now we?ll pass. BEST BET: None.
Milwaukee at L.A. Dodgers (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Brewers are the hottest team in baseball at the moment, going on a seven game winning streak after opening the season a disappointing 2-8. The acquisition of Kyle Lohse is paying dividends, as the right-handed free agent checks in with a 2.70 ERA after his first three outings. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have been heading in the opposite direction (3-7, -$740 last 10 days, averaging just 3.0 runs per game with a 5.76 ERA among starters). They had no success against Milwaukee in 2012, dropping six of their seven head to head meetings (-$615). Great opportunity to take a top line pitcher at an attractive road price. BEST BET: Lohse.
San Francisco at San Diego (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Giants made short work of the sad-sack Padres in 2012, en route to a world championship (12-6, +$455) and the way these two teams are going at the moment, we expect a repeat in 2013. San Francisco swept a three game set at ATT Park last weekend, holding the pitiful San Diego attack to just two runs in the series (+$300). The Padres are only 1-5 at Petco Park (-$390) and they?ll be fortunate to salvage a single victory this weekend. And when the Giants? pitching really starts to gel, a sweep is not out of the question. BEST BET: Giants in all games.
Cleveland at Kansas City (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Royals are above .500 as May approaches, and we?re tempted to use them in some of these games. They were very profitable in night games last year (+$1185) and three of these contests will take place in the evening. The Indians are having trouble cobbling together a viable rotation (4.69 team ERA, 4th worst in the American League), with Justin Masterson (1.67 ERA) the only hurler that really concerns us. Cleveland lost money away from Progressive Field in 2012 (-$1020) and to the Royals in head to head play (-$350). BEST BET: Royals unless opposed by Masterson.
Atlanta at Detroit (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Braves were coasting along comfortably, but a bad weekend at PNC Park has brought them back down to earth for the moment. Nevertheless, their pitching has been the best in MLB this year (2.49 ERA). The Tigers are likely to prevail in the AL Central when all is said and done, but they?ve not been profitable (-$335 so far), and despite winning the AL pennant last year they cost their backers a pretty penny (-$1415 overall). Atlanta made a fortune away from Turner Field last year (+$1340) and they are off to another profitable start as visitors (+$375). We?ll grab the road prices on the Braves here at Comerica. BEST BET: Braves in all games.
BEGINNING MONDAY APRIL 29
Washington at Atlanta (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Braves missed an opportunity to open up a fat early lead in the NL East when they suffered a sweep at Pittsburgh last week. They had a terrible time with lefthanders in 2012 (-$1050 at Turner Field) and Washington has a solid duo, at least one of whom should see action in this four game set. PREFERRED: G. Gonzalez/Detwiler.
N.Y. Mets at Miami (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Mets had their way with the Marlins in 2012 (12-6, +$560) and Miami is considerably worse now than they were then (-$830 already this year). New York is averaging 6.3 runs per game vs. righthanders (+$274) and none of the home team?s starters concerns us much. PREFERRED: Mets vs. righthanders.
San Diego at Chicago Cubs (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Padres might be a good play against the inept Cubs here at Wrigley, especially if they start a lefthander (Chicago 0-4, -$400 with 1.3 runs per game vs. southpaws). Clayton Richard should be recovered from the flu that forced him to miss a turn. If so, we?ll get a shot to back the road team. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Cubs.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Pirates are hot, but the Brewers have been sensational in recent days (7-2, +$555 in the last 10 days). They dominated the Bucs in head to head play last year (11-4, +$620) and Pittsburgh lost money outside of PNC Park (-$580). PREFERRED: Brewers in all games.
Cincinnati at St. Louis (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Reds are playing well at Great American Ballpark, but they?ve come up short on the road thus far (1-5, -$515). The Cards have a good pitching staff (3.44) and they are averaging a healthy 5.6 runs per game vs. righties. PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. righthanders.
San Francisco at Arizona (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Diamondbacks are 8-3 against righthanders so far this year (+$485 with 5.1 runs per game on offense) and none of the San Francisco righties are flashing their top form at the moment. Matt Cain has been a disaster in his first four outings (-$490, 7.15 ERA) so stick with the home team when he takes the hill at Chase Field. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. Cain.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Rockies had an eight game winning streak snapped last week, but they remain firmly atop the NL West, boasting an impressive 10-3 record vs. righties (+$745 with 6.2 runs per game). LA is averaging a pitiful 3.0 runs per game, worse than every team in the NL with the exception of Miami. We could see very favorable prices on the visitor. PREFERRED: Rockies vs. righthanders.
Houston at N.Y. Yankees (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Yankees are hitting well (5.3 runs per game on offense) and they have a chance to beat up on a terrible Houston team (5.40 ERA,worst in the majors). Bud Norris, Houston?s only decent hurler, was roughed up the last time out, so we?ll stick with New York throughout. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
Minnesota at Detroit (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Twins turned a profit against this team in 2012 (+$375) and they are off to a strong start in April (+$405 already). The Tigers lost money at Comerica last year, and they are only 1-3 (-$340) vs. southpaws. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Tigers.
L.A. Angels at Oakland (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Angels dropped a bundle to the A?s in 2012 (-$680), and Oakland is on a roll to start the new campaign. The Athletics are 4-0 against lefthanders (+$475 with 8.5 runs per game) and none of the LA southpaws give us much cause for concern at the moment. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. lefthanders.
Baltimore at Seattle (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Mariners could only manage a single victory against Baltimore in head to head play last year (-$780) and the Orioles are hitting very well at the moment (5.0 runs per game). They made a fortune outside of Camden Yards last year (+$2730) so stick with the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Orioles in all games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY APRIL 30
Boston at Toronto (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Blue Jays turned a nice profit against the Red Sox in 2012 (11-7, +$630) but this setting does not appear favorable. Toronto has been dreadful here at Rogers Centre (5-8, -$645) while the Bosox have been pounding the competition in road games, particularly against righthanders (6-0, +$695). PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Texas (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The White Sox are off to a slow start but we see opportunity for the visitor here at Arlington. Texas was only 3-6 (-$565) vs. Chicago in 2012, and despite a 4-1 mark they are averaging just 3.4 runs per game vs. lefties. The Sox have a quality duo of southpaws, at least one of whom should appear here. PREFERRED: Sale/Quintana.
Tampa Bay at Kansas City (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Rays are only 1-6 on the road vs. righties (-$530) and they lost money to the Royals last season (-$420). KC looks to be vastly improved (3.31 ERA, .264 BA) and they have a trio of arms who look too good to pass up. PREFERRED: Shields/Guthrie/E. Santana.
Philadelphia at Cleveland (2) 30th, 1st
The Indians have been losing consistently here at Progressive Field (-$445) but the Phillies were big losers in inter-league play last season (5-10, -$645) and their pitching has floundered (4.60, worst in the NL). We?ll pass on this two game set. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING THURSDAY APRIL 25
Cincinnati at Washington (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Nats are considered to be top playoff contenders, but their numbers so far in 2013 have been less than spectacular. Their highly regarded pitching staff has the 10th ranked ERA in the NL (4.16) and their team BA ranks a mediocre 9th (.244). They lost 2 of 3 to this team at Great American Ballpark and the Reds are no pushovers. They?ve been successful vs. lefties (5-2, +$245 with 6.1 runs per game on offense) and they?ll get a shot at Gio Gonzalez, who?s been getting shellacked in recent outings (12.00 ERA last two). Cincy?s pitching has been strong (3.58 ERA) and they?ll catch some nice prices here in Washington. BEST BET: Reds vs. G. Gonzalez.
Chicago Cubs at Miami (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
Two of baseball?s worst square off in a four game set, and we?ll take a good look at the visitor. Miami has been as abysmal as everyone expected they would be (.212 BA. 4.53 team ERA, at or near the bottom of the league in both departments). Chicago isn?t a team to get excited about, but their starting pitching has been decent (3.67 ERA) and they?ve gotten a nice boost from Travis Wood, who?s compiled a 1.83 ERA in his first three outings. The Marlins are a dismal 1-8 vs. lefthanders (-$665 with only 1.2 runs per game) so take a shot with the Chicago southpaw. BEST BET: T. Wood.
Colorado at Arizona (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
No one expected the Rockies to own the best record in baseball at this point, but a powerful offense (.284 BA, averaging almost 6.0 runs per game) and respectable work from the starting staff (3.80 team ERA) has propelled them to the top of the competitive NL West. They did a number on the Diamondbacks at Coors Field last weekend, taking 2 of 3 from their division foe. Arizona checks in with a 2.5 record vs. lefties (-$350) and we like what we?ve seen from Jorge DeLaRosa, who checks in with a 2.82 ERA after four starts. Take a shot when he?s on the hill. BEST BET: DeLaRosa.
Houston at Boston (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Astros are in the AL and so far they?ve allowed their opponents to fatten up, and we expect more of the same this week at Fenway. Houston?s team ERA is a disastrous 5.43, by far the worst in either league, while Boston has been getting very good work on the mound thus far (.278 ERA, 2nd best in the AL). The Red Sox have looked very sharp (7-2, 2.221 ERA in their last 10), so they have a chance to build on that success and continue to hold first place in the Eastern Division. But prices are going to be prohibitive, so caution is advised. BEST BET: None.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Yankees took 2 of 3 from this team at Rogers Centre last weekend, and with Toronto stumbling in the early going (4.70 ERA, .232 BA), the Yanks are poised for a good weekend in the Bronx. New York is averaging 6.2 runs per game vs. righthanders (+$270) and their front-line starters are all in top form (Sabathia 2.57, Kuroda 2.35, Pettitte 2.02). At least two of them are expected to see action in the Bronx this weekend. The Blue Jays have already cost their backers a bundle (-$600) and with a shoddy defense they?ll be lucky to salvage a win in this series. BEST BET: Sabathia/Kuroda/Pettitte.
4
Tampa Bay at Chic. W. Sox (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Rays snapped out of their doldrums with an impressive sweep of the Athletics at Tropicana Field, but it?s too early to say if they?ve really turned the corner. Their offense has been anemic (.228 team BA, averaging 3.7 runs per game) and they are only 2-7 on the road so far (-$510). They lost money to Chicago in 2012 (-$220 in head to head play) and they are only 4-9 (-$705) against righthanders. Jake Peavy checks in with a solid 3.20 ERA after four starts, and we like his chances this weekend at US Cellular. BEST BET: Peavy.
Texas at Minnesota (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Rangers have moved to the top slot in the AL West after demolishing the Mariners at Arlington last weekend, outscoring Seattle 23-3 in the three game sweep. They have the best pitching in the league at the moment (2.72), led by the trio of Yu Darvish (2.03 ERA), Alexi Ogando (3.32) and Nick Tepesch (3.07). The Twins have been respectable, but they lost 8 of 10 meetings with Texas last year (-$445). They lost a fortune at Target Field in 2012 (-$1820) and they are averaging just 3.8 runs per game vs. righties. Go with the hot visitor in this one. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Twins.
Baltimore at Oakland (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Athletics endured a rough weekend at Tropicana Field, scoring only five times during the three game sweep. Now they host another hot team from the AL East (Orioles 6-4, +$215 last 10 days). Baltimore has been making headway vs. some very imposing competition, and considering their strong showing on the road in 2012 (+$2730) we like their chances. We expect they?ll be underdogs in all of these games, so if we take them throughout and they manage at least a split we?ll make money. BEST BET: Orioles in all games.
L.A. Angels at Seattle (4) 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th
The Angels lead MLB in team BA (.287), but their lousy pitching (4.81 ERA) has them well below .500 as April winds down. Despite winning 11 of 18 from Seattle in 2012 they lost money (-$385) and they?ve racked up significant losses already this year (-$590). Seattle has a strong duo at the top of the rotation in Felix Hernandez (2.20 ERA) and Hisashi Iwakuma (1.69), but their offense is dreadful (.218 BA) and their backers are in the red (-$730). We?ll stay away from this one for the time being. BEST BET: None
BEGINNING FRIDAY APRIL 26
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Mets dropped 2 of 3 to the Phillies earlier this month, but they turned a nice profit in head to head play last year (+$585) and they?ve been one of the top run produces in the majors so far (5.8 runs per game). The Phillies have struggled at the plate, particularly vs. righthanders (-$450 with just 3.5 runs per game). Their highly regarded starting rotation owns the worst ERA in the league (4.60 ERA), so all signs point towards the Mets in this matchup. Stick with the home team when the matchup looks most favorable. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Phillies.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Pirates had a terrible opening week, but they?ve stormed back into contention, wrapping up a strong week with a three game sweep of Atlanta here at PNC Park last weekend (7-3, +$525 last 10). They turned a nice profit against the Cardinals last year (+$440) but St. Louis has been a competitive team, with the 2nd best team ERA in the league (3.21). Pittsburgh is only 2-4 on the road this year, following a bad showing on the road in 2012 (-$570). We?ll take a closer look at this matchup as game day draws near, but for now we?ll pass. BEST BET: None.
Milwaukee at L.A. Dodgers (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Brewers are the hottest team in baseball at the moment, going on a seven game winning streak after opening the season a disappointing 2-8. The acquisition of Kyle Lohse is paying dividends, as the right-handed free agent checks in with a 2.70 ERA after his first three outings. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have been heading in the opposite direction (3-7, -$740 last 10 days, averaging just 3.0 runs per game with a 5.76 ERA among starters). They had no success against Milwaukee in 2012, dropping six of their seven head to head meetings (-$615). Great opportunity to take a top line pitcher at an attractive road price. BEST BET: Lohse.
San Francisco at San Diego (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Giants made short work of the sad-sack Padres in 2012, en route to a world championship (12-6, +$455) and the way these two teams are going at the moment, we expect a repeat in 2013. San Francisco swept a three game set at ATT Park last weekend, holding the pitiful San Diego attack to just two runs in the series (+$300). The Padres are only 1-5 at Petco Park (-$390) and they?ll be fortunate to salvage a single victory this weekend. And when the Giants? pitching really starts to gel, a sweep is not out of the question. BEST BET: Giants in all games.
Cleveland at Kansas City (4) 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
The Royals are above .500 as May approaches, and we?re tempted to use them in some of these games. They were very profitable in night games last year (+$1185) and three of these contests will take place in the evening. The Indians are having trouble cobbling together a viable rotation (4.69 team ERA, 4th worst in the American League), with Justin Masterson (1.67 ERA) the only hurler that really concerns us. Cleveland lost money away from Progressive Field in 2012 (-$1020) and to the Royals in head to head play (-$350). BEST BET: Royals unless opposed by Masterson.
Atlanta at Detroit (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Braves were coasting along comfortably, but a bad weekend at PNC Park has brought them back down to earth for the moment. Nevertheless, their pitching has been the best in MLB this year (2.49 ERA). The Tigers are likely to prevail in the AL Central when all is said and done, but they?ve not been profitable (-$335 so far), and despite winning the AL pennant last year they cost their backers a pretty penny (-$1415 overall). Atlanta made a fortune away from Turner Field last year (+$1340) and they are off to another profitable start as visitors (+$375). We?ll grab the road prices on the Braves here at Comerica. BEST BET: Braves in all games.
BEGINNING MONDAY APRIL 29
Washington at Atlanta (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Braves missed an opportunity to open up a fat early lead in the NL East when they suffered a sweep at Pittsburgh last week. They had a terrible time with lefthanders in 2012 (-$1050 at Turner Field) and Washington has a solid duo, at least one of whom should see action in this four game set. PREFERRED: G. Gonzalez/Detwiler.
N.Y. Mets at Miami (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Mets had their way with the Marlins in 2012 (12-6, +$560) and Miami is considerably worse now than they were then (-$830 already this year). New York is averaging 6.3 runs per game vs. righthanders (+$274) and none of the home team?s starters concerns us much. PREFERRED: Mets vs. righthanders.
San Diego at Chicago Cubs (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Padres might be a good play against the inept Cubs here at Wrigley, especially if they start a lefthander (Chicago 0-4, -$400 with 1.3 runs per game vs. southpaws). Clayton Richard should be recovered from the flu that forced him to miss a turn. If so, we?ll get a shot to back the road team. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Cubs.
Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Pirates are hot, but the Brewers have been sensational in recent days (7-2, +$555 in the last 10 days). They dominated the Bucs in head to head play last year (11-4, +$620) and Pittsburgh lost money outside of PNC Park (-$580). PREFERRED: Brewers in all games.
Cincinnati at St. Louis (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Reds are playing well at Great American Ballpark, but they?ve come up short on the road thus far (1-5, -$515). The Cards have a good pitching staff (3.44) and they are averaging a healthy 5.6 runs per game vs. righties. PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. righthanders.
San Francisco at Arizona (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Diamondbacks are 8-3 against righthanders so far this year (+$485 with 5.1 runs per game on offense) and none of the San Francisco righties are flashing their top form at the moment. Matt Cain has been a disaster in his first four outings (-$490, 7.15 ERA) so stick with the home team when he takes the hill at Chase Field. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks vs. Cain.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Rockies had an eight game winning streak snapped last week, but they remain firmly atop the NL West, boasting an impressive 10-3 record vs. righties (+$745 with 6.2 runs per game). LA is averaging a pitiful 3.0 runs per game, worse than every team in the NL with the exception of Miami. We could see very favorable prices on the visitor. PREFERRED: Rockies vs. righthanders.
Houston at N.Y. Yankees (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Yankees are hitting well (5.3 runs per game on offense) and they have a chance to beat up on a terrible Houston team (5.40 ERA,worst in the majors). Bud Norris, Houston?s only decent hurler, was roughed up the last time out, so we?ll stick with New York throughout. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
Minnesota at Detroit (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Twins turned a profit against this team in 2012 (+$375) and they are off to a strong start in April (+$405 already). The Tigers lost money at Comerica last year, and they are only 1-3 (-$340) vs. southpaws. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Tigers.
L.A. Angels at Oakland (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Angels dropped a bundle to the A?s in 2012 (-$680), and Oakland is on a roll to start the new campaign. The Athletics are 4-0 against lefthanders (+$475 with 8.5 runs per game) and none of the LA southpaws give us much cause for concern at the moment. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. lefthanders.
Baltimore at Seattle (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Mariners could only manage a single victory against Baltimore in head to head play last year (-$780) and the Orioles are hitting very well at the moment (5.0 runs per game). They made a fortune outside of Camden Yards last year (+$2730) so stick with the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Orioles in all games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY APRIL 30
Boston at Toronto (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Blue Jays turned a nice profit against the Red Sox in 2012 (11-7, +$630) but this setting does not appear favorable. Toronto has been dreadful here at Rogers Centre (5-8, -$645) while the Bosox have been pounding the competition in road games, particularly against righthanders (6-0, +$695). PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Texas (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The White Sox are off to a slow start but we see opportunity for the visitor here at Arlington. Texas was only 3-6 (-$565) vs. Chicago in 2012, and despite a 4-1 mark they are averaging just 3.4 runs per game vs. lefties. The Sox have a quality duo of southpaws, at least one of whom should appear here. PREFERRED: Sale/Quintana.
Tampa Bay at Kansas City (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Rays are only 1-6 on the road vs. righties (-$530) and they lost money to the Royals last season (-$420). KC looks to be vastly improved (3.31 ERA, .264 BA) and they have a trio of arms who look too good to pass up. PREFERRED: Shields/Guthrie/E. Santana.
Philadelphia at Cleveland (2) 30th, 1st
The Indians have been losing consistently here at Progressive Field (-$445) but the Phillies were big losers in inter-league play last season (5-10, -$645) and their pitching has floundered (4.60, worst in the NL). We?ll pass on this two game set. PREFERRED: None.
