BEGINNING THURSDAY MAY 1
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Brewers weren?t on anyone?s radar screen during the off-season, but they?ve blasted their way to the best record in MLB (18-7, +$1145), ranking 2nd best in the NL in both pitching (2.52 team ERA) and hitting (.262 BA). They managed to turn a modest profit vs. the Reds in 2013 (+$265) and we like their chances at Great American Ballpark this weekend. They?ve won 9 out of 10 on the road thus far, averaging 6.0 runs per game in those contests. The Reds are below .500 as May approaches, and they appear vulnerable to Milwaukee?s all-righty rotation (-$355, averaging just 3.4 runs per game so far). BEST BET: Brewers in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Colorado (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mets have been a profitable road team over the past couple of seasons, but they have the lowest team BA in the National League at the moment (.218) and their pitching ranks 11th out of 15 (3.82). The Rockies have been playing well at Coors Field, and their numbers vs. righthanders have been outstanding (+$380, averaging 6.2 runs per game). They?ve generated loads of offense (.293 BA, tops in MLB) so if the prices are reasonable we?ll use them this weekend. BEST BET: Rockies at -120 or less.
BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 2
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Cards continue to struggle at the plate, but their pitching has been exceptional (2.88 ERA), with staff ace Adam Wainwright leading the way (+$335, 1.20 ERA in six starts). The Cubs are already 10 games off the pace in the NL Central (-$715 overall) and they are losing money at Wrigley Field, a problem we saw consistently throughout the 2013 campaign (-$1985). Along with Wainwright, we?ll take a shot with young Michael Wacha, who continues to flash the excellent form we first saw last season. BEST BET: Wainwright/Wacha.
Washington at Philadelphia (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Nats thought they?d have an easier time taking command of the NL East when it appeared the Braves were going to be less formidable. But they are still languishing just above the .500 level, allowing Atlanta to once again dominate within the division. They are hitting reasonably well (.260 overall BA, averaging 5.7 runs per game vs. lefthanders) and it appears they?ll get a taste of both Cliff Lee & Cole Hamels at Citizens Bank this weekend. The Phillies bullpen is awful (4.89 ERA, worst in the NL), so we?ll take the road price against the Philly southpaws. BEST BET: Nationals vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Dodgers at Miami (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Dodgers are getting outstanding pitching at the moment (3.04 team ERA), not bad considering Clayton Kershaw remains unavailable. They?ve gotten solid work from a trio of veteran righthanders in Zach Greinke (2.45 ERA), Josh Beckett (2.45) and Dan Haren (2.03), though it appears not all of them will make an appearance in Miami. Greinke is the only one sure to take a turn, and we like his chances given the Marlins? pathetic numbers vs. righthanders thus far in 2014 (5-13, -$845). BEST BET: Greinke.
San Francisco at Atlanta (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Braves are opening up a comfortable early lead in the NL East (17-7, +$1020) thanks to their best in the league mound corps (2.14 team ERA). Alex Wood, the rotation?s lone lefthander at the moment (Mike Minor is due back soon), has been very sharp in his first five outings (1.54 ERA) and he matches up well against a San Francisco squad that is averaging just 3.3 runs per game vs. lefthanders. Prices may start to climb here at Turner Field, but we still see good value given the proper matchup. BEST BET: A. Wood.
Arizona at San Diego (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Padres have been pitching very well (3.19 ERA, 5th in the NL) but the offense has been a disaster (.221 BA), with the team averaging a pitiful 2.7 runs per game in April). Hopefully this visit by the Diamondbacks to Petco Park will allow them to pick up some ground against their tougher division rivals. Arizona is suffering through a disastrous season thus far (8-20, -$1190) with by far the worst pitching in MLB at this point (5.29 ERA). San Diego dominated the season series in 2013 (12-7, +$695) and should take at least 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Padres in all games
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Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
These teams split a four game set at Tropicana Field a couple of weeks ago, but things might not go so well for the Rays when they venture into the Bronx. They are only 2-6 vs. lefthanders so far this year (-$580 with 2.8 runs per game) and they?ll be facing Vidal Nuno, who?s put together a pair of solid starts since replacing Ivan Nova in the rotation (+$220, 2.89 ERA). Tampa does well vs. righties, but they?ll be squaring off against Japanese phenom Masahiro Tanaka (2.27), who?s struck out 46 batters in five starts while allowing just six walks. BEST BET: Nuno/Tanaka.
Chicago W. Sox at Cleveland (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
All five teams in the AL Central are bunched closely together at the moment, but this might be a chance for the Indians to pick up some ground. Chicago is dead last in team ERA (5.18) and staff ace Chris Sale appears heading for the DL. The Indians are averaging 4.7 runs per game on offense vs. righthanders, and though they dropped 3 of 4 to the White Sox in April, they posted a dominant 17-2 mark in head to head play last season (+$1580). We?ll play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Indians vs. righthanders.
Oakland at Boston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Athletics have fallen out of 1st place in the AL West, courtesy of a sizzling hot Texas club. But they are a very strong team in 2014, with the league?s lowest team ERA (2.86) and we like their chances here at Fenway Park. The Red Sox have been a big loser in their own back yard so far (-$660) and they ended last week with a 6-11 record vs. righthanders (-$830, averaging just 3.6 runs per game). Sonny Gray has emerged as the team?s ace (2.25 ERA in five starts) and we like his chances when he takes his turn. BEST BET: Gray.
Detroit at Kansas City (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Tigers are back in first place in the AL Central, but once again the high prices they generate have rendered them a losing proposition. They lost a fortune in 2013 (-$1515), including a poor showing in head to head play with Kansas City (-$580). The Royals are 6-3 at Kaufman Stadium (+$225) and their team ERA ranks 2nd in the AL (3.10). James Shields is having another terrific campaign (1.91 ERA in five starts) and Detroit is in a hole vs. righties (-$430). We?ll try our luck with the home team?s veteran. BEST BET: Shields.
Baltimore at Minnesota (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Neither of these teams has much in the way of pitching (Orioles 4.33 ERA, Twins 5.00) but Minnesota has been an offensive juggernaut through the first month (5.6 runs per game so far). Baltimore has good numbers vs. righthanders (+$360, 4.9 runs per game) and that?s all they?ll see when they head into Target Field. We?ll hold off on this series for the moment. BEST BET: None.
Seattle at Houston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mariners haven?t gotten much of an upgrade to their offense despite paying big bucks to sign Robinson Cano. Despite his efforts they check in with a measly .224 team BA, and they hold a miserable 4-11 mark vs. righthanders (-$825). The Astros suffered a blow when Scott Feldman landed on the DL, but Colin McHugh has sparkled in two starts (+$290, 0.56 ERA) and he?s expected to take a turn at Minute Maid Park this weekend. BEST BET: McHugh.
Texas at L.A. Angels (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rangers have exploded in recent days (7-3, +$475 last 10) and moved into the top slot in the competitive AL West, They?ll be meeting division rival LA for the first time in 2014, hoping to follow up on the dominant 15-4 record they amassed in head to head play last year (+$1040). The Angels have shown some improvement, but they are still unable to pull themselves over the .500 level. They are only 3-6 at Anaheim (-$505) having lost a considerable sum at home in 2013 as well (-$1985). Under the circumstances, we?ll back the hot road team throughout. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Toronto at Pittsburgh (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Pirates have stumbled out of the gate following last year?s trip to the post-season (10-16, -$725) and they?ll have their hands full vs. an explosive Toronto team that has turned a nice profit on the road in night games (+$345). Toronto does have some pitching concerns (4.45 team ERA), but they are just shy of .500 and still very much a factor in the tightly grouped AL East. With two night games on tap here at PNC Park we?ll look for the visitor to do no worse than a split. BEST BET: Blue Jays in night games.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 5
L.A. Dodgers at Washington (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Dodgers are coming off a disappointing home-stand but they hope to revive their fortunes on the road, where they?ve posted an 8-3 mark in the early going (+$495). They took 5 of the 6 from the Nationals in head to head play last year (+$465) and at least two of veteran righthanders are likely to see action in the nation?s capitol. PREFERRED: Haren/Beckett/Greinke.
San Francisco at Pittsburgh (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Giants check in with a 10-4 record vs. righthanders (+$560, averaging 5.2 runs per game), while Pittsburgh holds an awful 8-15 mark in that situation (-$825 with 3.5 runs per game). San Francisco is a hot team and they have a chance to extend their lead in the NL West. PREFERRED: Giants when righty meets righty.
St. Louis at Atlanta (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Cardinals almost won a championship in 2013 but they couldn?t do a thing when opposing lefthanded pitching (-$1235 with just 3.8 runs per game). This year it has been more of the same (2-4, -$255, averaging 2.5 runs per game) and if Mike Minor is back the Braves will have a pair of southpaws in the rotation moving forward. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Cardinals.
N.Y. Mets at Miami (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mets took 2 out of 3 from this team at CitiField last weekend, and they remain a formidable opponent when playing on the road. They are 6-1 vs. righties as visitors (+$685 averaging 5.8 runs per game) while Miami is only 5-13 vs. righties so far (-$845). Plenty of reason for New York to feel optimistic, having climbed well over .500 to start the year. PREFERRED: Mets when righty meets righty.
Arizona at Milwaukee (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Prices may get prohibitive here at Miller Park, where with the league leading Brewers (18-7, +$1145) squaring off against the sorrowful Diamondbacks, who are only 8-20 (-$1225) and unlikely to escape the NL West basement this year. If we see any sort of price that?s not terribly excessive, we?ll look for current trends to continue. PREFERRED: Brewers at -180 or less.
Minnesota at Cleveland (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Twins took 2 out of 3 from the Tribe at Progressive Field (+$230) and they?ve posted a winning mark on the road vs. righthanders (+$470). They cleaned up for their backers in road games last year (+$845) and they could earn a profitable split vs. the all-righty Cleveland rotation. PREFERRED: Twins in all games.
Houston at Detroit (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Tigers took 6 of 7 from the dreadful Astros in 2013 (+$220), but it?s going to be hard to turn a profit with them in this series, as prices on all three games are likely to exceed 2-1. Houston?s pitching is terrible (4.82 ERA) and the Tigers can hit (.275 BA) so we don?t see taking the road underdog in any case. PREFERRED: None.
Seattle at Oakland (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Athletics have already taken 4 of 6 from the Mariners in 2014 (+$200) and they?ve posted a profitable record vs. righthanders so far (+$225, averaging 5.2 runs per game). Seattle checks in with a 4-11 record vs. righthanders (-$825 with 3.3 runs
per game), so play these accordingly. PREFERRED: Athletics when righty meets righty.
N.Y. Yankees at L.A. Angels (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Yankees took 2 out of 3 from this team in the Bronx last weekend, and this looks like an excellent spot for them to continue their winning ways. They hold an 8-4 record vs. lefthanders (+$455, averaging 5.3 runs per game) and LA?s rotation is loaded with southpaws. The Angels have been a losing proposition at Anaheim over the past two years (-$2490). PREFERRED: Yankees vs. lefthanders.
Toronto at Philadelphia (2) 5th, 6th
Philadelphia at Toronto (2) 7th, 8th
These teams will split four games between Rogers Centre and Citizen?s Bank and the edge seems to be with the hot Philly squad. They?ve been profitable on the road thus far (+$420) while the Jays have dropped 7 of their last 11 (-$395 with a 5.60 ERA among starters). PREFERRED: Phillies in road games.
Chicago W. Sox at Chicago Cubs (2) 5th, 6th
Chicago Cubs at Chicago W. Sox (2) 7th, 8th
The White Sox have the most prolific offense in baseball so far (143 runs scored in their first 26 games) while the Cubs are again mired in last place in the NL Central (-$715, averaging 3.7 runs per game). The Cubs will be fortunate to salvage a victory in either venue. PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Texas at Colorado (2) 5th, 6th
Colorado at Texas (2) 7th, 8th
The Texas Rangers have earned a share of first place in the competitive AL west (7-3, +$475 last 10 days, averaging 5.6 runs per game in those contests). But the Rockies are playing well a t the moment (7-3, +$445 in their last 10), so we?ll stay away from these series until game day draws near. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at San Diego (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Royals head into Petco Park with the 2nd lowest team ERA in the American League (3.09) to square off against a San Diego team that is averaging just 2.7 runs per game so far. The visitor should take at least 2 out of 3 in this series so we?ll back them throughout. PREFERRED: Royals in all games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY MAY 6
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
Very difficult start for the Rays, who find themselves dead last in the AL East standings (11-14, -$810) with much of their heralded mound corps sidelined by injury. The Orioles are faring well as visitors vs. righthanders (+$410) and should catch a decent underdog price here at Tropicana Field. PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Cincinnati at Boston (2) 6th, 7th
The Red Sox have dropped a bundle here at Fenway Park (-$660) and they are 0-3 in inter-league competition already in 2014 (-$505). The Reds are averaging a solid 5.2 runs per game on offense vs. lefties, and there?s a decent chance they?ll face at least one southpaw in this two game set. PREFERRED: Reds vs. lefthanders.
Milwaukee at Cincinnati (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Brewers weren?t on anyone?s radar screen during the off-season, but they?ve blasted their way to the best record in MLB (18-7, +$1145), ranking 2nd best in the NL in both pitching (2.52 team ERA) and hitting (.262 BA). They managed to turn a modest profit vs. the Reds in 2013 (+$265) and we like their chances at Great American Ballpark this weekend. They?ve won 9 out of 10 on the road thus far, averaging 6.0 runs per game in those contests. The Reds are below .500 as May approaches, and they appear vulnerable to Milwaukee?s all-righty rotation (-$355, averaging just 3.4 runs per game so far). BEST BET: Brewers in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Colorado (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mets have been a profitable road team over the past couple of seasons, but they have the lowest team BA in the National League at the moment (.218) and their pitching ranks 11th out of 15 (3.82). The Rockies have been playing well at Coors Field, and their numbers vs. righthanders have been outstanding (+$380, averaging 6.2 runs per game). They?ve generated loads of offense (.293 BA, tops in MLB) so if the prices are reasonable we?ll use them this weekend. BEST BET: Rockies at -120 or less.
BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 2
St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Cards continue to struggle at the plate, but their pitching has been exceptional (2.88 ERA), with staff ace Adam Wainwright leading the way (+$335, 1.20 ERA in six starts). The Cubs are already 10 games off the pace in the NL Central (-$715 overall) and they are losing money at Wrigley Field, a problem we saw consistently throughout the 2013 campaign (-$1985). Along with Wainwright, we?ll take a shot with young Michael Wacha, who continues to flash the excellent form we first saw last season. BEST BET: Wainwright/Wacha.
Washington at Philadelphia (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Nats thought they?d have an easier time taking command of the NL East when it appeared the Braves were going to be less formidable. But they are still languishing just above the .500 level, allowing Atlanta to once again dominate within the division. They are hitting reasonably well (.260 overall BA, averaging 5.7 runs per game vs. lefthanders) and it appears they?ll get a taste of both Cliff Lee & Cole Hamels at Citizens Bank this weekend. The Phillies bullpen is awful (4.89 ERA, worst in the NL), so we?ll take the road price against the Philly southpaws. BEST BET: Nationals vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Dodgers at Miami (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Dodgers are getting outstanding pitching at the moment (3.04 team ERA), not bad considering Clayton Kershaw remains unavailable. They?ve gotten solid work from a trio of veteran righthanders in Zach Greinke (2.45 ERA), Josh Beckett (2.45) and Dan Haren (2.03), though it appears not all of them will make an appearance in Miami. Greinke is the only one sure to take a turn, and we like his chances given the Marlins? pathetic numbers vs. righthanders thus far in 2014 (5-13, -$845). BEST BET: Greinke.
San Francisco at Atlanta (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Braves are opening up a comfortable early lead in the NL East (17-7, +$1020) thanks to their best in the league mound corps (2.14 team ERA). Alex Wood, the rotation?s lone lefthander at the moment (Mike Minor is due back soon), has been very sharp in his first five outings (1.54 ERA) and he matches up well against a San Francisco squad that is averaging just 3.3 runs per game vs. lefthanders. Prices may start to climb here at Turner Field, but we still see good value given the proper matchup. BEST BET: A. Wood.
Arizona at San Diego (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Padres have been pitching very well (3.19 ERA, 5th in the NL) but the offense has been a disaster (.221 BA), with the team averaging a pitiful 2.7 runs per game in April). Hopefully this visit by the Diamondbacks to Petco Park will allow them to pick up some ground against their tougher division rivals. Arizona is suffering through a disastrous season thus far (8-20, -$1190) with by far the worst pitching in MLB at this point (5.29 ERA). San Diego dominated the season series in 2013 (12-7, +$695) and should take at least 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Padres in all games
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Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
These teams split a four game set at Tropicana Field a couple of weeks ago, but things might not go so well for the Rays when they venture into the Bronx. They are only 2-6 vs. lefthanders so far this year (-$580 with 2.8 runs per game) and they?ll be facing Vidal Nuno, who?s put together a pair of solid starts since replacing Ivan Nova in the rotation (+$220, 2.89 ERA). Tampa does well vs. righties, but they?ll be squaring off against Japanese phenom Masahiro Tanaka (2.27), who?s struck out 46 batters in five starts while allowing just six walks. BEST BET: Nuno/Tanaka.
Chicago W. Sox at Cleveland (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
All five teams in the AL Central are bunched closely together at the moment, but this might be a chance for the Indians to pick up some ground. Chicago is dead last in team ERA (5.18) and staff ace Chris Sale appears heading for the DL. The Indians are averaging 4.7 runs per game on offense vs. righthanders, and though they dropped 3 of 4 to the White Sox in April, they posted a dominant 17-2 mark in head to head play last season (+$1580). We?ll play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Indians vs. righthanders.
Oakland at Boston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Athletics have fallen out of 1st place in the AL West, courtesy of a sizzling hot Texas club. But they are a very strong team in 2014, with the league?s lowest team ERA (2.86) and we like their chances here at Fenway Park. The Red Sox have been a big loser in their own back yard so far (-$660) and they ended last week with a 6-11 record vs. righthanders (-$830, averaging just 3.6 runs per game). Sonny Gray has emerged as the team?s ace (2.25 ERA in five starts) and we like his chances when he takes his turn. BEST BET: Gray.
Detroit at Kansas City (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Tigers are back in first place in the AL Central, but once again the high prices they generate have rendered them a losing proposition. They lost a fortune in 2013 (-$1515), including a poor showing in head to head play with Kansas City (-$580). The Royals are 6-3 at Kaufman Stadium (+$225) and their team ERA ranks 2nd in the AL (3.10). James Shields is having another terrific campaign (1.91 ERA in five starts) and Detroit is in a hole vs. righties (-$430). We?ll try our luck with the home team?s veteran. BEST BET: Shields.
Baltimore at Minnesota (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Neither of these teams has much in the way of pitching (Orioles 4.33 ERA, Twins 5.00) but Minnesota has been an offensive juggernaut through the first month (5.6 runs per game so far). Baltimore has good numbers vs. righthanders (+$360, 4.9 runs per game) and that?s all they?ll see when they head into Target Field. We?ll hold off on this series for the moment. BEST BET: None.
Seattle at Houston (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Mariners haven?t gotten much of an upgrade to their offense despite paying big bucks to sign Robinson Cano. Despite his efforts they check in with a measly .224 team BA, and they hold a miserable 4-11 mark vs. righthanders (-$825). The Astros suffered a blow when Scott Feldman landed on the DL, but Colin McHugh has sparkled in two starts (+$290, 0.56 ERA) and he?s expected to take a turn at Minute Maid Park this weekend. BEST BET: McHugh.
Texas at L.A. Angels (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rangers have exploded in recent days (7-3, +$475 last 10) and moved into the top slot in the competitive AL West, They?ll be meeting division rival LA for the first time in 2014, hoping to follow up on the dominant 15-4 record they amassed in head to head play last year (+$1040). The Angels have shown some improvement, but they are still unable to pull themselves over the .500 level. They are only 3-6 at Anaheim (-$505) having lost a considerable sum at home in 2013 as well (-$1985). Under the circumstances, we?ll back the hot road team throughout. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Toronto at Pittsburgh (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Pirates have stumbled out of the gate following last year?s trip to the post-season (10-16, -$725) and they?ll have their hands full vs. an explosive Toronto team that has turned a nice profit on the road in night games (+$345). Toronto does have some pitching concerns (4.45 team ERA), but they are just shy of .500 and still very much a factor in the tightly grouped AL East. With two night games on tap here at PNC Park we?ll look for the visitor to do no worse than a split. BEST BET: Blue Jays in night games.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 5
L.A. Dodgers at Washington (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Dodgers are coming off a disappointing home-stand but they hope to revive their fortunes on the road, where they?ve posted an 8-3 mark in the early going (+$495). They took 5 of the 6 from the Nationals in head to head play last year (+$465) and at least two of veteran righthanders are likely to see action in the nation?s capitol. PREFERRED: Haren/Beckett/Greinke.
San Francisco at Pittsburgh (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Giants check in with a 10-4 record vs. righthanders (+$560, averaging 5.2 runs per game), while Pittsburgh holds an awful 8-15 mark in that situation (-$825 with 3.5 runs per game). San Francisco is a hot team and they have a chance to extend their lead in the NL West. PREFERRED: Giants when righty meets righty.
St. Louis at Atlanta (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Cardinals almost won a championship in 2013 but they couldn?t do a thing when opposing lefthanded pitching (-$1235 with just 3.8 runs per game). This year it has been more of the same (2-4, -$255, averaging 2.5 runs per game) and if Mike Minor is back the Braves will have a pair of southpaws in the rotation moving forward. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Cardinals.
N.Y. Mets at Miami (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mets took 2 out of 3 from this team at CitiField last weekend, and they remain a formidable opponent when playing on the road. They are 6-1 vs. righties as visitors (+$685 averaging 5.8 runs per game) while Miami is only 5-13 vs. righties so far (-$845). Plenty of reason for New York to feel optimistic, having climbed well over .500 to start the year. PREFERRED: Mets when righty meets righty.
Arizona at Milwaukee (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Prices may get prohibitive here at Miller Park, where with the league leading Brewers (18-7, +$1145) squaring off against the sorrowful Diamondbacks, who are only 8-20 (-$1225) and unlikely to escape the NL West basement this year. If we see any sort of price that?s not terribly excessive, we?ll look for current trends to continue. PREFERRED: Brewers at -180 or less.
Minnesota at Cleveland (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Twins took 2 out of 3 from the Tribe at Progressive Field (+$230) and they?ve posted a winning mark on the road vs. righthanders (+$470). They cleaned up for their backers in road games last year (+$845) and they could earn a profitable split vs. the all-righty Cleveland rotation. PREFERRED: Twins in all games.
Houston at Detroit (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Tigers took 6 of 7 from the dreadful Astros in 2013 (+$220), but it?s going to be hard to turn a profit with them in this series, as prices on all three games are likely to exceed 2-1. Houston?s pitching is terrible (4.82 ERA) and the Tigers can hit (.275 BA) so we don?t see taking the road underdog in any case. PREFERRED: None.
Seattle at Oakland (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Athletics have already taken 4 of 6 from the Mariners in 2014 (+$200) and they?ve posted a profitable record vs. righthanders so far (+$225, averaging 5.2 runs per game). Seattle checks in with a 4-11 record vs. righthanders (-$825 with 3.3 runs
per game), so play these accordingly. PREFERRED: Athletics when righty meets righty.
N.Y. Yankees at L.A. Angels (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Yankees took 2 out of 3 from this team in the Bronx last weekend, and this looks like an excellent spot for them to continue their winning ways. They hold an 8-4 record vs. lefthanders (+$455, averaging 5.3 runs per game) and LA?s rotation is loaded with southpaws. The Angels have been a losing proposition at Anaheim over the past two years (-$2490). PREFERRED: Yankees vs. lefthanders.
Toronto at Philadelphia (2) 5th, 6th
Philadelphia at Toronto (2) 7th, 8th
These teams will split four games between Rogers Centre and Citizen?s Bank and the edge seems to be with the hot Philly squad. They?ve been profitable on the road thus far (+$420) while the Jays have dropped 7 of their last 11 (-$395 with a 5.60 ERA among starters). PREFERRED: Phillies in road games.
Chicago W. Sox at Chicago Cubs (2) 5th, 6th
Chicago Cubs at Chicago W. Sox (2) 7th, 8th
The White Sox have the most prolific offense in baseball so far (143 runs scored in their first 26 games) while the Cubs are again mired in last place in the NL Central (-$715, averaging 3.7 runs per game). The Cubs will be fortunate to salvage a victory in either venue. PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Texas at Colorado (2) 5th, 6th
Colorado at Texas (2) 7th, 8th
The Texas Rangers have earned a share of first place in the competitive AL west (7-3, +$475 last 10 days, averaging 5.6 runs per game in those contests). But the Rockies are playing well a t the moment (7-3, +$445 in their last 10), so we?ll stay away from these series until game day draws near. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at San Diego (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Royals head into Petco Park with the 2nd lowest team ERA in the American League (3.09) to square off against a San Diego team that is averaging just 2.7 runs per game so far. The visitor should take at least 2 out of 3 in this series so we?ll back them throughout. PREFERRED: Royals in all games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY MAY 6
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
Very difficult start for the Rays, who find themselves dead last in the AL East standings (11-14, -$810) with much of their heralded mound corps sidelined by injury. The Orioles are faring well as visitors vs. righthanders (+$410) and should catch a decent underdog price here at Tropicana Field. PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Cincinnati at Boston (2) 6th, 7th
The Red Sox have dropped a bundle here at Fenway Park (-$660) and they are 0-3 in inter-league competition already in 2014 (-$505). The Reds are averaging a solid 5.2 runs per game on offense vs. lefties, and there?s a decent chance they?ll face at least one southpaw in this two game set. PREFERRED: Reds vs. lefthanders.
