BASEBALL
BEGINNING THURSDAY MAY 15
Miami at San Francisco (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Marlins have performed well above expectations so far in 2014, but things took a turn for the worse at Petco Park last weekend, and they may be in for another rude awakening at ATT Park when they take on the first place Giants. Miami is only 2-10 vs. righthanders on the road this year (-$805) and the San Francisco pitching staff has looked very sharp (3.10 ERA). The home team has been an excellent money-maker overall (+$1045) and they?ve been doing it against some very solid teams. Their only lefty, Bradley Bumgarner, is not expected to appear in this series, so the visitor will be fortunate to salvage a victory. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Marlins.
Baltimore at Kansas City (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Orioles ended the week atop the AL East standings, but they?ve relied on their strong offense, one that now must cope with key players Matt Wieters & Chris Davis landing on the DL. With three night games on tap they could end up doing quite well at Kaufman Stadium (8-2, +$835 in night games as visitors) given KC?s rather sluggish start (-$360 overall). But the Royals have a number of very capable starters, and that may be enough to slow down the Baltimore offense. We?ll hold off for now. BEST BET: None.
Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Angels gained some momentum during their trip to the East Coast, having taken three in a row at Rogers Centre last weekend. Their team ERA is moving in the right direction (3.78 overall, 6th best in the league) and they could do well against a Tampa team that is floundering right now (16-22, -$1240 overall). The Rays? pitching staff is in total disarray, with several key rotation members sidelined and others under-performing (Archer 5.16 ERA, Price 4.53). LA is averaging an impressive 5.5 runs per game vs. righthanders so we like this situation. . BEST BET: Angels vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 16
Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Brewers had been fading somewhat, but they bounced back nicely by taking 2 of 3 from the Yankees at Miller Park. Now they return to the road, where they?ve excelled wildly so far this season (12-5, +$1020). It?s the same old sad story for the hapless Cubs (only 12-24, -$970 overall) and there?s no reason to expect much that?s positive from them this weekend at Wrigley. The team?s BA is only .228 and they rank 10th in the NL in pitching. Just go with the Brewers throughout. BEST BET: Brewers in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Nationals were humiliated in a three game sweep at Oakland last weekend, but they rank high in the National League statistically (3.15 ERA, 5th best in the NL... .252 BA, 4th in the league) and may catch the Mets in a flat spot coming off four games in New York vs. the Yankees. They swept a series vs. this club at CitiField (3-0, +$300), and the Mets have lost 8 of their last 10 (-$630). Take a shot with Stephen Strasburg (3.42) and Jordan Zimmermann (2.92), both of whom are likely to appear. BEST BET: Strasburg/Zimmermann
Cincinnati at Philadelphia (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Both these teams are languishing a couple of games below .500, and there?s not much about either team that excites us at the moment. The Reds? rotation looks good, but the bullpen has been a disaster without Aroldis Chapman (4.80 ERA, worst in MLB) while the Phillies check in with the 2nd worst ERA in the NL (4.33). The Phillies have been a losing proposition at Citizens Bank (-$355) but Cincinnati?s poor road numbers are not encouraging (-$450). We?ll steer clear for the time being. BEST BET: None.
Atlanta at St. Louis (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Braves have retained a slim lead in the NL East thanks to the best pitching staff in baseball (2.64 ERA), but they?ve been performing poorly at the plate, scoring the fewest runs of any team in the majors (only 3.2 per game). But the Cardinals have lost money for their backers this year (-$555) and they?ve been less than stellar on offense as well (just over 3.5 runs per game). Atlanta?s pitchers are too good to pass up in this series if the price is right. BEST BET: Braves at +120 or better.
San Diego at Colorado (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Rockies have bludgeoned opposition pitching through the season?s first six weeks (.302 team BA), averaging a spectacular 6.2 runs per game vs. righthanders (+$560). The Padres are coming off a nice weekend sweep of the Marlins and they are pitching well, but they are only 14-20 vs. righthanders (-$565), averaging just 2.9 runs per game in those contests. Under the circumstances, Coors Field is not likely to be a promising venue for the road team this weekend. BEST BET: Rockies when righty meets righty.
L.A. Dodgers at Arizona (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Dodgers have yet to hit full stride (-$500 overall) but they have mercilessly hammered the last place Diamondbacks in head to head play (7-1, +$520) and we expect more of the same when they venture into Chase Field. Arizona is still only 3-15 on their home field this season (-$1400) and their pitching staff is the worst in the National League by a considerable margin (4.81). LA?s top three hurlers (Clayton Kershaw 1.74 ERA, Dan Haren 2.68 and Zack Greinke 2.38) are all likely to appear, so it should be a brutal weekend for the home team. BEST BET: Kershaw/Haren/Greinke.
Oakland at Cleveland (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
It appeared the A?s might be slipping, but they were in top form at the Coliseum last weekend sweeping a solid Washington team and extending their lead in the AL West. The pitching has been exceptionally good as always (2.91 ERA, best in the league) and they check in here with a 9-3 record on the road vs. righthanders (+$580 with 5.2 runs per game). The Tribe has looked better in recent days (7-3, +$325 last 10 days) but their numbers vs. lefties are dismal (4-9, -$570 with 3.3 runs per game) so take a shot with Scott Kazmir (+$500, 2.28 ERA), who?s been reborn in 2014. BEST BET: Kazmir.
Detroit at
Boston (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Tigers have been the best team in baseball up to this point, with the AL?s top offense (.282 BA) and a team ERA (3.43) 2nd only to Oakland?s. Max Scherzer has picked up where he left off last year (+$315, 2.04 ERA) and he should make short work of the Red Sox at Fenway (Boston -$865 vs, righties, averaging just 3.5 runs per game). The Tigers are 9-2 vs. lefthanders (+$510) so we?ll use them in certain situations when they are opposing one. BEST BET: Scherzer/ Righthanders vs. Boston lefthanders.
Toronto at Texas (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Rangers got off to a solid start, but their pitching situation has deteriorated drastically (6.48 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) so the door might be open for Toronto to pick up some wins at Arlington. The Blue Jays have averaged close to 5.0 runs per game and they?ve turned a profit on the road vs. righthanders (+$285). They have a chance to prevail in the competitive AL East if they can win games like these. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Houston (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Neither of these teams has much to boast about as far as pitching is concerned (Astros 4.82 ERA, White Sox 4.62) but Chicago has a far more prolific offense (.264 BA) and they?ve averaged over 7.0 runs per game on the road vs. lefthanders (+$270). Houston can?t hit (.222 BA. worst in the league) and none of their southpaws give us cause for concern. BEST BET: White Sox vs. lefthanders.
Seattle at Minnesota (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Mariners have a very good pitching staff (3.58 ERA, 3rd best in the American League) and they?ve looked good in recent days, winning 8 of their last 12 (+$490). But this might not be the best situation for them. Minnesota?s rotation is exclusively righthanded at the moment, and Seattle is only 9-13 (-$520) in that situation. The Twins are averaging 5.1 runs per game vs. lefthanders +$270) so we?ll take a shot against Roenis Elias (4.77 ERA last two outings), who?s scheduled to take his next turn at Target Field. BEST BET: Twins vs. Elias.
Pittsburgh at N.Y. Yankees (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Yankees are beset with pitching woes now that C.C. Sabathia has joined fellow starters Michael Pineda & Ivan Nova on the DL. Yet they may have still enough to get by the Pirates, given Pittsburgh?s disappointing start to the 2014 campaign. The Bucs are a horrible 2-10 vs. righthanders outside of PNC Park (-$805) and they?ll have to take on Hiroki Kuroda, who?s coming off his best start since last August (2.64 ERA last two outings). New York has the 4th best team BA in the AL this year (.264). BEST BET: Kuroda.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 19
Cincinnati at Washington (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Reds are off to a very bad start when venturing outside of Great American Ballpark (-$450) but the Nationals have been inconsistent (-$255 so far) and they?ve been hobbled by key offensive injuries. Accordingly, we?re reluctant to lay big prices on the home team at this time. PREFERRED: None.
Milwaukee at Atlanta (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Braves could run away with the NL East title if they weren?t so inept at the plate (3.2 runs per game so far) and with a 12-5 road record (+$1020) the Brewers are just too inviting as visitors to Turner Field. They should be available at some attractive road prices. PREFERRED: Brewers as underdogs.
Detroit at Cleveland (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Tigers are playing well and are comfortably situated in first place in the AL Central. But the Tribe has been on the upswing (7-3, +$325 last 10 days) and might slow down Detroit a bit here at Progressive Field. They have an all-righty rotation, which is bad news for the visitor (Tigers -$275 vs. righties) so we?ll look for the Tribe to take at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The White Sox are a competitive club this year, and their numbers vs. lefthanders (+$270 on the road, 6.1 runs per game overall) make them a promising choice here at Kaufman Stadium. KC?s rotation contains a couple of lefthanders, at least one of whom is likely to see action. PREFERRED: White Sox vs. lefthanders.
Houston at L.A. Angels (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Angels took 3 out of 4 from this team in their earlier meetings (+$135) an they need to fatten up here at Anaheim if they hope to overcome their more serious division foes. But since prices are likely to exceed 2 to 1 it?s really not worth the risk of backing the home team at this time. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY MAY 20
Philadelphia at Miami (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Marlins are having a good offensive season (.260 team BA, 2nd best in the NL) and they own some outstanding young pitchers, most notably Jose Fernandez (2.44 ERA in eight appearances). He?s due to take a turn vs. the Phillies, so we?ll look for Miami to exact a measure of revenge for the sweep they suffered at Citizens Bank earlier this year (0-3, -$335). PREFERRED: J. Fernandez.
L.A. Dodgers at N.Y. Mets (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Mets are fading fast in the NL East (2-8, -$630 last 10 days, with a 5.28 ERA among starters) and they could get roughed up by an LA team that has posted very good numbers away from Chavez Ravine (+$550). The Dodgers have significant edges on both offense and on the mound, so this New York team will be fortunate to salvage a single win. PREFERRED: Dodgers in all games.
Arizona at St. Louis (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
We don't have a great deal of faith in the Diamondbacks, but they have turned a decent profit on the road up to this point (+$495) and they could catch some very fat prices here at Busch Stadium. They?ve gone 6-3 in the past 10- days (+$445) and the Cardinals have yet to catch fire (-$555 overall). If the price is right we?ll back the road underdog. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks at +150 or better.
San Francisco at Colorado (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
This is a quality matchup between a pair of unlikely teams fighting for the top slot in the NL West. They?ve already split six earlier meetings but it?s hard to go against the Rockies in night games, given their remarkable 11-1 record in that situation here at home (+$975 with 7.8 runs per game). We?ll stay away of Wednesday?s day game for now. PREFERRED: Rockies in night games.
Oakland at Tampa Bay (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Athletics have been devastating outside of the Coliseum, amassing a 13-6 mark as visitors so far (+$640). The Rays have not had much success at Tropicana Field (8-12, -$975) and they can?t match this visitor on the mound (Oakland 2.91 team ERA, Tampa 4.29). With the home team performing poorly we?re comfortable taking the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Athletics in all games.
Toronto at Boston (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Red Sox have been a losing proposition at Fenway Park (-$540) and their record against righthanded pitchers has been terrible (9-14, -$865, averaging just 3.5 runs per game). The Blue Jays aren?t the toughest rotation, but the team has been profitable outside of Rogers Centre (+$245) and they are worth a shot in this matchup. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Seattle at Texas (2) 20th, 21st
The Mariners have moved ahead of Texas in the standings, and they hold a substantial pitching edge at the moment. They have a solid righthanded trio in Felix Hernandez (2.73), Hisashi Iwakuma (2.46) and Chris Young (2.78) and they check in with a 10-5 record vs. lefthanders (+$600). We?ll avoid Yu Darvish, but the rest of the Texas rotation is fair game. PREFERRED: F. Hernandez/Iwakuma & C. Young unless opposed by Darvish/Mariners vs. lefthanders.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh (2) 20th, 21st
The Orioles are 8-2 in night games on the road (+$835) and their starting pitching has been very strong in their recent outings (3.25 ERA in their last 11). The Pirates are a disappointing 14-20 vs. righthanders this year (-$725) so we?ll go with Baltimore in this visit to PNC Park. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Pirates.
N.Y. Yankees at Chicago Cubs (2) 20th, 21st
The Yankees look very thin in the pitching department right now, but Masahiro Tanaka is due to take a turn here at Wrigley Field in this two game set (+$440, 2.57 ERA in seven starts). He turned in his best outing of the year vs. these Cubs in the Bronx last month, and we expect him to make short work of them this time as well. Chicago is only 8-19 (-$980) vs. righthanders. PREFERRED: Tanaka.
Minnesota at San Diego (2) 20th, 21st
The Twins aren?t playing badly, and they have turned a nice profit on the road vs. righthanders (+$415), which should benefit them during this visit to Petco Park. San Diego can?t hit (.224 BA) and they?ve been terrible vs. righties so far (14-20, -$565, averaging just 2.9 runs per game). PREFERRED: Twins when righty meets righty.
BEGINNING THURSDAY MAY 15
Miami at San Francisco (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Marlins have performed well above expectations so far in 2014, but things took a turn for the worse at Petco Park last weekend, and they may be in for another rude awakening at ATT Park when they take on the first place Giants. Miami is only 2-10 vs. righthanders on the road this year (-$805) and the San Francisco pitching staff has looked very sharp (3.10 ERA). The home team has been an excellent money-maker overall (+$1045) and they?ve been doing it against some very solid teams. Their only lefty, Bradley Bumgarner, is not expected to appear in this series, so the visitor will be fortunate to salvage a victory. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Marlins.
Baltimore at Kansas City (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Orioles ended the week atop the AL East standings, but they?ve relied on their strong offense, one that now must cope with key players Matt Wieters & Chris Davis landing on the DL. With three night games on tap they could end up doing quite well at Kaufman Stadium (8-2, +$835 in night games as visitors) given KC?s rather sluggish start (-$360 overall). But the Royals have a number of very capable starters, and that may be enough to slow down the Baltimore offense. We?ll hold off for now. BEST BET: None.
Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels (4) 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th
The Angels gained some momentum during their trip to the East Coast, having taken three in a row at Rogers Centre last weekend. Their team ERA is moving in the right direction (3.78 overall, 6th best in the league) and they could do well against a Tampa team that is floundering right now (16-22, -$1240 overall). The Rays? pitching staff is in total disarray, with several key rotation members sidelined and others under-performing (Archer 5.16 ERA, Price 4.53). LA is averaging an impressive 5.5 runs per game vs. righthanders so we like this situation. . BEST BET: Angels vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 16
Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Brewers had been fading somewhat, but they bounced back nicely by taking 2 of 3 from the Yankees at Miller Park. Now they return to the road, where they?ve excelled wildly so far this season (12-5, +$1020). It?s the same old sad story for the hapless Cubs (only 12-24, -$970 overall) and there?s no reason to expect much that?s positive from them this weekend at Wrigley. The team?s BA is only .228 and they rank 10th in the NL in pitching. Just go with the Brewers throughout. BEST BET: Brewers in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Nationals were humiliated in a three game sweep at Oakland last weekend, but they rank high in the National League statistically (3.15 ERA, 5th best in the NL... .252 BA, 4th in the league) and may catch the Mets in a flat spot coming off four games in New York vs. the Yankees. They swept a series vs. this club at CitiField (3-0, +$300), and the Mets have lost 8 of their last 10 (-$630). Take a shot with Stephen Strasburg (3.42) and Jordan Zimmermann (2.92), both of whom are likely to appear. BEST BET: Strasburg/Zimmermann
Cincinnati at Philadelphia (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Both these teams are languishing a couple of games below .500, and there?s not much about either team that excites us at the moment. The Reds? rotation looks good, but the bullpen has been a disaster without Aroldis Chapman (4.80 ERA, worst in MLB) while the Phillies check in with the 2nd worst ERA in the NL (4.33). The Phillies have been a losing proposition at Citizens Bank (-$355) but Cincinnati?s poor road numbers are not encouraging (-$450). We?ll steer clear for the time being. BEST BET: None.
Atlanta at St. Louis (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Braves have retained a slim lead in the NL East thanks to the best pitching staff in baseball (2.64 ERA), but they?ve been performing poorly at the plate, scoring the fewest runs of any team in the majors (only 3.2 per game). But the Cardinals have lost money for their backers this year (-$555) and they?ve been less than stellar on offense as well (just over 3.5 runs per game). Atlanta?s pitchers are too good to pass up in this series if the price is right. BEST BET: Braves at +120 or better.
San Diego at Colorado (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Rockies have bludgeoned opposition pitching through the season?s first six weeks (.302 team BA), averaging a spectacular 6.2 runs per game vs. righthanders (+$560). The Padres are coming off a nice weekend sweep of the Marlins and they are pitching well, but they are only 14-20 vs. righthanders (-$565), averaging just 2.9 runs per game in those contests. Under the circumstances, Coors Field is not likely to be a promising venue for the road team this weekend. BEST BET: Rockies when righty meets righty.
L.A. Dodgers at Arizona (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Dodgers have yet to hit full stride (-$500 overall) but they have mercilessly hammered the last place Diamondbacks in head to head play (7-1, +$520) and we expect more of the same when they venture into Chase Field. Arizona is still only 3-15 on their home field this season (-$1400) and their pitching staff is the worst in the National League by a considerable margin (4.81). LA?s top three hurlers (Clayton Kershaw 1.74 ERA, Dan Haren 2.68 and Zack Greinke 2.38) are all likely to appear, so it should be a brutal weekend for the home team. BEST BET: Kershaw/Haren/Greinke.
Oakland at Cleveland (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
It appeared the A?s might be slipping, but they were in top form at the Coliseum last weekend sweeping a solid Washington team and extending their lead in the AL West. The pitching has been exceptionally good as always (2.91 ERA, best in the league) and they check in here with a 9-3 record on the road vs. righthanders (+$580 with 5.2 runs per game). The Tribe has looked better in recent days (7-3, +$325 last 10 days) but their numbers vs. lefties are dismal (4-9, -$570 with 3.3 runs per game) so take a shot with Scott Kazmir (+$500, 2.28 ERA), who?s been reborn in 2014. BEST BET: Kazmir.
Detroit at
Boston (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Tigers have been the best team in baseball up to this point, with the AL?s top offense (.282 BA) and a team ERA (3.43) 2nd only to Oakland?s. Max Scherzer has picked up where he left off last year (+$315, 2.04 ERA) and he should make short work of the Red Sox at Fenway (Boston -$865 vs, righties, averaging just 3.5 runs per game). The Tigers are 9-2 vs. lefthanders (+$510) so we?ll use them in certain situations when they are opposing one. BEST BET: Scherzer/ Righthanders vs. Boston lefthanders.
Toronto at Texas (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Rangers got off to a solid start, but their pitching situation has deteriorated drastically (6.48 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) so the door might be open for Toronto to pick up some wins at Arlington. The Blue Jays have averaged close to 5.0 runs per game and they?ve turned a profit on the road vs. righthanders (+$285). They have a chance to prevail in the competitive AL East if they can win games like these. BEST BET: Blue Jays vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Houston (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
Neither of these teams has much to boast about as far as pitching is concerned (Astros 4.82 ERA, White Sox 4.62) but Chicago has a far more prolific offense (.264 BA) and they?ve averaged over 7.0 runs per game on the road vs. lefthanders (+$270). Houston can?t hit (.222 BA. worst in the league) and none of their southpaws give us cause for concern. BEST BET: White Sox vs. lefthanders.
Seattle at Minnesota (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Mariners have a very good pitching staff (3.58 ERA, 3rd best in the American League) and they?ve looked good in recent days, winning 8 of their last 12 (+$490). But this might not be the best situation for them. Minnesota?s rotation is exclusively righthanded at the moment, and Seattle is only 9-13 (-$520) in that situation. The Twins are averaging 5.1 runs per game vs. lefthanders +$270) so we?ll take a shot against Roenis Elias (4.77 ERA last two outings), who?s scheduled to take his next turn at Target Field. BEST BET: Twins vs. Elias.
Pittsburgh at N.Y. Yankees (3) 16th, 17th, 18th
The Yankees are beset with pitching woes now that C.C. Sabathia has joined fellow starters Michael Pineda & Ivan Nova on the DL. Yet they may have still enough to get by the Pirates, given Pittsburgh?s disappointing start to the 2014 campaign. The Bucs are a horrible 2-10 vs. righthanders outside of PNC Park (-$805) and they?ll have to take on Hiroki Kuroda, who?s coming off his best start since last August (2.64 ERA last two outings). New York has the 4th best team BA in the AL this year (.264). BEST BET: Kuroda.
BEGINNING MONDAY MAY 19
Cincinnati at Washington (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Reds are off to a very bad start when venturing outside of Great American Ballpark (-$450) but the Nationals have been inconsistent (-$255 so far) and they?ve been hobbled by key offensive injuries. Accordingly, we?re reluctant to lay big prices on the home team at this time. PREFERRED: None.
Milwaukee at Atlanta (4) 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Braves could run away with the NL East title if they weren?t so inept at the plate (3.2 runs per game so far) and with a 12-5 road record (+$1020) the Brewers are just too inviting as visitors to Turner Field. They should be available at some attractive road prices. PREFERRED: Brewers as underdogs.
Detroit at Cleveland (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Tigers are playing well and are comfortably situated in first place in the AL Central. But the Tribe has been on the upswing (7-3, +$325 last 10 days) and might slow down Detroit a bit here at Progressive Field. They have an all-righty rotation, which is bad news for the visitor (Tigers -$275 vs. righties) so we?ll look for the Tribe to take at least 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Indians in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The White Sox are a competitive club this year, and their numbers vs. lefthanders (+$270 on the road, 6.1 runs per game overall) make them a promising choice here at Kaufman Stadium. KC?s rotation contains a couple of lefthanders, at least one of whom is likely to see action. PREFERRED: White Sox vs. lefthanders.
Houston at L.A. Angels (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Angels took 3 out of 4 from this team in their earlier meetings (+$135) an they need to fatten up here at Anaheim if they hope to overcome their more serious division foes. But since prices are likely to exceed 2 to 1 it?s really not worth the risk of backing the home team at this time. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY MAY 20
Philadelphia at Miami (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Marlins are having a good offensive season (.260 team BA, 2nd best in the NL) and they own some outstanding young pitchers, most notably Jose Fernandez (2.44 ERA in eight appearances). He?s due to take a turn vs. the Phillies, so we?ll look for Miami to exact a measure of revenge for the sweep they suffered at Citizens Bank earlier this year (0-3, -$335). PREFERRED: J. Fernandez.
L.A. Dodgers at N.Y. Mets (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Mets are fading fast in the NL East (2-8, -$630 last 10 days, with a 5.28 ERA among starters) and they could get roughed up by an LA team that has posted very good numbers away from Chavez Ravine (+$550). The Dodgers have significant edges on both offense and on the mound, so this New York team will be fortunate to salvage a single win. PREFERRED: Dodgers in all games.
Arizona at St. Louis (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
We don't have a great deal of faith in the Diamondbacks, but they have turned a decent profit on the road up to this point (+$495) and they could catch some very fat prices here at Busch Stadium. They?ve gone 6-3 in the past 10- days (+$445) and the Cardinals have yet to catch fire (-$555 overall). If the price is right we?ll back the road underdog. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks at +150 or better.
San Francisco at Colorado (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
This is a quality matchup between a pair of unlikely teams fighting for the top slot in the NL West. They?ve already split six earlier meetings but it?s hard to go against the Rockies in night games, given their remarkable 11-1 record in that situation here at home (+$975 with 7.8 runs per game). We?ll stay away of Wednesday?s day game for now. PREFERRED: Rockies in night games.
Oakland at Tampa Bay (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Athletics have been devastating outside of the Coliseum, amassing a 13-6 mark as visitors so far (+$640). The Rays have not had much success at Tropicana Field (8-12, -$975) and they can?t match this visitor on the mound (Oakland 2.91 team ERA, Tampa 4.29). With the home team performing poorly we?re comfortable taking the visitor throughout. PREFERRED: Athletics in all games.
Toronto at Boston (3) 20th, 21st, 22nd
The Red Sox have been a losing proposition at Fenway Park (-$540) and their record against righthanded pitchers has been terrible (9-14, -$865, averaging just 3.5 runs per game). The Blue Jays aren?t the toughest rotation, but the team has been profitable outside of Rogers Centre (+$245) and they are worth a shot in this matchup. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Seattle at Texas (2) 20th, 21st
The Mariners have moved ahead of Texas in the standings, and they hold a substantial pitching edge at the moment. They have a solid righthanded trio in Felix Hernandez (2.73), Hisashi Iwakuma (2.46) and Chris Young (2.78) and they check in with a 10-5 record vs. lefthanders (+$600). We?ll avoid Yu Darvish, but the rest of the Texas rotation is fair game. PREFERRED: F. Hernandez/Iwakuma & C. Young unless opposed by Darvish/Mariners vs. lefthanders.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh (2) 20th, 21st
The Orioles are 8-2 in night games on the road (+$835) and their starting pitching has been very strong in their recent outings (3.25 ERA in their last 11). The Pirates are a disappointing 14-20 vs. righthanders this year (-$725) so we?ll go with Baltimore in this visit to PNC Park. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Pirates.
N.Y. Yankees at Chicago Cubs (2) 20th, 21st
The Yankees look very thin in the pitching department right now, but Masahiro Tanaka is due to take a turn here at Wrigley Field in this two game set (+$440, 2.57 ERA in seven starts). He turned in his best outing of the year vs. these Cubs in the Bronx last month, and we expect him to make short work of them this time as well. Chicago is only 8-19 (-$980) vs. righthanders. PREFERRED: Tanaka.
Minnesota at San Diego (2) 20th, 21st
The Twins aren?t playing badly, and they have turned a nice profit on the road vs. righthanders (+$415), which should benefit them during this visit to Petco Park. San Diego can?t hit (.224 BA) and they?ve been terrible vs. righties so far (14-20, -$565, averaging just 2.9 runs per game). PREFERRED: Twins when righty meets righty.
