BASEBALL
BEGINNING THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Miami at Atlanta (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Braves have a big edge over AL East rival Miami in head to head competition (7-2, +$635) and they?ve been a big money-maker here at Turner Field, particularly in night games (+$1160). But they?ve been horrible since the All-Star Break (2-8, -$760 last 10 days, averaging just 2.1 runs per game with a 5.63 ERA among starters), so caution is advised. The Marlins might be worth a try if the price is right, but they?ve been a big money-burner on the road in 2015 (only 17-35, -$1480) so we?ll stay away for now. BEST BET: None.
San Francisco at Chicago Cubs (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Giants are hot as they continue to chase down the Dodgers in the NL West (7-3, +$295 last 10 days) and we like their chances here at Wrigley Field. They have one of the top offenses in the league (.273 team BA) and they?ve been a money-maker outside of ATT Park (+$495). The Cubs have lost sight of St. Louis in the NL Central, but they are in good shape to challenge for a wildcard slot. Nevertheless, they rank next to last in team hitting (.237 BA) and they?ve lost a fortune in day games at home (-$1260). Look for SF to grab some wins in this one. BEST BET: Giants in day games.
Houston at Oakland (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Athletics have been no match for the first place Astros when they?ve squared off this year (3-6, -$440) and they?ve been struggling in recent days (3-7, -$375 last 10). Their pitching has been top notch, but Houston?s is almost as good (3.49 ERA) and Oakland staff stalwart Scott Kazmir was sent to Houston prior to the deadline. He?s been sensational all year (2.10 ERA 20 starts), as has staff ace and leading Cy Young contender Dallas Keuchel (+$570, 2.35). Both should see action at the Coliseum this weekend. The Athletics are only 8-19 (-$1345) vs. lefties in 2015. BEST BET: Kazmir/Keuchel.
BEGINNING FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
These teams are evenly matched statistically (Pirates 3.19 ERA, .257 BA... Dodgers 3.32, .253) and both are locked in competitive division races. The Pirates appear to be the obvious choice in this one. A.J. Burnett is heading for the DL, but they?ve been deadly here at PNC Park (+$1055 so far) and they?ll be sending a formidable duo of Francisco Liriano (2.92 ERA in 20 starts) and Gerritt Cole (2.36 in 21 starts). The Dodgers have performed poorly in the role of visitor (23-37, -$1350) and ace righty Zach Greinke is expected to miss this series. An excellent spot for the Bucs. BEST BET: Liriano/Cole.
Colorado at Washington (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Nationals have allowed the Mets to climb back into a virtual tie in the NL East race (3-7, -$390 last 10 days), but they are finally getting some key players back from the DL, and the Rockies look like a soft target. Colorado has the worst team ERA in MLB this year (4.94) and they?ve been a losing proposition overall (-$990). Prices are likely to get somewhat inflated, but there?s no one in the visitor?s rotation that gives us much cause for concern. The Nats are a safe bet to take at least 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
St. Louis at Milwaukee (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The first place Cardinals have a 6-3 record vs. the Brewers in head to head competition (+$150) and the all-righty Milwaukee rotation (4.10 ERA, 12th in the NL) is tailor made for the visitor. St. Louis checks in with a 53-24 record vs. righties in 2015 (+$2425) and they boast the lowest team ERA in baseball by a considerable margin (2.68). The Brewers are 20 games under .500 vs. righties (-$2025) and they?ve lost money here at Miller Park (-$1725). Play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
Cincinnati at Arizona (3) 7th, 8t
h, 9th
The Diamondbacks have been sharp in recent days (7-3, +$570 last 10 days) and they are well within striking distance of a wildcard slot if they can keep it up. The Reds have packed it in for the season, dealing top hurlers Johnny Cueto & Mike Leake prior to the trading deadline. They?ve been dreadful when playing outside of Great American Ballpark (20-32, -$1015) and their depleted rotation will face an Arizona team that has turned a nice profit vs. righthanders (+$560). Terrific spot for the home team to keep pace in the NL playoff chase. BEST BET: Diamondbacks vs. righthanders.
Philadelphia at San Diego (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
After languishing with the worst record in baseball for most of the year, the Phillies have been on fire since the All-Star Break (8-2, +$1120 last 10 days, averaging 5.9 runs per game at the plate). But San Diego has picked up the pace as well in recent days (7-3, +$355 last 10) and they?ll be taking on a Philly team that has lost its top starting pitcher and its closer. They?ve been a disaster playing away from Citizens Bank this year, particularly against righthanders (10-29, -$1320). We?ll look for San Diego to cool off the Phillies in this one. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Phillies.
Boston at Detroit (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Tigers have been a post-season fixture over the past several seasons, but 2015 hasn?t been their year. They are below .500 as August gets underway and have shipped ace lefty David Price to the Blue Jays, signaling that a major rebuilding effort is in the offing. But they have a 15-10 record vs. lefthanders this year (+$485) and they could make life difficult for the Red Sox, another team that has floundered (47-59, -$1915 so far). Wade Miley was brought over from Arizona to add an experienced southpaw to the rotation, but he?s been mediocre to say the least (4.65 ERA in 21 starts). He looks like Detroit?s best shot at Comerica. BEST BET: Tigers vs. Miley.:0074
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Blue Jays were very active at the trading deadline, adding Troy Tulowitski to the most prolific offense in the majors this year (.264 BA, averaging 5.3 runs per game) as well as David Price, who will no doubt see action against the Yankees several times in the 13 remaining head to head contests. The Yankees elected to stand pat at the trading deadline, unwilling to part with top prospects. But they hold a healthy lead in the AL East and that 19-12 record vs. lefties (+$700, averaging 5.6 runs per game) will help them this weekend. Toronto has not fared well outside of Rogers Centre this year (22-31, -$760) and failing to take at least 2 out of 3 in the Bronx will further damage their post-season prospects. BEST BET: Yankees vs. lefthanders.
Minnesota at Cleveland (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Twins have been competitive thus far in 2015, including a 4-2 (+$335) record vs. the Indians. Overall they are among the league?s most profitable clubs (+$1575) while the last place Tribe has cost backers a fortune (-$2060). Minnesota has a solid trio in Phil Hughes (+$420, 3.98 ERA),. Ervin Santana (+$240, 3.78) and Mike Pelfrey (+$365, 3.65), at least two of whom are expected to appear at Progressive Field this weekend. We?d like to see the Twins improve their run production vs. righties, but they should command come decent prices against Cleveland, so take a shot with the competitive visitor. BEST BET: Hughes/E. Santana/Pelfrey.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The White Sox are 8-3 in their last 11 (+$630) and the offense has looked good during that stretch (6.6 runs per game), but taking on the Royals at Kaufman Stadium is a tall order. KC has already taken 7 of 10 in head to head play (+$485) and they?ve been at their best in this ballpark (+$1195). Despite their recent success Chicago has scored the fewest runs of any AL team (3.8 per game) so stick with the home team throughout. BEST BET: Royals in all games.
Baltimore at L.A. Angels (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Angels have fallen back into 2nd place following a miserable recent stretch (1-9, -$985 last 10 days) and now they?ll have to deal with the loss of CJ Wilson to likely season ending surgery. The Orioles are the team in the AL East with the best shot at overtaking first place New York, and they?ve picked up the pace in recent days (7-4, +$170 in their last 11). Unfortunately, they?ve been terrible in night games outside of Camden Yards, so we?ll avoid that situation. On the other hand, they have been profitable in day games everywhere this year (+$525) so we?ll take them at what should be an attractive price in Sunday?s finale. BEST BET: Orioles in day games.
Texas at Seattle (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mariners are 5-1 vs. Texas in head to head competition (+$345) but the Rangers aren?t ready to give up on things just yet, adding Cole Hamels at the trading deadline to bolster the AL?s worst pitching staff (4.55). They?ve been a tremendous money-maker away from Arlington (+$2275) and the anemic Mariners have lost a fortune playing here at Safeco Field (-$1865). It?s been a disappointing year for Seattle all around, and they?ll be fortune to salvage a single victory this weekend. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Tampa Bay (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mets pulled into a virtual tie for first place in the NL East after an impressive sweep of the Nats at CitiField. But while they?ve been unstoppable at home, the team has been horrible in the role of visitor, posting a miserable 7-27 record in night games on the road this year (-$19840, averaging just 2.3 runs per game in those contests). The Rays have largely been a disappointment this year, but they have a strong righthanded duo in Chris Archer (2.61 ERA in 22 starts) and Jake Odorizzi (2.87 in 17 outings). Both are expected to pitch at Tropicana Field this weekend. BEST BET: Archer/Odorizzi.
BEGINNING MONDAY, AUGUST 10
Colorado at N.Y. Mets (4) 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th
The Mets return to CitiField where they have dominated the competition in 2015 (38-18, +$1745) to face a Colorado team that is only 5-17 (-$1180) vs. lefthanders, averaging just 3.5 runs per game in those contests). Jonathan Niese (3.64 ERA), New York?s lone southpaw starter, is expected to appear, We?ll jump on board when he?s on the mound. PREFERRED: Niese.
Philadelphia at Arizona (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Diamondbacks suffered a sweep at the hands of Philadelphia at Citizens Bank (-$380) and the Phillies are only 10-29 (-$1320) on the road against righthanders. If the price is reasonable we?ll take a shot with Arizona. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks at -140 or less.
Washington at L.A. Dodgers (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Nationals are stumbling along (3-7, -$390 last 10 days) and they have a problem visiting Chavez Ravine, considering their pitiful showing on the road in night games (-$1190). LA is 31-13 (+$970) vs. righthanders at home, averaging 5.2 runs per game at night. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. righthanders.
Cincinnati at San Diego (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Reds have performed poorly when playing outside of Great American Ballpark (-$1015) and it?s likely they?ll be opposed by veteran James Shields at some point. Shields has been flashing top form in his starts here at Petco Park (2.47 ERA in 10 outings), so we?ll lay the price when he goes. PREFERRED: Shields.
Detroit at Kansas City (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Royals have a 4-3 edge vs. the Tigers in earlier competition (+$140), and they are playoff bound, while Detroit is looking ahead to next year and beyond. The formidable KC rotation (3.58 team ERA) should take at least 2 of 3. PREFERRED: Royals in all games.
L.A. Angels at Chicago W. Sox (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Angels are well suited to this opponent, given the high number of lefties in the Chicago rotation. LA checks in with a 14-5 record against southpaws in night games (+$820). In addition, the White Sox have averaged a pitiful 2.8 runs per game vs. lefties, so we have a number of angles we can use, all of which lead us to the visitor. PREFERRED: Angels vs. lefthanders/Lefthanders vs. the White Sox.
Baltimore at Seattle (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Mariners have an interesting duo in Mike Montgomery (3.07 ERA in 12 starts) and Taijuan Walker (2.40 last two starts) who are slated to see action against the Orioles. Baltimore is only 7-22 on the road at night (-$1575) and two of these are scheduled evening affairs. PREFERRED: Montgomery & Walker in night games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Cubs are 16-9 in night games at Wrigley Field (+$605) and the Brewers are in another ugly tailspin (2-9, -$695 in their last 11, averaging just 1.8 runs per game). Easy call on the competitive home team in this one. PREFERRED: Cubs in night games.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
Another chance for the Pirates to make up ground on the NL Central leader, a team with whom they?ve split the first 10 head to head meetings. The Cardinals have far less success against lefthanders (-$390, averaging just 3.7 runs per game) and they?ll no doubt face at least one southpaw when the Bucs roll into Busch Stadium. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Cardinals.
Oakland at Toronto (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Blue Jays took 2 out of 3 at the Coliseum earlier and the Athletics are struggling again (3-7, -$375 last 10 days). But we still don?t trust Toronto outside of Rogers Centre (-$760) so we?ll wait until game day before weighing in. PREFERRED: None.
N.Y. Yankees at Cleveland (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Yankees will face an all-righty Cleveland rotation, a situation that could prove problematic (New York 10-18, -$985 in night games vs. righthanders on the road). But the Tribe has been absolutely dreadful when playing here at Progressive Field (-$2420) so we?ll pass on this one. PREFERRED: None.
Texas at Minnesota (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Rangers have a terrific record outside of Arlington (+$2275) but they?ll be squaring off against a Minnesota team that has dominated the competition here at Target Field (+$1560). Not much of an edge either way so we?ll stay away for now. PREFERRED: None.
Boston at Miami (2) 11th, 12th
The Marlins do fare somewhat better when taking on lefthanders, producing a modest profit at home (+$95) while averaging 4.2 runs per game overall. The Red Sox have a couple of lefthanders who may see action in this series, none of whom give us much cause for concern. Boston is only 20-31 (-$990) outside of Fenway Pak this year. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. lefthanders
Atlanta at Tampa Bay (2) 11th, 12th
The sad sack Braves are currently 12-25 on the road in night games (-$930), barely averaging 3.0 runs per game in those contests. If they send a lefthanders to the mound at Tropicana Field we?ll back he Rays, given their impressive 18-11 (+$610) record against southpaws in 2015. PREFERRED: Rays vs. lefthanders.
Houston at San Francisco (2) 11th, 12th
The Astros are in the red as a visitor (-$420) and the lefties on their rotation could be vulnerable to a surging SF squad that checks in with a 15-9 (+$810) record against southpaws. Good matchup of quality contenders. PREFERRED: Giants vs. lefthanders.
BEGINNING THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Miami at Atlanta (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Braves have a big edge over AL East rival Miami in head to head competition (7-2, +$635) and they?ve been a big money-maker here at Turner Field, particularly in night games (+$1160). But they?ve been horrible since the All-Star Break (2-8, -$760 last 10 days, averaging just 2.1 runs per game with a 5.63 ERA among starters), so caution is advised. The Marlins might be worth a try if the price is right, but they?ve been a big money-burner on the road in 2015 (only 17-35, -$1480) so we?ll stay away for now. BEST BET: None.
San Francisco at Chicago Cubs (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Giants are hot as they continue to chase down the Dodgers in the NL West (7-3, +$295 last 10 days) and we like their chances here at Wrigley Field. They have one of the top offenses in the league (.273 team BA) and they?ve been a money-maker outside of ATT Park (+$495). The Cubs have lost sight of St. Louis in the NL Central, but they are in good shape to challenge for a wildcard slot. Nevertheless, they rank next to last in team hitting (.237 BA) and they?ve lost a fortune in day games at home (-$1260). Look for SF to grab some wins in this one. BEST BET: Giants in day games.
Houston at Oakland (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Athletics have been no match for the first place Astros when they?ve squared off this year (3-6, -$440) and they?ve been struggling in recent days (3-7, -$375 last 10). Their pitching has been top notch, but Houston?s is almost as good (3.49 ERA) and Oakland staff stalwart Scott Kazmir was sent to Houston prior to the deadline. He?s been sensational all year (2.10 ERA 20 starts), as has staff ace and leading Cy Young contender Dallas Keuchel (+$570, 2.35). Both should see action at the Coliseum this weekend. The Athletics are only 8-19 (-$1345) vs. lefties in 2015. BEST BET: Kazmir/Keuchel.
BEGINNING FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
These teams are evenly matched statistically (Pirates 3.19 ERA, .257 BA... Dodgers 3.32, .253) and both are locked in competitive division races. The Pirates appear to be the obvious choice in this one. A.J. Burnett is heading for the DL, but they?ve been deadly here at PNC Park (+$1055 so far) and they?ll be sending a formidable duo of Francisco Liriano (2.92 ERA in 20 starts) and Gerritt Cole (2.36 in 21 starts). The Dodgers have performed poorly in the role of visitor (23-37, -$1350) and ace righty Zach Greinke is expected to miss this series. An excellent spot for the Bucs. BEST BET: Liriano/Cole.
Colorado at Washington (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Nationals have allowed the Mets to climb back into a virtual tie in the NL East race (3-7, -$390 last 10 days), but they are finally getting some key players back from the DL, and the Rockies look like a soft target. Colorado has the worst team ERA in MLB this year (4.94) and they?ve been a losing proposition overall (-$990). Prices are likely to get somewhat inflated, but there?s no one in the visitor?s rotation that gives us much cause for concern. The Nats are a safe bet to take at least 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Nationals in all games.
St. Louis at Milwaukee (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The first place Cardinals have a 6-3 record vs. the Brewers in head to head competition (+$150) and the all-righty Milwaukee rotation (4.10 ERA, 12th in the NL) is tailor made for the visitor. St. Louis checks in with a 53-24 record vs. righties in 2015 (+$2425) and they boast the lowest team ERA in baseball by a considerable margin (2.68). The Brewers are 20 games under .500 vs. righties (-$2025) and they?ve lost money here at Miller Park (-$1725). Play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
Cincinnati at Arizona (3) 7th, 8t
h, 9th
The Diamondbacks have been sharp in recent days (7-3, +$570 last 10 days) and they are well within striking distance of a wildcard slot if they can keep it up. The Reds have packed it in for the season, dealing top hurlers Johnny Cueto & Mike Leake prior to the trading deadline. They?ve been dreadful when playing outside of Great American Ballpark (20-32, -$1015) and their depleted rotation will face an Arizona team that has turned a nice profit vs. righthanders (+$560). Terrific spot for the home team to keep pace in the NL playoff chase. BEST BET: Diamondbacks vs. righthanders.
Philadelphia at San Diego (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
After languishing with the worst record in baseball for most of the year, the Phillies have been on fire since the All-Star Break (8-2, +$1120 last 10 days, averaging 5.9 runs per game at the plate). But San Diego has picked up the pace as well in recent days (7-3, +$355 last 10) and they?ll be taking on a Philly team that has lost its top starting pitcher and its closer. They?ve been a disaster playing away from Citizens Bank this year, particularly against righthanders (10-29, -$1320). We?ll look for San Diego to cool off the Phillies in this one. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Phillies.
Boston at Detroit (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Tigers have been a post-season fixture over the past several seasons, but 2015 hasn?t been their year. They are below .500 as August gets underway and have shipped ace lefty David Price to the Blue Jays, signaling that a major rebuilding effort is in the offing. But they have a 15-10 record vs. lefthanders this year (+$485) and they could make life difficult for the Red Sox, another team that has floundered (47-59, -$1915 so far). Wade Miley was brought over from Arizona to add an experienced southpaw to the rotation, but he?s been mediocre to say the least (4.65 ERA in 21 starts). He looks like Detroit?s best shot at Comerica. BEST BET: Tigers vs. Miley.:0074
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Blue Jays were very active at the trading deadline, adding Troy Tulowitski to the most prolific offense in the majors this year (.264 BA, averaging 5.3 runs per game) as well as David Price, who will no doubt see action against the Yankees several times in the 13 remaining head to head contests. The Yankees elected to stand pat at the trading deadline, unwilling to part with top prospects. But they hold a healthy lead in the AL East and that 19-12 record vs. lefties (+$700, averaging 5.6 runs per game) will help them this weekend. Toronto has not fared well outside of Rogers Centre this year (22-31, -$760) and failing to take at least 2 out of 3 in the Bronx will further damage their post-season prospects. BEST BET: Yankees vs. lefthanders.
Minnesota at Cleveland (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Twins have been competitive thus far in 2015, including a 4-2 (+$335) record vs. the Indians. Overall they are among the league?s most profitable clubs (+$1575) while the last place Tribe has cost backers a fortune (-$2060). Minnesota has a solid trio in Phil Hughes (+$420, 3.98 ERA),. Ervin Santana (+$240, 3.78) and Mike Pelfrey (+$365, 3.65), at least two of whom are expected to appear at Progressive Field this weekend. We?d like to see the Twins improve their run production vs. righties, but they should command come decent prices against Cleveland, so take a shot with the competitive visitor. BEST BET: Hughes/E. Santana/Pelfrey.
Chicago W. Sox at Kansas City (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The White Sox are 8-3 in their last 11 (+$630) and the offense has looked good during that stretch (6.6 runs per game), but taking on the Royals at Kaufman Stadium is a tall order. KC has already taken 7 of 10 in head to head play (+$485) and they?ve been at their best in this ballpark (+$1195). Despite their recent success Chicago has scored the fewest runs of any AL team (3.8 per game) so stick with the home team throughout. BEST BET: Royals in all games.
Baltimore at L.A. Angels (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Angels have fallen back into 2nd place following a miserable recent stretch (1-9, -$985 last 10 days) and now they?ll have to deal with the loss of CJ Wilson to likely season ending surgery. The Orioles are the team in the AL East with the best shot at overtaking first place New York, and they?ve picked up the pace in recent days (7-4, +$170 in their last 11). Unfortunately, they?ve been terrible in night games outside of Camden Yards, so we?ll avoid that situation. On the other hand, they have been profitable in day games everywhere this year (+$525) so we?ll take them at what should be an attractive price in Sunday?s finale. BEST BET: Orioles in day games.
Texas at Seattle (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mariners are 5-1 vs. Texas in head to head competition (+$345) but the Rangers aren?t ready to give up on things just yet, adding Cole Hamels at the trading deadline to bolster the AL?s worst pitching staff (4.55). They?ve been a tremendous money-maker away from Arlington (+$2275) and the anemic Mariners have lost a fortune playing here at Safeco Field (-$1865). It?s been a disappointing year for Seattle all around, and they?ll be fortune to salvage a single victory this weekend. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
N.Y. Mets at Tampa Bay (3) 7th, 8th, 9th
The Mets pulled into a virtual tie for first place in the NL East after an impressive sweep of the Nats at CitiField. But while they?ve been unstoppable at home, the team has been horrible in the role of visitor, posting a miserable 7-27 record in night games on the road this year (-$19840, averaging just 2.3 runs per game in those contests). The Rays have largely been a disappointment this year, but they have a strong righthanded duo in Chris Archer (2.61 ERA in 22 starts) and Jake Odorizzi (2.87 in 17 outings). Both are expected to pitch at Tropicana Field this weekend. BEST BET: Archer/Odorizzi.
BEGINNING MONDAY, AUGUST 10
Colorado at N.Y. Mets (4) 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th
The Mets return to CitiField where they have dominated the competition in 2015 (38-18, +$1745) to face a Colorado team that is only 5-17 (-$1180) vs. lefthanders, averaging just 3.5 runs per game in those contests). Jonathan Niese (3.64 ERA), New York?s lone southpaw starter, is expected to appear, We?ll jump on board when he?s on the mound. PREFERRED: Niese.
Philadelphia at Arizona (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Diamondbacks suffered a sweep at the hands of Philadelphia at Citizens Bank (-$380) and the Phillies are only 10-29 (-$1320) on the road against righthanders. If the price is reasonable we?ll take a shot with Arizona. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks at -140 or less.
Washington at L.A. Dodgers (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Nationals are stumbling along (3-7, -$390 last 10 days) and they have a problem visiting Chavez Ravine, considering their pitiful showing on the road in night games (-$1190). LA is 31-13 (+$970) vs. righthanders at home, averaging 5.2 runs per game at night. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. righthanders.
Cincinnati at San Diego (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Reds have performed poorly when playing outside of Great American Ballpark (-$1015) and it?s likely they?ll be opposed by veteran James Shields at some point. Shields has been flashing top form in his starts here at Petco Park (2.47 ERA in 10 outings), so we?ll lay the price when he goes. PREFERRED: Shields.
Detroit at Kansas City (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Royals have a 4-3 edge vs. the Tigers in earlier competition (+$140), and they are playoff bound, while Detroit is looking ahead to next year and beyond. The formidable KC rotation (3.58 team ERA) should take at least 2 of 3. PREFERRED: Royals in all games.
L.A. Angels at Chicago W. Sox (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Angels are well suited to this opponent, given the high number of lefties in the Chicago rotation. LA checks in with a 14-5 record against southpaws in night games (+$820). In addition, the White Sox have averaged a pitiful 2.8 runs per game vs. lefties, so we have a number of angles we can use, all of which lead us to the visitor. PREFERRED: Angels vs. lefthanders/Lefthanders vs. the White Sox.
Baltimore at Seattle (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Mariners have an interesting duo in Mike Montgomery (3.07 ERA in 12 starts) and Taijuan Walker (2.40 last two starts) who are slated to see action against the Orioles. Baltimore is only 7-22 on the road at night (-$1575) and two of these are scheduled evening affairs. PREFERRED: Montgomery & Walker in night games.
BEGINNING TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Cubs are 16-9 in night games at Wrigley Field (+$605) and the Brewers are in another ugly tailspin (2-9, -$695 in their last 11, averaging just 1.8 runs per game). Easy call on the competitive home team in this one. PREFERRED: Cubs in night games.
Pittsburgh at St. Louis (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
Another chance for the Pirates to make up ground on the NL Central leader, a team with whom they?ve split the first 10 head to head meetings. The Cardinals have far less success against lefthanders (-$390, averaging just 3.7 runs per game) and they?ll no doubt face at least one southpaw when the Bucs roll into Busch Stadium. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Cardinals.
Oakland at Toronto (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Blue Jays took 2 out of 3 at the Coliseum earlier and the Athletics are struggling again (3-7, -$375 last 10 days). But we still don?t trust Toronto outside of Rogers Centre (-$760) so we?ll wait until game day before weighing in. PREFERRED: None.
N.Y. Yankees at Cleveland (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Yankees will face an all-righty Cleveland rotation, a situation that could prove problematic (New York 10-18, -$985 in night games vs. righthanders on the road). But the Tribe has been absolutely dreadful when playing here at Progressive Field (-$2420) so we?ll pass on this one. PREFERRED: None.
Texas at Minnesota (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Rangers have a terrific record outside of Arlington (+$2275) but they?ll be squaring off against a Minnesota team that has dominated the competition here at Target Field (+$1560). Not much of an edge either way so we?ll stay away for now. PREFERRED: None.
Boston at Miami (2) 11th, 12th
The Marlins do fare somewhat better when taking on lefthanders, producing a modest profit at home (+$95) while averaging 4.2 runs per game overall. The Red Sox have a couple of lefthanders who may see action in this series, none of whom give us much cause for concern. Boston is only 20-31 (-$990) outside of Fenway Pak this year. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. lefthanders
Atlanta at Tampa Bay (2) 11th, 12th
The sad sack Braves are currently 12-25 on the road in night games (-$930), barely averaging 3.0 runs per game in those contests. If they send a lefthanders to the mound at Tropicana Field we?ll back he Rays, given their impressive 18-11 (+$610) record against southpaws in 2015. PREFERRED: Rays vs. lefthanders.
Houston at San Francisco (2) 11th, 12th
The Astros are in the red as a visitor (-$420) and the lefties on their rotation could be vulnerable to a surging SF squad that checks in with a 15-9 (+$810) record against southpaws. Good matchup of quality contenders. PREFERRED: Giants vs. lefthanders.
