Washington at N.Y. Mets (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
These teams match up evenly on the mound (Mets 3.30 team ERA,
Washington 3.31), but the Nats have outscored New York by almost
one full run per game. They have a 6-3 record vs. the Mets in head
to head play (+$230) and their righthanders should fare well here
at CitiField (NY -$750 vs. righties overall averaging just 3.8 runs
per game in those contests). Both Max Scherzer (3.30) and Stephen
Strasburg (+$1210, 2.71) are expected to see action, and the prices
are likely to be very reasonable. BEST BET: Scherzer/Strasburg.
Philadelphia at Colorado (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Phillies have gotten themselves back on track following a miserable
stretch in mid-June (7-3, +$835 last 10 days) and they match
up well with the home team here at Coors Field. They?ve turned a
fat profit in night road games (+$965 so far) while Colorado has
lost money in night games in this ballpark (-$1015). Vincent Velasquez
has retuned to form since re-joining the rotation (+$585, 3.34
ERA In 14 starts) and we?ll take a shot with the Phillies when he is
on the mound. BEST BET: Velasquez.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Dodgers are well over .500 as the All-Star Break draws near,
but they are without the services of staff ace Clayton Kershaw,
who?s out with a back injury. Without him the LA rotation is far
less imposing, and they?ll be taking on a San Diego team that is
averaging 5.3 runs per game in their last 10. They?ve come up with
a terrific lefty in Drew Pomeranz, who checks in with a 2.65 ERA in
his 16 starts). LA has averaged just 3.3 runs per game vs. southpaws
in 2016. BEST BET: Pomeranz.
Detroit at Toronto (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Tigers are on a six game winning streak and they are looking
very strong at the plate in recent days (5.7 runs per game in
their last 10). They are 9-4 in day games outside of Comerica Park
(+$765) and with two afternoon contests on tap we like their chances.
The Blue Jays have been a losing proposition here at Rogers
Centre (-$540) so we?ll take a shot with the visiting team if the
setting is favorable. BEST BET: Tigers in day games.
N.Y. Yankees at Cleveland (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Indians finally lost a couple of games this past weekend following
a 14 game win streak that has propelled them to a comfortable
lead atop the AL Central. They?ve been sensational in night
games here at Progressive Field (18-5, +$1080) and their pitching
now ranks #1 in the American League (3.58 team ERA). The Yankees
are only 11-18 on the road in night games (-$715), their bats
are sluggish (.247 team BA) and the starting pitching looks very
unimpressive (5.35 ERA among starters in their last 10). Stick with
the surging Tribe. BEST BET: Indians in night games.''
Minnesota at Texas (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Twins managed to take 2 of 3 from Texas at Target Field, but
it?s hard to make case against the 1st place Rangers in this series.
Texas owns a 28-12 record here at Arlington (+$1610) while Minnesota
checks in with a dismal 10-28 mark in the role of visitor
(-$1255). The Twins are the worst pitching team in the league (5.10
ERA) and they average almost one run per game less at the plate.
Prices could get very inflated, but the Twins will be fortunate to
salvage a single victory. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Oakland at Houston (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Astros continue to battle back from their miserable start to the
season (6-3, +$270 last 10 days, averaging 6.7 runs per game in
those contests) and they?ve put up solid numbers vs. righthanded
pitching (+$550). The Athletics have the 2nd worst team ERA in the
AL (4.75) and they?ve been a losing proposition vs. righthanders in
all settings (-$765, with just 3.7 runs per game). Easy call on the
hot home team. BEST BET: Astros when righty meets righty.
Seattle at Kansas City (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Mariners bounced back from a disappointing month of June
with a spectacular four game sweep over the high flying Orioles at
Safeco Field last weekend (+$370 last 10 days). They?ve been profitable
vs. righthanders on the road in 2016 (+$375, averaging 5.6
runs per game) and KC?s pitching has been miserable (7.01 ERA
among starters in their last 10). But despite the tempting road team,
KC has been a big money-maker at Kaufman Stadium (+$1615).
We?ll take a closer look on game day. BEST BET: None.'
BEGINNING, FRIDAY, JULY 8
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Bucs are coming off a nice stretch (7-3, +$675 last 10 days),
but they?ve only beaten Chicago once in nine head to head encounters
(-$710) and their pitching is still in sorry shape. But they?ve
compiled a 12-8 record vs. lefties (+$640, averaging 5.0 runs per
game) and we like their chances vs. Jon Lester, who?s coming off
his worst start of the year. Chicago is very formidable, but they are
slumping (4-7, -$660 in their last 11). BEST BET: Pirates vs. Lester.
Cincinnati at Miami (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Marlins are very much in contention for at least a wildcard
berth as the season hits the mid-point, and they should make short
work of the hapless Reds (Cincy 2-9, -$635 in their last 11). Miami
checks in with a 12-6 record vs. lefties (+$1070) and the Reds are
using a number of lackluster southpaws in their starting rotation.
Easy call on the home team. BEST BET: Marlins vs. lefthanders.
St. Louis at Milwaukee (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Cardinals have dominated this team in head to head play (7-2,
+$390) and they?ve been a huge money-maker outside of Busch
Stadium (+$1165). The Brewers are only 21-34 against righthanders
this year (-$1065, averaging 3.8 runs per game) and none of
their starting pitchers give us much cause for concern (4.53 team
ERA). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Brewers.
Arizona at San Francisco (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Diamondbacks have a solid record outside of Chase Field
(+$1300) but they?ve been struggling in recent days (3-7, -$610 in
their last 10) and now staff ace Zack Greinke has landed on the DL.
The Giants are comfortably atop the NL West, but their pitching
looks shaky (5.43 ERA among starters in their last 10) and they are
liable to be overpriced at ATT Park. BEST BET: None.
L.A. Angels at Baltimore (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Orioles stumbled in Seattle last weekend, but they should
bounce back at Camden Yards, where they?ve compiled a 31-13
record in 2016 (+$1525). The Angels continue to languish in the AL
West basement (2-8, -$720 in the last 10 days), with a pitching staff
in total disarray (7.47 ERA among starters in their last 10). The O?s
should take at least 2 of 3. BEST BET: Orioles in all games.
Tampa Bay at Boston (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Red Sox have lost 4 of 6 to the Rays in their earlier meetings
(-$340) and they?ve been dreadful vs. lefthanders (only 5-11, -$880
so far). In addition, Tampa Bay has played well vs. southpaws, averaging
5.6 runs per game in those contests. David Price has been a
huge disappointment so far (4.74 ERA in 17 starts) but he?ll still be
heavily favored at Fenway Park. Good underdog opportunities with
the visitor. BEST BET: Rays vs. Price/Lefthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Atlanta at Chicago W. Sox (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Braves are having an awful season, scoring the fewest runs of
any team in MLB this year (only 3.4 per game so far), but we?re
still interested in using them here at US Cellular. They?ve been
profitable outside of Turner Field (+$700) and the White Sox have
been floundering for most of the past six weeks. Chicago has some
solid pitchers, but if we see an underdog price we like we?ll back
the visitor. BEST BET: Braves at +150 or better.
These teams match up evenly on the mound (Mets 3.30 team ERA,
Washington 3.31), but the Nats have outscored New York by almost
one full run per game. They have a 6-3 record vs. the Mets in head
to head play (+$230) and their righthanders should fare well here
at CitiField (NY -$750 vs. righties overall averaging just 3.8 runs
per game in those contests). Both Max Scherzer (3.30) and Stephen
Strasburg (+$1210, 2.71) are expected to see action, and the prices
are likely to be very reasonable. BEST BET: Scherzer/Strasburg.
Philadelphia at Colorado (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Phillies have gotten themselves back on track following a miserable
stretch in mid-June (7-3, +$835 last 10 days) and they match
up well with the home team here at Coors Field. They?ve turned a
fat profit in night road games (+$965 so far) while Colorado has
lost money in night games in this ballpark (-$1015). Vincent Velasquez
has retuned to form since re-joining the rotation (+$585, 3.34
ERA In 14 starts) and we?ll take a shot with the Phillies when he is
on the mound. BEST BET: Velasquez.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Dodgers are well over .500 as the All-Star Break draws near,
but they are without the services of staff ace Clayton Kershaw,
who?s out with a back injury. Without him the LA rotation is far
less imposing, and they?ll be taking on a San Diego team that is
averaging 5.3 runs per game in their last 10. They?ve come up with
a terrific lefty in Drew Pomeranz, who checks in with a 2.65 ERA in
his 16 starts). LA has averaged just 3.3 runs per game vs. southpaws
in 2016. BEST BET: Pomeranz.
Detroit at Toronto (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Tigers are on a six game winning streak and they are looking
very strong at the plate in recent days (5.7 runs per game in
their last 10). They are 9-4 in day games outside of Comerica Park
(+$765) and with two afternoon contests on tap we like their chances.
The Blue Jays have been a losing proposition here at Rogers
Centre (-$540) so we?ll take a shot with the visiting team if the
setting is favorable. BEST BET: Tigers in day games.
N.Y. Yankees at Cleveland (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Indians finally lost a couple of games this past weekend following
a 14 game win streak that has propelled them to a comfortable
lead atop the AL Central. They?ve been sensational in night
games here at Progressive Field (18-5, +$1080) and their pitching
now ranks #1 in the American League (3.58 team ERA). The Yankees
are only 11-18 on the road in night games (-$715), their bats
are sluggish (.247 team BA) and the starting pitching looks very
unimpressive (5.35 ERA among starters in their last 10). Stick with
the surging Tribe. BEST BET: Indians in night games.''
Minnesota at Texas (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Twins managed to take 2 of 3 from Texas at Target Field, but
it?s hard to make case against the 1st place Rangers in this series.
Texas owns a 28-12 record here at Arlington (+$1610) while Minnesota
checks in with a dismal 10-28 mark in the role of visitor
(-$1255). The Twins are the worst pitching team in the league (5.10
ERA) and they average almost one run per game less at the plate.
Prices could get very inflated, but the Twins will be fortunate to
salvage a single victory. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Oakland at Houston (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Astros continue to battle back from their miserable start to the
season (6-3, +$270 last 10 days, averaging 6.7 runs per game in
those contests) and they?ve put up solid numbers vs. righthanded
pitching (+$550). The Athletics have the 2nd worst team ERA in the
AL (4.75) and they?ve been a losing proposition vs. righthanders in
all settings (-$765, with just 3.7 runs per game). Easy call on the
hot home team. BEST BET: Astros when righty meets righty.
Seattle at Kansas City (4) 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The Mariners bounced back from a disappointing month of June
with a spectacular four game sweep over the high flying Orioles at
Safeco Field last weekend (+$370 last 10 days). They?ve been profitable
vs. righthanders on the road in 2016 (+$375, averaging 5.6
runs per game) and KC?s pitching has been miserable (7.01 ERA
among starters in their last 10). But despite the tempting road team,
KC has been a big money-maker at Kaufman Stadium (+$1615).
We?ll take a closer look on game day. BEST BET: None.'
BEGINNING, FRIDAY, JULY 8
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Bucs are coming off a nice stretch (7-3, +$675 last 10 days),
but they?ve only beaten Chicago once in nine head to head encounters
(-$710) and their pitching is still in sorry shape. But they?ve
compiled a 12-8 record vs. lefties (+$640, averaging 5.0 runs per
game) and we like their chances vs. Jon Lester, who?s coming off
his worst start of the year. Chicago is very formidable, but they are
slumping (4-7, -$660 in their last 11). BEST BET: Pirates vs. Lester.
Cincinnati at Miami (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Marlins are very much in contention for at least a wildcard
berth as the season hits the mid-point, and they should make short
work of the hapless Reds (Cincy 2-9, -$635 in their last 11). Miami
checks in with a 12-6 record vs. lefties (+$1070) and the Reds are
using a number of lackluster southpaws in their starting rotation.
Easy call on the home team. BEST BET: Marlins vs. lefthanders.
St. Louis at Milwaukee (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Cardinals have dominated this team in head to head play (7-2,
+$390) and they?ve been a huge money-maker outside of Busch
Stadium (+$1165). The Brewers are only 21-34 against righthanders
this year (-$1065, averaging 3.8 runs per game) and none of
their starting pitchers give us much cause for concern (4.53 team
ERA). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Brewers.
Arizona at San Francisco (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Diamondbacks have a solid record outside of Chase Field
(+$1300) but they?ve been struggling in recent days (3-7, -$610 in
their last 10) and now staff ace Zack Greinke has landed on the DL.
The Giants are comfortably atop the NL West, but their pitching
looks shaky (5.43 ERA among starters in their last 10) and they are
liable to be overpriced at ATT Park. BEST BET: None.
L.A. Angels at Baltimore (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Orioles stumbled in Seattle last weekend, but they should
bounce back at Camden Yards, where they?ve compiled a 31-13
record in 2016 (+$1525). The Angels continue to languish in the AL
West basement (2-8, -$720 in the last 10 days), with a pitching staff
in total disarray (7.47 ERA among starters in their last 10). The O?s
should take at least 2 of 3. BEST BET: Orioles in all games.
Tampa Bay at Boston (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Red Sox have lost 4 of 6 to the Rays in their earlier meetings
(-$340) and they?ve been dreadful vs. lefthanders (only 5-11, -$880
so far). In addition, Tampa Bay has played well vs. southpaws, averaging
5.6 runs per game in those contests. David Price has been a
huge disappointment so far (4.74 ERA in 17 starts) but he?ll still be
heavily favored at Fenway Park. Good underdog opportunities with
the visitor. BEST BET: Rays vs. Price/Lefthanders vs. the Red Sox.
Atlanta at Chicago W. Sox (3) 8th, 9th, 10th
The Braves are having an awful season, scoring the fewest runs of
any team in MLB this year (only 3.4 per game so far), but we?re
still interested in using them here at US Cellular. They?ve been
profitable outside of Turner Field (+$700) and the White Sox have
been floundering for most of the past six weeks. Chicago has some
solid pitchers, but if we see an underdog price we like we?ll back
the visitor. BEST BET: Braves at +150 or better.
