visitor?s chances this weekend. BEST BET: Dodgers in all games.
San Francisco at San Diego (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
With the best record in baseball at the All-Star Break (57-33,
+$1610) we expect the Giants to continue their dominance over
their division foe. So far in 2016 San Francisco is a perfect 9-0
in head to head play with the Padres (+$900). They?ve done so
well because of great starting pitching, most notably from Bradley
Bumgarner (+$290, 1.94 ERA in 19 starts) and Johnny Cueto
(+$1300, 2.47 ERA in 18 appearances). San Diego checks in with
a mediocre .244 team BA and their pitching is 4th worst in the NL
(4.57). We?ll stick with the SF aces, both of whom should see action
at Petco Park this weekend. BEST BET: Bumgarner/Cueto.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Red Sox won four in a row just prior to the All-Star Break as
their hitters continue to dominate the competition (.292 team BA,
averaging 5.7 runs per game so far). They?ve outscored the Yankees
by 119 runs through 87 games, and they?ve been very effective vs.
righthanders in all settings (+$560). New York has been tenacious,
but they lack the offensive firepower (.252 BA) and the arms (4.45
ERA) to factor in the race for the AL pennant. David Price flashed
his best form of the year in his final start before the Break, and
he?ll be facing a New York team that is only 11-16 vs. southpaws
(-$545). We like his chances here in the Bronx. BEST BET: Price.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rays have hit the skids in 2016 (1-10, -$1120 in their last 11,
averaging just 2.7 runs per game with a 5.27 ERA among starters)
and they?ll be hard pressed to stop the high flying Orioles, who
have won 7 of the first 9 head to head meetings (+$525). Baltimore
has racked up fat profits in 2016 (+$1535) they hold the top slot in
the very competitive AL East. They average a healthy 5.1 runs per
game on offense, and their all-righty starting rotation is tailor made
for taking on Tampa, a team that is only 23-53 (-$2525) in that situation.
BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Rays.
Kansas City at Detroit (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
With so much inconsistency in the AL Central the Royals are still
viable playoff contenders, but they need to do better outside of
Kaufman Stadium. So far in 2016 they are only 16-30 in road games
(-$1220), averaging just 3.2 runs per game in those contests. Detroit
has similar stats and an almost identical record as KC, but they?ve
been hard to beat in night games at Comerica (13-6, +$720).We
are also impressed by 23 year old Michael Fulmer, who has led the
Tigers to victories in 11 of his first 15 starts (+$1070, 2.11 ERA).
Plenty of good opportunities to use the home team this weekend.
BEST BET: Fulmer/Tigers in night games.
Cleveland at Minnesota (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Indians had a sensational month of June and they now hold a
comfortable lead in the AL Central as a result (52-36, +$835). However,
they are only 2-4 in head to head play vs. Minnesota (-$370)
so they?ll be looking for a measure of revenge when they venture
into Target Field. The Twins are the worst team in the American
League at the moment, and they are only 22-42 (-$1570) vs. righthanders.
Cleveland checks in with an all-righty rotation and the
best team ERA in the league. Minnesota will be fortunate to salvage
a single victory, so we?ll back the visitor throughout. A sweep
is a distinct possibility. BEST BET: Indians in all games
.
Chicago W. Sox at L.A. Angels (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The White Sox lost ground rapidly after building a strong early lead
in the AL Central, but they?ve been getting back on track in recent
weeks and could be a promising choice this weekend at Anaheim.
The Angels are only 16-26 in this ballpark (-$1365) and they?ve
averaged just 3.7 runs per game against lefthanders so far (-$490).
Chicago has a rotation that is loaded with southpaws, most notably
Chris Sale (+$630, 3.38 ERA) and Carlos Quintana (3.21 ERA in 18
starts). Both are likely to see action in this series, so this looks like
a great spot for the visitor. BEST BET: Sale/Quintana.
Toronto at Oakland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Blue Jays were unstoppable in 2015 following the All-Star
Break, and they are surging at the moment (8-2, +$325 in their last
10, averaging 5.9 runs per game with a 2.39 ERA among starters).
They are facing strong competition in the AL East, so they?ll need
to fatten up on the league?s weaklings to prevail over Boston &
Baltimore. Oakland is only 17-26 here at the Coliseum (-$1335)
and their numbers against righthanders are awful (only 3.7 runs
per game on offense). Toronto?s pitching staff now has the 2nd best
ERA in the league (3.76) so expect them to fare well against the
hapless home team. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Athletics.
Houston at Seattle (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Astros were left for dead in April & May, but they?ve made up
considerable ground over the last several weeks, and have emerged
as a serious contender to 1st place Texas in the AL West. The Mariners
are in the hunt as well, getting solid pitching (3.95 ERA) while
averaging 5.3 runs per game at the plate vs. righthanders. But they
are only 12-18 vs. southpaws (-$850) and 215 Cy Young winner
Dallas Keuchel has been flashing excellent form in his recent appearances
(2.08 ERA in his last two starts). We like his chances at
Safeco, where Seattle has under-performed. BEST BET: Keuchel.
Texas at Chicago Cubs (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Until recently the Cubs had appeared untouchable, but now they
are getting hammered consistently (2-9, -$1500 in their last 11)
and exorbitant prices have turned them into a big money-burner in
2016 (-$1030). The Rangers are the most profitable team in MLB
(+$2395). They average almost 5.0 runs per game at the plate, and
they are 6-2 so far in inter-league play (+$370). Chicago?s starters
posted an 8.24 ERA in the 11 days leading up to the break, so we?ll
back this very formidable visiting team at Wrigley Field, no doubt
as a fat underdog. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
BEGINNING, MONDAY, JULY 18
Miami at Philadelphia (4) 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st
The Marlins are only 2-4 vs. the Phillies in head to head play this
year (-$250) but they are playing well and come into Citizens Bank
with a 19-10 record in night games on the road (+$1340, averaging
5.1 runs per game). The Phillies continue to struggle to put runs on
the board in 2016. PREFERRED: Marlins in night games.
Atlanta at Cincinnati (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Braves are a disaster at home but they have managed to turn a
healthy profit outside of Turner Field (+$990) and the Reds are an
easy target. Cincinnati has been a losing proposition in all settings
this year (-$1405 overall) so if we see a price we like we?ll take a
shot with the visitors. PREFERRED: Braves at +125 or better.
N.Y. Mets at Chicago Cubs (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Cubs were humiliated in a four game sweep at CitiField (-$390)
but the Mets are not a very appealing challenger. They have lost
money overall in 2016 (-$775 so far) and they continue to flounder
at the plate (only 3.8 runs per game on offense). We?ll sit this one
out for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
San Diego at St. Louis (4) 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st
The Padres look like a viable underdog here at Busch Stadium,
where the Cardinals have lost a fortune in 2016 (-$1660 so far). San
Diego is very effective in night games in all settings (+$1475) and
all four of these contests are evening affairs. If the Padres can gain
a split we?ll profit handsomely. PREFERRED: Padres in all games.
Baltimore at N.Y. Yankees (4) 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st
The Orioles hold a 4-2 edge in the season series between these
two (+$135) but they are only 11-16 on the road vs. righthanders
(-$370) so caution is advised. New York has turned a modest profit
vs. righties at home but we?re not confident in their rotation, so
we?ll steer clear for now. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Detroit (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Tigers prevailed in all six head to head meetings thus far
(+$635) and they are 13-6 in night games at Comerica (+$730). The
Twins are only 9-25 vs. righthanders at night (1395) and their pitching
staff is the worst in the AL (4.97 team ERA). Easy call on the
home team as they look to close the gap with Cleveland in the AL
Central. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Twins in night games.
Cleveland at Kansas City (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Indians hold a 6-4 edge in head to head play but taking on the
Royals here at Kaufman Stadium is a tough assignment. KC checks
in with a 29-13 record at home (+$1625) and the Tribe stumbled in
the 10 days prior to the All-Star Break (4-6, -$360). Look for the
home team to take at least 2 out of 3, as they look to get back on top
in the AL Central. PREFERRED: Royals in all games
.
Houston at Oakland (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Astros should dispatch the anemic Oakland offense without
much difficulty. The Athletics are only 10-17 vs. righthanders at
the Coliseum (-$930, averaging just 2.8 runs per game at the plate)
and Houston?s pitching now ranks 3rd best in the AL (3.87 ERA).
The Astros are 36-25 vs. righties (+$540) so play this series accordingly.
PREFERRED: Astros when righty meets righty.
Texas at L.A. Angels (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
Pitching woes have derailed the Angels in 2016 (4.52 team ERA) as
they struggle to cobble together a viable rotation. Texas has scored
more runs than every AL team except Boston (.267 team BA) and
they?ve racked up big profits on the road in night games (+$1235).
With three evening games on tap this looks like a good spot for
Texas to extend its lead. PREFERRED: Rangers in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Seattle (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Mariners are only 12-18 against lefthanders in 2016 (-$850)
and they are facing a rotation with several southpaws. In addition,
Chicago has turned a tidy profit on the road in night games this year
(+$695) so we should get at least one or two opportunities to back
the visiting team here at Safeco Field. PREFERRED: Lefthanders
vs. the Mariners in night games
Tampa Bay at Colorado (3) 18th
, 19th, 20th
The dismal Rays are only 16-26 outside of Tropicana Field (-$1015)
and they are only 4-8 in inter-league play so far (-$675). But the
Rockies inspire little confidence playing at Coors Field (-$855) so
we?ll pass for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING, TUESDAY, JULY 19
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Both teams have winning records against lefthanders (Brewers
+$645, Bucs +$960) and losing records vs. righthanders (Milwaukee
-$1045, Pittsburgh -$475). So if Pittsburgh starts a southpaw
vs. any member of Milwaukee?s all-righty rotation we?ll jump on
board. PREFERRED: Brewers vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Dodgers at Washington (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Dodgers swept a three game set at Chavez Ravine earlier this
year (+$300) and they?ve turned a nice profit in day games so far
(+$900). We?ll look for them to score a victory in Thursday?s afternoon
contest. PREFERRED: Dodgers in day games.
San Francisco at Boston (2) 19th, 20th
A lot depends on the pitching matchup, which is difficult to project
for a two game series coming on the heels of the All-Star Break.
The Giants are profitable (+$1610 overall) but Boston devours
righthanders (+$560, averaging 5.8 runs per game) so we?ll take a
closer look on game day. PREFERRED: None.
Toronto at Arizona (2) 19th, 20th
The D?Backs have cost their backers a fortune here at Chase Field
(-$2420) and Toronto is a very good value against all righthanders
(+$750 so far). PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. righthanders.
San Francisco at San Diego (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
With the best record in baseball at the All-Star Break (57-33,
+$1610) we expect the Giants to continue their dominance over
their division foe. So far in 2016 San Francisco is a perfect 9-0
in head to head play with the Padres (+$900). They?ve done so
well because of great starting pitching, most notably from Bradley
Bumgarner (+$290, 1.94 ERA in 19 starts) and Johnny Cueto
(+$1300, 2.47 ERA in 18 appearances). San Diego checks in with
a mediocre .244 team BA and their pitching is 4th worst in the NL
(4.57). We?ll stick with the SF aces, both of whom should see action
at Petco Park this weekend. BEST BET: Bumgarner/Cueto.
Boston at N.Y. Yankees (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Red Sox won four in a row just prior to the All-Star Break as
their hitters continue to dominate the competition (.292 team BA,
averaging 5.7 runs per game so far). They?ve outscored the Yankees
by 119 runs through 87 games, and they?ve been very effective vs.
righthanders in all settings (+$560). New York has been tenacious,
but they lack the offensive firepower (.252 BA) and the arms (4.45
ERA) to factor in the race for the AL pennant. David Price flashed
his best form of the year in his final start before the Break, and
he?ll be facing a New York team that is only 11-16 vs. southpaws
(-$545). We like his chances here in the Bronx. BEST BET: Price.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Rays have hit the skids in 2016 (1-10, -$1120 in their last 11,
averaging just 2.7 runs per game with a 5.27 ERA among starters)
and they?ll be hard pressed to stop the high flying Orioles, who
have won 7 of the first 9 head to head meetings (+$525). Baltimore
has racked up fat profits in 2016 (+$1535) they hold the top slot in
the very competitive AL East. They average a healthy 5.1 runs per
game on offense, and their all-righty starting rotation is tailor made
for taking on Tampa, a team that is only 23-53 (-$2525) in that situation.
BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Rays.
Kansas City at Detroit (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
With so much inconsistency in the AL Central the Royals are still
viable playoff contenders, but they need to do better outside of
Kaufman Stadium. So far in 2016 they are only 16-30 in road games
(-$1220), averaging just 3.2 runs per game in those contests. Detroit
has similar stats and an almost identical record as KC, but they?ve
been hard to beat in night games at Comerica (13-6, +$720).We
are also impressed by 23 year old Michael Fulmer, who has led the
Tigers to victories in 11 of his first 15 starts (+$1070, 2.11 ERA).
Plenty of good opportunities to use the home team this weekend.
BEST BET: Fulmer/Tigers in night games.
Cleveland at Minnesota (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Indians had a sensational month of June and they now hold a
comfortable lead in the AL Central as a result (52-36, +$835). However,
they are only 2-4 in head to head play vs. Minnesota (-$370)
so they?ll be looking for a measure of revenge when they venture
into Target Field. The Twins are the worst team in the American
League at the moment, and they are only 22-42 (-$1570) vs. righthanders.
Cleveland checks in with an all-righty rotation and the
best team ERA in the league. Minnesota will be fortunate to salvage
a single victory, so we?ll back the visitor throughout. A sweep
is a distinct possibility. BEST BET: Indians in all games
.
Chicago W. Sox at L.A. Angels (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The White Sox lost ground rapidly after building a strong early lead
in the AL Central, but they?ve been getting back on track in recent
weeks and could be a promising choice this weekend at Anaheim.
The Angels are only 16-26 in this ballpark (-$1365) and they?ve
averaged just 3.7 runs per game against lefthanders so far (-$490).
Chicago has a rotation that is loaded with southpaws, most notably
Chris Sale (+$630, 3.38 ERA) and Carlos Quintana (3.21 ERA in 18
starts). Both are likely to see action in this series, so this looks like
a great spot for the visitor. BEST BET: Sale/Quintana.
Toronto at Oakland (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Blue Jays were unstoppable in 2015 following the All-Star
Break, and they are surging at the moment (8-2, +$325 in their last
10, averaging 5.9 runs per game with a 2.39 ERA among starters).
They are facing strong competition in the AL East, so they?ll need
to fatten up on the league?s weaklings to prevail over Boston &
Baltimore. Oakland is only 17-26 here at the Coliseum (-$1335)
and their numbers against righthanders are awful (only 3.7 runs
per game on offense). Toronto?s pitching staff now has the 2nd best
ERA in the league (3.76) so expect them to fare well against the
hapless home team. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Athletics.
Houston at Seattle (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
The Astros were left for dead in April & May, but they?ve made up
considerable ground over the last several weeks, and have emerged
as a serious contender to 1st place Texas in the AL West. The Mariners
are in the hunt as well, getting solid pitching (3.95 ERA) while
averaging 5.3 runs per game at the plate vs. righthanders. But they
are only 12-18 vs. southpaws (-$850) and 215 Cy Young winner
Dallas Keuchel has been flashing excellent form in his recent appearances
(2.08 ERA in his last two starts). We like his chances at
Safeco, where Seattle has under-performed. BEST BET: Keuchel.
Texas at Chicago Cubs (3) 15th, 16th, 17th
Until recently the Cubs had appeared untouchable, but now they
are getting hammered consistently (2-9, -$1500 in their last 11)
and exorbitant prices have turned them into a big money-burner in
2016 (-$1030). The Rangers are the most profitable team in MLB
(+$2395). They average almost 5.0 runs per game at the plate, and
they are 6-2 so far in inter-league play (+$370). Chicago?s starters
posted an 8.24 ERA in the 11 days leading up to the break, so we?ll
back this very formidable visiting team at Wrigley Field, no doubt
as a fat underdog. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
BEGINNING, MONDAY, JULY 18
Miami at Philadelphia (4) 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st
The Marlins are only 2-4 vs. the Phillies in head to head play this
year (-$250) but they are playing well and come into Citizens Bank
with a 19-10 record in night games on the road (+$1340, averaging
5.1 runs per game). The Phillies continue to struggle to put runs on
the board in 2016. PREFERRED: Marlins in night games.
Atlanta at Cincinnati (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Braves are a disaster at home but they have managed to turn a
healthy profit outside of Turner Field (+$990) and the Reds are an
easy target. Cincinnati has been a losing proposition in all settings
this year (-$1405 overall) so if we see a price we like we?ll take a
shot with the visitors. PREFERRED: Braves at +125 or better.
N.Y. Mets at Chicago Cubs (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Cubs were humiliated in a four game sweep at CitiField (-$390)
but the Mets are not a very appealing challenger. They have lost
money overall in 2016 (-$775 so far) and they continue to flounder
at the plate (only 3.8 runs per game on offense). We?ll sit this one
out for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
San Diego at St. Louis (4) 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st
The Padres look like a viable underdog here at Busch Stadium,
where the Cardinals have lost a fortune in 2016 (-$1660 so far). San
Diego is very effective in night games in all settings (+$1475) and
all four of these contests are evening affairs. If the Padres can gain
a split we?ll profit handsomely. PREFERRED: Padres in all games.
Baltimore at N.Y. Yankees (4) 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st
The Orioles hold a 4-2 edge in the season series between these
two (+$135) but they are only 11-16 on the road vs. righthanders
(-$370) so caution is advised. New York has turned a modest profit
vs. righties at home but we?re not confident in their rotation, so
we?ll steer clear for now. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Detroit (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Tigers prevailed in all six head to head meetings thus far
(+$635) and they are 13-6 in night games at Comerica (+$730). The
Twins are only 9-25 vs. righthanders at night (1395) and their pitching
staff is the worst in the AL (4.97 team ERA). Easy call on the
home team as they look to close the gap with Cleveland in the AL
Central. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Twins in night games.
Cleveland at Kansas City (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Indians hold a 6-4 edge in head to head play but taking on the
Royals here at Kaufman Stadium is a tough assignment. KC checks
in with a 29-13 record at home (+$1625) and the Tribe stumbled in
the 10 days prior to the All-Star Break (4-6, -$360). Look for the
home team to take at least 2 out of 3, as they look to get back on top
in the AL Central. PREFERRED: Royals in all games
.
Houston at Oakland (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Astros should dispatch the anemic Oakland offense without
much difficulty. The Athletics are only 10-17 vs. righthanders at
the Coliseum (-$930, averaging just 2.8 runs per game at the plate)
and Houston?s pitching now ranks 3rd best in the AL (3.87 ERA).
The Astros are 36-25 vs. righties (+$540) so play this series accordingly.
PREFERRED: Astros when righty meets righty.
Texas at L.A. Angels (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
Pitching woes have derailed the Angels in 2016 (4.52 team ERA) as
they struggle to cobble together a viable rotation. Texas has scored
more runs than every AL team except Boston (.267 team BA) and
they?ve racked up big profits on the road in night games (+$1235).
With three evening games on tap this looks like a good spot for
Texas to extend its lead. PREFERRED: Rangers in all games.
Chicago W. Sox at Seattle (3) 18th, 19th, 20th
The Mariners are only 12-18 against lefthanders in 2016 (-$850)
and they are facing a rotation with several southpaws. In addition,
Chicago has turned a tidy profit on the road in night games this year
(+$695) so we should get at least one or two opportunities to back
the visiting team here at Safeco Field. PREFERRED: Lefthanders
vs. the Mariners in night games
Tampa Bay at Colorado (3) 18th
, 19th, 20th
The dismal Rays are only 16-26 outside of Tropicana Field (-$1015)
and they are only 4-8 in inter-league play so far (-$675). But the
Rockies inspire little confidence playing at Coors Field (-$855) so
we?ll pass for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING, TUESDAY, JULY 19
Milwaukee at Pittsburgh (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Both teams have winning records against lefthanders (Brewers
+$645, Bucs +$960) and losing records vs. righthanders (Milwaukee
-$1045, Pittsburgh -$475). So if Pittsburgh starts a southpaw
vs. any member of Milwaukee?s all-righty rotation we?ll jump on
board. PREFERRED: Brewers vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Dodgers at Washington (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Dodgers swept a three game set at Chavez Ravine earlier this
year (+$300) and they?ve turned a nice profit in day games so far
(+$900). We?ll look for them to score a victory in Thursday?s afternoon
contest. PREFERRED: Dodgers in day games.
San Francisco at Boston (2) 19th, 20th
A lot depends on the pitching matchup, which is difficult to project
for a two game series coming on the heels of the All-Star Break.
The Giants are profitable (+$1610 overall) but Boston devours
righthanders (+$560, averaging 5.8 runs per game) so we?ll take a
closer look on game day. PREFERRED: None.
Toronto at Arizona (2) 19th, 20th
The D?Backs have cost their backers a fortune here at Chase Field
(-$2420) and Toronto is a very good value against all righthanders
(+$750 so far). PREFERRED: Blue Jays vs. righthanders.
