uston at Detroit (3) 29th, 30th, 31st
The Astros lost 17 of their first 24 games this year and were left for
dead, but they?ve staged a remarkable turnaround and find themselves
within striking distance of 1st place in the competitive AL
West. They?ve looked sensational since the All-Star Break (6-3,
+$180, averaging 5.7 runs per game with a 3.03 ERA among starters)
and we like their chances with Dallas Keuchel here at Comerica.
Keuchel continues to improve following his miserable 1st
half (2.03 ERA last two outings) and the Tigers have lost money vs.
southpaws (-$230). BEST BET: Keuchel.
Chicago W. Sox at Minnesota (3) 29th, 30th, 31st
Things took an ugly turn in the Chicago clubhouse over the weekend
when staff ace Chris Sale destroyed the throwback uniforms
scheduled to be worn on Saturday. His future with the franchise is
uncertain, and the team is fading fast in the AL Central (3-7, -$465
last 10 days, averaging just 3.0 runs per game at the plate). They?ve
already taken 8 of 9 from the hapless Twins in head to head play
(+$635) and Minnesota has been dreadful (-$1355). But with chaos
threatening to engulf the White Sox organization this looks like a
good time to steer clear. BEST BET: None.
Seattle at Chicago Cubs (3) 29th, 30th, 31st
The Cubs are still a safe bet to capture the NL Central, but because
prices on their games have been so wildly inflated they?ve
lost money in 2016 (-$875 overall). We?re happy to use Jon Lester
(+$395, 3.06 ERA) this weekend at Wrigley Field (Mariners
only 13-20, -$925, vs. lefties in 2016), but we?ll look for Seattle
in all other contests. The Mariners are averaging 5.3 runs per game
against righthanders (+$410) and they are remarkably close to 1st
place in the rapidly tightening AL West chase. We?ll play this series
accordingly. BEST BET: Lester/Mariners vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING, MONDAY, AUGUST 1
Miami at Chicago Cubs (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Marlins have already taken 3 out of 4 from the Cubs in head
to head competition (+$345) and they check in here with a 23-12
record in night games on the road (+$1555). As noted before, high
prices have made Chicago a losing proposition in 2016, so take a
shot with the visitor. PREFERRED: Marlins in night games.
Washington at Arizona (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
While the Diamondbacks can be a terrific team to bet on outside of
Chase Field, they are only 17-35 at home this year (-$2425). The
Nationals have the top rated pitching staff in the National League
(3.28 ERA) and should dispatch the Arizona offense without much
difficulty. PREFERRED: Nationals in all games.
Milwaukee at San Diego (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Brewers are only 9-23 when facing righthanders outside of
Miller Park this year (-$1135) and with two night games on tap the
home team looks very formidable (Padres +$1030 in night games
at Petco Park so far). We?ll avoid taking San Diego in day games,
considering their 8-24 record in afternoon contests this year. PREFERRED:
Padres in night games.
Kansas City at Tampa Bay (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Royals are a perfect 3-0 vs. the Rays after managing a sweep
at Kaufman Stadium earlier (+$315). But Kansas City has been a
disaster on the road this year (17-32, -$1320) so we?ll avoid them at
Tropicana Field. Can?t use the awful Tampa team (-$2845 overall)
so we?ll pass on this one. PREFERRED: None
Minnesota at Cleveland (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Twins have a 5-4 edge in head to head play (+$260) but everything
points to a strong showing by the Indians in this one. The
Tribe is a stellar 21-6 in night games at Progressive Field (+$1230)
and the Twins are only 11-27 (-$1325) in night games this year.
PREFERRED: Indians in night games.
Toronto at Houston (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
This looks like a promising match-up between two top clubs from
2015 in the midst of big 2nd half comebacks. The Astros look like
the team to go with. They checks in with a 24-11 record vs. righthanders
here at Minute Maid Park (+$855) and they are likely to
face a steady diet of righties when the Blue Jays visit. If they take
3 out of 4 we?ll clean up. PREFERRED: Astros vs. righthanders.
Boston at Seattle (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
With four night games scheduled at Safeco Field this looks like
a wonderful spot for the Red Sox to do some damage. They?ve
averaged 5.8 runs per game vs. righthanders on the road at night
(+$620) while the Mariners have lost money in night games at home
(-$395). Boston?s attack (.291 team BA) is the best in the AL and
we like their chances here. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. righthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (2) 1st, 2nd
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (2) 3rd, 4th
The Mets have a dismal record vs. righthanders in 2016 (-$590,
averaging just 3.8 runs per game) and they?ll be forced to contend
with Yankees? ace Masahiro Tanaka, most likely in the Bronx. He
checks in with a 3.00 ERA, having led his team to victories in 15 of
his 20 starts (+$990). We?ll take a closer look at the other games as
the matchups become more clear. PREFERRED: Tanaka.
BEGINNING, TUESDAY, AUGUST 2
San Francisco at Philadelphia (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Phillies haven?t had much success here at Citizens Bank (-$405
at home) and their run production is pathetic (only 3.5 runs per
game). But the Giants are floundering at the moment (1-7, -$960
last 10 days) so caution is advised. PREFERRED: None.
Pittsburgh at Atlanta (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Pirates do their best work against lefthanders, but they won?t
face any here at Turner Field. Atlanta (4.44 ERA) has used 12 starters
this year, and none of them were southpaws. Pittsburgh is a
better team, they took 3 of 4 when they played at PNC Park +$100)
and Atlanta is only 8-28 in night games at home (-$186). With three
night games on tap we?ll back the visitor, as they look to stay close
in the NL Central race. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Cardinals have taken 4 of 6 from the Reds in earlier meetings
(+$100) and they?ve been a force to be reckoned with outside of
Busch Stadium (+$1265 as visitors). Cincinnati is a terrible team
(-$1165 overall) so we?ll stick with the superior visitor throughout.
PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at Colorado (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rockies can put runs on the board (.270 BA, averaging 5.2 per
game) and they are hosting an LA team that is only 15-20 in night
games on the road (-$900). Tyler Chatwood continues to impress
(+$425, 3.65 ERA In 18 appearances) and we like his chances this
week at Coors Field. PREFERRED: Chatwood.
Texas at Baltimore (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rangers could see their playoffs hopes severely compromised
when they visit Camden Yards. The Orioles are 30-9 vs. righthanders
in this ballpark (+$1945) and Texas?s rotation is struggling
(5.38 ERA last 10 days). PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Tigers have a 6-4 edge in head to head meetings (+$255) and we
think they can score off the Chicago righties (Detroit 11-4, +$750
vs. righties in night games at Comerica). Tough days for the fading
White Sox. PREFERRED: Tigers vs. righthanders in night games.
Oakland at L.A. Angels (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Thoroughly forgettable matchup of AL West also-rans, both of
whom have cost their backers a fortune (A?s -$600, Angels -$1240).
We?ll pass on these two losing clubs. PREFERRED: None.
The Astros lost 17 of their first 24 games this year and were left for
dead, but they?ve staged a remarkable turnaround and find themselves
within striking distance of 1st place in the competitive AL
West. They?ve looked sensational since the All-Star Break (6-3,
+$180, averaging 5.7 runs per game with a 3.03 ERA among starters)
and we like their chances with Dallas Keuchel here at Comerica.
Keuchel continues to improve following his miserable 1st
half (2.03 ERA last two outings) and the Tigers have lost money vs.
southpaws (-$230). BEST BET: Keuchel.
Chicago W. Sox at Minnesota (3) 29th, 30th, 31st
Things took an ugly turn in the Chicago clubhouse over the weekend
when staff ace Chris Sale destroyed the throwback uniforms
scheduled to be worn on Saturday. His future with the franchise is
uncertain, and the team is fading fast in the AL Central (3-7, -$465
last 10 days, averaging just 3.0 runs per game at the plate). They?ve
already taken 8 of 9 from the hapless Twins in head to head play
(+$635) and Minnesota has been dreadful (-$1355). But with chaos
threatening to engulf the White Sox organization this looks like a
good time to steer clear. BEST BET: None.
Seattle at Chicago Cubs (3) 29th, 30th, 31st
The Cubs are still a safe bet to capture the NL Central, but because
prices on their games have been so wildly inflated they?ve
lost money in 2016 (-$875 overall). We?re happy to use Jon Lester
(+$395, 3.06 ERA) this weekend at Wrigley Field (Mariners
only 13-20, -$925, vs. lefties in 2016), but we?ll look for Seattle
in all other contests. The Mariners are averaging 5.3 runs per game
against righthanders (+$410) and they are remarkably close to 1st
place in the rapidly tightening AL West chase. We?ll play this series
accordingly. BEST BET: Lester/Mariners vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING, MONDAY, AUGUST 1
Miami at Chicago Cubs (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Marlins have already taken 3 out of 4 from the Cubs in head
to head competition (+$345) and they check in here with a 23-12
record in night games on the road (+$1555). As noted before, high
prices have made Chicago a losing proposition in 2016, so take a
shot with the visitor. PREFERRED: Marlins in night games.
Washington at Arizona (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
While the Diamondbacks can be a terrific team to bet on outside of
Chase Field, they are only 17-35 at home this year (-$2425). The
Nationals have the top rated pitching staff in the National League
(3.28 ERA) and should dispatch the Arizona offense without much
difficulty. PREFERRED: Nationals in all games.
Milwaukee at San Diego (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Brewers are only 9-23 when facing righthanders outside of
Miller Park this year (-$1135) and with two night games on tap the
home team looks very formidable (Padres +$1030 in night games
at Petco Park so far). We?ll avoid taking San Diego in day games,
considering their 8-24 record in afternoon contests this year. PREFERRED:
Padres in night games.
Kansas City at Tampa Bay (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Royals are a perfect 3-0 vs. the Rays after managing a sweep
at Kaufman Stadium earlier (+$315). But Kansas City has been a
disaster on the road this year (17-32, -$1320) so we?ll avoid them at
Tropicana Field. Can?t use the awful Tampa team (-$2845 overall)
so we?ll pass on this one. PREFERRED: None
Minnesota at Cleveland (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Twins have a 5-4 edge in head to head play (+$260) but everything
points to a strong showing by the Indians in this one. The
Tribe is a stellar 21-6 in night games at Progressive Field (+$1230)
and the Twins are only 11-27 (-$1325) in night games this year.
PREFERRED: Indians in night games.
Toronto at Houston (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
This looks like a promising match-up between two top clubs from
2015 in the midst of big 2nd half comebacks. The Astros look like
the team to go with. They checks in with a 24-11 record vs. righthanders
here at Minute Maid Park (+$855) and they are likely to
face a steady diet of righties when the Blue Jays visit. If they take
3 out of 4 we?ll clean up. PREFERRED: Astros vs. righthanders.
Boston at Seattle (4) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
With four night games scheduled at Safeco Field this looks like
a wonderful spot for the Red Sox to do some damage. They?ve
averaged 5.8 runs per game vs. righthanders on the road at night
(+$620) while the Mariners have lost money in night games at home
(-$395). Boston?s attack (.291 team BA) is the best in the AL and
we like their chances here. PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. righthanders.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (2) 1st, 2nd
N.Y. Mets at N.Y. Yankees (2) 3rd, 4th
The Mets have a dismal record vs. righthanders in 2016 (-$590,
averaging just 3.8 runs per game) and they?ll be forced to contend
with Yankees? ace Masahiro Tanaka, most likely in the Bronx. He
checks in with a 3.00 ERA, having led his team to victories in 15 of
his 20 starts (+$990). We?ll take a closer look at the other games as
the matchups become more clear. PREFERRED: Tanaka.
BEGINNING, TUESDAY, AUGUST 2
San Francisco at Philadelphia (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Phillies haven?t had much success here at Citizens Bank (-$405
at home) and their run production is pathetic (only 3.5 runs per
game). But the Giants are floundering at the moment (1-7, -$960
last 10 days) so caution is advised. PREFERRED: None.
Pittsburgh at Atlanta (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Pirates do their best work against lefthanders, but they won?t
face any here at Turner Field. Atlanta (4.44 ERA) has used 12 starters
this year, and none of them were southpaws. Pittsburgh is a
better team, they took 3 of 4 when they played at PNC Park +$100)
and Atlanta is only 8-28 in night games at home (-$186). With three
night games on tap we?ll back the visitor, as they look to stay close
in the NL Central race. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
St. Louis at Cincinnati (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Cardinals have taken 4 of 6 from the Reds in earlier meetings
(+$100) and they?ve been a force to be reckoned with outside of
Busch Stadium (+$1265 as visitors). Cincinnati is a terrible team
(-$1165 overall) so we?ll stick with the superior visitor throughout.
PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
L.A. Dodgers at Colorado (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rockies can put runs on the board (.270 BA, averaging 5.2 per
game) and they are hosting an LA team that is only 15-20 in night
games on the road (-$900). Tyler Chatwood continues to impress
(+$425, 3.65 ERA In 18 appearances) and we like his chances this
week at Coors Field. PREFERRED: Chatwood.
Texas at Baltimore (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Rangers could see their playoffs hopes severely compromised
when they visit Camden Yards. The Orioles are 30-9 vs. righthanders
in this ballpark (+$1945) and Texas?s rotation is struggling
(5.38 ERA last 10 days). PREFERRED: Orioles vs. righthanders.
Chicago W. Sox at Detroit (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
The Tigers have a 6-4 edge in head to head meetings (+$255) and we
think they can score off the Chicago righties (Detroit 11-4, +$750
vs. righties in night games at Comerica). Tough days for the fading
White Sox. PREFERRED: Tigers vs. righthanders in night games.
Oakland at L.A. Angels (3) 2nd, 3rd, 4th
Thoroughly forgettable matchup of AL West also-rans, both of
whom have cost their backers a fortune (A?s -$600, Angels -$1240).
We?ll pass on these two losing clubs. PREFERRED: None.
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