series info

[RAYMOND]

BEGINNING, THURSDAY, MAY 31
Chicago Cubs at N.Y. Mets (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Mets had a rough month of May, but the team is still over
.500 and just four games off the pace in the NL East. With players
soon to return from the DL their fortunes may well improve. The
Cubs have not taken command in the NL Central as expected, and
they?ve proven to be a big money-burner when taking on righthanders
(-$845 in that situation so far). Jacob deGrom has the best
ERA in the National League after 10 starts (1.54), and he?s set to
take the mound at CitiField this weekend. He could be an excellent
value vs. the overpriced Cubs. BEST BET: deGrom.

Pittsburgh at St. Louis (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Pirates have taken 4 of 6 from this team in head to head competition
(+$235) and they?ve been a profitable team in day games
(+$310), as was the case in 2017. The Cardinals have a solid mound
corps (3.47 ERA) but they average over half a run less per game
on offense (.240 team BA) and they?ve dropped a bundle vs. righthanders
when playing here at Busch Stadium (-$565). Pittsburgh as
a rotation that is currently all-righty, so they look like a terrific road
underdog. We?ll stick with the Bucs in the two scheduled afternoon
contests. BEST BET: Pirates in day games.

Washington at Atlanta (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Nationals have one of the league?s top starting rotations, but
their bullpen is one of the very worst (4.30 ERA) and they will have
their hands full with a hungry Atlanta team clinging to the top slot
in the NL East. The Braves have the best offense in the league (.263
team BA, 5.0 runs per game) and they have a pair of pitchers who
we?ll look forward to using here at Washington. Sean Newcomb has
been spectacular in 10 starts (+$300, 2.75 ERA) and he should fare
well vs. a club that is only 7-11 (-$800) vs. southpaws, averaging
just 3.6 runs per game. Mike Foltynewicz (2.55 ERA in 11 outings)
will also be available, and remember that the Nats are a losing
proposition here at home. BEST BET: Newcomb/Foltynewicz.

N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The O?s caught the Yankees early in April and managed to take 3
out of 4. But the wheels promptly came off and the team now stands
at 17-36 (-$1770), with a dismal 5.06 team ERA and a .232 team
BA, averaging just 3.9 runs per game at the plate. The Yankees are
the highest scoring team in the majors (5.7 runs per game) and they
rank #3 in team pitching in the AL (3.87 ERA). They?ve won 24 of
their last 31 (+$725 overall) and we like their chances with Masahiro
Tanaka, who looked sharp in his last outing and has led them to
wins in 8 of his 10 starts so far (+$225). BEST BET: Tanaka.

Boston at Houston (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Astros have a pitching staff that beats the rest of the league
by a considerable margin (2.61 ERA) but they might have their
hands full at Minute Maid Park taking on the team with MLB?s best
record. The Red Sox have been a big money-maker on the road,
compiling a 19-9 record in the role of visitor (+$730). Boston?s
pitching staff is formidable (3.59 ERA, 2nd best in the AL) and
their abundance of lefty starters is a big advantage vs. a Houston
team that has lost money vs. southpaws in this ballpark (-$765).
BEST BET: Left-handers vs. the Astros.

Cleveland at Minnesota (4) 31st, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Indians were expected to cruise to an easy division win, but the
team has struggled on the road (-$695 as visitors) and the pitching
has been surprisingly ineffective (4.22 ERA, 9th out of 15 teams in
the AL). Minnesota could be taking advantage of the Tribe?s weaknesses,
but the team continues to under-perform (3-7, -$530 last 10
days, averaging just 2.9 runs per game at the plate). The Twins have
some promising starters who might be worth a try, but they?ve lost
money here at Target Field (-$340 so far) so we?ll wait until game
day before jumping in. BEST BET: None.

 

[RAYMOND]

BEGINNING, FRIDAY, JUNE 1
L.A. Dodgers at Colorado (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Dodgers have finally begun to get on track (8-2, +$530 last 10
days) and with Clayton Kershaw set to return from the DL the team
is poised to make a move in the NL West. The Rockies have been
very shaky on the mound overall (4.36 team BA, 4th worst in the
league) and they?ve dropped a bundle playing here at Chase Field
(-$825). We?ll avoid Colorado ace Chad Bettis (+$220, 3.30 ERA in
10 starts) but none of the other right-handers in the Colorado rotation
give us much cause for concern. LA has averaged a healthy 4.8
runs per game at the plate vs. righties so far in 2018. BEST BET:
Dodgers vs. all right-handers except Bettis.

Miami at Arizona (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Diamondbacks were coasting with a fat lead in the NL West, but
they?ve collapsed over the last few weeks (1-9, -$855 in their last
10) as the offense flounders (.211 team BA, worst in MLB). They
are only 13-19 against right-handed pitching (-$1045), averaging a
mere 3.0 runs per game in those contests. The Marlins may be on
pace to lose 100 games, but they always catch a fat price. That?s
made them profitable on the road (+$330) and they have an effective
arm in Dan Straily, who has led Miami to victories in all five of
his starts (+$775, 3.12 ERA). He?ll be on the mound at Chase Field
this weekend and we?ll be on board. BEST BET: Straily.

Cincinnati at San Diego (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Padres are a mediocre team (4.20 ERA, .227 BA) that has lost
money here at Petco Park (-$530). But they have a quality righthander
in Tyson Ross, who has led San Diego to wins in 7 of his
10 starts (+$515, 3.28) and who should shut down the hapless Reds
without much difficulty. Cincinnati has the worst record in the National
League and their starting rotation continues to be a complete
disaster (6.53 ERA last 10 days). In addition, they are only 13-26
vs. righties so far (-$935). BEST BET: T. Ross.

Philadelphia at San Francisco (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Phillies (+$580 overall) have not been at their best outside of
Citizens Bank, but they are blessed with a quartet of high quality
righties, two of whom are expected to take the mound this weekend
at ATT Park. Jake Arrieta has been flashing outstanding form since
joining the team as a free agent (2.46 ERA in nine starts) and Nick
Pivetta has racked up a fat profit in his 11 outings so far (+$485,
3.26 ERA). The Giants have the 3rd worst team ERA in the National
League (4.55) and they check in here with a 12-21 record against
right-handers (-$915). A good opportunity to pick up some road
wins and keep pace in the NL East. BEST BET: Arrieta/Pivetta.

Toronto at Detroit (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Tigers aren?t very good, but in the dreadful AL Central they are
now in 2nd place and just behind the surprisingly weak Indians. Detroit
has been profitable here at Comerica (+$615) and the pitching
has shown some improvement, with a number of left-handers putting
up some strong numbers. Matthew Boyd has a solid 3.29 ERA
in his nine appearances, while rookie Blaine Hardy has pitched well
in his first three outings (2.76). Toronto is only 8-12 vs. southpaws
(-$425, 4.2 runs per game) and they?ve been playing poorly in recent
days (3-7, -$450 last 10). BEST BET: Boyd/Hardy.

Oakland at Kansas City (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Athletics were expected to land in last place this year, but they
are over .500 and turning a profit (+$635 so far). The Royals have
hit the skids after two recent trips to the World Series, heading into
this series with a pitiful 9-25 record against right-handers (-$1360).
Kansas City has the worst team ERA in the majors (5.29) and the
A?s have averaged over 5.0 runs per game on offense outside of the
Coliseum. Trevor Cahill has been very sharp in his six starts (2.75
ERA) and he?ll be taking a turn at Kaufman Stadium this weekend.
Good value on the veteran right-hander. BEST BET: Cahill.

 

[RAYMOND]

Texas at L.A. Angels (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Rangers were swept in a three game series at Arlington in April
(-$300) but they still might make a tempting underdog at Anaheim.
The Angels not fared well in night games at home this season (only
8-16, -$1235) while Texas has posted a nice profit as a visitor vs.
right-handers (+$675). The Angels are scheduled to start righthanders
in the two evening contests, with veterans Cole Hamels &
Doug Fister likely to be on the hill for Texas. The Angels have been
+$560 last 10 days), as they attempt
to chase down Houston in the competitive AL West. They
are dominating right-handers in general (22-13, +$1165) and their
starting pitching has been sensational lately as well (2.20 ERA last
10). Tampa Bay is a hard team to figure. They?ve been hot lately
(6-4, +$320 last 10 days) but their rotation is muddled at this point,
with relievers regularly starting games before giving way to the
regular starter. We?re going to wait util we see specific matchups
before weighting in. BEST BET: None.

Milwaukee at Chicago W. Sox (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Brewers are the most profitable team in baseball heading into
June (+$1630 overall) and they have now built themselves a healthy
lead in the NL Central. They draw a soft opponent in the sad-sack
White Sox (16-34, -$1465 so far) and they should take at least 2
out of 3 at Chicago this weekend. The Chisox are only 1-8 in interleague
play this year (-$560) and their mound corps (5.00 ERA)
is no match for Milwaukee?s (3.47). They?ll be lucky to salvage a
single victory, as Milwaukee tries to extend its lead in the division.
BEST BET: Brewers in all games.

BEGINNING, MONDAY, JUNE 4
Atlanta at San Diego (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Padres have lost money at Petco Park (-$530) and their rotation
is loaded with left-handers, bad news when taking on an Atlanta
team that is 10-5 vs. southpaws (+$650), averaging 6.4 runs per
game. The first place Braves are now 19-12 outside of SunTrust
Park (+$1105) and they have an opportunity to put pressure on their
NL East rivals. PREFERRED: Braves vs. left-handers.

Arizona at San Francisco (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
We?d be tempted to ride the Giants against the fading D?backs (Arizona
1-9, -$855 in their last 10), but San Francisco is beset with
pitching woes (6.62 ERA among starters last 10 days) so caution is
advised. Arizona is only 13-19 vs. righties so far (-$1045) while the
Giants are 13-7 vs. southpaws (+$1080). We will play this series
accordingly. PREFERRED: Right-handers vs. Arizona left-handers.

Kansas City at L.A. Angels (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Angels swept the pitiful Royals at Kaufman Stadium earlier
(+$300) and they?ve averaged a respectable 4.8 runs per game when
facing righties (+$350). Kansas City is having a terrible year, coming
into this series with a horrible 9-25 record vs. right-handers
(-$1360). Los Angeles has been playing some very tough teams,
so this visit by KC provides a needed break. PREFERRED: Angels
when righty meets righty.

N.Y. Yankees at Detroit (2) 4th (DH)
The Yankees return to Comerica to make up a pair of earlier rainouts,
and both teams will need to scramble to find an extra starter.
But we do expect to see Luis Severino, who has emerged as a top
Cy Young contender in 2018 (2.28 ERA). New York has now won
10 of his 11 starts (+$900) and Detroit averages just 3.9 runs per
game vs. right-handers, PREFERRED: Severino

 

[RAYMOND]

BEGINNING, TUESDAY, JUNE 5
L.A. Dodgers at Pittsburgh (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The best pitcher for the Pirates has been Trevor Williams, who
checks in with a 3.43 ERA in 11 starts this season. The Dodgers are
only 12-21 vs. right-handers in 2018 (-$2330) and the Bucs have
been profitable at PNC Park (+$150). PREFERRED: T. Williams.

Colorado at Cincinnati (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Rockies took 2 out of 3 at Coors Field and they come into
Great American Ballpark with a stellar 19-13 record in road games
(+$1225). Last place Cincinnati is only 9-19 (-$980) on their home
turf this season. PREFERRED: Rockies in all games.

Philadelphia at Chicago Cubs (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
Aaron Nola has been the ace of the Philly rotation through the season?s
first two months (+$235, 2.27 ERA in 11 appearances) and
Nick Pivetta has been flashing excellent form as well (+$485, 3.26
ERA in 11 outings). Both should excel vs. the Cubs, who are only
7-10 vs. righties at Wrigley (-$1045). PREFERRED: Nola/Pivetta.

Miami at St. Louis (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Cardinals have a significant pitching edge (3.47 team ERA vs.
4.95 for Miami) and they?ve posted an 8-4 record vs. left-handers
(+$335), averaging 4.9 runs per game. Miami is only 3-7 (-$205) in
the last 10 days). PREFERRED: Cardinals vs. left-handers.

N.Y. Yankees at Toronto (2) 5th, 6th
The Blue Jays have cooled off considerably in recent weeks (3-7,
-$450 last 10 days) and the Yankees are averaging over 5.7 runs
per game in 2018 (+$725 overall). Toronto is only 12-17 at Rogers

Tampa Bay at Washington (2) 5th, 6th
The Rays are 10-2 in night games on the road (+$990) and the
Nationals have lost a bundle when playing at home (-$995). We
could catch a fat underdog price in Tuesday?s evening contest.
PREFERRED: Rays in night games.

Baltimore at N.Y. Mets (2) 5th, 6th
The Mets have been a losing proposition at CitiField (-$635) but
they?ll no doubt be heavy favorites nonetheless. But the O?s are
only 7-23 as visitors (-$1315) so we?ll pass. PREFERRED: None.

Milwaukee at Cleveland (2) 5th, 6th
The Brewers are 27-14 vs. right-handers (+$1545) while the Indians
are only 15-18 (-$1180) in that situation. Play these two games
accordingly. PREFERRED: Brewers when righty meets righty.