BASEBALL
BEGINNING THURSDAY, APRIL 22
Miami at San Francisco (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Giants are off to a strong start thanks to outstanding pitching (3.09 team ERA). But their offense has been unimpressive, averaging just 3.7 runs per game at the plate so far. Miami is also pitching well (3.67 team ERA), and they?ve been a money-maker in road games (+$570). Their hitters are averaging over 6.0 runs per game. We?ll take a pair of effective right-handers (Sandy Alcantara 3.28... Pablo Lopez 3.32), most likely as underdogs here at Oracle Park. BEST BET: Alcantara/P. Lopez.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Padres come into Chavez Ravine with the best team ERA in the National League (2.57), but the Dodgers are close behind (2.66) and LA has a huge hitting advantage, averaging 5.4 runs per game vs. right-handers (+$680). San Diego has struggled in recent days (3-7, -$780 last 10) averaging less than 4.0 runs per game. LA took 2 out of 3 at Petco Park last weekend and are poised for another successful series in LA. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. right-handers.
N.Y. Yankees at Cleveland (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Yankees have the best bullpen in baseball (2.25 ERA) but that?s the only thing working for them at the moment. They check in with a dismal 6-11 record (-$1130), while owning the lowest team BA in the American League (.205). We?ll sidestep Yankee ace Gerrit Cole, but the rest of New York?s starters are struggling (5.33 ERA last 10 days). Aaron Civale (+$345, 2.18 ERA in three starts) looks like a solid choice in Thursday?s opener. BEST BET: Civale.
Seattle at Boston (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Red Sox are atop the AL East, but they are only .500 playing here at Fenway Park (-$205), making Seattle a very appealing road underdog this weekend. The Mariners have won 7 of their last 10 (+$630) and they have been very profitable when playing outside of ATT Park (+$510 so far). Boston?s starters have not been sharp in recent days (4.77 ERA), but they?ll no doubt he heavily favored throughout. If the hot visitor can manage a split we?ll make a tidy profit. PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
L.A. Angels at Houston (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Astros started the season on fire, but they?ve been heading in the wrong direction ever since (1-9, -$1210 last 10 days). They are averaging just 2.6 runs per game in the past 10 days, and they own a 6.87 ERA among starters. In addition, they are only 1-5 playing here at Minute Maid Park. The Angels are averaging 5.3 runs per game on offense. We don?t feel good about the LA rotation, but if we can catch a decent underdog price we?ll take a shot with the hard hitting road team. PREFERRED: Angels at +115 or better.
BEGINNING THURSDAY, APRIL 22
Miami at San Francisco (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Giants are off to a strong start thanks to outstanding pitching (3.09 team ERA). But their offense has been unimpressive, averaging just 3.7 runs per game at the plate so far. Miami is also pitching well (3.67 team ERA), and they?ve been a money-maker in road games (+$570). Their hitters are averaging over 6.0 runs per game. We?ll take a pair of effective right-handers (Sandy Alcantara 3.28... Pablo Lopez 3.32), most likely as underdogs here at Oracle Park. BEST BET: Alcantara/P. Lopez.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Padres come into Chavez Ravine with the best team ERA in the National League (2.57), but the Dodgers are close behind (2.66) and LA has a huge hitting advantage, averaging 5.4 runs per game vs. right-handers (+$680). San Diego has struggled in recent days (3-7, -$780 last 10) averaging less than 4.0 runs per game. LA took 2 out of 3 at Petco Park last weekend and are poised for another successful series in LA. PREFERRED: Dodgers vs. right-handers.
N.Y. Yankees at Cleveland (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Yankees have the best bullpen in baseball (2.25 ERA) but that?s the only thing working for them at the moment. They check in with a dismal 6-11 record (-$1130), while owning the lowest team BA in the American League (.205). We?ll sidestep Yankee ace Gerrit Cole, but the rest of New York?s starters are struggling (5.33 ERA last 10 days). Aaron Civale (+$345, 2.18 ERA in three starts) looks like a solid choice in Thursday?s opener. BEST BET: Civale.
Seattle at Boston (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Red Sox are atop the AL East, but they are only .500 playing here at Fenway Park (-$205), making Seattle a very appealing road underdog this weekend. The Mariners have won 7 of their last 10 (+$630) and they have been very profitable when playing outside of ATT Park (+$510 so far). Boston?s starters have not been sharp in recent days (4.77 ERA), but they?ll no doubt he heavily favored throughout. If the hot visitor can manage a split we?ll make a tidy profit. PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
L.A. Angels at Houston (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Astros started the season on fire, but they?ve been heading in the wrong direction ever since (1-9, -$1210 last 10 days). They are averaging just 2.6 runs per game in the past 10 days, and they own a 6.87 ERA among starters. In addition, they are only 1-5 playing here at Minute Maid Park. The Angels are averaging 5.3 runs per game on offense. We don?t feel good about the LA rotation, but if we can catch a decent underdog price we?ll take a shot with the hard hitting road team. PREFERRED: Angels at +115 or better.
