BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 27
Arizona at Florida (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Diamondbacks looked like the team to beat for the NL pennant earlier in the season, but they?ve fallen precariously close to the .500 level and appear vulnerable here at Dolphin Stadium. The Marlins scored a three game sweep at Chase Field earlier this year (+$395) and their numbers vs. righthanders have been outstanding (+$1085 with 5.1 runs per game). Arizona has not fared well as a visitor vs. righthanders this year (only 6-15 -$1030 with 3.5 runs per game), so we?ll stick with the home team given the appropriate situation. BEST BET: Marlins when righty meets righty.
Chicago Cubs at Chicago W. Sox (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The White Sox couldn?t get the job done at Wrigley Field last weekend, but their pitching remains the best in either league (3.47 ERA) and their numbers here at US Cellular are spectacular (24-11, +$985). The Cubs have lost money on the road (-$480) and the loss of Carlos Zambrano is a significant blow to the starting rotation. Stay away from the home team when Ryan Dempster (+$770, 2.63 ERA in 16 starts) is on the hill, but the rest of the Cubs? starting staff is fair game. BEST BET: White Sox unless opposed by Dempster.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Reds are a terrible road team (only 14-25, -$995) and their starting ace Edinson Volquez won?t be taking a turn at Progressive Park this weekend. That should put the Indians in the driver?s seat, but the Tribe has under-achieved dismally in 2008 (-$1680), and they continue to own the lowest team BA in the AL (.245). Cleveland might make a run in the 2nd half if Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia continue to pitch well, and if Fausto Carmona makes a healthy return. But we prefer to stay away for now. BEST BET: None.
Colorado at Detroit (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rockies have looked a bit better in recent days (7-5, +$255 last 12) but they remain well below the .500 level and their record outside of Coors Field has been abysmal (only 12-25, -$975). And with their top starter Aaron Cook not slated to make an appearance, this trip to Comerica could get ugly. The Tigers have improved drastically (8-2, +$595 with 5.6 runs per game and a 2.71 ERA among starters last 10) and appear poised for a serious run in the AL Central. They?ve decimated lefthanders (14-5, +$850 with 5.3 runs per game) and none of the Colorado southpaws (including Jeff Francis -$485) check in with ERA?s less than 5.22. Looks like easy pickings for the hot home team. BEST BET: Tigers vs. lefthanders.
Atlanta at Toronto (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
Perhaps the return of Cito Gaston can get the stumbling Blue Jays back on track, because a team with this caliber of pitching (3.62 ERA ,3rd best in MLB) should not be having so little success (only 2-8, -$810 last 10 days). Perhaps they can make up some ground vs. an Atlanta team that for all its statistical prowess (.272 team BA, 3.75 team ERA, 2nd in the NL in both departments) still can?t seem to get the job done away from Turner Field (only 11-27, -$1795). Though his name is less recognizable than those of his rotation mates, Shaun Marcum has posted the lowest ERA of any Toronto starter (2.65 in 15 tries). He looks like a good value vs Atlanta. BEST BET: Marcum.
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
Everyone keeps assuming that the Rays will go into a tailspin and resume their rightful place in the AL East basement. But they are now 13 games over .500 (+$1235), their team ERA is a solid 3.79 (4th best in the league) and they are playing with great enthusiasm. The Pirates have had success here at PNC Park (23-15, +$780), but their pitching staff is the worst in baseball (5.02 team ERA), so it?s hard to get excited about them in this series. We?ll take a closer look at this one on game day. BEST BET: None.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (4) *27th (DH), 28th, 29th
*(Note that in Friday?s double-header, a day game will be played in the Bronx with a nightcap to follow at Shea Stadium). The Mets grabbed a pair from a faltering Yankee team in May, but the tables have turned dramatically since then. The Yankees have been sizzling (8-2, +$480 with 5.1 runs per game and a 1.73 ERA among starters) while the Mets have been embroiled in turmoil. The Mets have been most ineffective vs. righthanders (-$1130 overall), and while it?s unclear how the Yankees will juggle their rotation for this series, all the righthanders on their staff are coming off quality outings. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Mets.
Baltimore at Washington (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Orioles ended the weekend with a healthy 8-4 record vs. NL opponents (+$355) and they can pad that mark against one of the weakest teams in baseball (Washington .240 team BA, 4.64 team BA). The Nationals have dropped a bundle so far in 2008 (-$1015) and they?ll be hard pressed to get the best of a Baltimore team that has cleaned up against righthanders (+$1340). The amazingly profitable Tim Redding (+$1260) is expected to miss this series, and none of the home team?s other hurlers give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Orioles vs. all righthanders except Redding.
Boston at Houston (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Astros took 2 out of 3 from a tough Tampa Bay team last weekend, halting what had been a severe losing skid. But their numbers have not been impressive in recent days (3.2 runs per game, 5.85 ERA among starters), and the Red Sox have posted a solid 11-3 record vs. lefthanders this season (+$795 with 5.4 runs per game). Wandy Rodriguez, the Astros? only southpaw, is due to take a turn this weekend. He?s coming off a couple of lackluster starts (5.91 ERA), so we?ll jump on board with the visitor when he is on the hill. BEST BET: Red Sox vs. W. Rodriguez.
Philadelphia at Texas (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rangers are playing far better than expected, but they?ve had a very difficult time coping with lefthanded opposition (8-15, -$565 so far) and they?ll be facing a formidable pair when the Phillies role into Arlington. Cole Hamels checks in with a 3.27 ERA in his 16 starts, and veteran Jamie Moyer has turned a tidy profit in his 15 tries (+$605). The Phillies haven?t played particularly well in inter-league play, but they?ve turned a modest profit in their road games (+$260) and the set-up in Texas this weekend couldn?t be more appealing. BEST BET: Hamels/Moyer.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Cardinals have a chance to make a move in the NL Central, as division rival Chicago copes with the absences of Alphonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano. They?ve posted some respectable statistics (.270 team BA overall, 3.64 ERA among starters last 10 days), their road record is impressive (21-16, +$860) and their all-righty starting rotation is well suited to shut down their intra-state rival. The Royals remain mired in the basement of the AL Central, and despite some bright spots, their pitching leaves much to be desired (4.47 team ERA, 4th highest in the league). In addition, KC is only 8-18 in night games here at Kaufman Stadium (-$1165). The visitor looks too good to pass up. BEST BET: Cardinals in night games.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Twins have won 10 of their last 12 (+$930) and they are knocking on the door in the AL Central, not bad for a team that lost Johan Santana and Torii Hunter over the winter. They?ve been a big money maker here at the Metrodome (+$920) and their record vs. righthanders has been outstanding (+$1295). The Brewers are also playing well, but they?ve been a disaster outside of Miller Park, particularly in night games (6-15, -$990) so they?re in a tough spot vs. Minnesota this weekend. BEST BET: Twins in night games.
San Francisco at Oakland (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Giants have lost 7 of their last 10 (-$390), capped off by a loss at Kansas City in a game they were leading by seven runs with their staff ace on the mound. The Athletics still have the best pitching staff in MLB (3.47 team ERA) and while they?ve lost money in night games at McAfee, they own a 10-3 mark in day games in this ballpark (+$705 with 5.6 runs per game). San Francisco has lost money in day games this year (10-19, -$875) so we?ll lay whatever price we have to in this one. BEST BET: Athletics in day games.
Seattle at San Diego (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Padres don?t have much to show as the mid-point of the season draws near (only 32-45, -$1515 overall), but they have a decent mound corps and still have time to recover in what turns out to be a mediocre NL West. No such hope for the beleaguered Mariners, who own the absolute worst record in baseball at the moment (only 26-49, -$2755). Jake Peavy is back from the DL and could be on track for another CY Young award if he stays healthy (2.88 ERA in 11 starts). The price will be high when he goes, but against hapless Seattle it?s worth the risk. BEST BET: Peavy.
L.A. Angels at L.A. Dodgers (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Angels are the far superior team right now, and their record on the road is just phenomenal (24-12, +$1390). The pitching has been consistent (3.92 team ERA) and it?s hard to have much confidence in the Dodgers, as they flounder well below the .500 level (-$960 overall). The home team averages a paltry 3.9 runs per game vs. righthanders and they?ll be up against staff ace John Lackey, who?s been un-hittable since rejoining the rotation late last month (+$245, 1.73 ERA in seven starts). BEST BET: Lackey.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 30
N.Y. Mets at St. Louis (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
First meeting of the year between these two, and it does not look good for the Mets. They are only 10-18 on the road vs. righthanders (-$915) while the Cardinals own a solid 30-20 record vs. righties (+$1135). Hard to pass up the home team under the circumstances. PREFERRED: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
We?re not enamored with the Reds at the moment, but they have an absolute gem in Edinson Volquez (+$940, 1.74 ERA in 15 starts), who we?ve been riding consistently for weeks now. The Pirates have lost money on the road (13-24, -$495) and their pitching remains the worst in MLb (5.02 ERA). PREFERRED: Volquez.
Washington at Florida (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Nationals have been decimated by the Marlins in head to head play this year (only 1-8, -$840) and they?ve dropped a bundle overall (-$1015). The Marlins are a spectacular 16-8 vs. righties in night games at Dolphin Stadium (+$955) and the first two games of this series are evening affairs. If the Nats start a righty, we?ll get on board. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. righthanders in night games.
L.A. Dodgers at Houston (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Dodgers were swept by Houston in their first showdown of the season (0-3, -$500) and they?ve been struggling in recent days (only 4-6, -$125 with 3.7 runs per game). But the Astros do not inspire much confidence (-$130 overall), so we?ll stay on the sidelines for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
San Diego at Colorado (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
Last year these teams battled down to the wire for a post-season berth. In 2008 they?ve been reduced to a battle to avoid landing in the NL West basement. San Diego is a terrible road team (-$1285) but the Rockies won?t see any lefties, and since they?re big losers vs. righties (-$1465) there?s not much we can do. PREFERRED: None.
Milwaukee at Arizona (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Brewers engineered a sweep vs. the suddenly vulnerable Diamondbacks at Miller Park (+$300) but their 6-15 record in night games on the road is a huge problem (-$990). Arizona has posted a modest profit here at Chase Field (+$195) so we?ll look for them to exact a measure of revenge from Milwaukee this time around. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks in night games.
Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Cubs have the best team ERA in the NL (3.70) and the highest team BA (.283) so it?s hard to make a case for the inept Giants, who?ve lost a fortune here at ATT Park (14-24, -$1020). Both Ryan Dempster (+$770, 2.63) and Sean Gallagher (3.92 ERA in eight starts) are expect to see action in the course of these four games. Excellent value when they go. PREFERRED: Dempster/Gallagher.
Kansas City at Baltimore (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Orioles took 3 of 4 from the Royals in an earlier meeting (+$240) and they continue to dominate here at Camden Yards, particularly vs. righthanders (17-7, +$1165). The Royals and their all-righthanded rotation will be lucky to salvage a single victory. PREFERRED: Orioles in all games.
Texas at N.Y. Yankees (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Yankees could be vulnerable to a Texas team that checks in with a 14-6 record in night games on the road vs. righthanders (+$1340 with 6.7 runs per game). Joba Chamberlain (2.46) should be avoided, but the rest of the NY righties are fair game. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. all righthanders except Chamberlain.
Boston at Tampa Bay (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Bosox have taken 6 of 9 from the upstart Rays (+$215) but they have a terrible road record vs. righties (13-20, -$1010) and might find themselves in an unexpected fight for first place in the AL East. Tampa is 22-8 (+$1215) vs. righties at Tropicana Field and prices may be very inviting. PREFERRED: Rays when righty meets righty.
Detroit at Minnesota (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
A pair of hot teams steadily crawling their way up the AL Central standings. The Tigers are profitable vs. lefties (+$850) but not so vs. righties (-$1850). The Twins are just the opposite (+$1295 vs. righties, -$470 vs. lefties). We?ll play these accordingly. PREFERRED: Twins when righty meets righty/Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
Cleveland at Chicago W. Sox (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Indians were the losers in 6 of the first 9 meetings (-$445), and considering how well the White Sox are playing at US Cellular (24-11, +$985) as opposed to how poorly Cleveland has fared (-$1580 in ?08), the choice is obvious. PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Oakland at L.A. Angels (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
Good division showdown in the AL West, and it?s hard not to like the Athletics, given the quality of their pitching (3.47 ERA) and their fat profit on the road vs. righties (+$930). For all their success, the Angels have lost money against righthanders in this ballpark (-$705). PREFERRED: Athletics when righty meets righty.
Toronto at Seattle (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
Neither team has distinguished itself this year (Mariners -$2755 overall . . Blue Jays -$1295) so it?s hard to mount much enthusiasm for this particular matchup. We?ll check back later. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 1
Philadelphia at Atlanta (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Braves need to stay true to form and dominate here at Turner Field (175, +$1085 vs. righties at home) in order stay close to the first place Phillies. The visitor has lost money vs. righthanders in ?08 (-$535). PREFERRED: Braves when righty meets righty.
Arizona at Florida (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Diamondbacks looked like the team to beat for the NL pennant earlier in the season, but they?ve fallen precariously close to the .500 level and appear vulnerable here at Dolphin Stadium. The Marlins scored a three game sweep at Chase Field earlier this year (+$395) and their numbers vs. righthanders have been outstanding (+$1085 with 5.1 runs per game). Arizona has not fared well as a visitor vs. righthanders this year (only 6-15 -$1030 with 3.5 runs per game), so we?ll stick with the home team given the appropriate situation. BEST BET: Marlins when righty meets righty.
Chicago Cubs at Chicago W. Sox (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The White Sox couldn?t get the job done at Wrigley Field last weekend, but their pitching remains the best in either league (3.47 ERA) and their numbers here at US Cellular are spectacular (24-11, +$985). The Cubs have lost money on the road (-$480) and the loss of Carlos Zambrano is a significant blow to the starting rotation. Stay away from the home team when Ryan Dempster (+$770, 2.63 ERA in 16 starts) is on the hill, but the rest of the Cubs? starting staff is fair game. BEST BET: White Sox unless opposed by Dempster.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Reds are a terrible road team (only 14-25, -$995) and their starting ace Edinson Volquez won?t be taking a turn at Progressive Park this weekend. That should put the Indians in the driver?s seat, but the Tribe has under-achieved dismally in 2008 (-$1680), and they continue to own the lowest team BA in the AL (.245). Cleveland might make a run in the 2nd half if Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia continue to pitch well, and if Fausto Carmona makes a healthy return. But we prefer to stay away for now. BEST BET: None.
Colorado at Detroit (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rockies have looked a bit better in recent days (7-5, +$255 last 12) but they remain well below the .500 level and their record outside of Coors Field has been abysmal (only 12-25, -$975). And with their top starter Aaron Cook not slated to make an appearance, this trip to Comerica could get ugly. The Tigers have improved drastically (8-2, +$595 with 5.6 runs per game and a 2.71 ERA among starters last 10) and appear poised for a serious run in the AL Central. They?ve decimated lefthanders (14-5, +$850 with 5.3 runs per game) and none of the Colorado southpaws (including Jeff Francis -$485) check in with ERA?s less than 5.22. Looks like easy pickings for the hot home team. BEST BET: Tigers vs. lefthanders.
Atlanta at Toronto (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
Perhaps the return of Cito Gaston can get the stumbling Blue Jays back on track, because a team with this caliber of pitching (3.62 ERA ,3rd best in MLB) should not be having so little success (only 2-8, -$810 last 10 days). Perhaps they can make up some ground vs. an Atlanta team that for all its statistical prowess (.272 team BA, 3.75 team ERA, 2nd in the NL in both departments) still can?t seem to get the job done away from Turner Field (only 11-27, -$1795). Though his name is less recognizable than those of his rotation mates, Shaun Marcum has posted the lowest ERA of any Toronto starter (2.65 in 15 tries). He looks like a good value vs Atlanta. BEST BET: Marcum.
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
Everyone keeps assuming that the Rays will go into a tailspin and resume their rightful place in the AL East basement. But they are now 13 games over .500 (+$1235), their team ERA is a solid 3.79 (4th best in the league) and they are playing with great enthusiasm. The Pirates have had success here at PNC Park (23-15, +$780), but their pitching staff is the worst in baseball (5.02 team ERA), so it?s hard to get excited about them in this series. We?ll take a closer look at this one on game day. BEST BET: None.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (4) *27th (DH), 28th, 29th
*(Note that in Friday?s double-header, a day game will be played in the Bronx with a nightcap to follow at Shea Stadium). The Mets grabbed a pair from a faltering Yankee team in May, but the tables have turned dramatically since then. The Yankees have been sizzling (8-2, +$480 with 5.1 runs per game and a 1.73 ERA among starters) while the Mets have been embroiled in turmoil. The Mets have been most ineffective vs. righthanders (-$1130 overall), and while it?s unclear how the Yankees will juggle their rotation for this series, all the righthanders on their staff are coming off quality outings. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Mets.
Baltimore at Washington (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Orioles ended the weekend with a healthy 8-4 record vs. NL opponents (+$355) and they can pad that mark against one of the weakest teams in baseball (Washington .240 team BA, 4.64 team BA). The Nationals have dropped a bundle so far in 2008 (-$1015) and they?ll be hard pressed to get the best of a Baltimore team that has cleaned up against righthanders (+$1340). The amazingly profitable Tim Redding (+$1260) is expected to miss this series, and none of the home team?s other hurlers give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Orioles vs. all righthanders except Redding.
Boston at Houston (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Astros took 2 out of 3 from a tough Tampa Bay team last weekend, halting what had been a severe losing skid. But their numbers have not been impressive in recent days (3.2 runs per game, 5.85 ERA among starters), and the Red Sox have posted a solid 11-3 record vs. lefthanders this season (+$795 with 5.4 runs per game). Wandy Rodriguez, the Astros? only southpaw, is due to take a turn this weekend. He?s coming off a couple of lackluster starts (5.91 ERA), so we?ll jump on board with the visitor when he is on the hill. BEST BET: Red Sox vs. W. Rodriguez.
Philadelphia at Texas (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Rangers are playing far better than expected, but they?ve had a very difficult time coping with lefthanded opposition (8-15, -$565 so far) and they?ll be facing a formidable pair when the Phillies role into Arlington. Cole Hamels checks in with a 3.27 ERA in his 16 starts, and veteran Jamie Moyer has turned a tidy profit in his 15 tries (+$605). The Phillies haven?t played particularly well in inter-league play, but they?ve turned a modest profit in their road games (+$260) and the set-up in Texas this weekend couldn?t be more appealing. BEST BET: Hamels/Moyer.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Cardinals have a chance to make a move in the NL Central, as division rival Chicago copes with the absences of Alphonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano. They?ve posted some respectable statistics (.270 team BA overall, 3.64 ERA among starters last 10 days), their road record is impressive (21-16, +$860) and their all-righty starting rotation is well suited to shut down their intra-state rival. The Royals remain mired in the basement of the AL Central, and despite some bright spots, their pitching leaves much to be desired (4.47 team ERA, 4th highest in the league). In addition, KC is only 8-18 in night games here at Kaufman Stadium (-$1165). The visitor looks too good to pass up. BEST BET: Cardinals in night games.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Twins have won 10 of their last 12 (+$930) and they are knocking on the door in the AL Central, not bad for a team that lost Johan Santana and Torii Hunter over the winter. They?ve been a big money maker here at the Metrodome (+$920) and their record vs. righthanders has been outstanding (+$1295). The Brewers are also playing well, but they?ve been a disaster outside of Miller Park, particularly in night games (6-15, -$990) so they?re in a tough spot vs. Minnesota this weekend. BEST BET: Twins in night games.
San Francisco at Oakland (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Giants have lost 7 of their last 10 (-$390), capped off by a loss at Kansas City in a game they were leading by seven runs with their staff ace on the mound. The Athletics still have the best pitching staff in MLB (3.47 team ERA) and while they?ve lost money in night games at McAfee, they own a 10-3 mark in day games in this ballpark (+$705 with 5.6 runs per game). San Francisco has lost money in day games this year (10-19, -$875) so we?ll lay whatever price we have to in this one. BEST BET: Athletics in day games.
Seattle at San Diego (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Padres don?t have much to show as the mid-point of the season draws near (only 32-45, -$1515 overall), but they have a decent mound corps and still have time to recover in what turns out to be a mediocre NL West. No such hope for the beleaguered Mariners, who own the absolute worst record in baseball at the moment (only 26-49, -$2755). Jake Peavy is back from the DL and could be on track for another CY Young award if he stays healthy (2.88 ERA in 11 starts). The price will be high when he goes, but against hapless Seattle it?s worth the risk. BEST BET: Peavy.
L.A. Angels at L.A. Dodgers (3) 27th, 28th, 29th
The Angels are the far superior team right now, and their record on the road is just phenomenal (24-12, +$1390). The pitching has been consistent (3.92 team ERA) and it?s hard to have much confidence in the Dodgers, as they flounder well below the .500 level (-$960 overall). The home team averages a paltry 3.9 runs per game vs. righthanders and they?ll be up against staff ace John Lackey, who?s been un-hittable since rejoining the rotation late last month (+$245, 1.73 ERA in seven starts). BEST BET: Lackey.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 30
N.Y. Mets at St. Louis (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
First meeting of the year between these two, and it does not look good for the Mets. They are only 10-18 on the road vs. righthanders (-$915) while the Cardinals own a solid 30-20 record vs. righties (+$1135). Hard to pass up the home team under the circumstances. PREFERRED: Cardinals when righty meets righty.
Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
We?re not enamored with the Reds at the moment, but they have an absolute gem in Edinson Volquez (+$940, 1.74 ERA in 15 starts), who we?ve been riding consistently for weeks now. The Pirates have lost money on the road (13-24, -$495) and their pitching remains the worst in MLb (5.02 ERA). PREFERRED: Volquez.
Washington at Florida (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Nationals have been decimated by the Marlins in head to head play this year (only 1-8, -$840) and they?ve dropped a bundle overall (-$1015). The Marlins are a spectacular 16-8 vs. righties in night games at Dolphin Stadium (+$955) and the first two games of this series are evening affairs. If the Nats start a righty, we?ll get on board. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. righthanders in night games.
L.A. Dodgers at Houston (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Dodgers were swept by Houston in their first showdown of the season (0-3, -$500) and they?ve been struggling in recent days (only 4-6, -$125 with 3.7 runs per game). But the Astros do not inspire much confidence (-$130 overall), so we?ll stay on the sidelines for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
San Diego at Colorado (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
Last year these teams battled down to the wire for a post-season berth. In 2008 they?ve been reduced to a battle to avoid landing in the NL West basement. San Diego is a terrible road team (-$1285) but the Rockies won?t see any lefties, and since they?re big losers vs. righties (-$1465) there?s not much we can do. PREFERRED: None.
Milwaukee at Arizona (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Brewers engineered a sweep vs. the suddenly vulnerable Diamondbacks at Miller Park (+$300) but their 6-15 record in night games on the road is a huge problem (-$990). Arizona has posted a modest profit here at Chase Field (+$195) so we?ll look for them to exact a measure of revenge from Milwaukee this time around. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks in night games.
Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Cubs have the best team ERA in the NL (3.70) and the highest team BA (.283) so it?s hard to make a case for the inept Giants, who?ve lost a fortune here at ATT Park (14-24, -$1020). Both Ryan Dempster (+$770, 2.63) and Sean Gallagher (3.92 ERA in eight starts) are expect to see action in the course of these four games. Excellent value when they go. PREFERRED: Dempster/Gallagher.
Kansas City at Baltimore (4) 30th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Orioles took 3 of 4 from the Royals in an earlier meeting (+$240) and they continue to dominate here at Camden Yards, particularly vs. righthanders (17-7, +$1165). The Royals and their all-righthanded rotation will be lucky to salvage a single victory. PREFERRED: Orioles in all games.
Texas at N.Y. Yankees (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Yankees could be vulnerable to a Texas team that checks in with a 14-6 record in night games on the road vs. righthanders (+$1340 with 6.7 runs per game). Joba Chamberlain (2.46) should be avoided, but the rest of the NY righties are fair game. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. all righthanders except Chamberlain.
Boston at Tampa Bay (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Bosox have taken 6 of 9 from the upstart Rays (+$215) but they have a terrible road record vs. righties (13-20, -$1010) and might find themselves in an unexpected fight for first place in the AL East. Tampa is 22-8 (+$1215) vs. righties at Tropicana Field and prices may be very inviting. PREFERRED: Rays when righty meets righty.
Detroit at Minnesota (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
A pair of hot teams steadily crawling their way up the AL Central standings. The Tigers are profitable vs. lefties (+$850) but not so vs. righties (-$1850). The Twins are just the opposite (+$1295 vs. righties, -$470 vs. lefties). We?ll play these accordingly. PREFERRED: Twins when righty meets righty/Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
Cleveland at Chicago W. Sox (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Indians were the losers in 6 of the first 9 meetings (-$445), and considering how well the White Sox are playing at US Cellular (24-11, +$985) as opposed to how poorly Cleveland has fared (-$1580 in ?08), the choice is obvious. PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Oakland at L.A. Angels (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
Good division showdown in the AL West, and it?s hard not to like the Athletics, given the quality of their pitching (3.47 ERA) and their fat profit on the road vs. righties (+$930). For all their success, the Angels have lost money against righthanders in this ballpark (-$705). PREFERRED: Athletics when righty meets righty.
Toronto at Seattle (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
Neither team has distinguished itself this year (Mariners -$2755 overall . . Blue Jays -$1295) so it?s hard to mount much enthusiasm for this particular matchup. We?ll check back later. PREFERRED: None.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JULY 1
Philadelphia at Atlanta (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Braves need to stay true to form and dominate here at Turner Field (175, +$1085 vs. righties at home) in order stay close to the first place Phillies. The visitor has lost money vs. righthanders in ?08 (-$535). PREFERRED: Braves when righty meets righty.
