BASEBALL
BEGINNING THURSDAY JUNE 4
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Dodgers took 2 out of 3 the first time these teams met this year, and both are playing well. LA has excelled at home (18-5, +$1045) but they are up against a Phillies team with the best road record in baseball (16-6, +$1155). There is a huge pitching gap however, and Philadelphia?s weakness on the mound (5.08 team ERA) should cause those road numbers to erode sooner rather than later. Cole Hamels (5.22 ERA) and Jaime Moyer (6.75) have been surprisingly ineffective, and the Dodgers are averaging a healthy 6.4 runs per game vs. lefthanders. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. Hamels & Moyer.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 5
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
If the Mets hope to avoid the ignominy of another late season collapse, they need to fatten up on league weakling like the hapless Nationals. Washington looks dreadful (2-8, -$615 last 10 days, averaging a mere 3.3 runs per game with a 5.17 ERA among starters). The Mets look very sharp at the moment (.281 team BA, 3.82 ERA, 2nd in the league in both departments), and are turning a nice profit in night games (21-11, +$880). We?ll go with the visitor when that situation arises. BEST BET: Mets in night games.
Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Reds turned a tidy profit when they took 2 out of 3 at Wrigley Field earlier this year (+$210) and they could pick up some more wins here at Great American Ballpark against a Chicago team that is only 9-14 (-$615) on the road so far. Unfortunately, it appears that their top two starters (Cueto & Harang) will, in all likelihood, not be pitching in this series. With Edinson Volquez questionable following a stint on the DL, we?ll hold off on committing ourselves for the time being. BEST BET: None.
San Francisco at Florida (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Giants are a fairly competitive ball-club this year with one of the better pitching staffs in the NL (3.83 ERA, 3rd best in the league). Unfortunately, they are only 7-15 on the road this year (-$710) so it?s difficult to put much faith in them. The Marlins have slipped since getting off to a fast start in April, but they?ve rebounded a bit, and they have a couple of capable righthanders. One of them is Chris Volstad (3.71 ERA in 11 starts) and he?s slated to take a turn against San Francisco here at Dolphin Stadium. BEST BET: Volstad.
Milwaukee at Atlanta (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Brewers have been a huge surprise this year, perched atop the NL Central at 30-20 (+$1045) when everyone expected them to drop from contention after losing C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets. The Braves have been rather average in 2009 and they?ve been very ineffective here at Turner Field when taking on righthanded starters (only 6-10, -$680 with 3.00 runs per game). All four righthanders in the Milwaukee rotation have been remarkably profitable, leading Milwaukee to victories in 26 of their 39 collective appearances so far (+$1470). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Braves.
Pittsburgh at Houston (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
These teams are not having the seasons they had hoped for, as they battle each other to stay out of the NL Central?s basement. The Astros have been particularly ineffective here at Minute Maid Park (9-15, -$695), and we like what we?ve seen this year from Zach Duke (2.75 ERA in 10 starts) and Paul Maholm (+$210, 3.82 in 11 starts), both of whom are expected to see action. Keep in mind that Pittsburgh?s road record leaves a great deal to be desired (only 10-17, -$280) so only jump on board if they are posted as underdogs. BEST BET: Duke & Maholm as underdogs.
Colorado at St. Louis (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cardinals look like the team to beat in the NL Central this year (6-4, +$135 last 10 days) with a pitching staff few believed would be this good (3.30 team ERA, lowest in the majors). That makes this trip to Busch Stadium a very tough one for last place Colorado (.249 team BA, 4.89 team ERA, near the bottom of the NL in both categories). It would be wise to avoid Jason Marquis (+$550, 3.93 ERA) and Aaron Cook (2.40 ERA in his last two starts), but the rest of the Rockies? rotation should prove no match for first place St. Louis. BEST BET: Cardinals unless opposed by Cook & Marquis.
Arizona at San Diego (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Padres moved to .500 as May came to a close, a very nice turnaround after enduring a miserable April. Now they get to build on their strength; playing at Petco Park where they check in with a 17-6 record (+$1025). The Diamondbacks are fortunate that they won?t have to take on any lefthanders, but their offense remains anemic (.241 team BA), and they?ve already dropped a bundle in 2009 (22-29, -$950). As long as the price doesn?t get out of line we?ll ride with the hot home team. BEST BET: Padres at -135 or better.
L.A. Angels at Detroit (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Tigers have put together a strong two months and find themselves in a position to pull away in what always figured to be a weak AL East (28-21, +$575). The Angels have fallen back in the AL West as they hover around the .500 level, but with their rotation stabilized you expect them to put it all together sooner or later. We?d like to take a shot against Dontrelle Willis, given LA?s success against lefties on the road over the past two seasons. But he?s not likely to see action so we?ll stay away for now. BEST BET: None.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Yankees have surged to first place in the AL East and they no doubt will welcome the opportunity to step on the neck of a struggling Tampa Bay team that took 3 of 5 in head to head play earlier in the year. The Rays are a lousy road team (12-17, -$485) and that team ERA of 4.70 won?t hold up well against a New York club that has averaged 5.8 runs per game over the past 10 games. Prices may get high in the Bronx, but the home team should take at least 3 out of 4 without much difficulty. BEST BET: Yankees in all games.
Texas at Boston (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
No one has managed to slow down the Rangers (30-20, +$1135) and they?ll no doubt be catching some nice prices when they take the field at Fenway Park. Boston has fallen from first place in the AL East, the Yankees are coming back to Boston next week and the starting pitching has been very ordinary, with no starter checking in with an ERA lower that 4.60. Texas averages 6.5 runs per game vs. lefties, so take a shot vs. struggling Jon Lester (5.65 ERA in 11 starts). We?ll check back for other opportunities as well. BEST BET: Lester.
Kansas City at Toronto (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Blue Jays have taken quite a spill in recent days (2-8, -$725 last 10 with a 4.64 ERA among starters) but they?ve been very solid here at Rogers Centre (18-6, +$1010), so as much as we are tempted by KC, we?ll tread carefully. The Royals have themselves fallen on hard times (2-8, -$765 with only 2.5 runs per game in the last 10 days), so only exception we?ll make is Zach Greinke (1.10 ERA in 11 starts) who looks too good at a short price to pass up. BEST BET: Greinke.
Cleveland at Chicago W. Sox (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Tribe took 2 out of 3 the first time the first time these two teams met, but Chicago is on the move (7-3, +$490 last 10 days with a 2.60 ERA among starters and averaging 5.5 runs per game), while Cleveland?s pitching continues to flounder (5.39 team ERA, worst in the AL). Carl Pavano looked strong in his last start, but the rest of the Cleveland righthanders have been pitiful all year, and the White Sox are going to avoid Cliff Lee, who?s ERA remains solid despite so many losses. BEST BET: White Sox unless opposed by Pavano.
Baltimore at Oakland (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Orioles have looked better in recent days, but they are a sorrowful road team in 2009 (only 7-15, -$635) and the A?s have turned a profit vs. righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum (+$240 with 5.6 runs per game). Baltimore has one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball (5.29 ERA) and none of the starters they?re likely to send to the mound this weekend give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Athletics vs. righthanders.
Minnesota at Seattle (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mariners are getting outstanding pitching at the moment (3.91 team ERA, lowest in the AL) and with a bit more offense they could creep back into the AL West chase. The Twins have been a disaster on the road this year (only 5-16, -$895) and their staff ERA is almost a full run per game higher than Seattle?s. Felix Hernandez (3.41 ERA), Eric Bedard (2.49) and Jarrod Washburn (3.45) are all having fine seasons, and there?s a chance all three will be on the mound at Safeco this weekend. BEST BET: F. Hernandez/Bedard/Washburn.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 8
Pittsburgh at Atlanta (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
The Braves will be solid favorites in these games, but considering how poorly they?ve performed against righties here at Turner4 Field (-$680), the visitor looks like the way to go. Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens have looked promising at times this year, and both are worth consideration as underdogs. The Bucs took 2 out of 3 from the Braves in an earlier meeting. PREFERRED: Karstens/Ohlendorf.
Toronto at Texas (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
The Blue Jays have dropped 8 of their last 10 games (-$725 while averaging just 3.2 runs per game) and they?ve not fared well on the road all season (11-17, -$605). The first place Rangers are 18-9 at Arlington (+$770) and are averaging a healthy 6.5 runs per game vs. lefthanders so far. None of the lefties in the Toronto rotation are a cause for concern. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. lefthanders.
Detroit at Chicago W. Sox (5) 8th (DH), 9th, 10th, 11th
The White Sox are playing their best baseball of the year right now (7-3, +$490 in the past 10 days, averaging 5.5 runs per game and a 2.60 ERA among starters). Five games at home vs. first place Detroit gives them a huge opportunity to make up more ground. But Chicago?s top hurlers are all lefthanders, and Detroit checks in with a 10-5 record vs. southpaws (+$540 with 5.4 runs per game). We?ll need to re-evaluate on game day. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Oakland (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
The Athletics are stuck in last place, but they have a couple of lethanders in Josh Outman (3.20 ERA in 8 starts) and Dallas Braden (3.63 in 11 starts) who are looking very sharp. The Twins have been a disaster on the road, especially vs. lefties, against whom they have yet to win a game (0-7, -$715). This is an opportunity for Oakland to start turning things around. PREFERRED: Outman/Braden.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 9
Cincinnati at Washington (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Reds have turned a nice profit on the road (+$495) and it appears as though staff aces Johnny Cueto (2.53) and Aaron Harang (4.19) will both be on the mound in this series. The Nationals are a disaster (13-36, -$2110). PREFERRED: Cueto/Harang.
St. Louis at Florida (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
Bad spot for a struggling Florida team that is only 12-22 vs. righthanders (-$1060). The Cardinals rotation is all-righty and checks in with the lowest ERA in MLB (3.60). The home team will be lucky to salvage a single victory. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
This has developed into an intense rivalry in the NL East, with the Mets taking 3 out of 4 in head to head play so far (+$205). It?s hard to go against the Mets right now given how well they?ve been playing (7-2, +$580 last 10 days), but Philadelphia?s 16-6 (+$1155) record in road games is a factor as well. We?ll stay on the sidelines for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Chicago Cubs at Houston (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Astros have already lost 5 of 7 in head to head play (-$215) and they are only 9-15 here at Minute Maid Park in 2009 (-$695). But the Cubs have not fared well outside of Wrigley Field (only 9-15, -$615). Neither team has looked sharp in recent days, so we?re reluctant to get involved at the moment. PREFERRED: None.
Colorado at Milwaukee (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
We?re very impressed with the way Milwaukee is playing this year (30-20, +$1045) and they should continue their winning ways vs. a beleaguered Colorado team that has fallen to a pitiful 20-29 in the NL West (-$985). The Rockies rank near the bottom in both team ERA (4.89) and team BA (.249) and will be hard pressed to steal a win from a surging home team. PREFERRED: Brewers in all games.
San Francisco at Arizona (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Giants have already taken 4 out of 6 in head to head play this year (+$210) and their pitching continues to excel (2.59 ERA among starters in the past 10 days). They have struggled on the road, but Arizona is only 12-19 at Chase Field (-$1145) so we?ll take a shot with the superior mound corps. Prices on the visitor should be very reasonable. PREFERRED: Giants in all games.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (2) 9th, 10th
The Padres are on a roll (7-3, +$500 last 10 days with 5.1 runs per game) and if they hope to challenge LA in the NL West they cannot afford to drop both ends of this two game set. But they?ve been terrible on the road this year (-$900) and the Dodgers have been brutalizing all visitors to Chavcz Ravine in 2009 (18-5, +$1045). Hard to argue with that harsh reality, so we must stick with the home team, but only if the price is in line. PREFERRED: Dodgers at -145 or less.
L.A. Angels at Tampa Bay (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
We get the feeling that the Rays simply aren?t going to compete in 2009 the way they did last year. They are losing money here at Tropicana Field where they dominated in 2008 (-$345) and the Angels are getting healthy after surviving an injury plagued first two months of the year. Jered Weaver (2.36 ERA) and Matt Palmer (3.95) are both expected to see action and should be available at attractive prices here in Tampa. PREFERRED: Jr. Weaver/Palmer.
Seattle at Baltimore (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Orioles have been playing better in recent days (7-4, +$350 last 11) and they?ve turned a nice profit in night games at Camden Yards vs. righthanders (+$560 with 6.2 runs per game). They should get at least one or two chances to build on that record against a Seattle team that has lost money on the road vs. righties (-$340). PREFERRED: Orioles when righty meets righty.
Kansas City at Cleveland (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Royals have fallen on some hard times (2-8, -$765 last 109 days) but the Indians are only 16-24 vs. righthanders this year (-$910) and their team ERA is over one full run per game higher than KC?s. The visitor still warrants a shot under the circumstances. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Indians.
N.Y. Yankees at Boston (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
After dropping the first five meetings with arch rival Boston (-$530), we?d be surprised if the red-hot Yankees failed to exact a measure of revenge. The home teams rotation is struggling and New York is averaging 5.4 runs per game on the road. A good shot for the visitor to take 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
BEGINNING THURSDAY JUNE 4
Philadelphia at L.A. Dodgers (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Dodgers took 2 out of 3 the first time these teams met this year, and both are playing well. LA has excelled at home (18-5, +$1045) but they are up against a Phillies team with the best road record in baseball (16-6, +$1155). There is a huge pitching gap however, and Philadelphia?s weakness on the mound (5.08 team ERA) should cause those road numbers to erode sooner rather than later. Cole Hamels (5.22 ERA) and Jaime Moyer (6.75) have been surprisingly ineffective, and the Dodgers are averaging a healthy 6.4 runs per game vs. lefthanders. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. Hamels & Moyer.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 5
N.Y. Mets at Washington (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
If the Mets hope to avoid the ignominy of another late season collapse, they need to fatten up on league weakling like the hapless Nationals. Washington looks dreadful (2-8, -$615 last 10 days, averaging a mere 3.3 runs per game with a 5.17 ERA among starters). The Mets look very sharp at the moment (.281 team BA, 3.82 ERA, 2nd in the league in both departments), and are turning a nice profit in night games (21-11, +$880). We?ll go with the visitor when that situation arises. BEST BET: Mets in night games.
Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Reds turned a tidy profit when they took 2 out of 3 at Wrigley Field earlier this year (+$210) and they could pick up some more wins here at Great American Ballpark against a Chicago team that is only 9-14 (-$615) on the road so far. Unfortunately, it appears that their top two starters (Cueto & Harang) will, in all likelihood, not be pitching in this series. With Edinson Volquez questionable following a stint on the DL, we?ll hold off on committing ourselves for the time being. BEST BET: None.
San Francisco at Florida (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Giants are a fairly competitive ball-club this year with one of the better pitching staffs in the NL (3.83 ERA, 3rd best in the league). Unfortunately, they are only 7-15 on the road this year (-$710) so it?s difficult to put much faith in them. The Marlins have slipped since getting off to a fast start in April, but they?ve rebounded a bit, and they have a couple of capable righthanders. One of them is Chris Volstad (3.71 ERA in 11 starts) and he?s slated to take a turn against San Francisco here at Dolphin Stadium. BEST BET: Volstad.
Milwaukee at Atlanta (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Brewers have been a huge surprise this year, perched atop the NL Central at 30-20 (+$1045) when everyone expected them to drop from contention after losing C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets. The Braves have been rather average in 2009 and they?ve been very ineffective here at Turner Field when taking on righthanded starters (only 6-10, -$680 with 3.00 runs per game). All four righthanders in the Milwaukee rotation have been remarkably profitable, leading Milwaukee to victories in 26 of their 39 collective appearances so far (+$1470). BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Braves.
Pittsburgh at Houston (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
These teams are not having the seasons they had hoped for, as they battle each other to stay out of the NL Central?s basement. The Astros have been particularly ineffective here at Minute Maid Park (9-15, -$695), and we like what we?ve seen this year from Zach Duke (2.75 ERA in 10 starts) and Paul Maholm (+$210, 3.82 in 11 starts), both of whom are expected to see action. Keep in mind that Pittsburgh?s road record leaves a great deal to be desired (only 10-17, -$280) so only jump on board if they are posted as underdogs. BEST BET: Duke & Maholm as underdogs.
Colorado at St. Louis (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cardinals look like the team to beat in the NL Central this year (6-4, +$135 last 10 days) with a pitching staff few believed would be this good (3.30 team ERA, lowest in the majors). That makes this trip to Busch Stadium a very tough one for last place Colorado (.249 team BA, 4.89 team ERA, near the bottom of the NL in both categories). It would be wise to avoid Jason Marquis (+$550, 3.93 ERA) and Aaron Cook (2.40 ERA in his last two starts), but the rest of the Rockies? rotation should prove no match for first place St. Louis. BEST BET: Cardinals unless opposed by Cook & Marquis.
Arizona at San Diego (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Padres moved to .500 as May came to a close, a very nice turnaround after enduring a miserable April. Now they get to build on their strength; playing at Petco Park where they check in with a 17-6 record (+$1025). The Diamondbacks are fortunate that they won?t have to take on any lefthanders, but their offense remains anemic (.241 team BA), and they?ve already dropped a bundle in 2009 (22-29, -$950). As long as the price doesn?t get out of line we?ll ride with the hot home team. BEST BET: Padres at -135 or better.
L.A. Angels at Detroit (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Tigers have put together a strong two months and find themselves in a position to pull away in what always figured to be a weak AL East (28-21, +$575). The Angels have fallen back in the AL West as they hover around the .500 level, but with their rotation stabilized you expect them to put it all together sooner or later. We?d like to take a shot against Dontrelle Willis, given LA?s success against lefties on the road over the past two seasons. But he?s not likely to see action so we?ll stay away for now. BEST BET: None.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
The Yankees have surged to first place in the AL East and they no doubt will welcome the opportunity to step on the neck of a struggling Tampa Bay team that took 3 of 5 in head to head play earlier in the year. The Rays are a lousy road team (12-17, -$485) and that team ERA of 4.70 won?t hold up well against a New York club that has averaged 5.8 runs per game over the past 10 games. Prices may get high in the Bronx, but the home team should take at least 3 out of 4 without much difficulty. BEST BET: Yankees in all games.
Texas at Boston (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
No one has managed to slow down the Rangers (30-20, +$1135) and they?ll no doubt be catching some nice prices when they take the field at Fenway Park. Boston has fallen from first place in the AL East, the Yankees are coming back to Boston next week and the starting pitching has been very ordinary, with no starter checking in with an ERA lower that 4.60. Texas averages 6.5 runs per game vs. lefties, so take a shot vs. struggling Jon Lester (5.65 ERA in 11 starts). We?ll check back for other opportunities as well. BEST BET: Lester.
Kansas City at Toronto (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Blue Jays have taken quite a spill in recent days (2-8, -$725 last 10 with a 4.64 ERA among starters) but they?ve been very solid here at Rogers Centre (18-6, +$1010), so as much as we are tempted by KC, we?ll tread carefully. The Royals have themselves fallen on hard times (2-8, -$765 with only 2.5 runs per game in the last 10 days), so only exception we?ll make is Zach Greinke (1.10 ERA in 11 starts) who looks too good at a short price to pass up. BEST BET: Greinke.
Cleveland at Chicago W. Sox (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Tribe took 2 out of 3 the first time the first time these two teams met, but Chicago is on the move (7-3, +$490 last 10 days with a 2.60 ERA among starters and averaging 5.5 runs per game), while Cleveland?s pitching continues to flounder (5.39 team ERA, worst in the AL). Carl Pavano looked strong in his last start, but the rest of the Cleveland righthanders have been pitiful all year, and the White Sox are going to avoid Cliff Lee, who?s ERA remains solid despite so many losses. BEST BET: White Sox unless opposed by Pavano.
Baltimore at Oakland (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Orioles have looked better in recent days, but they are a sorrowful road team in 2009 (only 7-15, -$635) and the A?s have turned a profit vs. righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum (+$240 with 5.6 runs per game). Baltimore has one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball (5.29 ERA) and none of the starters they?re likely to send to the mound this weekend give us much cause for concern. BEST BET: Athletics vs. righthanders.
Minnesota at Seattle (3) 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mariners are getting outstanding pitching at the moment (3.91 team ERA, lowest in the AL) and with a bit more offense they could creep back into the AL West chase. The Twins have been a disaster on the road this year (only 5-16, -$895) and their staff ERA is almost a full run per game higher than Seattle?s. Felix Hernandez (3.41 ERA), Eric Bedard (2.49) and Jarrod Washburn (3.45) are all having fine seasons, and there?s a chance all three will be on the mound at Safeco this weekend. BEST BET: F. Hernandez/Bedard/Washburn.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 8
Pittsburgh at Atlanta (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
The Braves will be solid favorites in these games, but considering how poorly they?ve performed against righties here at Turner4 Field (-$680), the visitor looks like the way to go. Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens have looked promising at times this year, and both are worth consideration as underdogs. The Bucs took 2 out of 3 from the Braves in an earlier meeting. PREFERRED: Karstens/Ohlendorf.
Toronto at Texas (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
The Blue Jays have dropped 8 of their last 10 games (-$725 while averaging just 3.2 runs per game) and they?ve not fared well on the road all season (11-17, -$605). The first place Rangers are 18-9 at Arlington (+$770) and are averaging a healthy 6.5 runs per game vs. lefthanders so far. None of the lefties in the Toronto rotation are a cause for concern. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. lefthanders.
Detroit at Chicago W. Sox (5) 8th (DH), 9th, 10th, 11th
The White Sox are playing their best baseball of the year right now (7-3, +$490 in the past 10 days, averaging 5.5 runs per game and a 2.60 ERA among starters). Five games at home vs. first place Detroit gives them a huge opportunity to make up more ground. But Chicago?s top hurlers are all lefthanders, and Detroit checks in with a 10-5 record vs. southpaws (+$540 with 5.4 runs per game). We?ll need to re-evaluate on game day. PREFERRED: None.
Minnesota at Oakland (4) 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
The Athletics are stuck in last place, but they have a couple of lethanders in Josh Outman (3.20 ERA in 8 starts) and Dallas Braden (3.63 in 11 starts) who are looking very sharp. The Twins have been a disaster on the road, especially vs. lefties, against whom they have yet to win a game (0-7, -$715). This is an opportunity for Oakland to start turning things around. PREFERRED: Outman/Braden.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 9
Cincinnati at Washington (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Reds have turned a nice profit on the road (+$495) and it appears as though staff aces Johnny Cueto (2.53) and Aaron Harang (4.19) will both be on the mound in this series. The Nationals are a disaster (13-36, -$2110). PREFERRED: Cueto/Harang.
St. Louis at Florida (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
Bad spot for a struggling Florida team that is only 12-22 vs. righthanders (-$1060). The Cardinals rotation is all-righty and checks in with the lowest ERA in MLB (3.60). The home team will be lucky to salvage a single victory. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Philadelphia at N.Y. Mets (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
This has developed into an intense rivalry in the NL East, with the Mets taking 3 out of 4 in head to head play so far (+$205). It?s hard to go against the Mets right now given how well they?ve been playing (7-2, +$580 last 10 days), but Philadelphia?s 16-6 (+$1155) record in road games is a factor as well. We?ll stay on the sidelines for the time being. PREFERRED: None.
Chicago Cubs at Houston (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Astros have already lost 5 of 7 in head to head play (-$215) and they are only 9-15 here at Minute Maid Park in 2009 (-$695). But the Cubs have not fared well outside of Wrigley Field (only 9-15, -$615). Neither team has looked sharp in recent days, so we?re reluctant to get involved at the moment. PREFERRED: None.
Colorado at Milwaukee (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
We?re very impressed with the way Milwaukee is playing this year (30-20, +$1045) and they should continue their winning ways vs. a beleaguered Colorado team that has fallen to a pitiful 20-29 in the NL West (-$985). The Rockies rank near the bottom in both team ERA (4.89) and team BA (.249) and will be hard pressed to steal a win from a surging home team. PREFERRED: Brewers in all games.
San Francisco at Arizona (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Giants have already taken 4 out of 6 in head to head play this year (+$210) and their pitching continues to excel (2.59 ERA among starters in the past 10 days). They have struggled on the road, but Arizona is only 12-19 at Chase Field (-$1145) so we?ll take a shot with the superior mound corps. Prices on the visitor should be very reasonable. PREFERRED: Giants in all games.
San Diego at L.A. Dodgers (2) 9th, 10th
The Padres are on a roll (7-3, +$500 last 10 days with 5.1 runs per game) and if they hope to challenge LA in the NL West they cannot afford to drop both ends of this two game set. But they?ve been terrible on the road this year (-$900) and the Dodgers have been brutalizing all visitors to Chavcz Ravine in 2009 (18-5, +$1045). Hard to argue with that harsh reality, so we must stick with the home team, but only if the price is in line. PREFERRED: Dodgers at -145 or less.
L.A. Angels at Tampa Bay (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
We get the feeling that the Rays simply aren?t going to compete in 2009 the way they did last year. They are losing money here at Tropicana Field where they dominated in 2008 (-$345) and the Angels are getting healthy after surviving an injury plagued first two months of the year. Jered Weaver (2.36 ERA) and Matt Palmer (3.95) are both expected to see action and should be available at attractive prices here in Tampa. PREFERRED: Jr. Weaver/Palmer.
Seattle at Baltimore (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Orioles have been playing better in recent days (7-4, +$350 last 11) and they?ve turned a nice profit in night games at Camden Yards vs. righthanders (+$560 with 6.2 runs per game). They should get at least one or two chances to build on that record against a Seattle team that has lost money on the road vs. righties (-$340). PREFERRED: Orioles when righty meets righty.
Kansas City at Cleveland (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
The Royals have fallen on some hard times (2-8, -$765 last 109 days) but the Indians are only 16-24 vs. righthanders this year (-$910) and their team ERA is over one full run per game higher than KC?s. The visitor still warrants a shot under the circumstances. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Indians.
N.Y. Yankees at Boston (3) 9th, 10th, 11th
After dropping the first five meetings with arch rival Boston (-$530), we?d be surprised if the red-hot Yankees failed to exact a measure of revenge. The home teams rotation is struggling and New York is averaging 5.4 runs per game on the road. A good shot for the visitor to take 2 out of 3. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
