BASEBALL
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 19
Pittsburgh at Colorado (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Rockies are the hottest team in baseball all of a sudden, having won 11 in a row (+$1390) while averaging 6.6 runs per game with a 2.54 ERA among starters. But their numbers here at Coors Field are still well below par (11-14, -$705) and they?ll be taking on one of the better lefthanders in the NL this weekend. Zack Duke has looked very sharp in his 13 starts this year (+$185 with a 3.10 ERA). He looks like an excellent underdog value when he takes the mound. BEST BET: Duke.
Cleveland at Chicago Cubs (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Tribe is trying to claw their way back into the AL Central race, but their pitching continues to hold them back (5.15 team ERA, 2nd worst in the league). They?ve lost money on the road and their record against righthanded pitching is appalling (only 22-30, -$930 so far). The Cubs have struggled offensively, but they check in with the 3rd best pitching staff in the NL (3.87 ERA). Staff ace Carlos Zambrano is rounding into top form, having led Chicago to wins in 7 of his 10 starts (+$325, 3.39 ERA). He should manage to keep the Cleveland offense in check. BEST BET: C.Zambrano.
Baltimore at Philadelphia (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Phillies had a disappointing weekend against the Red Sox last week, but they have one of the most explosive offenses in MLB, averaging 5.4 runs per game this year. They?ll be hosting the team with the AL?s worst team ERA (5.25) and an especially pitiful 8-20 road record (-$1020), so they have a chance to extend their lead in the NL East. Their starting rotation has looked much better in recent days and they should do no worse than 2 out of 3 at Citizens Bank this weekend. But price may get inflated, so only jump in if the cost is reasonable. BEST BET: Phillies at -160 or less.
Toronto at Washington (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Blue Jays lost some ground in May, but they certainly aren?t going away, and they have a solid offense to take into Nationals Park (.278 team ERA, averaging 5.0 runs per game, 2nd best in the league). They haven?t been all that impressive outside of Rogers Centre, but they can fatten up those averages against the worst team in baseball (Nationals only 16-45, -$2725 in 2009). John Lannan is the only Washington starter with an ERA under 5.00, and he?s not slated to take a turn. All the other members of the home team?s rotation are fair game. BEST BET: Blue Jays in all games.
Milwaukee at Detroit (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
This is an intriguing match-up between two clubs who were not expected to make much noise in 2009, both of whom are currently on top in their respective divisions. Statistically they are remarkably similar, but we give the edge to the hometown Tigers in this series. The Brewers have slipped a bit in recent days (3-7, -$535 with a 4.69 ERA among starters last 10 days) and we wonder how much longer they can stick with Manny Parra in the starting rotation (-$870 with a 7.52 ERA in 13 outings). The Tigers are 14-6 vs. lefthanders this year (+$925 with 5.4 runs per game, so assuming Parra?s still in the mix, we?ll lay the price against him. BEST BET: Tigers vs. Parra.
N.Y. Yankees at Florida (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Yankees have not put things together yet this year, and a miracle error in last Friday?s game against the Mets is the only thing that prevented a five game losing streak vs. key rivals (Boston and the Mets). Their team ERA is still 3rd worst in the AL (4.91) and they?ve lost a considerable sum in road games vs. righthanders this season (only 10-13, -$630). The Marlins have been inconsistent this year, starting out 11-1 then dropping well below .500. But they?ve looked better lately, and they possess one of the league?s top righties in Josh Johnson (+$815, 2.76 ERA in 14 starts). Can?t pass him up at Dolphin Stadium this weekend. BEST BET: Jo. Johnson.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Mets (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Rays are back in business in the AL East (7-3, +$455 with a 3.95 ERA among starters and averaging 5.8 runs per game last 10 days), but this trip to CitiField is a tough assignment. The Mets have been reasonably effective at home, though high prices have held down their profitability. Tampa Bay has not fared well on the road this year (13-19, -$500) and they?ll be squaring off against Johan Santana in one of these games (Rays -$645 vs. lefties). We?ll take another look at this series on game day, but at the moment nothing appeals to us. BEST BET: None.
Chicago W. Sox at Cincinnati (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Reds have been tenacious this year, and if their pitching holds up (3.91 team ERA), they could mount a challenge in the highly competitive NL Central. The White Sox have been very ineffective on offense, averaging just 4.1 runs per game and they?ve lost money against righthanders (-$635). Cincinnati has gotten outstanding work from Johnny Cueto (+$370, 2.17 ERA in 13 starts) and from veteran Aaron Harang (3.74 in 13 starts), both of whom are likely to see action. If they can get back a healthy Edinson Volquez from the DL, they?ll be poised for a strong 2nd half run following the All-Star break. BEST BET: Cueto/Harang.
Atlanta at Boston (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Fenway Park has been a brutal destination for visiting teams this year (Boston 21-8, +$935 so far) and with a pitching staff that improves steadily (4.16 ERA among starters last 10 days), this is not an enviable spot for the visiting Braves. Atlanta has drifted below .500 and appears less of a threat in the NL East with each passing week. They have been dreadful vs. righthanders (-$985 with only 3.7 runs per game) and they?ll be getting a steady diet of them this weekend, since the Red Sox only southpaw is not slated to appear. Atlanta will be hard pressed to salvage a victory in this one. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Braves.
Houston at Minnesota (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
If the Twins ever figure out how to win some road games they could run away with the AL Central title. But they?ve been deadly here at the Metrodome, particularly in night games, where they check in with a 18-7 record (+$955). The Astros are a mediocre ball-club and they only have one starter who concerns us (Wandy Rodriguez +$220, 2.82 ERA in 13 starts). We?ll sidestep the Houston lefthander, but we?ll lay the price on anyone else the visitor sends to the mound. BEST BET: Twins unless opposed by W. Rodriguez.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Royals have fallen way off the pace in the AL Central, but they have several capable hurlers (4.19 team ERA, 4th lowest in the league) and they have compiled a 9-4 record in night games vs. righthanders at Kaufman Stadium (+$405 with 5.5 runs per game). It appears that Zach Greinke will not make an appearance in this series, but St. Louis will have to deal with Gil Meche. After some lackluster starts the veteran righty has lowered his ERA to 3.94 (0.69 ERA in his last two outings). The Cardinals have not looked very good in recent days (4-7, -$480 last 11) and they?ve lost money vs. righthanders in 2009 (-$260). BEST BET: Meche.
Oakland at San Diego (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
This is a tough series to call. The Padres have been very strong at Petco Park this year (19-11, +$635) but if you look at their stats they are one of the worst teams in baseball (.237 team BA, worst in the league . . . 4.62 team ERA, 3rd worst). Oakland has had difficulty outside of McAfee Coliseum (-$540) but they?ve been better in recent days (6-5, +$115 last 11 with a 3.82 ERA among starters) and they have a pair of solid lefties in Dallas Braden (3.33 ERA in 13 starts) and Josh Outman (+$430, 3.54 ERA), both of whom are likely to see action. The Padres average a mere 3.4 runs per game vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Braden/Outman.
L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Angels have a .280 team BA and they managed to take 2 out of 3 from their NL rival when the teams met in May. But it?s not easy going against the Dodgers in 2009. They?ve been the most profitable team in the majors (+$1645) and they check in with the best pitching staff in baseball 3.64 ERA. The Angels have a few starters who are performing well, but their bullpen has been the worst in baseball (5.85). With a better mound corps the visitor looks like a good value here at Anaheim. BEST BET: Dodgers in all games.
Arizona at Seattle (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Mariners remain very much in contention this year thanks to the strong showing by the pitching staff (3.65 team ERA, best in the AL). The Diamondbacks have dropped out of sight, 15 games back in the AL West, and their money losses have been substantial (only 27-37, -$1295 so far). They?ve averaged a pathetic 3.5 runs per game vs. lefthanders, and they?ll be up against one of the best in Eric Bedard, who?s never looked sharper (2.47 ERA in 11 starts). Prices will be high, but Arizona does not appear poised to show much improvement as the season moves forward. BEST BET: Bedard.
Texas at San Francisco (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Giants are 21-9 here at ATT Park (+$1170) and their team ERA is now second only to the Dodgers in the National League (3.65). They?ve cut into LA?s lead in the division, and could emerge as a serious contender in the 2nd half. But the Texas Rangers are having a big year (+$1015) and have held the top slot in their division for several weeks. They have a trio of righthanders who could slow down an SF team that has averaged only 3.9 runs per game vs. righthanders so far. We?ll have to consider individual match-ups on game day before committing ourselves. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 22
St. Louis at N.Y. Mets (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Cardinals swept a three game set at Busch Stadium earlier this year (+$305) and the Mets? rotation has stumbled badly in recent days (7.10 ERA last 10). St. Louis has a healthy Chris Carpenter (1.59 ERA in 8 starts) slated to start, and we like what we?ve seen from Brad Thompson (2.94 in three starts), who?s also expected to take the mound at CitiField. PREFERRED: Carpenter/B. Thompson.
Colorado at L.A. Angels (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rockies have closed to just under .500, having won 11 in a row and they could be a terrific underdog value here at Anaheim. They?ve turned a fat profit on the road this year (+$670) so if the price is generous enough we?ll look for their hot streak to continue. PREFERRED: Rockies at +130 or better.
San Francisco at Oakland (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Giants have struggled on the road (only 13-19, -$460) and the A?s will be anxious to exact a measure of revenge after having been swept at ATT Park last weekend (-$300). Oakland checks in with a solid 13-7 record against righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum and they might even be underdogs vs. Tim Lincecum, who?s scheduled to make a start in this series. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. Lincecum.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 23
Philadelphia at Tampa Bay (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Philies continue to bludgeon the opposition?s pitching (averaging 5.4 runs per game overall), and they?ve been sensational on the road all season (23-9, +$1615). It?s hard to buck those numbers, especially when you are loaded with lefty starters and are taking on a Tampa team that has lost money vs. southpaws in 2009 (-$645). PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Rays.
Boston at Washington (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
John Lannan is the best pitcher the Nationals have, and he?s posted a remarkable 1.72 ERA in seven starts in this ballpark. He?ll no doubt be available at a decent price against the Red Sox, a team that has lost money vs. righthanders outside of Fenway Park this season (only 9-12, -$445). PREFERRED: Lannan.
Cleveland at Pittsburgh (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The last place Indians are a lousy road team, and they?ve been particularly ineffective vs. righthanders this year (-$920 so far). But we?re not comfortable with the Pittsburgh righties, so we?ll stay away from this one for now. PREFERRED: None.
Cincinnati at Toronto (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Blue Jays have been doing a poor job in night games (only 18-21, -$560) and all three of these games are scheduled evening affairs. The Reds have some outstanding hurlers in their rotation (3.91 team ERA) and have been profitable as visitors (+$300). They are more than capable of taking 2 of 3 here at Rogers Centre. If they do we?ll take in a tidy profit. PREFERRED: Reds in all games.
Chicago Cubs at Detroit (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Cubs are only 9-11 in inter-league games over the past couple of seasons (-$540) and they?ve lost money outside of Wrigley Field (only 13-18, -$680). The Tigers have the 3rd lowest ERA in the AL (4.16) and they?ve turned a profit at Comerica (+$320). They should take at least 2 of 3 from Chicago. PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Atlanta (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Yankees have lost a great deal of money on the road vs. righthanders (-$630) and they are likely to face a steady diet of righties when they show up at Turner Field. The Braves average 5.8 runs per game vs. lefties at home, and are likely to face at least one or two southpaws in this series. PREFERRED: Braves vs. lefthanders.
Baltimore at Florida (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
Neither side has done well against righthanders (Orioles 5-15, -$935 on the road in that situation . . . Florida -$1035 at home), but the Marlins are 14-7 vs. lefthanders (+$700 with 5.1 runs per game) so if Baltimore sends a southpaw to the mound we?ll certainly get involved. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. Baltimore righthanders.
Minnesota at Milwaukee (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Twins have been one of the worst road team in MLB this year (only 11-21, -$775) and Milwaukee has one of the best young pitchers in the NL in Yovani Gallardo, who?s led the Brewers to victories in 8 of his 12 starts so far (+$280 with a 2.88 ERA). We?ll take a shot when he?s on the hill. PREFERRED: Gallardo.
Kansas City at Houston (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Astros have lost money here at Minute Maid Park (-$345) and while KC has stumbled in recent weeks, we?re still willing to try our luck with Zack Greinke (1.72 ERA in 13 starts), a leading candidate for Cy Young honors at the moment. PREFERRED: Greinke.
L.A. Dodgers at Chicago W. Sox (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The White Sox can?t hit (.249 team BA) and they?re taking on the most formidable pitching staff in baseball at US Cellular in this series (LA 3.64 team ERA). It doesn?t help that Chicago has lost money at home (-$750). PREFERRED: Dodgers in all games.
Texas at Arizona (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Diamondbacks have been a disaster in night games at Chase Field (7-17, -$1310) and Texas has a trio of solid righthanders, at least a couple of whom are like;y to see action in this series. PREFERRED: Feldman/Millwood/Padilla.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Padres are only 9-22 on the road this year (-$900) and will be hard pressed to salvage a win vs. a Seattle team with the best pitching staff in the AL (3.65). PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 19
Pittsburgh at Colorado (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Rockies are the hottest team in baseball all of a sudden, having won 11 in a row (+$1390) while averaging 6.6 runs per game with a 2.54 ERA among starters. But their numbers here at Coors Field are still well below par (11-14, -$705) and they?ll be taking on one of the better lefthanders in the NL this weekend. Zack Duke has looked very sharp in his 13 starts this year (+$185 with a 3.10 ERA). He looks like an excellent underdog value when he takes the mound. BEST BET: Duke.
Cleveland at Chicago Cubs (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Tribe is trying to claw their way back into the AL Central race, but their pitching continues to hold them back (5.15 team ERA, 2nd worst in the league). They?ve lost money on the road and their record against righthanded pitching is appalling (only 22-30, -$930 so far). The Cubs have struggled offensively, but they check in with the 3rd best pitching staff in the NL (3.87 ERA). Staff ace Carlos Zambrano is rounding into top form, having led Chicago to wins in 7 of his 10 starts (+$325, 3.39 ERA). He should manage to keep the Cleveland offense in check. BEST BET: C.Zambrano.
Baltimore at Philadelphia (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Phillies had a disappointing weekend against the Red Sox last week, but they have one of the most explosive offenses in MLB, averaging 5.4 runs per game this year. They?ll be hosting the team with the AL?s worst team ERA (5.25) and an especially pitiful 8-20 road record (-$1020), so they have a chance to extend their lead in the NL East. Their starting rotation has looked much better in recent days and they should do no worse than 2 out of 3 at Citizens Bank this weekend. But price may get inflated, so only jump in if the cost is reasonable. BEST BET: Phillies at -160 or less.
Toronto at Washington (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Blue Jays lost some ground in May, but they certainly aren?t going away, and they have a solid offense to take into Nationals Park (.278 team ERA, averaging 5.0 runs per game, 2nd best in the league). They haven?t been all that impressive outside of Rogers Centre, but they can fatten up those averages against the worst team in baseball (Nationals only 16-45, -$2725 in 2009). John Lannan is the only Washington starter with an ERA under 5.00, and he?s not slated to take a turn. All the other members of the home team?s rotation are fair game. BEST BET: Blue Jays in all games.
Milwaukee at Detroit (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
This is an intriguing match-up between two clubs who were not expected to make much noise in 2009, both of whom are currently on top in their respective divisions. Statistically they are remarkably similar, but we give the edge to the hometown Tigers in this series. The Brewers have slipped a bit in recent days (3-7, -$535 with a 4.69 ERA among starters last 10 days) and we wonder how much longer they can stick with Manny Parra in the starting rotation (-$870 with a 7.52 ERA in 13 outings). The Tigers are 14-6 vs. lefthanders this year (+$925 with 5.4 runs per game, so assuming Parra?s still in the mix, we?ll lay the price against him. BEST BET: Tigers vs. Parra.
N.Y. Yankees at Florida (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Yankees have not put things together yet this year, and a miracle error in last Friday?s game against the Mets is the only thing that prevented a five game losing streak vs. key rivals (Boston and the Mets). Their team ERA is still 3rd worst in the AL (4.91) and they?ve lost a considerable sum in road games vs. righthanders this season (only 10-13, -$630). The Marlins have been inconsistent this year, starting out 11-1 then dropping well below .500. But they?ve looked better lately, and they possess one of the league?s top righties in Josh Johnson (+$815, 2.76 ERA in 14 starts). Can?t pass him up at Dolphin Stadium this weekend. BEST BET: Jo. Johnson.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Mets (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Rays are back in business in the AL East (7-3, +$455 with a 3.95 ERA among starters and averaging 5.8 runs per game last 10 days), but this trip to CitiField is a tough assignment. The Mets have been reasonably effective at home, though high prices have held down their profitability. Tampa Bay has not fared well on the road this year (13-19, -$500) and they?ll be squaring off against Johan Santana in one of these games (Rays -$645 vs. lefties). We?ll take another look at this series on game day, but at the moment nothing appeals to us. BEST BET: None.
Chicago W. Sox at Cincinnati (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Reds have been tenacious this year, and if their pitching holds up (3.91 team ERA), they could mount a challenge in the highly competitive NL Central. The White Sox have been very ineffective on offense, averaging just 4.1 runs per game and they?ve lost money against righthanders (-$635). Cincinnati has gotten outstanding work from Johnny Cueto (+$370, 2.17 ERA in 13 starts) and from veteran Aaron Harang (3.74 in 13 starts), both of whom are likely to see action. If they can get back a healthy Edinson Volquez from the DL, they?ll be poised for a strong 2nd half run following the All-Star break. BEST BET: Cueto/Harang.
Atlanta at Boston (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
Fenway Park has been a brutal destination for visiting teams this year (Boston 21-8, +$935 so far) and with a pitching staff that improves steadily (4.16 ERA among starters last 10 days), this is not an enviable spot for the visiting Braves. Atlanta has drifted below .500 and appears less of a threat in the NL East with each passing week. They have been dreadful vs. righthanders (-$985 with only 3.7 runs per game) and they?ll be getting a steady diet of them this weekend, since the Red Sox only southpaw is not slated to appear. Atlanta will be hard pressed to salvage a victory in this one. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Braves.
Houston at Minnesota (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
If the Twins ever figure out how to win some road games they could run away with the AL Central title. But they?ve been deadly here at the Metrodome, particularly in night games, where they check in with a 18-7 record (+$955). The Astros are a mediocre ball-club and they only have one starter who concerns us (Wandy Rodriguez +$220, 2.82 ERA in 13 starts). We?ll sidestep the Houston lefthander, but we?ll lay the price on anyone else the visitor sends to the mound. BEST BET: Twins unless opposed by W. Rodriguez.
St. Louis at Kansas City (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Royals have fallen way off the pace in the AL Central, but they have several capable hurlers (4.19 team ERA, 4th lowest in the league) and they have compiled a 9-4 record in night games vs. righthanders at Kaufman Stadium (+$405 with 5.5 runs per game). It appears that Zach Greinke will not make an appearance in this series, but St. Louis will have to deal with Gil Meche. After some lackluster starts the veteran righty has lowered his ERA to 3.94 (0.69 ERA in his last two outings). The Cardinals have not looked very good in recent days (4-7, -$480 last 11) and they?ve lost money vs. righthanders in 2009 (-$260). BEST BET: Meche.
Oakland at San Diego (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
This is a tough series to call. The Padres have been very strong at Petco Park this year (19-11, +$635) but if you look at their stats they are one of the worst teams in baseball (.237 team BA, worst in the league . . . 4.62 team ERA, 3rd worst). Oakland has had difficulty outside of McAfee Coliseum (-$540) but they?ve been better in recent days (6-5, +$115 last 11 with a 3.82 ERA among starters) and they have a pair of solid lefties in Dallas Braden (3.33 ERA in 13 starts) and Josh Outman (+$430, 3.54 ERA), both of whom are likely to see action. The Padres average a mere 3.4 runs per game vs. southpaws. BEST BET: Braden/Outman.
L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Angels have a .280 team BA and they managed to take 2 out of 3 from their NL rival when the teams met in May. But it?s not easy going against the Dodgers in 2009. They?ve been the most profitable team in the majors (+$1645) and they check in with the best pitching staff in baseball 3.64 ERA. The Angels have a few starters who are performing well, but their bullpen has been the worst in baseball (5.85). With a better mound corps the visitor looks like a good value here at Anaheim. BEST BET: Dodgers in all games.
Arizona at Seattle (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Mariners remain very much in contention this year thanks to the strong showing by the pitching staff (3.65 team ERA, best in the AL). The Diamondbacks have dropped out of sight, 15 games back in the AL West, and their money losses have been substantial (only 27-37, -$1295 so far). They?ve averaged a pathetic 3.5 runs per game vs. lefthanders, and they?ll be up against one of the best in Eric Bedard, who?s never looked sharper (2.47 ERA in 11 starts). Prices will be high, but Arizona does not appear poised to show much improvement as the season moves forward. BEST BET: Bedard.
Texas at San Francisco (3) 19th, 20th, 21st
The Giants are 21-9 here at ATT Park (+$1170) and their team ERA is now second only to the Dodgers in the National League (3.65). They?ve cut into LA?s lead in the division, and could emerge as a serious contender in the 2nd half. But the Texas Rangers are having a big year (+$1015) and have held the top slot in their division for several weeks. They have a trio of righthanders who could slow down an SF team that has averaged only 3.9 runs per game vs. righthanders so far. We?ll have to consider individual match-ups on game day before committing ourselves. BEST BET: None.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 22
St. Louis at N.Y. Mets (4) 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Cardinals swept a three game set at Busch Stadium earlier this year (+$305) and the Mets? rotation has stumbled badly in recent days (7.10 ERA last 10). St. Louis has a healthy Chris Carpenter (1.59 ERA in 8 starts) slated to start, and we like what we?ve seen from Brad Thompson (2.94 in three starts), who?s also expected to take the mound at CitiField. PREFERRED: Carpenter/B. Thompson.
Colorado at L.A. Angels (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Rockies have closed to just under .500, having won 11 in a row and they could be a terrific underdog value here at Anaheim. They?ve turned a fat profit on the road this year (+$670) so if the price is generous enough we?ll look for their hot streak to continue. PREFERRED: Rockies at +130 or better.
San Francisco at Oakland (3) 22nd, 23rd, 24th
The Giants have struggled on the road (only 13-19, -$460) and the A?s will be anxious to exact a measure of revenge after having been swept at ATT Park last weekend (-$300). Oakland checks in with a solid 13-7 record against righthanders here at McAfee Coliseum and they might even be underdogs vs. Tim Lincecum, who?s scheduled to make a start in this series. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. Lincecum.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 23
Philadelphia at Tampa Bay (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Philies continue to bludgeon the opposition?s pitching (averaging 5.4 runs per game overall), and they?ve been sensational on the road all season (23-9, +$1615). It?s hard to buck those numbers, especially when you are loaded with lefty starters and are taking on a Tampa team that has lost money vs. southpaws in 2009 (-$645). PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Rays.
Boston at Washington (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
John Lannan is the best pitcher the Nationals have, and he?s posted a remarkable 1.72 ERA in seven starts in this ballpark. He?ll no doubt be available at a decent price against the Red Sox, a team that has lost money vs. righthanders outside of Fenway Park this season (only 9-12, -$445). PREFERRED: Lannan.
Cleveland at Pittsburgh (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The last place Indians are a lousy road team, and they?ve been particularly ineffective vs. righthanders this year (-$920 so far). But we?re not comfortable with the Pittsburgh righties, so we?ll stay away from this one for now. PREFERRED: None.
Cincinnati at Toronto (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Blue Jays have been doing a poor job in night games (only 18-21, -$560) and all three of these games are scheduled evening affairs. The Reds have some outstanding hurlers in their rotation (3.91 team ERA) and have been profitable as visitors (+$300). They are more than capable of taking 2 of 3 here at Rogers Centre. If they do we?ll take in a tidy profit. PREFERRED: Reds in all games.
Chicago Cubs at Detroit (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Cubs are only 9-11 in inter-league games over the past couple of seasons (-$540) and they?ve lost money outside of Wrigley Field (only 13-18, -$680). The Tigers have the 3rd lowest ERA in the AL (4.16) and they?ve turned a profit at Comerica (+$320). They should take at least 2 of 3 from Chicago. PREFERRED: Tigers in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at Atlanta (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Yankees have lost a great deal of money on the road vs. righthanders (-$630) and they are likely to face a steady diet of righties when they show up at Turner Field. The Braves average 5.8 runs per game vs. lefties at home, and are likely to face at least one or two southpaws in this series. PREFERRED: Braves vs. lefthanders.
Baltimore at Florida (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
Neither side has done well against righthanders (Orioles 5-15, -$935 on the road in that situation . . . Florida -$1035 at home), but the Marlins are 14-7 vs. lefthanders (+$700 with 5.1 runs per game) so if Baltimore sends a southpaw to the mound we?ll certainly get involved. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. Baltimore righthanders.
Minnesota at Milwaukee (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Twins have been one of the worst road team in MLB this year (only 11-21, -$775) and Milwaukee has one of the best young pitchers in the NL in Yovani Gallardo, who?s led the Brewers to victories in 8 of his 12 starts so far (+$280 with a 2.88 ERA). We?ll take a shot when he?s on the hill. PREFERRED: Gallardo.
Kansas City at Houston (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Astros have lost money here at Minute Maid Park (-$345) and while KC has stumbled in recent weeks, we?re still willing to try our luck with Zack Greinke (1.72 ERA in 13 starts), a leading candidate for Cy Young honors at the moment. PREFERRED: Greinke.
L.A. Dodgers at Chicago W. Sox (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The White Sox can?t hit (.249 team BA) and they?re taking on the most formidable pitching staff in baseball at US Cellular in this series (LA 3.64 team ERA). It doesn?t help that Chicago has lost money at home (-$750). PREFERRED: Dodgers in all games.
Texas at Arizona (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Diamondbacks have been a disaster in night games at Chase Field (7-17, -$1310) and Texas has a trio of solid righthanders, at least a couple of whom are like;y to see action in this series. PREFERRED: Feldman/Millwood/Padilla.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Padres are only 9-22 on the road this year (-$900) and will be hard pressed to salvage a win vs. a Seattle team with the best pitching staff in the AL (3.65). PREFERRED: Mariners in all games.
