BEGINNING FRIDAY JUNE 26
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Giants still need to improve on their dismal road record if they hope to make a 2nd half run at the Dodgers in the NL West. But their pitching has been outstanding (3.69 team ERA, 2nd best in the league), in sharp contrast to Milwaukee?s, which has hit the skids in recent days (8.85 last 10). Matt Cain has led SF to victories in 11 of his 14 starts (+$825, 2.28 ERA) and when coupled with Cy Young ace Tim Lincecum (2.72 in 14 starts), the Giants have the best one two punch in the majors this year. Both are expected to see action at Miller Park this weekend. BEST BET: Cain/Lincecum.
Chicago Cubs at Chicago W. Sox (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Cubs put together a nice string of comeback wins last week, culminating in a three game sweep over the hapless Indians at Wrigley Field over the weekend. Their pitching is improving steadily (3.89 ERA, 4th best in the league) and they are up against a sub-par White Sox team that continues to struggle at the plate (only 4.2 runs per game). Ted Lilly has been the Cubs? biggest bread-winner (+$520, 3.04 ERA) and he should fare well at US Cellular, where the White Sox are only 16-18 (-$750). BEST BET: Lilly.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Indians have just been having a miserable time in 2009, languishing in last place in the AL Central with the worst pitching staff in baseball (5.29 ERA). They?ve dropped a fortune against righthanded starters this year (-$1485) and that?s bad news when hosting a Cincinnati team that checks in with an all-righty starting rotation (3.96 ERA). Johnny Cueto is among the elite pitchers of 2009 (+$215, 2.55 ERA in 14 starts) and Aaron Harang has looked sharp (3.66 ERA) following last year?s sub-par showing. We could catch some decent prices on the visitors in Progressive Field this weekend. BEST BET: Cueto/Harang.
Philadelphia at Toronto (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The World Champion Philles suffered an embarrassing three game sweep at the hands of the hard hitting Blue Jays at Citizens Bank last week (-$490) and they?ll be anxious to exact a measure of revenge here at Rogers Centre. They?ve certainly performed well in their road games (23-9, +$1615), but Toronto is a solid home team (21-13, +$370) and the Phillies pitching staff has not been impressive (4.83 team ERA,2nd worst in the league), so caution is advised. If we see a particular match-up we like on game day we?ll consider jumping in, otherwise we?ll sit these out. BEST BET: None.
Washington at Baltimore (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Nationals are coming off their first respectable week of the 2009 campaign, a week that included taking 2 out of 3 from the Yankees in the Bronx (+$395). They?ve gotten terrific efforts from their starting rotation for a change (3.08 ERA last 10 days) and they could provide some excellent value here at Camden Yards when they take on the last place Orioles. Baltimore has a decent record in home games, but their pitching is woeful (5.07). John Lannan has posted a 3.38 ERA in 14 starts for Washington, so if we get him as an attractively priced underdog in this series he?ll be very hard to stay away from. BEST BET: Lannan.
Kansas City at Pittsburgh (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Royals have been a puzzle thus far in 2009; they have some wonderful pitchers, but they are inconsistent from start to start. Gil Meche was off a pair of quality starts before getting hammered by the Cardinals at Kaufman Stadium last weekend, and Zack Greinke, though still outstanding (1.91 ERA), has come back down to earth, with KC losing each of his last four starts. They are only 10-19 on the road this year (-$685) so we like the Pirates, who hit reasonably well (.267 team BA, 3rd highest in the NL and are 17-12 (+$500) at PNC Park this season. BEST BET: Pirates in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Yankees were lucky to take 2 out of 3 from the Mets in the Bronx two weeks ago, because it?s not often a routine pop-up on the final out gets dropped and two runs score. They?ve been lackluster in recent days (4-5, -$605) and they?ve lost money on the road vs. righthanders this year (-$905). OK, so maybe a visit to Queens is not exactly a road trip, but the Mets are 14-6 in night games at CitiField, and all of these contests are slated for the evening. And with Santana not likely to appear, we like the Mets? chance to take at least 2 of 3. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Yankees.
Boston at Atlanta (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Braves lost 2 out of 3 in Fenway when the Red Sox eked out a close decision in last Sunday?s rubber match. That game featured Jair Jurrjens (2.89 ERA in 15 starts), who pitched well enough to win but was victimized by his own fielding error. We like his chances here at Turner Field, even though Atlanta?s home record leaves a lot to be desired. Boston has been ineffective in road games vs. righthanders (9-12, -$445) but they?ve been very overpriced in recent weeks. Take a shot with the Atlanta ace. BEST BET: Jurrjens.
Florida at Tampa Bay (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Rays are back in the AL East mix, and as long as they can avoid the Florida lefthanders they should be OK (Tampa only 11-14, -$430 vs. lefties this year). They?ve been very solid vs. righties here at Tropicana Field (17-7, +$665), and the team contrasts sharply with Florida, a club that excelled against southpaws (17-8, +$1070) but has lost a bundle vs. righthanders this year (18-28, -$930 so far). We?ll play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Rays when righty meets righty/Marlins when lefty meets lefty.
Detroit at Houston (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Astros might put together a strong 2nd half, we?ve seen them do it before, but the Tigers seem the superior club at the moment. They have a pair of standout righthanders in Edwin Jackson (2.39 ERA in 14 starts) and Justin Verlander (+$450, 3.31) slated to take the mound and they should fare well vs. a Houston team that averages just 4.0 vs. righties. Detroit is 14-6 against lefthanders (+$925 with 5.4 runs per game), so we?ll use them anytime the Astros start a lefty. BEST BET: E. Jackson/Verlander/Tigers vs. lefthanders.
San Diego at Texas (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
This is a terrible spot for the floundering Padres (2-7, -$495 last 10 days, averaging just 2.9 runs per game with a 7.06 ERA among starters), a team that is only 9-23 on the road this year (-$1000). The Rangers have been deadly at Arlington (22-14, +$540) and while we don?t like to lay very fat prices, they should dispatch the visitor with very little difficulty. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Minnesota at St. Louis (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Twins have been getting some excellent pitching in recent days (2.95 ERA among starters last 10 days) but they are another club that cannot be trusted in the role of visitor (only 11-21, -$775). The Cardinals have picked up the pace in recent days (6-3, +$300 last 10) and their pitching has been consistent all season long (3.83 ERA, 3rd best in the NL). Minnesota may miss Chris Carpenter, but they?ll have their hands full with Adam Wainwright (3.58 ERA in 15 starts), who?s slated to be on the hill. BEST BET: Wainwright.
L.A. Angels at Arizona (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Angels have used 12 different starters already this season, and their team ERA ranks near the bottom in the American League (4.65). But they?ve been winning lots of games in recent days (7-2, +$465 last 10) and they turned a nice profit on the road, particularly against lefthanders (9-5, +$570 with 5.4 runs per game). The Diamondbacks have been getting clobbered here at Chase Field (only 14-23, -$1415 at home) and their only southpaw, Doug Davis, is expected to take a turn. We?ll grab the visitor when he goes. BEST BET: Angels vs. D. Davis.
Colorado at Oakland (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Rockies have been piling up the victories since Jim Tracy took over for Clint Hurdle, winning 16 of their last 17 and catapulting themselves into the playoff mix. They?ve been very profitable on the road vs. righthanders (+$675) and they could keep their hot streak going here at McAfee Coliseum, facing an Oakland team that continues to struggle. The A?s are only 3-8 vs. lefties at home (-$575 with just 3.5 runs per game), so take a shot with Jorge DeLaRosa, who gets lit up at Coors Field, but has an ERA of 4.02 in seven road starts this year. BEST BET: DeLaRosa.
Seattle at L.A. Dodgers (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Mariners have managed to climb above .500 in the standing thanks to a solid starting rotation (3.60 team ERA, best in MLB), but you can?t say enough about the Dodgers, a team with a pitching staff every bit as good (3.63). LA is now 25-10 here at Chavez Ravine (+$970) so it?s impossible to go against them in this setting. Seattle only scores a paltry 3.7 runs per game vs. righthanders (-$390 as visitors), so we?re prepared to lay the high prices when the home team sends one to the mound. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Mariners.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 29
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Cubs took 2 of 3 from the Bucs the first time these teams met, but they?ve been a terrible road team this year (13-18, -$680) and the Pirates have been effective here at PNC Park (17-12, +$500). Zach Duke has emerged as the ace of the staff (3.18 ERA in 14 starts) and he should keep Chicago?s mediocre offense in check (.245 team BA). PREFERRED: Duke.
Washington at Florida (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Marlins have dominated the lowly Nationals in 2009, winning all six of the games played thus far (+$600). but that damage was done at the very start of the year, and Florida has struggled at home against righthanders (-$935). But the Marlins are 17-8 vs. lefties in ?09 (+$1070) and it?s hard to take the 20-47 (-$2220) Nationals seriously. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at Milwaukee (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Brewers have been giving up way to many runs (8.85 ERA among starters last 10 days) and that?s not good considering that the Mets have the highest team BA in the NL (.278). Johan Santana is worth a look (3.22 ERA in 14 starts) and recent addition Fernando Nieve has had two solid starts since joining the rotation (+$285, 2.13 ERA). Both are expected to make appearances at Miller Park in this series. PREFERRED: J.Santana/Nieve.
San Francisco at St. Louis (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Giants took 2 of 3 at ATT Park, but their numbers on the road are still very troubling (only 13-19, -$460) and their run production has been unimpressive (only 4.0 per game). The Cardinals are moving up quickly in the NL Central (6-3, +$300 last 10) but avoid Lincecum & Cain, two of the strongest hurlers in the league right now. PREFERRED: Cardinals unless opposed by Lincecum & Cain.
Houston at San Diego (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Padres have fared well at Petco Park (+$470) but they are in a serious tailspin, so caution is advised. Don?t have much faith in the Astros right now, but they have some talent an could cause trouble for fading San Diego. Pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
This series will test just how far the Rockies can climb in the standings. They?ve been sizzling hot, but LA has beaten them in 8 of 9 meetings this year (+$830), and with that stellar record at Chavez Ravine it?s very hard to go against the Dodgers. We?ll take a closer look as game day draws near. PREFERRED: None.
Chicago W. Sox at Cleveland (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Indians haven?t had a successful 2009 thus far, but they have gotten the best of Chicago in head to head play (4-2, +$180) and they?ve had no trouble scoring runs, particularly against lefthanders, averaging 6.1 per game. The White Sox have an abundance of southpaws in their starting rotation, at least one or two of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Indians vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Baltimore (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
Rich Hill has racked up a nice profit for the Orioles since joining the staff (+$605 in seven starts), but his ERA is rather inflated (5.19) and he could be vulnerable against a Boston team that has devoured lefthanders this year (17-8, +$745 with 5.8 runs per game) The Red Sox are 4-0 vs. the Orioles in head to head play so far (+$400). PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. R. Hill.
Tampa Bay at Toronto (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
These teams are meeting for the first time this year, and will be seeing a lot of each other in the 2nd half. The Rays are playing well (6-3, +$305 last 10 days), knocking off the Mets in 2 of 3 in New York last week. But the Blue Jays are very tough at Rogers Centre (+$370) and their lefties will prove to be an obstacle for the visitor (Tampa Bay -$430 vs. southpaws). PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Rays.
L.A. Angels at Texas (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Rangers swept the Angels when the teams squared off earlier in the year (+$305) but LA has been very sharp in recent days (7-2, +$465 last 10) and they are very effective on the road vs. lefties (+$570 in ?09 +$840 in ?08). If Texas sends any southpaws to the mound we?ll take the visitor. PREFERRED: Angels vs. lefthanders.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Royals got off to a solid start, but things just keep getting worse and worse, as their losses continue to mount (-$1115 so far). And with no lefthanders in the rotation, they are unable to take advantage of a Minnesota team that is only 2-11 on the road against southpaws (-$900). We?ll stay away for now. PREFERRED: None.
Detroit at Oakland (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Athletics have made money at McAfee Coliseum when taking on righthanders (+$530) but they?ve lost money vs. lefthanders at home (-$575). The Tigers are just the opposite; they?ve made money against lefties (+$925 overall) but they?ve been big money-burners vs. righthanders (-$425). We?ll follow these trends when the situation is appropriate. PREFERRED: Athletics when righty meets righty/ Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 30
Arizona at Cincinnati (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Diamondbacks were swept by the Reds in their first head to head series this year (-$415), but Arizona has been profitable against righthanders in road games (+$485) and that makes them a viable underdog here at Great American Ballpark vs. Cincy?s all-righty rotation. If we get a price that?s generous enough, we?ll take a shot with the road team. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks at +145 or better.
Philadelphia at Atlanta (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Braves have taken 4 of 6 in head to head play (+$265) and we like their run production vs. lefthanders (+$270 with 5.3 per game). The Phillies are loaded with lefties and they don?t look sharp at the moment (1-8, -$1060 last 10). PREFERRED: Braves vs. lefthanders.
Seattle at N.Y. Yankees (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
It?s never easy to make a buck betting on the Yankees, and 2009 has been no exception (-$865 so far). Seattle has some solid pitching (3.60 team ERA) and they?ve turned a profit vs. lefthanders (+$325). We should get at least one opportunity to take them vs. a southpaw here in the Bronx. PREFERRED: Mariners vs. lefthanders.
San Francisco at Milwaukee (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Giants still need to improve on their dismal road record if they hope to make a 2nd half run at the Dodgers in the NL West. But their pitching has been outstanding (3.69 team ERA, 2nd best in the league), in sharp contrast to Milwaukee?s, which has hit the skids in recent days (8.85 last 10). Matt Cain has led SF to victories in 11 of his 14 starts (+$825, 2.28 ERA) and when coupled with Cy Young ace Tim Lincecum (2.72 in 14 starts), the Giants have the best one two punch in the majors this year. Both are expected to see action at Miller Park this weekend. BEST BET: Cain/Lincecum.
Chicago Cubs at Chicago W. Sox (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Cubs put together a nice string of comeback wins last week, culminating in a three game sweep over the hapless Indians at Wrigley Field over the weekend. Their pitching is improving steadily (3.89 ERA, 4th best in the league) and they are up against a sub-par White Sox team that continues to struggle at the plate (only 4.2 runs per game). Ted Lilly has been the Cubs? biggest bread-winner (+$520, 3.04 ERA) and he should fare well at US Cellular, where the White Sox are only 16-18 (-$750). BEST BET: Lilly.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Indians have just been having a miserable time in 2009, languishing in last place in the AL Central with the worst pitching staff in baseball (5.29 ERA). They?ve dropped a fortune against righthanded starters this year (-$1485) and that?s bad news when hosting a Cincinnati team that checks in with an all-righty starting rotation (3.96 ERA). Johnny Cueto is among the elite pitchers of 2009 (+$215, 2.55 ERA in 14 starts) and Aaron Harang has looked sharp (3.66 ERA) following last year?s sub-par showing. We could catch some decent prices on the visitors in Progressive Field this weekend. BEST BET: Cueto/Harang.
Philadelphia at Toronto (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The World Champion Philles suffered an embarrassing three game sweep at the hands of the hard hitting Blue Jays at Citizens Bank last week (-$490) and they?ll be anxious to exact a measure of revenge here at Rogers Centre. They?ve certainly performed well in their road games (23-9, +$1615), but Toronto is a solid home team (21-13, +$370) and the Phillies pitching staff has not been impressive (4.83 team ERA,2nd worst in the league), so caution is advised. If we see a particular match-up we like on game day we?ll consider jumping in, otherwise we?ll sit these out. BEST BET: None.
Washington at Baltimore (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Nationals are coming off their first respectable week of the 2009 campaign, a week that included taking 2 out of 3 from the Yankees in the Bronx (+$395). They?ve gotten terrific efforts from their starting rotation for a change (3.08 ERA last 10 days) and they could provide some excellent value here at Camden Yards when they take on the last place Orioles. Baltimore has a decent record in home games, but their pitching is woeful (5.07). John Lannan has posted a 3.38 ERA in 14 starts for Washington, so if we get him as an attractively priced underdog in this series he?ll be very hard to stay away from. BEST BET: Lannan.
Kansas City at Pittsburgh (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Royals have been a puzzle thus far in 2009; they have some wonderful pitchers, but they are inconsistent from start to start. Gil Meche was off a pair of quality starts before getting hammered by the Cardinals at Kaufman Stadium last weekend, and Zack Greinke, though still outstanding (1.91 ERA), has come back down to earth, with KC losing each of his last four starts. They are only 10-19 on the road this year (-$685) so we like the Pirates, who hit reasonably well (.267 team BA, 3rd highest in the NL and are 17-12 (+$500) at PNC Park this season. BEST BET: Pirates in all games.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Yankees were lucky to take 2 out of 3 from the Mets in the Bronx two weeks ago, because it?s not often a routine pop-up on the final out gets dropped and two runs score. They?ve been lackluster in recent days (4-5, -$605) and they?ve lost money on the road vs. righthanders this year (-$905). OK, so maybe a visit to Queens is not exactly a road trip, but the Mets are 14-6 in night games at CitiField, and all of these contests are slated for the evening. And with Santana not likely to appear, we like the Mets? chance to take at least 2 of 3. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Yankees.
Boston at Atlanta (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Braves lost 2 out of 3 in Fenway when the Red Sox eked out a close decision in last Sunday?s rubber match. That game featured Jair Jurrjens (2.89 ERA in 15 starts), who pitched well enough to win but was victimized by his own fielding error. We like his chances here at Turner Field, even though Atlanta?s home record leaves a lot to be desired. Boston has been ineffective in road games vs. righthanders (9-12, -$445) but they?ve been very overpriced in recent weeks. Take a shot with the Atlanta ace. BEST BET: Jurrjens.
Florida at Tampa Bay (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Rays are back in the AL East mix, and as long as they can avoid the Florida lefthanders they should be OK (Tampa only 11-14, -$430 vs. lefties this year). They?ve been very solid vs. righties here at Tropicana Field (17-7, +$665), and the team contrasts sharply with Florida, a club that excelled against southpaws (17-8, +$1070) but has lost a bundle vs. righthanders this year (18-28, -$930 so far). We?ll play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Rays when righty meets righty/Marlins when lefty meets lefty.
Detroit at Houston (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Astros might put together a strong 2nd half, we?ve seen them do it before, but the Tigers seem the superior club at the moment. They have a pair of standout righthanders in Edwin Jackson (2.39 ERA in 14 starts) and Justin Verlander (+$450, 3.31) slated to take the mound and they should fare well vs. a Houston team that averages just 4.0 vs. righties. Detroit is 14-6 against lefthanders (+$925 with 5.4 runs per game), so we?ll use them anytime the Astros start a lefty. BEST BET: E. Jackson/Verlander/Tigers vs. lefthanders.
San Diego at Texas (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
This is a terrible spot for the floundering Padres (2-7, -$495 last 10 days, averaging just 2.9 runs per game with a 7.06 ERA among starters), a team that is only 9-23 on the road this year (-$1000). The Rangers have been deadly at Arlington (22-14, +$540) and while we don?t like to lay very fat prices, they should dispatch the visitor with very little difficulty. BEST BET: Rangers in all games.
Minnesota at St. Louis (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Twins have been getting some excellent pitching in recent days (2.95 ERA among starters last 10 days) but they are another club that cannot be trusted in the role of visitor (only 11-21, -$775). The Cardinals have picked up the pace in recent days (6-3, +$300 last 10) and their pitching has been consistent all season long (3.83 ERA, 3rd best in the NL). Minnesota may miss Chris Carpenter, but they?ll have their hands full with Adam Wainwright (3.58 ERA in 15 starts), who?s slated to be on the hill. BEST BET: Wainwright.
L.A. Angels at Arizona (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Angels have used 12 different starters already this season, and their team ERA ranks near the bottom in the American League (4.65). But they?ve been winning lots of games in recent days (7-2, +$465 last 10) and they turned a nice profit on the road, particularly against lefthanders (9-5, +$570 with 5.4 runs per game). The Diamondbacks have been getting clobbered here at Chase Field (only 14-23, -$1415 at home) and their only southpaw, Doug Davis, is expected to take a turn. We?ll grab the visitor when he goes. BEST BET: Angels vs. D. Davis.
Colorado at Oakland (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Rockies have been piling up the victories since Jim Tracy took over for Clint Hurdle, winning 16 of their last 17 and catapulting themselves into the playoff mix. They?ve been very profitable on the road vs. righthanders (+$675) and they could keep their hot streak going here at McAfee Coliseum, facing an Oakland team that continues to struggle. The A?s are only 3-8 vs. lefties at home (-$575 with just 3.5 runs per game), so take a shot with Jorge DeLaRosa, who gets lit up at Coors Field, but has an ERA of 4.02 in seven road starts this year. BEST BET: DeLaRosa.
Seattle at L.A. Dodgers (3) 26th, 27th, 28th
The Mariners have managed to climb above .500 in the standing thanks to a solid starting rotation (3.60 team ERA, best in MLB), but you can?t say enough about the Dodgers, a team with a pitching staff every bit as good (3.63). LA is now 25-10 here at Chavez Ravine (+$970) so it?s impossible to go against them in this setting. Seattle only scores a paltry 3.7 runs per game vs. righthanders (-$390 as visitors), so we?re prepared to lay the high prices when the home team sends one to the mound. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Mariners.
BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 29
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Cubs took 2 of 3 from the Bucs the first time these teams met, but they?ve been a terrible road team this year (13-18, -$680) and the Pirates have been effective here at PNC Park (17-12, +$500). Zach Duke has emerged as the ace of the staff (3.18 ERA in 14 starts) and he should keep Chicago?s mediocre offense in check (.245 team BA). PREFERRED: Duke.
Washington at Florida (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Marlins have dominated the lowly Nationals in 2009, winning all six of the games played thus far (+$600). but that damage was done at the very start of the year, and Florida has struggled at home against righthanders (-$935). But the Marlins are 17-8 vs. lefties in ?09 (+$1070) and it?s hard to take the 20-47 (-$2220) Nationals seriously. PREFERRED: Marlins vs. lefthanders.
N.Y. Mets at Milwaukee (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Brewers have been giving up way to many runs (8.85 ERA among starters last 10 days) and that?s not good considering that the Mets have the highest team BA in the NL (.278). Johan Santana is worth a look (3.22 ERA in 14 starts) and recent addition Fernando Nieve has had two solid starts since joining the rotation (+$285, 2.13 ERA). Both are expected to make appearances at Miller Park in this series. PREFERRED: J.Santana/Nieve.
San Francisco at St. Louis (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Giants took 2 of 3 at ATT Park, but their numbers on the road are still very troubling (only 13-19, -$460) and their run production has been unimpressive (only 4.0 per game). The Cardinals are moving up quickly in the NL Central (6-3, +$300 last 10) but avoid Lincecum & Cain, two of the strongest hurlers in the league right now. PREFERRED: Cardinals unless opposed by Lincecum & Cain.
Houston at San Diego (4) 29th, 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Padres have fared well at Petco Park (+$470) but they are in a serious tailspin, so caution is advised. Don?t have much faith in the Astros right now, but they have some talent an could cause trouble for fading San Diego. Pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
This series will test just how far the Rockies can climb in the standings. They?ve been sizzling hot, but LA has beaten them in 8 of 9 meetings this year (+$830), and with that stellar record at Chavez Ravine it?s very hard to go against the Dodgers. We?ll take a closer look as game day draws near. PREFERRED: None.
Chicago W. Sox at Cleveland (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Indians haven?t had a successful 2009 thus far, but they have gotten the best of Chicago in head to head play (4-2, +$180) and they?ve had no trouble scoring runs, particularly against lefthanders, averaging 6.1 per game. The White Sox have an abundance of southpaws in their starting rotation, at least one or two of whom should see action. PREFERRED: Indians vs. lefthanders.
Boston at Baltimore (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
Rich Hill has racked up a nice profit for the Orioles since joining the staff (+$605 in seven starts), but his ERA is rather inflated (5.19) and he could be vulnerable against a Boston team that has devoured lefthanders this year (17-8, +$745 with 5.8 runs per game) The Red Sox are 4-0 vs. the Orioles in head to head play so far (+$400). PREFERRED: Red Sox vs. R. Hill.
Tampa Bay at Toronto (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
These teams are meeting for the first time this year, and will be seeing a lot of each other in the 2nd half. The Rays are playing well (6-3, +$305 last 10 days), knocking off the Mets in 2 of 3 in New York last week. But the Blue Jays are very tough at Rogers Centre (+$370) and their lefties will prove to be an obstacle for the visitor (Tampa Bay -$430 vs. southpaws). PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Rays.
L.A. Angels at Texas (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Rangers swept the Angels when the teams squared off earlier in the year (+$305) but LA has been very sharp in recent days (7-2, +$465 last 10) and they are very effective on the road vs. lefties (+$570 in ?09 +$840 in ?08). If Texas sends any southpaws to the mound we?ll take the visitor. PREFERRED: Angels vs. lefthanders.
Minnesota at Kansas City (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Royals got off to a solid start, but things just keep getting worse and worse, as their losses continue to mount (-$1115 so far). And with no lefthanders in the rotation, they are unable to take advantage of a Minnesota team that is only 2-11 on the road against southpaws (-$900). We?ll stay away for now. PREFERRED: None.
Detroit at Oakland (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Athletics have made money at McAfee Coliseum when taking on righthanders (+$530) but they?ve lost money vs. lefthanders at home (-$575). The Tigers are just the opposite; they?ve made money against lefties (+$925 overall) but they?ve been big money-burners vs. righthanders (-$425). We?ll follow these trends when the situation is appropriate. PREFERRED: Athletics when righty meets righty/ Tigers when lefty meets lefty.
BEGINNING TUESDAY JUNE 30
Arizona at Cincinnati (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Diamondbacks were swept by the Reds in their first head to head series this year (-$415), but Arizona has been profitable against righthanders in road games (+$485) and that makes them a viable underdog here at Great American Ballpark vs. Cincy?s all-righty rotation. If we get a price that?s generous enough, we?ll take a shot with the road team. PREFERRED: Diamondbacks at +145 or better.
Philadelphia at Atlanta (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
The Braves have taken 4 of 6 in head to head play (+$265) and we like their run production vs. lefthanders (+$270 with 5.3 per game). The Phillies are loaded with lefties and they don?t look sharp at the moment (1-8, -$1060 last 10). PREFERRED: Braves vs. lefthanders.
Seattle at N.Y. Yankees (3) 30th, 1st, 2nd
It?s never easy to make a buck betting on the Yankees, and 2009 has been no exception (-$865 so far). Seattle has some solid pitching (3.60 team ERA) and they?ve turned a profit vs. lefthanders (+$325). We should get at least one opportunity to take them vs. a southpaw here in the Bronx. PREFERRED: Mariners vs. lefthanders.
