BEGINNING FRIDAY MAY 21
Atlanta at Pittsburgh (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Pirates have been playing somewhat better (+$120 last 10 days) and they?ve been profitable here at PNC Park (+$310) so we?re not inclined to go against them, despite their awful team ERA (5.76 so far, worst in MLB). But it?s hard to get excited about the fading Braves, who have fallen into last place in the NL East. They?ve been very ineffective outside of Turner Field so far in 2010 (-$660) and their pitching has been inconsistent. We?ll stay away from this series for now. BEST BET: None.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Reds got off to a mediocre start, but they have moved up nicely in the NL Central standings (7-2, +$525 last 10 days) and could put together a nice weekend at Progressive Field. The Indians are only 9-14 against righthanders so far (-$360 with 3.9 runs per game) and the all-righty Reds rotation has looked sharp in recent days (2.99 ERA last 10). Cincy has turned a profit as a visitor (+$355) and has a very good shot to take at least 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Reds in all games.
Boston at Philadelphia (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Phillies are on a roll at the moment (7-2, +$380 last 10 days) and appear headed for an easy ride vs. the mediocre competition in the NL East. But they?ve not fared well against the American League (only 6-12, -$805 in inter-league play last year) and the Red Sox could give them some trouble. Boston is averaging 6.4 runs per game vs. lefthanders and they?ll be up against a Philly rotation loaded with southpaws, at least one or two of whom should see action. We?ll get behind the visitor when the Phillies send one to the hill. BEST BET: Red Sox vs. lefthanders.
Baltimore at Washington (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Nationals figure to do well against the hapless Orioles, who have been ineffective outside of Camden Yards (only 5-15, -$610). Washington has moved into 2nd place in the NL East and currently ranks as the most profitable team in baseball (+$1175). Livan Hernandez (+$505, 1.46 ERA) and Luis Atilano (+$260, 3.90 ERA) both pitched on Saturday in the doubleheader at Colorado, so at least one of them should be available for Friday?s opener. We?ll back the home team when they go. BEST BET: L. Hernandez/Atilano.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Mets can thank their stellar bullpen for keeping their won/lost record at a respectable level (2.63 ERA) because their starters have not held up well. Johan Santana (3.88) and Mark Pelfrey (3.22 in seven starts) have been solid, but the rest of the rotation has been dreadful, bad news against the explosive lineup they?ll host at CitiField this weekend. The Yankees are 16-7 vs. righthanders at the moment (+$620 with 5.9 runs per game) and they check in with the 2nd best team ERA in the American League (3.46). BEST BET: Yankees vs. all righthanders except Pelfrey.
Tampa Bay at Houston (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
This shapes up as another mismatch, as the team with the best ERA in MLB (Tampa Bay 2.79) squares of against the pitiful Houston offense (.228 team BA, averaging less than 3.0 runs per game). The Rays are a phenomenal 15-4 outside of Tropicana Field (+$1120) while Houston checks in with a dismal 7-15 mark here at Minute Maid (-$915). And despite a sub-par 2009 campaign, Tampa Bay posted a 13-5 (+$725) mark in inter-league competition. They should blow the host out of the water. BEST BET: Rays in all games
Chicago Cubs at Texas (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Cubs were a top team in 2008 and they entered 2009 with high expectations. But the wheels have come off this team in recent days (3-7, -$800 with a 5.54 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) and they?ll have a hard time taking on this improved Texas squad. The Rangers are getting solid work from their rotation (3.99 ERA) , most notably CJ Wilson (+$290, 1.48 ERA in seven starts). The Cubs have already lost a fortune vs. lefties (-$945, averaging just 3.8 run per game). BEST BET: C. Wilson.
Florida at Chicago W. Sox (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The White Sox did enjoy some success against the NL In inter-league play last year, but they can?t hit (.229 team BA) and that is bad news vs. Florida. The Marlins are getting solid work from Josh Johnson (3.06 ERA) and Ricky Nolasco (3.59), both of whom are likely to see action at US Cellular. Avoid John Danks (2.25 ERA in seven starts), but the rest of Chicago?s mediocre mound corps (4.61 ERA) is fair game. BEST BET: Nolasco/Jo. Johnson.
Colorado at Kansas City (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Rockies are hovering around the .500 level, and are well positioned to make a move in the hotly contested NL West. They had a terrific record in inter-league play last season (11-4, +$795) and now get a chance to beat up on the weakest team in the AL (KC only 14-24, -$380 with a 5.02 team ERA). Jhoulys Chacin has looked very sharp since joining the starting rotation (2.79 ERA in three starts) and should be available at a good price here at Kaufman Stadium. We?ll take a shot when he is on the hill. BEST BET: J. Chacin.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Twins are one of many AL teams that has flourished in inter-league play (12-6, +$495 in 2009) and they are off to a tremendous start this year. They rank near the top of the league in hitting (.275 team BA) and on the mound (3.75 ERA). They are 5-0 vs. lefthanders here at Target Field (+$515) and they?ll no doubt see at least one or two vs. the Milwaukee rotation. The Brewers are losing big bucks in 2010 (-$890) and they were awful in inter-league games last year (only 5-10, -$530). It should be a good weekend for the superior home team. BEST BET: Twins vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Angels at St. Louis (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Angels have been slow to get on track this year, but they have a chance to pick up some ground in inter-league play. They posted a 14-4 record vs. the NL last year (+$1080) and they may be catching the Cardinals at just the right time. St. Louis is coming off its worst week of the season (3-7, -$980 last 10 days), which included a three game sweep by the last place Astros here in Busch Stadium. That made them a money loser on their home field (-$280). Jered Weaver continues to excel (2.47 ERA in eight starts) and looks like an excellent value against a Cardinals team that is averaging a mediocre 4.3 runs per game thus far. BEST BET: Jr. Weaver.
Toronto at Arizona (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Blue Jays don?t really stack up all that well statistically (.241 team BA, 3rd lowest in the AL with a 4.26 team ERA, good for 8th best out of 14 teams in the league). But they keep winning games nonetheless (23-16, +$1055), putting pressure on the rest of the Eastern Division. They?ve done their best work on the road, while the Diamondbacks have been floundering here at Chase Field (only 7-11, -$745). With Cecil & Romero likely to miss this series, Shaun Marcum looks like Toronto?s best opportunity (2.78 ERA in eight outings). We?ll take the visitor when he goes. BEST BET: Marcum.
San Francisco at Oakland (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
If the Giants can scrape together a few more runs, their rotation should propel them into an easy division title (2.95 team ERA). The Athletics are hanging tough in the AL West, but with a starting rotation in some disarray, they are likely to struggle as the season wears on. They were a pitiful 5-13 (-$940) in inter-league play last year and they are averaging just 3.2 runs per game vs. lefties. SF has a pair of ace southpaws in Barry Zito (2.15 ERA) and Jonathan Sanchez (2.66), both of whom should see action. BEST BET: Zito/J. Sanchez.
Detroit at L.A. Dodgers (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
Things appeared bleak in LA as May began, but the Dodgers have been playing well (9-1, +$900 last 10 days), with their offense beating up on opposing righties (+$475, averaging 5.9 runs per game). The Tigers should give Minnesota a run for the money in the AL Central, but they are only 8-11 outside of Comerica (-$190) and their team pitching looks suspect. With the NL West shaping up as a multi-team slugfest, the Dodgers need to take advantage of mediocre arms when they oppose them. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. righthanders.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Padres finished the 2009 season with a strong run, but they have been the surprise team in baseball thus far (22-15, +$905) thanks to unexpectedly strong performances from their pitching staff (2.82 ERA). The Mariners have been horribly ineffective at the plate (3.3 runs per game), squandering excellent pitching performances night after night. San Diego is 8-2 in night games on the road (+$820) and Seattle has lost money at Safeco Field this year (8-10, -$400). BEST BET: Padres in night games.
Atlanta at Pittsburgh (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Pirates have been playing somewhat better (+$120 last 10 days) and they?ve been profitable here at PNC Park (+$310) so we?re not inclined to go against them, despite their awful team ERA (5.76 so far, worst in MLB). But it?s hard to get excited about the fading Braves, who have fallen into last place in the NL East. They?ve been very ineffective outside of Turner Field so far in 2010 (-$660) and their pitching has been inconsistent. We?ll stay away from this series for now. BEST BET: None.
Cincinnati at Cleveland (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Reds got off to a mediocre start, but they have moved up nicely in the NL Central standings (7-2, +$525 last 10 days) and could put together a nice weekend at Progressive Field. The Indians are only 9-14 against righthanders so far (-$360 with 3.9 runs per game) and the all-righty Reds rotation has looked sharp in recent days (2.99 ERA last 10). Cincy has turned a profit as a visitor (+$355) and has a very good shot to take at least 2 out of 3 this weekend. BEST BET: Reds in all games.
Boston at Philadelphia (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Phillies are on a roll at the moment (7-2, +$380 last 10 days) and appear headed for an easy ride vs. the mediocre competition in the NL East. But they?ve not fared well against the American League (only 6-12, -$805 in inter-league play last year) and the Red Sox could give them some trouble. Boston is averaging 6.4 runs per game vs. lefthanders and they?ll be up against a Philly rotation loaded with southpaws, at least one or two of whom should see action. We?ll get behind the visitor when the Phillies send one to the hill. BEST BET: Red Sox vs. lefthanders.
Baltimore at Washington (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Nationals figure to do well against the hapless Orioles, who have been ineffective outside of Camden Yards (only 5-15, -$610). Washington has moved into 2nd place in the NL East and currently ranks as the most profitable team in baseball (+$1175). Livan Hernandez (+$505, 1.46 ERA) and Luis Atilano (+$260, 3.90 ERA) both pitched on Saturday in the doubleheader at Colorado, so at least one of them should be available for Friday?s opener. We?ll back the home team when they go. BEST BET: L. Hernandez/Atilano.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Mets can thank their stellar bullpen for keeping their won/lost record at a respectable level (2.63 ERA) because their starters have not held up well. Johan Santana (3.88) and Mark Pelfrey (3.22 in seven starts) have been solid, but the rest of the rotation has been dreadful, bad news against the explosive lineup they?ll host at CitiField this weekend. The Yankees are 16-7 vs. righthanders at the moment (+$620 with 5.9 runs per game) and they check in with the 2nd best team ERA in the American League (3.46). BEST BET: Yankees vs. all righthanders except Pelfrey.
Tampa Bay at Houston (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
This shapes up as another mismatch, as the team with the best ERA in MLB (Tampa Bay 2.79) squares of against the pitiful Houston offense (.228 team BA, averaging less than 3.0 runs per game). The Rays are a phenomenal 15-4 outside of Tropicana Field (+$1120) while Houston checks in with a dismal 7-15 mark here at Minute Maid (-$915). And despite a sub-par 2009 campaign, Tampa Bay posted a 13-5 (+$725) mark in inter-league competition. They should blow the host out of the water. BEST BET: Rays in all games
Chicago Cubs at Texas (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Cubs were a top team in 2008 and they entered 2009 with high expectations. But the wheels have come off this team in recent days (3-7, -$800 with a 5.54 ERA among starters in the last 10 days) and they?ll have a hard time taking on this improved Texas squad. The Rangers are getting solid work from their rotation (3.99 ERA) , most notably CJ Wilson (+$290, 1.48 ERA in seven starts). The Cubs have already lost a fortune vs. lefties (-$945, averaging just 3.8 run per game). BEST BET: C. Wilson.
Florida at Chicago W. Sox (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The White Sox did enjoy some success against the NL In inter-league play last year, but they can?t hit (.229 team BA) and that is bad news vs. Florida. The Marlins are getting solid work from Josh Johnson (3.06 ERA) and Ricky Nolasco (3.59), both of whom are likely to see action at US Cellular. Avoid John Danks (2.25 ERA in seven starts), but the rest of Chicago?s mediocre mound corps (4.61 ERA) is fair game. BEST BET: Nolasco/Jo. Johnson.
Colorado at Kansas City (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Rockies are hovering around the .500 level, and are well positioned to make a move in the hotly contested NL West. They had a terrific record in inter-league play last season (11-4, +$795) and now get a chance to beat up on the weakest team in the AL (KC only 14-24, -$380 with a 5.02 team ERA). Jhoulys Chacin has looked very sharp since joining the starting rotation (2.79 ERA in three starts) and should be available at a good price here at Kaufman Stadium. We?ll take a shot when he is on the hill. BEST BET: J. Chacin.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Twins are one of many AL teams that has flourished in inter-league play (12-6, +$495 in 2009) and they are off to a tremendous start this year. They rank near the top of the league in hitting (.275 team BA) and on the mound (3.75 ERA). They are 5-0 vs. lefthanders here at Target Field (+$515) and they?ll no doubt see at least one or two vs. the Milwaukee rotation. The Brewers are losing big bucks in 2010 (-$890) and they were awful in inter-league games last year (only 5-10, -$530). It should be a good weekend for the superior home team. BEST BET: Twins vs. lefthanders.
L.A. Angels at St. Louis (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Angels have been slow to get on track this year, but they have a chance to pick up some ground in inter-league play. They posted a 14-4 record vs. the NL last year (+$1080) and they may be catching the Cardinals at just the right time. St. Louis is coming off its worst week of the season (3-7, -$980 last 10 days), which included a three game sweep by the last place Astros here in Busch Stadium. That made them a money loser on their home field (-$280). Jered Weaver continues to excel (2.47 ERA in eight starts) and looks like an excellent value against a Cardinals team that is averaging a mediocre 4.3 runs per game thus far. BEST BET: Jr. Weaver.
Toronto at Arizona (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Blue Jays don?t really stack up all that well statistically (.241 team BA, 3rd lowest in the AL with a 4.26 team ERA, good for 8th best out of 14 teams in the league). But they keep winning games nonetheless (23-16, +$1055), putting pressure on the rest of the Eastern Division. They?ve done their best work on the road, while the Diamondbacks have been floundering here at Chase Field (only 7-11, -$745). With Cecil & Romero likely to miss this series, Shaun Marcum looks like Toronto?s best opportunity (2.78 ERA in eight outings). We?ll take the visitor when he goes. BEST BET: Marcum.
San Francisco at Oakland (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
If the Giants can scrape together a few more runs, their rotation should propel them into an easy division title (2.95 team ERA). The Athletics are hanging tough in the AL West, but with a starting rotation in some disarray, they are likely to struggle as the season wears on. They were a pitiful 5-13 (-$940) in inter-league play last year and they are averaging just 3.2 runs per game vs. lefties. SF has a pair of ace southpaws in Barry Zito (2.15 ERA) and Jonathan Sanchez (2.66), both of whom should see action. BEST BET: Zito/J. Sanchez.
Detroit at L.A. Dodgers (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
Things appeared bleak in LA as May began, but the Dodgers have been playing well (9-1, +$900 last 10 days), with their offense beating up on opposing righties (+$475, averaging 5.9 runs per game). The Tigers should give Minnesota a run for the money in the AL Central, but they are only 8-11 outside of Comerica (-$190) and their team pitching looks suspect. With the NL West shaping up as a multi-team slugfest, the Dodgers need to take advantage of mediocre arms when they oppose them. BEST BET: Dodgers vs. righthanders.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 21st, 22nd, 23rd
The Padres finished the 2009 season with a strong run, but they have been the surprise team in baseball thus far (22-15, +$905) thanks to unexpectedly strong performances from their pitching staff (2.82 ERA). The Mariners have been horribly ineffective at the plate (3.3 runs per game), squandering excellent pitching performances night after night. San Diego is 8-2 in night games on the road (+$820) and Seattle has lost money at Safeco Field this year (8-10, -$400). BEST BET: Padres in night games.
