- Apr 1, 2011
- 189
- 1
- 0
BASEBALL
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 1
Pittsburgh at Washington (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
These teams have been perennial losers, but all of a sudden they?ve sprung to life and are making things interesting in their respective divisions. The Nationals have been a remarkable story (8-2, +$590 last 10 days), climbing above .500 thanks to a pitching staff that currently boasts the 5th best ERA in the league (3.49). But the Pirates are not a team that can be trifled with at this point. They only won 17 games on the road all of last year, but so far in 2011 they are 20-18 as visitors (+$1005) and they?re just a notch below Washington in the pitching stats (3.52). It?s very hard to make a case against either club, so we?ll steer clear for now. BEST BET: None.
Philadelphia at Toronto (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Phillies are clicking on all cylinders at the moment. They have the best record in baseball and own the lowest team ERA in MLB as well (3.06). They?ve been particularly effective in day games vs. righthanders (11-2, +$890) and they are likely to get at least one opportunity to improve on that record over the weekend. The Blue Jays have been having a hard time scoring runs in recent days (only 2.8 per game in their last 10) and they?ve been a disaster in afternoon contests all year (-$1305). In addition, they?ve lost money in inter-league play (-$125) so we?ll look for the visitor to stay hot. BEST BET: Phillies vs. righthanders in day games.
Chicago W. Sox at Chicago Cubs (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The White Sox haven?t had the first half we originally thought they might (38-40, -$465 at the moment), but we wouldn?t count them out just yet. The AL Central is shaping up as a free for all, and Chicago is less than five games off the pace as July approaches. The Cubs are the usual train wreck we?ve come to expect (-$1375). They have the worst pitching staff in the majors (4.69) and no real shot of climbing back into the playoff hunt. The White Sox have turned a modest profit outside of US Cellular (+$170) and should take at least 2 out of 3 at Wrigley. BEST BET: White Sox in all games.
San Francisco at Detroit (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Just when it appears that the Tigers are poised to take command of the AL Central they fall back a notch (4-6, -$275 last 10 days with a 5.87 ERA among starters). They?ve not been effective against the National League (only 4-7, -$390 so far) and their numbers vs. righties are sub-par (-$340). The Giants have also fared poorly vs. righthanders in 2011 (-$535), but both teams have excellent records when taking on lefties (Tigers +$585 . . . Giants +$1025). Both rotations feature a mixture of pitchers so we?ll look for spots we can exploit. BEST BET: Righthanders when opposed by lefthanders.
Cleveland at Cincinnati (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Indians are 10 games over .500 at Progressive Field, but they?ve been far less impressive on the road, posting a 16-21 record as visitors. But the Reds have lost money here at Great American Ballpark (-$470) so caution is advised. Cincy?s rotation has has been very erratic, but Johnny Cueto has been tremendous since re-joining the rotation in May (+$240, 1.63 ERA in nine starts). We?re very skeptical of Cleveland?s prospects in the 2nd half and don?t see anyone in the current rotation that can keep the home team?s bats in check (.261 team BA, 3rd best in the league). BEST BET: Cueto.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Yankees took 2 of 3 from the Mets in the Bronx in May and they?ve been playing very well since that sweep by the Red Sox (7-3, +$325 last 10 days, averaging 5.1 runs per game in those contests). The Mets are stumbling along at the moment, and those numbers vs. righties at CitiField are dreadful (-$705). The Yankees are now an incredible 21-4 in day games (+$1650) so we have a couple of angles we can use as the Yanks look to continue to dominate their NY rival. BEST BET: Yankees in day games/Righthanders vs. the Mets.
St. Louis at Tampa Bay (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
It?s becoming increasingly apparent that the St. Louis pitching staff is not playoff caliber (4.01 ERA, 5th worst in the league). They?ve been floundering in recent days (3-7, -$540 last 10) and they are catching Tampa Bay in the midst of a significant hot streak (7-3, +$410 with a 1.95 ERA among starters). The Rays have struggled here at Tropicana Field, but we?ll overlook that in this instance. The absence of Albert Pujols will slow down the Cardinals? attack. We?ll take a shot with a pair of quality arms in Jeremy Hellickson (3.09 ERA in 14 starts) and David Price (3.51 in 16 starts), both of whom are expected to see action. We?d love to try James Shields as well (2.29 in 16 outings), but it?s unlikely he?ll take a turn in this series. BEST BET: Hellickson/Price.
Baltimore at Atlanta (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Braves are dealing with the absence of Tommy Hanson from the rotation, but they still have Jair Jurrjens & Tim Hudson, both of whom have been dominant here at Turner Field (2.11 & 2.61 respectively). The Orioles have proved tenacious at times, but their pitching still ranks next to last in the AL (4.24) and their record outside of Camden Yards continues to deteriorate (13-21, -$480). Atlanta arrives at the midway point of the season is reasonably good shape for a playoff run, but they?ll need to fatten up on MLB weaklings like Baltimore in order to capitalize. BEST BET: Jurrjens/T. Hudson.
Boston at Houston (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Red Sox were on a tear until this past week, when they inexplicably dropped two out of three at Fenway to the sad-sack Padres then tanked vs. Pittsburgh. They?ve been a losing proposition in inter-league play (-$530) but Minute Maid Park is an excellent venue to turn those numbers around. They?ve turned a modest outside of Fenway Park already (+$205) and should dispatch the most pathetic team in the majors without difficulty. Houston is only 16-39 vs. righthanders this year (-$1920) and they?ll be sending the NL?s 2nd worst pitching staff (4.50 ERA) against the top offense in baseball (.279 BA for Boston). No excuse for the Red Sox if they let another chump team off the hook. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Astros.
Florida at Texas (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Marlins are a sad story in 2011; jumping out to a 31-23 record then losing 20 of their next 22. They?ve been mauled by American League opponents (-$225) and their team stats continue to implode (2.5 runs per game, 4.45 ERA among starters in the past 10 days). We?d feel comfortable taking Texas if they were in against a lefthander (10-2, +$735 vs. southpaws at Arlington). But they?ve not been particularly successful against righthanders (-$510 overall) and since prices on the home team will no doubt be exorbitant, we?ll stay on the sidelines for now. BEST BET: None.
Kansas City at Colorado (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Rockies have been an up and down club this year, but they seem to have gotten back on track (6-3, +$325 last 10 days) and can fatten up their record in inter-league games (+$225) with a strong showing vs. KC. The Royals have been in free fall after what had been a promising start (2-8, -$570 last 10 days) and their pitching ranks dead last in the AL (4.62 ERA). Jhoulys Chacin has been the star of the Colorado rotation this far (2.71 ERA) and is a solid value at any price here at Coors Field. BEST BET: J. Chacin.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
These teams duked it out at Miller Park last weekend, but this could be a critical meeting for the Twins as they look to re-enter the AL playoff hunt. They have a legitimate to erase their deficit in the competitive AL Central, and their strong June suggests it just might happen (6-4, +$265 last 10 days with a 2.66 ERA among starters). Milwaukee is a strong team in 2011, but they still can?t win outside of Miller Park (only 15-24, -$865), so we expect the home team to take at least 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Twins in all games.
Arizona at Oakland (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Athletics perked up a bit after floundering through most of June (7-3, +$535) and their team ERA remains the best in the AL (3.19). But lack of run production continues to be a significant problem, and that?s bad news when hosting a surging Arizona team. The Diamondbacks have come from nowhere to the top of the heap in the NL West (+$1105 overall), as they trade first place with the Giants every other day. The righty vs. righty match-up is a huge advantage for the visitor. They check in with a +$1065 mark in that situation, while the A?s have managed a dismal 22-32 mark in that situation (-$1205 with 3.3 runs per game). We?ll play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Diamondbacks when righty meets righty.
L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
This series did not go well for the Dodgers when they squared off at Chavez Ravine last weekend, and the club could be heading for a 2nd half collapse. The Angels are always tenacious with Mike Scioscia at the helm and they appear headed in the right direction (6-3, +$340 last 10 days). But run production has been sporadic (only 3.7 per game this year) and their numbers at Anaheim are not encouraging (-$1035). With an all-righty rotation they should top their LA rival (Dodgers -$1460 vs. righties), but we?re reluctant to lay a big price at this time. BEST BET: Angels at -120 or less.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Mariners are enjoying an extended stay at Safeco, having played three games as ?visitors? in this stadium against the Marlins last weekend. Both teams rank near the top of their respective leagues in pitching (SD 3.25 ERA, Seattle 3.24) but are very light when it comes to generating runs (Padres .234 BA, Mariners .229). One problem for the home team has been their poor showing vs. lefthanders (only 8-13, -$540 with 2.9 runs per game) and it?s very possible they?ll be opposing one in this series. San Diego has turned a profit outside of Safeco (+$560) so we?ll take a shot if a southpaw is on the mound. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Mariners.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 4
Chicago Cubs at Washington (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Nationals might stay above .500 for a while if they can beat up on weak opponents like the Cubs. Chicago is only 21-33 vs. righthanders this year (-$1160) and Washington?s staff is improving steadily. Jordan Zimmermann has been the standout in 2011 (2.85 ERA in 15 starts) and he?s expected to take a turn in this series. A solid value even if the price is high. PREFERRED: Zimmermann.
Houston at Pittsburgh (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Pirates turned some heads when they won a series from the fearsome Red Sox here at PNC Park last weekend. They?ve become a profitable item in 2011 (+$1065 overall) and they?ve already taken 5 of 6 from the last place Astros in head to head play (+$430). With Pittsburgh only three games off the pace in the NL Central, expect more of the same. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Arizona at Milwaukee (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
This will be a tough stop for the Diamondbacks as they attempt to continue their improbable rise to prominence in the NL West. The Brewers are very tough at Miller Park, but they?ve under-performed against lefthanders (-$235 with only 3.9 runs per game) so we?ll take a shot with Arizona. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Brewers.
San Diego at San Francisco (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
These division rivals still have many games left to play against one another, and it?s worth noting that the Padres dominated the eventual World Series champs when they played last year (12-6, +$830). SD is still one of the better pitching teams (3.35 ERA) and are worth a try at the right price. PREFERRED: Padres at +155 or better.
Philadelphia at Florida (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Phillies are 7-2 vs. the pitiful Marlins in head to head meetings (+$410), but they?ve been terrible in night games when taking on righthanders (-$815). We?d be tempted to try our luck on the home team at the right price, but considering how far they?ve fallen off the pace (-$1000) we won?t commit yet. PREFERRED: None.
Cincinnati at St. Louis (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Cards have not fared well against the Reds this season (only 2-4, -$265) and they?ll be taking on a Cincy team that has averaged 6.0 runs per game vs. lefthanders. Jaime Garcia is undefeated at Busch Stadium, so he?ll be a heavy favorite when he takes the mound, making the Reds an excellent value. PREFERRED: Reds vs. J. Garcia.
Colorado at Atlanta (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Rockies are playing well as the All-Star break approaches (6-3, +$325 last 10 days), and this is an Atlanta team that struggles to put runs on the scoreboard (only 3.8 per game). If the price is right we?ll try the visitor. PREFERRED: Rockies at +140 or better.
N.Y. Mets at L.A. Dodgers (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mets took 2 of three when the clubs squared off at CitiField, and New York has posted excellent numbers on the road when facing righthanders (+$890). The situation in LA grows increasingly more dim, and those numbers vs. righties are horrific (-$1460). PREFERRED: Mets when righty meets righty.
Toronto at Boston (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Red Sox were winning games so convincingly that prices on them became extremely inflated. They cooled off in the last 10 days, and it cost their backers a bundle (5-5, -$365). Toronto is 16-10 on the road at night (+$975) and two of these games are scheduled evening affairs. PREFERRED: Blue Jays in night games.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Rays were pounding the Twins back when Minnesota was in a deep deep hole (6-1, +$475) and despite the home team?s resurgence we?ll stick with the visitor. Tampa Bay has been deadly outside of Tropicana Field (25-16, +$1130) and they are pitching well (3.58 ERA). PREFERRED: Rays in all games.
Seattle at Oakland (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
A pair of light hitting teams with first rate pitching, expect some low scoring affairs at the Coliseum in this one. The Athletics are only 22-32 vs. righthanders this year (-$1205) while Seattle has a 30-26 mark in that same situation (+$525). We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Mariners when righty meets righty.
N.Y. Yankees at Cleveland (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Tribe was lucky to avoid a sweep when they visited the Bronx last month, grabbing a 1-0 win in the final game of a four game set after getting crushed in the first three (-$135 overall). But the Indians are profitable at Progressive Field (+$1030) so we?ll tread very carefully. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at Chicago W. Sox (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Royals? pitching staff is a disaster (4.62 ERA), but no one on the Chicago roster looks worth laying a high price on. We?ll stay away from this one. PREFERRED: None.
Baltimore at Texas (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Rangers are back on top on the AL West and they still hold a 10--2 record vs. lefthanders at Arlington (+$735 with 7.0 runs per game). The Orioles are not a strong road team (8-14, -$605 in night games) and they are likely to send at least one southpaw to the hill in this three game set. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. lefthanders.
Detroit at L.A. Angels (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Tigers have fallen off the pace somewhat (-$275 last 10 days) and they are only 9-17 vs. righties in road games (-$705). They?ll get a steady diet vs. this LA rotation. PREFERRED: Angels in all games..
BEGINNING FRIDAY JULY 1
Pittsburgh at Washington (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
These teams have been perennial losers, but all of a sudden they?ve sprung to life and are making things interesting in their respective divisions. The Nationals have been a remarkable story (8-2, +$590 last 10 days), climbing above .500 thanks to a pitching staff that currently boasts the 5th best ERA in the league (3.49). But the Pirates are not a team that can be trifled with at this point. They only won 17 games on the road all of last year, but so far in 2011 they are 20-18 as visitors (+$1005) and they?re just a notch below Washington in the pitching stats (3.52). It?s very hard to make a case against either club, so we?ll steer clear for now. BEST BET: None.
Philadelphia at Toronto (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Phillies are clicking on all cylinders at the moment. They have the best record in baseball and own the lowest team ERA in MLB as well (3.06). They?ve been particularly effective in day games vs. righthanders (11-2, +$890) and they are likely to get at least one opportunity to improve on that record over the weekend. The Blue Jays have been having a hard time scoring runs in recent days (only 2.8 per game in their last 10) and they?ve been a disaster in afternoon contests all year (-$1305). In addition, they?ve lost money in inter-league play (-$125) so we?ll look for the visitor to stay hot. BEST BET: Phillies vs. righthanders in day games.
Chicago W. Sox at Chicago Cubs (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The White Sox haven?t had the first half we originally thought they might (38-40, -$465 at the moment), but we wouldn?t count them out just yet. The AL Central is shaping up as a free for all, and Chicago is less than five games off the pace as July approaches. The Cubs are the usual train wreck we?ve come to expect (-$1375). They have the worst pitching staff in the majors (4.69) and no real shot of climbing back into the playoff hunt. The White Sox have turned a modest profit outside of US Cellular (+$170) and should take at least 2 out of 3 at Wrigley. BEST BET: White Sox in all games.
San Francisco at Detroit (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Just when it appears that the Tigers are poised to take command of the AL Central they fall back a notch (4-6, -$275 last 10 days with a 5.87 ERA among starters). They?ve not been effective against the National League (only 4-7, -$390 so far) and their numbers vs. righties are sub-par (-$340). The Giants have also fared poorly vs. righthanders in 2011 (-$535), but both teams have excellent records when taking on lefties (Tigers +$585 . . . Giants +$1025). Both rotations feature a mixture of pitchers so we?ll look for spots we can exploit. BEST BET: Righthanders when opposed by lefthanders.
Cleveland at Cincinnati (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Indians are 10 games over .500 at Progressive Field, but they?ve been far less impressive on the road, posting a 16-21 record as visitors. But the Reds have lost money here at Great American Ballpark (-$470) so caution is advised. Cincy?s rotation has has been very erratic, but Johnny Cueto has been tremendous since re-joining the rotation in May (+$240, 1.63 ERA in nine starts). We?re very skeptical of Cleveland?s prospects in the 2nd half and don?t see anyone in the current rotation that can keep the home team?s bats in check (.261 team BA, 3rd best in the league). BEST BET: Cueto.
N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Yankees took 2 of 3 from the Mets in the Bronx in May and they?ve been playing very well since that sweep by the Red Sox (7-3, +$325 last 10 days, averaging 5.1 runs per game in those contests). The Mets are stumbling along at the moment, and those numbers vs. righties at CitiField are dreadful (-$705). The Yankees are now an incredible 21-4 in day games (+$1650) so we have a couple of angles we can use as the Yanks look to continue to dominate their NY rival. BEST BET: Yankees in day games/Righthanders vs. the Mets.
St. Louis at Tampa Bay (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
It?s becoming increasingly apparent that the St. Louis pitching staff is not playoff caliber (4.01 ERA, 5th worst in the league). They?ve been floundering in recent days (3-7, -$540 last 10) and they are catching Tampa Bay in the midst of a significant hot streak (7-3, +$410 with a 1.95 ERA among starters). The Rays have struggled here at Tropicana Field, but we?ll overlook that in this instance. The absence of Albert Pujols will slow down the Cardinals? attack. We?ll take a shot with a pair of quality arms in Jeremy Hellickson (3.09 ERA in 14 starts) and David Price (3.51 in 16 starts), both of whom are expected to see action. We?d love to try James Shields as well (2.29 in 16 outings), but it?s unlikely he?ll take a turn in this series. BEST BET: Hellickson/Price.
Baltimore at Atlanta (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Braves are dealing with the absence of Tommy Hanson from the rotation, but they still have Jair Jurrjens & Tim Hudson, both of whom have been dominant here at Turner Field (2.11 & 2.61 respectively). The Orioles have proved tenacious at times, but their pitching still ranks next to last in the AL (4.24) and their record outside of Camden Yards continues to deteriorate (13-21, -$480). Atlanta arrives at the midway point of the season is reasonably good shape for a playoff run, but they?ll need to fatten up on MLB weaklings like Baltimore in order to capitalize. BEST BET: Jurrjens/T. Hudson.
Boston at Houston (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Red Sox were on a tear until this past week, when they inexplicably dropped two out of three at Fenway to the sad-sack Padres then tanked vs. Pittsburgh. They?ve been a losing proposition in inter-league play (-$530) but Minute Maid Park is an excellent venue to turn those numbers around. They?ve turned a modest outside of Fenway Park already (+$205) and should dispatch the most pathetic team in the majors without difficulty. Houston is only 16-39 vs. righthanders this year (-$1920) and they?ll be sending the NL?s 2nd worst pitching staff (4.50 ERA) against the top offense in baseball (.279 BA for Boston). No excuse for the Red Sox if they let another chump team off the hook. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Astros.
Florida at Texas (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Marlins are a sad story in 2011; jumping out to a 31-23 record then losing 20 of their next 22. They?ve been mauled by American League opponents (-$225) and their team stats continue to implode (2.5 runs per game, 4.45 ERA among starters in the past 10 days). We?d feel comfortable taking Texas if they were in against a lefthander (10-2, +$735 vs. southpaws at Arlington). But they?ve not been particularly successful against righthanders (-$510 overall) and since prices on the home team will no doubt be exorbitant, we?ll stay on the sidelines for now. BEST BET: None.
Kansas City at Colorado (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Rockies have been an up and down club this year, but they seem to have gotten back on track (6-3, +$325 last 10 days) and can fatten up their record in inter-league games (+$225) with a strong showing vs. KC. The Royals have been in free fall after what had been a promising start (2-8, -$570 last 10 days) and their pitching ranks dead last in the AL (4.62 ERA). Jhoulys Chacin has been the star of the Colorado rotation this far (2.71 ERA) and is a solid value at any price here at Coors Field. BEST BET: J. Chacin.
Milwaukee at Minnesota (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
These teams duked it out at Miller Park last weekend, but this could be a critical meeting for the Twins as they look to re-enter the AL playoff hunt. They have a legitimate to erase their deficit in the competitive AL Central, and their strong June suggests it just might happen (6-4, +$265 last 10 days with a 2.66 ERA among starters). Milwaukee is a strong team in 2011, but they still can?t win outside of Miller Park (only 15-24, -$865), so we expect the home team to take at least 2 out of 3. BEST BET: Twins in all games.
Arizona at Oakland (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Athletics perked up a bit after floundering through most of June (7-3, +$535) and their team ERA remains the best in the AL (3.19). But lack of run production continues to be a significant problem, and that?s bad news when hosting a surging Arizona team. The Diamondbacks have come from nowhere to the top of the heap in the NL West (+$1105 overall), as they trade first place with the Giants every other day. The righty vs. righty match-up is a huge advantage for the visitor. They check in with a +$1065 mark in that situation, while the A?s have managed a dismal 22-32 mark in that situation (-$1205 with 3.3 runs per game). We?ll play this series accordingly. BEST BET: Diamondbacks when righty meets righty.
L.A. Dodgers at L.A. Angels (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
This series did not go well for the Dodgers when they squared off at Chavez Ravine last weekend, and the club could be heading for a 2nd half collapse. The Angels are always tenacious with Mike Scioscia at the helm and they appear headed in the right direction (6-3, +$340 last 10 days). But run production has been sporadic (only 3.7 per game this year) and their numbers at Anaheim are not encouraging (-$1035). With an all-righty rotation they should top their LA rival (Dodgers -$1460 vs. righties), but we?re reluctant to lay a big price at this time. BEST BET: Angels at -120 or less.
San Diego at Seattle (3) 1st, 2nd, 3rd
The Mariners are enjoying an extended stay at Safeco, having played three games as ?visitors? in this stadium against the Marlins last weekend. Both teams rank near the top of their respective leagues in pitching (SD 3.25 ERA, Seattle 3.24) but are very light when it comes to generating runs (Padres .234 BA, Mariners .229). One problem for the home team has been their poor showing vs. lefthanders (only 8-13, -$540 with 2.9 runs per game) and it?s very possible they?ll be opposing one in this series. San Diego has turned a profit outside of Safeco (+$560) so we?ll take a shot if a southpaw is on the mound. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Mariners.
BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 4
Chicago Cubs at Washington (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Nationals might stay above .500 for a while if they can beat up on weak opponents like the Cubs. Chicago is only 21-33 vs. righthanders this year (-$1160) and Washington?s staff is improving steadily. Jordan Zimmermann has been the standout in 2011 (2.85 ERA in 15 starts) and he?s expected to take a turn in this series. A solid value even if the price is high. PREFERRED: Zimmermann.
Houston at Pittsburgh (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Pirates turned some heads when they won a series from the fearsome Red Sox here at PNC Park last weekend. They?ve become a profitable item in 2011 (+$1065 overall) and they?ve already taken 5 of 6 from the last place Astros in head to head play (+$430). With Pittsburgh only three games off the pace in the NL Central, expect more of the same. PREFERRED: Pirates in all games.
Arizona at Milwaukee (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
This will be a tough stop for the Diamondbacks as they attempt to continue their improbable rise to prominence in the NL West. The Brewers are very tough at Miller Park, but they?ve under-performed against lefthanders (-$235 with only 3.9 runs per game) so we?ll take a shot with Arizona. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Brewers.
San Diego at San Francisco (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
These division rivals still have many games left to play against one another, and it?s worth noting that the Padres dominated the eventual World Series champs when they played last year (12-6, +$830). SD is still one of the better pitching teams (3.35 ERA) and are worth a try at the right price. PREFERRED: Padres at +155 or better.
Philadelphia at Florida (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Phillies are 7-2 vs. the pitiful Marlins in head to head meetings (+$410), but they?ve been terrible in night games when taking on righthanders (-$815). We?d be tempted to try our luck on the home team at the right price, but considering how far they?ve fallen off the pace (-$1000) we won?t commit yet. PREFERRED: None.
Cincinnati at St. Louis (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Cards have not fared well against the Reds this season (only 2-4, -$265) and they?ll be taking on a Cincy team that has averaged 6.0 runs per game vs. lefthanders. Jaime Garcia is undefeated at Busch Stadium, so he?ll be a heavy favorite when he takes the mound, making the Reds an excellent value. PREFERRED: Reds vs. J. Garcia.
Colorado at Atlanta (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Rockies are playing well as the All-Star break approaches (6-3, +$325 last 10 days), and this is an Atlanta team that struggles to put runs on the scoreboard (only 3.8 per game). If the price is right we?ll try the visitor. PREFERRED: Rockies at +140 or better.
N.Y. Mets at L.A. Dodgers (4) 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
The Mets took 2 of three when the clubs squared off at CitiField, and New York has posted excellent numbers on the road when facing righthanders (+$890). The situation in LA grows increasingly more dim, and those numbers vs. righties are horrific (-$1460). PREFERRED: Mets when righty meets righty.
Toronto at Boston (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Red Sox were winning games so convincingly that prices on them became extremely inflated. They cooled off in the last 10 days, and it cost their backers a bundle (5-5, -$365). Toronto is 16-10 on the road at night (+$975) and two of these games are scheduled evening affairs. PREFERRED: Blue Jays in night games.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Rays were pounding the Twins back when Minnesota was in a deep deep hole (6-1, +$475) and despite the home team?s resurgence we?ll stick with the visitor. Tampa Bay has been deadly outside of Tropicana Field (25-16, +$1130) and they are pitching well (3.58 ERA). PREFERRED: Rays in all games.
Seattle at Oakland (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
A pair of light hitting teams with first rate pitching, expect some low scoring affairs at the Coliseum in this one. The Athletics are only 22-32 vs. righthanders this year (-$1205) while Seattle has a 30-26 mark in that same situation (+$525). We?ll play this series accordingly. PREFERRED: Mariners when righty meets righty.
N.Y. Yankees at Cleveland (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Tribe was lucky to avoid a sweep when they visited the Bronx last month, grabbing a 1-0 win in the final game of a four game set after getting crushed in the first three (-$135 overall). But the Indians are profitable at Progressive Field (+$1030) so we?ll tread very carefully. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at Chicago W. Sox (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Royals? pitching staff is a disaster (4.62 ERA), but no one on the Chicago roster looks worth laying a high price on. We?ll stay away from this one. PREFERRED: None.
Baltimore at Texas (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Rangers are back on top on the AL West and they still hold a 10--2 record vs. lefthanders at Arlington (+$735 with 7.0 runs per game). The Orioles are not a strong road team (8-14, -$605 in night games) and they are likely to send at least one southpaw to the hill in this three game set. PREFERRED: Rangers vs. lefthanders.
Detroit at L.A. Angels (3) 4th, 5th, 6th
The Tigers have fallen off the pace somewhat (-$275 last 10 days) and they are only 9-17 vs. righties in road games (-$705). They?ll get a steady diet vs. this LA rotation. PREFERRED: Angels in all games..
