BEGINNING MONDAY AUGUST 11
Colorado at Montreal (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The Rockies and Expos split four games in Denver, one of the rare series Colorado did not win at home. That should give Montreal confidence especially when the Rockies? shabby road record (19-41,-$1845) is added to the mix. PREFERRED: Expos in all games.
Los Angeles at Florida (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Dodgers broomed (+$300) the Marlins in LA, but that?s not likely to be the case against hard-charging Florida (7-2, +$430 last 10 days) in this four-game set. Plus, Florida has three righthanded pitchers (Josh Beckett, Carl Pavano and Brad Penny) who are pitching well and should keep LA?s anemic offense (3.2 RPG vs. righties on the road) in check. PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Dodgers
St. Louis at Pittsburgh (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Pirates split four games in St. Louis 10 days ago and are up $300 vs. St. Louis even though the series is 5-5. The Cardinals are in the red (-$570) on the road, are still trying to solidify their starting rotation and are coming off tough series with the Braves and Marlins. Go with the depleted homesters (Sauerbeck, Williams, Lofton, Ramirez and Suppan are long gone) homesters unless Woody Williams gets a turn, PREFERRED: Williams/Pirates vs. all others.
Houston at Chicago Cubs (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The biggest surprise of the series to us is Shawn Estes (7-8, 5.70 ERA), who in the middle of an awful year, has two W?s (29% of his total victories) vs. an offense as good as Houston?s. That won?t stop us from playing against him. We?ll be hoping that Houston?s Jeriome Robertson?s number comes up as Chicago is just 3-11 at Wrigley vs. southpaws (-$1720). PREFERRED: Astros w/Robertson & vs. Estes.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
The improving Orioles are 2-2 vs. the Yankees, 4-4 vs. Boston, have defeated the world champion Angels 8 of 9 times, but are 6-7 (-$395) vs. the sad sack Devil Rays. Go figure. Tampa Bay is hitting 14 points higher and has hit 85 of 137 home runs at home. PREFERRED: Devil Rays vs. Hentgen &Helling
Cleveland at Minnesota (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Tribe is 5-2 (+$405) vs. Minnesota, but just 3-10 (-$750) against AL Central front runners Kansas City. Cleveland has played awful baseball (lost 13 of 17) since coming out of the All-Star break with four straight losses in the Bronx, but we can?t trust the up and down Twins right now. PREFERRED: None.
Detroit at Texas (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
How would you like a pair of ducats behind the first base dugout for this four-game set? Open heart surgery, anyone? These two teams haven?t played yet and a late minute vote might be taken among GMs to see if they should bother. PREFERRED: None.
NY Yankees at Kansas City (3) 11th, 12th, 13th
First meeting between two first place teams. The Yankees won seven of nine last year, but that was against a Royals? edition that lost 100 games. But, New York has a huge edge here with a far better pitching staff (3.97 ERA, 3rd in the AL) and showcases an experienced veteran every day. The Royals? mediocre rotation is not likely to stand up to one of the best offenses, even more potent with the addition of Aaron Boone. PREFERRED:Yankees in all games.
Boston at Oakland (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
This is the first of two critical series (seven games) between two teams that can win their respective division, make it to the playoffs as a wildcard or stay home and watch the tube in October. Oakland has beefed up its offense with the acquisition of Jose Guillen and the Red Sox hope Jeff Suppan can give Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe some much needed support. We doubt it-he was a complete bust in the AL in his first life. The A?s have too many arms and are too good at home (40-18, +$835) for us to go against them. PREFERRED: Athletics vs. all but Martinez.
Chicago W. Sox at Anaheim (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
The Angels and White Sox enter the month of August going in opposite directions. While last season?s champions have all but played themselves out of contention (lost 9 of 12, -$705), Chicago (won 8 of 11, +$500) is finally playing as advertised in March. PREFERRED: White Sox in all games.
Toronto at Seattle (4) 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th
It was fun while it lasted. The Blue Jays, on the strength of that imposing offense, looked like a playoff team for awhile, but take Roy Halladay (+$1035, 3.42 ERA) off that pitching staff and you?re left with the Texas Rangers. Seattle has plenty of arms and it will show here. PREFERRED: Halladay/Mariners in all other games.
