BEGINNING FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23
Houston at Chicago Cubs (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
We?re hesitant to back the Astros on the road, where they have struggled this year. But Andy Pettitte looks as good as any pitcher in the majors right now (+$685, 2.43 ERA) and the Cubs have been dreadful vs. lefthanders at Wrigley (only 8-16, -$1360). BEST BET: Pettitte.
Philadelphia at Cincinnati (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Phillies look very sharp right now, but they are relying on their offense (8.3 runs per game last 10 days) and their pitching looks a bit thin. The Reds are hanging tough and they?ll be hard to pass up as underdogs in Sunday?s day game at Great American Ballpark (Cincy 16-7, +$975 in that situation). BEST BET: Reds in day games.
Florida at Atlanta (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Braves can?t afford to let down against the Marlins, but they?ve been so profitable at Turner Field (+$1345) while Florida has stumbled on the road, we?ll look for Atlanta to close out the division, no doubt at very reasonable prices. BEST BET: Braves in all games.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Yankees can be very pricey in the Bronx, but they are playing very well right now, they are 10-5 in head to head games vs. Toronto, and are 15-7 (+$430) vs. righties in home day games. The Blue Jays are a pitiful 4-14 (-$815) vs. righties in road day games, so we?ll lay the fat price on the surging Bombers. BEST BET: Yankees when righty meets righty in day games.
Cleveland at Kansas City (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Indians smothered the hapless Royals at Jacobs Field last weekend, and with a 34-12 record on the road in night games (+$2600), it?s impossible to pass up the playoff hungry visitor vs. such a weak opponent, regardless of the price. BEST BET: Indians in night games.
Tampa Bay at L.A. Angels (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The Angels will be thinking about that critical 4 game series vs. the A?s in Oakland right after this, so don?t be surprised if the improved Devil Rays steal a victory. LA will luckily miss Kazmir, but we?ll try our luck on any southpaw the visitor sends to the hill (Angels only 11-13, -$905 at home vs. lefties). BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the Angels.
Texas at Oakland (3) 23rd, 24th, 25th
The A?s know that at this point their only realistic shot at the playoffs is to knock off the Angels at home this coming week. They could easily look past a Texas team that has been tough on righties (+$835 with 5.7 runs per game), while Oakland has lost money in that situation at home (-$690). BEST BET: Rangers when righty meets righty.
