New York at SAN DIEGO (+170)
By Michael Cannon, Featured Handicapper
A value play all the way on the Padres as huge home underdogs tonight.
I sort of understand where the linesmaker is coming from in this game, considering the pitching matchup of Pedro Martinez vs. Chan Ho Park. However, the Padres have dug themselves out of a deep hole in the last week, winning five of their last six games. Granted, the one loss came in Park's San Diego debut. But I think the former Dodger is actually going to have success in cavernous Petco Park, because the flyballs that flew out of the park when he was pitching in Texas are going to be routine outs in Petco. Park had good success against the Mets in his career with the Dodgers, giving up three earned runs or fewer in all five starts.
As for Pedro, the guy has simply dominated the Friars in two career starts, pitching eight innings of two-hit shutout ball in both of them, including a 1-0 victory in Boston last summer. However, he certainly hasn't been perfect of late, as evidenced by his 4.09 ERA in his last three starts. Tired arm, perhaps? Hey, it's not like Pedro's never exhibited those symptoms in his career. Regardless, the Mets have lost his last two starts as $2.60 and $1.85 favorites, and they're just 5-5 in the last 10 games in which Martinez has toed the rubber, including 2-3 on the road.
I'll admit this looks like a tough one to pull out, but to get the Padres at home at a big plus-price, it's worth the chance. Play San Diego.
2* SAN DIEGO