tuesday
- Thread starter RAYMOND
- Start date
BEGINNING THURSDAY AUGUST 5
Seattle at Tampa Bay (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
Last year, the Devil Rays won four series, lost nine and tied one. One of the teams they beat was Seattle (5-4, +$535). With Seattle playing so poorly on the road vs. righties (8-28, -$2110) it stands to reason that the improved D?Rays are likely to do at least as well, if not better, this year. We?ll take the home team in all those aforementioned situations. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Mariners.
BEGINNING FRIDAY AUGUST 6
Milwaukee at Florida (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Marlins are meeting the Brewers for the first time in 2004 and will see quite a different edition than the one they were 7-2 ($430) against in 2003. The problem for Milwaukee is that it will be running into a good pitching staff with an offense that averages just 3.9 RPG on the road. But, with Brad Penny now a Dodger and Josh Beckett still struggling, the Marlins? starting staff suddenly looks average. PREFERRED: Brewers off a Florida victory.
Montreal at Houston (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
It?s so easy to make a case to play against the bottom feeding Expos (41-63, -$1185), but are you prepared to lay huge odds on a team that qualifies as the biggest disappointment in the NL. Houston has all but dropped out of sight in both the NL Central and wildcard races (-$2455 overall) leaving it with little incentive left for the remainder of the season. The Expos are playing their best baseball of the season (8-2, +$865 last 10 days) mainly because they?ve finally started to hit (6.4 RPG last 10). We?ll take this attractive dog throughout the series. PREFERRED: Expos in all games.
N.Y. Mets at St. Louis (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cardinals took two of three in New York in mid-May and with the Mets falling well behind the leaders in the NL East, this looks like a one-sided series. Matt Morris has always had success vs. NY (4-2 lifetime with a 2.88 ERA) and it?s interesting to note that he followed what was then his worst performance of the year (1.2 innings, seven runs) on July 20 with a shutout five days later. He was even worse last Saturday night at Pac Bell. BEST BET: Morris.
Cincinnati at Colorado (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
We?re looking for run production resembling a typical Sunday afternoon in a slo-pitch softball league throughout the series. The Reds starters? ERA is 5.91 and the relievers? is 5.58 on the road and the Rockies are hitting .307 at home. Meanwhile, Colorado?s starters have a 6.87 ERA and the relievers? ERA is 6.11 at home (both are MLB highs by far). PREFERRED: OVER in all games.
Atlanta at Arizona (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
While the Braves were napping in May, the Diamondbacks took two of three (+$100), one of them a 2-0 whitewashing by the Big Unit. But, no one is hotter than Atlanta (won 13 of 17 since the All-Star break) and, except for Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb, no Arizona starter has an ERA at home under four runs per game. You might want to key in on Russ Ortiz who is 6-1 on the road with a 3.42 ERA. BEST BET: Ortiz.
Pittsburgh at San Diego (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Padres continue to hold on to second place in the NL West (58-47, +$410) while the Pirates try to hold on to their best players (Kris Benson is already gone) until management starts its annual fire sale. San Diego has finally started to play like the contenders many felt they were in March and are getting tremendous pitching at home (starters? ERA is 3.91, relievers? ERA is 3.15). But, don?t take those stats too seriously: The Padres are averaging just 3.6 RPG in the cavern they play in. PREFERRED: UNDER in all games.
Philadelphia at Los Angeles (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Dodgers are looking to avenge a three game sweep in Philadelphia in May (-$300). LA was playing at its worst (eight consecutive defeats) at that time, but they?re a completely different team these days having won 21 of their last 27 games (+$1845 overall). The Phillies, on the other hand, have been floundering (3-8, -$440 last 10 days) and their pitching has completely fallen apart (6.71 ERA over that stretch). Stay with Da Bums, especially if the Phillies start any of their righties (27-11 at home, +$1480). BEST BET: Dodgers vs. righthanders.
Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
Reality has set in for the Cubs. Their only legitimate chance at postseason play is a wildcard berth (hence the acquisition of Nomar Garciaparra), but this weekend?s opponent is also looking in that direction as well as continuing to contend in the NL West. The Cubs have been particularly anemic against southpaws on the road (only 2-7, -$595 averaging a scant 1.9 RPG), so we?ll go with Kirk Rueter who has a 3.13 lifetime ERA vs. Chicago in 86.1 innings. PREFERRED: Rueter.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
This is the third series between these teams in the last 17 days. The Yankees won a two-game set in the Bronx that was highlighted by a brilliant, seven inning performance (no runs, four hits, 10 Ks) by Orlando Hernandez (+$500 in 5 starts) and took two of three in Toronto. The Blue Jays received a pair of stellar performances (12.2 innings, 0.71 ERA, .119 BAA) a week apart against the Pinstripers from ex-teammate Ted Lilly with nothing to show from it, but we?ll steer clear of him nevertheless, because of the Bombers 16-3, (+$1180 record at home vs. lefthanders). BEST BET; None.
Boston at Detroit (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
This is the first meeting of the year. The Red Sox had a ball with the Tigers (8-1, +$600) in ?03, but this is a much different team especially against righties (+$1895) or as an underdog (+$1235). The Red Sox really haven?t done much more than beat the Yankees (eight of 13) and have been particularly ineffective on the road (-$1580), so we?ll gravitate toward the scrappy, hard-hitting (.279 BA) Tigers. BEST BET: Tigers in all games.
Texas at Baltimore (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
Everyone and his uncle hammered the Rangers last year including the Orioles who were 7-2 (+$635). Even though the Rangers are vastly improved (+$1800 this year as opposed to +$255 in?04), they?re below .500 (26-29) on the road and we?re still not confident enough in their pitching to go against the Orioles? ?O? in Camden Yards. PREFERRED: None.
Cleveland at Chicago White Sox (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Pale Hose has defeated the Tribe in seven of eleven meetings (+$185) this season, but that might not mean much considering the way they?ve been playing lately (lost seven of 11, -$525) . With the Sox? offense impaired due to the losses of Frank Thomas and Maglio Ordonez and management looking to Jose Contreras as a possible savior, we want no part of them right now. The Pale Hose are just 13-19 (-$840) vs. lefties, we?re happy to jump on Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia as well as a Cleveland offense with the second best BA (.280) in MLB. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the White Sox.
Oakland at Minnesota (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
Not only are the Twins and Athletics battling the White Sox and Rangers for first place in their respective divisions, but they?re also fighting one another for the wildcard slot. That makes this series critical for both of them. Both teams are hot, so we advise caution. The only match up that looks appealing is the red hot Johan Santana (3.30 ERA in 23 starts) who has won three straight and seven of his last nine decisions. BEST BET: Santana.
Anaheim at Kansas City (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Angels probably can?t wait to get to Kansas City where it looks like the Royals can?t wait for the season to end. The Royals have lost 8 of their last 11 (-$405) and their pitching is in shambles (starters have a 5.44 ERA at home and a 7.37 ERA in their last 15 games) and, folks, we can?t think of a situation that makes them a good play despite their home dog status, especially vs. righties (24-49, -$2275). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Royals.
Seattle at Tampa Bay (4) 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th
Last year, the Devil Rays won four series, lost nine and tied one. One of the teams they beat was Seattle (5-4, +$535). With Seattle playing so poorly on the road vs. righties (8-28, -$2110) it stands to reason that the improved D?Rays are likely to do at least as well, if not better, this year. We?ll take the home team in all those aforementioned situations. BEST BET: Righthanders vs. the Mariners.
BEGINNING FRIDAY AUGUST 6
Milwaukee at Florida (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Marlins are meeting the Brewers for the first time in 2004 and will see quite a different edition than the one they were 7-2 ($430) against in 2003. The problem for Milwaukee is that it will be running into a good pitching staff with an offense that averages just 3.9 RPG on the road. But, with Brad Penny now a Dodger and Josh Beckett still struggling, the Marlins? starting staff suddenly looks average. PREFERRED: Brewers off a Florida victory.
Montreal at Houston (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
It?s so easy to make a case to play against the bottom feeding Expos (41-63, -$1185), but are you prepared to lay huge odds on a team that qualifies as the biggest disappointment in the NL. Houston has all but dropped out of sight in both the NL Central and wildcard races (-$2455 overall) leaving it with little incentive left for the remainder of the season. The Expos are playing their best baseball of the season (8-2, +$865 last 10 days) mainly because they?ve finally started to hit (6.4 RPG last 10). We?ll take this attractive dog throughout the series. PREFERRED: Expos in all games.
N.Y. Mets at St. Louis (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Cardinals took two of three in New York in mid-May and with the Mets falling well behind the leaders in the NL East, this looks like a one-sided series. Matt Morris has always had success vs. NY (4-2 lifetime with a 2.88 ERA) and it?s interesting to note that he followed what was then his worst performance of the year (1.2 innings, seven runs) on July 20 with a shutout five days later. He was even worse last Saturday night at Pac Bell. BEST BET: Morris.
Cincinnati at Colorado (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
We?re looking for run production resembling a typical Sunday afternoon in a slo-pitch softball league throughout the series. The Reds starters? ERA is 5.91 and the relievers? is 5.58 on the road and the Rockies are hitting .307 at home. Meanwhile, Colorado?s starters have a 6.87 ERA and the relievers? ERA is 6.11 at home (both are MLB highs by far). PREFERRED: OVER in all games.
Atlanta at Arizona (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
While the Braves were napping in May, the Diamondbacks took two of three (+$100), one of them a 2-0 whitewashing by the Big Unit. But, no one is hotter than Atlanta (won 13 of 17 since the All-Star break) and, except for Randy Johnson and Brandon Webb, no Arizona starter has an ERA at home under four runs per game. You might want to key in on Russ Ortiz who is 6-1 on the road with a 3.42 ERA. BEST BET: Ortiz.
Pittsburgh at San Diego (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Padres continue to hold on to second place in the NL West (58-47, +$410) while the Pirates try to hold on to their best players (Kris Benson is already gone) until management starts its annual fire sale. San Diego has finally started to play like the contenders many felt they were in March and are getting tremendous pitching at home (starters? ERA is 3.91, relievers? ERA is 3.15). But, don?t take those stats too seriously: The Padres are averaging just 3.6 RPG in the cavern they play in. PREFERRED: UNDER in all games.
Philadelphia at Los Angeles (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
The Dodgers are looking to avenge a three game sweep in Philadelphia in May (-$300). LA was playing at its worst (eight consecutive defeats) at that time, but they?re a completely different team these days having won 21 of their last 27 games (+$1845 overall). The Phillies, on the other hand, have been floundering (3-8, -$440 last 10 days) and their pitching has completely fallen apart (6.71 ERA over that stretch). Stay with Da Bums, especially if the Phillies start any of their righties (27-11 at home, +$1480). BEST BET: Dodgers vs. righthanders.
Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
Reality has set in for the Cubs. Their only legitimate chance at postseason play is a wildcard berth (hence the acquisition of Nomar Garciaparra), but this weekend?s opponent is also looking in that direction as well as continuing to contend in the NL West. The Cubs have been particularly anemic against southpaws on the road (only 2-7, -$595 averaging a scant 1.9 RPG), so we?ll go with Kirk Rueter who has a 3.13 lifetime ERA vs. Chicago in 86.1 innings. PREFERRED: Rueter.
Toronto at N.Y. Yankees (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
This is the third series between these teams in the last 17 days. The Yankees won a two-game set in the Bronx that was highlighted by a brilliant, seven inning performance (no runs, four hits, 10 Ks) by Orlando Hernandez (+$500 in 5 starts) and took two of three in Toronto. The Blue Jays received a pair of stellar performances (12.2 innings, 0.71 ERA, .119 BAA) a week apart against the Pinstripers from ex-teammate Ted Lilly with nothing to show from it, but we?ll steer clear of him nevertheless, because of the Bombers 16-3, (+$1180 record at home vs. lefthanders). BEST BET; None.
Boston at Detroit (3) 6th, 7th, 8th
This is the first meeting of the year. The Red Sox had a ball with the Tigers (8-1, +$600) in ?03, but this is a much different team especially against righties (+$1895) or as an underdog (+$1235). The Red Sox really haven?t done much more than beat the Yankees (eight of 13) and have been particularly ineffective on the road (-$1580), so we?ll gravitate toward the scrappy, hard-hitting (.279 BA) Tigers. BEST BET: Tigers in all games.
Texas at Baltimore (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
Everyone and his uncle hammered the Rangers last year including the Orioles who were 7-2 (+$635). Even though the Rangers are vastly improved (+$1800 this year as opposed to +$255 in?04), they?re below .500 (26-29) on the road and we?re still not confident enough in their pitching to go against the Orioles? ?O? in Camden Yards. PREFERRED: None.
Cleveland at Chicago White Sox (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Pale Hose has defeated the Tribe in seven of eleven meetings (+$185) this season, but that might not mean much considering the way they?ve been playing lately (lost seven of 11, -$525) . With the Sox? offense impaired due to the losses of Frank Thomas and Maglio Ordonez and management looking to Jose Contreras as a possible savior, we want no part of them right now. The Pale Hose are just 13-19 (-$840) vs. lefties, we?re happy to jump on Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia as well as a Cleveland offense with the second best BA (.280) in MLB. BEST BET: Lefthanders vs. the White Sox.
Oakland at Minnesota (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
Not only are the Twins and Athletics battling the White Sox and Rangers for first place in their respective divisions, but they?re also fighting one another for the wildcard slot. That makes this series critical for both of them. Both teams are hot, so we advise caution. The only match up that looks appealing is the red hot Johan Santana (3.30 ERA in 23 starts) who has won three straight and seven of his last nine decisions. BEST BET: Santana.
Anaheim at Kansas City (4) 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
The Angels probably can?t wait to get to Kansas City where it looks like the Royals can?t wait for the season to end. The Royals have lost 8 of their last 11 (-$405) and their pitching is in shambles (starters have a 5.44 ERA at home and a 7.37 ERA in their last 15 games) and, folks, we can?t think of a situation that makes them a good play despite their home dog status, especially vs. righties (24-49, -$2275). PREFERRED: Righthanders vs. the Royals.
BEGINNING MONDAY AUGUST 9
Colorado at Philadelphia (4) 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
These teams split four games in Denver where the average run production was 14.3 RPG, but you won?t see anything like that in Philly because the Rockies are traditionally inept (20-31) away from home, They are going on the road after a 13-game home stand and are hitting .242 when they?re not playing in Coors Field. However, the Phillies are doing their best to fall out of the NL pennant race and we?re not about to get involved. PREFERRED: None.
Tampa Bay at Boston (4) 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Despite a solid home record (32-16), the Red Sox? profit is a modest (+$335) because they?re generally huge favorites, so caution is advised. On the other hand, Tampa Bay is a brutal 13-27 (-$910) against righties on the road, averaging a mere 3.5 RPG. Let?s take the Sox, but with a few caveats: Only play Boston off a Tampa Bay victory and; Do not lay more than -$175. PREFERRED: Red Sox off a Devil Rays? loss at -$175 or less.
BEGINNING TUESDAY AUGUST 10
Arizona at Montreal (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
Here?s how bad the Diamondbacks are: They were swept at home by the hapless Expos and were outscored 15-4 in the process. So, if you think that Arizona is capable of revenge against a team that is 5-2 at home since coming off a 28-day road trip, be our guest. PREFERRED: Expos in all games.
San Francisco at Pittsburgh (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Giants benefit here by probably not facing Kip Wells or Oliver Perez and, with Kris Benson now pitching in Shea Stadium, that leaves the disappointing Jason Fogg and the mediocre Ryan Vogelsong, among others. San Francisco avenges an earlier three game sweep. PREFERRED: Giants in all games.
St. Louis at Florida (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Marlins have been fading out of the playoff picture since mid-June (15-23) and their recent flurry of trades tells us to stay away from a team in this much flux. We?ll take the visitors (12-4 since the All-Star break) especially if they should face Dontrelle Willis (St. Louis is 8-3, +$495 on the road vs. southpaws) or Josh Beckett who has been on the DL three different times in the last two months. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Houston at N.Y. Mets (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Mets took two of three from the Astros earlier this year (+$380) and have now won six of the last nine (+$740). New York continues to get exemplary starting pitching (3.06 ERA is the best in MLB) and the additions of Kris Benson and Victor Zambrano won?t hurt. But, the Mets have folded faster than a cheap suit in August and are all but out of playoff contention. PREFERRED: None.
Los Angeles at Cincinnati (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
When the Reds could do no wrong a few months ago they swept LA in Los Angeles (+$440). But, it?s the Dodgers who are playing great baseball now while the Reds, who were 34-22 on June 4, have now lost 31** of their last 48 games. With a pitching staff that now consists of one legitimate starter, Paul Wilson, who is 6-1 at home and one real reliever (Danny Graves), we want no part of them right now unless Wilson trudges out to the mound. PREFERRED: Wilson/Dodgers vs. all but Wilson.
Milwaukee at Atlanta (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Braves just keep rolling along. They?ve won 13 of their last 18 home games (+$820 overall) and, once again look like the team to beat in the NL East. Taxes, death and, now, the Atlanta Braves. But, the Bravos, having put considerable distance between themselves and their NL East rivals, could be ready to tread water for a stretch, while the feisty Brewers and their vastly improved pitching staff (3.97 ERA) have never stopped hustling from the first game in April. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Braves.
San Diego at Chicago Cubs (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Padres are fighting for the NL West title or a wildcard slot, so expect good pitching and close games to be the order of the day. Carlos Zambrano (6-1 at home with a 1.99 ERA and a .174 BAA) is the closest thing to a sure thing as there is in this series and he?s our only recommendation at this time. PREFERRED: Zambrano.
Toronto at Cleveland (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Blue Jays and Indians hooked up for a four-game series in Canada last week, so please check those results. The Blue Jays are $1380 in the hole on the road and we don?t gave them much of a chance what with Miguel Batista and Ted Lilly scheduled to miss this series, but we?re not about to lay heavy lumber to prove the point. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at Chicago White Sox (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Royals and White Sox played three games in KC last week, so please check those results. We?d love to use one of the Royals? southpaws here as the Sox generally have trouble against them, but we have little or none faith in any of them. And, with the White Sox prices being loftier than the prose in an acceptance speech at a political convention, we?ll pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
N.Y. Yankees at Texas (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
These frontrunners played a pair of exciting three-game sets earlier in the year and split them with each winning two of three in its own park. The Yankees have pulled away from the Red Sox and have almost a mortal lock on the AL East while the Rangers are struggling to win the AL West or capture the wildcard, so this may be a good time to take advantage of the experienced and relaxed visitors as opposed to the young Texans. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
Minnesota at Seattle (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
If the Twins are to defeat the White Sox in the AL Central, this is the kind of series, against a decidedly inferior opponent, that they can?t afford to lose. Minny has already won four of six (+$240). The Mariners have lost eight of their last 10 games, are -$555 in the red at home and 4-11 at home against portsiders. What is there to like about them? PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Mariners
Detroit at Oakland (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Tigers incredibly poor record (6-16, -$715) on the road against southpaws will not serve well against the likes of Mark Mulder, Barry Zito and Mark Redman especially at night where they are 1-13 (-$1165). PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Tigers.
Baltimore at Anaheim (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Angels jumped all over the Orioles (5-1, +$400) when Baltimore was pretending to be a contender. But, Anaheim did nothing to bolster a disappointing pitching staff before the trade deadline while the O?s starters have steadily improved since the early June under the patient tutelage of pitching coach Ray Miller. Sidney Ponson, after a horrendous start, has reeled off three straight wins including a route-going, one run/four hit performance vs. New York in the Bronx. He?s worth a look at nice odds. PREFERRED: Ponson.
Colorado at Philadelphia (4) 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
These teams split four games in Denver where the average run production was 14.3 RPG, but you won?t see anything like that in Philly because the Rockies are traditionally inept (20-31) away from home, They are going on the road after a 13-game home stand and are hitting .242 when they?re not playing in Coors Field. However, the Phillies are doing their best to fall out of the NL pennant race and we?re not about to get involved. PREFERRED: None.
Tampa Bay at Boston (4) 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Despite a solid home record (32-16), the Red Sox? profit is a modest (+$335) because they?re generally huge favorites, so caution is advised. On the other hand, Tampa Bay is a brutal 13-27 (-$910) against righties on the road, averaging a mere 3.5 RPG. Let?s take the Sox, but with a few caveats: Only play Boston off a Tampa Bay victory and; Do not lay more than -$175. PREFERRED: Red Sox off a Devil Rays? loss at -$175 or less.
BEGINNING TUESDAY AUGUST 10
Arizona at Montreal (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
Here?s how bad the Diamondbacks are: They were swept at home by the hapless Expos and were outscored 15-4 in the process. So, if you think that Arizona is capable of revenge against a team that is 5-2 at home since coming off a 28-day road trip, be our guest. PREFERRED: Expos in all games.
San Francisco at Pittsburgh (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Giants benefit here by probably not facing Kip Wells or Oliver Perez and, with Kris Benson now pitching in Shea Stadium, that leaves the disappointing Jason Fogg and the mediocre Ryan Vogelsong, among others. San Francisco avenges an earlier three game sweep. PREFERRED: Giants in all games.
St. Louis at Florida (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Marlins have been fading out of the playoff picture since mid-June (15-23) and their recent flurry of trades tells us to stay away from a team in this much flux. We?ll take the visitors (12-4 since the All-Star break) especially if they should face Dontrelle Willis (St. Louis is 8-3, +$495 on the road vs. southpaws) or Josh Beckett who has been on the DL three different times in the last two months. PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Houston at N.Y. Mets (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Mets took two of three from the Astros earlier this year (+$380) and have now won six of the last nine (+$740). New York continues to get exemplary starting pitching (3.06 ERA is the best in MLB) and the additions of Kris Benson and Victor Zambrano won?t hurt. But, the Mets have folded faster than a cheap suit in August and are all but out of playoff contention. PREFERRED: None.
Los Angeles at Cincinnati (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
When the Reds could do no wrong a few months ago they swept LA in Los Angeles (+$440). But, it?s the Dodgers who are playing great baseball now while the Reds, who were 34-22 on June 4, have now lost 31** of their last 48 games. With a pitching staff that now consists of one legitimate starter, Paul Wilson, who is 6-1 at home and one real reliever (Danny Graves), we want no part of them right now unless Wilson trudges out to the mound. PREFERRED: Wilson/Dodgers vs. all but Wilson.
Milwaukee at Atlanta (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Braves just keep rolling along. They?ve won 13 of their last 18 home games (+$820 overall) and, once again look like the team to beat in the NL East. Taxes, death and, now, the Atlanta Braves. But, the Bravos, having put considerable distance between themselves and their NL East rivals, could be ready to tread water for a stretch, while the feisty Brewers and their vastly improved pitching staff (3.97 ERA) have never stopped hustling from the first game in April. PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Braves.
San Diego at Chicago Cubs (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Padres are fighting for the NL West title or a wildcard slot, so expect good pitching and close games to be the order of the day. Carlos Zambrano (6-1 at home with a 1.99 ERA and a .174 BAA) is the closest thing to a sure thing as there is in this series and he?s our only recommendation at this time. PREFERRED: Zambrano.
Toronto at Cleveland (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Blue Jays and Indians hooked up for a four-game series in Canada last week, so please check those results. The Blue Jays are $1380 in the hole on the road and we don?t gave them much of a chance what with Miguel Batista and Ted Lilly scheduled to miss this series, but we?re not about to lay heavy lumber to prove the point. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at Chicago White Sox (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Royals and White Sox played three games in KC last week, so please check those results. We?d love to use one of the Royals? southpaws here as the Sox generally have trouble against them, but we have little or none faith in any of them. And, with the White Sox prices being loftier than the prose in an acceptance speech at a political convention, we?ll pass for now. PREFERRED: None.
N.Y. Yankees at Texas (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
These frontrunners played a pair of exciting three-game sets earlier in the year and split them with each winning two of three in its own park. The Yankees have pulled away from the Red Sox and have almost a mortal lock on the AL East while the Rangers are struggling to win the AL West or capture the wildcard, so this may be a good time to take advantage of the experienced and relaxed visitors as opposed to the young Texans. PREFERRED: Yankees in all games.
Minnesota at Seattle (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
If the Twins are to defeat the White Sox in the AL Central, this is the kind of series, against a decidedly inferior opponent, that they can?t afford to lose. Minny has already won four of six (+$240). The Mariners have lost eight of their last 10 games, are -$555 in the red at home and 4-11 at home against portsiders. What is there to like about them? PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Mariners
Detroit at Oakland (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Tigers incredibly poor record (6-16, -$715) on the road against southpaws will not serve well against the likes of Mark Mulder, Barry Zito and Mark Redman especially at night where they are 1-13 (-$1165). PREFERRED: Lefthanders vs. the Tigers.
Baltimore at Anaheim (3) 10th, 11th, 12th
The Angels jumped all over the Orioles (5-1, +$400) when Baltimore was pretending to be a contender. But, Anaheim did nothing to bolster a disappointing pitching staff before the trade deadline while the O?s starters have steadily improved since the early June under the patient tutelage of pitching coach Ray Miller. Sidney Ponson, after a horrendous start, has reeled off three straight wins including a route-going, one run/four hit performance vs. New York in the Bronx. He?s worth a look at nice odds. PREFERRED: Ponson.
