BEGINNING MONDAY APRIL 28
Florida at Arizona (3) 28th, 29th, 30th
The Marlins have been profitable against righthanders so far in 2003 (7-6, +$360) and we may catch some big prices in this series, especially if the D?backs continue to show improvement. Arizona?s numbers vs. righthanders are dismal, particularly here at Bank One (only 1-5, -$955) so we?ll try to catch some upsets if the matchup permits. PREFERRED: Marlins when righty meets righty.
Philadelphia at Los Angeles (3) 28th, 29th, 30th
Padilla and Myers are emerging as key members of the revamped Phillies (2.31 & 3.32 ERA?s respectively) and could provide excellent value against a Dodgers? team that has quickly fallen well off the pace in the NL West. LA can?t hit righties (-$545 with only 3.8 runs per game) and the Phillies are averaging 5.9 runs per game against them. PREFERRED: Myers & Padilla vs. righthanders.
BEGINNING TUESDAY APRIL 29
Atlanta at Houston (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Braves have excellent numbers against lefthanders so we?ll not hesitate to use them against the ineffective Robertson (7.05 ERA0. But they are pitiful against righthanders (-$380 with 4.2 runs per game) so the rest of the time we?ll stick with the Astros. PREFERRED: Braves vs. Robertson/Righthanders vs. the Braves.
Montreal at Milwaukee (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Brewers are coming off a profitable stretch (6-5, +$810 last 10 days) but they?ll be in against a much better pitching staff in this series (Expos 2.71 team ERA, Milwaukee 5.56). Montreal has been doing well at the plate (5.6 runs per game last 10 days) and their are several members of the Brewers rotation that simply don?t measure up. PREFERRED Exos unless opposed by Sheets & Kinney.
N.Y. Mets at St. Louis (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Mets don?t play hard, their defense is sloppy, they can?t hit, and the starting pitchers are repeatedly undermined by a bullpen that is distinctly sub-par. The Cardinals? team BA is nearly 75 points higher and the visitor will be hard pressed to do better than a single victory in this one . PREFERRED: Cardinals in all games.
Cincinnati at Colorado (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Rockies have been one of the big surprises (12-7, +$935). Colorado is 8-1 at Coors Field and their hitters can feast on this rotation (6.62 team ERA), while Cruz & Chacon work over Cincinnati?s meager offense. PREFERRED: Cruz/Chacon.
Pittsburgh at San Diego (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Padres took 4 of 6 from this team last year, and despite their 9-9 start, Pittsburgh?s run production simply isn?t there (only 3.7 per game). And somehow, San Diego always turn a modest profit at home (5-5, +$115 so far). PREFERRED: Padres in all games.
Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
We?re going to wait and see how the next few days play out before committing ourselves in this series. Both teams are in top form right now (Cubs +$220, SF +$1050) but fortunes could undergo some change before game time so caution is advised. PREFERRED: None.
Kansas City at Boston (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Red Sox are fighting hard to stay close to the Yankees (8-1, +$420 last 10 days) but the Royals have racked up big winnings so far in ?03 (+$1420) and will be hard to pass up as underdogs. Huge advantage for the KC bullpen 3 weeks into the new season (1.56 ERA vs. 5.31 for the Bosox). PREFERRED: Royals at +125 or better.
Seattle at N.Y. Yankees (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Marines are only averaging 3.8 runs per game vs. lefties, getting stopped by quality southpaws like Zito & Moyer. The Yanks have two of the best in Pettitte (+$400, 3.70) & Wells (2.45), at least one of whom will get the nod in this series. PREFERRED: Pettitte/Wells.
Texas at Toronto (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Rangers demolished this team in head to head play last year (8-1, +$695) but their pitching is so bad (6.05 ERA) that it?s impossible to recommend them, even against a Toronto team that is floundering at 6-13 (-$460). PREFERRED: None.
Anaheim at Cleveland (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Tribe is already losing a bundle here at Jacobs Field (-$490) and don?t forget that the Angels took 9 of 9 from this team last year. Anaheim is looking good (5.8 runs per game last 10 days) and should take 2 out of 3 with ease. PREFERRED: Angels in all games.
Baltimore at Detroit (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The Orioles have some serious problems (.56 team BA, 5th lowest in the league, 5.22 ERA, 4th worst in that department) but Jason Johnson has looked terrific (+$760, 2.89 ERA) and may be available at a reasonable price. PREFERRED: J.Johnson.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
Much of Minnesota?s success in 2002 was based on beating up on the league?s weak sisters (6-0 against Detroit this year for example). The 6-12 Devil Rays fit the fill nicely, look for the Twins to fatten up at Lou Piniella & Co?s expense. PREFERRED: Twins in all games.
Oakland at Chicago W. Sox (3) 29th, 30th, 1st
The A?s have been inconsistent in the early stages, looking unbeatable in the first week, then quickly fading back to .500. They are 3-7 (-$515) on the road vs. righties and the Chisox have a pair that are tough to contend with. PREFERRED: Colon/Loaiza.