Brad Diamond Sports
Cleveland at Baltimore
The Orioles showed again last night losing (5-4) George Sherrill in a trade to the Dodgers has severely hurt their late season hopes of making a positive run. Friday was the first game off a road trip for the Birds after playing Thursday in Minnesota. Jason Berken throws for Baltimore this evening and the pitcher is starting to come apart with a 6+ ERA on the season, again getting pitches up in the strike zone. He threw a limited affair last time out. Against quality teams are where the right-hander has had problems, Tampa Bay, New York and Boston, just name a few American League East foes. The Indians have gone OVER in the last 5 Carmona road outings, while going 9-2 OVER versus a losing team. With Umpire Tim Tschida behind the plate the Indians are 9-1 OVER.
Play: OVER
Cleveland at Baltimore
The Orioles showed again last night losing (5-4) George Sherrill in a trade to the Dodgers has severely hurt their late season hopes of making a positive run. Friday was the first game off a road trip for the Birds after playing Thursday in Minnesota. Jason Berken throws for Baltimore this evening and the pitcher is starting to come apart with a 6+ ERA on the season, again getting pitches up in the strike zone. He threw a limited affair last time out. Against quality teams are where the right-hander has had problems, Tampa Bay, New York and Boston, just name a few American League East foes. The Indians have gone OVER in the last 5 Carmona road outings, while going 9-2 OVER versus a losing team. With Umpire Tim Tschida behind the plate the Indians are 9-1 OVER.
Play: OVER
Tom Freese
Game: Tampa Bay Rays at Detroit Tigers Aug 28 2009 7:05PM
Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Reason: Detroit is 23-9 their last 32 home games vs. a team with a winning record and they are 19-7 their last 26 games vs. righty starters. The Tigers are 5-1 in the last 6 home starts made by Rick Porcello and they are 8-1 after scoring 2 runs or less in their last game. Tampa Bay is 56-148 their last 204 road games vs. a team with a home win percentage of over 60%. The Rays are 5-12 in the last 17 road starts made by Matt Garza and they are 1-7 their last their last 8 games as favorites of -110 to -150. PLAY ON DETROIT + (Porcello vs. Garza)
Game: Tampa Bay Rays at Detroit Tigers Aug 28 2009 7:05PM
Prediction: Detroit Tigers
Reason: Detroit is 23-9 their last 32 home games vs. a team with a winning record and they are 19-7 their last 26 games vs. righty starters. The Tigers are 5-1 in the last 6 home starts made by Rick Porcello and they are 8-1 after scoring 2 runs or less in their last game. Tampa Bay is 56-148 their last 204 road games vs. a team with a home win percentage of over 60%. The Rays are 5-12 in the last 17 road starts made by Matt Garza and they are 1-7 their last their last 8 games as favorites of -110 to -150. PLAY ON DETROIT + (Porcello vs. Garza)
Ben Burns
Game: San Diego Padres at Florida Marlins Aug 28 2009 7:10PM
Prediction: Florida Marlins
Reason: Both these teams got roughed up yesterday. I feel that Florida has a much better shot at bouncing back with a victory this evening.
For starters, the Marlins are a respectable 36-29 at home. The Padres, on the other hand, are a money-burning 21-41 (-11.6) away from Petco Park. Looking back further and we find them at an awful 91-134 (-34.8) on the road the past few seasons.
Looking at the history between these teams and we find that the Marlins have won eight of the last 10 meetings, including four straight. That includes a 3-2 victory in which Volstad pitched last month. That was Volstad's only career start vs. the Padres and he was sharp, allowing just four hits and one run (1.29 ERA) through seven complete innings. Conversely, Kevin Correia is 0-2 with an ugly 10.38 ERA and 2.0 WHIP in three career starts vs. the Marlins. All things considered, the current price seems reasonable. Consider Florida
Game: San Diego Padres at Florida Marlins Aug 28 2009 7:10PM
Prediction: Florida Marlins
Reason: Both these teams got roughed up yesterday. I feel that Florida has a much better shot at bouncing back with a victory this evening.
For starters, the Marlins are a respectable 36-29 at home. The Padres, on the other hand, are a money-burning 21-41 (-11.6) away from Petco Park. Looking back further and we find them at an awful 91-134 (-34.8) on the road the past few seasons.
Looking at the history between these teams and we find that the Marlins have won eight of the last 10 meetings, including four straight. That includes a 3-2 victory in which Volstad pitched last month. That was Volstad's only career start vs. the Padres and he was sharp, allowing just four hits and one run (1.29 ERA) through seven complete innings. Conversely, Kevin Correia is 0-2 with an ugly 10.38 ERA and 2.0 WHIP in three career starts vs. the Marlins. All things considered, the current price seems reasonable. Consider Florida
Tony Mathew's Free Baseball Selection for August 28, 2009.
Matchup: Kansas City Royals vs. Seattle Mariners
Selection: Seattle Mariners -1.5 Runs (-110)
Explanation: We will side with the Seattle Mariners -1.5 Runs as they face-off against the Kansas City Royals in Friday's MLB contest.
The Kansas City Royals will use starting pitcher Brian Bannister. Brian Bannister has struggled this season which is shown by his 4.50 ERA. In addition, Brian Bannister has a 8.05 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Brian Bannister pitching poorly once again today.
The Seattle Mariners will use starting pitcher Felix Hernandez. Felix Hernandez has pitched well this season. In fact, Felix Hernandez is 12-5 with a 2.73 ERA this season. In addition, Felix Hernandez has a 1.80 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Felix Hernandez pitching another great game today.
The Seattle Mariners have PROVEN they can beat the Kansas City Royals (when playing in Seattle). This is shown by the Seattle Mariners being 16-6 in their last 22 meetings against the Kansas City Royals (when playing in Seattle).
Take the Seattle Mariners -1.5 Runs!
Matchup: Kansas City Royals vs. Seattle Mariners
Selection: Seattle Mariners -1.5 Runs (-110)
Explanation: We will side with the Seattle Mariners -1.5 Runs as they face-off against the Kansas City Royals in Friday's MLB contest.
The Kansas City Royals will use starting pitcher Brian Bannister. Brian Bannister has struggled this season which is shown by his 4.50 ERA. In addition, Brian Bannister has a 8.05 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Brian Bannister pitching poorly once again today.
The Seattle Mariners will use starting pitcher Felix Hernandez. Felix Hernandez has pitched well this season. In fact, Felix Hernandez is 12-5 with a 2.73 ERA this season. In addition, Felix Hernandez has a 1.80 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Felix Hernandez pitching another great game today.
The Seattle Mariners have PROVEN they can beat the Kansas City Royals (when playing in Seattle). This is shown by the Seattle Mariners being 16-6 in their last 22 meetings against the Kansas City Royals (when playing in Seattle).
Take the Seattle Mariners -1.5 Runs!
Big Al McMordie
The pitching staff in Texas is putting on a show this season, and that gives the Rangers the edge on Friday night when they open their three-game series in Minnesota.
Our Friday night MLB selection is on the Texas Rangers over the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
Add Tommy Hunter's name to the list that includes Scott Feldman, Derek Holland, and Dustin Nippert as the most unlikely of successful pitching staffs in recent memory. This group, along with perhaps the only name that was known by most baseball fans before the start of the season, veteran Kevin Millwood, has put together the fifth-best starting pitching ERA in the American League so far this season.
The rotation also is No. 1 in wins for the season with 54, besting all other AL starting staffs, and this despite the fact that the Rangers play half their teams in hitter-friendly Arlington. Hunter is a 23-year old righthander who has come from virtually nowhere to put up incredible numbers – 6-2 with a 2.85 ERA – and he has won five of his last seven starts.
As unknown as Hunter at the start of the season was, Minnesota rookie starter Brian Duensing gets the start for the Twins. The southpaw from Kansas just won his first major league game in his last appearance, which was only his second start, as Duensing has been primarily a reliever in his short career. It took a start against the worst team in the AL (Kansas City) to earn Duensing that milestone.
Texas just took two of three from the Yankees in New York so they should be able to handle Minnesota. Take the Rangers.
Free Pick: Rangers -117
The pitching staff in Texas is putting on a show this season, and that gives the Rangers the edge on Friday night when they open their three-game series in Minnesota.
Our Friday night MLB selection is on the Texas Rangers over the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
Add Tommy Hunter's name to the list that includes Scott Feldman, Derek Holland, and Dustin Nippert as the most unlikely of successful pitching staffs in recent memory. This group, along with perhaps the only name that was known by most baseball fans before the start of the season, veteran Kevin Millwood, has put together the fifth-best starting pitching ERA in the American League so far this season.
The rotation also is No. 1 in wins for the season with 54, besting all other AL starting staffs, and this despite the fact that the Rangers play half their teams in hitter-friendly Arlington. Hunter is a 23-year old righthander who has come from virtually nowhere to put up incredible numbers – 6-2 with a 2.85 ERA – and he has won five of his last seven starts.
As unknown as Hunter at the start of the season was, Minnesota rookie starter Brian Duensing gets the start for the Twins. The southpaw from Kansas just won his first major league game in his last appearance, which was only his second start, as Duensing has been primarily a reliever in his short career. It took a start against the worst team in the AL (Kansas City) to earn Duensing that milestone.
Texas just took two of three from the Yankees in New York so they should be able to handle Minnesota. Take the Rangers.
Free Pick: Rangers -117
Jimmy the Moose
With super freshman Tommy Hunter taking to the mound in Minnesota tonight, the Texas Rangers are an easy pick as small chalk against the Twins.
Neither the Texas Rangers nor the Minnesota Twins are currently in a playoff spot, but both of them are in striking distance.
Texas currently sits 4.5 games behind the Angels in the AL West and are only 1.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card race. The Twins are 10.5 games back in the Wild Card race but only 4.5 games behind the Tigers in the AL Central. With both teams sights set on the playoffs this is a must win game for both.
The Rangers are 71-55 on the year, a very good record but they have been great at home and so-so on the road. Texas has a 30-31 road record and if you want to be considered a legitimate playoff contender you have to be a lot better on the road. In their last 9 games as a favorite the Rangers are 7-2. Texas is 23-7 in their last 30 games vs. a starting pitcher with a WHIP better than 1.30.
Tonight they send Tommy Hunter, 6-2 with an ERA of 2.85, to the mound. The Rangers are 4-1 in his last five starts vs. a team with a losing record.
The Minnesota Twins have a 63-64 record on the year, a disappointing season so far. At home the Twins are 35-28, pretty good but not good enough. The Twins have won seven of their last 10 games and that's helped them close the gap in their division to 4.5 games. Minnesota's offense has been very good this year but their pitching has been their downfall. The Twins are 3-7 in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning record.
The Rangers have struggled in their recent trips to Minnesota. They are 3-8 in their last 11 games played in Minnesota. Tonight the Twins send Brian Duensing to the mound and he battles a pleasant surprise in Tommy Hunter. The edge on the mound goes to the Rangers and that will be the difference tonight. Play on Texas.
Free Pick: Rangers -115
With super freshman Tommy Hunter taking to the mound in Minnesota tonight, the Texas Rangers are an easy pick as small chalk against the Twins.
Neither the Texas Rangers nor the Minnesota Twins are currently in a playoff spot, but both of them are in striking distance.
Texas currently sits 4.5 games behind the Angels in the AL West and are only 1.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card race. The Twins are 10.5 games back in the Wild Card race but only 4.5 games behind the Tigers in the AL Central. With both teams sights set on the playoffs this is a must win game for both.
The Rangers are 71-55 on the year, a very good record but they have been great at home and so-so on the road. Texas has a 30-31 road record and if you want to be considered a legitimate playoff contender you have to be a lot better on the road. In their last 9 games as a favorite the Rangers are 7-2. Texas is 23-7 in their last 30 games vs. a starting pitcher with a WHIP better than 1.30.
Tonight they send Tommy Hunter, 6-2 with an ERA of 2.85, to the mound. The Rangers are 4-1 in his last five starts vs. a team with a losing record.
The Minnesota Twins have a 63-64 record on the year, a disappointing season so far. At home the Twins are 35-28, pretty good but not good enough. The Twins have won seven of their last 10 games and that's helped them close the gap in their division to 4.5 games. Minnesota's offense has been very good this year but their pitching has been their downfall. The Twins are 3-7 in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning record.
The Rangers have struggled in their recent trips to Minnesota. They are 3-8 in their last 11 games played in Minnesota. Tonight the Twins send Brian Duensing to the mound and he battles a pleasant surprise in Tommy Hunter. The edge on the mound goes to the Rangers and that will be the difference tonight. Play on Texas.
Free Pick: Rangers -115
Bob Harvey
CBS has tonight's telecast and the defenses should rule when the Washington Redskins host the New England Patriots at FedEx Field in the nation's capital.
The Washington Redskins' first-team offense has yet to score a touchdown this preseason, and that failure to produce has QB Jason Campbell and head coach Jim Zorn squarely on the hot seat entering tonight’s game against Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Washington hasn’t given us much to go by as far as what to expect tonight, but if the first two games are any indication the 'Skins could be in for a long night against Bill Belichick’s team. Last week, the Redskins didn’t even attempt a field goal, let alone find the end zone, in an embarrassing 23-0 setback in Baltimore. Campbell in particular was horrible going 1-of-7 for 10 yards. There wasn’t much to be happy about either on the other side of the ball as the Skin’s defense was torched for 500 total yards by a mediocre Ravens offense.
Zorn has said that all four QBs on the roster – Campbell, Todd Collins, Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel – will see action tonight. But Campbell will handle the entire first half of play. The real battle is between Brennan and Daniel for the No. 3 spot.
The Redskins also have injury issues. Albert Haynesworth and wide receiver Santana Moss are both listed as questionable and will be game-time decisions. Cornerback Carlos Rodgers will not play because of a calf injury while running back/kick returner Rock Cartwright will be held out because of a groin injury.
Truth be known, Belichick could care less about preseason games. However his teams do seem to get up for them, especially in Week 3. The Patriots are 5-2 SU and 5-1-1 in their last seven Week 3 battles.
This year’s preseason games have taken on slightly more importance because of Brady and how he might fare after having the year off. So far the reviews on Brady have been mixed. Brady was strong solid in his first outing, completing 10 of 15 passes for 100 yards and a pair of scores in just over a quarter against Philadelphia. However last week he was roughed up by the Bengals who held him to four of eight passing for 57 yards and one sack. The plan tonight is for Brady to play the first-half with backups Kevin O’Connell and Andrew Walter finishing up.
The Redskins are 5-2 to the Under in their seven games under Zorn while the Pats are a whopping 26-16 to the Under with Belichick calling the shots.
Free Pick: Patriots-Redskins Under 37½ (-110)
CBS has tonight's telecast and the defenses should rule when the Washington Redskins host the New England Patriots at FedEx Field in the nation's capital.
The Washington Redskins' first-team offense has yet to score a touchdown this preseason, and that failure to produce has QB Jason Campbell and head coach Jim Zorn squarely on the hot seat entering tonight’s game against Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Washington hasn’t given us much to go by as far as what to expect tonight, but if the first two games are any indication the 'Skins could be in for a long night against Bill Belichick’s team. Last week, the Redskins didn’t even attempt a field goal, let alone find the end zone, in an embarrassing 23-0 setback in Baltimore. Campbell in particular was horrible going 1-of-7 for 10 yards. There wasn’t much to be happy about either on the other side of the ball as the Skin’s defense was torched for 500 total yards by a mediocre Ravens offense.
Zorn has said that all four QBs on the roster – Campbell, Todd Collins, Colt Brennan and Chase Daniel – will see action tonight. But Campbell will handle the entire first half of play. The real battle is between Brennan and Daniel for the No. 3 spot.
The Redskins also have injury issues. Albert Haynesworth and wide receiver Santana Moss are both listed as questionable and will be game-time decisions. Cornerback Carlos Rodgers will not play because of a calf injury while running back/kick returner Rock Cartwright will be held out because of a groin injury.
Truth be known, Belichick could care less about preseason games. However his teams do seem to get up for them, especially in Week 3. The Patriots are 5-2 SU and 5-1-1 in their last seven Week 3 battles.
This year’s preseason games have taken on slightly more importance because of Brady and how he might fare after having the year off. So far the reviews on Brady have been mixed. Brady was strong solid in his first outing, completing 10 of 15 passes for 100 yards and a pair of scores in just over a quarter against Philadelphia. However last week he was roughed up by the Bengals who held him to four of eight passing for 57 yards and one sack. The plan tonight is for Brady to play the first-half with backups Kevin O’Connell and Andrew Walter finishing up.
The Redskins are 5-2 to the Under in their seven games under Zorn while the Pats are a whopping 26-16 to the Under with Belichick calling the shots.
Free Pick: Patriots-Redskins Under 37½ (-110)
MTi Sports
Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox
Prediction: Over
The Red Sox are a big favorite here and they are off a 9-5 loss to the White Sox yesterday. They get to face Scott Richmond in this series opener, who has lost his last two starts 7-5 and 7-3. All signs point to a high scoring affair today. Toronto is 5-0 OU as a 140+ dog when they lost the last two games their starter started flying over by an average of a whopping 6.6 runs per game. The Red Sox are 5-0 OU at home after a loss in which they allowed at least six runs, scoring an average of 9.6 runs per game, which is over todays OU line.
Finally, Boston is 6-0 OU in the first game of a series when they are off a loss, going over by an average of 6.2 runs per game. Take these two OVER.
Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox
Prediction: Over
The Red Sox are a big favorite here and they are off a 9-5 loss to the White Sox yesterday. They get to face Scott Richmond in this series opener, who has lost his last two starts 7-5 and 7-3. All signs point to a high scoring affair today. Toronto is 5-0 OU as a 140+ dog when they lost the last two games their starter started flying over by an average of a whopping 6.6 runs per game. The Red Sox are 5-0 OU at home after a loss in which they allowed at least six runs, scoring an average of 9.6 runs per game, which is over todays OU line.
Finally, Boston is 6-0 OU in the first game of a series when they are off a loss, going over by an average of 6.2 runs per game. Take these two OVER.
cpaw I would rather address this to you in hopes i get your opinion before 10 other guys who have been on this forum less time than myself respond. I have a few buddies that purchase Ats Lock Club or Ats Financial or both. or at least did last year. They have some lock or big play coming up this weekend. my buddy claims this pick is 27-4. i started hearing about this pick last year when i think they were 24-3. but im skeptical and wanna see where i can find it. or if yuo think it sounds right.. just wondering. i cant figure how to turn on PM's so unfortunately i put this question up here...feel free to delete the posting.. i dont want to make any money for touts.
yeah these are things i hear playing in some bigger poker games or out on golf course..anyway on to another question.. I was just wondering what guys you monitor or if you had a top 5 for follow or fade. unfortunately i pay attention to what i see or hear and sometimes that leads me in wrong direction.
never know if the guys im playin cards with work for these guys.or want me to buy instead of them paying a bunch for it.
never know if the guys im playin cards with work for these guys.or want me to buy instead of them paying a bunch for it.
Wunderdog
MLB | Aug 28
Oakland Athletics vs. LAA Angels LAA Angels -147
The Oakland A's have not done much on the road all season, and right now a bad offense is struggling as much as they have all season. The A's have scored three runs or less in 11 of their last 12 games. They are facing a team that is averaging close to six runs a game on the season that is not going to be an easy task, especially for a team that is just 16-43 in their last 59 on the road against a team with a winning record on the season. The A's inconsistency has also shown them to be in a difficult position after a win, where they are just 9-21 in their last 30 off a win. The Angels are 46-22 in their last 68, and 24-9 against a team with a losing record. Those are some tough numbers, so I'm going with the Angels in this one.
MLB | Aug 28
Oakland Athletics vs. LAA Angels LAA Angels -147
The Oakland A's have not done much on the road all season, and right now a bad offense is struggling as much as they have all season. The A's have scored three runs or less in 11 of their last 12 games. They are facing a team that is averaging close to six runs a game on the season that is not going to be an easy task, especially for a team that is just 16-43 in their last 59 on the road against a team with a winning record on the season. The A's inconsistency has also shown them to be in a difficult position after a win, where they are just 9-21 in their last 30 off a win. The Angels are 46-22 in their last 68, and 24-9 against a team with a losing record. Those are some tough numbers, so I'm going with the Angels in this one.
Vernon Croy
NFL | Aug 29
New Orleans Saints vs. Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders +2½+105
1* Take the Oakland Raiders ATS, Oakland is one of the toughest places in the NFL to play and even though this is just a preseason game you better believe the Raiders want to get the win more than the Saints at home Saturday. Javon Walker is expected to play against the Saints and his knee is 100% after having off-season knee surgery in a foreign country. The Raiders have looked good this preseason although these games are meaningless their defense has played solid. I look for the Raiders offense to have a big game at home against the Saints defense that was ranked 23rd in the league last season. This will not be a walk in the park for the Saints offense against a Raiders defense that was ranked 10th in the league last season against the pass especially when playing in a hostile enviroment. The Raiders defense allowed just 10 points at home against the Cowboys and they also held the 49ers to just 3 points on the road until the 4th quarter this preseason. Grab the points with the Oakland Raiders as my NFL Bonus Play for Saturday.
NFL | Aug 29
New Orleans Saints vs. Oakland Raiders
Oakland Raiders +2½+105
1* Take the Oakland Raiders ATS, Oakland is one of the toughest places in the NFL to play and even though this is just a preseason game you better believe the Raiders want to get the win more than the Saints at home Saturday. Javon Walker is expected to play against the Saints and his knee is 100% after having off-season knee surgery in a foreign country. The Raiders have looked good this preseason although these games are meaningless their defense has played solid. I look for the Raiders offense to have a big game at home against the Saints defense that was ranked 23rd in the league last season. This will not be a walk in the park for the Saints offense against a Raiders defense that was ranked 10th in the league last season against the pass especially when playing in a hostile enviroment. The Raiders defense allowed just 10 points at home against the Cowboys and they also held the 49ers to just 3 points on the road until the 4th quarter this preseason. Grab the points with the Oakland Raiders as my NFL Bonus Play for Saturday.
