Dave Cokin
Solid Gold Play
Matchup: Colorado at San Francisco
Time: 4:05 PM EDT (Mon)
Listed pitchers must go: (R) JIMENEZ, U vs. (R) LINCECUM, T
Play: Colorado (ML +100)
Talk about a marquee pitching duel! It can't get much better than Ubaldo Jimenez against Tim Lincecum. Obviously, both pitchers are entirely capable of completely shutting down any opponent. But right now Jimenez is the most dominating pitcher in the game, while Lincecum has been a little off his game recently, suffering through some bouts with his control. Beyond that, the idea of getting Jimenez against virtually any opponent at this kind of price is something that cannot be passed up by me, so I'm taking the Rockies to get the money tonight.
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Matchup: Minnesota at Seattle
Time: 10:10 PM EDT (Mon)
Listed pitchers must go: (L) LIRIANO, F vs. (R) FISTER, D
Play: Minnesota (ML -113)
It's Liriano vs. Fister tonight as the Twins open a series in Seattle with the Mariners. The home team comes limping back to Safeco after really letting one get away on Sunday against the beat up Angels. Considering how infrequently the Mariner bats score that many runs, this had to be a very tough pill to swallow. But the fact is that the Mariners bullpen is not really doing a very good job right now, and that could present problems late against a dynamic Minnesota attack. On the flip side, Fransicso Liriano hasn't really cooled off to a great extent. He's simply been facing the iron in AL East lately and shutting down those entries is might tough. But if you look at the Twins southpaw's ledger so far, he's done exceptionally well against the weaker offensive squads, and the Mariners absolutely qualify in that regard. Doug Fister continues to amaze for the M's, but I expect the Twins to touch him up for a few scores tonight, and I'll bank on Liriano to take care of business on his end. Mark me down for the play on the Twins.