Rob Vinciletti
MLB | Jun 08
Minnesota Twins vs. Oakland Athletics:
Total 8 un-110
On Monday the Bonus Play is on the Under in the Oakland-Minnesota game.Rotation numbers 965/66 at 10:05 eastern.Oakland has gone under in 5 of 6 games as a home favorite in this range,while the Twins have gone under in 16 of their 22 road games,including 5 of 7 as a road dog in this range.Both teams have excellent home to road bullpens.In this series 11 of the last 17 have gone under the total.The A/S send J.Outman to the hill on Monday and he has been solid in his home starts and even better in his last 3.Outman is pitching to a 2.57 era over his last few starts, all of them staying under the total.He will be aided by a Twins offense that has been anemic in the past 7 games averaging just 3.2 runs per game.The Twins will send A.Swarzak to the mound and he will look to get back to the form he had in his first 2 starts.On Monday I have a solid card backed by a big 27-3 angle play in bases,as well as a play in game 6 of the Stanley cup finals.For the Bonus Play go under the total in the Oakland-Minnesota game bol RV
MLB | Jun 08
Minnesota Twins vs. Oakland Athletics:
Total 8 un-110
On Monday the Bonus Play is on the Under in the Oakland-Minnesota game.Rotation numbers 965/66 at 10:05 eastern.Oakland has gone under in 5 of 6 games as a home favorite in this range,while the Twins have gone under in 16 of their 22 road games,including 5 of 7 as a road dog in this range.Both teams have excellent home to road bullpens.In this series 11 of the last 17 have gone under the total.The A/S send J.Outman to the hill on Monday and he has been solid in his home starts and even better in his last 3.Outman is pitching to a 2.57 era over his last few starts, all of them staying under the total.He will be aided by a Twins offense that has been anemic in the past 7 games averaging just 3.2 runs per game.The Twins will send A.Swarzak to the mound and he will look to get back to the form he had in his first 2 starts.On Monday I have a solid card backed by a big 27-3 angle play in bases,as well as a play in game 6 of the Stanley cup finals.For the Bonus Play go under the total in the Oakland-Minnesota game bol RV
Monday's Tip Sheet
By Brad Young
Monday’s Major League Baseball schedule features just nine games, including a day-night doubleheader between American League Central rivals Detroit and Chicago. That nightcap will feature the return of the Tigers’ Jeremy Bonderman, who is making his first start of the season after rehabbing with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.
Here’s a closer look at four of Monday’s key contests.
**Pirates (Duke) at Braves (Kawakami)**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Atlanta as a $1.40 home ‘chalk’ over Pittsburgh, with the total set at 8 ½ ‘under’ (minus $1.15). This National League affair is slated to start at 7:10 p.m. ET.
-Pittsburgh’s Zach Duke (6-4, 2.62 ERA) beat New York Tuesday as a $1.40 home underdog, 3-1. The left-hander tossed seven innings, yielding the lone run on eight hits with a walk and no strikeouts.
-The combined four runs failed to eclipse the 7 ½-run closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 6-1 his last seven starts.
-Duke, a five-year veteran, fell to the Braves April 19 as a home ‘pick,’ 11-1. The 26-year-old was reached for six runs on 12 hits (one home run) with no walks and two strikeouts over six innings. The combined 12 runs went ‘over’ the eight-run closing total.
-Atlanta right-hander Kenshin Kawakami (3-6, 4.63 ERA) recorded a no-decision in Tuesday’s effort against Chicago. The rookie hurler went seven innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits (one home run) with a walk and two strikeouts.
-The Braves eventually prevailed as a $1.15 home favorite, 6-5, while the combined 11 runs eclipsed the nine-run closing total. The ‘over’ is 3-1 his past four performances.
-The Japanese native has never started against the Pirates in his brief major league career.
**Diamondbacks (Garland) at Padres (Peavy)**
-LVSC installed San Diego as a $1.65 home favorite over Arizona, with the total listed at seven. This NL West matchup is scheduled to begin at 10:05 p.m. ET.
-Arizona hurler Jon Garland (4-5, 5.34 ERA) is currently mired in a three-game losing skid after Wednesday’s setback to Los Angeles as a $1.80 road underdog, 1-0. The veteran right-hander lasted six innings, allowing the lone run on four hits with three walks and six strikeouts.
-The lone run never seriously threatened the eight-run closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 2-1 his past three starts.
-Garland beat the Padres May 6 as a $1.60 road underdog, 3-1. The 29-year-old tossed seven scoreless innings on three hits with three walks and two strikeouts. The combined four runs went ‘under’ the seven-run closing total.
-San Diego pitcher Jake Peavy (5-6, 4.10 ERA) heads to the hill trying to get back on the winning track. The 28-year-old was riding a modest three-game winning streak before falling to Philadelphia Tuesday as a $1.60 home ‘chalk,’ 10-5. The righty lasted just one inning, surrendering four runs on three hits with two walks and no strikeouts.
-The combined 15 runs soared ‘over’ the 7 ½-run closing total, enabling the ‘over’ to cash his second straight start.
-Peavy is 1-1 against the D’backs this season in two starts, going a combined 13 1/3 innings while yielding six runs on 12 hits (one home run) with four walks and 17 strikeouts. The Padres prevailed as a $1.52 road favorite, 8-5, while losing as a $1.70 home ‘chalk,’ 3-1.
**Rays (Sonnanstine) at Yankees (Pettitte)**
-LVSC lists New York as a $1.50 home ‘chalk’ over Tampa Bay, with the total set at 11 ‘under’ (minus $1.20). This American League East contest is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Tampa Bay hurler Andy Sonnanstine (4-5, 7.07 ERA) improved to 3-1 his past four starts after upending Kansas City Tuesday as a $1.60 home favorite, 6-2. The Kent State product was reached for two runs on six hits (two home runs) with no walks and three strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings.
-The combined eight runs went ‘under’ the 9 ½-run closing total, ending four consecutive ‘over’ outings.
-Sonnanstine has two no decisions against the Yankees this season, going a combined 12 1/3 innings while surrendering four runs on 10 hits (one home run) with a walk and seven strikeouts. The Rays won as a $1.50 road underdog, 4-3, while losing as a home ‘pick,’ 4-3. The ‘under’ prevailed in both games.
-New York southpaw Andy Pettitte (5-2, 4.33 ERA) was upended by Texas Wednesday as a $1.75 home favorite, 4-2. The Louisiana native went five innings, yielding four runs on seven hits with six walks and six strikeouts.
-The combined six runs failed to topple the 11-run closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to cash his third straight start.
-Pettitte also has a pair of no decisions against the Rays this season, tossing a combined 13 1/3 innings while allowing eight runs on 15 hits (five home runs) with two walks and nine strikeouts. The Yankees prevailed as a road ‘pick,’ 4-3, while losing as a $1.57 home ‘chalk,’ 8-6.
**Tigers (Bonderman) at White Sox (Contreras)**
-LVSC opened Detroit as a $1.15 road favorite over Chicago, with the total set at 10 ‘under’ (minus $1.20). This AL game is slated to start at 8:10 p.m. ET. This is the second-game of a scheduled day-night doubleheader with the White Sox.
-Detroit’s Jeremy Bonderman is getting his first start of the season after rehabbing at Triple-A Toledo. The veteran right-hander is recovering from right shoulder soreness after last summer’s arm surgery.
-His latest effort resulted in a 98-pitch effort Tuesday against Charlotte over eight innings, allowing no runs on six hits with no walks and five strikeouts.
-Bonderman, in the league since 2003, has not started against the White Sox the past few years.
-Chicago counters with Clayton Richard (2-1, 3.77 ERA), hoping the southpaw can rebound from Wednesday’s setback to Oakland as a $1.35 home ‘chalk,’ 5-3. The former Michigan Wolverine was tagged for five runs on seven hits (three home runs) with four walks and four strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings.
-The combined eight runs slithered ‘under’ the 8 ½-run closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 3-1 his past four starts.
-Richard, a two-year veteran, has never started against the Tigers in his brief major league career.
vegasinsider
By Brad Young
Monday’s Major League Baseball schedule features just nine games, including a day-night doubleheader between American League Central rivals Detroit and Chicago. That nightcap will feature the return of the Tigers’ Jeremy Bonderman, who is making his first start of the season after rehabbing with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.
Here’s a closer look at four of Monday’s key contests.
**Pirates (Duke) at Braves (Kawakami)**
-Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Atlanta as a $1.40 home ‘chalk’ over Pittsburgh, with the total set at 8 ½ ‘under’ (minus $1.15). This National League affair is slated to start at 7:10 p.m. ET.
-Pittsburgh’s Zach Duke (6-4, 2.62 ERA) beat New York Tuesday as a $1.40 home underdog, 3-1. The left-hander tossed seven innings, yielding the lone run on eight hits with a walk and no strikeouts.
-The combined four runs failed to eclipse the 7 ½-run closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 6-1 his last seven starts.
-Duke, a five-year veteran, fell to the Braves April 19 as a home ‘pick,’ 11-1. The 26-year-old was reached for six runs on 12 hits (one home run) with no walks and two strikeouts over six innings. The combined 12 runs went ‘over’ the eight-run closing total.
-Atlanta right-hander Kenshin Kawakami (3-6, 4.63 ERA) recorded a no-decision in Tuesday’s effort against Chicago. The rookie hurler went seven innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits (one home run) with a walk and two strikeouts.
-The Braves eventually prevailed as a $1.15 home favorite, 6-5, while the combined 11 runs eclipsed the nine-run closing total. The ‘over’ is 3-1 his past four performances.
-The Japanese native has never started against the Pirates in his brief major league career.
**Diamondbacks (Garland) at Padres (Peavy)**
-LVSC installed San Diego as a $1.65 home favorite over Arizona, with the total listed at seven. This NL West matchup is scheduled to begin at 10:05 p.m. ET.
-Arizona hurler Jon Garland (4-5, 5.34 ERA) is currently mired in a three-game losing skid after Wednesday’s setback to Los Angeles as a $1.80 road underdog, 1-0. The veteran right-hander lasted six innings, allowing the lone run on four hits with three walks and six strikeouts.
-The lone run never seriously threatened the eight-run closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 2-1 his past three starts.
-Garland beat the Padres May 6 as a $1.60 road underdog, 3-1. The 29-year-old tossed seven scoreless innings on three hits with three walks and two strikeouts. The combined four runs went ‘under’ the seven-run closing total.
-San Diego pitcher Jake Peavy (5-6, 4.10 ERA) heads to the hill trying to get back on the winning track. The 28-year-old was riding a modest three-game winning streak before falling to Philadelphia Tuesday as a $1.60 home ‘chalk,’ 10-5. The righty lasted just one inning, surrendering four runs on three hits with two walks and no strikeouts.
-The combined 15 runs soared ‘over’ the 7 ½-run closing total, enabling the ‘over’ to cash his second straight start.
-Peavy is 1-1 against the D’backs this season in two starts, going a combined 13 1/3 innings while yielding six runs on 12 hits (one home run) with four walks and 17 strikeouts. The Padres prevailed as a $1.52 road favorite, 8-5, while losing as a $1.70 home ‘chalk,’ 3-1.
**Rays (Sonnanstine) at Yankees (Pettitte)**
-LVSC lists New York as a $1.50 home ‘chalk’ over Tampa Bay, with the total set at 11 ‘under’ (minus $1.20). This American League East contest is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. ET.
-Tampa Bay hurler Andy Sonnanstine (4-5, 7.07 ERA) improved to 3-1 his past four starts after upending Kansas City Tuesday as a $1.60 home favorite, 6-2. The Kent State product was reached for two runs on six hits (two home runs) with no walks and three strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings.
-The combined eight runs went ‘under’ the 9 ½-run closing total, ending four consecutive ‘over’ outings.
-Sonnanstine has two no decisions against the Yankees this season, going a combined 12 1/3 innings while surrendering four runs on 10 hits (one home run) with a walk and seven strikeouts. The Rays won as a $1.50 road underdog, 4-3, while losing as a home ‘pick,’ 4-3. The ‘under’ prevailed in both games.
-New York southpaw Andy Pettitte (5-2, 4.33 ERA) was upended by Texas Wednesday as a $1.75 home favorite, 4-2. The Louisiana native went five innings, yielding four runs on seven hits with six walks and six strikeouts.
-The combined six runs failed to topple the 11-run closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to cash his third straight start.
-Pettitte also has a pair of no decisions against the Rays this season, tossing a combined 13 1/3 innings while allowing eight runs on 15 hits (five home runs) with two walks and nine strikeouts. The Yankees prevailed as a road ‘pick,’ 4-3, while losing as a $1.57 home ‘chalk,’ 8-6.
**Tigers (Bonderman) at White Sox (Contreras)**
-LVSC opened Detroit as a $1.15 road favorite over Chicago, with the total set at 10 ‘under’ (minus $1.20). This AL game is slated to start at 8:10 p.m. ET. This is the second-game of a scheduled day-night doubleheader with the White Sox.
-Detroit’s Jeremy Bonderman is getting his first start of the season after rehabbing at Triple-A Toledo. The veteran right-hander is recovering from right shoulder soreness after last summer’s arm surgery.
-His latest effort resulted in a 98-pitch effort Tuesday against Charlotte over eight innings, allowing no runs on six hits with no walks and five strikeouts.
-Bonderman, in the league since 2003, has not started against the White Sox the past few years.
-Chicago counters with Clayton Richard (2-1, 3.77 ERA), hoping the southpaw can rebound from Wednesday’s setback to Oakland as a $1.35 home ‘chalk,’ 5-3. The former Michigan Wolverine was tagged for five runs on seven hits (three home runs) with four walks and four strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings.
-The combined eight runs slithered ‘under’ the 8 ½-run closing total, helping the ‘under’ improve to 3-1 his past four starts.
-Richard, a two-year veteran, has never started against the Tigers in his brief major league career.
vegasinsider
Handicapping Fenway Park
By CHRIS BERNUCCA
There is no ballpark in baseball with more character than Boston's Fenway Park - or should we say Fenway Paahk.
With the imposing "Green Monster" in left field, "Pesky's Pole" in right field, limited foul territory, and nooks and crannies everywhere, the 97-year-old facility has always been a hitter's haven.
However, a sea of change may be taking place at the home of the Boston Red Sox. And it appears to be directly correlative to a player who no longer calls Fenway home - Manny Ramirez.
Since 2003, Fenway Park has been among baseball's top 10 offensive parks in every season except 2005 and 2006, when it was 12th and 13th, respectively, and still was statistically regarded as a venue that favored the hitter, according to ESPN.com’s Park Factor stats. So it should come as no surprise that the Red Sox have played higher-scoring games at home than on the road during that time.
The discrepancies have ranged from 0.15 runs in 2004 - when games involving Boston averaged 9.44 runs at home and 9.29 runs on the road - to an eye-popping 0.62 runs this season (9.68 home/9.06 road).
That offense has impacted Boston's totals, particularly at home. In the four seasons prior to 2003, the over at Fenway Park was just 127-180-17, clicking at 41 percent. It may have been hard to go low at such a cozy ballpark, but for a long time it was the proper play as the over was at least eight games under break-even every year.
However, in a five-year stretch starting in 2003, the over trend at Fenway did a complete flip-flop. The over was at least break-even in each year and was a sterling 222-166-17 overall, cashing at nearly 57 percent.
In 2003 and 2004, the over was 99-57-6 in games at Fenway Park. Even with oddsmakers adjusting for an obvious trend, the park continued to reward the over bettor for the next three seasons.
The abrupt change from 2002 to 2003 can be directly pegged to the arrival of David Ortiz and his insertion behind Ramirez in the middle of Boston's lineup.
Many felt the pairing was the best 1-2 power punch in the game, and the numbers proved it. From 2002 to 2003, the total in games involving Boston jumped 0.44 runs on the road and 0.50 runs at Fenway.
It is impossible to argue with Boston's success from 2003-07. The Red Sox reached the postseason four times and won two championships. And as noted above, they continued to provide a return for bettors playing the over at Fenway.
Although the Red Sox scored wherever they played, there was an incremental transition in their over/under performance on the road during that stretch. In 2003, the over in Boston's road games was 47-33-1; by 2007, that trend had flip-flopped to 32-48-1.
That dynamic could be attributed to oddsmakers adjusting to the offense of the Red Sox. The average totals in Boston's road games also dropped from 9.71 runs in 2005 to 9.31 runs in 2007.
But the most dramatic change took place in 2008, when Ramirez played just 100 games with Boston before being traded to Los Angeles and Ortiz was limited to 109 games due to injury.
Boston's totals dropped from 9.31 runs to 9.02 runs in road games and from 9.82 runs to 9.46 runs in contests at Fenway. The Red Sox were still scoring more runs at home than they did on the road - just not as much.
Even more startling was the change for total bettors. After five years at a clip of 57 percent, the over in games at Fenway Park was 35-41-4 in 2008, the first time it was less than break-even since 2002. Not coincidentally, that was the last year prior to the pairing of Ramirez and Ortiz.
Much has been made of Ortiz's struggles this season. He is batting just .197 with two homers while striking out better than once every four at-bats. There have been a number of assumptions, from a lingering wrist injury to his eyesight to the absence of Ramirez.
Ortiz's slump has not impacted Boston's ability to put runs on the board at Fenway, where totals are averaging 9.68 runs in 24 games this season. But the over is a mere 12-11-1, and after a year-plus of struggling to top the total, there appears to be a shift back toward the under.
By CHRIS BERNUCCA
There is no ballpark in baseball with more character than Boston's Fenway Park - or should we say Fenway Paahk.
With the imposing "Green Monster" in left field, "Pesky's Pole" in right field, limited foul territory, and nooks and crannies everywhere, the 97-year-old facility has always been a hitter's haven.
However, a sea of change may be taking place at the home of the Boston Red Sox. And it appears to be directly correlative to a player who no longer calls Fenway home - Manny Ramirez.
Since 2003, Fenway Park has been among baseball's top 10 offensive parks in every season except 2005 and 2006, when it was 12th and 13th, respectively, and still was statistically regarded as a venue that favored the hitter, according to ESPN.com’s Park Factor stats. So it should come as no surprise that the Red Sox have played higher-scoring games at home than on the road during that time.
The discrepancies have ranged from 0.15 runs in 2004 - when games involving Boston averaged 9.44 runs at home and 9.29 runs on the road - to an eye-popping 0.62 runs this season (9.68 home/9.06 road).
That offense has impacted Boston's totals, particularly at home. In the four seasons prior to 2003, the over at Fenway Park was just 127-180-17, clicking at 41 percent. It may have been hard to go low at such a cozy ballpark, but for a long time it was the proper play as the over was at least eight games under break-even every year.
However, in a five-year stretch starting in 2003, the over trend at Fenway did a complete flip-flop. The over was at least break-even in each year and was a sterling 222-166-17 overall, cashing at nearly 57 percent.
In 2003 and 2004, the over was 99-57-6 in games at Fenway Park. Even with oddsmakers adjusting for an obvious trend, the park continued to reward the over bettor for the next three seasons.
The abrupt change from 2002 to 2003 can be directly pegged to the arrival of David Ortiz and his insertion behind Ramirez in the middle of Boston's lineup.
Many felt the pairing was the best 1-2 power punch in the game, and the numbers proved it. From 2002 to 2003, the total in games involving Boston jumped 0.44 runs on the road and 0.50 runs at Fenway.
It is impossible to argue with Boston's success from 2003-07. The Red Sox reached the postseason four times and won two championships. And as noted above, they continued to provide a return for bettors playing the over at Fenway.
Although the Red Sox scored wherever they played, there was an incremental transition in their over/under performance on the road during that stretch. In 2003, the over in Boston's road games was 47-33-1; by 2007, that trend had flip-flopped to 32-48-1.
That dynamic could be attributed to oddsmakers adjusting to the offense of the Red Sox. The average totals in Boston's road games also dropped from 9.71 runs in 2005 to 9.31 runs in 2007.
But the most dramatic change took place in 2008, when Ramirez played just 100 games with Boston before being traded to Los Angeles and Ortiz was limited to 109 games due to injury.
Boston's totals dropped from 9.31 runs to 9.02 runs in road games and from 9.82 runs to 9.46 runs in contests at Fenway. The Red Sox were still scoring more runs at home than they did on the road - just not as much.
Even more startling was the change for total bettors. After five years at a clip of 57 percent, the over in games at Fenway Park was 35-41-4 in 2008, the first time it was less than break-even since 2002. Not coincidentally, that was the last year prior to the pairing of Ramirez and Ortiz.
Much has been made of Ortiz's struggles this season. He is batting just .197 with two homers while striking out better than once every four at-bats. There have been a number of assumptions, from a lingering wrist injury to his eyesight to the absence of Ramirez.
Ortiz's slump has not impacted Boston's ability to put runs on the board at Fenway, where totals are averaging 9.68 runs in 24 games this season. But the over is a mere 12-11-1, and after a year-plus of struggling to top the total, there appears to be a shift back toward the under.
Chris Jordan Bonus Play
Nice little start to this series between AL Central rivals, as they play doubleheader. We’re going to play the second game of the doubleheader Over the posted number, as they should be nice and warmed up for the nightcap.
Chicago will be teeing off on Detroit’s Jeremy Bonderman, who makes his first start since June 1 of last year, as spent the down time on the disabled list following surgery to correct a blood clot. He’s made four rehab starts, and according to reports out of Motown, the right-hander’s velocity hasn't returned to where it was prior to the injury, as his fastball is topping out at 90; it once hit 95. That being said, a White Sox team that will have had nine innings of pitches to look at will have Bonderman scouted perfectly, and should expect plenty changeup, something he’s not used to dominating his repertoire. When you’re expecting to see a lot of changes, it helps out a lot.
On the other hand, Detroit should be able to keep pace against right-hander Jose Contreras, who is 05 with an 8.19 ERA on the year. He makes his return to the White Sox rotation after being optioned to Triple-A Charlotte last month after he declined to come out of the bullpen. Though the demotion was considered a success, this is an entirely different ball game, and I see him struggling to keep the pill in the ball park in his first start back. Play this one high.
1? OVER (LIST BONDERMAN/CONTRERAS)
Nice little start to this series between AL Central rivals, as they play doubleheader. We’re going to play the second game of the doubleheader Over the posted number, as they should be nice and warmed up for the nightcap.
Chicago will be teeing off on Detroit’s Jeremy Bonderman, who makes his first start since June 1 of last year, as spent the down time on the disabled list following surgery to correct a blood clot. He’s made four rehab starts, and according to reports out of Motown, the right-hander’s velocity hasn't returned to where it was prior to the injury, as his fastball is topping out at 90; it once hit 95. That being said, a White Sox team that will have had nine innings of pitches to look at will have Bonderman scouted perfectly, and should expect plenty changeup, something he’s not used to dominating his repertoire. When you’re expecting to see a lot of changes, it helps out a lot.
On the other hand, Detroit should be able to keep pace against right-hander Jose Contreras, who is 05 with an 8.19 ERA on the year. He makes his return to the White Sox rotation after being optioned to Triple-A Charlotte last month after he declined to come out of the bullpen. Though the demotion was considered a success, this is an entirely different ball game, and I see him struggling to keep the pill in the ball park in his first start back. Play this one high.
1? OVER (LIST BONDERMAN/CONTRERAS)
Bobby Maxwell Bonus Play
Improved to 7-2 with our last nine FREE selections on Sunday when the Phillies got the job done in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. Tonight we'll improve on that record as we go with the Rangers at home against the Blue Jays.
Texas returns home off a winning weekend at Fenway Park in Boston where they took two of three from the Red Sox and they get to face a team that has lost nine straight on the road. Easy call here, don't worry about the chalk and play the Rangers.
Toronto scored a 4-0 win on Sunday but they are tough as long as Roy Halladay is pitching. Anybody else on the hill and they are suspect. Tonight it's Casey Janssen (1-2, 5.82 ERA) going for the Blue Jays and he's making just his fourth start of the season. he's allowed three runs or more in each of the first three, including Wednesday when the Angels got him for five runs on seven hits in four innings of an 8-1 loss.
Toronto is just 1-6 in Janssen's last seven starts overall and 0-5 in his last five against A.L. West opposition.
On the other side it's Scott Feldman (5-0, 3.79) getting the start for the Rangers and they have won all but one of his outings this year, including six straight. He's held the opponents to three runs or less in all eight of his starts and on Wednesday he held the Yankees to two runs on five hits in 6.1 innings of a 4-2 victory.
This is really a no-brainer tonight. We're going to play the Rangers at home and it should be a laugher when all is said and done.
2? TEXAS
Improved to 7-2 with our last nine FREE selections on Sunday when the Phillies got the job done in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. Tonight we'll improve on that record as we go with the Rangers at home against the Blue Jays.
Texas returns home off a winning weekend at Fenway Park in Boston where they took two of three from the Red Sox and they get to face a team that has lost nine straight on the road. Easy call here, don't worry about the chalk and play the Rangers.
Toronto scored a 4-0 win on Sunday but they are tough as long as Roy Halladay is pitching. Anybody else on the hill and they are suspect. Tonight it's Casey Janssen (1-2, 5.82 ERA) going for the Blue Jays and he's making just his fourth start of the season. he's allowed three runs or more in each of the first three, including Wednesday when the Angels got him for five runs on seven hits in four innings of an 8-1 loss.
Toronto is just 1-6 in Janssen's last seven starts overall and 0-5 in his last five against A.L. West opposition.
On the other side it's Scott Feldman (5-0, 3.79) getting the start for the Rangers and they have won all but one of his outings this year, including six straight. He's held the opponents to three runs or less in all eight of his starts and on Wednesday he held the Yankees to two runs on five hits in 6.1 innings of a 4-2 victory.
This is really a no-brainer tonight. We're going to play the Rangers at home and it should be a laugher when all is said and done.
2? TEXAS
Scott Spreitzer
San Francisco Giants at Florida Marlins
I'm laying the price with the Marlins on Monday. This looks like a classic throw-away game for the Giants. They didn’t even know who was going to pitch for them as of late Sunday! The team has to travel after the game for a road divisional series against Arizona that begins Tuesday. I’ve seen this time and time again over the years. Whenever a West Coast team is about to leave the East Coast for a divisional game, they will often go through the motions. This may be one of the lowest priority game for the Giants this season! Florida stays at home to play St. Louis Tuesday, and will bring their usual intensity. Young Sean West has pitched well so far (3.31 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in three starts). He’s looking for his first career win. I think he’ll get it tonight against a visiting team that’s been poor on the road anyway, and has every reason to "get out of Dodge" quickly this evening to get ready for a divisional series. Big motivational edges for an affordable home favorite. The Marlins minus the price is the play.
Play on: Florida
San Francisco Giants at Florida Marlins
I'm laying the price with the Marlins on Monday. This looks like a classic throw-away game for the Giants. They didn’t even know who was going to pitch for them as of late Sunday! The team has to travel after the game for a road divisional series against Arizona that begins Tuesday. I’ve seen this time and time again over the years. Whenever a West Coast team is about to leave the East Coast for a divisional game, they will often go through the motions. This may be one of the lowest priority game for the Giants this season! Florida stays at home to play St. Louis Tuesday, and will bring their usual intensity. Young Sean West has pitched well so far (3.31 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in three starts). He’s looking for his first career win. I think he’ll get it tonight against a visiting team that’s been poor on the road anyway, and has every reason to "get out of Dodge" quickly this evening to get ready for a divisional series. Big motivational edges for an affordable home favorite. The Marlins minus the price is the play.
Play on: Florida
Jimmy The Moose
Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers
Play: Under
The under is 4-1 in the Jays last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter. In their last 8 games as a road dog the under is 6-2. Toronto has played the under in 5 of their last 7 road games. The under is 0-2 in Janssen's starts this season. The under is 4-1-1 in the Rangers last 6 home games. In their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning record the under is 10-3-1. The under is 20-7-1 in their last 28 overall. The under is 5-0 in Feldman's last 5 home starts. All 8 of his starts this season have played under the total. Play the under.
Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers
Play: Under
The under is 4-1 in the Jays last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter. In their last 8 games as a road dog the under is 6-2. Toronto has played the under in 5 of their last 7 road games. The under is 0-2 in Janssen's starts this season. The under is 4-1-1 in the Rangers last 6 home games. In their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning record the under is 10-3-1. The under is 20-7-1 in their last 28 overall. The under is 5-0 in Feldman's last 5 home starts. All 8 of his starts this season have played under the total. Play the under.
Jr Tips
MINNESOTA vs. OAKLAND
Excellent starting pitching has helped pace the Oakland Athletics during their longest winning streak of the season and rookie Josh Outman hopes to continue that success tonight as the A's look for a seventh straight victory at home against the Minnesota Twins. Oakland (25-30) faces Minnesota (28-30) for the first time this season after the teams split 10 games in 2008, with the A's going 4-3 at home.The Twins look to avoid a third straight loss after falling 4-2 at Seattle on Sunday. Minnesota, which is 7-18 away from home, allowed seven runs in their last series, but only scored five. The Twins went 2 for 24 with runners in scoring position and are not hitting with men on base. Anthony Swarzak (1-2, 4.76) makes his fourth career start for the Twins after not allowing a run in his first 11 major league innings, but the right-hander has given up nine over his last six. Swarzak was tagged for six runs and nine hits in four innings of a 10-1 loss to Cleveland on Wednesday. The A's are the hot team right now in the AL and their stellar stating pitcher should continue tonight against this Twins struggling offense.
TAKE OAKLAND-130
MINNESOTA vs. OAKLAND
Excellent starting pitching has helped pace the Oakland Athletics during their longest winning streak of the season and rookie Josh Outman hopes to continue that success tonight as the A's look for a seventh straight victory at home against the Minnesota Twins. Oakland (25-30) faces Minnesota (28-30) for the first time this season after the teams split 10 games in 2008, with the A's going 4-3 at home.The Twins look to avoid a third straight loss after falling 4-2 at Seattle on Sunday. Minnesota, which is 7-18 away from home, allowed seven runs in their last series, but only scored five. The Twins went 2 for 24 with runners in scoring position and are not hitting with men on base. Anthony Swarzak (1-2, 4.76) makes his fourth career start for the Twins after not allowing a run in his first 11 major league innings, but the right-hander has given up nine over his last six. Swarzak was tagged for six runs and nine hits in four innings of a 10-1 loss to Cleveland on Wednesday. The A's are the hot team right now in the AL and their stellar stating pitcher should continue tonight against this Twins struggling offense.
TAKE OAKLAND-130
Scott Rickenbach
Chicago White Sox vs Detroit (GAME ONE)
Play Under
The Tigers Armando Galarraga appears as if he might be back on track. He's last seven innings and allowed just three earned runs in each of his last two starts. His 5.11 ERA in his career outings against the White Sox is a little deceiving as he's held them to a .217 BAA. Also, the White Sox just aren't hitting at all right now. Chicago is hitting just .189 so far on this homestand and they've been outscored 35 to 17 in losing five of their last seven. The White Sox lineup is heavy on right-handed lumber and that is significant here as Galarraga has held right-handed hitters to a .198 BAA in his career. Also, the Tigers right-hander has a .215 BAA in his career appearances on the road. In day games he's a sparkling 9-2 with a 2.76 ERA and he's been hit at a miniscule .217 clip under the sun.
Combining these solid factors favoring Galarraga as well as the current struggles of the White Sox at the plate, you can see why we're not expecting much from the Chicago offense here in Game One. However, the Tigers aren't likely to score much either and that's why our recommended opinion here is the under. Yes, Detroit's bats finally woke up yesterday but the Tigers had previously scored just 2.67 runs per game in their last 9 games! This afternoon they'll be facing Clayton Richard of the White Sox. The Chicago southpaw is coming off of a rough start versus Oakland but look at his three prior starts. During his hot stretch, Richard allowed just three earned runs and only 12 hits in 20 innings of dazzling work! He'll be right back on form today after being hurt by the long ball against the A's in his last start. The Tigers have only seen Richard once and it was for just a third of an innings so, in their first real look at the talented southpaw it should be a struggle for the Detroit sticks. Consider a small play on UNDER the total in Game One of the DET/CWS double-header on Monday.
Chicago White Sox vs Detroit (GAME ONE)
Play Under
The Tigers Armando Galarraga appears as if he might be back on track. He's last seven innings and allowed just three earned runs in each of his last two starts. His 5.11 ERA in his career outings against the White Sox is a little deceiving as he's held them to a .217 BAA. Also, the White Sox just aren't hitting at all right now. Chicago is hitting just .189 so far on this homestand and they've been outscored 35 to 17 in losing five of their last seven. The White Sox lineup is heavy on right-handed lumber and that is significant here as Galarraga has held right-handed hitters to a .198 BAA in his career. Also, the Tigers right-hander has a .215 BAA in his career appearances on the road. In day games he's a sparkling 9-2 with a 2.76 ERA and he's been hit at a miniscule .217 clip under the sun.
Combining these solid factors favoring Galarraga as well as the current struggles of the White Sox at the plate, you can see why we're not expecting much from the Chicago offense here in Game One. However, the Tigers aren't likely to score much either and that's why our recommended opinion here is the under. Yes, Detroit's bats finally woke up yesterday but the Tigers had previously scored just 2.67 runs per game in their last 9 games! This afternoon they'll be facing Clayton Richard of the White Sox. The Chicago southpaw is coming off of a rough start versus Oakland but look at his three prior starts. During his hot stretch, Richard allowed just three earned runs and only 12 hits in 20 innings of dazzling work! He'll be right back on form today after being hurt by the long ball against the A's in his last start. The Tigers have only seen Richard once and it was for just a third of an innings so, in their first real look at the talented southpaw it should be a struggle for the Detroit sticks. Consider a small play on UNDER the total in Game One of the DET/CWS double-header on Monday.
Sports Gambling Hotline
Minnesota at OAKLAND -130
Tonight we back the streaking A's to open with a win over the Twins.
Oakland's winning streak is now at 6 in a row, and they have moved over .500 at home at 14-13 for the season.
Josh Outman is a perfect 3-0 for the year, and his ERA is a respectable 3.14.
His counterpart Anthony Swarzak has been drilled his last 2 starts, allowing 9 runs over his last 10 innings of work for an 0-2 mark.
Minnesota dropped their last pair of games at Safeco Field, and they are now just 7-18 away from home. The Twins are also 4-6 the last 2 seasons at Oakland.
Play on the A's to make it 7 in a row.
3♦ OAKLAND
Minnesota at OAKLAND -130
Tonight we back the streaking A's to open with a win over the Twins.
Oakland's winning streak is now at 6 in a row, and they have moved over .500 at home at 14-13 for the season.
Josh Outman is a perfect 3-0 for the year, and his ERA is a respectable 3.14.
His counterpart Anthony Swarzak has been drilled his last 2 starts, allowing 9 runs over his last 10 innings of work for an 0-2 mark.
Minnesota dropped their last pair of games at Safeco Field, and they are now just 7-18 away from home. The Twins are also 4-6 the last 2 seasons at Oakland.
Play on the A's to make it 7 in a row.
3♦ OAKLAND
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on NY Yankees -156
I'll back the Yankees at home tonight to pick up the series win against the Rays. This play is a fade on the Rays' Andy Sonnanstine, who is 1-5 on the road with an ERA of 9.00 this season. Pettitte has shown that he still has some life in his arm as the Yankees are 8-3 in his starts this season. Tampa Bay has one of the best offensive lineups in baseball, but it has struggled against southpaw starters this season at just 8-13 against them. In fact, the Rays are 9-21 in their last 30 road games vs. a left-handed starter. It also works against the Rays that Sonnanstine had a good outing last time out as they are 0-6 in his last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Bet the Yankees.
1 Unit on NY Yankees -156
I'll back the Yankees at home tonight to pick up the series win against the Rays. This play is a fade on the Rays' Andy Sonnanstine, who is 1-5 on the road with an ERA of 9.00 this season. Pettitte has shown that he still has some life in his arm as the Yankees are 8-3 in his starts this season. Tampa Bay has one of the best offensive lineups in baseball, but it has struggled against southpaw starters this season at just 8-13 against them. In fact, the Rays are 9-21 in their last 30 road games vs. a left-handed starter. It also works against the Rays that Sonnanstine had a good outing last time out as they are 0-6 in his last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. Bet the Yankees.
Karl Garrett
Toronto at TEXAS -145
American League tonight, and I will lay the home wood with the Rangers who are back home after playing in both New York, and Boston last week.
The Rangers sure look like they are for real, and now they get to take on another contender from the AL East, as the Blue Jays and their 11-17 road record come to Arlington.
Texas has gone 18-9 at home this year, and starter Scott Feldman sports a perfect 5-0 mark coming into this start with a sparkling 2.63 season ERA!
Casey Janssen counters with just a 1-2 ledger, and an ERA close to 6.
G-Man gets the feeling the Texas lumber will do some damage tonight to Janssen, and escalate his ERA a little more.
Take Texas.
2♦ TEXAS
Toronto at TEXAS -145
American League tonight, and I will lay the home wood with the Rangers who are back home after playing in both New York, and Boston last week.
The Rangers sure look like they are for real, and now they get to take on another contender from the AL East, as the Blue Jays and their 11-17 road record come to Arlington.
Texas has gone 18-9 at home this year, and starter Scott Feldman sports a perfect 5-0 mark coming into this start with a sparkling 2.63 season ERA!
Casey Janssen counters with just a 1-2 ledger, and an ERA close to 6.
G-Man gets the feeling the Texas lumber will do some damage tonight to Janssen, and escalate his ERA a little more.
Take Texas.
2♦ TEXAS
Matt Rivers
For Monday take the coin back with the Diamondbacks.
This is far from a great slate making this comp play far from a great play but the way Jon Garland has all of a sudden started pitching why not take back this price on the visitors!?!?!
If Jake Peavy is on then that certainly could spell trouble for what has been an underachieving Arizona club but the Padres truly do not hit a lick besides Adrian Gonzalez and after getting blasted by the Phillies last time out I can see Peavy lose another game today. They did say that the San Diego righthander was sick in that start so who knows if he has suffered from the sickness some more throwing him out of a rhythm? It's certainly worth it here to find out.
Garland looked great in that last start matching Chad Billingsley goosegg for goosegg in the 1-0 loss. When this guy is on he also can be very very good and in this vast ballpark known as PETCO and up against this terrible Padres offense I have to believe that the quality Garland will show up once again.
Runs should be at a premium making this game fairly even and in the end I'll take my chances with this underdog.
For Monday take the coin back with the Diamondbacks.
This is far from a great slate making this comp play far from a great play but the way Jon Garland has all of a sudden started pitching why not take back this price on the visitors!?!?!
If Jake Peavy is on then that certainly could spell trouble for what has been an underachieving Arizona club but the Padres truly do not hit a lick besides Adrian Gonzalez and after getting blasted by the Phillies last time out I can see Peavy lose another game today. They did say that the San Diego righthander was sick in that start so who knows if he has suffered from the sickness some more throwing him out of a rhythm? It's certainly worth it here to find out.
Garland looked great in that last start matching Chad Billingsley goosegg for goosegg in the 1-0 loss. When this guy is on he also can be very very good and in this vast ballpark known as PETCO and up against this terrible Padres offense I have to believe that the quality Garland will show up once again.
Runs should be at a premium making this game fairly even and in the end I'll take my chances with this underdog.
Tony Weston
The Mets cruise to an easy win to give us Comp Play winner No. 6 in a row yesterday. We’re making it 7 straight tonight as we’re taking the Pirates on the road at the Braves.
The Pirates come into tonight’s game having played solid ball lately, having won 4 of their last 6 games overall and having gone 6-1 their last 7 games against the National League East.
The Braves, on the other hand, have had their share of struggles lately, having lost 8 of their last 12 games overall, including 3 of their last 4.
Against Pittsburgh the Braves have lost 2 of 3 this season and going back to last year are just 3-7 against the Pirates. In Atlanta, the Pirates have won 2 of their last 3 and will win another tonight.
Take the Pirates on the road in this one.
3♦ PIRATES
The Mets cruise to an easy win to give us Comp Play winner No. 6 in a row yesterday. We’re making it 7 straight tonight as we’re taking the Pirates on the road at the Braves.
The Pirates come into tonight’s game having played solid ball lately, having won 4 of their last 6 games overall and having gone 6-1 their last 7 games against the National League East.
The Braves, on the other hand, have had their share of struggles lately, having lost 8 of their last 12 games overall, including 3 of their last 4.
Against Pittsburgh the Braves have lost 2 of 3 this season and going back to last year are just 3-7 against the Pirates. In Atlanta, the Pirates have won 2 of their last 3 and will win another tonight.
Take the Pirates on the road in this one.
3♦ PIRATES
VEGAS EXPERTS
Pittsburgh Pirates at Atlanta Braves
Pittsburgh starter Zach Duke has six career starts against the Braves in his career and five of those have gone UNDER the total. The left-hander has been pitching very well this season despite his win/loss record. His ERA on the year is just 2.62 in 79 innings of work. Atlanta rookie Kenshin Kawakami has pitched nearly as good in his last three starts allowing just six earned runs in 20 and 2/3 innings. The Braves are averaging just 3.9 runs per game at home this season. Go with the UNDER here.
Play on: UNDER
Pittsburgh Pirates at Atlanta Braves
Pittsburgh starter Zach Duke has six career starts against the Braves in his career and five of those have gone UNDER the total. The left-hander has been pitching very well this season despite his win/loss record. His ERA on the year is just 2.62 in 79 innings of work. Atlanta rookie Kenshin Kawakami has pitched nearly as good in his last three starts allowing just six earned runs in 20 and 2/3 innings. The Braves are averaging just 3.9 runs per game at home this season. Go with the UNDER here.
Play on: UNDER
