John Ryan
Bonus Play
Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies -147
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Philadelphia as they host the Reds set to start at 7:05 EST. The Phils have righted the ship after a horrid June sweeping the Mets over the weekend. Supporting this graded play is a strong system that has posted a 64-25 mark making 37.2 units for 72% winners since 1997. Play on home teams that are good offensive teams scoring >=5.0 runs/game facing a good NL starting pitcher sporting an ERA<=3.70 and after allowing 2 runs or less 2 straight games.
Take the Phils.
Bonus Play
Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies -147
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Philadelphia as they host the Reds set to start at 7:05 EST. The Phils have righted the ship after a horrid June sweeping the Mets over the weekend. Supporting this graded play is a strong system that has posted a 64-25 mark making 37.2 units for 72% winners since 1997. Play on home teams that are good offensive teams scoring >=5.0 runs/game facing a good NL starting pitcher sporting an ERA<=3.70 and after allowing 2 runs or less 2 straight games.
Take the Phils.
Robbie Gainous
Bonus Play
Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers -135
Comerica Park will be the site of a three-game set between the host Detroit Tigers and the visiting Kansas City Royals. Game One is set for Monday night with the first pitch at 7:05PM Eastern Time. Detroit will send right-hander Armando Galarraga to the bump with his 5-7 W/L record and ERA of 5.34 on the season. Galarraga is only 3-3 W/L at home with an ERA of 5.44 but over his last three outings he has received much better results going 2-0 W/L with an ERA of 4.41 and the Tigers have won all three of those games. He will be opposed by Royals right-hander Gil Meche who is 5-12 W/L with an ERA of 4.20 this season. Meche is 3-5 W/L on the highway with an ERA of 2.70 but he has struggled over his last three trips to the hill going 0-3 W/L with an ERA of 9.42. The Royals have found the going tough on the road this season posting a record of 13-22 W/L (-6.7) while their opponent has been solid at home with a record of 23-11 W/L picking up +9.2 units for their backers. Detroit is 8-0 W/L their last 8 at home including 6-0 W/L when installed as a home favorite. When Galarraga takes the hill in the role of a favorite the Tigers are 15-6 W/L and 5-1 W/L when he is a favorite of -110 to -150. Our TPR (Team Performance Ratings) Index projects a Detroit win by 2.2 runs and our Math Model also favors the host and has them winning by almost three runs. So lay the chalk as the Tigers roll past an overmatched Royals team on Monday night at Comerica Park in Detroit.
Graded Selection: 2* Detroit Tigers 4 Kansas City Royals 1
Bonus Play
Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers -135
Comerica Park will be the site of a three-game set between the host Detroit Tigers and the visiting Kansas City Royals. Game One is set for Monday night with the first pitch at 7:05PM Eastern Time. Detroit will send right-hander Armando Galarraga to the bump with his 5-7 W/L record and ERA of 5.34 on the season. Galarraga is only 3-3 W/L at home with an ERA of 5.44 but over his last three outings he has received much better results going 2-0 W/L with an ERA of 4.41 and the Tigers have won all three of those games. He will be opposed by Royals right-hander Gil Meche who is 5-12 W/L with an ERA of 4.20 this season. Meche is 3-5 W/L on the highway with an ERA of 2.70 but he has struggled over his last three trips to the hill going 0-3 W/L with an ERA of 9.42. The Royals have found the going tough on the road this season posting a record of 13-22 W/L (-6.7) while their opponent has been solid at home with a record of 23-11 W/L picking up +9.2 units for their backers. Detroit is 8-0 W/L their last 8 at home including 6-0 W/L when installed as a home favorite. When Galarraga takes the hill in the role of a favorite the Tigers are 15-6 W/L and 5-1 W/L when he is a favorite of -110 to -150. Our TPR (Team Performance Ratings) Index projects a Detroit win by 2.2 runs and our Math Model also favors the host and has them winning by almost three runs. So lay the chalk as the Tigers roll past an overmatched Royals team on Monday night at Comerica Park in Detroit.
Graded Selection: 2* Detroit Tigers 4 Kansas City Royals 1
Bob Harvey
Bonus Play
Texas Rangers vs. LAA Angels
Total 8½ ov-110
It’s the marquee matchup on Monday night as the co-leaders in the AL West square off in Anaheim.
The Rangers coming off a sweep of the Devil Rays send Kevin Millwood to the mound in the series opener. The Angels will counter with Jerod Weaver. Tonight’s two starters have at least two things in common. Both are having outstanding seasons and both were left off the all-start team.
Millwood, the ace of the Texas staff, is 8-5 with a 2.80 ERA. Weaver, who has developed into one of the top pitchers in the league, is 8-3 with a 3.10. I’m guessing that both pitchers will be out to prove the all-star snub was one big flub by Terry Francona. However Weaver has struggled in his last three starts going 1-2 with a WHIP of 1.80 and an ERA of 8.10. The OVER has cashed in each of his last three starts. Millwood over the same stretch is 2-1 with a 3.72 ERA and is 2-1 to the high side.
Tthe Angels have suddenly become an OVER machines. The Halo’s are 6-3-1 to the high side in their last ten games and lead the Majors with a .280 batting average. They’re also among the leaders with a 5.21 runs per game average. For the year they’ve topped the number to the tune of 23-16 at home and 42-34-1 overall.
The Angels bullpen has also been on over players best friend this year. The team’s 4.68 ERA is the fifth-worst in the league as the Halos have yielded at least six runs five times in the past 10 games.
With Texas in town and the Yankeees coming up, this OVER trend should continue. Nine runs or better seems very doable tonight even with Millwood and Weaver duking it out.
Bonus Play
Texas Rangers vs. LAA Angels
Total 8½ ov-110
It’s the marquee matchup on Monday night as the co-leaders in the AL West square off in Anaheim.
The Rangers coming off a sweep of the Devil Rays send Kevin Millwood to the mound in the series opener. The Angels will counter with Jerod Weaver. Tonight’s two starters have at least two things in common. Both are having outstanding seasons and both were left off the all-start team.
Millwood, the ace of the Texas staff, is 8-5 with a 2.80 ERA. Weaver, who has developed into one of the top pitchers in the league, is 8-3 with a 3.10. I’m guessing that both pitchers will be out to prove the all-star snub was one big flub by Terry Francona. However Weaver has struggled in his last three starts going 1-2 with a WHIP of 1.80 and an ERA of 8.10. The OVER has cashed in each of his last three starts. Millwood over the same stretch is 2-1 with a 3.72 ERA and is 2-1 to the high side.
Tthe Angels have suddenly become an OVER machines. The Halo’s are 6-3-1 to the high side in their last ten games and lead the Majors with a .280 batting average. They’re also among the leaders with a 5.21 runs per game average. For the year they’ve topped the number to the tune of 23-16 at home and 42-34-1 overall.
The Angels bullpen has also been on over players best friend this year. The team’s 4.68 ERA is the fifth-worst in the league as the Halos have yielded at least six runs five times in the past 10 games.
With Texas in town and the Yankeees coming up, this OVER trend should continue. Nine runs or better seems very doable tonight even with Millwood and Weaver duking it out.
Black Widow
Widow’s MLB Free Pick for Monday:
Texas Rangers vs. LAA Angels
Texas Rangers +125
Kevin Millwood will take the mound with a chip on his shoulder Monday night. Despite going 8-5 with a 2.80 ERA this season, Millwood failed to get voted into the All-Star game. He is the biggest snub in the American League when it comes to starting pitchers. He’ll take down Jared Weaver who is 1-1 with a putrid 8.64 ERA in his last 3 outings. A big reason for this huge ERA was his last start which came against this same Rangers’ team on July 1st. Weaver gave up 7 earned runs in just over 5 innings as the Angels last 9-7. Texas will put another big number on Weaver Monday while Millwood pitches a gem to earn the victory. The Rangers are 16-6 (+16.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. Texas is now 18-6 in all games with a total set of 7 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. Finally, the Rangers are 8-2 (+7.9 Units) against the money line vs. an AL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.200 or better this season. They can get to any good starting pitcher because of their stacked lineup, just as they did in scoring 7 runs on Weaver just 5 days ago. Take the Rangers on the Money Line.
1* on Texas Rangers +125
(List Millwood)
Widow’s MLB Free Pick for Monday:
Texas Rangers vs. LAA Angels
Texas Rangers +125
Kevin Millwood will take the mound with a chip on his shoulder Monday night. Despite going 8-5 with a 2.80 ERA this season, Millwood failed to get voted into the All-Star game. He is the biggest snub in the American League when it comes to starting pitchers. He’ll take down Jared Weaver who is 1-1 with a putrid 8.64 ERA in his last 3 outings. A big reason for this huge ERA was his last start which came against this same Rangers’ team on July 1st. Weaver gave up 7 earned runs in just over 5 innings as the Angels last 9-7. Texas will put another big number on Weaver Monday while Millwood pitches a gem to earn the victory. The Rangers are 16-6 (+16.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. Texas is now 18-6 in all games with a total set of 7 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. Finally, the Rangers are 8-2 (+7.9 Units) against the money line vs. an AL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.200 or better this season. They can get to any good starting pitcher because of their stacked lineup, just as they did in scoring 7 runs on Weaver just 5 days ago. Take the Rangers on the Money Line.
1* on Texas Rangers +125
(List Millwood)
JR O'Donnell
Bonus Play
Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies -1½+135
Let's look at today's battle @''' CBP'''
We find Cole Hamels has only allowed 5 earned runs in 36 2/3 career innings against the Reds. His record is 4-0 in five stints against Cincy.
Cinnci + 140 is a sucker's line!!!!! and We will line up on the Phils $$$ LINE & RUN LINE
Bonus Play
Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies -1½+135
Let's look at today's battle @''' CBP'''
We find Cole Hamels has only allowed 5 earned runs in 36 2/3 career innings against the Reds. His record is 4-0 in five stints against Cincy.
Cinnci + 140 is a sucker's line!!!!! and We will line up on the Phils $$$ LINE & RUN LINE
LT Profits
Bonus Play
Florida Marlins @ San Francisco Giants o7.5 (-125)
Usually, when a game has a low posted total of 7.5, it is a pitching matchup of two studs. While Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants may fit that billing here, Sean West of the Florida Marlins certainly does not, making the Over virtually an automatic play here at this number.
West is 3-2 with a pedestrian 4.06 ERA overall, and he recent performances have been even worse than that. He has just one Quality Start in his last four outings, putting up a 6.20 ERA with a disgusting 1.90 WHIP over those four starts. He is facing a San Francisco lineup that is actually putting up runs right now, averaging 5.60 runs over the last 10 games, and the Giants are surprising batting .304 vs. left-handed pitching at home over the entire year.
Granted, Cain is 9-2 and is among the league leaders with his 2.48 ERA. However, with this total posted so low, he should not need to give up more than a couple of runs to ensure this game goes Over, given the current form of West. Besides, it is not is if Cain is unable to throw in a clinker now and then, as he did two starts back when he allowed five earned runs in seven innings vs. the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Marlins are also hitting a hearty .299 vs. right handed pitching over the last 10 games, so we see no reason why these teams cannot score at least nine runs combined tonight.
MLB Free Pick: Marlins, Giants Over 7.5 (-125)
Bonus Play
Florida Marlins @ San Francisco Giants o7.5 (-125)
Usually, when a game has a low posted total of 7.5, it is a pitching matchup of two studs. While Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants may fit that billing here, Sean West of the Florida Marlins certainly does not, making the Over virtually an automatic play here at this number.
West is 3-2 with a pedestrian 4.06 ERA overall, and he recent performances have been even worse than that. He has just one Quality Start in his last four outings, putting up a 6.20 ERA with a disgusting 1.90 WHIP over those four starts. He is facing a San Francisco lineup that is actually putting up runs right now, averaging 5.60 runs over the last 10 games, and the Giants are surprising batting .304 vs. left-handed pitching at home over the entire year.
Granted, Cain is 9-2 and is among the league leaders with his 2.48 ERA. However, with this total posted so low, he should not need to give up more than a couple of runs to ensure this game goes Over, given the current form of West. Besides, it is not is if Cain is unable to throw in a clinker now and then, as he did two starts back when he allowed five earned runs in seven innings vs. the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Marlins are also hitting a hearty .299 vs. right handed pitching over the last 10 games, so we see no reason why these teams cannot score at least nine runs combined tonight.
MLB Free Pick: Marlins, Giants Over 7.5 (-125)
Nick "BookieKiller" Parsons
Free Pick
TOR (+135) vs NYY
Analysis: Member Play: New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter was an overwhelming selection to make his 10th All-Star appearance. It may only be a matter of time before Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero represents the AL in the Midsummer Classic, too. Jeter and the Yankees look to solve the Blue Jays? impressive rookie and extend a five-game winning streak against Toronto in the finale of a four-game series Monday; however I feel that we're getting great value on Romero and recommend a play on Toronto! Romero (6-3, 2.85) posted a 0.82 ERA in winning his last three starts and has not allowed a run in his last 20 innings. The 24-year-old left-hander gave up four hits over eight innings against a strong Tampa Bay lineup as Toronto won 5-0 on Wednesday. Andy Pettitte has been strong lately too, however he's a mediocre 1-1 with a 4.44 ERA in day games; expect this trend to continue. Good value on one of the leagues hottest pitchers.
Play on TORONTO!
Free Pick
TOR (+135) vs NYY
Analysis: Member Play: New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter was an overwhelming selection to make his 10th All-Star appearance. It may only be a matter of time before Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero represents the AL in the Midsummer Classic, too. Jeter and the Yankees look to solve the Blue Jays? impressive rookie and extend a five-game winning streak against Toronto in the finale of a four-game series Monday; however I feel that we're getting great value on Romero and recommend a play on Toronto! Romero (6-3, 2.85) posted a 0.82 ERA in winning his last three starts and has not allowed a run in his last 20 innings. The 24-year-old left-hander gave up four hits over eight innings against a strong Tampa Bay lineup as Toronto won 5-0 on Wednesday. Andy Pettitte has been strong lately too, however he's a mediocre 1-1 with a 4.44 ERA in day games; expect this trend to continue. Good value on one of the leagues hottest pitchers.
Play on TORONTO!
Dominic Fazzini
Today's Bonus Play
Dan Haren and the Diamondbacks scored a Bonus Play winner against the Rockies on Sunday. Now I'm turning to an underdog today to gain another.
The Phillies couldn’t have won the World Series last year with Cole Hamels, but the left-hander is not getting it done this season.
Hamels (4-5, 4.98 ERA) is 0-3 with a 7.02 ERA in his past three starts and hasn’t won since June 4. That has some people wondering if Hamels’ problems are related to health or command, but he’s clearly not the same pitcher he was in 2008, when he went 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA.
The southpaw got battered Wednesday by Atlanta, giving up a career high-tying seven runs on nine hits in four-plus innings. And you can bet the Philadelphia faithful won’t go easy on Hamels if he struggles today against the Reds.
Cincinnati right-hander Johnny Cueto (8-4, 2.69) overcame a stiff back Wednesday and proceeded to allow one hit and strike out eight in six innings of a 1-0 victory over Arizona.
Cueto struggled in two starts before that, allowing 10 runs in 10 2/3 innings, easily his worst two outings of the season, but he’s been pretty reliable otherwise in his 16 starts, ranking fourth in the NL in ERA. And he’s been downright scary on the road, going 6-2 with a 2.14 ERA in nine starts.
Hamels is 4-0 with a 1.25 ERA in five career starts vs. Cincinnati, but I just can’t back him today with his recent struggles. Take the underdog Reds to gain the victory.
(Based on a 1? to 5? scale)
2? CINCINNATI
Today's Bonus Play
Dan Haren and the Diamondbacks scored a Bonus Play winner against the Rockies on Sunday. Now I'm turning to an underdog today to gain another.
The Phillies couldn’t have won the World Series last year with Cole Hamels, but the left-hander is not getting it done this season.
Hamels (4-5, 4.98 ERA) is 0-3 with a 7.02 ERA in his past three starts and hasn’t won since June 4. That has some people wondering if Hamels’ problems are related to health or command, but he’s clearly not the same pitcher he was in 2008, when he went 14-10 with a 3.09 ERA.
The southpaw got battered Wednesday by Atlanta, giving up a career high-tying seven runs on nine hits in four-plus innings. And you can bet the Philadelphia faithful won’t go easy on Hamels if he struggles today against the Reds.
Cincinnati right-hander Johnny Cueto (8-4, 2.69) overcame a stiff back Wednesday and proceeded to allow one hit and strike out eight in six innings of a 1-0 victory over Arizona.
Cueto struggled in two starts before that, allowing 10 runs in 10 2/3 innings, easily his worst two outings of the season, but he’s been pretty reliable otherwise in his 16 starts, ranking fourth in the NL in ERA. And he’s been downright scary on the road, going 6-2 with a 2.14 ERA in nine starts.
Hamels is 4-0 with a 1.25 ERA in five career starts vs. Cincinnati, but I just can’t back him today with his recent struggles. Take the underdog Reds to gain the victory.
(Based on a 1? to 5? scale)
2? CINCINNATI
Brad Diamond Sports
Free MLB - Monday
Philadelphia/Cincinnati 'Under' the total
The Phillies swept the minor league looking Mets over the weekend, while the Reds struggled with the Cardinals. Here this evening down at the Bank, Cole Hamels (0-3, 7.02)looks to regain form against a quality hurler in RHP Cueto (8-4, 2.69). The key here is the stiff back Cueto has been suffering of late, if he is solid, we are very low this evening.
Free MLB - Monday
Philadelphia/Cincinnati 'Under' the total
The Phillies swept the minor league looking Mets over the weekend, while the Reds struggled with the Cardinals. Here this evening down at the Bank, Cole Hamels (0-3, 7.02)looks to regain form against a quality hurler in RHP Cueto (8-4, 2.69). The key here is the stiff back Cueto has been suffering of late, if he is solid, we are very low this evening.
Cajun Sports
MLB 2* Complimentary Selection- Monday
Kansas City Royals @ Detroit Tigers
Graded Selection: 2* Detroit Tigers -130
Comerica Park will be the site of a three-game set between the host Detroit Tigers and the visiting Kansas City Royals. Game One is set for Monday night with the first pitch at 7:05PM Eastern Time. Detroit will send right-hander Armando Galarraga to the bump with his 5-7 W/L record and ERA of 5.34 on the season. Galarraga is only 3-3 W/L at home with an ERA of 5.44 but over his last three outings he has received much better results going 2-0 W/L with an ERA of 4.41 and the Tigers have won all three of those games. He will be opposed by Royals right-hander Gil Meche who is 5-12 W/L with an ERA of 4.20 this season. Meche is 3-5 W/L on the highway with an ERA of 2.70 but he has struggled over his last three trips to the hill going 0-3 W/L with an ERA of 9.42. The Royals have found the going tough on the road this season posting a record of 13-22 W/L (-6.7) while their opponent has been solid at home with a record of 23-11 W/L picking up +9.2 units for their backers. Detroit is 8-0 W/L their last 8 at home including 6-0 W/L when installed as a home favorite. When Galarraga takes the hill in the role of a favorite the Tigers are 15-6 W/L and 5-1 W/L when he is a favorite of -110 to -150. Our TPR (Team Performance Ratings) Index projects a Detroit win by 2.2 runs and our Math Model also favors the host and has them winning by almost three runs. So lay the chalk as the Tigers roll past an overmatched Royals team on Monday night at Comerica Park in Detroit.
Graded Selection: 2* Detroit Tigers 4 Kansas City Royals 1
MLB 2* Complimentary Selection- Monday
Kansas City Royals @ Detroit Tigers
Graded Selection: 2* Detroit Tigers -130
Comerica Park will be the site of a three-game set between the host Detroit Tigers and the visiting Kansas City Royals. Game One is set for Monday night with the first pitch at 7:05PM Eastern Time. Detroit will send right-hander Armando Galarraga to the bump with his 5-7 W/L record and ERA of 5.34 on the season. Galarraga is only 3-3 W/L at home with an ERA of 5.44 but over his last three outings he has received much better results going 2-0 W/L with an ERA of 4.41 and the Tigers have won all three of those games. He will be opposed by Royals right-hander Gil Meche who is 5-12 W/L with an ERA of 4.20 this season. Meche is 3-5 W/L on the highway with an ERA of 2.70 but he has struggled over his last three trips to the hill going 0-3 W/L with an ERA of 9.42. The Royals have found the going tough on the road this season posting a record of 13-22 W/L (-6.7) while their opponent has been solid at home with a record of 23-11 W/L picking up +9.2 units for their backers. Detroit is 8-0 W/L their last 8 at home including 6-0 W/L when installed as a home favorite. When Galarraga takes the hill in the role of a favorite the Tigers are 15-6 W/L and 5-1 W/L when he is a favorite of -110 to -150. Our TPR (Team Performance Ratings) Index projects a Detroit win by 2.2 runs and our Math Model also favors the host and has them winning by almost three runs. So lay the chalk as the Tigers roll past an overmatched Royals team on Monday night at Comerica Park in Detroit.
Graded Selection: 2* Detroit Tigers 4 Kansas City Royals 1
IndianCowboy
Monday's Comp Selection
11 of 16 Comp Winners
11 of 16 Comp Winners after the Braves/Nationals Under Yest. Take the San Francisco Giants -1.5 (+130) over the Florida Marlins (Monday @ 10:15pm). I'm not a big fan of the run-line as you know and never have been, but at times, there is value in it. These two teams have hooked up prior this season and Sean West has faced the Giants. The last time the young Marlin faced the Giants he dominated them going 8 strong innings at home and giving up just 2 hits en route to a 4-0 win. It seems the league is having a bit more success figuring out the young man who is a native of Houston, Texas. I can't imagine San Fran taking it up the chin once again as they have had a good look at this kid and usually the second time around, it is the hitters that have the advantage. Tack that on and the fact that Sean has given up 22 hits over his last 14 innings roughly, and I think he will likely get hit well by the Giants today. Plus, Cain comes off a 1-2 loss at St. Louis where he picked up a no-decision and he is a sound 9-2 with a 2.48era. Cain has given up just 3 runs in his last 29 innings at home as well and I think that makes for a decent shot at -1.5 cover here. The Marlins are 1-4 when West is an Underdog and the Giants are 5-0 vs. a lefty of late and 6-0 when Cain starts as a favorite.
Monday's Comp Selection
11 of 16 Comp Winners
11 of 16 Comp Winners after the Braves/Nationals Under Yest. Take the San Francisco Giants -1.5 (+130) over the Florida Marlins (Monday @ 10:15pm). I'm not a big fan of the run-line as you know and never have been, but at times, there is value in it. These two teams have hooked up prior this season and Sean West has faced the Giants. The last time the young Marlin faced the Giants he dominated them going 8 strong innings at home and giving up just 2 hits en route to a 4-0 win. It seems the league is having a bit more success figuring out the young man who is a native of Houston, Texas. I can't imagine San Fran taking it up the chin once again as they have had a good look at this kid and usually the second time around, it is the hitters that have the advantage. Tack that on and the fact that Sean has given up 22 hits over his last 14 innings roughly, and I think he will likely get hit well by the Giants today. Plus, Cain comes off a 1-2 loss at St. Louis where he picked up a no-decision and he is a sound 9-2 with a 2.48era. Cain has given up just 3 runs in his last 29 innings at home as well and I think that makes for a decent shot at -1.5 cover here. The Marlins are 1-4 when West is an Underdog and the Giants are 5-0 vs. a lefty of late and 6-0 when Cain starts as a favorite.
Jeff Benton
Complimentary Selection
I returned to action Sunday with a free-play winner on the Phillies, so I’ve now hit two freebie winners in a row and four of my last six. I’m going to keep this run going Monday by playing against Philadelphia tonight as it hosts Cincinnati.
Yes, the Phillies swept the Mets over the weekend, but that doesn’t impress me because the Mets’ offense – they scored three runs total in the series – is a disaster right now. Also, prior to hosting New York, Philadelphia had lost six straight and eight of nine at home and was just 13-22 at Citizens Bank Park for the season.
And yes, the Phillies have ace Cole Hamels on the hill tonight, but this Hamels has been extremely ordinary this season. He’s 4-5 with a 4.98 ERA overall, including 0-3 with a 7.02 ERA (and a 1.80 WHIP!) in his last three starts. In fact, the Phillies have dropped four straight behind Hamels – all as a hefty favorite – by scores of 8-3, 2-1, 6-1 and 11-1.
On the flip side, Reds youngster Johnny Cueto got back on his game in his last outing, holding Arizona to a single hit over six scoreless innings of a 1-0 home win. Despite allowing five runs in each of his previous two starts, Cueto is still 8-4 with a 2.69 ERA this season; he’s 6-2 with a 2.14 ERA in nine road starts (seven of which Cincy has won); and he’s got a sterling 78-32 strikeout-to-walk ratio while allowing just 84 hits in 103 2/3 innings (compare that to Hamels, who has allowed 107 hits in 85 innings).
The Reds come into this game with a respectable .500 record (20-20 at home; 20-20 on the road), and they’ve been torching lefties of late, batting a cool .331 against southpaws over the past 10 games. Cincinnati, which got rocked 10-1 by Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals yesterday, hasn’t lost consecutive games in 11 days, and to get the Reds with Cueto at this kind of a plus price versus a struggling Hamels is too good to pass up. Ride the underdog here.
(based on a 1♦ to a 10♦ Rating)
4♦ CINCINNATI
Complimentary Selection
I returned to action Sunday with a free-play winner on the Phillies, so I’ve now hit two freebie winners in a row and four of my last six. I’m going to keep this run going Monday by playing against Philadelphia tonight as it hosts Cincinnati.
Yes, the Phillies swept the Mets over the weekend, but that doesn’t impress me because the Mets’ offense – they scored three runs total in the series – is a disaster right now. Also, prior to hosting New York, Philadelphia had lost six straight and eight of nine at home and was just 13-22 at Citizens Bank Park for the season.
And yes, the Phillies have ace Cole Hamels on the hill tonight, but this Hamels has been extremely ordinary this season. He’s 4-5 with a 4.98 ERA overall, including 0-3 with a 7.02 ERA (and a 1.80 WHIP!) in his last three starts. In fact, the Phillies have dropped four straight behind Hamels – all as a hefty favorite – by scores of 8-3, 2-1, 6-1 and 11-1.
On the flip side, Reds youngster Johnny Cueto got back on his game in his last outing, holding Arizona to a single hit over six scoreless innings of a 1-0 home win. Despite allowing five runs in each of his previous two starts, Cueto is still 8-4 with a 2.69 ERA this season; he’s 6-2 with a 2.14 ERA in nine road starts (seven of which Cincy has won); and he’s got a sterling 78-32 strikeout-to-walk ratio while allowing just 84 hits in 103 2/3 innings (compare that to Hamels, who has allowed 107 hits in 85 innings).
The Reds come into this game with a respectable .500 record (20-20 at home; 20-20 on the road), and they’ve been torching lefties of late, batting a cool .331 against southpaws over the past 10 games. Cincinnati, which got rocked 10-1 by Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals yesterday, hasn’t lost consecutive games in 11 days, and to get the Reds with Cueto at this kind of a plus price versus a struggling Hamels is too good to pass up. Ride the underdog here.
(based on a 1♦ to a 10♦ Rating)
4♦ CINCINNATI
Matt Rivers
Complimentary Play
A's plus 180 on Sunday!
Giants minus 1 1/2 runs here on Saturday!
For Monday take the pup Nationals at Coors.
Obviously the way Colorado has been playing they are far superior than the 24-55 Nationals but after winning the last two games and the series against the Braves why not take back this generous number!?!?!?
Washington is really not that dismal of a team. Yes the record is beyond pathetic but this club does have some ability with guys like Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn and Nyjer Morgan. Plus Chris Stamman has shown some signs of late of actually being a big league hurler and has the potential to be alright here. The guy went into Yankee Stadium and completely shocked the world in shutting down the Yankees. He is in another ridiculosuly tough spot here but at this takeback why not!?!?
Jason Marquis is coming off of that masterpiece and really has had a successful season but once you trust the former Brave/ Cardinal/ Cub then you are asking for trouble. The righty certainly eats a ton of innings and is overall solid but he will have a quality performance and then wet the bed. If I am right about this then it'll be an uncomfortable night's sleep for Marquis and at this number I'll take my chances with Stammen and the Nats.
1♦ Nationals (out of 5♦)
Complimentary Play
A's plus 180 on Sunday!
Giants minus 1 1/2 runs here on Saturday!
For Monday take the pup Nationals at Coors.
Obviously the way Colorado has been playing they are far superior than the 24-55 Nationals but after winning the last two games and the series against the Braves why not take back this generous number!?!?!?
Washington is really not that dismal of a team. Yes the record is beyond pathetic but this club does have some ability with guys like Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn and Nyjer Morgan. Plus Chris Stamman has shown some signs of late of actually being a big league hurler and has the potential to be alright here. The guy went into Yankee Stadium and completely shocked the world in shutting down the Yankees. He is in another ridiculosuly tough spot here but at this takeback why not!?!?
Jason Marquis is coming off of that masterpiece and really has had a successful season but once you trust the former Brave/ Cardinal/ Cub then you are asking for trouble. The righty certainly eats a ton of innings and is overall solid but he will have a quality performance and then wet the bed. If I am right about this then it'll be an uncomfortable night's sleep for Marquis and at this number I'll take my chances with Stammen and the Nats.
1♦ Nationals (out of 5♦)
The Sports Investing Professional
Monday, July 6, 2009
COMP.
Well there is no Sunday to recap since we had the day
off so lets get right into today's action.....
Today's Play(s) - There is a qualifying play today...at least
in my eyes. We'll go back out to the west coast and look
at the San Francisco Giants. They are one of MLB's top
home teams and they have the good fortune of catching
Florida on a little 3 time zone overnight flight. A few of
you have asked and it's not an automatic to play against
teams who travel cross country but that can be one check
mark if there are other things to go with it.
For San Fran Cain has been the model of consistency on the
mound all year and for Florida you have West who like many
young pitchers will look great in his first few starts but it doesn't
take long for the league to get the book on you so a combo
of factors here leads me to the Giants as my investment
for today.
MLB - San Francisco Giants -165[LISTED] West / Cain - 825.00 / 500.00
Record (9-3) + $2200
Monday, July 6, 2009
COMP.
Well there is no Sunday to recap since we had the day
off so lets get right into today's action.....
Today's Play(s) - There is a qualifying play today...at least
in my eyes. We'll go back out to the west coast and look
at the San Francisco Giants. They are one of MLB's top
home teams and they have the good fortune of catching
Florida on a little 3 time zone overnight flight. A few of
you have asked and it's not an automatic to play against
teams who travel cross country but that can be one check
mark if there are other things to go with it.
For San Fran Cain has been the model of consistency on the
mound all year and for Florida you have West who like many
young pitchers will look great in his first few starts but it doesn't
take long for the league to get the book on you so a combo
of factors here leads me to the Giants as my investment
for today.
MLB - San Francisco Giants -165[LISTED] West / Cain - 825.00 / 500.00
Record (9-3) + $2200
Chance Harper - 07/06/2009
Cubs get Ramirez back in time for Braves
It's been a disappointing trip to this point in the season for both Atlanta and Chicago. After beefing up their rotation with the addition of Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez, plus adding Nate McLouth in a June trade, the Braves enter Monday's tilt at Wrigley three games under .500. The Cubs were expected to run away with the NL Central but sit just a game over .500. Good news: Aramis Ramirez is on his way back.
They’ve got the rich traditions, the television empires, and the massive payrolls. But what the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs could really use right now is a win.
The Braves and Cubs have both become synonymous with losing, despite the Braves winning 14 straight division titles from 1991 to 2005 inclusive (including the 1995 World Series) under manager Bobby Cox, and the Cubs coming off back-to-back division titles under manager Lou Piniella. But now these two name-brand clubs are truly struggling.
Atlanta (39-42, minus-10.00 units) is going through a rebuilding effort under Frank Wren, who took over the GM reins in 2007 when John Schuerholz was promoted to team president. The problems that Chicago (40-39, minus-8.01 units) are going through are not so run-of-the-mill.
On the surface, the Cubs appear to have what it takes. Their starting rotation is outstanding and playing like it, sixth in the majors with a 3.90 ERA. But many of the same people we saw swinging big bats in 2008 are failing to produce in 2009.
Alfonso Soriano
2008 OPS: .876
2009 OPS: .702
Geovany Soto
2008 OPS: .868
2009 OPS: .726
Mike Fontenot
2008 OPS: .909
2009 OPS: .687
These are disappointing results to be sure, but the Cubs have also had to mark time while two of their better hitters rehab in Peoria: Aramis Ramirez (.898 OPS last year) and Reed Johnson (.778 OPS). According to the latest from MLB.com at press time, both Ramirez and Johnson were expected to return to the big club for Monday’s series opener with the Braves. That’s manna from heaven for a team that’s scoring just 4.15 runs per game, well below the National League average of 4.45.
The Braves are also under the league average at 4.26 runs per game, although there is hope for a brighter tomorrow now that Martin Prado (.916 OPS) has taken over full-time duties at second base from the injured Kelly Johnson (.645 OPS). Atlanta has also gotten a lift from the arrival of Pirates castaway Nate McLouth (.799 OPS); he went 5-for-14 in a three-game series against Washington after recovering from a hamstring issue. But despite McLouth’s bat and his Gold Glove defense in center, the Braves are 9-15 with him in the lineup after dropping two of three to the last-place Nationals.
Atlanta will need its pitching to come up big in this series – and with a 3.88 team ERA (fifth overall in the majors), that’s a strong likelihood. Here are the projected matchups for all three games with the Cubs favored with a -150 line to take at least two of the contests.
Game 1 (Monday, 7:05 p.m. Eastern, ESPN): Jair Jurrjens vs. Randy Wells
The early betting odds for the opener had Chicago as a –125 favorite behind Wells (2.43 ERA, 3.80 xFIP), a rookie in the deep Cubs rotation who has gotten only 3.9 runs per game in support. The under is 7-3 in his 10 starts; the Cubs are 5-5 for a deficit of 1.10 units, but have won four of the last five. Jurrjens (2.73 ERA, 4.56 xFIP) has a team record of 8-9 and a deficit of 2.88 units; the under is 10-6-1 in his 17 starts.
Game 2 (Tuesday, 8:05 p.m. ET, WGN): Javier Vazquez vs. Ryan Dempster
Vazquez (3.05 ERA, 2.69 xFIP) is another snakebitten Braves pitcher with a team record of 7-10 and losses of 6.66 units, taking the under on an 11-5-1 spree. But Dempster (4.09 ERA, 4.20 xFIP) has drained even more wallets at 6.89 units in the hole on a 6-11 record. The under is 9-8 when Dempster takes the mound.
Game 3 (Wednesday, 2:20 p.m. ET): Kenshin Kawakami vs. Carlos Zambrano
Kawakami (4.46 ERA, 4.66 xFIP) had been making positive strides in his first season stateside, but he took a line drive off the neck last week versus the New York Yankees. His start against Washington was moved back a day, and Kawakami gave up four earned runs over 4.1 innings in a game Atlanta went on to win 9-8. He’ll probably have to come up with something better to keep Zambrano (3.50 ERA, 4.60 xFIP) from getting the duke.
Cubs get Ramirez back in time for Braves
It's been a disappointing trip to this point in the season for both Atlanta and Chicago. After beefing up their rotation with the addition of Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez, plus adding Nate McLouth in a June trade, the Braves enter Monday's tilt at Wrigley three games under .500. The Cubs were expected to run away with the NL Central but sit just a game over .500. Good news: Aramis Ramirez is on his way back.
They’ve got the rich traditions, the television empires, and the massive payrolls. But what the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs could really use right now is a win.
The Braves and Cubs have both become synonymous with losing, despite the Braves winning 14 straight division titles from 1991 to 2005 inclusive (including the 1995 World Series) under manager Bobby Cox, and the Cubs coming off back-to-back division titles under manager Lou Piniella. But now these two name-brand clubs are truly struggling.
Atlanta (39-42, minus-10.00 units) is going through a rebuilding effort under Frank Wren, who took over the GM reins in 2007 when John Schuerholz was promoted to team president. The problems that Chicago (40-39, minus-8.01 units) are going through are not so run-of-the-mill.
On the surface, the Cubs appear to have what it takes. Their starting rotation is outstanding and playing like it, sixth in the majors with a 3.90 ERA. But many of the same people we saw swinging big bats in 2008 are failing to produce in 2009.
Alfonso Soriano
2008 OPS: .876
2009 OPS: .702
Geovany Soto
2008 OPS: .868
2009 OPS: .726
Mike Fontenot
2008 OPS: .909
2009 OPS: .687
These are disappointing results to be sure, but the Cubs have also had to mark time while two of their better hitters rehab in Peoria: Aramis Ramirez (.898 OPS last year) and Reed Johnson (.778 OPS). According to the latest from MLB.com at press time, both Ramirez and Johnson were expected to return to the big club for Monday’s series opener with the Braves. That’s manna from heaven for a team that’s scoring just 4.15 runs per game, well below the National League average of 4.45.
The Braves are also under the league average at 4.26 runs per game, although there is hope for a brighter tomorrow now that Martin Prado (.916 OPS) has taken over full-time duties at second base from the injured Kelly Johnson (.645 OPS). Atlanta has also gotten a lift from the arrival of Pirates castaway Nate McLouth (.799 OPS); he went 5-for-14 in a three-game series against Washington after recovering from a hamstring issue. But despite McLouth’s bat and his Gold Glove defense in center, the Braves are 9-15 with him in the lineup after dropping two of three to the last-place Nationals.
Atlanta will need its pitching to come up big in this series – and with a 3.88 team ERA (fifth overall in the majors), that’s a strong likelihood. Here are the projected matchups for all three games with the Cubs favored with a -150 line to take at least two of the contests.
Game 1 (Monday, 7:05 p.m. Eastern, ESPN): Jair Jurrjens vs. Randy Wells
The early betting odds for the opener had Chicago as a –125 favorite behind Wells (2.43 ERA, 3.80 xFIP), a rookie in the deep Cubs rotation who has gotten only 3.9 runs per game in support. The under is 7-3 in his 10 starts; the Cubs are 5-5 for a deficit of 1.10 units, but have won four of the last five. Jurrjens (2.73 ERA, 4.56 xFIP) has a team record of 8-9 and a deficit of 2.88 units; the under is 10-6-1 in his 17 starts.
Game 2 (Tuesday, 8:05 p.m. ET, WGN): Javier Vazquez vs. Ryan Dempster
Vazquez (3.05 ERA, 2.69 xFIP) is another snakebitten Braves pitcher with a team record of 7-10 and losses of 6.66 units, taking the under on an 11-5-1 spree. But Dempster (4.09 ERA, 4.20 xFIP) has drained even more wallets at 6.89 units in the hole on a 6-11 record. The under is 9-8 when Dempster takes the mound.
Game 3 (Wednesday, 2:20 p.m. ET): Kenshin Kawakami vs. Carlos Zambrano
Kawakami (4.46 ERA, 4.66 xFIP) had been making positive strides in his first season stateside, but he took a line drive off the neck last week versus the New York Yankees. His start against Washington was moved back a day, and Kawakami gave up four earned runs over 4.1 innings in a game Atlanta went on to win 9-8. He’ll probably have to come up with something better to keep Zambrano (3.50 ERA, 4.60 xFIP) from getting the duke.
Willie Bee
COMP.
In 10 starts by Mike Hampton this season against teams not named the Pirates, the Astros are 1-9. But Houston is 3-0 behind Hampton against Pittsburgh.
When play ends Monday evening, the Houston Astros will be at their official halfway point in the season with 81 games under their belt. The Pittsburgh Pirates enter action to open the 14th week of the 2009 season already reaching and passing the midway juncture on their slate at 37-45.
The fact that both clubs are still within striking distance of the top of the NL Central should first be met with a bit of surprise as well as a couple of kudos from fans and bettors. It should also be tempered with the fact that the Cubs are big, big underachievers currently. While the Bucs and 'Stros were expected to be the bottom two rungs on the division ladder this season, which is where they're at right now, everyone was supposed to be chasing Chicago.
Instead the Cubs are just a game over .500 and caught in the quagmire that finds the division bunched within seven games of each other with the Cardinals (45-39) presently at the top.
Nobody expects the Pirates (37-45, -2.80 units) to be this close when it ends. Pittsburgh is on pace for a 73-win season and an MLB record 17th consecutive losing season. Houston (39-41, -2.45 units), well they're a different story. The Astros have confounded the experts before, and as long as they're still in the hunt it could at least impact the July trade market making Roy Oswalt, specifically, as well as other key players less available via trade.
It wouldn't surprise me if at some point around the All-Star break, assuming the club is still right at .500 if not above, to see one of the big names offers to defer some dough if it would mean GM Ed Wade and owner Drayton McLane going after one more pitcher. Houston, just when you thought they might be sellers, could become middle-revenue buyers between now and August 1.
First up is a chance to move to within a game of .500 at 40-41 on Monday against a team they have beaten six out of nine times this season, winning each of the previous three series two games to one. And considering Mike Hampton (4-9, 4.44) has won all three of his starts vs. the Bucs this season, the difference between the two teams has been Hampy.
In 20 innings vs. Pittsburgh in '09, the little left has tossed 20 innings and allowed just two runs, both earned. Even more eye-popping to me than that 0.90 ERA are two more stats: 16 K, 2 BB (83:55 in his other 10 starts) and 37-to-17 ground ball to fly ball ratio (89:91 in his other 10 starts).
The weird thing is the Pirates are 12-7 against southpaws not named Michael William Hampton. Go figure.
Opposing Houston will be Virgil Vasquez who is making his sixth career start and has been tossed around in his short professional baseball career more than Jennifer Aniston. Drafted by Texas in high school, he opted for college at UC-Santa Barbara instead before being drafted again by the Tigers in 2003 and having been run through the waiver wires three times since 2007 and claimed by the Red Sox, Padres and now the Pirates.
The righthander is 1-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts against the Royals and Cubs since being called up in late June.
The Pirates come in just 2-6 in their last eight while the Astros come off a 4-3 road trip. Two of those three losses were embarrassing performances on Friday and Saturday night in San Francisco as the Giants roasted Houston 22-0 in those two games. The Astros bounced back on Sunday behind another fine performance from their ace as Oswalt pitched Houston to a 7-1 win. Hunter Pence, named to his first NL All-Star Game, and Miguel Tejada who was named to his six AS appearance, each homered to back Roy O.
There's a 40%-50% chance of rain in Houston beginning in the afternoon on Monday, with a muggy high in the mid-90s range. I'm guessing the roof will be closed for this one.
Going back to the fact Houston has won all three of the previous series this season, we find them at -180 to win this one. The Pirates will send out Paul Maholm (9-8, 4.69) and Charlie Morton (2-2, 2.65), part of compensation Pittsburgh received in the Nate McLouth trade, in Games 2 and 3. Houston will counter with Brian Moehler (8-5, 5.64) and Wandy Rodriguez (11-6, 3.21).
Hampton and the Astros are -150 chalk tonight with a total of 9. I'm very tempted to take Hampton, but the roller coaster that is the Astros' offense is trying to talk me out of that and instead just ride the Under 9 at +100.
COMP.
In 10 starts by Mike Hampton this season against teams not named the Pirates, the Astros are 1-9. But Houston is 3-0 behind Hampton against Pittsburgh.
When play ends Monday evening, the Houston Astros will be at their official halfway point in the season with 81 games under their belt. The Pittsburgh Pirates enter action to open the 14th week of the 2009 season already reaching and passing the midway juncture on their slate at 37-45.
The fact that both clubs are still within striking distance of the top of the NL Central should first be met with a bit of surprise as well as a couple of kudos from fans and bettors. It should also be tempered with the fact that the Cubs are big, big underachievers currently. While the Bucs and 'Stros were expected to be the bottom two rungs on the division ladder this season, which is where they're at right now, everyone was supposed to be chasing Chicago.
Instead the Cubs are just a game over .500 and caught in the quagmire that finds the division bunched within seven games of each other with the Cardinals (45-39) presently at the top.
Nobody expects the Pirates (37-45, -2.80 units) to be this close when it ends. Pittsburgh is on pace for a 73-win season and an MLB record 17th consecutive losing season. Houston (39-41, -2.45 units), well they're a different story. The Astros have confounded the experts before, and as long as they're still in the hunt it could at least impact the July trade market making Roy Oswalt, specifically, as well as other key players less available via trade.
It wouldn't surprise me if at some point around the All-Star break, assuming the club is still right at .500 if not above, to see one of the big names offers to defer some dough if it would mean GM Ed Wade and owner Drayton McLane going after one more pitcher. Houston, just when you thought they might be sellers, could become middle-revenue buyers between now and August 1.
First up is a chance to move to within a game of .500 at 40-41 on Monday against a team they have beaten six out of nine times this season, winning each of the previous three series two games to one. And considering Mike Hampton (4-9, 4.44) has won all three of his starts vs. the Bucs this season, the difference between the two teams has been Hampy.
In 20 innings vs. Pittsburgh in '09, the little left has tossed 20 innings and allowed just two runs, both earned. Even more eye-popping to me than that 0.90 ERA are two more stats: 16 K, 2 BB (83:55 in his other 10 starts) and 37-to-17 ground ball to fly ball ratio (89:91 in his other 10 starts).
The weird thing is the Pirates are 12-7 against southpaws not named Michael William Hampton. Go figure.
Opposing Houston will be Virgil Vasquez who is making his sixth career start and has been tossed around in his short professional baseball career more than Jennifer Aniston. Drafted by Texas in high school, he opted for college at UC-Santa Barbara instead before being drafted again by the Tigers in 2003 and having been run through the waiver wires three times since 2007 and claimed by the Red Sox, Padres and now the Pirates.
The righthander is 1-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts against the Royals and Cubs since being called up in late June.
The Pirates come in just 2-6 in their last eight while the Astros come off a 4-3 road trip. Two of those three losses were embarrassing performances on Friday and Saturday night in San Francisco as the Giants roasted Houston 22-0 in those two games. The Astros bounced back on Sunday behind another fine performance from their ace as Oswalt pitched Houston to a 7-1 win. Hunter Pence, named to his first NL All-Star Game, and Miguel Tejada who was named to his six AS appearance, each homered to back Roy O.
There's a 40%-50% chance of rain in Houston beginning in the afternoon on Monday, with a muggy high in the mid-90s range. I'm guessing the roof will be closed for this one.
Going back to the fact Houston has won all three of the previous series this season, we find them at -180 to win this one. The Pirates will send out Paul Maholm (9-8, 4.69) and Charlie Morton (2-2, 2.65), part of compensation Pittsburgh received in the Nate McLouth trade, in Games 2 and 3. Houston will counter with Brian Moehler (8-5, 5.64) and Wandy Rodriguez (11-6, 3.21).
Hampton and the Astros are -150 chalk tonight with a total of 9. I'm very tempted to take Hampton, but the roller coaster that is the Astros' offense is trying to talk me out of that and instead just ride the Under 9 at +100.
Matt Fargo
Bonus Play
The Orioles bring in one of the worst pitching staffs in the AL while the Mariners have one of the best. Side with Seattle at home on Monday with Baltimore in town.
Baltimore dropped three of four in Los Angeles to the Angels to drop to 12-26 on the road this season, which is the worst road record in the American League and tied for second-worst in all of baseball. The fact that this price is as low as it is does not jive with that record.
The Orioles are next to last in the AL giving up an average of 5.45 runs per game and tied for last with the Yankees allowing 103 homers through the first 13 weeks of the season.
Seattle meanwhile is 21-15 at home and returns to Safeco Field following a decent 5-4 road trip. The Mariners are 9-2 in their last 11 games at home and that includes a series win over Baltimore in the beginning of last month.
Free Pick: Mariners -114
Bonus Play
The Orioles bring in one of the worst pitching staffs in the AL while the Mariners have one of the best. Side with Seattle at home on Monday with Baltimore in town.
Baltimore dropped three of four in Los Angeles to the Angels to drop to 12-26 on the road this season, which is the worst road record in the American League and tied for second-worst in all of baseball. The fact that this price is as low as it is does not jive with that record.
The Orioles are next to last in the AL giving up an average of 5.45 runs per game and tied for last with the Yankees allowing 103 homers through the first 13 weeks of the season.
Seattle meanwhile is 21-15 at home and returns to Safeco Field following a decent 5-4 road trip. The Mariners are 9-2 in their last 11 games at home and that includes a series win over Baltimore in the beginning of last month.
Free Pick: Mariners -114
