THE SPORTS ADVISORS
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia (32-20) at L.A. Dodgers (37-19)
The World Series champion Phillies go for their seventh straight victory when they trot out veteran left-hander Jamie Moyer (4-5, 6.75 ERA), who opposes fellow lefty Eric Milton (2-0, 3.14) as this four-game series continues at Dodger Stadium.
Behind a dominating complete-game effort from Cole Hamels, Philadelphia took Thursday’s series opener 4-0 for its sixth consecutive victory overall (fourth straight on the road). The Phillies lead the major leagues with a 20-6 road record, and they’re are on additional upswings of 56-26 overall, 37-15 on the highway, 17-6 against the N.L. West, 37-16 versus winning teams and 40-19 against left-handers.
The Dodgers are just 3-4 in their last seven games and have been held to two runs or fewer in six of their last eight contests. Despite the recent slump, Los Angeles is still on upticks of 35-17 overall, 40-15 at Dodger Stadium, 21-9 versus southpaw starters, 18-6 against lefties at home, 4-1 against the N.L. East and 8-4 versus winning teams. Also, the Dodgers’ 20-7 home record is the best in the majors, as is their 37-19 overall mark.
These teams have split their four meetings this season, three of which came in Philly, and the Phillies are 10-3 in the last 13 head-to-head battles (playoffs included). However, Philadelphia is still just 3-6 in its last nine games in Hollywood.
Moyer snapped a four-game losing streak and finally picked up his 250th career victory on Sunday against Washington, scattering a run on three hits with no walks and four strikeouts over six innings en route to the 4-2 home triumph. Moyer has a 4.00 ERA over his past three starts after posting a hefty 13.87 ERA in his previous three outings, including a 9-2 home loss to the Dodgers.
Moyer is 2-2 with a 6.64 ERA in four road starts this season. Also, including last month’s 9-2 loss to the Dodgers and a 7-2 setback in Los Angeles in last year’s NLCS, the 46-year-old lefty has faced the Dodgers three times since being traded to Philadelphia in 2007, giving up 23 runs (all earned) in 11 innings (18.82 ERA).
Milton, who hadn’t picked up a victory in the big leagues since May 2007, has earned consecutive wins in his last two outings, beating the Rockies 7-1 and the Cubs 8-2, both on the road. He gave up a combined three runs in 10 1/3 innings in those two contests, walking one and striking out seven.
Tonight marks Milton’s first appearance of the season at Dodger Stadium, but in two previous career starts there, he’s 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA. The former Phillie is 1-2 with a 5.56 ERA in four career starts against his ex-mates.
Philadelphia has won five straight Friday contests behind Moyer, but they’re 4-9 in his last 13 starts against the N.L. West.
Furthermore, the under for Philly is on streaks of 10-2-1 overall, 5-1-1 on the road and 6-0 against left-handers, but the over is 10-5-2 in the Phillies’ last 17 against the N.L. West, 8-2-1 in their last 11 on Friday and 4-1 in Moyer’s last five road outings. For the Dodgers, the “under” is on runs of 6-2 overall and 5-1-1 on Friday. Finally, even though last night’s game stayed well under the total, the over is still 10-3-2 in the last 15 series meetings in Los Angeles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Texas (31-21) at Boston (31-22)
The Red Sox return to Fenway Park after a three-city, 10-game road trip, and they’ll turn to Brad Penny (5-1, 5.63) in this series opener against the first-place Rangers and Kevin Millwood (4-4, 3.23).
Boston opened its road swing by losing four of the first six games against the Twins and Blue Jays, but rebounded to win the next four in a row, including a three-game sweep of the Tigers that concluded with Thursday’s 6-3 victory. In addition to their current four-game win streak, the Red Sox are on runs of 81-35 at home, 27-11 when playing on grass, 23-9 in series openers, 52-22 versus right-handed starters and 17-6 against teams with a winning record.
Texas heads north after blowing a 5-1 lead at New York on Thursday and falling 8-6. The Rangers have followed up a three-game win streak by losing three of their last four. Still, they remain on impressive runs of 21-11 overall, 13-7 against right-handed starters, 5-0 on Friday and 10-4 in series openers.
The Red Sox dominated Texas last year, winning nine of 10 head-to-head meetings, and they’ve won eight straight against the Rangers at Fenway Park. Going back further, Boston is 25-9 in the last 34 overall against Texas and 34-9 in the last 43 clashes at Fenway.
Millwood has seven quality starts in his 11 trips to the mound this season, and he gave up two runs on five hits in six innings on Sunday against Oakland, but got a no-decision as the Rangers fell 5-4 at home. Texas has alternated wins and losses in Millwood’s last six outings, but it is 7-23 in Millwood’s last 30 road starts, 4-9 in his last 13 starts against winning teams and 1-4 in his last five on Friday.
On the highway this season, Millwood is 1-3 with a 3.96 ERA in five starts. The veteran right-hander is also 1-4 with a 4-4 with a 4.46 ERA in 12 career starts against the Red Sox (3-1, 3.38 ERA in seven starts at Fenway).
Penny has given up three earned runs or fewer in five of his last six outings, including Saturday at Toronto as he yielded three runs (two earned) on 10 hits in six innings, getting a no-decision in Boston’s 5-3 loss. Penny, who hasn’t completed seven innings in any of his 10 starts this year, has a beefy 6.14 ERA in four starts at Fenway Park, but he’s 3-0 and the Sox won all four games.
Penny’s experience against Texas is limited to two interleague starts in 2003 and 2004 with the Marlins, and he went 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA.
With Millwood pitching, the Rangers are on a plethora of “under” runs, including 16-5-2 overall, 4-1-1 on the road, 4-0 against A.L. East squads and 15-3-2 when pitching on grass. Conversely, the over is 6-3-1 in Penny’s 10 starts this year (3-0-1 at home).
Texas carries “under” trends of 12-5-1 overall, 9-3-1 on the road, 10-4-1 versus righty starters and 5-2 on Fridays. Similarly, the Red Sox have stayed low in seven of their last nine overall and five of seven at home, and the under is also 4-0-2 in their last six on Friday and 11-4-1 in their last 16 home games following a road trip of seven or more days. On the flip side, four of the last five Rangers-Red Sox clashes at Fenway have topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and UNDER
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia (32-20) at L.A. Dodgers (37-19)
The World Series champion Phillies go for their seventh straight victory when they trot out veteran left-hander Jamie Moyer (4-5, 6.75 ERA), who opposes fellow lefty Eric Milton (2-0, 3.14) as this four-game series continues at Dodger Stadium.
Behind a dominating complete-game effort from Cole Hamels, Philadelphia took Thursday’s series opener 4-0 for its sixth consecutive victory overall (fourth straight on the road). The Phillies lead the major leagues with a 20-6 road record, and they’re are on additional upswings of 56-26 overall, 37-15 on the highway, 17-6 against the N.L. West, 37-16 versus winning teams and 40-19 against left-handers.
The Dodgers are just 3-4 in their last seven games and have been held to two runs or fewer in six of their last eight contests. Despite the recent slump, Los Angeles is still on upticks of 35-17 overall, 40-15 at Dodger Stadium, 21-9 versus southpaw starters, 18-6 against lefties at home, 4-1 against the N.L. East and 8-4 versus winning teams. Also, the Dodgers’ 20-7 home record is the best in the majors, as is their 37-19 overall mark.
These teams have split their four meetings this season, three of which came in Philly, and the Phillies are 10-3 in the last 13 head-to-head battles (playoffs included). However, Philadelphia is still just 3-6 in its last nine games in Hollywood.
Moyer snapped a four-game losing streak and finally picked up his 250th career victory on Sunday against Washington, scattering a run on three hits with no walks and four strikeouts over six innings en route to the 4-2 home triumph. Moyer has a 4.00 ERA over his past three starts after posting a hefty 13.87 ERA in his previous three outings, including a 9-2 home loss to the Dodgers.
Moyer is 2-2 with a 6.64 ERA in four road starts this season. Also, including last month’s 9-2 loss to the Dodgers and a 7-2 setback in Los Angeles in last year’s NLCS, the 46-year-old lefty has faced the Dodgers three times since being traded to Philadelphia in 2007, giving up 23 runs (all earned) in 11 innings (18.82 ERA).
Milton, who hadn’t picked up a victory in the big leagues since May 2007, has earned consecutive wins in his last two outings, beating the Rockies 7-1 and the Cubs 8-2, both on the road. He gave up a combined three runs in 10 1/3 innings in those two contests, walking one and striking out seven.
Tonight marks Milton’s first appearance of the season at Dodger Stadium, but in two previous career starts there, he’s 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA. The former Phillie is 1-2 with a 5.56 ERA in four career starts against his ex-mates.
Philadelphia has won five straight Friday contests behind Moyer, but they’re 4-9 in his last 13 starts against the N.L. West.
Furthermore, the under for Philly is on streaks of 10-2-1 overall, 5-1-1 on the road and 6-0 against left-handers, but the over is 10-5-2 in the Phillies’ last 17 against the N.L. West, 8-2-1 in their last 11 on Friday and 4-1 in Moyer’s last five road outings. For the Dodgers, the “under” is on runs of 6-2 overall and 5-1-1 on Friday. Finally, even though last night’s game stayed well under the total, the over is still 10-3-2 in the last 15 series meetings in Los Angeles.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Texas (31-21) at Boston (31-22)
The Red Sox return to Fenway Park after a three-city, 10-game road trip, and they’ll turn to Brad Penny (5-1, 5.63) in this series opener against the first-place Rangers and Kevin Millwood (4-4, 3.23).
Boston opened its road swing by losing four of the first six games against the Twins and Blue Jays, but rebounded to win the next four in a row, including a three-game sweep of the Tigers that concluded with Thursday’s 6-3 victory. In addition to their current four-game win streak, the Red Sox are on runs of 81-35 at home, 27-11 when playing on grass, 23-9 in series openers, 52-22 versus right-handed starters and 17-6 against teams with a winning record.
Texas heads north after blowing a 5-1 lead at New York on Thursday and falling 8-6. The Rangers have followed up a three-game win streak by losing three of their last four. Still, they remain on impressive runs of 21-11 overall, 13-7 against right-handed starters, 5-0 on Friday and 10-4 in series openers.
The Red Sox dominated Texas last year, winning nine of 10 head-to-head meetings, and they’ve won eight straight against the Rangers at Fenway Park. Going back further, Boston is 25-9 in the last 34 overall against Texas and 34-9 in the last 43 clashes at Fenway.
Millwood has seven quality starts in his 11 trips to the mound this season, and he gave up two runs on five hits in six innings on Sunday against Oakland, but got a no-decision as the Rangers fell 5-4 at home. Texas has alternated wins and losses in Millwood’s last six outings, but it is 7-23 in Millwood’s last 30 road starts, 4-9 in his last 13 starts against winning teams and 1-4 in his last five on Friday.
On the highway this season, Millwood is 1-3 with a 3.96 ERA in five starts. The veteran right-hander is also 1-4 with a 4-4 with a 4.46 ERA in 12 career starts against the Red Sox (3-1, 3.38 ERA in seven starts at Fenway).
Penny has given up three earned runs or fewer in five of his last six outings, including Saturday at Toronto as he yielded three runs (two earned) on 10 hits in six innings, getting a no-decision in Boston’s 5-3 loss. Penny, who hasn’t completed seven innings in any of his 10 starts this year, has a beefy 6.14 ERA in four starts at Fenway Park, but he’s 3-0 and the Sox won all four games.
Penny’s experience against Texas is limited to two interleague starts in 2003 and 2004 with the Marlins, and he went 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA.
With Millwood pitching, the Rangers are on a plethora of “under” runs, including 16-5-2 overall, 4-1-1 on the road, 4-0 against A.L. East squads and 15-3-2 when pitching on grass. Conversely, the over is 6-3-1 in Penny’s 10 starts this year (3-0-1 at home).
Texas carries “under” trends of 12-5-1 overall, 9-3-1 on the road, 10-4-1 versus righty starters and 5-2 on Fridays. Similarly, the Red Sox have stayed low in seven of their last nine overall and five of seven at home, and the under is also 4-0-2 in their last six on Friday and 11-4-1 in their last 16 home games following a road trip of seven or more days. On the flip side, four of the last five Rangers-Red Sox clashes at Fenway have topped the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and UNDER
DUNKEL
Milwaukee at Atlanta
After dropping three of four in Florida, the Brewers look to bounce back and build on their 6-1 record in Yovani Gallardo's last 7 starts. Milwaukee is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Brewers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-115).
Game 901-902: NY Mets at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Redding) 14.811; Washington (Martis) 13.775
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Washington (-135); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+125); Under
Game 903-904: Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 15.931; Cincinnati (Owings) 14.522
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-140); Over
Game 905-906: San Francisco at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 16.539; Florida (Volstad) 14.975
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Florida (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+155); Under
Game 907-908: Milwaukee at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.672; Atlanta (Jurrjens) 14.773
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-115); Over
Game 909-910: Pittsburgh at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Karstens) 14.134; Houston (Hampton) 14.770
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-120); Over
Game 911-912: Colorado at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (De La Rosa) 15.919; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.218
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+170); Under
Game 913-914: Arizona at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Davis) 14.330; San Diego (Gaudin) 15.358
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-125); Under
Game 915-916: Philadelphia at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Moyer) 15.625; LA Dodgers (Milton) 16.358
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-145); Under
Game 917-918: LA Angels at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Santana) 15.186; Detroit (Verlander) 14.628
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+165); Under
Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Price) 16.739; NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.349
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-210); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+190); Under
Game 921-922: Texas at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Millwood) 16.228; Boston (Penny) 17.733
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-130); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130); Under
Game 923-924: Kansas City at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Greinke) 14.236; Toronto (Romero) 12.865
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-145); Over
Game 925-926: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Pavano) 14.869; White Sox (Danks) 15.426
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-135); Over
Game 927-928: Baltimore at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Guthrie) 15.555; Oakland (Braden) 14.998
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+120); Under
Game 929-930: Minnesota at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Liriano) 16.741; Seattle (Hernandez) 15.619
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+155); Under
Milwaukee at Atlanta
After dropping three of four in Florida, the Brewers look to bounce back and build on their 6-1 record in Yovani Gallardo's last 7 starts. Milwaukee is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Brewers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-115).
Game 901-902: NY Mets at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Redding) 14.811; Washington (Martis) 13.775
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Washington (-135); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+125); Under
Game 903-904: Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 15.931; Cincinnati (Owings) 14.522
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-140); Over
Game 905-906: San Francisco at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 16.539; Florida (Volstad) 14.975
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Florida (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+155); Under
Game 907-908: Milwaukee at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.672; Atlanta (Jurrjens) 14.773
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-115); Over
Game 909-910: Pittsburgh at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Karstens) 14.134; Houston (Hampton) 14.770
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-120); Over
Game 911-912: Colorado at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (De La Rosa) 15.919; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.218
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+170); Under
Game 913-914: Arizona at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Davis) 14.330; San Diego (Gaudin) 15.358
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: San Diego (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-125); Under
Game 915-916: Philadelphia at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Moyer) 15.625; LA Dodgers (Milton) 16.358
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-145); Under
Game 917-918: LA Angels at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Santana) 15.186; Detroit (Verlander) 14.628
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+165); Under
Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Price) 16.739; NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.349
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-210); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+190); Under
Game 921-922: Texas at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Millwood) 16.228; Boston (Penny) 17.733
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-130); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130); Under
Game 923-924: Kansas City at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Greinke) 14.236; Toronto (Romero) 12.865
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-145); Over
Game 925-926: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Pavano) 14.869; White Sox (Danks) 15.426
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-135); Over
Game 927-928: Baltimore at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Guthrie) 15.555; Oakland (Braden) 14.998
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+120); Under
Game 929-930: Minnesota at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Liriano) 16.741; Seattle (Hernandez) 15.619
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+155); Under
GINA
Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners
Go with the Mariners with Felix Hernandez on the hill. If the right-hander performs again like he did last Saturday, the Twins will have a tough assignment. Hernandez didn't allow an earned run over 6 1/3 innings against the Angels. He is 3-3 with a 2.98 ERA in eight career starts against the Twins. Meanwhile, Minnesota's lefthander Francisco Liriano is 0-3 with a 12.00 ERA in his last three starts and the Twins have lost his last 4 starts, 1-5 in Liriano's last 6 starts on the road. The Mariners have won five of their last 7 games overall.
Seattle Mariners -155
Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners
Go with the Mariners with Felix Hernandez on the hill. If the right-hander performs again like he did last Saturday, the Twins will have a tough assignment. Hernandez didn't allow an earned run over 6 1/3 innings against the Angels. He is 3-3 with a 2.98 ERA in eight career starts against the Twins. Meanwhile, Minnesota's lefthander Francisco Liriano is 0-3 with a 12.00 ERA in his last three starts and the Twins have lost his last 4 starts, 1-5 in Liriano's last 6 starts on the road. The Mariners have won five of their last 7 games overall.
Seattle Mariners -155
Randall The Handle
NY Mets +1.13 over WASHINGTON PINNACLE
The Nationals are 4-20 over its last 24 games, 3-11 over its last 14 home games, they were swept at home yesterday by the Giants and they’re what, about 20 games out in the first week of June. Very nice team. Now, after hanging around the park yesterday for about 14 hours or more and losing twice, they’re right back at it and if, as the players say, baseball is 90% mental, then the Nats should be in an asylum any time now. This Washington team has to be feeling almost embarrassed and being at home in front of tiny crowds can’t help their psyche much either. Not only are they losing but they’ve stopped scoring runs now too, as they’ve scored two runs or less in five of its last nine contests. You think they feel like playing baseball? I think not, as this is a group of players that are so mentally damaged right now that laying juice with them is very likely to be detrimental to your bankroll. The Mets have to be feeling rather excited about coming here. Does it matter who’s pitching? Play: NY Mets +1.13 (Risking 2 units).
Milwaukee +1.03 over ATLANTA PINNACLE
You’ll have to excuse me, as I crap in my pants over the Braves picking up Nate McClouth from the Pirates. Yeah, McClouth is a decent player but the media is making him out to be the second coming of Chipper Jones, when in fact, he is not. McClouth is hitting .256 this year and he’s a .262 career hitter. He does have power and he’s a damn good centerfielder but if you think he’s going to turn this offensively challenged offense into a feared one, think again. What I do know is that Yollandi Gallardo is a monster out there and when he pitches the Brewers usually win. He’s coming off a short outing in which he went 5.2 innings against the Reds and threw just 97 pitches. He came out early because the Brewers had the lead and prior to that he shut out the Cardinals in eight innings in a 1-0 win in which he threw 127 pitches. The Brewers are 7-3 when he starts and he ranks among the league leaders in every key pitching category. The Braves will send out the always-tough Jair Jurrjens but when comparing the two, Gallardo is still more dangerous and by the way, so is the Brewers offense. Play: Milwaukee +1.03 (Risking 2 units).
Philadelphia +1.27 over LOS ANGELES PINNACLE
Pretty easy pulling the trigger on the red-hot Phillies right now, especially at this price and against this pitcher. The Phillies have won seven in a row and 16 of its last 20 games. Wow. They came in here last night and beat the Dodgers 3-0 and have now beaten L.A. in 10 of their last 13 match-ups. Furthermore, the Dodgers are laboring at the plate right now, having scored two runs or less in six of its last eight games. That includes one run against Jon Garland, two against Billy Buckner and one against Ted Lilly. Eric Milton goes for the Dodgers and although he’s pitched well, don’t be fooled. This guy has been off for 1½-years and picked up his first win in three years two starts ago. He was a below average pitcher before his layoff and he’s no better now. Anyway, the Phillies are feeling it right now and it’s rarely bad strategy playing on a scorching hot team. Play: Philadelphia +1.27 (Risking 2 units).
NY Mets +1.13 over WASHINGTON PINNACLE
The Nationals are 4-20 over its last 24 games, 3-11 over its last 14 home games, they were swept at home yesterday by the Giants and they’re what, about 20 games out in the first week of June. Very nice team. Now, after hanging around the park yesterday for about 14 hours or more and losing twice, they’re right back at it and if, as the players say, baseball is 90% mental, then the Nats should be in an asylum any time now. This Washington team has to be feeling almost embarrassed and being at home in front of tiny crowds can’t help their psyche much either. Not only are they losing but they’ve stopped scoring runs now too, as they’ve scored two runs or less in five of its last nine contests. You think they feel like playing baseball? I think not, as this is a group of players that are so mentally damaged right now that laying juice with them is very likely to be detrimental to your bankroll. The Mets have to be feeling rather excited about coming here. Does it matter who’s pitching? Play: NY Mets +1.13 (Risking 2 units).
Milwaukee +1.03 over ATLANTA PINNACLE
You’ll have to excuse me, as I crap in my pants over the Braves picking up Nate McClouth from the Pirates. Yeah, McClouth is a decent player but the media is making him out to be the second coming of Chipper Jones, when in fact, he is not. McClouth is hitting .256 this year and he’s a .262 career hitter. He does have power and he’s a damn good centerfielder but if you think he’s going to turn this offensively challenged offense into a feared one, think again. What I do know is that Yollandi Gallardo is a monster out there and when he pitches the Brewers usually win. He’s coming off a short outing in which he went 5.2 innings against the Reds and threw just 97 pitches. He came out early because the Brewers had the lead and prior to that he shut out the Cardinals in eight innings in a 1-0 win in which he threw 127 pitches. The Brewers are 7-3 when he starts and he ranks among the league leaders in every key pitching category. The Braves will send out the always-tough Jair Jurrjens but when comparing the two, Gallardo is still more dangerous and by the way, so is the Brewers offense. Play: Milwaukee +1.03 (Risking 2 units).
Philadelphia +1.27 over LOS ANGELES PINNACLE
Pretty easy pulling the trigger on the red-hot Phillies right now, especially at this price and against this pitcher. The Phillies have won seven in a row and 16 of its last 20 games. Wow. They came in here last night and beat the Dodgers 3-0 and have now beaten L.A. in 10 of their last 13 match-ups. Furthermore, the Dodgers are laboring at the plate right now, having scored two runs or less in six of its last eight games. That includes one run against Jon Garland, two against Billy Buckner and one against Ted Lilly. Eric Milton goes for the Dodgers and although he’s pitched well, don’t be fooled. This guy has been off for 1½-years and picked up his first win in three years two starts ago. He was a below average pitcher before his layoff and he’s no better now. Anyway, the Phillies are feeling it right now and it’s rarely bad strategy playing on a scorching hot team. Play: Philadelphia +1.27 (Risking 2 units).
Brian Joseph
Best Bet
Seattle Mariners (-142) over Minnesota Twins
Felix Hernandez has a decent line against current Twins at .238/.310/.376 in 114 PAs and Minnesota is dreadful (6-16) on the road. Seattle is slightly better at home (14-13) and has shown the ability to get to Francisco Liriano this year. Liriano is 1-1 against the Mariners but neither outing went well for Liriano. Hernandez is also 1-1 against the Twins but dominated them in the first of two starts. The home/road effect is the selling point here though which gives me considerable faith in Seattle
Best Bet
Seattle Mariners (-142) over Minnesota Twins
Felix Hernandez has a decent line against current Twins at .238/.310/.376 in 114 PAs and Minnesota is dreadful (6-16) on the road. Seattle is slightly better at home (14-13) and has shown the ability to get to Francisco Liriano this year. Liriano is 1-1 against the Mariners but neither outing went well for Liriano. Hernandez is also 1-1 against the Twins but dominated them in the first of two starts. The home/road effect is the selling point here though which gives me considerable faith in Seattle
WUNDERDOG
BELMONT PARK Race #3 at 2:00 PM Eastern
Top pick: #3 (SMOKIN SARAH) - Trainer Scott Lake drops this front-runner into a winning spot today. Unable to get the lead in her last several starts, she still showed good speed in all. The lead is hers for the taking and she's the horse to catch and beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Tide Runner) - Stretch runner has slipped a bit, but has been a reliable runner against tougher her whole career, winning 10 of 46 lifetime starts. She'd love a fast/contested pace to rally into.
3rd pick: #2 (Spunky) - Takes a big drop in class in her second off a Rich Schosberg claim. Way "over her head" last out, she fits at this level and had won five of her last eight starts prior to the recent claim. Contender.
4th pick: #8 (Stephen's Rhythm) - Consistent runner is three for seven on the year and finished second in her latest in another solid performance. Claimed that day by Gary Gullo and he's done well with previous claims maintaining their form.
BELMONT PARK Race #3 at 2:00 PM Eastern
Top pick: #3 (SMOKIN SARAH) - Trainer Scott Lake drops this front-runner into a winning spot today. Unable to get the lead in her last several starts, she still showed good speed in all. The lead is hers for the taking and she's the horse to catch and beat.
2nd pick: #4 (Tide Runner) - Stretch runner has slipped a bit, but has been a reliable runner against tougher her whole career, winning 10 of 46 lifetime starts. She'd love a fast/contested pace to rally into.
3rd pick: #2 (Spunky) - Takes a big drop in class in her second off a Rich Schosberg claim. Way "over her head" last out, she fits at this level and had won five of her last eight starts prior to the recent claim. Contender.
4th pick: #8 (Stephen's Rhythm) - Consistent runner is three for seven on the year and finished second in her latest in another solid performance. Claimed that day by Gary Gullo and he's done well with previous claims maintaining their form.
<TABLE id=Table_01 height=29 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=banner3 width="100%">Stu's 100 Dime Baseball #1 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE id=Table_01 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=DNNAlignleft id=dnn_ctr754_ContentPane align=left width="100%"><!-- Start_Module_754 -->TAMPA BAY RAYS @ NY YANKEES 7:05 ET
Play On: YANKEES ON A RUN LINE
C.C. HAS BEEN LIGHTS OUT FOR THE YANKEES. LAST 22 INNINGS HE IS 2 - 0 WITH AND ERA OF 2.86. HE IS 7 - 1 LIFETIME AGAINST THE RAYS. THEY WILL HIT PRICE HARD AND WIN BY AT LEAST 3 RUNS.
Play on the NY YANKEES for a 100 Dime Selection.
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=505 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE id=Table_01 height=29 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=banner3 width="100%">Stu's 100 Dime Baseball #2 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE id=Table_01 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=DNNAlignleft id=dnn_ctr753_ContentPane align=left width="100%"><!-- Start_Module_753 -->CLEVELAND INDIANS @ CHICAGO WHITE SOX 8:10 ET
Play on CLEVELAND INDIANS + 115
PAVANO HAD A GREAT MAY 5 - 1 AND I EXPECT THE SAME IN JUNE. HE HAS BEATEN THE WHITE SOX ALREADY THIS YEAR 2 - 1 FOR HIS CAREER. AND HIS LAST 20 INNINGS HE 2 - 0 ERA OF 3.15. DANKS IS 1 - 4 LIFE TIME AGAINST THE INDIANS AND HE WILL GET BEAT UP TODAY.
Play on CLEVELAND INDIANS 100 Dime Selection
<!-- End_Module_753 -->
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=505 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE id=Table_01 height=29 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=banner3 width="100%">Stu's 100 Dime Baseball #3 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE id=Table_01 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=DNNAlignleft id=dnn_ctr935_ContentPane align=left width="100%"><!-- Start_Module_935 -->NY METS @ WASHINGTON NATIONALS 7:05 ET
Play On: THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS -115
REDDING WILL GO BACK TO THE MINORS AFTER GETTING SHELLED TONIGHT. MARTIS 5 - 1 THIS YEAR. 3 - 0 AT HOME WILL KEEP THE DEPLETED METS OFFENSE QUIET. WASHINGTON GIVES METS 4TH STRAIGHT LOSS.
Play on the WASHINGTON NATIONALS as a 100 Dime selection.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED-------GL GUYS
I AM GOING BOATING THE REST OF THE DAY SO GOOD LUCK YO ALL. CORK
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Play On: YANKEES ON A RUN LINE
C.C. HAS BEEN LIGHTS OUT FOR THE YANKEES. LAST 22 INNINGS HE IS 2 - 0 WITH AND ERA OF 2.86. HE IS 7 - 1 LIFETIME AGAINST THE RAYS. THEY WILL HIT PRICE HARD AND WIN BY AT LEAST 3 RUNS.
Play on the NY YANKEES for a 100 Dime Selection.
<!-- End_Module_754 -->
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=505 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE id=Table_01 height=29 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=banner3 width="100%">Stu's 100 Dime Baseball #2 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE id=Table_01 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=DNNAlignleft id=dnn_ctr753_ContentPane align=left width="100%"><!-- Start_Module_753 -->CLEVELAND INDIANS @ CHICAGO WHITE SOX 8:10 ET
Play on CLEVELAND INDIANS + 115
PAVANO HAD A GREAT MAY 5 - 1 AND I EXPECT THE SAME IN JUNE. HE HAS BEATEN THE WHITE SOX ALREADY THIS YEAR 2 - 1 FOR HIS CAREER. AND HIS LAST 20 INNINGS HE 2 - 0 ERA OF 3.15. DANKS IS 1 - 4 LIFE TIME AGAINST THE INDIANS AND HE WILL GET BEAT UP TODAY.
Play on CLEVELAND INDIANS 100 Dime Selection
<!-- End_Module_753 -->
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=505 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE id=Table_01 height=29 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=banner3 width="100%">Stu's 100 Dime Baseball #3 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE id=Table_01 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=left><TABLE width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=DNNAlignleft id=dnn_ctr935_ContentPane align=left width="100%"><!-- Start_Module_935 -->NY METS @ WASHINGTON NATIONALS 7:05 ET
Play On: THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS -115
REDDING WILL GO BACK TO THE MINORS AFTER GETTING SHELLED TONIGHT. MARTIS 5 - 1 THIS YEAR. 3 - 0 AT HOME WILL KEEP THE DEPLETED METS OFFENSE QUIET. WASHINGTON GIVES METS 4TH STRAIGHT LOSS.
Play on the WASHINGTON NATIONALS as a 100 Dime selection.
BOUGHT,PAID AND CONFIRMED-------GL GUYS
I AM GOING BOATING THE REST OF THE DAY SO GOOD LUCK YO ALL. CORK
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
We Cover Spreads
Diamondbacks -104
The Padres are in for a long night tonight since they are batting just .196 at home vs. lefties. Doug Davis is on the hill for the DBacks tonight and despite his 2-6 record he has pitched solid this season with a 3.65 ERA, a 51 strike out to 27 walk ratio, and a 1.28 WHIP. Davis has subdued the Padres batters in the past. Earlier this season he faced them a pitched a solid seven innings giving up just two earned runs. Last year he faced them three times holding them to a .211 batting average and in three games '07 to a .217 batting average.
Chad Gaudin gets the start for San Diego and he has been inconsistent this season. He is yielding a 4.76 ERA with a 1.51 WHIP allowing batters a .360 on base percentage. Earlier this season Arizona slammed Gaudin for seven earned runs in just five innings of work. While pitching for Oakland last year Gaudin struggled again vs. Arizona facing just 10 batters and gave up 3 earned runs before being pulled in the second inning. Arizona's batters are hitting .273 vs right handed pitchers in their last 10 games; steadily improving from the .247 average overall this season vs. rightys. San Diego was just swept at home vs. Philly and we look for the struggles to continue.
Angels +162
We couldn't pass up the value in this line here. We have been riding Justin Verlander this season but the buck stops here in this game tonight. The Angels aren't a power hitting line up and play small ball. Which adds to their benefit tonight and the main component why Verlander has struggled vs. them in the past. Verlander usually does better against line ups with a lot of power hitters. They are a patient group of batters and Verlander struggled this year giving up seven earned runs and nine hits in just five innings vs. LA. Last season he gave up 6 earned runs in his only game against the Angels.
We have faded Ervin Santana up to this point of this season and feel this is the game he breaks out. The Angels are 5-2 when he starts vs. Detroit. In three games vs Detroit last season he dominated on the hill allowing just 6 runs and holding batters to a .185 average. The Tigers are batting just .249 vs rightys at home this year and .252 the last 10 games. The big bat of Miguel Cabrera may be on the sidelines since he is listed doubtful with a hamstring injury. We'll back the Angels and the value who have dominated the series winning 11 of the last 15 overall and 19 of the last 28 in Detroit.
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Diamondbacks -104
The Padres are in for a long night tonight since they are batting just .196 at home vs. lefties. Doug Davis is on the hill for the DBacks tonight and despite his 2-6 record he has pitched solid this season with a 3.65 ERA, a 51 strike out to 27 walk ratio, and a 1.28 WHIP. Davis has subdued the Padres batters in the past. Earlier this season he faced them a pitched a solid seven innings giving up just two earned runs. Last year he faced them three times holding them to a .211 batting average and in three games '07 to a .217 batting average.
Chad Gaudin gets the start for San Diego and he has been inconsistent this season. He is yielding a 4.76 ERA with a 1.51 WHIP allowing batters a .360 on base percentage. Earlier this season Arizona slammed Gaudin for seven earned runs in just five innings of work. While pitching for Oakland last year Gaudin struggled again vs. Arizona facing just 10 batters and gave up 3 earned runs before being pulled in the second inning. Arizona's batters are hitting .273 vs right handed pitchers in their last 10 games; steadily improving from the .247 average overall this season vs. rightys. San Diego was just swept at home vs. Philly and we look for the struggles to continue.
Angels +162
We couldn't pass up the value in this line here. We have been riding Justin Verlander this season but the buck stops here in this game tonight. The Angels aren't a power hitting line up and play small ball. Which adds to their benefit tonight and the main component why Verlander has struggled vs. them in the past. Verlander usually does better against line ups with a lot of power hitters. They are a patient group of batters and Verlander struggled this year giving up seven earned runs and nine hits in just five innings vs. LA. Last season he gave up 6 earned runs in his only game against the Angels.
We have faded Ervin Santana up to this point of this season and feel this is the game he breaks out. The Angels are 5-2 when he starts vs. Detroit. In three games vs Detroit last season he dominated on the hill allowing just 6 runs and holding batters to a .185 average. The Tigers are batting just .249 vs rightys at home this year and .252 the last 10 games. The big bat of Miguel Cabrera may be on the sidelines since he is listed doubtful with a hamstring injury. We'll back the Angels and the value who have dominated the series winning 11 of the last 15 overall and 19 of the last 28 in Detroit.
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JACK JONES
15* on Texas Rangers +126
The Red Sox have been tough at home, but I'll take the Rangers tonight in Fenway with Kevin Millwood on the mound. So far this season Millwood is 4-4 with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Brad Penny takes the mound for the Red Sox, and while he has improved over his last three starts, he still has a 5.63 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP this season, including a 6.14 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP in Boston. The Rangers are scoring 5.4 runs per game, just a slight advantage over the Red Sox, and behind a strong outing from Millwood I think they take the first game of this series in Boston.
15* on Texas Rangers +126
The Red Sox have been tough at home, but I'll take the Rangers tonight in Fenway with Kevin Millwood on the mound. So far this season Millwood is 4-4 with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Brad Penny takes the mound for the Red Sox, and while he has improved over his last three starts, he still has a 5.63 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP this season, including a 6.14 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP in Boston. The Rangers are scoring 5.4 runs per game, just a slight advantage over the Red Sox, and behind a strong outing from Millwood I think they take the first game of this series in Boston.
Jack Jones
Premium Play
-= TOP PLAY =- MLB | Jun 05 '09 (8:15p)
Colorado Rockies vs St Louis Cardinals
St Louis Cardinals -1½+121 at 5dimes
20* No-Brainer on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 +121
I'm taking the Cardinals over the Rockies on Friday night. St. Louis is fighting to stay on pace with the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central and they have one of their most consistent pitchers on the mound tonight in Adam Wainwright. Wainwright is 5-3 for the Cardinals on the season with a 3.37 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in 11 starts. Jorge De La Rosa starts for the Rockies and he's hit a very rough patch over his last 3 starts. Over that span he is 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA and a 2.33 WHIP. The brings De La Rosa to 0-6 on the season and raises his overall ERA to 5.43. Add that to the fact that the Rockies are 12-18 on the road this year while the Cards are 19-11 and we have an easy play on St. Louis. Take the run line for a great value here.
Premium Play
-= TOP PLAY =- MLB | Jun 05 '09 (8:15p)
Colorado Rockies vs St Louis Cardinals
St Louis Cardinals -1½+121 at 5dimes
20* No-Brainer on St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 +121
I'm taking the Cardinals over the Rockies on Friday night. St. Louis is fighting to stay on pace with the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central and they have one of their most consistent pitchers on the mound tonight in Adam Wainwright. Wainwright is 5-3 for the Cardinals on the season with a 3.37 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP in 11 starts. Jorge De La Rosa starts for the Rockies and he's hit a very rough patch over his last 3 starts. Over that span he is 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA and a 2.33 WHIP. The brings De La Rosa to 0-6 on the season and raises his overall ERA to 5.43. Add that to the fact that the Rockies are 12-18 on the road this year while the Cards are 19-11 and we have an easy play on St. Louis. Take the run line for a great value here.
