Matt Rivers
100,000* MONSTER MONSTER LOCK Plus Bonus Lock
Your winners here are on:
1. 100,000♦ Red Sox
2. 50,000♦ Brewers
1. I am not going to at all try and defend the recent play from Terry Francona's Red Sox, save the last few innings yesterday, because it has been beyond brutal. Boston has regressed terribly over the past few weeks and it is a total possibility that they may not even make the playoffs, even with that last comeback win over the A's
John Smoltz gets the ball for Boston and he has been anything but good of late. The future Hall of Famer has struggled immensely and is not the same guy that was with the Braves, I fully understand that. But Smoltz was very solid in that game about a month ago at Camden Yards before the rains came and he had his win stolen from him because of the unreal Oriole 10-1 comeback where the birds prevailed 11-10. If there is ever a case that the baseball Gods or Karma or whatever you want to call it will even things up then this is it. I'm not saying that I handicap on those feelings at all because that is a bit silly but let's be honest here, Smoltz still has enough in the tank to be alright and the Red Sox are still the far superior team today with the much better bullpen.
Jeremy Guthie is alright. The righthander can be very good at times but he also can be pretty poor at times. In other words he is a feast or famine type hurler so you never fully know what is up with him. His last outing was bad in Fenway and I don't believe we will see a 180 today and watch Guthrie look anything above mediocre.
Look for Pedroia, Bay, Lowell, Big Papi, Ellsbury and the Sox to flex their muscles and take care of business here at this bargain basement price. We really are looking at a steal of a price as Boston wins this game a lot more than the oddsmaker seems to believe.
2. The Padres did play a little better in that last series in Cincinnati but don't let that fool you one bit as they flat out do not hit at home in PETCO Park. Besides Adrian Gonzalez there is very little talent and to get Fielder, Braun and the far more talented Brewers at this cheap cheap price is way too good to pass up.
Both Braden Looper and Chad Gaudin are decent enough Major Leaguers. Neither is great but when push comes to shove I'll take my chances on Looper. He has been better for sure as a starter then when he closed games for the Mets and is your typical six inning three run type of a guy which is definitely good enough with his high powered offense.
Obviously PETCO is a total pitchers' ballpark and with the Padres horrible offense I fully believe that Looper is going to have a really really solid outing and in the end that will be more than enough for the far better Brewers to do their thing.
San Diego is probably the worst team in all of baseball and to get the Brew Crew at this number, even away from Miller Park, is just fine with me!
PAID FOR BY MYSELF CORK AND MARFA[/B
<><>
100,000* MONSTER MONSTER LOCK Plus Bonus Lock
Your winners here are on:
1. 100,000♦ Red Sox
2. 50,000♦ Brewers
1. I am not going to at all try and defend the recent play from Terry Francona's Red Sox, save the last few innings yesterday, because it has been beyond brutal. Boston has regressed terribly over the past few weeks and it is a total possibility that they may not even make the playoffs, even with that last comeback win over the A's
John Smoltz gets the ball for Boston and he has been anything but good of late. The future Hall of Famer has struggled immensely and is not the same guy that was with the Braves, I fully understand that. But Smoltz was very solid in that game about a month ago at Camden Yards before the rains came and he had his win stolen from him because of the unreal Oriole 10-1 comeback where the birds prevailed 11-10. If there is ever a case that the baseball Gods or Karma or whatever you want to call it will even things up then this is it. I'm not saying that I handicap on those feelings at all because that is a bit silly but let's be honest here, Smoltz still has enough in the tank to be alright and the Red Sox are still the far superior team today with the much better bullpen.
Jeremy Guthie is alright. The righthander can be very good at times but he also can be pretty poor at times. In other words he is a feast or famine type hurler so you never fully know what is up with him. His last outing was bad in Fenway and I don't believe we will see a 180 today and watch Guthrie look anything above mediocre.
Look for Pedroia, Bay, Lowell, Big Papi, Ellsbury and the Sox to flex their muscles and take care of business here at this bargain basement price. We really are looking at a steal of a price as Boston wins this game a lot more than the oddsmaker seems to believe.
2. The Padres did play a little better in that last series in Cincinnati but don't let that fool you one bit as they flat out do not hit at home in PETCO Park. Besides Adrian Gonzalez there is very little talent and to get Fielder, Braun and the far more talented Brewers at this cheap cheap price is way too good to pass up.
Both Braden Looper and Chad Gaudin are decent enough Major Leaguers. Neither is great but when push comes to shove I'll take my chances on Looper. He has been better for sure as a starter then when he closed games for the Mets and is your typical six inning three run type of a guy which is definitely good enough with his high powered offense.
Obviously PETCO is a total pitchers' ballpark and with the Padres horrible offense I fully believe that Looper is going to have a really really solid outing and in the end that will be more than enough for the far better Brewers to do their thing.
San Diego is probably the worst team in all of baseball and to get the Brew Crew at this number, even away from Miller Park, is just fine with me!
PAID FOR BY MYSELF CORK AND MARFA[/B
<><>
SCOTT FERRALL
MLB FREE PICKS FOR FRIDAY
PICKS ARE IN ALL CAPS AND RANKED IN ORDER OF CONFIDENCE ( )
Dodgers (Schmidt)
ATLANTA (HANSON) -170 (1)
Yankees (Mitre)
WHITE SOX (RICHARD) +105 (2)
Arizona (Davis)
METS (HERNANDEZ) -105 (3)
RUN TOTALS
Arizona / Mets UNDER 9
Dodgers / Atlanta OVER 9
Yankees / White Sox OVER 10 ½
Toronto / Oakland OVER 8
MLB FREE PICKS FOR FRIDAY
PICKS ARE IN ALL CAPS AND RANKED IN ORDER OF CONFIDENCE ( )
Dodgers (Schmidt)
ATLANTA (HANSON) -170 (1)
Yankees (Mitre)
WHITE SOX (RICHARD) +105 (2)
Arizona (Davis)
METS (HERNANDEZ) -105 (3)
RUN TOTALS
Arizona / Mets UNDER 9
Dodgers / Atlanta OVER 9
Yankees / White Sox OVER 10 ½
Toronto / Oakland OVER 8
LT Profits - 100% Confirmed.Won 6 Straight Days - 9-3 Last 12
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=450 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=v2tableheader width=448>Friday July 31st 2009</TD></TR><TR><TD class=v2t-div-td width=348>
</TD></TR><TR><TD width=448><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=v2table-cell02-td align=middle colSpan=5>-- Major League Baseball --
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=v2table-cell01-td vAlign=top width=40>7:05p
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td vAlign=top width=150>LT Profits
<!-- jbjbjb -->Detroit Tigers r969
-1.5 (115) / 2 units<!-- jbjbjb -->
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td width=3>
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td>MLB DETROIT TIGERS -1.5 +115 (Bet Jamaica – Fri., 7/31/09, 7:00 ET)
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td width=3>
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=v2table-cell02-td vAlign=top width=40>7:10p
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell02-td vAlign=top width=150>LT Profits
<!-- jbjbjb -->Arizona Diamondbacks r957
New York Mets r958
u9.0 (-125) / 2 units<!-- jbjbjb -->
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell02-td width=3>
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell02-td>MLB DIAMONDBACKS/METS UNDER 9 -125 (Bet Jamaica – Fri., 7/31/09, 7:00 ET)
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell02-td width=3>
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=v2table-cell01-td vAlign=top width=40>10:15p
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td vAlign=top width=150>LT Profits
<!-- jbjbjb -->Philadelphia Phillies r965
-1.5 (-110) / 2 units<!-- jbjbjb -->
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td width=3>
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td>MLB PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES -1.5 -110 ***MLB PLAY OF THE DAY*** (Bet Jamaica – Fri., 7/31/09, 10:15 ET) -
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=450 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=v2tableheader width=448>Friday July 31st 2009</TD></TR><TR><TD class=v2t-div-td width=348>
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=v2table-cell01-td vAlign=top width=40>7:05p
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td vAlign=top width=150>LT Profits
<!-- jbjbjb -->Detroit Tigers r969
-1.5 (115) / 2 units<!-- jbjbjb -->
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td width=3>
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td>MLB DETROIT TIGERS -1.5 +115 (Bet Jamaica – Fri., 7/31/09, 7:00 ET)
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td width=3>
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=v2table-cell02-td vAlign=top width=40>7:10p
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell02-td vAlign=top width=150>LT Profits
<!-- jbjbjb -->Arizona Diamondbacks r957
New York Mets r958
u9.0 (-125) / 2 units<!-- jbjbjb -->
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell02-td width=3>
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell02-td>MLB DIAMONDBACKS/METS UNDER 9 -125 (Bet Jamaica – Fri., 7/31/09, 7:00 ET)
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell02-td width=3>
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=v2table-cell01-td vAlign=top width=40>10:15p
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td vAlign=top width=150>LT Profits
<!-- jbjbjb -->Philadelphia Phillies r965
-1.5 (-110) / 2 units<!-- jbjbjb -->
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td width=3>
</TD><TD class=v2table-cell01-td>MLB PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES -1.5 -110 ***MLB PLAY OF THE DAY*** (Bet Jamaica – Fri., 7/31/09, 10:15 ET) -
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
MTI Top 5 star play
5-Star LA Angels +140 over MINNESOTA - The Angels beat the Tribe 9-3 on Wednesday to get to 60-40 on the season. They are a significant dog here because Blackburn has great numbers at home and the Twins have won four straight. However, the Angels have scored at least six runs in nine of their last ten games and they are very tough to beat when they are putting up big numbers. The Angels have not lost this season on the road when they are off a 5+ run win, going a perfect 8-0.
The Angels are motivated by three things: when they facing a team on a winning streak, when they are a dog vs a team with a worse record and when they are a dog when they won the last time they faced their opponent's starting pitcher. All three are active here. The Halos are a best-in-league 32-14 vs a team that has won at least their last four games (o:streak>=4 and date>=20050501 and team) including 15-6 as a road DOG vs a team that has won at least their last three games. Also, LA is 9-4 since May as an underdog vs a team that has a worse record and a scintillating 15-3 as a DOG when they won the last time they faced their opponent's starting pitcher. Yikes!
Both these teams are off wire-to-wire wins. However, Minnesota is 0-6 as a favorite of more than 110 when they are off a win in which they never trailed and the Angels are 6-0 THIS season in the first game of a road series when they are off a win in which they never trailed, with two of the six wins as a dog.
Many squares will lay this big number citing the fact that Minnesota is 11-1 their last dozen when Nick Blackburn starts as a home favorite and Ervin Santana lasted only three and two-thirds in his last start, allowing six runs. However, this information does not give any line value because the linesmakers KNOW that Blackburn has been a good investment at home and they KNOW that Santana was bombed in his last start. Less well known is the fact that the Angels are a staggering 21-4 when their starter went less than four innings in his last start! They are 11-1 their last dozen in this situation and they have not lost in this spot this season. Finally, the Angels are a perfect 10-0 with Santana in the first game of a road series - including 3-0 this season. We give the Angels a significantly better than even chance at winning here and they are a BIG dog. We're playing LA on the adjusted run line (-1.5 runs at a big price).
MTi's FORECAST: LA ANGELS 8 Minnesota 3
5-Star LA Angels +140 over MINNESOTA - The Angels beat the Tribe 9-3 on Wednesday to get to 60-40 on the season. They are a significant dog here because Blackburn has great numbers at home and the Twins have won four straight. However, the Angels have scored at least six runs in nine of their last ten games and they are very tough to beat when they are putting up big numbers. The Angels have not lost this season on the road when they are off a 5+ run win, going a perfect 8-0.
The Angels are motivated by three things: when they facing a team on a winning streak, when they are a dog vs a team with a worse record and when they are a dog when they won the last time they faced their opponent's starting pitcher. All three are active here. The Halos are a best-in-league 32-14 vs a team that has won at least their last four games (o:streak>=4 and date>=20050501 and team) including 15-6 as a road DOG vs a team that has won at least their last three games. Also, LA is 9-4 since May as an underdog vs a team that has a worse record and a scintillating 15-3 as a DOG when they won the last time they faced their opponent's starting pitcher. Yikes!
Both these teams are off wire-to-wire wins. However, Minnesota is 0-6 as a favorite of more than 110 when they are off a win in which they never trailed and the Angels are 6-0 THIS season in the first game of a road series when they are off a win in which they never trailed, with two of the six wins as a dog.
Many squares will lay this big number citing the fact that Minnesota is 11-1 their last dozen when Nick Blackburn starts as a home favorite and Ervin Santana lasted only three and two-thirds in his last start, allowing six runs. However, this information does not give any line value because the linesmakers KNOW that Blackburn has been a good investment at home and they KNOW that Santana was bombed in his last start. Less well known is the fact that the Angels are a staggering 21-4 when their starter went less than four innings in his last start! They are 11-1 their last dozen in this situation and they have not lost in this spot this season. Finally, the Angels are a perfect 10-0 with Santana in the first game of a road series - including 3-0 this season. We give the Angels a significantly better than even chance at winning here and they are a BIG dog. We're playing LA on the adjusted run line (-1.5 runs at a big price).
MTi's FORECAST: LA ANGELS 8 Minnesota 3
MTi's CHEAP CHALK (4.5-Star)
4-Star NY METS -110 over Arizona - The Mets lost 4-2 in the nightcap yesterday to break a five-game winning streak. They led 1-0 after five, but the Rockies tied it up in the sixth and went on to win 4-2. We expect that they'll get right back to their winning ways tonight. The Mets are 8-1 since late April in the first game of a series when they are off a loss in which they held the lead. Their only loss was by a single run against the Yankees and Chamberlain as a 185 dog. More specifically, NY is 6-0 THIS season in the first game of a home series when they are off a loss in which they held the lead, winning each of the last four by multiple runs.
Hernandez has produced wins in two straight starts, going seven innings in each and allowing 2 and 3 runs respectively. The Mets are a reliable 5-0 since May at home when they won the last two games their starter started.
Arizona is off a 4-0 shutout of the Phillies and they send Doug Davis to the hill to face the Mets. The Diamondbacks are a huge money-burner in this spot. The Snakes are 0-19 as a dog when they are off a win in which they never trailed and their starter lasted more than six innings (team=Diamondbacks and D and po:BL=0 and p:SIP>6 and 20080524<=date) - including 0-10 THIS season.
In his last start, Doug Davis went six innings and allowed no runs in a 7-0 win over the Pirates. Well, Arizona is 0-5 THIS season when Doug Davis starts as a dog after going at least 6 innings and giving up no home runs.
The price is right.
MTi's FORECAST: NY METS 5 Arizona 2
4-Star NY METS -110 over Arizona - The Mets lost 4-2 in the nightcap yesterday to break a five-game winning streak. They led 1-0 after five, but the Rockies tied it up in the sixth and went on to win 4-2. We expect that they'll get right back to their winning ways tonight. The Mets are 8-1 since late April in the first game of a series when they are off a loss in which they held the lead. Their only loss was by a single run against the Yankees and Chamberlain as a 185 dog. More specifically, NY is 6-0 THIS season in the first game of a home series when they are off a loss in which they held the lead, winning each of the last four by multiple runs.
Hernandez has produced wins in two straight starts, going seven innings in each and allowing 2 and 3 runs respectively. The Mets are a reliable 5-0 since May at home when they won the last two games their starter started.
Arizona is off a 4-0 shutout of the Phillies and they send Doug Davis to the hill to face the Mets. The Diamondbacks are a huge money-burner in this spot. The Snakes are 0-19 as a dog when they are off a win in which they never trailed and their starter lasted more than six innings (team=Diamondbacks and D and po:BL=0 and p:SIP>6 and 20080524<=date) - including 0-10 THIS season.
In his last start, Doug Davis went six innings and allowed no runs in a 7-0 win over the Pirates. Well, Arizona is 0-5 THIS season when Doug Davis starts as a dog after going at least 6 innings and giving up no home runs.
The price is right.
MTi's FORECAST: NY METS 5 Arizona 2
MTi's FALSE FAVORITE (4.5-Star)
4-Star LA Dodgers +155 over ATLANTA - Both these teams won on the road in extra innings by scoring multiple runs in the top of the tenth. LA broke a four game losing streak yesterday with a 5-3 win over the Cardinals in ten innings and the Braves broke a 2-game losing streak with a 6-3 win in Florida in ten innings.
The Dodgers outhit the Cards 12-6 and this is a positive indicator. LA is 11-2 as a ROAD DOG after a win in which they had at least a dozen hits, including 8-1 THIS season and 5-0 their last five. In the first game of a series, the Dodgers are 8-1 THIS season when they are off a win in which they allowed six or fewer hits, including 4-0 if it is the first game of a road series.
The Dodgers put their game faces on when they are a dog vs a team with a worse record, going 14-8 as an underdog vs a team that has a worse record.
The obvious reason why the Dodgers are such a huge dog here is the pitching match-up. In his last start, Schmidt allowed five runs in three innings and the Dodgers lost 8-6 to the Marlins. In his two starts, he has received plenty of run support and we expect the Dodgers' bats to support him better than expected here. LA is a perfect 5-0 THIS SEASON when their starter went less than four innings in his last start, out-scoring their opponent by an average of 4.8 runs per game.
In Hanson's last start, the Braves were shut out 4-0 as a dog in Milwaukee. Atlanta, unlike the Dodgers, does poorly when their pitcher got little run support in his last start. The Braves are 5-15 since late April as a favorite when they scored two or fewer runs for their starter in his last start.
The Braves won Hansen's first five starts, but are 1-3 his last four. There is a good chance that this will be his first home loss, as LA is a solid 3-3 their last six as a 150+ dog.
MTi's FORECAST: LA Dodgers 4 ATLANTA 3
4-Star LA Dodgers +155 over ATLANTA - Both these teams won on the road in extra innings by scoring multiple runs in the top of the tenth. LA broke a four game losing streak yesterday with a 5-3 win over the Cardinals in ten innings and the Braves broke a 2-game losing streak with a 6-3 win in Florida in ten innings.
The Dodgers outhit the Cards 12-6 and this is a positive indicator. LA is 11-2 as a ROAD DOG after a win in which they had at least a dozen hits, including 8-1 THIS season and 5-0 their last five. In the first game of a series, the Dodgers are 8-1 THIS season when they are off a win in which they allowed six or fewer hits, including 4-0 if it is the first game of a road series.
The Dodgers put their game faces on when they are a dog vs a team with a worse record, going 14-8 as an underdog vs a team that has a worse record.
The obvious reason why the Dodgers are such a huge dog here is the pitching match-up. In his last start, Schmidt allowed five runs in three innings and the Dodgers lost 8-6 to the Marlins. In his two starts, he has received plenty of run support and we expect the Dodgers' bats to support him better than expected here. LA is a perfect 5-0 THIS SEASON when their starter went less than four innings in his last start, out-scoring their opponent by an average of 4.8 runs per game.
In Hanson's last start, the Braves were shut out 4-0 as a dog in Milwaukee. Atlanta, unlike the Dodgers, does poorly when their pitcher got little run support in his last start. The Braves are 5-15 since late April as a favorite when they scored two or fewer runs for their starter in his last start.
The Braves won Hansen's first five starts, but are 1-3 his last four. There is a good chance that this will be his first home loss, as LA is a solid 3-3 their last six as a 150+ dog.
MTi's FORECAST: LA Dodgers 4 ATLANTA 3
The Duke's Sports
Complimentary MLB Premium for Friday:
Chicago Cubs (-125) [Harden over Volstad] for 1.5 Units *'
Cubs/Marlins 7:10: The Cubs are finally living up to pre-season hype as a prolific run
producing team; as a matter of fact, since the All-Star break, Chicago is #1 in the league
in runs produced. We'll look for the run surge to continue tonight vs Volstad, who
actually has done well vs Chicago (2.84 ERA in 3 starts). However, Volstad has
struggled at home where he is 2-6 with a 5.57 ERA. And the Marlins are 1-6 at home vs
a team above .500 with Volstad as the starter. Furthermore, Volstad has not fared well
on Friday (1-5). On the other hand, the Cubs' Harden has been solid on the road (2.03
ERA) and currently in great form overall (0.95 ERA last 3 starts). Harden is 4-0 as a
road favorite in this price range and he is 6-1 in game 1 of a series. The Cubs are 4-1
in their last 5 in this series and play the favorite role well (14-3). Cubs the call.
Complimentary MLB Premium for Friday:
Chicago Cubs (-125) [Harden over Volstad] for 1.5 Units *'
Cubs/Marlins 7:10: The Cubs are finally living up to pre-season hype as a prolific run
producing team; as a matter of fact, since the All-Star break, Chicago is #1 in the league
in runs produced. We'll look for the run surge to continue tonight vs Volstad, who
actually has done well vs Chicago (2.84 ERA in 3 starts). However, Volstad has
struggled at home where he is 2-6 with a 5.57 ERA. And the Marlins are 1-6 at home vs
a team above .500 with Volstad as the starter. Furthermore, Volstad has not fared well
on Friday (1-5). On the other hand, the Cubs' Harden has been solid on the road (2.03
ERA) and currently in great form overall (0.95 ERA last 3 starts). Harden is 4-0 as a
road favorite in this price range and he is 6-1 in game 1 of a series. The Cubs are 4-1
in their last 5 in this series and play the favorite role well (14-3). Cubs the call.
Premier Capper
Twins and Angels Over 10 runs for 4 units
I will say this every time when we bet an over is that we need two struggling pitchers in a good spot to do it and I feel that we have that today in Minnesota. The starting pitching in this game is Santana (3-6 7.29 ERA) vs. Blackburn (8-5 3.82 ERA). Both pitchers just faced their opposing team last week in LA. Santana and Blackburn gave up 6 runs in 3.2 innings pitched. In Blackburn’s last 3 starts he has given up 17 runs in 15.2 innings pitched. Santana has been worse only having 2 quality starts in his last 9 games and giving up 5 ER or more in 7 outings. The Angels are 11-0 to the Over in their last 11 games against the AL Central and they are on a 23-6-1 run to the Over against a right handed starters. The Over is 5-0 in the Twins last 5 starts against right handed starters. With two struggling starters on the hill and with the Angels scoring runs at over 7 runs a game their last 10 games themselves I see a big advantage to the Over today.
Twins and Angels Over 10 runs for 4 units
I will say this every time when we bet an over is that we need two struggling pitchers in a good spot to do it and I feel that we have that today in Minnesota. The starting pitching in this game is Santana (3-6 7.29 ERA) vs. Blackburn (8-5 3.82 ERA). Both pitchers just faced their opposing team last week in LA. Santana and Blackburn gave up 6 runs in 3.2 innings pitched. In Blackburn’s last 3 starts he has given up 17 runs in 15.2 innings pitched. Santana has been worse only having 2 quality starts in his last 9 games and giving up 5 ER or more in 7 outings. The Angels are 11-0 to the Over in their last 11 games against the AL Central and they are on a 23-6-1 run to the Over against a right handed starters. The Over is 5-0 in the Twins last 5 starts against right handed starters. With two struggling starters on the hill and with the Angels scoring runs at over 7 runs a game their last 10 games themselves I see a big advantage to the Over today.
Jack Jones
20* No-Doubt Rout on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (-115)
This is a game the Rays absolutely should win, and exactly the type of game they need to win to stay competitive in the AL Wildcard race. Sidney Ponson throws for the Royals tonight and this is a guy who is unreliable at best, particularly on the road. He's only thrown twice as the visitor this year, but in those games he has a 15.27 ERA and 2.87 WHIP. For the season, Ponson is 1-5 in 8 starts with a 5.68 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. On the other side of the diamond, the Rays throw David Price, who has been so-so for the most part, but who has thrown his best games at home this season. He is 3-1 on the year when throwing in Tampa with a 3.04 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. Price will be aided by a Tampa Bay offense that out performs Kansas City in almost every category. The Rays hit .274 as a team at home this season, while scoring 5.6 runs per game, a huge reason why they have an impressive 31-17 home record. Meanwhile, the Royals see their batting average dip to .241 on the road and their runs per game drop to 3.5, which is probably why they are just 17-29 on the road this season. The moneyline is much to high, but the runline here is well worth the risk as the Rays should win this one handily.
15* on Chicago Cubs -126
Rich Harden has pitched incredibly well for the Cubs on the road this season, earning a 4-1 record with a 2.03 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. He is finally starting to look like the pitcher that the Cubs hoped he would be when they brought him over. Over his last three games he is 2-0 with a 0.95 ERA and 0.53 WHIP, giving up just a total of 2 earned runs in 19 innings pitched. It's not just Harden that is stepping up his game for Chicago, the Cubs' offense is also picking up their pace. Over their last 7 games, the Cubs are hitting .310 as a team and scoring 7.6 runs per game, more than three runs per game more than they average on the season, and 2.6 more runs per game than the Marlins have scored over the past week. Harden and the Cubs stay hot with a win over Florida Friday night.
20* No-Doubt Rout on Tampa Bay Rays -1.5 (-115)
This is a game the Rays absolutely should win, and exactly the type of game they need to win to stay competitive in the AL Wildcard race. Sidney Ponson throws for the Royals tonight and this is a guy who is unreliable at best, particularly on the road. He's only thrown twice as the visitor this year, but in those games he has a 15.27 ERA and 2.87 WHIP. For the season, Ponson is 1-5 in 8 starts with a 5.68 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. On the other side of the diamond, the Rays throw David Price, who has been so-so for the most part, but who has thrown his best games at home this season. He is 3-1 on the year when throwing in Tampa with a 3.04 ERA and 1.42 WHIP. Price will be aided by a Tampa Bay offense that out performs Kansas City in almost every category. The Rays hit .274 as a team at home this season, while scoring 5.6 runs per game, a huge reason why they have an impressive 31-17 home record. Meanwhile, the Royals see their batting average dip to .241 on the road and their runs per game drop to 3.5, which is probably why they are just 17-29 on the road this season. The moneyline is much to high, but the runline here is well worth the risk as the Rays should win this one handily.
15* on Chicago Cubs -126
Rich Harden has pitched incredibly well for the Cubs on the road this season, earning a 4-1 record with a 2.03 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. He is finally starting to look like the pitcher that the Cubs hoped he would be when they brought him over. Over his last three games he is 2-0 with a 0.95 ERA and 0.53 WHIP, giving up just a total of 2 earned runs in 19 innings pitched. It's not just Harden that is stepping up his game for Chicago, the Cubs' offense is also picking up their pace. Over their last 7 games, the Cubs are hitting .310 as a team and scoring 7.6 runs per game, more than three runs per game more than they average on the season, and 2.6 more runs per game than the Marlins have scored over the past week. Harden and the Cubs stay hot with a win over Florida Friday night.
Lillefty on a 24-2 run...
St Bernadine's
Lillefty on a 24-2 run...
Bonus Plays and paid plays overall
Today's Bonus Play
Boston /Baltimore over 9
Boston's John Smoltz was supposed to be the veteran leader and solid 4th or 5th starter to round out the sox rotation. He was going to take a few starts to get into shape but it has never happened. He has been fine the 1st time through the order but the 2nd time through almost all the teams are teeing off on him as he just doesn't have the stuff to get the big out when he needs it. His 7.04era is nothing like anyone invisioned but it is what it is.
Guthrie has struugled this year also after being the ace of last years team. In his L5 starts he has allowed 19 ER and 40 runners in just 28 IP. He has never fared well vs the sox either going 1-3 w/4.92 era.
With the sox pen being taxed over the weekend due to short starts from the sox starters, I can see smoltz being left out there even if he is struggling. Go with the over 9 in this game between the sox and the orioles
Today's paid play:
LAA /Minn Over 10
Time to get on Board with the over train again. The twins and angels meet up and the balls will be flying all over the yard.
Santana has had 7 bad starts out of 9 now and this just seems to be one of those lost years. The angels have put up 73 runs in their last 10 games so why not ride the over there.
Blackburn has been a gascan lately himself with a 9.77 era over his last 3 starts. He has gone over in all 3. Minny is 39-19-2 to the over in their L60 fri night games.
Head to head the over is 8-1-1 in the last 10.The angels have gone over in 11 straight vs the american league central. The angels are 36-15-3 to the over in the ir last 54 games overall.
BOL to everyoneToday....Dogg
St Bernadine's
Lillefty on a 24-2 run...
Bonus Plays and paid plays overall
Today's Bonus Play
Boston /Baltimore over 9
Boston's John Smoltz was supposed to be the veteran leader and solid 4th or 5th starter to round out the sox rotation. He was going to take a few starts to get into shape but it has never happened. He has been fine the 1st time through the order but the 2nd time through almost all the teams are teeing off on him as he just doesn't have the stuff to get the big out when he needs it. His 7.04era is nothing like anyone invisioned but it is what it is.
Guthrie has struugled this year also after being the ace of last years team. In his L5 starts he has allowed 19 ER and 40 runners in just 28 IP. He has never fared well vs the sox either going 1-3 w/4.92 era.
With the sox pen being taxed over the weekend due to short starts from the sox starters, I can see smoltz being left out there even if he is struggling. Go with the over 9 in this game between the sox and the orioles
Today's paid play:
LAA /Minn Over 10
Time to get on Board with the over train again. The twins and angels meet up and the balls will be flying all over the yard.
Santana has had 7 bad starts out of 9 now and this just seems to be one of those lost years. The angels have put up 73 runs in their last 10 games so why not ride the over there.
Blackburn has been a gascan lately himself with a 9.77 era over his last 3 starts. He has gone over in all 3. Minny is 39-19-2 to the over in their L60 fri night games.
Head to head the over is 8-1-1 in the last 10.The angels have gone over in 11 straight vs the american league central. The angels are 36-15-3 to the over in the ir last 54 games overall.
BOL to everyoneToday....Dogg
