SPORTS WAGERS
Milwaukee +2.37 over PHILADELPHIA
Betting against the Phillies here is strictly a situational play. A one-day, 12-11 contest in Colorado last night was probably something the Phillies would’ve preferred to avoid, although they’ll gladly take the win. This was a make-up game from an earlier rainout so the Phillies went from L.A to Colorado for one game and then home to start this series. That’s definitely out of routine and that long and drawn out game last night had to have taken a bit out of them, especially in the high altitude. Chris Capuano gets the start and this guy has the capabilities to dominate. Capuano is risky because he’s coming off two Tommy John surgeries but at this price he’s worth the gamble. The Brewers have limited his innings thus far and he has responded with his best season in terms of skills. His 3.72 ERA is supported by a 3.57 xERA and with great command (11BB/33K’s) it’s lead to a 110 **BPV (for explanation of BPV see bottom of page). He has made only two starts this season. In the first he was pulled after three innings because he had thrown 80 pitches. His second start was a strong effort, in which he allowed only one earned run in five innings. Despite a 7-10 record, Cole Hamels has been terrific. With Halliday and Oswalt on the roster, the pressure is completely off him to be the staff ace and he’s responded. Having said that, he gets very little run support and the Phillies are under .500 at home against southpaws and will face another one here in unfavorable conditions. Play: Milwaukee +2.37 (Risking 2 units).
SAN DIEGO –1 +1.06 over Colorado
If we’re going to play against Philly because of the one-game holdover, we’re certainly going to do the same against the Rocks, as their situation is worse. First, they were the losers in that 12-11 game and after playing in San Fran and back home for a single game, they’ll now have to fly out to the West Coast again after losing its third straight. Aaron Cook comes off the DL for this start and that can’t be good for the Rocks. Before going on the DL, there was speculation that Cook was headed to the pen because he can’t get people out continuously. Thus far, he’s 1-6 on the road with 6.17 ERA and a .316 BAA. Current Padre hitters have seen Cook for 115 AB’s and they have a BA off him of .287. Meanwhile, the Padres had a much-needed day off to regroup. They’ve called up a rookie by the name of Cory Luebke to make his major-league debut. Luebke isn’t overpowering, but he’s a legit prospect who has pitched extremely well and compiled a 2.68 ERA over 114 IP while advancing through AA and AAA in two very good offensive leagues. He’s walked just 22 batters in 83 IP at the minor-league level. Luebke is a 6’4” lefty that thrives off of his ability to keep hitters off balance. He mixes his three pitches well and possesses excellent command thanks to his ability to repeat his delivery. His fastball only sits between 87-92 mph, but he has a solid-average slider and changeup in his repertoire. Luebke is athletic, smart, and fields his position well. He doesn't project to be much of a strikeout pitcher, but he'll live on the lower half of the strike zone and is well placed here against this vulnerable Rockies squad. Play: San Diego –1 +1.06 (Risking 2 units).
Atlanta –1½ +1.46 over FLORIDA
Both starters here, Kenshin Kawakami and Andrew Miller are replacement guys that have blowup risk. The difference is that Miller can’t throw strikes and the Marlins are down to its third string catcher for the remainder of the year. Throw in a shaky bullpen and one has to figure the Braves to score a bunch. Also note that Atlanta is first in the NL in taking a base on balls and are the only team in the National League with over 500 walks. That has to serve them well for this one, as Miller is constantly behind in the count and is a disaster waiting to happen. In 77.2 IP at the minor-league level this season, Miller walked 56 batters and in his only major-league start of the year he walked three in five innings against the Astros. He has a walk rate of 6.3, almost two batters worse than his strikeout rate of 4.5. When you walk more than you strike out, you get a -63 BPV** and that ends today's lesson. Kawakami is 35-years-old and had a 1-9 record to go along with a 4.75 ERA in 15 starts prior to July 1. His elite skills in Japan have not carried over to the major-league level but he’s much less of a risk than a fragile 25-year-old that can’t find the plate. Perhaps Kawakami steps it up somewhat but even if he does not, the Braves have a big edge in both relief and behind the plate. Play: Atlanta –1½ +1.46 (Risking 2 units).
B.C. Lions +10½ over MONTREAL
Anthony Cavillo's out while Chris Leak is in to make his first CFL start. Leak came in for Cavillo in the second half of the Als 39-17 win over the Bombers two weeks ago (Als had a bye last week). However, despite going 10-15 for 99 yards, Leak came in with a cushy 24-7 lead and the landscape will certainly be different here. A rookie QB making his first CFL start and laying 10½-points is a big risk even against the 1-7 Lions. The Als strong suit is its offense and that offense takes a serious hit with Cavillo on the sidelines. We’ve all seen Montreal’s defense give up chunks of yards and while they know they have to step it up this week, they’re also very likely to be on the field much longer than they’re accustomed to due to an offense that won’t be nearly as effective. Remember, the Lions racked up 35 points last week against Calgary and were in a position to win that game. If nothing else that outburst had to instill some confidence in an offense that needed it badly. These two met earlier in the year with Montreal squeaking out a 16-12 victory and aside from being on the road, this situation for the Lions is a bit more favorable with Cavillo on the rack. When a dog is backed into a corner, it bites. Play: B.C. Lions +10½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).