Greg Shaker AAA Sports (COMP)
MLB: Minnesota Twins at Texas Rangers - Rangers (Liriano/Hunter) -130
Game Date: 8/17/2009
Note: There are a lot of ways to win at Baseball handicapping and while I certainly do not win every game I play, I always feel that I am putting myself in the best situation to do so. Baseball is a finesse sport and that means that regardless of how good you handicap the result of a contest, shit is going to happen sometimes. We are putting ourselves in the best situation tonight with Texas hosting the Minnesota Twins. First and foremost is the fact that Texas has the second best Home Money Won Stats of all teams in Major League Baseball over the last 12 years, just behind the Rockies. The reason is a simple one. This park at Arlington is quite different than any other in the AL and Texas is Taylormade to suit it. Once again this year, they are showing us why that is true with a 39-22 record here. They also just happen to strike lefties well here with a 20-7 Mark verses these guys in their last 27 played here. Liriano has thrown well verses the Rangers but he is not throwing so well right now save for a nice performance verses the Royals. He has struggled greatly on the road and low and behold the Twins have as well. Minnesota has only a glimmer of hope left for the playoffs and it is showing recently, losing their last two series to the lowly Indians and Royals. Texas is going to be eating at home today, they are going to have plenty of rest, and most will have the comfort of their loved one's waiting on them hand and foot. Twins will not have that and have enjoyed only those complimentary peanuts offered by the airline. Hunter has proven to be a quality Major League Starter, he is throwing well, he is throwing well here and he will have the advantage of throwing at the Twins for the first time. Let's lay this number, which is at bit high, but I think well worth the risk.