Jeffrey James (Play of the Day)
#501 Miami Heat -7 (7:05 edt) TNT
The Heat have been dominant in this series and there is no reason they can’t end this series on Monday night. Miami has a ton of veterans who know how important being rested is in the playoffs so they will be very interested in ending this series and getting some rest. Lay this number with Miami as the Monday play of the day.
#501 Miami Heat -7 (7:05 edt) TNT
The Heat have been dominant in this series and there is no reason they can’t end this series on Monday night. Miami has a ton of veterans who know how important being rested is in the playoffs so they will be very interested in ending this series and getting some rest. Lay this number with Miami as the Monday play of the day.
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Soccer/Tennis
Asianinvestclub
Premier League
Arsenal – Newcastle United
Arsenal (-1.5, -2)
Tenniscapper
Match: Shvedova Y. - Knapp K. (WTA Oeiras - R1)
Date: 28-04-2014, 15:00 CET
Selection: Shvedova Y.
Fairplay-bet
Sp. Moscow Kuban
tip: Sp.Moscow -1
Arsenalpick1x2
Union Berlin Kaiserslautern
tip: Kaiserslautern
Golazoprediction
PORTUGAL: Segunda Liga
Santa Clara – Moreirense
BET: Over 2 AH
Itomtips
Sassuolo - Juventus
Juventus -1
Asianinvestclub
Premier League
Arsenal – Newcastle United
Arsenal (-1.5, -2)
Tenniscapper
Match: Shvedova Y. - Knapp K. (WTA Oeiras - R1)
Date: 28-04-2014, 15:00 CET
Selection: Shvedova Y.
Fairplay-bet
Sp. Moscow Kuban
tip: Sp.Moscow -1
Arsenalpick1x2
Union Berlin Kaiserslautern
tip: Kaiserslautern
Golazoprediction
PORTUGAL: Segunda Liga
Santa Clara – Moreirense
BET: Over 2 AH
Itomtips
Sassuolo - Juventus
Juventus -1
Cleveland Insider (15-9-2 +18.65 L6D)
NBA
5* Dallas Mavericks +4 over the San Antonio Spurs
5* Miami Heat -7.5 over the Charlotte Bobcats
5* Miami Heat ML -440 over the Charlotte Bobcats
5* San Antonio Spurs ML -200 over the Dallas Mavericks
NHL
5* LA Kings -115 over the San Jose Sharks
5* Minnesota Wild -140 over the Colorado Avalanche
NBA
5* Dallas Mavericks +4 over the San Antonio Spurs
5* Miami Heat -7.5 over the Charlotte Bobcats
5* Miami Heat ML -440 over the Charlotte Bobcats
5* San Antonio Spurs ML -200 over the Dallas Mavericks
NHL
5* LA Kings -115 over the San Jose Sharks
5* Minnesota Wild -140 over the Colorado Avalanche
[h=3]Burns' 10* PERSONAL FAVORITE! AMAZING MLB RUN CONT[/h]Ben Burns continues to REAP THE REWARDS of another offseason spent taking in spring-training first-hand. Off yesterday's winner, Ben enters the new week on a MASSIVE 60-28 MLB ($20,079) RUN. As per usual, his "Personal Favorites" have played a pivotal role. His latest is small a favorite which Burns expects to WIN B-I-G. Don't wait. Get down now!
ARIZONA
[h=3]Burns' Monday NHL Personal Favorite! Still Perfect[/h]While he lost his NHL total yesterday, Ben Burns remains 100% PERFECT with his playoff sides. In fact, he's a PERFECT 6 FOR 6. Overall, his hockey is 96-42 in 2014, good for better than 31K in profits. Hop on board with Burns Monday and GO FOR SEVEN IN A ROW!
PITTSBURGH
ARIZONA
[h=3]Burns' Monday NHL Personal Favorite! Still Perfect[/h]While he lost his NHL total yesterday, Ben Burns remains 100% PERFECT with his playoff sides. In fact, he's a PERFECT 6 FOR 6. Overall, his hockey is 96-42 in 2014, good for better than 31K in profits. Hop on board with Burns Monday and GO FOR SEVEN IN A ROW!
PITTSBURGH
River City Sharps
We like the OVER in this game as the Rockies bats have been on fire, which we think continues tonight against Wade Miley. We know that the D’Backs have really been struggling at the plate, but think that Arizona will get their share of runs against Morales, who has struggled against the D’Backs over his career, allowing 10 runs and 15 hits in just 16 innings at Chase Field. We expect a high scoring affair tonight in Phoenix. The Sharps say…
3 UNITS – COL/ARIZ OVER 8.5 (+105)
We like the OVER in this game as the Rockies bats have been on fire, which we think continues tonight against Wade Miley. We know that the D’Backs have really been struggling at the plate, but think that Arizona will get their share of runs against Morales, who has struggled against the D’Backs over his career, allowing 10 runs and 15 hits in just 16 innings at Chase Field. We expect a high scoring affair tonight in Phoenix. The Sharps say…
3 UNITS – COL/ARIZ OVER 8.5 (+105)
Ecks and Bacon
E&B lost both plays in soccer on Sunday with Liverpool -$150/Chelsea and a play on the draw.
E&B won in the NHL Playoffs on Sunday with the Blackhawks -$150/Blues.
"Mr Chalk" lost on Sunday in MLB with the Dodgers -$190 /Rockies.
E&B like a three team six point teaser in the NBA Playoffs for Monday.
(1) Heat from -7 to -1/Bobcats
(2) Pacers from -7 to -1/Hawks
(3) Mavricks from +4.5 to +10.5/Spurs
In the NHL Playoffs for Monday E&B like the Kings -$110/Sharks.
"Mr Chalk" has Np in MLB for Monday.
Ben lee is 105-122-5 -$2302 through Twenty Six weeks.
"Mr Chalk" is 13-11 -$253 for the 2014 MLB season
All E&B selections will be for $50 unless noted.
E&B lost both plays in soccer on Sunday with Liverpool -$150/Chelsea and a play on the draw.
E&B won in the NHL Playoffs on Sunday with the Blackhawks -$150/Blues.
"Mr Chalk" lost on Sunday in MLB with the Dodgers -$190 /Rockies.
E&B like a three team six point teaser in the NBA Playoffs for Monday.
(1) Heat from -7 to -1/Bobcats
(2) Pacers from -7 to -1/Hawks
(3) Mavricks from +4.5 to +10.5/Spurs
In the NHL Playoffs for Monday E&B like the Kings -$110/Sharks.
"Mr Chalk" has Np in MLB for Monday.
Ben lee is 105-122-5 -$2302 through Twenty Six weeks.
"Mr Chalk" is 13-11 -$253 for the 2014 MLB season
All E&B selections will be for $50 unless noted.
SPORTS WAGERS
NBA playoffs - Game 4
CHARLOTTE +8 -107 over Miami
As a 4½-point choice in Charlotte in Game 4, the Heat easily covered that number and the books got buried in the process. It’s no secret that the Miami is Charlotte’s daddy. Miami has defeated Charlotte in 19 straight games and they have done so without breaking much of a sweat. Indeed Miami wants to win this game and save all the energy they can for the next series but this number is an absolute overreaction to Miami’s 13-point win in Game 3. Hell, back in Miami, the Heat were only a 10 and 9½ point favorite respectively in Games 1 and 2 and now they’re less than a bucket than that on the road? Either the oddsmakers made a huge mistake in setting the line in Games 1, 2 and 3 or they have inflated it here to try and attract equal action on both sides. We’re suggesting an inflated number here and that prompts us to step in. Lastly, and it may not mean anything at all but it is something to consider. Miami can’t lose this series and it sure wouldn’t hurt the teams’ bottom line to get another home game sellout and the millions of dollars in revenue that goes with it. A little incentive from owner to coach to players to make that happen is not out of the question. Everything is about money so don’t be surprised to see the ‘Cats win this one outright.
NBA playoffs - Game 4
CHARLOTTE +8 -107 over Miami
As a 4½-point choice in Charlotte in Game 4, the Heat easily covered that number and the books got buried in the process. It’s no secret that the Miami is Charlotte’s daddy. Miami has defeated Charlotte in 19 straight games and they have done so without breaking much of a sweat. Indeed Miami wants to win this game and save all the energy they can for the next series but this number is an absolute overreaction to Miami’s 13-point win in Game 3. Hell, back in Miami, the Heat were only a 10 and 9½ point favorite respectively in Games 1 and 2 and now they’re less than a bucket than that on the road? Either the oddsmakers made a huge mistake in setting the line in Games 1, 2 and 3 or they have inflated it here to try and attract equal action on both sides. We’re suggesting an inflated number here and that prompts us to step in. Lastly, and it may not mean anything at all but it is something to consider. Miami can’t lose this series and it sure wouldn’t hurt the teams’ bottom line to get another home game sellout and the millions of dollars in revenue that goes with it. A little incentive from owner to coach to players to make that happen is not out of the question. Everything is about money so don’t be surprised to see the ‘Cats win this one outright.
SPORTS WAGERS
NHL Playoffs - Game 6
COLUMBUS +115 over Pittsburgh
OT included. Do we really have to go over this again? Do the Penguins really deserve to be favored in Columbus just because they finished much higher in the standings? The regular season proves nothing. Just ask St. Louis, who would have much rather finished eighth and played Anaheim instead of Chicago. We could write an entire book on why the NHL regular season and playoff format is a complete farce but that’s an argument for another time. The issue at hand here is this series and while Pittsburgh has deserved every win, so, too, have the Jackets and it would be unreasonable to think the Jackets can’t win this game.
In that respect, we have to play the value. Columbus has played better at home than they have at the Igloo. They have at least a 50% chance of taking this back to Pittsburgh and a valid argument could be made that the Jackets have a better than 50% chance of winning. However, Pittsburgh is favored because the oddsmakers have all the data on which teams are taking all or the majority of the money. Pittsburgh remains a hugely popular public team and so the oddsmakers are forced to set the price accordingly. If this same Columbus team were wearing Red Wings, Bruins, Maple Leafs or Canadiens jerseys, Pittsburgh would not be favored. That once again brings us to value. Pittsburgh can no doubt win this game, only a fool would think otherwise. However, all the value remains on the home team because like we mentioned earlier, the Jackets chances of winning may be better than the favorite's chances. That’s the way we’ve played this series throughout and we’re not about to change now.
NHL Playoffs - Game 6
MINNESOTA -½ +125 over Colorado
Regulation only. We have the Wild in the series for a rather significant wager but that’s not going to deter us from coming right back on them here. You see, for almost every shift, period and game, the Wild have been the better team by a wide margin but the Avalanche have gotten every bounce in this series and it’s actually mind-boggling to see them up 3-2 in the series. In the two games in Minnesota, Colorado looked like a minor-league team compared to the Wild. Truth is, this series should be over. When you look at puck possession, time in the offensive end, defense, shots on net and scoring chances, Minnesota should have swept this series. The good news is that they are not demoralized. Adversity makes teams stronger and Minnesota has looked better with each passing game. Had it not been for two tying goals with the net empty in Games 1 and 5, this series would be over. Furthermore, it’s not a case of weak goaltending hurting Minnesota either. Darcy Kuemper is rock solid in net but again, every bounce has gone the Avs way, as Kuemper has not allowed a soft goal and nothing suggests that he will.
You can’t keep getting outplayed by such a wide margin and expect positive results. In the two games in Minnesota, the Wild outshot the Avalanche 46-22 and 32-12 respectively. Nothing is going to change here except the margin of victory for Minnesota is likely going to be by two, three or four goals. Even the outstanding goaltending of Semyon Varlamov is not going to bail the Avs out in Minnesota because the Wild are so much better and they’re hungry like wolves. Bet with confidence here because Minnesota will not be denied a chance to win this series in Colorado in Game 7.
NHL Playoffs - Game 6
LOS ANGELES -½ +153 over San Jose
Regulation only. Some teams can’t escape their ghosts. The Blue Notes were once again knocked out early in the playoffs after being the favorite to win the Cup for most of the year. Now it’s the Sharks’ turn. San Jose has been regular season giants for years but has always failed to get by a round or two in the playoffs, especially when the going got tougher. With a 3-0 series lead over the Kings and seemingly being ready to alleviate that choke label, San Jose lost Game 4 in Los Angeles to give the Kings a little life. No big deal, as it was unreasonable to expect a sweep before the series began and they would surely finish them off back at the Shark Tank in Game 5. Didn’t happen. The Kings dominated play, made the Sharks uncomfortable and instilled some doubt in both the players and Antti Niemi’s fragile mind while proving to themselves that they can defeat this team again. Now the series shifts back to L.A. and we frankly have no idea how the Sharks are going to pull this one out. San Jose is wounded, they are scared, they are getting beaten physically and they are getting worn down. Poor offensive penetration, no drive and no killer instinct whatsoever has us confidently fading them in Los Angeles. Despite being up 3-2 in the series, the Sharks are on the ropes.
At the end of the day, San Jose just does not have the playoff mentality to knock off a giant on the road (isn’t that the reason the Bruins got rid of Joe Thornton). Jonathan Quick has his confidence back while Niemi has been pulled in consecutive games. Darryl Sutter, to his credit, has stuck with Quick when other coaches would have panicked and switched. Todd McLellan is in panic mode. Yeah, the Sharks can still win this series but momentum has taken a huge shift and if San Jose does win this series, it’s not going to happen at the Staples Center. Prepare for Game 7.
NHL Playoffs - Game 6
COLUMBUS +115 over Pittsburgh
OT included. Do we really have to go over this again? Do the Penguins really deserve to be favored in Columbus just because they finished much higher in the standings? The regular season proves nothing. Just ask St. Louis, who would have much rather finished eighth and played Anaheim instead of Chicago. We could write an entire book on why the NHL regular season and playoff format is a complete farce but that’s an argument for another time. The issue at hand here is this series and while Pittsburgh has deserved every win, so, too, have the Jackets and it would be unreasonable to think the Jackets can’t win this game.
In that respect, we have to play the value. Columbus has played better at home than they have at the Igloo. They have at least a 50% chance of taking this back to Pittsburgh and a valid argument could be made that the Jackets have a better than 50% chance of winning. However, Pittsburgh is favored because the oddsmakers have all the data on which teams are taking all or the majority of the money. Pittsburgh remains a hugely popular public team and so the oddsmakers are forced to set the price accordingly. If this same Columbus team were wearing Red Wings, Bruins, Maple Leafs or Canadiens jerseys, Pittsburgh would not be favored. That once again brings us to value. Pittsburgh can no doubt win this game, only a fool would think otherwise. However, all the value remains on the home team because like we mentioned earlier, the Jackets chances of winning may be better than the favorite's chances. That’s the way we’ve played this series throughout and we’re not about to change now.
NHL Playoffs - Game 6
MINNESOTA -½ +125 over Colorado
Regulation only. We have the Wild in the series for a rather significant wager but that’s not going to deter us from coming right back on them here. You see, for almost every shift, period and game, the Wild have been the better team by a wide margin but the Avalanche have gotten every bounce in this series and it’s actually mind-boggling to see them up 3-2 in the series. In the two games in Minnesota, Colorado looked like a minor-league team compared to the Wild. Truth is, this series should be over. When you look at puck possession, time in the offensive end, defense, shots on net and scoring chances, Minnesota should have swept this series. The good news is that they are not demoralized. Adversity makes teams stronger and Minnesota has looked better with each passing game. Had it not been for two tying goals with the net empty in Games 1 and 5, this series would be over. Furthermore, it’s not a case of weak goaltending hurting Minnesota either. Darcy Kuemper is rock solid in net but again, every bounce has gone the Avs way, as Kuemper has not allowed a soft goal and nothing suggests that he will.
You can’t keep getting outplayed by such a wide margin and expect positive results. In the two games in Minnesota, the Wild outshot the Avalanche 46-22 and 32-12 respectively. Nothing is going to change here except the margin of victory for Minnesota is likely going to be by two, three or four goals. Even the outstanding goaltending of Semyon Varlamov is not going to bail the Avs out in Minnesota because the Wild are so much better and they’re hungry like wolves. Bet with confidence here because Minnesota will not be denied a chance to win this series in Colorado in Game 7.
NHL Playoffs - Game 6
LOS ANGELES -½ +153 over San Jose
Regulation only. Some teams can’t escape their ghosts. The Blue Notes were once again knocked out early in the playoffs after being the favorite to win the Cup for most of the year. Now it’s the Sharks’ turn. San Jose has been regular season giants for years but has always failed to get by a round or two in the playoffs, especially when the going got tougher. With a 3-0 series lead over the Kings and seemingly being ready to alleviate that choke label, San Jose lost Game 4 in Los Angeles to give the Kings a little life. No big deal, as it was unreasonable to expect a sweep before the series began and they would surely finish them off back at the Shark Tank in Game 5. Didn’t happen. The Kings dominated play, made the Sharks uncomfortable and instilled some doubt in both the players and Antti Niemi’s fragile mind while proving to themselves that they can defeat this team again. Now the series shifts back to L.A. and we frankly have no idea how the Sharks are going to pull this one out. San Jose is wounded, they are scared, they are getting beaten physically and they are getting worn down. Poor offensive penetration, no drive and no killer instinct whatsoever has us confidently fading them in Los Angeles. Despite being up 3-2 in the series, the Sharks are on the ropes.
At the end of the day, San Jose just does not have the playoff mentality to knock off a giant on the road (isn’t that the reason the Bruins got rid of Joe Thornton). Jonathan Quick has his confidence back while Niemi has been pulled in consecutive games. Darryl Sutter, to his credit, has stuck with Quick when other coaches would have panicked and switched. Todd McLellan is in panic mode. Yeah, the Sharks can still win this series but momentum has taken a huge shift and if San Jose does win this series, it’s not going to happen at the Staples Center. Prepare for Game 7.
SPORTS WAGERS
Cleveland @ L.A. ANGELS
Cleveland +112 over L.A. ANGELS
Not the best of spots for the Halos. L.A. returns home from a long, nine-game trip that ended with a Sunday night prime timer in the Bronx. The Angels went a respectable 4-5 on said trip against Detroit, Washington and the Yankees but did lose three of their last four games. Tyler Skaggs (LHP) is unbeaten on the young season, as he is 2-0 through four starts, with both of his wins being of the pure quality variety. He has been great at keeping the ball on the ground (58% groundball rate), but there are warning signs in his profile that insist on some rough outings ahead. Skaggs has just a 7/7 K/BB in his last two starts over 13 innings. His 6% swinging strike rate reveals he’s not missing a lot of bats. Skaggs has escaped plenty of jams in his four starts but that Houdini can last only so long. Skaggs went 2-3 last season with a 5.12 ERA in 39 innings for the D-Backs. He made no less than five round trips from Arizona to exotic minor league destinations. Showed flashes of brilliance, but dominant start/disaster start split highlight current feast-or-famine ways. Skaggs is still just 22, he still has a bright future, and he’s still very much a work in progress.
At the beginning of March the Indians avoided arbitration with Justin Masterson, signing him to a one-year, $9.76 million deal. Masterson posted a nice K rate gain last year but his control was still a bit high (particularly in the second half). However, he continues to keep the ball on the ground at elite levels and this year his groundball rate is soaring at 60%. Masterson finally solved his career-long struggles against LH hitting last season by posting a .248/.340/.357 line. Masterson’s dominant start/disaster start split of 79%/10% reveals just how dominant he was in 2013 and he does not look worse this season. Masterson has made five starts on the season and has yet to earn a decision. He has 30 K’s in 28 frames and an outstanding 60%/20%/20% groundball/line-drive/fly-ball profile. A hefty 36% hit rate and 19% hr/f have assisted in his 4.50 ERA, which is more than a run higher than his 3.27 xERA. Starters this good rarely go long stretches without a win while pitchers as average as Skaggs rarely go long stretches without a loss. This has nothing to do with the “due for a win or due for a loss” angle. Instead it has everything to do with taking back a price on the significantly superior starter.
Milwaukee @ ST. LOUIS
ST. LOUIS -1½ +149 over Milwaukee
The Brewers are good but their 90% winning mark on the road is unsustainable and the injury bug has hit them with two key members (Ryan Braun & Jean Segura) being sidelined. The Crew was shutout by Jason Hammel yesterday and they lost two of three at Miller Park earlier this year by scores of 4-1 and 6-1. In that series, Milwaukee avoided Michael Wacha but they don’t get that luxury this time around. Wacha went 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA in 65 innings for the Cardinals last season. This 2012 1st-rounder made it to majors in less than 12 months with a big splash. His 2nd half strikeout rate was backed by a big swinging strike rate, which has continued into his first five starts this year. Wacha has 35 K’s in 30 innings with an elite swinging strike rate of 14%. His 2.10 ERA is fully supported by his 2.67 XERA. Wacha is the real deal and with the only negative being a small sample size but everything points to this guy being the real deal.
Then there’s Yovani Gallardo. Gallardo owns a 1.42 ERA and 1.07 WHIP after 32 innings but those stats are a mirage. Gallardo’s 88% strand rate and 3% hr/f are the key drivers to his eye opening stats. A start versus the Cardinals is exactly what could bring him back to earth because in 17 career starts versus the Cardinals, he is 1-11 with a 6.46 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Gallardo’s xERA is closer to 4 than it is to 2. He’s an average pitcher that has been the beneficiary of throwing against some clubs that got off to a slow start at the plate. Gallardo has seen the Pirates twice and the Padres once over his last three starts. He’s simply not that good anymore and will be exposed as such much sooner than later. Risky bet spotting 1½ runs at home in a pitcher’s park but this price and pitching matchup warrants it.
Cleveland @ L.A. ANGELS
Cleveland +112 over L.A. ANGELS
Not the best of spots for the Halos. L.A. returns home from a long, nine-game trip that ended with a Sunday night prime timer in the Bronx. The Angels went a respectable 4-5 on said trip against Detroit, Washington and the Yankees but did lose three of their last four games. Tyler Skaggs (LHP) is unbeaten on the young season, as he is 2-0 through four starts, with both of his wins being of the pure quality variety. He has been great at keeping the ball on the ground (58% groundball rate), but there are warning signs in his profile that insist on some rough outings ahead. Skaggs has just a 7/7 K/BB in his last two starts over 13 innings. His 6% swinging strike rate reveals he’s not missing a lot of bats. Skaggs has escaped plenty of jams in his four starts but that Houdini can last only so long. Skaggs went 2-3 last season with a 5.12 ERA in 39 innings for the D-Backs. He made no less than five round trips from Arizona to exotic minor league destinations. Showed flashes of brilliance, but dominant start/disaster start split highlight current feast-or-famine ways. Skaggs is still just 22, he still has a bright future, and he’s still very much a work in progress.
At the beginning of March the Indians avoided arbitration with Justin Masterson, signing him to a one-year, $9.76 million deal. Masterson posted a nice K rate gain last year but his control was still a bit high (particularly in the second half). However, he continues to keep the ball on the ground at elite levels and this year his groundball rate is soaring at 60%. Masterson finally solved his career-long struggles against LH hitting last season by posting a .248/.340/.357 line. Masterson’s dominant start/disaster start split of 79%/10% reveals just how dominant he was in 2013 and he does not look worse this season. Masterson has made five starts on the season and has yet to earn a decision. He has 30 K’s in 28 frames and an outstanding 60%/20%/20% groundball/line-drive/fly-ball profile. A hefty 36% hit rate and 19% hr/f have assisted in his 4.50 ERA, which is more than a run higher than his 3.27 xERA. Starters this good rarely go long stretches without a win while pitchers as average as Skaggs rarely go long stretches without a loss. This has nothing to do with the “due for a win or due for a loss” angle. Instead it has everything to do with taking back a price on the significantly superior starter.
Milwaukee @ ST. LOUIS
ST. LOUIS -1½ +149 over Milwaukee
The Brewers are good but their 90% winning mark on the road is unsustainable and the injury bug has hit them with two key members (Ryan Braun & Jean Segura) being sidelined. The Crew was shutout by Jason Hammel yesterday and they lost two of three at Miller Park earlier this year by scores of 4-1 and 6-1. In that series, Milwaukee avoided Michael Wacha but they don’t get that luxury this time around. Wacha went 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA in 65 innings for the Cardinals last season. This 2012 1st-rounder made it to majors in less than 12 months with a big splash. His 2nd half strikeout rate was backed by a big swinging strike rate, which has continued into his first five starts this year. Wacha has 35 K’s in 30 innings with an elite swinging strike rate of 14%. His 2.10 ERA is fully supported by his 2.67 XERA. Wacha is the real deal and with the only negative being a small sample size but everything points to this guy being the real deal.
Then there’s Yovani Gallardo. Gallardo owns a 1.42 ERA and 1.07 WHIP after 32 innings but those stats are a mirage. Gallardo’s 88% strand rate and 3% hr/f are the key drivers to his eye opening stats. A start versus the Cardinals is exactly what could bring him back to earth because in 17 career starts versus the Cardinals, he is 1-11 with a 6.46 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. Gallardo’s xERA is closer to 4 than it is to 2. He’s an average pitcher that has been the beneficiary of throwing against some clubs that got off to a slow start at the plate. Gallardo has seen the Pirates twice and the Padres once over his last three starts. He’s simply not that good anymore and will be exposed as such much sooner than later. Risky bet spotting 1½ runs at home in a pitcher’s park but this price and pitching matchup warrants it.
