Dave Cokin
Matchup: Florida at N.Y. Mets
Time: 4:10 PM EDT (Sat)
Listed pitchers must go: (L) ROBERTSON, N vs. (L) NIESE, J
Play: Florida (ML +115)
Not easy going against the Mets at home, but there are too many good variables involved here to pass up the Marlins as even a small underdog. Florida has a sterling record against lefties this season, and with Jon Niese working his was back from an injury, I believe he will be vulnerable here. The only downer is that I'm relying on Nate Robertson, who can be pretty mediocre at times. But I'd actually rather have Robertson than Niese here, and considering the Mets record at home, this looks like one where the oddsmakers are indicating the road team at the low price. I'll back the Marlins to garner the victory.
Matchup: Minnesota at Oakland
Time: 9:05 PM EDT (Sat)
Listed pitchers must go: (L) LIRIANO, F vs. (R) CAHILL, T
Play: Oakland (ML +118)
The Twins managed to break their losing streak with the extra inning Friday night win, but this team is not real sharp right now. The A's have been a very good home team, and they're not bad against lefties so far this season. That bodes reasonably well for tonight's game as the A's challenge Francisco Liriano. The southpaw is still doing okay, but he is not dominating like he was in April. Trevor Cahill doesn't blow away the opposition, but he's clearly more savvy on the mound than he was as a rookie, and Cahill is proving very tough at home of late. I see value with Oakland getting a price at home tonight, so I'll take the dog odds and back the A's.
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