Drew Gordon
Philadelphia -140 at SAN DIEGO
With the losing streak finally snapped and the monkey off their backs, I'm looking for the Phillies to build off yesterday's modest 1-0 win with another strong effort at San Diego tonight. True, they're still dealing with a serious slump at the plate, but they'll get plenty of chances tonight and here's why:
Although there still some questions surrounding who gets the start for the Padres, all signs point to Chad Reineke, who was acquired from Houston last month. He slides into this spot for the injured Chris Young, but if minor league numbers mean anything to you, things do not bode well for the righty, going just 5-10 with a 4.37 ERA in 23 Triple-A games. Note, despite the Phillies struggles, they still average a solid 4.6 runs per game against righties away on the season.
Opposing Reineke is the Phillies Kyle Kendrick, who I like in this start for several reasons: A. 2 times this season he's given up 6 runs or more, and each time he responded with a dominant effort in his next start (8 scoreless innings at Oakland 6/25, 1 run over 6 innings vs Atlanta 7/25). In other words, Kendrick doesn't take losing lightly, and after getting embarassed by the Dodgers in his last start, look for a much better effort in this one. And B. Before his loss to the Dodgers, Kendrick was on fire, going 2-1 with a 1.45 ERA in his previous 3 starts!
Finally, let's not forget this is the sorry-ass Padres, who like the Phillies are struggling to score runs right now. But unlike the Phillies, the Friars have been struggling all season, and will continue to do so. San Diego is 7-19 over their last 26 games at Petco Park, and with the Phillies being 9-2 in Kendrick's last 11 road starts, the choice here is clear. Phillies roll!
Take Philadelphia behind Kendrick over San Diego and Reienke in this MLB match up.
2♦ PHILADELPHIA
Minnesota +1' at BALTIMORE
Got to like the Vikings here for several reasons, but let's start with their highly disappointing effort in their preseason opener, a 34-17 blowout loss to Seattle. Needless to say, they got thoroughly embarassed, and while these games are just exhibition, I firmly believe losing a game like that has a "slap in the face" effect on the Vikings tonight. Look for a much-improved (and very expensive) Vikings defense to come to life tonight,which is bad news for a VERY average Ravens offense.
Secondly, all reports out of Vikings camp are coach Childress will take a long hard look at the first team in this one. Tarvaris Jackson will play the entire first half, which of course is a good thing, especially considering his effort last week (8 for 11 118 yards and a TD). Also, as the game progresses, I like the Vikings QB rotation a hell of a lot better than Baltimore's, as the veteran Frerrote easily trumps Boller, while Booty and Flacco are a push right now.
Looking over the trends, did you know the Vikings are 4-1 ATS over their last 5 games following a SU preseason loss?! Not to mention 2-0 SUATS in the 2nd week of exhibition play under Childress... What does this all mean? It means Childress may screw around in week 1, but the Vikings are not to be trifled with in week 2, and especially after a loss. Minnesota was understandably unhappy with their effort against Seattle, and you can expect a much more focused Vikings team in this one.
Take Minnesota plus the points over Baltimore in this NFL preseason match up.
3♦ MINNESOTA
