Players of America
Today's Selections
ATL vs. AZ
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: Atlanta Braves vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Play: Arizona Diamondbacks -155.0
Play Description:
Star Value: 3* (30 Units)
Writeup:
A sheer pathetic, miserable, lousy way to lose a big play last night. Mental mistakes, base running errors, fielding errors, runners stranded, even faulty umpire calls (Phillips called for interference) really stuck it to us from the 6th inning on. If it wasn't the above it was .201 hitters or less making a difference in the game for the Stro's...something that shouldn't pan out like it did. The Reds appeared to be the correct side the entire way and completely fell apart in the late game. We loved this match up and would make this play again, however, we realize that there is a reason those guys are in the bottom of the standings each day the newspaper comes out. There, we needed to vent. We'll accept yesterday's big loss and chalk it up as a lesson learned. In any sense, stick with us. Do not lose faith and do not give in. Trust, focus and discipline will lead us to where we want to be by the season's end. As we've preached...we've built a large enough bank roll this season to take risks like last night. No one likes losing but it comes with the sport. Enough of yesterday's talk, it is now time to move on to the weekend card. Here are our thoughts and releases for Saturday, and we're coming at this one with a full head of steam...
OK, here is a mistake from Vegas. This one comes with an 8:10PM EST first pitch, live from Arizona. The Diamondbacks are set to host yet another game with the Braves, and this line is flat out off. Just because the Braves have handed it to Arizona twice already in this series, odds makers think their on to something with this "Braves hotstreak" or something. No, no, no. This line is strong in the favor of Arizona, and yes it is heavy, but there is no reason in hell this shouldn't be -200 or more. The Braves have quietly taken both games of this series IN Arizona. As the worst road team in the majors, do not plan on any kind of sweep. The Backs were embarassed last night in front of a home crowd and redemption is on the mind of every single one of these guys. Firstly, let's get this line straight. it currently ranges from -155 all the way up to -170. If you do a little research you'll see where the -155 is located and it is at a pretty popular sportsbook (which we are not allowed to list). If you need more information on the line with this one, drop us an email.
Let us say if it weren't for last night's loss, this would more than likely be another 5* play right here. Arizona comes in two games above the even mark, with two straight losses to this club. The very highly touted Danny Haren is the scheduled starter for AZ. Dan's numbers are among the best at 12-5 overall, with a WHIP of 0.98 and a ERA of 2.75. He's won his last three outings in convincing fashion for Arizona too. Both of these teams are 5-5 in their last 10 total games.
The Braves are putting their current, arguable ace on the rubber tonight, Jair Jurrjens. Jair comes in at a solid 10-7 overall on the year with a ERA of 3.12. He's probably the best on this team, but that isn't saying all that much. The Braves have stooped way below expectations this year and the unscheduled return of all-star Chipper Jones will surely but a damper in the line up. Chipper remains sidelined for tonight's action with a left strained hamstring and Matt Diaz is also on the 15 day DL with a left knee strain. Atlanta might weather the storm these first few innings tonight, but the bullpen could likely be chaotic. They've dug deep in there lately and in ATL's last three games the bullpen has a combined ERA of almost 6.00, which is not good.
Guys, Arizona is a better team with more heart, talent and class than Atlanta. This Braves joyride of TWO GAMES comes to an end right here tonight. Expect a rowdy crowd out there tonight in Chase Field with a lot of energy flowing. We're laying the juice for a 3* wager on Haren and the Backs tonight, so get on it and let's cash this bad boy.
TREND OF THE GAME:
- The Diamondbacks are 8-2 in their last 10 games following two losses.
Arizona 6, Atlanta 2
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FL vs. NYM
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: Florida Marlins vs. New York Mets
The Play: Florida Marlins +115.0
Play Description:
Star Value: 1* (10 Units)
Writeup:
Next, we're heading to New York where the Mets host the Marlins at 7:10PM EST. This is strictly a value bet here, a great spot. Florida has been playing some solid baseball like going into Philly and all of that good stuff. The Mets got the win against these guys last night, but the pitching match up here clearly favors the road team.
The Fish are putting lefty Scott Olsen on the mound. Scott comes in at just 6-6 overall on the season, with a WHIP of 1.28 and an ERA of 3.87. He's got some fire power behind him offensively and we firmly believe this Florida team has the weapons neccessary to make a push late in the post season. The Marlins come in winners of five of their last ten, the Mets four of their last six. Florida's bullpen has been stellar this season. In 320 innings pitched, the pen has a combined WHIP of 1.29 and an ERA of just about 3.00. Those are some pretty solid figures.
On the other sideline, the Mets are putting right hander Brian Stokes on the mound. Brian has yet to pitch a game for New York so his stat line is pretty dull. If you've done any research on this guy, you know he isn't some big time stud. He's notorious for giving up a lot of long balls and his control and command is average at best. He's got some sticks in the line up that can help...but at the same time this squad is plaqued with injuries. Right fielder Ryan Church, second baseman Luis Castillo, left fielder Trot Nixon, Moises Alou and more are all listed as OUT for tonights match up...and those are some big time names.
Florida's under dog status here is worthy of a play. The Met's seem to play at their competition's level which is NOT a good thing in the Major Leagues. We'll lay 10 units on the Fish as they take care of business in New York tonight.
TREND OF THE GAME:
- The Mets are 2-7 in their last 9 Saturday games.
Florida 7, New York 3
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TEX vs. BAL
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles
The Play: Texas Rangers +110.0
Play Description:
Star Value: 1* (10 Units)
Writeup:
For our next one we're heading to Camden Yards will the Orioles will host the visiting Texas Rangers. The O's stole the show last night in a win over Texas but tonight's starters present an interesting match up for Ranger backers. Texas comes in three games over the even mark at 60-57 while Baltimore comes in four games under (55-59).
The Rangers are putting a guy on the mound tonight that isn't getting much fame but is silently pitching his way to something big. Right hander Vicente Padilla is the starter. Padilla comes in at 12-5 overall for the Rangers. He is 1-0 in his last three starts. We all know the scoring ability of Texas. They are the league's highest scoring ball club and they can make things get out of hand VERY quickly if opponents aren't careful. Milton Bradley hasn't started the last four games for Texas as he is rebounding from that quad problem, however, he has been capable of pinch hitting and don't think for a second that will change tonight. Besides Bradley, Texas has no further injuries in the field.
Daniel Cabrera starts throwing the balls and strikes for Baltimore. Cabrera is hit or miss, and lately he has been a huge miss. He is even at 7-7 on the year so far with a WHIP of 1.49 and an ERA rising towards 5.00. Daniel is 1-2 his last three times out with an ERA of 8.00. Yes, an ERA of 8.00. Baltimore has accumulated an average ERA of 7.01 in their last three games and 5.09 in their last ten. Let's just say teams love to hit them and that isn't good against the Rangers.
Stats and trends do the justice here, but as long time followers of this league...we're confident in placing some money on the Rangers at an underdog price Saturday night. A 1* rating along with 10 units on the visiting Tejas Rangers. Book it.
TRENDS OF THE GAME:
- The Rangers are 13-2 in Padilla's last 15 road starts.
- The Oriole's are 5-12 in their last 17 games following a win.
Texas 9, Baltimore 4
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OAK vs. DET
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: Oakland Athletics vs. Detroit Tigers
The Play: Detroit Tigers +110.0
Play Description: Run Line (-1.5)
Star Value: 1* (10 Units)
Writeup:
Last but not least, we're going to Comerica Park where the Tigers are trying to bounce back from a lost to an atrocious Oakland Athletics team. Oakland is on a pathetic run. Any followers or fans know this. Detroit, well, their trying to get themselves into the chase with Minnesota and Chicago. Whether it will happen or not, who knows. Detroit is a large favorite here but we want to lay a run and a half and grab some value with this explosive offense on the run line.
Armando Galarraga is set to start for the Tigs. He comes in at 9-4 overall with an ERA of just 3.23, and a WHIP of 1.12. He's won his last three outings and has looked absolutely stellar. His last time out he completely shut down that powerful line up of the White Sox in Chicago. His ERA is an impressive 2.23 in his last three games and his WHIP stands at 0.77. Detroit has something to prove here. Something big. Losing two straight to this Oakland team will only prove that they belong where they are at.
Oakland is putting lefty Dan Meyer on the mound. Dan is 0-0 in 5 innings pitched and hasn't given up a run in his time with Oakland. Enough said.
The A's...come on, guys. Detroit shall have no problem putting a beating on these scrubs from out west. A night game, at home like this sets the stage for a blow out. Oakland might get a few here and there, but covering a run line spread should be a cake walk for Detroit. They come in healthy with no injuries and should be ready to go. The A's have won every game against the Tigers this year, so it takes some 'you know what' to bet against these guys, and on Detroit...but we're prepared. We're laying the 1.5 runs for +110 on Detroit at CoPa tonight. 10 units.
TRENDS OF THE GAME:
- The Athletics are 3-13 in their last 16 games on grass.
- The Athletics are 5-18 in their last 23 road games.
- The Athletics are 6-20 in their last 26 overall.
Detroit 6, Oakland 1
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SD vs. COL
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: San Diego Padres vs. Colorado Rockies
The Play: Under 9.5
Play Description:
Star Value: 1* (10 Units)
Writeup:
We're going to keep this one simple, but the game at hand is between the Padres and the Rockies. The minute you see Padres you should know this will be a total play because it isn't often we'll place our hard earned money on this team. They struggle on both sides of the ball and tonight their playing a team that thinks they have a chance to make something happen.
The Padres are set to come into Coors Field tonight and they'll be facing right hander Aaron Cook. Aaron comes in at 14-7 on the year and this kid can pitch. He has kept games under the quoted total 12 times already this season and in his last three outings he is 3-0 with an ERA of 3.82. On the other side, the veteran Greg Maddux gets the start for the Pads. Greg too has kept games under the total in double digits already at ten. In these teams last 16 games combined, the number has stayed lower than Vegas' total ten times. Despite Coors Field favoring hitters, this one stays low.
Simple enough, this should end up being a 3-2, 2-1 type ball game. This is why we're going to put 10 units on the UNDER in Colorado tonight, so there it is.
TREND OF THE GAME:
- The UNDER is 8-2-1 the last 11 times these two teams have met.
Colorado 3, San Diego 1
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