The Sports Investing Professional - Thursday
Wednesday Recap -Well it would have been a great day if I wasn't adding
losers. Seriously, the information came from a real quality source so we didn't
get that one but we'll get the next one.
Todays Play(s) - We don't have a play today
May The Ball Bounce Your Way,
The Sports Investing Professional
Record (30-21) +$59
Wednesday Recap -Well it would have been a great day if I wasn't adding
losers. Seriously, the information came from a real quality source so we didn't
get that one but we'll get the next one.
Todays Play(s) - We don't have a play today
May The Ball Bounce Your Way,
The Sports Investing Professional
Record (30-21) +$59
Jack Jones
15* on Astros/Marlins OVER 10
I like the over with two of the hottest offenses in the National League playing against two starters with mediocre numbers. The Astros are putting up 6.7 runs per game and hitting .298 as a team over their last 7 games, while the Marlins are hitting .327 as a team and scoring 7.4 runs per game in their last 7. Astros starter, Mike Hampton has a 9.75 ERA and 2.12 WHIP over his last 3 starts, while Marlins starter, Sean West has also struggled, posting a 7.36 ERA and 1.98 WHIP in his last 3. In the first three games of this 4 game series, the combined scores have been 14, 17, and 20 runs. The final game of the series should be no different.
20* No-Doubt Rout on Philadelphia Phillies -135
Take the Phillies with Cliff Lee on the mound and the Cubs struggling. Lee if finally starting to rack up wins now that he's with a winning team. He's only started 2 games for the Phillies so far this season, but has won them both, giving up just one earned run in each game. If you go back over Lee's last 3 starts, he is 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. Looking at Ryan Dempster, the Cubs starter this afternoon, he is 6-5 on the season with a 4.04 ERA, including a 4.62 ERA when he pitches at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have lost 4 straight games and 6 of their last 7, hitting only .267 as a team and scoring just 3.7 runs per game over that span. The Phillies are now 34-19 on the road this season, averaging 5.3 runs per game offensively. Jump on the Phillies as this line is only going to go up before game time.
15* on Astros/Marlins OVER 10
I like the over with two of the hottest offenses in the National League playing against two starters with mediocre numbers. The Astros are putting up 6.7 runs per game and hitting .298 as a team over their last 7 games, while the Marlins are hitting .327 as a team and scoring 7.4 runs per game in their last 7. Astros starter, Mike Hampton has a 9.75 ERA and 2.12 WHIP over his last 3 starts, while Marlins starter, Sean West has also struggled, posting a 7.36 ERA and 1.98 WHIP in his last 3. In the first three games of this 4 game series, the combined scores have been 14, 17, and 20 runs. The final game of the series should be no different.
20* No-Doubt Rout on Philadelphia Phillies -135
Take the Phillies with Cliff Lee on the mound and the Cubs struggling. Lee if finally starting to rack up wins now that he's with a winning team. He's only started 2 games for the Phillies so far this season, but has won them both, giving up just one earned run in each game. If you go back over Lee's last 3 starts, he is 3-0 with a 1.57 ERA and 0.83 WHIP. Looking at Ryan Dempster, the Cubs starter this afternoon, he is 6-5 on the season with a 4.04 ERA, including a 4.62 ERA when he pitches at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have lost 4 straight games and 6 of their last 7, hitting only .267 as a team and scoring just 3.7 runs per game over that span. The Phillies are now 34-19 on the road this season, averaging 5.3 runs per game offensively. Jump on the Phillies as this line is only going to go up before game time.
Rickenback and Lee Kostrowski
Both on the OVERS in KC/MINNESOTA
Merill and Miller Group
Both on BOSTON RED SOX
Does anyone have
Lawerence nover and Miller group all three are on the same side in Philly/New England game
Also a 3-1 Con. on Dallas vs. Oakland
Burns/Fargo/ and Nover on one said going against
Alex Smart
\Thanks and Good Luck
Both on the OVERS in KC/MINNESOTA
Merill and Miller Group
Both on BOSTON RED SOX
Does anyone have
Lawerence nover and Miller group all three are on the same side in Philly/New England game
Also a 3-1 Con. on Dallas vs. Oakland
Burns/Fargo/ and Nover on one said going against
Alex Smart
\Thanks and Good Luck
Chris Jordan
Thursday night winners ...
300♦ N.Y. YANKEES RUN LINE (WITH Sabathia over Snell) - Keep riding the pinstripes, and lay the run line with apparent-ace C.C. Sabathia toeing the slab. He is in search of his 13th win of the season after turning in 7-2/3 outstanding innings against the Red Sox in his last start, in which he struck out a season-high nine while allowing just two hits. It was a game in which he proved his worth.
And for as strong as he looked last night, I have to believe he is going to lead the team once again, despite the team traveling cross-country after finishing up with Toronto yesterday. And let’s not forget, the M’s went to extra innings against the White Sox last night, and could be just as tired as the Yanks.
Sabathia was too dominating for Boston, retiring the first 13 batters he faced before allowing a two-out single to Jacoby Ellsbury in the sixth and is now 17-2 in the month of August since 2005 - the most wins in the bigs for that month over that span.
He’ll get the run support against Ian Snell, as he couldn’t throw strikes in his last outing, against Tampa Bay, which chased him after just 1-1/3 innings after walking six batters. He showed no command of his fastball and admitted to being nervous and jittery in his first career appearance at Safeco Field. How nervous will he be in his first career start against the Yankees?
50♦ REDSKINS - Anlalysis on your preseason games due back by 4 p.m. eastern
50♦ RAIDERS -
Thursday early MLB ...
50♦ PADRES (LIST Carrillo) - Let’s start the day with a solid matinee pup in the San Diego Padres. Basing this all on the fact that right-hander Cesar Carrillo will make his major league debut this afternoon in Milwaukee. The Padres' first-round pick in 2005, who stands a prototypical 6 feet 3 and 175 pounds, will be the 13th starting pitcher employed by the Padres this season. He replaces Chad Gaudin, who was traded to the Yankees.
Now I know he has struggled since being promoted to Triple-A Portland, going 0-2 with a 6.19 ERA in three starts, but he also opened this season with Double-A San Antonio and was 8-4 with a 4.24 ERA in 20 starts. The levels have been different, I know this, but there is no scouting report at the big-league level for the Brewers to go off of. And many lineups tend to step up for someone new in the rotation, while the opposing lineup tries to hard and comes in a little too overzealous in trying to get to a rookie.
No need to worry though, I know where to go get my own scouting report. And the fact is as long as this kid is able to command his two- and four-seam fastball – which ranges low- to mid-90's – he’ll be able to call upon his above-average curveball, not to mention a changeup he’s worked on effectively. Love the price of this game, and will list Carrillo only.
50♦ ROCKIES RUN LINE (LIST Marquis and Maholm) - Your other matinee contest will feature a pitching matchup that I give the nod to Jason Marquis in. He’s been stuck on 12 wins for nearly a month now, and this is the right spot to get him his win. The lineup will make a mockery of Paul Maholm, providing Marquis a huge lead, and then the right-hander will activate that herky-jerky delivery that tends to induce ground-ball outs.
Marquis had been pitching with a blister problem as recently as July 19, when he picked up his 12th win, which is probably why in his three starts since then he's 0-2 with a 4.74 ERA. Word is out of Denver, he’s more than ready to notch No. 13.
Meanwhile, Maholm is 0-2 in his last five starts after a no-decision in his last outing, one in which Maholm allowed four runs in seven innings. He’s now allowed at least four runs in each of his last four starts and continues to get hurt by the long ball, as he’s now given up two homers in a game twice in his last four starts. He strolls into this one with a 1-3 mark and a 4.50 ERA in five career starts against the Rockies. Lay the run line, as Maholm gets pounded and Marquis stifles the Bucs.
Thursday night winners ...
300♦ N.Y. YANKEES RUN LINE (WITH Sabathia over Snell) - Keep riding the pinstripes, and lay the run line with apparent-ace C.C. Sabathia toeing the slab. He is in search of his 13th win of the season after turning in 7-2/3 outstanding innings against the Red Sox in his last start, in which he struck out a season-high nine while allowing just two hits. It was a game in which he proved his worth.
And for as strong as he looked last night, I have to believe he is going to lead the team once again, despite the team traveling cross-country after finishing up with Toronto yesterday. And let’s not forget, the M’s went to extra innings against the White Sox last night, and could be just as tired as the Yanks.
Sabathia was too dominating for Boston, retiring the first 13 batters he faced before allowing a two-out single to Jacoby Ellsbury in the sixth and is now 17-2 in the month of August since 2005 - the most wins in the bigs for that month over that span.
He’ll get the run support against Ian Snell, as he couldn’t throw strikes in his last outing, against Tampa Bay, which chased him after just 1-1/3 innings after walking six batters. He showed no command of his fastball and admitted to being nervous and jittery in his first career appearance at Safeco Field. How nervous will he be in his first career start against the Yankees?
50♦ REDSKINS - Anlalysis on your preseason games due back by 4 p.m. eastern
50♦ RAIDERS -
Thursday early MLB ...
50♦ PADRES (LIST Carrillo) - Let’s start the day with a solid matinee pup in the San Diego Padres. Basing this all on the fact that right-hander Cesar Carrillo will make his major league debut this afternoon in Milwaukee. The Padres' first-round pick in 2005, who stands a prototypical 6 feet 3 and 175 pounds, will be the 13th starting pitcher employed by the Padres this season. He replaces Chad Gaudin, who was traded to the Yankees.
Now I know he has struggled since being promoted to Triple-A Portland, going 0-2 with a 6.19 ERA in three starts, but he also opened this season with Double-A San Antonio and was 8-4 with a 4.24 ERA in 20 starts. The levels have been different, I know this, but there is no scouting report at the big-league level for the Brewers to go off of. And many lineups tend to step up for someone new in the rotation, while the opposing lineup tries to hard and comes in a little too overzealous in trying to get to a rookie.
No need to worry though, I know where to go get my own scouting report. And the fact is as long as this kid is able to command his two- and four-seam fastball – which ranges low- to mid-90's – he’ll be able to call upon his above-average curveball, not to mention a changeup he’s worked on effectively. Love the price of this game, and will list Carrillo only.
50♦ ROCKIES RUN LINE (LIST Marquis and Maholm) - Your other matinee contest will feature a pitching matchup that I give the nod to Jason Marquis in. He’s been stuck on 12 wins for nearly a month now, and this is the right spot to get him his win. The lineup will make a mockery of Paul Maholm, providing Marquis a huge lead, and then the right-hander will activate that herky-jerky delivery that tends to induce ground-ball outs.
Marquis had been pitching with a blister problem as recently as July 19, when he picked up his 12th win, which is probably why in his three starts since then he's 0-2 with a 4.74 ERA. Word is out of Denver, he’s more than ready to notch No. 13.
Meanwhile, Maholm is 0-2 in his last five starts after a no-decision in his last outing, one in which Maholm allowed four runs in seven innings. He’s now allowed at least four runs in each of his last four starts and continues to get hurt by the long ball, as he’s now given up two homers in a game twice in his last four starts. He strolls into this one with a 1-3 mark and a 4.50 ERA in five career starts against the Rockies. Lay the run line, as Maholm gets pounded and Marquis stifles the Bucs.
Paid by me
Jeff Benton Thursday's winners ... 20 DIME: PHILLIES (over Cubs) ... NOTE: List Cliff Lee as Philadelphia's starting pitcher. If Lee does not start, this play is VOID!
5 DIME: EAGLES (minus the points vs. Patriots)
5 DIME: RAIDERS (minus the points vs. Cowboys)
Phillies
The Chicago Cubs are on the verge of seeing their season officially go down the drain. Their top two pitchers (Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly) are on the shelf; one of their top sluggers (Aramis Ramirez) can’t stay on the field because of a shoulder injury; and their bullpen (which was shaky anyway) has been taxed beyond belief in recent days because the starters are struggling to go deep into games.
If that’s not bad enough, Chicago this week is hosting the defending champs who just happen to be the best road team in baseball. And for the cherry on top of THAT, the Cubs have to deal with Cliff Lee this afternoon. Since being traded to the Phillies, all Lee has done is bring a huge-ass grin to the face of Philadelphia’s front office. In two starts against the Giants (5-1 win) and Rockies (3-1 win) – two teams leading the N.L. Wild-Card standings – Lee gave up a single run in each contest, pitching 16 total innings, allowing 13 total baserunners while striking out 15.
Going back to his final starts with Cleveland, Lee is on a 5-0 roll with a microscopic 1.32 ERA. How good has the southpaw been since the All-Star break? During his 5-0 run, he has as many complete games (three) as walks allowed (three).
After last night’s 12-5 romp behind Pedro Martinez, the Phillies have now won four of five against the Cubs this season, and they’re 6-1 against Chicago since the end of last August, going 4-0 in Wrigley Field. They’re also on a 37-15 roll against teams from the N.L. Central. Then of course, there’s Philadelphia’s incredible success on the highway this year, as they’re now 34-19.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have now lost six of seven overall, and although starter Ryan Dempster has been decent this season, Chicago is just 7-13 in his 20 starts, losing seven of his last nine overall and seven of his last eight outings as an underdog. Considering Dempster hasn’t pitched as many as seven innings in seven straight starts, were almost certainly going to see the Cubs’ beleaguered bullpen for an extended period – yet ANOTHER advantage for Philadelphia!
Add it all up and all signs point to an easy Philadelphia victory as the champs break out the brooms at the Friendly Confines.
Eagles
I don’t know for sure if or how long Tom Brady is going to play tonight, and that’s because coach Bill “the dictator” Belichick never tips his hand, even in the preseason. I can surmise that Brady, no matter his desires, won’t be on the field for more than a couple of series, if that. There’s just no way Belichick is going to put his franchise player who missed all of last season with a knee injury at risk.
And while I’m sure Brady’s going to do his damndest to get his team in the end zone (and he probably will), when he leaves, there’s going to be more than three quarters of football left to play. And when he does depart, the Pats will be left with second-year pro Kevin O’Connell, Brian Hoyer (a rookie from Michigan State) and Raiders reject Andrew Walter, all going up a solid Eagles defense that is very strong and very experienced beyond its first string.
By comparison, the Eagles will have just two QBs playing tonight: starter Donovan McNabb, whom coach Andy Reid says is going to play till the midway point of the second quarter along with the rest of the first string (which is huge!); and A.J. Feeley, who has been around the NFL forever, all with the Eagles (meaning he knows the system). The reason Feeley will play so much tonight is because No. 2 QB Kevin Kolb suffered an injury this week and won’t play.
Now, the thought of Feeley going up against a Patriots defense isn’t all that appealing (even though, remember, Feeley was the one who almost ended New England’s perfect season in 2007). However, the thought of Feeley picking apart third- and fourth-string Patriots in the fourth quarter? I have NO problem with that! For that matter, I love the fact McNabb and the first-team Philly offense will get to go up against New England’s second-string D for half of the second quarter.
Finally, we now can conclude with virtual certainty that Belichick doesn’t give a hoot about the preseason anymore. The Pats went 0-4 SU and ATS in the preseason last year, losing their opener at home to the Ravens and their Week 3 dress-rehearsal to these Eagles at home (27-17). The Pats haven’t had a winning August in five years; they’re 1-5 SU and 1-4-1 ATS in their last six preseason roadies; and they’ve lost three straight preseason openers. Meanwhile, the Eagles have won and covered four of their last five exhibition home games.
Bottom line: I have no clue why this number dropped below 3 in some spots yesterday, but if it goes off at 2½, I’m going to be VERY happy. Whatever the number, lay it Philadelphia, which should dominate the second half of this game and win comfortably.
Raiders
We’ve got a ton of very strong, very lengthy trends that point in Oakland’s direction in this game, and I’ll get to all of them. But first, I want to point out the obvious: The Raiders have been absolutely horrific – by far the worst team in the league – since losing the Super Bowl following the 2002 season. So if any squad is desperate to cultivate a winning culture in the preseason, it’s the Raiders, particularly since they’re on their third coach (Tom Cable) since losing the Super Bowl. Thus I expect to be backing Oakland on a few occasions just because I believe Cable, unlike most of his coaching counterparts, will be playing to win this month.
And that brings me to those aforementioned trends, and it starts with Cowboys coach Wade Phillips. In his first two seasons in Big D, Phillips has won all four of his exhibition home games (covering in three of them), but he’s lost all four road games (both SU and ATS). Not only that, but the Cowboys weren’t even been competitive in those four road losses, losing by a total of 45 points, including three double-digit defeats.
On the other hand the Raiders have been very strong over the past three preseasons at home (5-1 SU and ATS) and as a favorite (4-1 ATS). They’ve also gotten out of the gate fast, winning and covering their last three in Week 1 of the preseason.
Granted, I’m still not a big fan of Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell and I really wish newly acquired veteran QB Jeff Garcia (who is injured) was going to play tonight, because I’d love to see him facing Dallas’ backup defenders for a couple of series. At the same time, though, I’m giddy about the fact that the Cowboys’ offense will be guided by two rookie quarterbacks for the entire second half (Stephen McGee and Rudy Carpenter). Can you say “pick 6”? Back the Raiders, who again, have much more to prove tonight than Dallas does.
Jeff Benton Thursday's winners ... 20 DIME: PHILLIES (over Cubs) ... NOTE: List Cliff Lee as Philadelphia's starting pitcher. If Lee does not start, this play is VOID!
5 DIME: EAGLES (minus the points vs. Patriots)
5 DIME: RAIDERS (minus the points vs. Cowboys)
Phillies
The Chicago Cubs are on the verge of seeing their season officially go down the drain. Their top two pitchers (Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly) are on the shelf; one of their top sluggers (Aramis Ramirez) can’t stay on the field because of a shoulder injury; and their bullpen (which was shaky anyway) has been taxed beyond belief in recent days because the starters are struggling to go deep into games.
If that’s not bad enough, Chicago this week is hosting the defending champs who just happen to be the best road team in baseball. And for the cherry on top of THAT, the Cubs have to deal with Cliff Lee this afternoon. Since being traded to the Phillies, all Lee has done is bring a huge-ass grin to the face of Philadelphia’s front office. In two starts against the Giants (5-1 win) and Rockies (3-1 win) – two teams leading the N.L. Wild-Card standings – Lee gave up a single run in each contest, pitching 16 total innings, allowing 13 total baserunners while striking out 15.
Going back to his final starts with Cleveland, Lee is on a 5-0 roll with a microscopic 1.32 ERA. How good has the southpaw been since the All-Star break? During his 5-0 run, he has as many complete games (three) as walks allowed (three).
After last night’s 12-5 romp behind Pedro Martinez, the Phillies have now won four of five against the Cubs this season, and they’re 6-1 against Chicago since the end of last August, going 4-0 in Wrigley Field. They’re also on a 37-15 roll against teams from the N.L. Central. Then of course, there’s Philadelphia’s incredible success on the highway this year, as they’re now 34-19.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have now lost six of seven overall, and although starter Ryan Dempster has been decent this season, Chicago is just 7-13 in his 20 starts, losing seven of his last nine overall and seven of his last eight outings as an underdog. Considering Dempster hasn’t pitched as many as seven innings in seven straight starts, were almost certainly going to see the Cubs’ beleaguered bullpen for an extended period – yet ANOTHER advantage for Philadelphia!
Add it all up and all signs point to an easy Philadelphia victory as the champs break out the brooms at the Friendly Confines.
Eagles
I don’t know for sure if or how long Tom Brady is going to play tonight, and that’s because coach Bill “the dictator” Belichick never tips his hand, even in the preseason. I can surmise that Brady, no matter his desires, won’t be on the field for more than a couple of series, if that. There’s just no way Belichick is going to put his franchise player who missed all of last season with a knee injury at risk.
And while I’m sure Brady’s going to do his damndest to get his team in the end zone (and he probably will), when he leaves, there’s going to be more than three quarters of football left to play. And when he does depart, the Pats will be left with second-year pro Kevin O’Connell, Brian Hoyer (a rookie from Michigan State) and Raiders reject Andrew Walter, all going up a solid Eagles defense that is very strong and very experienced beyond its first string.
By comparison, the Eagles will have just two QBs playing tonight: starter Donovan McNabb, whom coach Andy Reid says is going to play till the midway point of the second quarter along with the rest of the first string (which is huge!); and A.J. Feeley, who has been around the NFL forever, all with the Eagles (meaning he knows the system). The reason Feeley will play so much tonight is because No. 2 QB Kevin Kolb suffered an injury this week and won’t play.
Now, the thought of Feeley going up against a Patriots defense isn’t all that appealing (even though, remember, Feeley was the one who almost ended New England’s perfect season in 2007). However, the thought of Feeley picking apart third- and fourth-string Patriots in the fourth quarter? I have NO problem with that! For that matter, I love the fact McNabb and the first-team Philly offense will get to go up against New England’s second-string D for half of the second quarter.
Finally, we now can conclude with virtual certainty that Belichick doesn’t give a hoot about the preseason anymore. The Pats went 0-4 SU and ATS in the preseason last year, losing their opener at home to the Ravens and their Week 3 dress-rehearsal to these Eagles at home (27-17). The Pats haven’t had a winning August in five years; they’re 1-5 SU and 1-4-1 ATS in their last six preseason roadies; and they’ve lost three straight preseason openers. Meanwhile, the Eagles have won and covered four of their last five exhibition home games.
Bottom line: I have no clue why this number dropped below 3 in some spots yesterday, but if it goes off at 2½, I’m going to be VERY happy. Whatever the number, lay it Philadelphia, which should dominate the second half of this game and win comfortably.
Raiders
We’ve got a ton of very strong, very lengthy trends that point in Oakland’s direction in this game, and I’ll get to all of them. But first, I want to point out the obvious: The Raiders have been absolutely horrific – by far the worst team in the league – since losing the Super Bowl following the 2002 season. So if any squad is desperate to cultivate a winning culture in the preseason, it’s the Raiders, particularly since they’re on their third coach (Tom Cable) since losing the Super Bowl. Thus I expect to be backing Oakland on a few occasions just because I believe Cable, unlike most of his coaching counterparts, will be playing to win this month.
And that brings me to those aforementioned trends, and it starts with Cowboys coach Wade Phillips. In his first two seasons in Big D, Phillips has won all four of his exhibition home games (covering in three of them), but he’s lost all four road games (both SU and ATS). Not only that, but the Cowboys weren’t even been competitive in those four road losses, losing by a total of 45 points, including three double-digit defeats.
On the other hand the Raiders have been very strong over the past three preseasons at home (5-1 SU and ATS) and as a favorite (4-1 ATS). They’ve also gotten out of the gate fast, winning and covering their last three in Week 1 of the preseason.
Granted, I’m still not a big fan of Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell and I really wish newly acquired veteran QB Jeff Garcia (who is injured) was going to play tonight, because I’d love to see him facing Dallas’ backup defenders for a couple of series. At the same time, though, I’m giddy about the fact that the Cowboys’ offense will be guided by two rookie quarterbacks for the entire second half (Stephen McGee and Rudy Carpenter). Can you say “pick 6”? Back the Raiders, who again, have much more to prove tonight than Dallas does.
Ferringo
1-Unit Play. Take #903 Philadelphia (-140) over Chicago Cubs (2 p.m.)
1-Unit Play. Take #906 Colorado (-1.5, -125) over Pittsburgh (3 p.m.)
1-Unit Play. Take #917 N.Y. Yankees (-1.5, -120) over Seattle (10 p.m.)
1-Unit Play. Take #915 Detroit (+100) over Boston (1:30 p.m.)
Today's Totals
1-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 8.5 N.Y. Yankees at Seattle (10 p.m.)
1-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 10.0 Houston at Florida (7 p.m.)
0.5-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 9.0 Kansas City at Minnesota (1 p.m.)
1-Unit Play. Take #903 Philadelphia (-140) over Chicago Cubs (2 p.m.)
1-Unit Play. Take #906 Colorado (-1.5, -125) over Pittsburgh (3 p.m.)
1-Unit Play. Take #917 N.Y. Yankees (-1.5, -120) over Seattle (10 p.m.)
1-Unit Play. Take #915 Detroit (+100) over Boston (1:30 p.m.)
Today's Totals
1-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 8.5 N.Y. Yankees at Seattle (10 p.m.)
1-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 10.0 Houston at Florida (7 p.m.)
0.5-Unit Play. Take ‘Under’ 9.0 Kansas City at Minnesota (1 p.m.)
4 Unit Play. Take Under 9 between the Twins vs. Royals (Thursday @ 1:10pm est). Gil Meche comes off a start where he was rocked in Fenway for six runs in less than four innings against the Redsox. He has been a solid bounce-back all year and he looks to bounce-back against the Twins on the road. Although he pitched well, the Twins defeated him 1-5 as he gave up 2 runs in 6 innings. I suspect he will have a similar solid outing as he looks to avenge that loss and he comes into the game on a bounce-back. Since coming over from the Indians, Pavan is looking to continue to pitch well for his new ballclub. I suspect he will have another solid effort based on that. Pavano was rocked by the Royals earlier this year for 9 runs and he is in a similar boat with Meche. They are both looking for revenge so to speak and as Meche comes off a bounce-back, Pavano looks to help his new ballclub in just his second start for them this year. The Under is 9-3-1 for Meche against the AL Central and the Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between these two teams. Good luck, Indian Cowboy.
