Marc Lawrence
GAME: San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers May 10, 2009 4:10PM
SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks
PICK: San Francisco Giants
REASON FOR PICK: Play On: San Francisco w/Lincecum
Note: The Giants conclude their 3 game visit with the Dodgers in Los Angeles today when they send Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum to the mound at Chavez Ravine. After a slow start, Lincecum has rounded n to terrific current form as evidenced by his 6/40 walk-to-strikeout ratio in his last four starts. No Manny means no money for the Dodgers, who are still distracted over Manny Ramirez' suspension. With that, we'll back the better arm here today.
GAME: San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers May 10, 2009 4:10PM
SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks
PICK: San Francisco Giants
REASON FOR PICK: Play On: San Francisco w/Lincecum
Note: The Giants conclude their 3 game visit with the Dodgers in Los Angeles today when they send Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum to the mound at Chavez Ravine. After a slow start, Lincecum has rounded n to terrific current form as evidenced by his 6/40 walk-to-strikeout ratio in his last four starts. No Manny means no money for the Dodgers, who are still distracted over Manny Ramirez' suspension. With that, we'll back the better arm here today.
Craig Trapp
TOP PLAY MLB | May 10
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Tampa Bay Rays+115
Records
Tampa Bay Rays 15-17, 9-10 away (Garza 3-2, 3.51 ERA)
Boston Red Sox 19-12, 12-4 home (Beckett 3-2, 6.75 ERA)
Betting Trends
Rays are 6-1 in their last 7 games as an underdog
Rays are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
Red Sox are 16-5 in their last 21 games on grass.
Rays are 6-0 in Garzas last 6 starts vs. Red Sox.
Rays are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
TB is coming off a huge win where they blew Boston out of the water early and often winning going away 14-5. Longoria and Crawfords hot bats carried them to another beat down of there division rivals. Longoria looks like a lock for MVP this season with 44 RBI's and 11 HR's. Almost half of his RBI's and HR's have come at the expense of this Boston team so to say he likes playing Boston is a huge understatement!! If that was not good enough to convince you to take the visiting underdogs they have Garza on the mound tonight. Garza is 5-0 with a 1.37 ERA in his last six starts against Boston, including two wins during the ALCS. In the last three, Boston has managed seven hits in 21 2-3 innings versus Garza (3-2, 3.51 ERA). For Boston Beckett will try and slow down this hot TB team but will have no luck as he gets rocked early and often. SCORE TB 9 - BOS 2
TOP PLAY MLB | May 10
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Tampa Bay Rays+115
Records
Tampa Bay Rays 15-17, 9-10 away (Garza 3-2, 3.51 ERA)
Boston Red Sox 19-12, 12-4 home (Beckett 3-2, 6.75 ERA)
Betting Trends
Rays are 6-1 in their last 7 games as an underdog
Rays are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
Red Sox are 16-5 in their last 21 games on grass.
Rays are 6-0 in Garzas last 6 starts vs. Red Sox.
Rays are 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
TB is coming off a huge win where they blew Boston out of the water early and often winning going away 14-5. Longoria and Crawfords hot bats carried them to another beat down of there division rivals. Longoria looks like a lock for MVP this season with 44 RBI's and 11 HR's. Almost half of his RBI's and HR's have come at the expense of this Boston team so to say he likes playing Boston is a huge understatement!! If that was not good enough to convince you to take the visiting underdogs they have Garza on the mound tonight. Garza is 5-0 with a 1.37 ERA in his last six starts against Boston, including two wins during the ALCS. In the last three, Boston has managed seven hits in 21 2-3 innings versus Garza (3-2, 3.51 ERA). For Boston Beckett will try and slow down this hot TB team but will have no luck as he gets rocked early and often. SCORE TB 9 - BOS 2
Cajun Sports
MLB 2*
Game: Florida Marlins @ Colorado Rockies
Graded Selection: 2* Florida Marlins +100
Coors Field will be the site of the final game of this three-game weekend set between the host Colorado Rockies and the visiting Florida Marlins. Florida is coming off a solid pitching performance by Josh Johnson in Saturday’s 3 to 1 win over the Rockies. Johnson pitched eight innings of seven-hit ball on a chilly night at Coors Field to get the win. He has so many weapons and that was apparent in the win over Colorado. Johnson is 3-0 W/L and won his sixth straight decision, dating back to Sept. 13. He has 10 wins in his last 11 decisions since coming back last July from Tommy John surgery. Sunday the Marlins will send Chris Volstad to the bump with his 1-0 W/L record his last three road outings and an ERA of 2.95 with a WHIP of 1.037. The Marlins are a perfect 3-0 W/L in those three starts by Volstad. He has pitched 18.3 innings giving up 12 hits, 6 earned runs, 7 walks and 14 strikeouts over that span. The Marlins are 21-6 W/L their last twenty-seven games following a win, 11-5 W/L their last sixteen when installed as a road underdog and a perfect 5-0 W/L in Volstad’s last five starts on the highway. Colorado will send right-hander Aaron Cook to the hill with his 1-0 W/L record at home in three outings posting an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.474. In those contests he pitched 19 innings gave up 9 earned runs with 9 walks and 9 strikeouts. The Rockies are 7-12 W/L (-5.0) when facing right-handed starters this season. Colorado is 3-9 W/L after losing their previous game, 2-8 W/L their last ten at home versus right-handed starters including a perfect 0-4 W/L their last four, 2-9 W/L versus a starter whose WHIP is less than 1.15, 13-29 W/L in Cook’s last forty-two starts versus a team with a winning record and 1-5 W/L in Cook’s last six following a quality start in his last outing. We will back the Fish here as they get the win over the Rockies in the Mile High City on Sunday afternoon.
Graded Selection: 2* Florida Marlins 5 Colorado Rockies 4
MLB 2*
Game: Florida Marlins @ Colorado Rockies
Graded Selection: 2* Florida Marlins +100
Coors Field will be the site of the final game of this three-game weekend set between the host Colorado Rockies and the visiting Florida Marlins. Florida is coming off a solid pitching performance by Josh Johnson in Saturday’s 3 to 1 win over the Rockies. Johnson pitched eight innings of seven-hit ball on a chilly night at Coors Field to get the win. He has so many weapons and that was apparent in the win over Colorado. Johnson is 3-0 W/L and won his sixth straight decision, dating back to Sept. 13. He has 10 wins in his last 11 decisions since coming back last July from Tommy John surgery. Sunday the Marlins will send Chris Volstad to the bump with his 1-0 W/L record his last three road outings and an ERA of 2.95 with a WHIP of 1.037. The Marlins are a perfect 3-0 W/L in those three starts by Volstad. He has pitched 18.3 innings giving up 12 hits, 6 earned runs, 7 walks and 14 strikeouts over that span. The Marlins are 21-6 W/L their last twenty-seven games following a win, 11-5 W/L their last sixteen when installed as a road underdog and a perfect 5-0 W/L in Volstad’s last five starts on the highway. Colorado will send right-hander Aaron Cook to the hill with his 1-0 W/L record at home in three outings posting an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.474. In those contests he pitched 19 innings gave up 9 earned runs with 9 walks and 9 strikeouts. The Rockies are 7-12 W/L (-5.0) when facing right-handed starters this season. Colorado is 3-9 W/L after losing their previous game, 2-8 W/L their last ten at home versus right-handed starters including a perfect 0-4 W/L their last four, 2-9 W/L versus a starter whose WHIP is less than 1.15, 13-29 W/L in Cook’s last forty-two starts versus a team with a winning record and 1-5 W/L in Cook’s last six following a quality start in his last outing. We will back the Fish here as they get the win over the Rockies in the Mile High City on Sunday afternoon.
Graded Selection: 2* Florida Marlins 5 Colorado Rockies 4
James Patrick Sports
Hurricane vs. Bruins 7:35 p.m. est. NHL
Game #5 in this Playoff match up and the action will be intense as one mistake could turn the series around for one of these teams. We'll take our Sunday NHL selection is #58 Boston Bruins as they have won 36 of last 51 home games and a win here gets them back into the series.
Hurricane vs. Bruins 7:35 p.m. est. NHL
Game #5 in this Playoff match up and the action will be intense as one mistake could turn the series around for one of these teams. We'll take our Sunday NHL selection is #58 Boston Bruins as they have won 36 of last 51 home games and a win here gets them back into the series.
Sports Gambling Hotline
After an UNDER in Game One, the Celtics and Magic have played to a pair of OVERS in Games Two, and Three.
We will stick with the emerging trend, and play the OVER in Sunday's Game Four.
Boston is now on a 23-9 OVER clip their last 32 games, and 8 of their 10 postseason tilts have landed on the HIGH side.
Without Kevin Garnett clogging the middle, Boston has become a shoot first, play defense second team, and that is just not going to change as this postseason continues.
Expect another game that sees plenty of points, and another OVER added to the tally.
Play on the HIGH.
3♦ OVER
After an UNDER in Game One, the Celtics and Magic have played to a pair of OVERS in Games Two, and Three.
We will stick with the emerging trend, and play the OVER in Sunday's Game Four.
Boston is now on a 23-9 OVER clip their last 32 games, and 8 of their 10 postseason tilts have landed on the HIGH side.
Without Kevin Garnett clogging the middle, Boston has become a shoot first, play defense second team, and that is just not going to change as this postseason continues.
Expect another game that sees plenty of points, and another OVER added to the tally.
Play on the HIGH.
3♦ OVER
Karl Garrett
I have a feeling the Celtics are heading back to Beantown down 3 games to 1.
Orlando sure looks comfortable on their home floor where they are now 35-10 straight up, and 25-20 against the spread at home.
Not only that, but the Magic have won 4 of their last 5 home games against the Celtics, covering in 3 of those 5. The home team is also 23-10 against the spread the last 33 times
Orlando will have Rafer Alston back for this one, and the fact Anthony Johnson shot 5-of-7 on Friday, netting 13 points will only help the Magic coming off the bench.
Expect another double-double from Dwight Howard, and expect the Magic to nab the win, and the cover in Game Four.
3♦ ORLANDO
I have a feeling the Celtics are heading back to Beantown down 3 games to 1.
Orlando sure looks comfortable on their home floor where they are now 35-10 straight up, and 25-20 against the spread at home.
Not only that, but the Magic have won 4 of their last 5 home games against the Celtics, covering in 3 of those 5. The home team is also 23-10 against the spread the last 33 times
Orlando will have Rafer Alston back for this one, and the fact Anthony Johnson shot 5-of-7 on Friday, netting 13 points will only help the Magic coming off the bench.
Expect another double-double from Dwight Howard, and expect the Magic to nab the win, and the cover in Game Four.
3♦ ORLANDO
MATT RIVERS
For Sunday take the points with the Rockets.
Call me stubborn, I don't care. Yes I fell short when the Rockets were soundly beaten in game three at home and yes Yao is now out but I still believe that Artest and the home boys will come out to play and compete until the end. The NBA is funny in that you can lose a key cog, like a 7' 6" Chinaman of a center, and somebody else is always there to fill in and have a game of his life and that could be the case today.
The Lakers are clearly the superior team but to lay around four on the road against a quality Houston team is just too much. The Rockets have not played their best in these past six quarters but they are a solid defensive team that has no choice but to lay it all on the line today. A loss and the series is over, I know it and they know it. Houston is not going to win three straight games in this series with two of them being at Staples, that just cannot happen. Therefore this is that swing game where they have their last chance to stay alive.
I fully understand how the Rockets are outmanned overall when compared to the Lakers but Artest is a fierce competitor who will not let his guys just pack it in. Houston will defend and have a shot today when all is said and done. After all their whole season is on the line and being the great home team they are at something like 36-9 makes me comfortable to back this barking home dog.
For Sunday take the points with the Rockets.
Call me stubborn, I don't care. Yes I fell short when the Rockets were soundly beaten in game three at home and yes Yao is now out but I still believe that Artest and the home boys will come out to play and compete until the end. The NBA is funny in that you can lose a key cog, like a 7' 6" Chinaman of a center, and somebody else is always there to fill in and have a game of his life and that could be the case today.
The Lakers are clearly the superior team but to lay around four on the road against a quality Houston team is just too much. The Rockets have not played their best in these past six quarters but they are a solid defensive team that has no choice but to lay it all on the line today. A loss and the series is over, I know it and they know it. Houston is not going to win three straight games in this series with two of them being at Staples, that just cannot happen. Therefore this is that swing game where they have their last chance to stay alive.
I fully understand how the Rockets are outmanned overall when compared to the Lakers but Artest is a fierce competitor who will not let his guys just pack it in. Houston will defend and have a shot today when all is said and done. After all their whole season is on the line and being the great home team they are at something like 36-9 makes me comfortable to back this barking home dog.
Bobby Maxwell
OK, it's been a few days now since the Dodgers got the shocking news that Manny Ramirez was done for the next 50 games. They got beat the first two nights after the news, but looked just fine on Saturday, beating the Giants 8-0 and they'll get it done again today, because what it boils down to is Los Angeles is a much better team than the Giants, with or without Manny.
Today Los Angeles sends Jeff Weaver (1-0, 1.00 ERA) to the mound after an impressive return to the Dodgers on Tuesday when he gave up just one run on five hits in five innings to the D'Backs.
Tim Lincecum (3-1, 3.05 ERA) goes for the Giants and he is starting to find his form, winning each of his last three outings. He faced these Dodgers on April 29 and gave up three runs on six hits in seven innings, but he got a lot of offensive support, winning 9-4.
Los Angeles started the season 13-0 at home and they now sit at 14-2 in front of the faithful. This team is good and the lineup is still impressive even without Manny. They will get three or four runs off Lincecum and the pitching staff will make it hold up.
2♦ L.A. DODGERS
OK, it's been a few days now since the Dodgers got the shocking news that Manny Ramirez was done for the next 50 games. They got beat the first two nights after the news, but looked just fine on Saturday, beating the Giants 8-0 and they'll get it done again today, because what it boils down to is Los Angeles is a much better team than the Giants, with or without Manny.
Today Los Angeles sends Jeff Weaver (1-0, 1.00 ERA) to the mound after an impressive return to the Dodgers on Tuesday when he gave up just one run on five hits in five innings to the D'Backs.
Tim Lincecum (3-1, 3.05 ERA) goes for the Giants and he is starting to find his form, winning each of his last three outings. He faced these Dodgers on April 29 and gave up three runs on six hits in seven innings, but he got a lot of offensive support, winning 9-4.
Los Angeles started the season 13-0 at home and they now sit at 14-2 in front of the faithful. This team is good and the lineup is still impressive even without Manny. They will get three or four runs off Lincecum and the pitching staff will make it hold up.
2♦ L.A. DODGERS
TONY WESTON
We’re sticking with the NBA postseason as we’re heading to Orlando where we’re taking the Over in Game 4 of this series tonight. The number for this game is set at around 192.5 points, depending on where you’re playing this. But it won’t matter because these two will score in bunches and light up the scoreboard.
Consider that after coming Under the Total in Game 1, the Over has come in each of the last two games as the Magic and Celtics have totaled, on average, 209.5 points per.
Including the last two games, the Celtics have seen the Over go 8-2 their last 10 games overall and have seen the Over come in 23 of their last 32 games overall.
The Over is also on a 4-1 run in Boston’s last 5 road games and it has come in 4 of their last 5 playoff games when the Celtics are catching points.
The Magic, on the other hand, have seen the Over come in 3 of their last 4 games and will see it come in again tonight. Take the Over easily in this one tonight
3♦ CELTICS-MAGIC OVER
We’re sticking with the NBA postseason as we’re heading to Orlando where we’re taking the Over in Game 4 of this series tonight. The number for this game is set at around 192.5 points, depending on where you’re playing this. But it won’t matter because these two will score in bunches and light up the scoreboard.
Consider that after coming Under the Total in Game 1, the Over has come in each of the last two games as the Magic and Celtics have totaled, on average, 209.5 points per.
Including the last two games, the Celtics have seen the Over go 8-2 their last 10 games overall and have seen the Over come in 23 of their last 32 games overall.
The Over is also on a 4-1 run in Boston’s last 5 road games and it has come in 4 of their last 5 playoff games when the Celtics are catching points.
The Magic, on the other hand, have seen the Over come in 3 of their last 4 games and will see it come in again tonight. Take the Over easily in this one tonight
3♦ CELTICS-MAGIC OVER
JEFF BENTON
Giants and Tim Lincecum to beat the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
Simply put, this is very cheap price to lay with the best pitcher in the National League, especially when he’s matched up against a relic like Jeff Weaver. Over his last four starts, Lincecum has allowed a total of six runs in 30 innings (1.80 ERA) with 40 strikeouts against just six walks. That includes a 9-4 victory over the Dodgers on April 29 in San Francisco, a game in which Lincecum was cruising through seven innings and leading 7-0 before relaxing in the eighth inning and giving up three runs.
Lincecum is now 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in four appearances (three starts) against the Dodgers, including 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings pitched at Dodger Stadium. Also, the Giants are 5-2 in the right-hander’s last seven starts overall and 10-4 in his last 14 as a favorite.
Granted, San Francisco’s offense leaves a lot to be desired – it’s one of the weakest hitting teams in baseball. However, I trust that the Giants can scratch across three or four runs against Jeff Weaver. Yeah, Weaver pitched well in his first start in 18 months on Tuesday, beating the DBacks 3-1, but that was exception, not the rule. He’s still way over the hill and it’s only a matter of time before he gets lit up.
Bottom line: To get Lincecum at this price against Weaver and a Manny Ramirez-less Dodgers lineup is too good to pass up.
(based on a 1♦ to a 10♦ Rating)
3♦ SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Giants and Tim Lincecum to beat the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
Simply put, this is very cheap price to lay with the best pitcher in the National League, especially when he’s matched up against a relic like Jeff Weaver. Over his last four starts, Lincecum has allowed a total of six runs in 30 innings (1.80 ERA) with 40 strikeouts against just six walks. That includes a 9-4 victory over the Dodgers on April 29 in San Francisco, a game in which Lincecum was cruising through seven innings and leading 7-0 before relaxing in the eighth inning and giving up three runs.
Lincecum is now 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA in four appearances (three starts) against the Dodgers, including 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in 10 innings pitched at Dodger Stadium. Also, the Giants are 5-2 in the right-hander’s last seven starts overall and 10-4 in his last 14 as a favorite.
Granted, San Francisco’s offense leaves a lot to be desired – it’s one of the weakest hitting teams in baseball. However, I trust that the Giants can scratch across three or four runs against Jeff Weaver. Yeah, Weaver pitched well in his first start in 18 months on Tuesday, beating the DBacks 3-1, but that was exception, not the rule. He’s still way over the hill and it’s only a matter of time before he gets lit up.
Bottom line: To get Lincecum at this price against Weaver and a Manny Ramirez-less Dodgers lineup is too good to pass up.
(based on a 1♦ to a 10♦ Rating)
3♦ SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
ROCKETMAN
Toronto Blue Jays at Oakland Athletics
Play: Toronto
Toronto comes in with a 21-12 overall record this year while Oakland is only 11-17 on the season. Toronto is 9-2 in day games this year. Toronto is scoring 6 runs per game overall this year and 6.4 runs per game on the road this season. Toronto bullpen has a 3.50 ERA overall and a 3.75 ERA on the road this year. Oakland is scoring only 3.2 runs per game against left handed starters and has a .202 batting average. Cecil has a 1.50 ERA overall this year. We'll recommend a small play on Toronto today!
Toronto Blue Jays at Oakland Athletics
Play: Toronto
Toronto comes in with a 21-12 overall record this year while Oakland is only 11-17 on the season. Toronto is 9-2 in day games this year. Toronto is scoring 6 runs per game overall this year and 6.4 runs per game on the road this season. Toronto bullpen has a 3.50 ERA overall and a 3.75 ERA on the road this year. Oakland is scoring only 3.2 runs per game against left handed starters and has a .202 batting average. Cecil has a 1.50 ERA overall this year. We'll recommend a small play on Toronto today!
DAVE COKIN
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS / CINCINNATI REDS
Take CINCINNATI REDS
Edinson Volquez has gotten his BB rate down from what was an unacceptable level, and the Reds righty has been unhittable lately. Volquez has allowed an incredibly low nine hits in his last 27 innings. Adam Wainwright can be tough for the Cardinals, but I'd rather ride the Volquez hot streak, so I'll back the Reds.
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS / CINCINNATI REDS
Take CINCINNATI REDS
Edinson Volquez has gotten his BB rate down from what was an unacceptable level, and the Reds righty has been unhittable lately. Volquez has allowed an incredibly low nine hits in his last 27 innings. Adam Wainwright can be tough for the Cardinals, but I'd rather ride the Volquez hot streak, so I'll back the Reds.
