Primetime Double
June 27, 2009
By Judd Hall
VegasInsider
The latest round of Interleague play comes to a close on Sunday night and not a moment too soon for me. We’re going to get a rare double on Sunday as well. The Yankees and Mets will be closing out their subway series on ESPN. Meanwhile, the Padres and Rangers finish up their set in primetime.
Yankees at Mets – 8:05 p.m. EDT
Let’s be honest. If I were to tell you that your team was going to be 41-32 and four games out of first place in their division, you’d be pleased. That’s not the case for the Yankees when you consider their boisterous fans expect more for a team that shells out more money for its payroll than a South Carolina governor could pay to hush up a certain lady from South America.
You can’t blame the bats completely for the Bombers as they’re sixth in the majors in batting average (.273), second in runs scored (406) and have the most home runs of any club (110). The offense has really come through big over the Yanks’ last three matches as they’re averaging nearly 10 runs a game…All of them victories.
When Chien-Ming Wang (0-6, 11.20 ERA) pitches, however, the Yanks’ offense goes AWOL. Wang has had a rough go of it since returning from some torn right-foot tendons, failing to get past the fifth inning in his first four starts. He’s actually starting to hit his spots on the mound recently, pitching into the fifth in his last two starts and allowing three earned runs in both outings. What has killed Wang in his last two appearances is the fact that the Yankees’ offense has scored two runs.
Most betting shops are expecting Wang to come out on top as the Yanks are listed as $1.35 home faves (risk $135 to win $100) with the total sitting at 10.
The Mets are quickly losing any momentum they had after taking three of four games from St. Louis before this series. New York’s defense was atrocious in the opening game of this subway series, committing three errors that gave up two unearned runs out of the four scored in the second inning. That won’t work with Livan Hernandez (5-2, 4.05 ERA) on the mound for Sunday.
The veteran right-hander has been a great pickup for the Mets this year as he’s just eating innings. He’s second only to Johan Santana in innings pitched with 86.2 in 14 starts this year. Hernandez can appreciate Wang’s support woes as he’s lost three straight starts…the last two saw the Mets only cross home plate four times.
The Amazins are 3-2 in Hernandez’s five starts at Citi Field, which isn’t all that great. Bettors should know that he hasn’t had a lot of luck against the pinstripes over his career, going 0-3 with a 6.94 earned run average in six starts.
This has been a high scoring rivalry this year as the ‘over’ is 3-1 in the first four games. Yet you’d be well within reason to expect a low score here since the ‘under’ is 6-2 in the last eight head-to-head meetings that the Mets have hosted.
Padres at Rangers – 8:05 p.m. EDT
It is not a good time to be a Padres fan, let alone betting on them. San Diego has dropped 10 of its last 13 games by a combined score of 84-43.
If there is one thing you can say about the slump is that it takes a total team effort to fail as exquisitely as the Pads have done recently. They’re hitting just .246 with seven four-baggers and 24 runs batted over the last seven days. The Padres’ starting pitching has been just as poor as they average just over four innings per outing and an ERA of 7.21.
San Diego will be hoping for a solid performance as Chad Gaudin (3-6, 5.60 ERA) prepares to toe the slab for Sunday. Gaudin is coming off of his best start of the year, giving up two earned runs on four hits in seven innings of work on June 23. The Padres won that game 9-7 as $1.30 road pup against Seattle.
Gamblers shouldn’t rest easy if Gaudin tosses a gem because the Pads’ shoddy bullpen. San Diego’s ‘pen has gone 2-4 with a 7.10 ERA over the last week. And four of the Padres’ relievers have ERAs of no less than 10.80.
A slumping club is exactly what the Rangers need right now as they’re in a dogfight to stay in front of Los Angeles in the American League West Division. Texas appears to be bouncing back from a 2-7 run by winning three straight tilts.
Texas has been hurting without Josh Hamilton in the lineup this month after he had right abdominal surgery. The Rangers are hitting .217 with 25 RBI and seven homers over the last week. Yet their bats are getting lively with a .283 average during this winning streak.
The Rangers no doubt want to make sure that Matt Harrison (4-5, 6.11 ERA) doesn’t turn into a cooler. Texas has dropped three of Harrison’s last four starts this year, yielding an ERA of 10.88. The ‘under’ has gone 6-2 in Harrison’s past eight starts in 2009.
Despite the lousy run with Harrison, Texas has been installed as a $1.70 home favorite with the total coming in at 11.
The ‘under’ could be a smart play here as it is 5-2 in the last seven contests between these two clubs.
June 27, 2009
By Judd Hall
VegasInsider
The latest round of Interleague play comes to a close on Sunday night and not a moment too soon for me. We’re going to get a rare double on Sunday as well. The Yankees and Mets will be closing out their subway series on ESPN. Meanwhile, the Padres and Rangers finish up their set in primetime.
Yankees at Mets – 8:05 p.m. EDT
Let’s be honest. If I were to tell you that your team was going to be 41-32 and four games out of first place in their division, you’d be pleased. That’s not the case for the Yankees when you consider their boisterous fans expect more for a team that shells out more money for its payroll than a South Carolina governor could pay to hush up a certain lady from South America.
You can’t blame the bats completely for the Bombers as they’re sixth in the majors in batting average (.273), second in runs scored (406) and have the most home runs of any club (110). The offense has really come through big over the Yanks’ last three matches as they’re averaging nearly 10 runs a game…All of them victories.
When Chien-Ming Wang (0-6, 11.20 ERA) pitches, however, the Yanks’ offense goes AWOL. Wang has had a rough go of it since returning from some torn right-foot tendons, failing to get past the fifth inning in his first four starts. He’s actually starting to hit his spots on the mound recently, pitching into the fifth in his last two starts and allowing three earned runs in both outings. What has killed Wang in his last two appearances is the fact that the Yankees’ offense has scored two runs.
Most betting shops are expecting Wang to come out on top as the Yanks are listed as $1.35 home faves (risk $135 to win $100) with the total sitting at 10.
The Mets are quickly losing any momentum they had after taking three of four games from St. Louis before this series. New York’s defense was atrocious in the opening game of this subway series, committing three errors that gave up two unearned runs out of the four scored in the second inning. That won’t work with Livan Hernandez (5-2, 4.05 ERA) on the mound for Sunday.
The veteran right-hander has been a great pickup for the Mets this year as he’s just eating innings. He’s second only to Johan Santana in innings pitched with 86.2 in 14 starts this year. Hernandez can appreciate Wang’s support woes as he’s lost three straight starts…the last two saw the Mets only cross home plate four times.
The Amazins are 3-2 in Hernandez’s five starts at Citi Field, which isn’t all that great. Bettors should know that he hasn’t had a lot of luck against the pinstripes over his career, going 0-3 with a 6.94 earned run average in six starts.
This has been a high scoring rivalry this year as the ‘over’ is 3-1 in the first four games. Yet you’d be well within reason to expect a low score here since the ‘under’ is 6-2 in the last eight head-to-head meetings that the Mets have hosted.
Padres at Rangers – 8:05 p.m. EDT
It is not a good time to be a Padres fan, let alone betting on them. San Diego has dropped 10 of its last 13 games by a combined score of 84-43.
If there is one thing you can say about the slump is that it takes a total team effort to fail as exquisitely as the Pads have done recently. They’re hitting just .246 with seven four-baggers and 24 runs batted over the last seven days. The Padres’ starting pitching has been just as poor as they average just over four innings per outing and an ERA of 7.21.
San Diego will be hoping for a solid performance as Chad Gaudin (3-6, 5.60 ERA) prepares to toe the slab for Sunday. Gaudin is coming off of his best start of the year, giving up two earned runs on four hits in seven innings of work on June 23. The Padres won that game 9-7 as $1.30 road pup against Seattle.
Gamblers shouldn’t rest easy if Gaudin tosses a gem because the Pads’ shoddy bullpen. San Diego’s ‘pen has gone 2-4 with a 7.10 ERA over the last week. And four of the Padres’ relievers have ERAs of no less than 10.80.
A slumping club is exactly what the Rangers need right now as they’re in a dogfight to stay in front of Los Angeles in the American League West Division. Texas appears to be bouncing back from a 2-7 run by winning three straight tilts.
Texas has been hurting without Josh Hamilton in the lineup this month after he had right abdominal surgery. The Rangers are hitting .217 with 25 RBI and seven homers over the last week. Yet their bats are getting lively with a .283 average during this winning streak.
The Rangers no doubt want to make sure that Matt Harrison (4-5, 6.11 ERA) doesn’t turn into a cooler. Texas has dropped three of Harrison’s last four starts this year, yielding an ERA of 10.88. The ‘under’ has gone 6-2 in Harrison’s past eight starts in 2009.
Despite the lousy run with Harrison, Texas has been installed as a $1.70 home favorite with the total coming in at 11.
The ‘under’ could be a smart play here as it is 5-2 in the last seven contests between these two clubs.
Sunday Afternoon Preview
June 27, 2009
By Josh Jacobs
VegasInsider
The countdown is on as All-Star weekend heads to Busch Stadium on July 14. But before the two week stretch to the Summer Classic gets underway we have unsettled business to tend to. That would be the last day of interleague play. Minus a two-game special in the evening hours, this tip sheet will focus on several afternoon cross-league contests.
Before we run through the games of interest, let it be known that once again the American League looks to have harnessed its dominance over the NL. Heading into Sunday, a 122-101 performance in the record books is in favor of AL teams this season. Some numbers which have projected the edge include the AL’s 3.92 ERA, a .266 BA and 1096 runs scored as opposed to the NL’s 4.59 ERA, .257 BA and 947. While rudimentary at best without proper explanation, those three statistical categories aforementioned just begin to tell the story of this year’s interleague pairings.
Boston (B. Penny) at Atlanta (T. Hanson) – 1:30 p.m. EDT
Getting an early line published at -115 (bet $115 to make $100), Boston (42-28, +983) has gone 17-6 in its last 23. The Red Sox starting rotation hasn’t been on its best behavior over the course of the season (4.15 ERA on the year), but a 3.79 ERA in the last 10 games is surely signs of improvement. The real area of focus is on a bullpen which has been spectacular. This is a core of players tossing the ball for a 2.99 ERA this season.
Between pitchers Ramon Ramirez at a high, 33.1 innings and Justin Masterson logging in a middle of the road, 23 innings only two relievers are above the 3.50 ERA mark in the pen (not counting Hunter Jones’ 8.00 ERA who hasn’t made an appearance since May 13). But in the last five games, allowing 4.4 runs per game while cashing in on the offensive side for six runs per game, the ‘over’ is 4-1.
Brad Penny (6-2, 4.93) has been impressive in his last three starts despite the 1-0 record. In wins against the Yankees, Marlins and Nationals, Penny surrendered a total of 15 hits and just four runs. His pitch counts have been high after just an average of just 5.4 innings in the last three games but for a slinger who had an ERA of 7.61 back on May 3, to say that Penny has made improvements would be an understatement.
The Braves (34-39, -1122) have seen their ups and downs turn on a dime. After taking back-to-back wins against the Cubs on Monday (2-0) and Yankees the following day (4-0), Atlanta now finds itself in a three-game slump.
Backers will be hoping that right-hander Tommy Hanson (3-0, 3.13) will be able to get the club back on its feet. Hanson has yet to give up an earned run since a win in Baltimore on Jun. 12, tossing two straight shutouts in Cincinnati and against the Yanks Jun. 18 and Jun. 23 congruently. During the daytime, Hanson has been a bit more vulnerable with a 4.50 ERA and three homers allowed (in two starts) versus a 1.64 ERA and zero long balls in 11 innings during the nighttime. A home BAA of .222 has been much stronger then batters stroking Hanson for a .279 BA on the road.
The ‘under’ is 22-11-2 in the last 36 head-to-head meetings.
Florida (A. Miller) at Tampa Bay (D. Price) – 1:38 p.m. EDT
Let’s kick off this summer time Sunday in a Florida rivalry match. The Marlins (38-37, +302) are the only club in the NL East to be in the black regarding money line profits. They ripped off five straight wins in a row before falling to the Rays (40-35, -2) in a 7-3 contest on Friday. Batting .307 and pulling in 5.7 runs per game in the last six games is one indication of working hard from the box. Atop the list of players’ performances includes Hanley Ramirez tearing into the opposition for a .500 BA and 15 RBIs during the six-game stretch.
Florida's southpaw Andrew Miller (2-3, 4.17 ERA) will get the nod to end the week. A seven inning, one hit and one run allowed performance was the best of the season in a 7-6 win over Baltimore on Tuesday. We can even go as far to say that it was Miller’s best start of his career. Righties have had problems touching the lefty, whiffing on pitches for a .235 BA on the season. But in only one start and two game appearances during the day, Miller is 0-0 with a 4.05 ERA. A .286 BA is far from being an impact as say his success versus right-handed hitters.
Miller’s 4-6 record with a 4.23 ERA in career June starts is something to heed but there’s no history of going up against Tampa Bay in years past.
Florida is 4-1 on the ‘over’ in its last five.
The Rays plan on countering Florida’s attack with David Price (1-2, 4.45). Coming off a damaging outing against Philadelphia on Tuesday (10-1), Price was creamed for 10 runs on seven hits in only 4.1 innings. Tampa has been giving its young arm plenty of run support (now at 6.5 runs per starts) but a 4.41 ERA starting ERA coupled with a 1-3 record during the evening hours is tough to offset.
The Rays are a solid 5-1 in their last six (winning by an average score of 6.3 versus 4.2 runs per game).
Tampa Bay enters this contest with a 7-1 record in its last eight interleague home games not to mention a 10-2 run through the Marlins in their last 12 meetings together.
Colorado (A. Cook) at Oakland (V. Mazzaro) – 4:05 p.m. EDT
Sitting as a $1.16 visiting underdog, the Rockies will look for a quality outing from Aaron Cook (7-3, 4.00). Colorado has made some noise in the NL after going 18-3 in its last 21.
Cook’s ERA is high and a 1.33 WHIP could be improved upon. But a 3-0 performance with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP are could signs of improvement in the last three starts. Just don’t let a 3-1 day record fool you. Cook has been slammed for a 5.46 ERA thanks to opponents batting around the lineup for a .365 on base percentage. The average score during Cook’s 31.1 innings of work with sunup have helped the ‘over’ go 5-1 this season. But as an encouraging sign, Cook is 4-0 in his last four starts, giving up 1.5 runs per game.
Oakland (31-41, -821) has had the leg up in recent years as an 8-6 record versus Colorado indicates. But despite the Athletics drowning in interleague play this season (5-11, batting .232) their 123-89 lifetime record versus the NL ranks two games below the leading Yankees (123-87).
A quick look at the A’s starting pitcher Vin Mazzaro (2-2, 2.56) brings up four words; good stuff, no support. The righty did slip up in his last start against San Francisco, allowing four runs in a 4-1 loss. If there’s an angle we can take to the bank it’s the ‘under’ at a perfect 5-0 in all five of Mazzaro’s starts this season.
What you have to like if you intend on backing Colorado is Oakland’s downright damaging .235 BA (.217 versus lefties) and 4.1 runs scored per game.
June 27, 2009
By Josh Jacobs
VegasInsider
The countdown is on as All-Star weekend heads to Busch Stadium on July 14. But before the two week stretch to the Summer Classic gets underway we have unsettled business to tend to. That would be the last day of interleague play. Minus a two-game special in the evening hours, this tip sheet will focus on several afternoon cross-league contests.
Before we run through the games of interest, let it be known that once again the American League looks to have harnessed its dominance over the NL. Heading into Sunday, a 122-101 performance in the record books is in favor of AL teams this season. Some numbers which have projected the edge include the AL’s 3.92 ERA, a .266 BA and 1096 runs scored as opposed to the NL’s 4.59 ERA, .257 BA and 947. While rudimentary at best without proper explanation, those three statistical categories aforementioned just begin to tell the story of this year’s interleague pairings.
Boston (B. Penny) at Atlanta (T. Hanson) – 1:30 p.m. EDT
Getting an early line published at -115 (bet $115 to make $100), Boston (42-28, +983) has gone 17-6 in its last 23. The Red Sox starting rotation hasn’t been on its best behavior over the course of the season (4.15 ERA on the year), but a 3.79 ERA in the last 10 games is surely signs of improvement. The real area of focus is on a bullpen which has been spectacular. This is a core of players tossing the ball for a 2.99 ERA this season.
Between pitchers Ramon Ramirez at a high, 33.1 innings and Justin Masterson logging in a middle of the road, 23 innings only two relievers are above the 3.50 ERA mark in the pen (not counting Hunter Jones’ 8.00 ERA who hasn’t made an appearance since May 13). But in the last five games, allowing 4.4 runs per game while cashing in on the offensive side for six runs per game, the ‘over’ is 4-1.
Brad Penny (6-2, 4.93) has been impressive in his last three starts despite the 1-0 record. In wins against the Yankees, Marlins and Nationals, Penny surrendered a total of 15 hits and just four runs. His pitch counts have been high after just an average of just 5.4 innings in the last three games but for a slinger who had an ERA of 7.61 back on May 3, to say that Penny has made improvements would be an understatement.
The Braves (34-39, -1122) have seen their ups and downs turn on a dime. After taking back-to-back wins against the Cubs on Monday (2-0) and Yankees the following day (4-0), Atlanta now finds itself in a three-game slump.
Backers will be hoping that right-hander Tommy Hanson (3-0, 3.13) will be able to get the club back on its feet. Hanson has yet to give up an earned run since a win in Baltimore on Jun. 12, tossing two straight shutouts in Cincinnati and against the Yanks Jun. 18 and Jun. 23 congruently. During the daytime, Hanson has been a bit more vulnerable with a 4.50 ERA and three homers allowed (in two starts) versus a 1.64 ERA and zero long balls in 11 innings during the nighttime. A home BAA of .222 has been much stronger then batters stroking Hanson for a .279 BA on the road.
The ‘under’ is 22-11-2 in the last 36 head-to-head meetings.
Florida (A. Miller) at Tampa Bay (D. Price) – 1:38 p.m. EDT
Let’s kick off this summer time Sunday in a Florida rivalry match. The Marlins (38-37, +302) are the only club in the NL East to be in the black regarding money line profits. They ripped off five straight wins in a row before falling to the Rays (40-35, -2) in a 7-3 contest on Friday. Batting .307 and pulling in 5.7 runs per game in the last six games is one indication of working hard from the box. Atop the list of players’ performances includes Hanley Ramirez tearing into the opposition for a .500 BA and 15 RBIs during the six-game stretch.
Florida's southpaw Andrew Miller (2-3, 4.17 ERA) will get the nod to end the week. A seven inning, one hit and one run allowed performance was the best of the season in a 7-6 win over Baltimore on Tuesday. We can even go as far to say that it was Miller’s best start of his career. Righties have had problems touching the lefty, whiffing on pitches for a .235 BA on the season. But in only one start and two game appearances during the day, Miller is 0-0 with a 4.05 ERA. A .286 BA is far from being an impact as say his success versus right-handed hitters.
Miller’s 4-6 record with a 4.23 ERA in career June starts is something to heed but there’s no history of going up against Tampa Bay in years past.
Florida is 4-1 on the ‘over’ in its last five.
The Rays plan on countering Florida’s attack with David Price (1-2, 4.45). Coming off a damaging outing against Philadelphia on Tuesday (10-1), Price was creamed for 10 runs on seven hits in only 4.1 innings. Tampa has been giving its young arm plenty of run support (now at 6.5 runs per starts) but a 4.41 ERA starting ERA coupled with a 1-3 record during the evening hours is tough to offset.
The Rays are a solid 5-1 in their last six (winning by an average score of 6.3 versus 4.2 runs per game).
Tampa Bay enters this contest with a 7-1 record in its last eight interleague home games not to mention a 10-2 run through the Marlins in their last 12 meetings together.
Colorado (A. Cook) at Oakland (V. Mazzaro) – 4:05 p.m. EDT
Sitting as a $1.16 visiting underdog, the Rockies will look for a quality outing from Aaron Cook (7-3, 4.00). Colorado has made some noise in the NL after going 18-3 in its last 21.
Cook’s ERA is high and a 1.33 WHIP could be improved upon. But a 3-0 performance with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP are could signs of improvement in the last three starts. Just don’t let a 3-1 day record fool you. Cook has been slammed for a 5.46 ERA thanks to opponents batting around the lineup for a .365 on base percentage. The average score during Cook’s 31.1 innings of work with sunup have helped the ‘over’ go 5-1 this season. But as an encouraging sign, Cook is 4-0 in his last four starts, giving up 1.5 runs per game.
Oakland (31-41, -821) has had the leg up in recent years as an 8-6 record versus Colorado indicates. But despite the Athletics drowning in interleague play this season (5-11, batting .232) their 123-89 lifetime record versus the NL ranks two games below the leading Yankees (123-87).
A quick look at the A’s starting pitcher Vin Mazzaro (2-2, 2.56) brings up four words; good stuff, no support. The righty did slip up in his last start against San Francisco, allowing four runs in a 4-1 loss. If there’s an angle we can take to the bank it’s the ‘under’ at a perfect 5-0 in all five of Mazzaro’s starts this season.
What you have to like if you intend on backing Colorado is Oakland’s downright damaging .235 BA (.217 versus lefties) and 4.1 runs scored per game.
Sunday Night Baseball: Yankees at Mets
By Marc Lawrence
New York Yankees at New York Mets (+118, 10)
The final game of interleague play this season wraps up at Citi Field when the Mets host the Yankees on ESPN Sunday night.
The Pinstripes send troubled Chien-Ming Wang (0-6 11.20 ERA) up against former Yankee Livan Hernandez (5-2 4.05 ERA) in a matchup of two right-handers, each in search of better results.
New digs
Both teams opened new stadiums in 2009, although, their new ball yards have not served either team particularly well.
Prior to the start of this series, each club was 21-14 at home this season. The Yankees have scored an average 5.7 RPG and surrendered an average 5.3 RPG at The New Yankee Stadium this season. Meanwhile, the Mets were averaging 4.7 RPG and allowing 3.9 RPG at Citi Field.
Totals players know the Yankees have been playing to run totals of 11.0 RPG in the Bronx while the Mets have played to an average 8.6 RPG in Flushing.
Footlongs
Prior to the start of this series there was no discernable edge between these two subway rivals.
When the Yankees won two out of three games from the Mets two weeks ago at Yankee Stadium, it evened the series at 10 wins and 10 losses apiece for both teams over the last twenty games.
The Mets had won nine of the last 11 games as a series host, but the Yanks had captured three of the last four games in Flushing.
After facing the Marlins and their young arms in sultry Florida last weekend, the Pinstripes are likely looking forward to the soft serves of Hernandez.
"All of them are seven feet, throwing hard. It's like we're playing the Knicks." said SS Derek Jeter after facing a set of physically imposing Marlins pitchers.
Under the weather
A flu bug is making its way through the Yankees clubhouse - first keeping Derek Jeter out for Friday's series opener than hitting Johnny Damon Saturday, sidelining both players.
Manager Joe Girardi told the media that at least nine players have come down with a cough and have felt ill recently. Jeter told Girardi he was ready to play Saturday, but the medical staff decided to rest the star shortstop. The news didn't sit well with Jeter, who was available to pinch hit Saturday.
"(The flu) just kind of went around," Girardi said to reporters. "That's what happens when you're in clubhouses and on airplanes together."
Please help me I’m falling
Wang lasted a season-high five innings in his last start at Atlanta Tuesday. He suffered the loss, falling to 0-6 after allowing three runs on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
It was arguably his best outing of the season. He has yet to post an ERA less than 5.40 in any start this season. In fact, Wang lies awake at night realizing he would need to pitch 45 and 2-3 consecutive shutout innings in order to lower his ERA under 5.00 this season.
The troubled starter enjoys hurling on Sundays, though, where he is 13-4 in his 17 career team starts, including 9-1 his last 10 and 7-1 away.
Hernandez pitched seven solid innings against the Cardinals Tuesday, but suffered a 3-0 loss after allowing eight hits and all three runs while walking three and striking out three batters.
He has gone six innings eight times this season and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last 10 starts. Hernandez was rocked for six runs in 5 1-3 innings in a 9-8 loss at Yankees Stadium two weeks ago. He is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career team starts against the Yankees. He is also 1-5 on Sundays in his last six starts.
The envelope please
While Wang can’t fight his way out of a paper bag, his last start was his best this campaign.
Keep in mind that when Wang injured his foot running the bases in an Interleague game at Houston on June 15 last season, he had posted an 8-2 record after back-to-back 19-win seasons. He missed the rest of the season and hasn't been the same since. But Wang enter Sunday’s contest off his best effort, going five strong innings before exiting for a pinch hitter at Atlanta this week.
Meanwhile, Hernandez has dropped three straight games and is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career starts against his former mates.
It would be no surprise to see the Mets fall to 3-11 on Sundays.
By Marc Lawrence
New York Yankees at New York Mets (+118, 10)
The final game of interleague play this season wraps up at Citi Field when the Mets host the Yankees on ESPN Sunday night.
The Pinstripes send troubled Chien-Ming Wang (0-6 11.20 ERA) up against former Yankee Livan Hernandez (5-2 4.05 ERA) in a matchup of two right-handers, each in search of better results.
New digs
Both teams opened new stadiums in 2009, although, their new ball yards have not served either team particularly well.
Prior to the start of this series, each club was 21-14 at home this season. The Yankees have scored an average 5.7 RPG and surrendered an average 5.3 RPG at The New Yankee Stadium this season. Meanwhile, the Mets were averaging 4.7 RPG and allowing 3.9 RPG at Citi Field.
Totals players know the Yankees have been playing to run totals of 11.0 RPG in the Bronx while the Mets have played to an average 8.6 RPG in Flushing.
Footlongs
Prior to the start of this series there was no discernable edge between these two subway rivals.
When the Yankees won two out of three games from the Mets two weeks ago at Yankee Stadium, it evened the series at 10 wins and 10 losses apiece for both teams over the last twenty games.
The Mets had won nine of the last 11 games as a series host, but the Yanks had captured three of the last four games in Flushing.
After facing the Marlins and their young arms in sultry Florida last weekend, the Pinstripes are likely looking forward to the soft serves of Hernandez.
"All of them are seven feet, throwing hard. It's like we're playing the Knicks." said SS Derek Jeter after facing a set of physically imposing Marlins pitchers.
Under the weather
A flu bug is making its way through the Yankees clubhouse - first keeping Derek Jeter out for Friday's series opener than hitting Johnny Damon Saturday, sidelining both players.
Manager Joe Girardi told the media that at least nine players have come down with a cough and have felt ill recently. Jeter told Girardi he was ready to play Saturday, but the medical staff decided to rest the star shortstop. The news didn't sit well with Jeter, who was available to pinch hit Saturday.
"(The flu) just kind of went around," Girardi said to reporters. "That's what happens when you're in clubhouses and on airplanes together."
Please help me I’m falling
Wang lasted a season-high five innings in his last start at Atlanta Tuesday. He suffered the loss, falling to 0-6 after allowing three runs on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
It was arguably his best outing of the season. He has yet to post an ERA less than 5.40 in any start this season. In fact, Wang lies awake at night realizing he would need to pitch 45 and 2-3 consecutive shutout innings in order to lower his ERA under 5.00 this season.
The troubled starter enjoys hurling on Sundays, though, where he is 13-4 in his 17 career team starts, including 9-1 his last 10 and 7-1 away.
Hernandez pitched seven solid innings against the Cardinals Tuesday, but suffered a 3-0 loss after allowing eight hits and all three runs while walking three and striking out three batters.
He has gone six innings eight times this season and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last 10 starts. Hernandez was rocked for six runs in 5 1-3 innings in a 9-8 loss at Yankees Stadium two weeks ago. He is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career team starts against the Yankees. He is also 1-5 on Sundays in his last six starts.
The envelope please
While Wang can’t fight his way out of a paper bag, his last start was his best this campaign.
Keep in mind that when Wang injured his foot running the bases in an Interleague game at Houston on June 15 last season, he had posted an 8-2 record after back-to-back 19-win seasons. He missed the rest of the season and hasn't been the same since. But Wang enter Sunday’s contest off his best effort, going five strong innings before exiting for a pinch hitter at Atlanta this week.
Meanwhile, Hernandez has dropped three straight games and is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career starts against his former mates.
It would be no surprise to see the Mets fall to 3-11 on Sundays.
Bob Harvey
Bonus Play
Minnesota Twins vs. St.Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals send Joel Piniero to the mound today and if he can receive just a little run support, than this game should cash easily.
I backed Pineiro in his last start on Tuesday night and was justly rewarded when he twirled a career best, complete game two-hitter as St. Louis blanked New York 3-0. He's 1-2 but has a 1.61 ERA over his last three starts. His WHIP over that stretch is 0.76.
Francisco Liriano the one-time phenom has never recovered from arm problems that plagued him after his breakout season of 2006. He pitched briefly in 07 but missed all of last season and has been a mere shadow of his former pitching self. Liriano is 3-8 this season with an ERA of 5.88. He's 2-1 over his past three starts despite an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.57.
Granted the Cards are hitting just .200 vs. lefties over the past ten games but the addition of Mark De Rosa should help. The veteran IF was aquired by the Cards on Saturday night and his 13 homeruns and 50 rbi's will be plugged in immediately.
I'm riding with Piniero for the second time this week and hope that anyone not named Pujols will help Prince Albert at the plate. Piniero has gotten three runs or fewer to work with in each of his last 11 starts and that probably wont get it done with a powerful offensive team like the Twins.
St.Louis Cardinals -138
Bonus Play
Minnesota Twins vs. St.Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals send Joel Piniero to the mound today and if he can receive just a little run support, than this game should cash easily.
I backed Pineiro in his last start on Tuesday night and was justly rewarded when he twirled a career best, complete game two-hitter as St. Louis blanked New York 3-0. He's 1-2 but has a 1.61 ERA over his last three starts. His WHIP over that stretch is 0.76.
Francisco Liriano the one-time phenom has never recovered from arm problems that plagued him after his breakout season of 2006. He pitched briefly in 07 but missed all of last season and has been a mere shadow of his former pitching self. Liriano is 3-8 this season with an ERA of 5.88. He's 2-1 over his past three starts despite an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.57.
Granted the Cards are hitting just .200 vs. lefties over the past ten games but the addition of Mark De Rosa should help. The veteran IF was aquired by the Cards on Saturday night and his 13 homeruns and 50 rbi's will be plugged in immediately.
I'm riding with Piniero for the second time this week and hope that anyone not named Pujols will help Prince Albert at the plate. Piniero has gotten three runs or fewer to work with in each of his last 11 starts and that probably wont get it done with a powerful offensive team like the Twins.
St.Louis Cardinals -138
Craig Trapp
Now Craig's Bonus Play for Sunday is between SEA and LAD!
Sea Mariners vs. La Dodgers La Dodgers
Betting Trends
-LA are 46-19 in their last 65 home games.
-Dodgers are 6-2 in Kurodas last 8 starts as a favorite.
-Mariners are 16-37 in their last 53 games as a road underdog.
-Mariners are 1-5 in their last 6 games as an underdog.
Kuroda has been much better for LAD in recent games and he is the much better pitcher today. SEA goes to Olson who is starting due to injuries. Olson last start was pitiful and the scouting report is out and LAD will take advantage of him today. LAD are very good at home and even though the offense was held in check on Saturday look for them to score early and often today. The rubber match on Sunday will be a blowout daylight winner for the Dodgers.
The play here is definitely the run line LAD!
Now Craig's Bonus Play for Sunday is between SEA and LAD!
Sea Mariners vs. La Dodgers La Dodgers
Betting Trends
-LA are 46-19 in their last 65 home games.
-Dodgers are 6-2 in Kurodas last 8 starts as a favorite.
-Mariners are 16-37 in their last 53 games as a road underdog.
-Mariners are 1-5 in their last 6 games as an underdog.
Kuroda has been much better for LAD in recent games and he is the much better pitcher today. SEA goes to Olson who is starting due to injuries. Olson last start was pitiful and the scouting report is out and LAD will take advantage of him today. LAD are very good at home and even though the offense was held in check on Saturday look for them to score early and often today. The rubber match on Sunday will be a blowout daylight winner for the Dodgers.
The play here is definitely the run line LAD!
Big Al McMordie
Bonus Play
Colorado Rockies vs. Oakland A`s
Total 8 un-110
At 4:05 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Oakland A's and Colorado Rockies 'under' the total. Last night, the Rockies blasted Oakland 11-9, but don't expect any offensive fireworks on this Sunday afternoon. The pitching match-up will be right-handed veteran Aaron Cook vs. Oakland youngster Vin Mazzaro. Cook is 7-3 in his 16 starts, and has a super 2.25 ERA over his last three starts with a 1.10 WHIP. Not to be outdone, Mazzaro has a 2.56 ERA this season with a 1.07 WHIP. This season, Oakland's offense has been dreadful, as its team batting average is a meager .235, while Colorado has hit just .246 on the road, away from the hitter-friendly Coors Field this season. The A's have gone 'under' in 107 games at home of their last 185, and I look for a low-scoring game today.
Take the 'under.' Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.
Bonus Play
Colorado Rockies vs. Oakland A`s
Total 8 un-110
At 4:05 pm, our complimentary selection is on the Oakland A's and Colorado Rockies 'under' the total. Last night, the Rockies blasted Oakland 11-9, but don't expect any offensive fireworks on this Sunday afternoon. The pitching match-up will be right-handed veteran Aaron Cook vs. Oakland youngster Vin Mazzaro. Cook is 7-3 in his 16 starts, and has a super 2.25 ERA over his last three starts with a 1.10 WHIP. Not to be outdone, Mazzaro has a 2.56 ERA this season with a 1.07 WHIP. This season, Oakland's offense has been dreadful, as its team batting average is a meager .235, while Colorado has hit just .246 on the road, away from the hitter-friendly Coors Field this season. The A's have gone 'under' in 107 games at home of their last 185, and I look for a low-scoring game today.
Take the 'under.' Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR bgColor=#dddddd><TD vAlign=top>Jack Clayton</TD><TD vAlign=top align=right>Guaranteed Selections</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>Date: Sunday, June 28, 2009
$25.00 Guaranteed: The only thing better than winning in baseball is winning with a DOG! Underdogs offer the best value, if you know what to look for. Jack Clayton releases a 5-Star Diamond Doggie of the Month on Sunday's baseball slate that should be favored! Get the big jump on oddsmakers with this big dog, and pay ONLY when they pull the upset! </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>6/27/2009</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>5* Red Sox (959) at Braves: There are a lot of problems for the home team. Boston is red hot and patient at the plate. They love to draw walks and Atlanta starter Tommy Hanson has walked 15 in 23 innings, a terrible ratio. And he's getting worse, walking 14 in his last three starts (17 innings). The Red Sox feast off pitchers who walk too many batters, clogging the bases. Hanson may be 3-0, but he's allowed a whopping 38 base runners in 23 innings! Boston has a great bullpen, plus starter Brad Penny has been very good, 6-2. He has a sizzling 1.62 ERA his last three starts. The wrong team opened as the favorite. Play the Red Sox! </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
$25.00 Guaranteed: The only thing better than winning in baseball is winning with a DOG! Underdogs offer the best value, if you know what to look for. Jack Clayton releases a 5-Star Diamond Doggie of the Month on Sunday's baseball slate that should be favored! Get the big jump on oddsmakers with this big dog, and pay ONLY when they pull the upset! </TD><TD vAlign=top noWrap align=right>6/27/2009</TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>5* Red Sox (959) at Braves: There are a lot of problems for the home team. Boston is red hot and patient at the plate. They love to draw walks and Atlanta starter Tommy Hanson has walked 15 in 23 innings, a terrible ratio. And he's getting worse, walking 14 in his last three starts (17 innings). The Red Sox feast off pitchers who walk too many batters, clogging the bases. Hanson may be 3-0, but he's allowed a whopping 38 base runners in 23 innings! Boston has a great bullpen, plus starter Brad Penny has been very good, 6-2. He has a sizzling 1.62 ERA his last three starts. The wrong team opened as the favorite. Play the Red Sox! </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Jake Timlin
Today's Complimentary Selection
Go with the Mets as they pound Wang to avoid the sweep.
The selection of the Mets here is all due to the awful year Chin-Ming Wang is having. You see for Wang a year removed from winning 19 games at 0-6 with an ERA of 11.49 this season has been a major disaster. Even worst news for the Yankees is at 1-6 in his seven starts the righty has not given his team any chance of winning games when he starts.
Not so for Hernandez who counters for the Mets at 5-2 with an ERA of 4.05 in 14 starts.
Well given that the Mets offense will get a break in facing Wang I expect for New York to avoid being swept at home.
3♦ New York Mets
(Based on a 1♦ to 5♦ scale)
Today's Complimentary Selection
Go with the Mets as they pound Wang to avoid the sweep.
The selection of the Mets here is all due to the awful year Chin-Ming Wang is having. You see for Wang a year removed from winning 19 games at 0-6 with an ERA of 11.49 this season has been a major disaster. Even worst news for the Yankees is at 1-6 in his seven starts the righty has not given his team any chance of winning games when he starts.
Not so for Hernandez who counters for the Mets at 5-2 with an ERA of 4.05 in 14 starts.
Well given that the Mets offense will get a break in facing Wang I expect for New York to avoid being swept at home.
3♦ New York Mets
(Based on a 1♦ to 5♦ scale)
Matt Rivers
Complimentary Play
For Sunday take the Cubbies at US Cellular.
I am not going to call this a great value or a total lock or anything like that as the Cubs are not a team that is very trustworthy right now but with that said Carlos Zambrano is a beast who should be fine today and the Cubs are still the superior team.
US Cellular is a ballpark that is conducive to the long ball. If the Big Z has that sinker going, which he has of late, then it will limit much of anything for the White Sox. Ozzie Guillen's team certainly has potential with Thome, Konerko, Pierzynski, Ramirez and a few others but all in all their sum just does not equal their parts and are mediocre at the very very best.
John Danks toes the rubber for the home boys today and the lefty is solid and should hold his own. But to get quality righthanded bats in Soriano and Lee against the Southpaw with Zambrano on the hill makes me fine with the visitors in this spot.
When push comes to shove, no matter how brutal they have been at times, the Cubbies are still around a 90 win club unlike the Sox who are probably in the 70's.
Zambrano and Lou's boys at this near pick-em price is fine with me.
Complimentary Play
For Sunday take the Cubbies at US Cellular.
I am not going to call this a great value or a total lock or anything like that as the Cubs are not a team that is very trustworthy right now but with that said Carlos Zambrano is a beast who should be fine today and the Cubs are still the superior team.
US Cellular is a ballpark that is conducive to the long ball. If the Big Z has that sinker going, which he has of late, then it will limit much of anything for the White Sox. Ozzie Guillen's team certainly has potential with Thome, Konerko, Pierzynski, Ramirez and a few others but all in all their sum just does not equal their parts and are mediocre at the very very best.
John Danks toes the rubber for the home boys today and the lefty is solid and should hold his own. But to get quality righthanded bats in Soriano and Lee against the Southpaw with Zambrano on the hill makes me fine with the visitors in this spot.
When push comes to shove, no matter how brutal they have been at times, the Cubbies are still around a 90 win club unlike the Sox who are probably in the 70's.
Zambrano and Lou's boys at this near pick-em price is fine with me.
Rob Vinciletti
Bonus Play
San Diego Padres vs. Texas Rangers:
Texas Rangers
On Sunday the Bonus Play is on the Texas Rangers on the run line.Gamw 980 at 8:05 eastern.The Rangers qualify in a solid 76% system that plays on home favorites of -140 or higher off a home favored loss if they scored 4 runs or less and our opponent is off a road dog winand scored 5 or more runs,providing todays total is 10 or higher.Texas fits this system due to their loss last night.Texas is 13-1 at home on the run line if they allowed 6 or more runs in the last game.In interleague play they are 10-5 at home vs rightys,9-3 vs less than 500 teams and 17-6 at home when the total is 10 to 10.5.SD is 11-42 on the road vs winning teams,0-7 vs rightys on the road in interleague play and 8-21 as an interleague underdog.The Padres have righty C.Gaudin pitching nad he is in terrible current form with a 6.18 road era and 7.31 in his last 3 starts.Texas has righty T.Hunter making his second start of they year tonight in what lloks to be a soft spot for him.Those looking for something to pound I have a 94% totals play,plus another solid side play with a big system attached plus 3 different angles.Late phones swept the board on Saturday.More damage to end the weeke tonight.
Take Texas on the run line for the Bonus Play.
Bonus Play
San Diego Padres vs. Texas Rangers:
Texas Rangers
On Sunday the Bonus Play is on the Texas Rangers on the run line.Gamw 980 at 8:05 eastern.The Rangers qualify in a solid 76% system that plays on home favorites of -140 or higher off a home favored loss if they scored 4 runs or less and our opponent is off a road dog winand scored 5 or more runs,providing todays total is 10 or higher.Texas fits this system due to their loss last night.Texas is 13-1 at home on the run line if they allowed 6 or more runs in the last game.In interleague play they are 10-5 at home vs rightys,9-3 vs less than 500 teams and 17-6 at home when the total is 10 to 10.5.SD is 11-42 on the road vs winning teams,0-7 vs rightys on the road in interleague play and 8-21 as an interleague underdog.The Padres have righty C.Gaudin pitching nad he is in terrible current form with a 6.18 road era and 7.31 in his last 3 starts.Texas has righty T.Hunter making his second start of they year tonight in what lloks to be a soft spot for him.Those looking for something to pound I have a 94% totals play,plus another solid side play with a big system attached plus 3 different angles.Late phones swept the board on Saturday.More damage to end the weeke tonight.
Take Texas on the run line for the Bonus Play.
Trend Report
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1:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CLEVELAND
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cincinnati
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
1:07 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. TORONTO
Philadelphia is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
1:35 PM
BOSTON vs. ATLANTA
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
1:35 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. PITTSBURGH
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Kansas City is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
1:35 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BALTIMORE
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Baltimore is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
1:38 PM
FLORIDA vs. TAMPA BAY
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Florida is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Florida
Tampa Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Florida
2:00 PM
DETROIT vs. HOUSTON
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
2:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
2:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. MILWAUKEE
San Francisco is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Milwaukee
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Milwaukee is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Francisco
2:15 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
3:33 PM
SEATTLE vs. LA DODGERS
Seattle is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Dodgers
Seattle is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Seattle
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle
4:05 PM
COLORADO vs. OAKLAND
Colorado is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Oakland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
4:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. ARIZONA
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Arizona is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
8:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. NY METS
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Mets
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
8:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. TEXAS
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
Texas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
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1:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CLEVELAND
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cincinnati
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
1:07 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. TORONTO
Philadelphia is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
1:35 PM
BOSTON vs. ATLANTA
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
1:35 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. PITTSBURGH
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Kansas City is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
1:35 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BALTIMORE
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Baltimore is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
1:38 PM
FLORIDA vs. TAMPA BAY
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Florida is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Florida
Tampa Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Florida
2:00 PM
DETROIT vs. HOUSTON
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
2:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
2:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. MILWAUKEE
San Francisco is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Milwaukee
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Milwaukee is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Francisco
2:15 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
3:33 PM
SEATTLE vs. LA DODGERS
Seattle is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Dodgers
Seattle is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Seattle
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle
4:05 PM
COLORADO vs. OAKLAND
Colorado is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Oakland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
4:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. ARIZONA
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Arizona is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
8:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. NY METS
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Mets
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
8:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. TEXAS
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
Texas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
WNBA LONG SHEET
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Sunday, June 28
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SACRAMENTO (1 - 6) at DETROIT (1 - 5) - 6/28/2009, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 2-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SEATTLE (6 - 2) at LOS ANGELES (2 - 5) - 6/28/2009, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-5 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 7-4 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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Sunday, June 28
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SACRAMENTO (1 - 6) at DETROIT (1 - 5) - 6/28/2009, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-2 against the spread versus SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 2-2 straight up against SACRAMENTO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SEATTLE (6 - 2) at LOS ANGELES (2 - 5) - 6/28/2009, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-5 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 7-4 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Sunday Night Baseball: Yankees at Mets
New York Yankees at New York Mets (+118, 10)
The final game of interleague play this season wraps up at Citi Field when the Mets host the Yankees on ESPN Sunday night.
The Pinstripes send troubled Chien-Ming Wang (0-6 11.20 ERA) up against former Yankee Livan Hernandez (5-2 4.05 ERA) in a matchup of two right-handers, each in search of better results.
New digs
Both teams opened new stadiums in 2009, although, their new ball yards have not served either team particularly well.
Prior to the start of this series, each club was 21-14 at home this season. The Yankees have scored an average 5.7 RPG and surrendered an average 5.3 RPG at The New Yankee Stadium this season. Meanwhile, the Mets were averaging 4.7 RPG and allowing 3.9 RPG at Citi Field.
Totals players know the Yankees have been playing to run totals of 11.0 RPG in the Bronx while the Mets have played to an average 8.6 RPG in Flushing.
Footlongs
Prior to the start of this series there was no discernable edge between these two subway rivals.
When the Yankees won two out of three games from the Mets two weeks ago at Yankee Stadium, it evened the series at 10 wins and 10 losses apiece for both teams over the last twenty games.
The Mets had won nine of the last 11 games as a series host, but the Yanks had captured three of the last four games in Flushing.
After facing the Marlins and their young arms in sultry Florida last weekend, the Pinstripes are likely looking forward to the soft serves of Hernandez.
"All of them are seven feet, throwing hard. It's like we're playing the Knicks." said SS Derek Jeter after facing a set of physically imposing Marlins pitchers.
Under the weather
A flu bug is making its way through the Yankees clubhouse - first keeping Derek Jeter out for Friday's series opener than hitting Johnny Damon Saturday, sidelining both players.
Manager Joe Girardi told the media that at least nine players have come down with a cough and have felt ill recently. Jeter told Girardi he was ready to play Saturday, but the medical staff decided to rest the star shortstop. The news didn't sit well with Jeter, who was available to pinch hit Saturday.
"(The flu) just kind of went around," Girardi said to reporters. "That's what happens when you're in clubhouses and on airplanes together."
Please help me I’m falling
Wang lasted a season-high five innings in his last start at Atlanta Tuesday. He suffered the loss, falling to 0-6 after allowing three runs on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
It was arguably his best outing of the season. He has yet to post an ERA less than 5.40 in any start this season. In fact, Wang lies awake at night realizing he would need to pitch 45 and 2-3 consecutive shutout innings in order to lower his ERA under 5.00 this season.
The troubled starter enjoys hurling on Sundays, though, where he is 13-4 in his 17 career team starts, including 9-1 his last 10 and 7-1 away.
Hernandez pitched seven solid innings against the Cardinals Tuesday, but suffered a 3-0 loss after allowing eight hits and all three runs while walking three and striking out three batters.
He has gone six innings eight times this season and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last 10 starts. Hernandez was rocked for six runs in 5 1-3 innings in a 9-8 loss at Yankees Stadium two weeks ago. He is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career team starts against the Yankees. He is also 1-5 on Sundays in his last six starts.
The envelope please
While Wang can’t fight his way out of a paper bag, his last start was his best this campaign.
Keep in mind that when Wang injured his foot running the bases in an Interleague game at Houston on June 15 last season, he had posted an 8-2 record after back-to-back 19-win seasons. He missed the rest of the season and hasn't been the same since. But Wang enter Sunday’s contest off his best effort, going five strong innings before exiting for a pinch hitter at Atlanta this week.
Meanwhile, Hernandez has dropped three straight games and is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career starts against his former mates.
It would be no surprise to see the Mets fall to 3-11 on Sundays.
New York Yankees at New York Mets (+118, 10)
The final game of interleague play this season wraps up at Citi Field when the Mets host the Yankees on ESPN Sunday night.
The Pinstripes send troubled Chien-Ming Wang (0-6 11.20 ERA) up against former Yankee Livan Hernandez (5-2 4.05 ERA) in a matchup of two right-handers, each in search of better results.
New digs
Both teams opened new stadiums in 2009, although, their new ball yards have not served either team particularly well.
Prior to the start of this series, each club was 21-14 at home this season. The Yankees have scored an average 5.7 RPG and surrendered an average 5.3 RPG at The New Yankee Stadium this season. Meanwhile, the Mets were averaging 4.7 RPG and allowing 3.9 RPG at Citi Field.
Totals players know the Yankees have been playing to run totals of 11.0 RPG in the Bronx while the Mets have played to an average 8.6 RPG in Flushing.
Footlongs
Prior to the start of this series there was no discernable edge between these two subway rivals.
When the Yankees won two out of three games from the Mets two weeks ago at Yankee Stadium, it evened the series at 10 wins and 10 losses apiece for both teams over the last twenty games.
The Mets had won nine of the last 11 games as a series host, but the Yanks had captured three of the last four games in Flushing.
After facing the Marlins and their young arms in sultry Florida last weekend, the Pinstripes are likely looking forward to the soft serves of Hernandez.
"All of them are seven feet, throwing hard. It's like we're playing the Knicks." said SS Derek Jeter after facing a set of physically imposing Marlins pitchers.
Under the weather
A flu bug is making its way through the Yankees clubhouse - first keeping Derek Jeter out for Friday's series opener than hitting Johnny Damon Saturday, sidelining both players.
Manager Joe Girardi told the media that at least nine players have come down with a cough and have felt ill recently. Jeter told Girardi he was ready to play Saturday, but the medical staff decided to rest the star shortstop. The news didn't sit well with Jeter, who was available to pinch hit Saturday.
"(The flu) just kind of went around," Girardi said to reporters. "That's what happens when you're in clubhouses and on airplanes together."
Please help me I’m falling
Wang lasted a season-high five innings in his last start at Atlanta Tuesday. He suffered the loss, falling to 0-6 after allowing three runs on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
It was arguably his best outing of the season. He has yet to post an ERA less than 5.40 in any start this season. In fact, Wang lies awake at night realizing he would need to pitch 45 and 2-3 consecutive shutout innings in order to lower his ERA under 5.00 this season.
The troubled starter enjoys hurling on Sundays, though, where he is 13-4 in his 17 career team starts, including 9-1 his last 10 and 7-1 away.
Hernandez pitched seven solid innings against the Cardinals Tuesday, but suffered a 3-0 loss after allowing eight hits and all three runs while walking three and striking out three batters.
He has gone six innings eight times this season and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last 10 starts. Hernandez was rocked for six runs in 5 1-3 innings in a 9-8 loss at Yankees Stadium two weeks ago. He is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career team starts against the Yankees. He is also 1-5 on Sundays in his last six starts.
The envelope please
While Wang can’t fight his way out of a paper bag, his last start was his best this campaign.
Keep in mind that when Wang injured his foot running the bases in an Interleague game at Houston on June 15 last season, he had posted an 8-2 record after back-to-back 19-win seasons. He missed the rest of the season and hasn't been the same since. But Wang enter Sunday’s contest off his best effort, going five strong innings before exiting for a pinch hitter at Atlanta this week.
Meanwhile, Hernandez has dropped three straight games and is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career starts against his former mates.
It would be no surprise to see the Mets fall to 3-11 on Sundays.
Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
Philadelphia Phillies at Toronto Blue Jays (-134, 10)
While injuries to the Blue Jays rotation has forced manager Cito Gaston to pull able-looking fans from the stands in place of starting pitchers, Toronto’s bats are making it easy for these unproven arms.
Before Saturday's 10-0 beating, the Jays averaged seven runs per game over their past five outings in which they were 4-1. Toronto was hitting .279 BA over the past week with the help of hot bats Adam Lind and Scott Rolen.
Even underachieving outfielder Vernon Wells is finding his stride. After batting under .260 BA on the season, Wells is hitting .320 BA with two home runs and six RBI during this stretch.
"It's part of baseball, it's part of life," Wells told reporters about his skid. "It makes you appreciate the good times."
Wells took a 10-game hit streak into Saturday after being mired in a near two-month batting slump. He failed to record a hit Saturday.
Pick: Toronto Blue Jays -134
New York Yankees at New York Mets (+118, 10)
Who needs Yankee Stadium to produce big scores?
The Bronx Bombers are bashing the cover of the ball during their current road swing. After starting the trip losing three of their first four games, the Yankees have won four straight games heading into Sunday behind an exploding offense.
New York has totaled 33 runs in those four victories including hanging nine runs on the rival Mets Friday night. Helping this scoring surge is third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who has totaled two home runs and nine RBI in the past four contests.
A-Rod’s current form is making up for the loss of Derek Jeter, who missed the past two games due to the flu. Jeter has been one of the best bats in the lineup all season and was riding a red-hot streak before falling ill on his 35th birthday. Johnny Damon has all got a touch of the flu and missed Saturday's contest.
"He was really sick," manager Joe Girardi told the New York Daily News about Jeter. "I watched him take BP and he just didn't have that normal Derek Jeter energy. That was a real concern of mine."
Pick: New York Yankees -126
Philadelphia Phillies at Toronto Blue Jays (-134, 10)
While injuries to the Blue Jays rotation has forced manager Cito Gaston to pull able-looking fans from the stands in place of starting pitchers, Toronto’s bats are making it easy for these unproven arms.
Before Saturday's 10-0 beating, the Jays averaged seven runs per game over their past five outings in which they were 4-1. Toronto was hitting .279 BA over the past week with the help of hot bats Adam Lind and Scott Rolen.
Even underachieving outfielder Vernon Wells is finding his stride. After batting under .260 BA on the season, Wells is hitting .320 BA with two home runs and six RBI during this stretch.
"It's part of baseball, it's part of life," Wells told reporters about his skid. "It makes you appreciate the good times."
Wells took a 10-game hit streak into Saturday after being mired in a near two-month batting slump. He failed to record a hit Saturday.
Pick: Toronto Blue Jays -134
New York Yankees at New York Mets (+118, 10)
Who needs Yankee Stadium to produce big scores?
The Bronx Bombers are bashing the cover of the ball during their current road swing. After starting the trip losing three of their first four games, the Yankees have won four straight games heading into Sunday behind an exploding offense.
New York has totaled 33 runs in those four victories including hanging nine runs on the rival Mets Friday night. Helping this scoring surge is third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who has totaled two home runs and nine RBI in the past four contests.
A-Rod’s current form is making up for the loss of Derek Jeter, who missed the past two games due to the flu. Jeter has been one of the best bats in the lineup all season and was riding a red-hot streak before falling ill on his 35th birthday. Johnny Damon has all got a touch of the flu and missed Saturday's contest.
"He was really sick," manager Joe Girardi told the New York Daily News about Jeter. "I watched him take BP and he just didn't have that normal Derek Jeter energy. That was a real concern of mine."
Pick: New York Yankees -126
