Dominic Fazzini
Athletics rookie Brett Anderson (6-8, 4.20 ERA) has pitched much better than his record indicates.
The 21-year-old left-hander is 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA over his last seven starts, holding opposing batters to a .182 average. He allowed two runs on six hits while striking out eight in 7 2/3 innings Monday against Texas.
Anderson also has a 2.93 ERA in his last five road starts.
Royals starter Luke Hochevar (6-4, 5.40) has been rocked by the Athletics in two starts vs. Oakland, going 0-2 with a 18.90 ERA, allowing 14 runs and 16 hits in 6 2/3 innings. He gave up eight runs and seven hits in two innings at Oakland on May 12.
The right-hander also has struggled in his last two outings, allowing 11 runs and 18 hits in his last 11 innings.
The A's are 4-1 in Anderson's last five road starts, and 6-2 in his last eight starts overall. Oakland is also 29-10 in its last 39 games in Kansas City. Take the A's in this one.
4♦ OAKLAND
Athletics rookie Brett Anderson (6-8, 4.20 ERA) has pitched much better than his record indicates.
The 21-year-old left-hander is 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA over his last seven starts, holding opposing batters to a .182 average. He allowed two runs on six hits while striking out eight in 7 2/3 innings Monday against Texas.
Anderson also has a 2.93 ERA in his last five road starts.
Royals starter Luke Hochevar (6-4, 5.40) has been rocked by the Athletics in two starts vs. Oakland, going 0-2 with a 18.90 ERA, allowing 14 runs and 16 hits in 6 2/3 innings. He gave up eight runs and seven hits in two innings at Oakland on May 12.
The right-hander also has struggled in his last two outings, allowing 11 runs and 18 hits in his last 11 innings.
The A's are 4-1 in Anderson's last five road starts, and 6-2 in his last eight starts overall. Oakland is also 29-10 in its last 39 games in Kansas City. Take the A's in this one.
4♦ OAKLAND
Nelly
Colorado Rockies + over Chicago Cubs
Randy Wells has been a savior for the Cubs rotation and Chicago is 8-1 in his last nine starts. Well does not have dominant stuff but he has been efficient and effective. He could get into trouble at Coor's Field however as a lot of balls will carry a bit more and potentially create problems. Wells has been much less of a groundball pitcher on the road and he gives up a decent amount of hits despite a great 2.73 ERA. The Chicago bullpen has struggled recently with a 6.82 ERA over the past ten games. Colorado has had bullpen issues this season but not lately, with a 1.23 ERA in the past ten contests. Neither offense has been lighting it up of late but Colorado starter Jason Hammel owns an impressive 3.08 strikeout-to-walk ratio and in eight of his last twelve starts he allowed three or fewer runs. Colorado is 10-4 in his last 14 starts and he owns a 3.41 ERA in day games. Chicago is surging but the Rockies have been the better team all season and Colorado is greatly undervalued at home as Chicago is just 24-31 on the road this season
Colorado Rockies + over Chicago Cubs
Randy Wells has been a savior for the Cubs rotation and Chicago is 8-1 in his last nine starts. Well does not have dominant stuff but he has been efficient and effective. He could get into trouble at Coor's Field however as a lot of balls will carry a bit more and potentially create problems. Wells has been much less of a groundball pitcher on the road and he gives up a decent amount of hits despite a great 2.73 ERA. The Chicago bullpen has struggled recently with a 6.82 ERA over the past ten games. Colorado has had bullpen issues this season but not lately, with a 1.23 ERA in the past ten contests. Neither offense has been lighting it up of late but Colorado starter Jason Hammel owns an impressive 3.08 strikeout-to-walk ratio and in eight of his last twelve starts he allowed three or fewer runs. Colorado is 10-4 in his last 14 starts and he owns a 3.41 ERA in day games. Chicago is surging but the Rockies have been the better team all season and Colorado is greatly undervalued at home as Chicago is just 24-31 on the road this season
Red Dog Sports
New York Mets at San Diego 4pm
Play the San Diego Padres
The Padres start Stauffer, who has given up just 3,1,2,1 and 2 runs in his last 5 starts. The game is at San Diego and they are facing Johan Santana, who has struggled this season. I am suggesting a 1 unit play on the Padres +123 at home.
New York Mets at San Diego 4pm
Play the San Diego Padres
The Padres start Stauffer, who has given up just 3,1,2,1 and 2 runs in his last 5 starts. The game is at San Diego and they are facing Johan Santana, who has struggled this season. I am suggesting a 1 unit play on the Padres +123 at home.
Tony Weston
I nailed 7 straight Comp Play winners then finally dropped one yesterday. Hey, even I can’t win them all.
I’m getting back to the business of winning today as I’m delivering the Cubs as a winner over the Rockies.
The Cubs got over yesterday on the Rockies, winning 6-5 and have now beaten Colorado 5 of their last 7 meetings.
Most important about this matchup will be the scheduled starting pitchers.
Jason Hammel has struggled his last few games for the Rockies, who are just 1-3 his last four starts.
Opposite Hammel will be Cubs scheduled starter Randy Wells, who has been amazing for Chicago this season.
The Cubs have won each of his last four starts and are 8-1 his last nine and are on a 5-0 run in his road starts.
Pencil in Wells as your starting pitcher and take the Cubs on the road in this one.
3♦ CUBS (on a 1♦ - 5♦ Scale)
I nailed 7 straight Comp Play winners then finally dropped one yesterday. Hey, even I can’t win them all.
I’m getting back to the business of winning today as I’m delivering the Cubs as a winner over the Rockies.
The Cubs got over yesterday on the Rockies, winning 6-5 and have now beaten Colorado 5 of their last 7 meetings.
Most important about this matchup will be the scheduled starting pitchers.
Jason Hammel has struggled his last few games for the Rockies, who are just 1-3 his last four starts.
Opposite Hammel will be Cubs scheduled starter Randy Wells, who has been amazing for Chicago this season.
The Cubs have won each of his last four starts and are 8-1 his last nine and are on a 5-0 run in his road starts.
Pencil in Wells as your starting pitcher and take the Cubs on the road in this one.
3♦ CUBS (on a 1♦ - 5♦ Scale)
Carlo Campanella
St Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates
Prediction: St Louis Cardinals
St. Louis took Game #1 in this 3 game series, 6-4 yesterday and is a very strong road Favorite in Pittsburgh for Sunday's Game #2 as they start Joel Pineiro on the mound. Pineiro has won his last 3 trips to the mound and will now face a slumping Pittsburgh club that's lost 10 of their last 12 games. He should have plenty of run support as the Pirates pitching and defense has fallen apart, allowing 4 Runs or more in 8 STRAIGHT games! Expect those troubles to continue as we find Pittsburgh at 2-17 during their last 19 efforts as a home Dog between +150 & +200.
7* Play On St. Louis
St Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates
Prediction: St Louis Cardinals
St. Louis took Game #1 in this 3 game series, 6-4 yesterday and is a very strong road Favorite in Pittsburgh for Sunday's Game #2 as they start Joel Pineiro on the mound. Pineiro has won his last 3 trips to the mound and will now face a slumping Pittsburgh club that's lost 10 of their last 12 games. He should have plenty of run support as the Pirates pitching and defense has fallen apart, allowing 4 Runs or more in 8 STRAIGHT games! Expect those troubles to continue as we find Pittsburgh at 2-17 during their last 19 efforts as a home Dog between +150 & +200.
7* Play On St. Louis
ATS Consultants
Orioles/Toronto Blue Jays UNDER 8 Baltimore
Great pitching matchup today in Toronto between Roy Halladay and Brian Matusz as the O’s and Jays wrap up a three game series. Each team has taken one in the series so far with the Jays winning yesterday 3-2 in extra innings.
Matusz (1-0 1.80) is one of the Orioles, if not Baseball’s most touted prospects. He delivered in his first start the other night, pitching 5 innings and allowing 1 run, while striking out 5 Detroit Tigers. It’s beginning to look promising in Baltimore, as a few youngsters are really beginning to make an impact.
Halladay (11-5, 2.75) has been his usual brililant self as late, now that he’s staying in Toronto, at least for the immediate future. He’s only 1-2 with a 2.75 ERA, but the Jays have struggled to score runs for him. His 19-4 career record against the Orioles is very impressive. Should be another low scoring game between these two.
New York Mets -140 over San Diego
The Mets are counting on Johan Santana to right the ship after a terrible weekend so far in San Diego. The Padres have dominated the Mets all weekend, and New York feels they must salvage a game in this series.
Santana (12-8, 3.10) is still one of the best in the game, despite playing for a pretty bad team right now. He’s 3-1 over his last 5 starts with a 2.52 ERA in that span. He won’t win the Cy Young award this year, but he’s been a warrior and should be able to stop the Mets slide this afternoon.
Tim Stauffer (1-3, 3.12) goes to the mound for the Padres, and he’s done a nice job in his brief time in the majors in 2009. Stauffer won’t wow you with his stuff, but he throws strikes, doesn’t walk anyone, and keeps his team in the game. Expect a decent effort today, but not good enough to beat Santana.
Orioles/Toronto Blue Jays UNDER 8 Baltimore
Great pitching matchup today in Toronto between Roy Halladay and Brian Matusz as the O’s and Jays wrap up a three game series. Each team has taken one in the series so far with the Jays winning yesterday 3-2 in extra innings.
Matusz (1-0 1.80) is one of the Orioles, if not Baseball’s most touted prospects. He delivered in his first start the other night, pitching 5 innings and allowing 1 run, while striking out 5 Detroit Tigers. It’s beginning to look promising in Baltimore, as a few youngsters are really beginning to make an impact.
Halladay (11-5, 2.75) has been his usual brililant self as late, now that he’s staying in Toronto, at least for the immediate future. He’s only 1-2 with a 2.75 ERA, but the Jays have struggled to score runs for him. His 19-4 career record against the Orioles is very impressive. Should be another low scoring game between these two.
New York Mets -140 over San Diego
The Mets are counting on Johan Santana to right the ship after a terrible weekend so far in San Diego. The Padres have dominated the Mets all weekend, and New York feels they must salvage a game in this series.
Santana (12-8, 3.10) is still one of the best in the game, despite playing for a pretty bad team right now. He’s 3-1 over his last 5 starts with a 2.52 ERA in that span. He won’t win the Cy Young award this year, but he’s been a warrior and should be able to stop the Mets slide this afternoon.
Tim Stauffer (1-3, 3.12) goes to the mound for the Padres, and he’s done a nice job in his brief time in the majors in 2009. Stauffer won’t wow you with his stuff, but he throws strikes, doesn’t walk anyone, and keeps his team in the game. Expect a decent effort today, but not good enough to beat Santana.
Vegas Experts
Boston Red Sox at NY Yankees
Sunday, August 9th, 4:05 ET
New York will look to dominate the Sox in this finale after back-to-back shutouts. Yankees veteran left-handed arm Andy Pettitte takes the hill this afternoon while looking to follow up a good last outing in Toronto where he allowed one run in nearly seven innings of work. New York is 18-3 at home when playing on Sunday, while Boston is just 7-15 when on the road on Sundays. The Yankees are 36-16 after a game where they allowed one or less runs. Go with the Yankees for the sweep!
Play on: New York
Boston Red Sox at NY Yankees
Sunday, August 9th, 4:05 ET
New York will look to dominate the Sox in this finale after back-to-back shutouts. Yankees veteran left-handed arm Andy Pettitte takes the hill this afternoon while looking to follow up a good last outing in Toronto where he allowed one run in nearly seven innings of work. New York is 18-3 at home when playing on Sunday, while Boston is just 7-15 when on the road on Sundays. The Yankees are 36-16 after a game where they allowed one or less runs. Go with the Yankees for the sweep!
Play on: New York
Tommy Gill
Tennessee Titans -2.5 (-110)
HOF Game Titans -2.5 for 2 units
Can't believe I am doing this but I am going to attempt to bet NFL Preseason this year and with the first game coming up this Sunday I guess it is a good time than any to start on the handicapping of the NFL. The Bills have lost alot of the offensive line this offseason and they brought in a few free agents like TO. I see the Titans are going to have more depth overall on defense this year and offense they have more depth at RB and Offesive line in this game. I don't see a big scoring game on either side here either with two mediocre and run first offenses but I will trust Vince Young to take this game and give us a win here.
Tennessee Titans -2.5 (-110)
HOF Game Titans -2.5 for 2 units
Can't believe I am doing this but I am going to attempt to bet NFL Preseason this year and with the first game coming up this Sunday I guess it is a good time than any to start on the handicapping of the NFL. The Bills have lost alot of the offensive line this offseason and they brought in a few free agents like TO. I see the Titans are going to have more depth overall on defense this year and offense they have more depth at RB and Offesive line in this game. I don't see a big scoring game on either side here either with two mediocre and run first offenses but I will trust Vince Young to take this game and give us a win here.
King Creole Sports
NFL Hall-of-Fame Game ATS and OU TENDENCIES
This is a game that I normally do NOT wager on. But there ARE plenty of people who WILL be making a bet on Sunday night as we welcome the first game of the 2009 season. SO.... some of tonight's ATS and OU tendencies and patterns are 'on the house' from KING CREOLE:
Since 1999, HALL OF FAME game favorites are 6-4-1 ATS (and 3-1-1 ATS last 5 years)....
Since 1999, the HALL OF FAME game has gone 6-5 O/U....
Average game line in the HALL OF FAME game has been -2.7 points since 1999....
Average OU line in the HALL OF FAME game has been 34.3....
Average total points scored in the HALL OF FAME game has been 34.1....
Now let's look at both of tonight's teams:
BUFFALO is 6-0 ATS in Game One of the pre-season the last 6 years... and 1-5 O/U (average total points: only 24.8 PPG).
TENNESSEE is 6-4-1 ATS in Game One of the pre-season the last 11 years (1-3 ATS last 4).... and 2-4 O/U in last 6 years (average total points: only 28.7 PPG).
Since the 2002 season, ALL NFL exhibition GAME ONES with an OU line of 32 or less points have gone 3-7 O/U... with an average of 26.7 points per game.
Welcome back NFL! ....We haven't seen you since King Creole hit the "OVER" in the Super Bowl between the STEELERS and CARDINALS!
NFL Hall-of-Fame Game ATS and OU TENDENCIES
This is a game that I normally do NOT wager on. But there ARE plenty of people who WILL be making a bet on Sunday night as we welcome the first game of the 2009 season. SO.... some of tonight's ATS and OU tendencies and patterns are 'on the house' from KING CREOLE:
Since 1999, HALL OF FAME game favorites are 6-4-1 ATS (and 3-1-1 ATS last 5 years)....
Since 1999, the HALL OF FAME game has gone 6-5 O/U....
Average game line in the HALL OF FAME game has been -2.7 points since 1999....
Average OU line in the HALL OF FAME game has been 34.3....
Average total points scored in the HALL OF FAME game has been 34.1....
Now let's look at both of tonight's teams:
BUFFALO is 6-0 ATS in Game One of the pre-season the last 6 years... and 1-5 O/U (average total points: only 24.8 PPG).
TENNESSEE is 6-4-1 ATS in Game One of the pre-season the last 11 years (1-3 ATS last 4).... and 2-4 O/U in last 6 years (average total points: only 28.7 PPG).
Since the 2002 season, ALL NFL exhibition GAME ONES with an OU line of 32 or less points have gone 3-7 O/U... with an average of 26.7 points per game.
Welcome back NFL! ....We haven't seen you since King Creole hit the "OVER" in the Super Bowl between the STEELERS and CARDINALS!
Big Al McMordie
Zach Duke is having a nice season for the Pirates, and he has pitched very well in three outings vs. the Cardinals. Pineiro has never had success in Pittsburgh, so take the Bucs.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have decimated the roster that they began the season with, trading no less than five of the offensive starters that were featured on this team back in April, but in the Pittsburgh outfield there are at least two reasons for optimism.
Center fielder Andrew McCutchen and left fielder Garrett Jones have been on fire since being brought up from the minors, with McCutchen having a three-homer game and showing both power and speed in the leadoff spot, while Jones has an amazing AB to HR ratio of around 10/1.
On the pitching side, lefthander Zach Duke is having a nice season as he's almost doubled his win total from 2008, while lowering his ERA by almost 1.5 runs. And Duke must be looking forward to facing the St. Louis Cardinals, as he is 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA against them in three starts already in 2009.
For the Cards, soft-throwing Joel Pineiro has been perhaps the most surprising performer for his team this season, but after nine straight quality starts, Pineiro finally got hit hard in his last start against the Mets at Citi Field, so he will try to bounce back this afternoon.
But Pittsburgh is not a place that has been very friendly to the veteran as Pineiro is 2-2 with a 5.87 ERA at PNC Park in his 10-year career, and he gave up 11 hits in a loss there earlier this season.
Take the Pirates.
Free Pick: Pirates +141
Zach Duke is having a nice season for the Pirates, and he has pitched very well in three outings vs. the Cardinals. Pineiro has never had success in Pittsburgh, so take the Bucs.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have decimated the roster that they began the season with, trading no less than five of the offensive starters that were featured on this team back in April, but in the Pittsburgh outfield there are at least two reasons for optimism.
Center fielder Andrew McCutchen and left fielder Garrett Jones have been on fire since being brought up from the minors, with McCutchen having a three-homer game and showing both power and speed in the leadoff spot, while Jones has an amazing AB to HR ratio of around 10/1.
On the pitching side, lefthander Zach Duke is having a nice season as he's almost doubled his win total from 2008, while lowering his ERA by almost 1.5 runs. And Duke must be looking forward to facing the St. Louis Cardinals, as he is 2-1 with a 2.75 ERA against them in three starts already in 2009.
For the Cards, soft-throwing Joel Pineiro has been perhaps the most surprising performer for his team this season, but after nine straight quality starts, Pineiro finally got hit hard in his last start against the Mets at Citi Field, so he will try to bounce back this afternoon.
But Pittsburgh is not a place that has been very friendly to the veteran as Pineiro is 2-2 with a 5.87 ERA at PNC Park in his 10-year career, and he gave up 11 hits in a loss there earlier this season.
Take the Pirates.
Free Pick: Pirates +141
Gamehunter
UNDER FLA/PHIL 9.5 RUNS (-122) (2 UNITS)*
ARIZONA -106 (2.25 UNITS)
PITTSBURGH +138 (1.5 UNITS)
ATLANTA -112 (1.5 UNITS)
UNDER BALT/TOR 7.5 RUNS (+115) (1.5 UNITS)
BOSTON +103 (2.25 UNITS)
UNDER MINN/DET 8.5 RUNS (-108) (1.75 UNITS)
OVER CLE/WHITE SOX 10 RUNS (-105) (2 UNITS)
OAKLAND -115 (2.25 UNITS)
ANGELS -1.5 RUNS (+118) (1.75 UNITS)
UNDER FLA/PHIL 9.5 RUNS (-122) (2 UNITS)*
ARIZONA -106 (2.25 UNITS)
PITTSBURGH +138 (1.5 UNITS)
ATLANTA -112 (1.5 UNITS)
UNDER BALT/TOR 7.5 RUNS (+115) (1.5 UNITS)
BOSTON +103 (2.25 UNITS)
UNDER MINN/DET 8.5 RUNS (-108) (1.75 UNITS)
OVER CLE/WHITE SOX 10 RUNS (-105) (2 UNITS)
OAKLAND -115 (2.25 UNITS)
ANGELS -1.5 RUNS (+118) (1.75 UNITS)
Bryan Leonard
Plays are rated from 2-5*s for strength & bankroll %
3* Florida at Philadelphia
The Marlins are a young free swinging club that has troubles with crafty veterans. Which is why we are a big fan of Jamie Moyer when these two clubs tangle. Because he's a soft tosser and an old one at that he's often overlooked by the general public. But we receive extreme handicapping value when he faces the Marlins.
Look at how Moyer has matched up against Florida the past few years. This season he's faced them twice holding them to a .208 batting average and .250 slugging percentage. Last year the veteran faced Florida five times holding them to a .216 average and .302 slugging percentage. In 2007 it was more of the same with a .217 batting average and .435 slugging mark. Even as far back as 2006 he held Florida to a .239 batting average. Simply put the Marlins are not built to hit a pitcher like Jamie Moyer and to get him as an underdog at home is simply a bargain we don't pass up.
Philadelphia hits .23 points better at home vs right-handed starters than lefties. They are 13-2 in Moyer's last 15 starts against the Fish. Josh Johnson has allowed 3 earned runs or more in 4 of his last 5 starts and he's facing a Phillies club who has won 16 of 22 at home. With Florida winning the first two games of this series we can't expect the host to be swept today. Look for the old crafty veteran to salvage one game for Philadelphia.
PLAY PHILADELPHIA
Plays are rated from 2-5*s for strength & bankroll %
3* Florida at Philadelphia
The Marlins are a young free swinging club that has troubles with crafty veterans. Which is why we are a big fan of Jamie Moyer when these two clubs tangle. Because he's a soft tosser and an old one at that he's often overlooked by the general public. But we receive extreme handicapping value when he faces the Marlins.
Look at how Moyer has matched up against Florida the past few years. This season he's faced them twice holding them to a .208 batting average and .250 slugging percentage. Last year the veteran faced Florida five times holding them to a .216 average and .302 slugging percentage. In 2007 it was more of the same with a .217 batting average and .435 slugging mark. Even as far back as 2006 he held Florida to a .239 batting average. Simply put the Marlins are not built to hit a pitcher like Jamie Moyer and to get him as an underdog at home is simply a bargain we don't pass up.
Philadelphia hits .23 points better at home vs right-handed starters than lefties. They are 13-2 in Moyer's last 15 starts against the Fish. Josh Johnson has allowed 3 earned runs or more in 4 of his last 5 starts and he's facing a Phillies club who has won 16 of 22 at home. With Florida winning the first two games of this series we can't expect the host to be swept today. Look for the old crafty veteran to salvage one game for Philadelphia.
PLAY PHILADELPHIA
