Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Thursday 8:10 PM MLB
(965) CLEVELAND INDIANS at (966) KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Take: (965) CLEVELAND INDIANS -114
What should be a good pitching duel is on tap tonight as the Indians and Royals open a weekend set in Kansas City. It’s Corey Kluber vs. Danny Duffy in a dynamite duel with lots on the line for each team. Both the Indians and Royals are still within hailing distance of the AL Central front-running Tigers. But the reality is that these two clubs are more realistically contending for the last wild card spot. Cleveland has stepped it up lately, and the Indians are now only two games back of Seattle. The Royals haven’t been sharp recently, but they’re still just 2.5 games off the pace.
That current form is big tonight, though. Even though the Indians are not as potent against lefties, this is still a hot entry right now. As for the Royals, they got a much needed won on Wednesday against the White Sox, and maybe returning home will get them heated up.
But there’s no question that the Royals major weakness is getting them in hot water right now. This is simply a poor offensive team, with an alarming lack of power remaining an issue all season long. The Royals usually have to put hits together in small ball fashion to score, and accomplishing that against Kluber has been a problem for them.
KC did manage to beat Kluber once this season, but they’ve also been completely overmatched by the star righty twice. That doesn’t bode well for the home team here, as the Royals are not hitting at all well right now. Aside from a seven-run outburst against some mediocre White Sox hurlers on Tuesday, the post-All Star Kansas City bats have done very little.
The Indians lost yesterday and in fact dropped two out of three at Minnesota. But even with that series loss, I still feel there’s positive momentum with the Tribe. They might not have it easy tonight against the southpaw serves of Danny Duffy, who should own a better record than his current 5-10.
But therein lies the problem for Duffy. He hasn’t been the recipient of much offense and he keeps getting matched up tough, which is again the case this evening. Kluber has been the model of consistency and as long as his command remains top notch, it’s hard to see the Royals helping Duffy out with much tonight.
The Indians are rightfully small favorites here, so this isn’t a particular bargain. But I really don’t see this as having to pay a premium to enlist the service of Kluber tonight. As good as he’s been for me this season, I’ll have no problem supporting the Cleveland ace once again. I’ll side with the Indians to garner the road win tonight.
Bonus Play Thursday 8:10 PM MLB
(965) CLEVELAND INDIANS at (966) KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Take: (965) CLEVELAND INDIANS -114
What should be a good pitching duel is on tap tonight as the Indians and Royals open a weekend set in Kansas City. It’s Corey Kluber vs. Danny Duffy in a dynamite duel with lots on the line for each team. Both the Indians and Royals are still within hailing distance of the AL Central front-running Tigers. But the reality is that these two clubs are more realistically contending for the last wild card spot. Cleveland has stepped it up lately, and the Indians are now only two games back of Seattle. The Royals haven’t been sharp recently, but they’re still just 2.5 games off the pace.
That current form is big tonight, though. Even though the Indians are not as potent against lefties, this is still a hot entry right now. As for the Royals, they got a much needed won on Wednesday against the White Sox, and maybe returning home will get them heated up.
But there’s no question that the Royals major weakness is getting them in hot water right now. This is simply a poor offensive team, with an alarming lack of power remaining an issue all season long. The Royals usually have to put hits together in small ball fashion to score, and accomplishing that against Kluber has been a problem for them.
KC did manage to beat Kluber once this season, but they’ve also been completely overmatched by the star righty twice. That doesn’t bode well for the home team here, as the Royals are not hitting at all well right now. Aside from a seven-run outburst against some mediocre White Sox hurlers on Tuesday, the post-All Star Kansas City bats have done very little.
The Indians lost yesterday and in fact dropped two out of three at Minnesota. But even with that series loss, I still feel there’s positive momentum with the Tribe. They might not have it easy tonight against the southpaw serves of Danny Duffy, who should own a better record than his current 5-10.
But therein lies the problem for Duffy. He hasn’t been the recipient of much offense and he keeps getting matched up tough, which is again the case this evening. Kluber has been the model of consistency and as long as his command remains top notch, it’s hard to see the Royals helping Duffy out with much tonight.
The Indians are rightfully small favorites here, so this isn’t a particular bargain. But I really don’t see this as having to pay a premium to enlist the service of Kluber tonight. As good as he’s been for me this season, I’ll have no problem supporting the Cleveland ace once again. I’ll side with the Indians to garner the road win tonight.
Art Aronson
Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
1* Bonus Play Minnesota Twins -149
I think the home side offers good value in the opener of this four game set. Minnesota turns to Phil Hughes (10-6, 4.06 ERA) who is a pedestrian 3-3 with a 6.34 ERA over his last six starts. The last time he faced the White Sox he gave up four runs over five frames while not receiving a decision in a 10-9 victory in Chicago on April 3rd; note though, Hughes owned a minuscule 1.34 ERA vs. Chicago lifetime previous to that somewhat shaky outing. The visitors counter with Hector Noesi (4-7, 5.21 ERA) who gave up four runs over seven frames in a 5-4 setback at Minnesota on June 20th, lucky to escape with the no-decision. The Twins swept a four game set in this series at Target Field from June 19-22 and all signs point to another rout in my opinion as Hughes gets the slight nod on the bump and that’s more than enough to tip the scales in our favor; consider a second look at MINNESOTA in this one.
AAA Sports
Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
1* Bonus Play Minnesota Twins -149
I think the home side offers good value in the opener of this four game set. Minnesota turns to Phil Hughes (10-6, 4.06 ERA) who is a pedestrian 3-3 with a 6.34 ERA over his last six starts. The last time he faced the White Sox he gave up four runs over five frames while not receiving a decision in a 10-9 victory in Chicago on April 3rd; note though, Hughes owned a minuscule 1.34 ERA vs. Chicago lifetime previous to that somewhat shaky outing. The visitors counter with Hector Noesi (4-7, 5.21 ERA) who gave up four runs over seven frames in a 5-4 setback at Minnesota on June 20th, lucky to escape with the no-decision. The Twins swept a four game set in this series at Target Field from June 19-22 and all signs point to another rout in my opinion as Hughes gets the slight nod on the bump and that’s more than enough to tip the scales in our favor; consider a second look at MINNESOTA in this one.
AAA Sports
Scott Spreitzer
Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals
Bonus Play Kansas City Royals +110
I'm backing the KC Royals on Thursday evening. Much needed back-to-back wins by the Royals after dropping seven of their previous eight games. A win on Thursday and the Royals would regain second place in the AL Central. We can't knock Corey Kluber, but this will be the fourth time this season the Royals have faced the Cleveland righty. Just as important, I expect the Indians to struggle at the plate against KC's Danny Duffy. The left-hander has been outstanding in most of his last nine starts, allowing 2 runs or less in seven of those outings. Duffy will face a Cleveland lineup that's 4-14 in 18 road games against lefties this season, averaging just 3.34 rpg. And we should note the Indians have won just 21 of their last 73 games on the road against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.30 or smaller. I expect the Cleveland lineup to continue to struggle at the plate in this one and I'm recommending a play on the Royals on Thursday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals
Bonus Play Kansas City Royals +110
I'm backing the KC Royals on Thursday evening. Much needed back-to-back wins by the Royals after dropping seven of their previous eight games. A win on Thursday and the Royals would regain second place in the AL Central. We can't knock Corey Kluber, but this will be the fourth time this season the Royals have faced the Cleveland righty. Just as important, I expect the Indians to struggle at the plate against KC's Danny Duffy. The left-hander has been outstanding in most of his last nine starts, allowing 2 runs or less in seven of those outings. Duffy will face a Cleveland lineup that's 4-14 in 18 road games against lefties this season, averaging just 3.34 rpg. And we should note the Indians have won just 21 of their last 73 games on the road against starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.30 or smaller. I expect the Cleveland lineup to continue to struggle at the plate in this one and I'm recommending a play on the Royals on Thursday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Jim Feist
MLB Comp Pick for Thursday, July 24, 2014: 8:10 PM ET
MLB (967) CHICAGO WHITE SOX VS (968) MINNESOTA TWINS
Take: over
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Thursday, July 24, 2014 is in the AL contest between the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins. Two of the worst pitching staffs in the American league matchup here on Thursday. The White Sox have allowed an average of 4.53 rpg (13th in AL) while the Twins are 12th with a 4.49 rpg average. In fact, these two clubs are in the bottom four of the AL in most pitching categories. The Sox will start Hector Noesi here on Thursday with his 4-7 record, 5.21 ERA and 1.51 WHIP. Noesi can have control issues, evidenced by his seven walks in five innings against the Angels back on July 1st. Phil Hughes will start for the Twins and he has a nice 10-6 record, but his ERA is still average at 4.06. Moreover, in July Hughes hasn't been good at all, posting a 1.52 WHIP and 5.96 ERA in 25 2/3 innings. If we just look at Hughes last six starts we see just one quality start and that was against a light hitting Seattle club. In the other five starts he allowed 5,5,7,5 and 5 earned runs respectively. Hughes has also allowed double-digit in hits in each of his last two starts. This one has all the markings a high scoring clash. Your Bonus Play is on the OVER!
MLB Comp Pick for Thursday, July 24, 2014: 8:10 PM ET
MLB (967) CHICAGO WHITE SOX VS (968) MINNESOTA TWINS
Take: over
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Thursday, July 24, 2014 is in the AL contest between the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins. Two of the worst pitching staffs in the American league matchup here on Thursday. The White Sox have allowed an average of 4.53 rpg (13th in AL) while the Twins are 12th with a 4.49 rpg average. In fact, these two clubs are in the bottom four of the AL in most pitching categories. The Sox will start Hector Noesi here on Thursday with his 4-7 record, 5.21 ERA and 1.51 WHIP. Noesi can have control issues, evidenced by his seven walks in five innings against the Angels back on July 1st. Phil Hughes will start for the Twins and he has a nice 10-6 record, but his ERA is still average at 4.06. Moreover, in July Hughes hasn't been good at all, posting a 1.52 WHIP and 5.96 ERA in 25 2/3 innings. If we just look at Hughes last six starts we see just one quality start and that was against a light hitting Seattle club. In the other five starts he allowed 5,5,7,5 and 5 earned runs respectively. Hughes has also allowed double-digit in hits in each of his last two starts. This one has all the markings a high scoring clash. Your Bonus Play is on the OVER!
Art Aronson
Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
1* Bonus Play Minnesota Twins -149
I think the home side offers good value in the opener of this four game set. Minnesota turns to Phil Hughes (10-6, 4.06 ERA) who is a pedestrian 3-3 with a 6.34 ERA over his last six starts. The last time he faced the White Sox he gave up four runs over five frames while not receiving a decision in a 10-9 victory in Chicago on April 3rd; note though, Hughes owned a minuscule 1.34 ERA vs. Chicago lifetime previous to that somewhat shaky outing. The visitors counter with Hector Noesi (4-7, 5.21 ERA) who gave up four runs over seven frames in a 5-4 setback at Minnesota on June 20th, lucky to escape with the no-decision. The Twins swept a four game set in this series at Target Field from June 19-22 and all signs point to another rout in my opinion as Hughes gets the slight nod on the bump and that’s more than enough to tip the scales in our favor; consider a second look at MINNESOTA in this one.
AAA Sports
Chicago White Sox vs. Minnesota Twins
1* Bonus Play Minnesota Twins -149
I think the home side offers good value in the opener of this four game set. Minnesota turns to Phil Hughes (10-6, 4.06 ERA) who is a pedestrian 3-3 with a 6.34 ERA over his last six starts. The last time he faced the White Sox he gave up four runs over five frames while not receiving a decision in a 10-9 victory in Chicago on April 3rd; note though, Hughes owned a minuscule 1.34 ERA vs. Chicago lifetime previous to that somewhat shaky outing. The visitors counter with Hector Noesi (4-7, 5.21 ERA) who gave up four runs over seven frames in a 5-4 setback at Minnesota on June 20th, lucky to escape with the no-decision. The Twins swept a four game set in this series at Target Field from June 19-22 and all signs point to another rout in my opinion as Hughes gets the slight nod on the bump and that’s more than enough to tip the scales in our favor; consider a second look at MINNESOTA in this one.
AAA Sports
Rocky Atkinson (Rocketman)
San Francisco @ Philadelphia
San Francisco Giants +106
The San Francisco Giants travel to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies on Thursday afternoon. San Francisco is now 57-44 overall this year while Philadelphia comes in with a 43-58 overall record on the season. Philadelphia is 24-34 last 3 years at home when the total is 7 or less. San Francisco has won 6 of their past 7 games overall. Philadelphia is 1-7 last 8 games overall. San Francisco is scoring 6.1 runs per game their past 7 games overall while allowing only 3.1 runs per game during that time. Philadelphia is only 19-32 at home this year. Philadelphia is scoring only 3.1 runs per game their past 7 games overall while allowing 6.3 runs per game past 7 games. Tim Hudson is 8-6 with a 2.77 ERA overall this year and 3-3 with a 2.32 ERA on the road this season. Hudson has 31 strike outs and only 5 walks on the road this year. San Francisco has won 7 of 9 meetings in Philadelphia the past 3 years and has won all 3 meetings so far this season. We'll recommend a small play on San Francisco today!
San Francisco @ Philadelphia
San Francisco Giants +106
The San Francisco Giants travel to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies on Thursday afternoon. San Francisco is now 57-44 overall this year while Philadelphia comes in with a 43-58 overall record on the season. Philadelphia is 24-34 last 3 years at home when the total is 7 or less. San Francisco has won 6 of their past 7 games overall. Philadelphia is 1-7 last 8 games overall. San Francisco is scoring 6.1 runs per game their past 7 games overall while allowing only 3.1 runs per game during that time. Philadelphia is only 19-32 at home this year. Philadelphia is scoring only 3.1 runs per game their past 7 games overall while allowing 6.3 runs per game past 7 games. Tim Hudson is 8-6 with a 2.77 ERA overall this year and 3-3 with a 2.32 ERA on the road this season. Hudson has 31 strike outs and only 5 walks on the road this year. San Francisco has won 7 of 9 meetings in Philadelphia the past 3 years and has won all 3 meetings so far this season. We'll recommend a small play on San Francisco today!
WNBA
Long Sheet
Thursday, July 24
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NEW YORK (9 - 13) at SEATTLE (9 - 16) - 7/24/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 69-47 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents since 1997.
NEW YORK is 69-47 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 3-1 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 4-1 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHOENIX (19 - 3) at LOS ANGELES (10 - 13) - 7/24/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHOENIX is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in July games this season.
PHOENIX is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in May, June, or July games this season.
PHOENIX is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHOENIX is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1997.
PHOENIX is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
PHOENIX is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
PHOENIX is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games this season.
PHOENIX is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 24-36 ATS (-15.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
LOS ANGELES is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 7-7 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 8-6 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Long Sheet
Thursday, July 24
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NEW YORK (9 - 13) at SEATTLE (9 - 16) - 7/24/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 69-47 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents since 1997.
NEW YORK is 69-47 ATS (+17.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 3-1 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 4-1 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHOENIX (19 - 3) at LOS ANGELES (10 - 13) - 7/24/2014, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 14-6 ATS (+7.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHOENIX is 8-0 ATS (+8.0 Units) in July games this season.
PHOENIX is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in May, June, or July games this season.
PHOENIX is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHOENIX is 26-12 ATS (+12.8 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1997.
PHOENIX is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
PHOENIX is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
PHOENIX is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games this season.
PHOENIX is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 43-26 ATS (+14.4 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 24-36 ATS (-15.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
LOS ANGELES is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 7-7 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 8-6 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
