Giant Surprise
By Kevin Rogers
We're sitting a week away from the Midsummer Classic, and many teams are right in the thick of the playoff race in each league. Interestingly, the San Francisco Giants will likely not win their own division, but Bruce Bochy's club owns the second-best record in the National League. The Giants are using a simple formula - timely hitting and fantastic pitching.
San Francisco ranks 23rd in the league in runs scored, but sits 12th in batting average at .263. For the common fan who may not be able to name more than three or four everyday players in the Giants lineup, this team is ranked ahead of division leaders Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Texas in batting average.
The Giants are tied for the second-fewest home runs in the league with 55, led by third baseman Pablo Sandoval's 12 homers. Five of San Francisco's regulars are hitting above .260, which includes Sandoval, center fielder Aaron Rowand, right fielder Randy Winn, shortstop Edgar Renteria, and catcher Bengie Molina.
Despite the lack of power numbers, the Giants have recorded four more 'overs' than 'unders' entering Monday's matchup with the Marlins. San Francisco does own the best pitching numbers in all of baseball (3.53 ERA), as well as the top bullpen ERA (3.28).
It does help that reigning Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum hasn't missed a beat this season, compiling a 9-2 record to go along with an ERA of 2.23. Lincecum struggled to begin the season, allowing seven earned runs in 8.1 innings of work, but the Giants managed to split his first two starts. Since then, the Giants have won 10 of his 15 starts, with 14 being quality outings. It's tough to get a read on Lincecum's totals, as San Francisco has gone 'over' the total in nine of 17 starts.
Matt Cain has been impressive this season, after flying under the radar for years due to a lack of run support. Cain has maintained an ERA of below 4.00 for his career, but is finally breaking out this season, winning ten of 12 decisions. At home, Cain has been most dominant, allowing 16 earned runs in 62 innings of work. The Giants are 8-1 in Cain's home starts, but his road numbers dip a bit down to 4-4. The best spot to back Cain in is when the right-hander is favored, as San Francisco is 8-1 when Cain is listed as 'chalk,' including Monday's 5-4 victory over Florida.
Rookie right-hander Ryan Sadowski has been a nice addition to this strong pitching staff, winning his first two starts. In fact, the former Florida Gator hasn't allowed a run in his first two outings, beating the Brewers and Astros. Sadowski will make one more start before the All-Star Break, slated to take the mound Wednesday night against his hometown Florida Marlins.
The Giants wrap up the first-half of the season with two more games against the Marlins and four versus the Padres, all at home. San Francisco will see six straight right-handed pitchers to conclude the first-half of the season, including All-Star righty Josh Johnson Tuesday night. The Giants are a solid 20-11 this season when the opponent sends out a right-handed pitcher at AT&T Park.
As the season wears on, a good stat to keep on eye with the Giants is their propensity to finish 'under' the total following a one-run game. San Francisco has drilled the 'under' in 14 of 16 games after a one-run contest, including all six games following a victory by a run. This trend applies to Tuesday's game after the 5-4 Giants win last night.
The Giants will be tested following the break, embarking on a nine-game road trip. San Francisco starts off with three games in Pittsburgh, then three in Atlanta. The Giants will end their trip with a crucial series against the Rockies at Coors Field, sitting two games ahead of Colorado to begin the week. San Francisco and Colorado have 13 matchups remaining, as the two NL West squads will have plenty of say on who clinches the Wild Card spot in the National League.
By Kevin Rogers
We're sitting a week away from the Midsummer Classic, and many teams are right in the thick of the playoff race in each league. Interestingly, the San Francisco Giants will likely not win their own division, but Bruce Bochy's club owns the second-best record in the National League. The Giants are using a simple formula - timely hitting and fantastic pitching.
San Francisco ranks 23rd in the league in runs scored, but sits 12th in batting average at .263. For the common fan who may not be able to name more than three or four everyday players in the Giants lineup, this team is ranked ahead of division leaders Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Texas in batting average.
The Giants are tied for the second-fewest home runs in the league with 55, led by third baseman Pablo Sandoval's 12 homers. Five of San Francisco's regulars are hitting above .260, which includes Sandoval, center fielder Aaron Rowand, right fielder Randy Winn, shortstop Edgar Renteria, and catcher Bengie Molina.
Despite the lack of power numbers, the Giants have recorded four more 'overs' than 'unders' entering Monday's matchup with the Marlins. San Francisco does own the best pitching numbers in all of baseball (3.53 ERA), as well as the top bullpen ERA (3.28).
It does help that reigning Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum hasn't missed a beat this season, compiling a 9-2 record to go along with an ERA of 2.23. Lincecum struggled to begin the season, allowing seven earned runs in 8.1 innings of work, but the Giants managed to split his first two starts. Since then, the Giants have won 10 of his 15 starts, with 14 being quality outings. It's tough to get a read on Lincecum's totals, as San Francisco has gone 'over' the total in nine of 17 starts.
Matt Cain has been impressive this season, after flying under the radar for years due to a lack of run support. Cain has maintained an ERA of below 4.00 for his career, but is finally breaking out this season, winning ten of 12 decisions. At home, Cain has been most dominant, allowing 16 earned runs in 62 innings of work. The Giants are 8-1 in Cain's home starts, but his road numbers dip a bit down to 4-4. The best spot to back Cain in is when the right-hander is favored, as San Francisco is 8-1 when Cain is listed as 'chalk,' including Monday's 5-4 victory over Florida.
Rookie right-hander Ryan Sadowski has been a nice addition to this strong pitching staff, winning his first two starts. In fact, the former Florida Gator hasn't allowed a run in his first two outings, beating the Brewers and Astros. Sadowski will make one more start before the All-Star Break, slated to take the mound Wednesday night against his hometown Florida Marlins.
The Giants wrap up the first-half of the season with two more games against the Marlins and four versus the Padres, all at home. San Francisco will see six straight right-handed pitchers to conclude the first-half of the season, including All-Star righty Josh Johnson Tuesday night. The Giants are a solid 20-11 this season when the opponent sends out a right-handed pitcher at AT&T Park.
As the season wears on, a good stat to keep on eye with the Giants is their propensity to finish 'under' the total following a one-run game. San Francisco has drilled the 'under' in 14 of 16 games after a one-run contest, including all six games following a victory by a run. This trend applies to Tuesday's game after the 5-4 Giants win last night.
The Giants will be tested following the break, embarking on a nine-game road trip. San Francisco starts off with three games in Pittsburgh, then three in Atlanta. The Giants will end their trip with a crucial series against the Rockies at Coors Field, sitting two games ahead of Colorado to begin the week. San Francisco and Colorado have 13 matchups remaining, as the two NL West squads will have plenty of say on who clinches the Wild Card spot in the National League.
Tuesday Tip Sheet
By Judd Hall
If there is one to be said about the Major League Baseball season is that it is a long haul. And during that haul, you’re bound to have some slumps…even those teams that are supposed to be near the top of the standings. We’ve got a pair of squads that are stuck in a bit of a rut on the field for Tuesday. Let’s take a look at their tilts.
Tigers at Royals – 7:05 p.m. EDT
Detroit may have walked out of the Metrodome with a two-game lead in the American League Central, but you get the sense that maybe they’re about to give that advantage up soon. The Tigers have dropped three of their last eight games, including two of three they just played in Minnesota.
You’d be well within your right to pin some of the blame on the Tigers’ pitching staff. In the last four games, their starting pitchers have averaged around five innings with an earned run average of 5.57 and a slim strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2:1. Tuesday’s starter, Justin Verlander (8-4, 3.54 ERA), has seen the Motor City Kitties drop three of the last four games he’s pitched in. Batters are even seeing the ball better right now against Verlander as he’s given up four home runs in his last three starts.
For Verlander to come up with a win here, he’ll need to get some run support from the offense. That’s easier said than done as Detroit is hitting .232 with five homers and 23 runs batted in over the last week. Also, the Tigers are averaging just 2.4 runs per game for Verlander’s last five starts. That could help the ‘under’ keep rolling as it is 7-1 in Detroit’s last eight games.
Kansas City comes into this game having won its last two games at home to split a four-game series with the White Sox. Bruce Chen (0-2, 4.38 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals in this contest, which isn’t such a bad thing. He gave up two earned runs on five hits in five innings of work on July 2 against the White Sox. Even though Chen took the loss, it was a positive start to build upon.
While bettors would like to take the Royals in this spot, keep in mind that Detroit is 9-3 in Verlander’s last 12 against this AL Central rival. The ‘under’ is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Comerica Park.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants have installed the Tigers as heavy $2.30 home favorites with the total coming in at 8 ½.
Blue Jays at Rays – 7:08 p.m. EDT
Wasn’t it just a week ago that everyone was touting the Rays as back on the map? I certainly believe they were turning the corner having won seven straight games before dropping a Canada Day special to Toronto on July 1. That setback has sent Tampa Bay into a tailspin of four straight defeats.
Tampa Bay got onto that streak because their offense was firing on all cylinders. In this four game slump, the Rays are hitting a paltry .153 and striking out an average of seven times per tilt. And the Rays aren’t getting any clutch hits as evidenced by the fact that they are leaving at least 11 runners on base during this skid.
The Rays will send James Shield (6-6, 3.50) to the mound this Tuesday. Shields will no doubt feel obligated to turn things around in this spot since he was the starter for Last Wednesday’s loss at Rogers Centre. If you take away that setback, Tampa Bay had won five of Shields’ previous six starts. Plus, Joe Maddon’s squad is 4-1 in the last five appearances for Shields at Tropicana Field.
You’d like to say that win last Wednesday was a catalyst for something bigger for the Blue Jays, but that hasn’t been the case. Toronto has lost three straight since that July 1 victory and have dropped seven of its last eight games.
The Blue Jays will send Brad Mills (0-1, 14.09 ERA) out to start the first game of this series. He was called back up from AAA Las Vegas after Scott Richmond got placed on the disabled list. It won’t take much to improve on his debut with the big club. Mills lasted only four innings and gave up eight earned runs in his first start, a 10-0 home defeat against the Phillies on June 27.
Given Mills’ last start; it makes sense that Tampa Bay was installed as a $1.80 home “chalk” with a total of nine by the good folks at LVSC.
Tropicana Field has been a house of horrors for the Blue Jays over the past few seasons as they’re 2-9 in the last 11 games in St. Petersburg. The ‘under’ continues to be a strong play here as it is 26-10 in that past 36 head-to-head meetings.
By Judd Hall
If there is one to be said about the Major League Baseball season is that it is a long haul. And during that haul, you’re bound to have some slumps…even those teams that are supposed to be near the top of the standings. We’ve got a pair of squads that are stuck in a bit of a rut on the field for Tuesday. Let’s take a look at their tilts.
Tigers at Royals – 7:05 p.m. EDT
Detroit may have walked out of the Metrodome with a two-game lead in the American League Central, but you get the sense that maybe they’re about to give that advantage up soon. The Tigers have dropped three of their last eight games, including two of three they just played in Minnesota.
You’d be well within your right to pin some of the blame on the Tigers’ pitching staff. In the last four games, their starting pitchers have averaged around five innings with an earned run average of 5.57 and a slim strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2:1. Tuesday’s starter, Justin Verlander (8-4, 3.54 ERA), has seen the Motor City Kitties drop three of the last four games he’s pitched in. Batters are even seeing the ball better right now against Verlander as he’s given up four home runs in his last three starts.
For Verlander to come up with a win here, he’ll need to get some run support from the offense. That’s easier said than done as Detroit is hitting .232 with five homers and 23 runs batted in over the last week. Also, the Tigers are averaging just 2.4 runs per game for Verlander’s last five starts. That could help the ‘under’ keep rolling as it is 7-1 in Detroit’s last eight games.
Kansas City comes into this game having won its last two games at home to split a four-game series with the White Sox. Bruce Chen (0-2, 4.38 ERA) takes the mound for the Royals in this contest, which isn’t such a bad thing. He gave up two earned runs on five hits in five innings of work on July 2 against the White Sox. Even though Chen took the loss, it was a positive start to build upon.
While bettors would like to take the Royals in this spot, keep in mind that Detroit is 9-3 in Verlander’s last 12 against this AL Central rival. The ‘under’ is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Comerica Park.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants have installed the Tigers as heavy $2.30 home favorites with the total coming in at 8 ½.
Blue Jays at Rays – 7:08 p.m. EDT
Wasn’t it just a week ago that everyone was touting the Rays as back on the map? I certainly believe they were turning the corner having won seven straight games before dropping a Canada Day special to Toronto on July 1. That setback has sent Tampa Bay into a tailspin of four straight defeats.
Tampa Bay got onto that streak because their offense was firing on all cylinders. In this four game slump, the Rays are hitting a paltry .153 and striking out an average of seven times per tilt. And the Rays aren’t getting any clutch hits as evidenced by the fact that they are leaving at least 11 runners on base during this skid.
The Rays will send James Shield (6-6, 3.50) to the mound this Tuesday. Shields will no doubt feel obligated to turn things around in this spot since he was the starter for Last Wednesday’s loss at Rogers Centre. If you take away that setback, Tampa Bay had won five of Shields’ previous six starts. Plus, Joe Maddon’s squad is 4-1 in the last five appearances for Shields at Tropicana Field.
You’d like to say that win last Wednesday was a catalyst for something bigger for the Blue Jays, but that hasn’t been the case. Toronto has lost three straight since that July 1 victory and have dropped seven of its last eight games.
The Blue Jays will send Brad Mills (0-1, 14.09 ERA) out to start the first game of this series. He was called back up from AAA Las Vegas after Scott Richmond got placed on the disabled list. It won’t take much to improve on his debut with the big club. Mills lasted only four innings and gave up eight earned runs in his first start, a 10-0 home defeat against the Phillies on June 27.
Given Mills’ last start; it makes sense that Tampa Bay was installed as a $1.80 home “chalk” with a total of nine by the good folks at LVSC.
Tropicana Field has been a house of horrors for the Blue Jays over the past few seasons as they’re 2-9 in the last 11 games in St. Petersburg. The ‘under’ continues to be a strong play here as it is 26-10 in that past 36 head-to-head meetings.
Series of the week: Dodgers at Mets
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Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets
Season series
The Dodgers swept the Mets in a three-game series May 18-20 out in L.A. The Dodgers didn’t have Manny Ramirez for that series. New York, meanwhile, was just 3-for-27 in the three games with runners in scoring position. And the Mets didn’t have a homer in the entire set.
However, Los Angeles is just 2-7 in the past nine meetings in the Big Apple. This will be L.A.’s first look at new Citi Field.
Welcome home?
Ramirez was raised in New York, but here’s guessing he doesn’t get a warm reception from his fellow New Yorkers following that drug suspension. Manny returned last Friday in San Diego, but there seemed to be more Dodger fans in Petco Park than Padres fans, so all Ramirez heard were cheers (in an odd coincidence, the locker area that Manny used at Petco was the same one that Barry Bonds occupied on his visits to San Diego).
Padres pitcher Chris Young was upset that Ramirez, a cheater, got all those standing ovations.
"I think it sends the wrong message to kids," Young told reporters. "Juan Pierre should be the one getting those ovations, in my opinion."
Ramirez didn’t start Sunday’s game because Manager Joe Torre said he wanted Ramírez to rest his legs after being out so long. Manny did pinch-hit in the 11th inning and flew out; he was 1-for-7 in the series, with that one hit a solo home run Saturday. Ramirez also was lifted in the first two games after batting in the sixth inning.
Torre said he would continue to ration Ramirez’s playing time at least up to the All-Star break.
"It's his legs -- he's not in game shape yet,” Torre said to the media. “He has to get his legs under him. Running back and forth to the outfield, it takes some time. By the time the second half starts, he should be all the way back.”
The pitchers
Tuesday: Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw, 5-5, 3.49) at Mets (Mike Pelfrey, 6-3, 4.26) – Los Angeles has won Kershaw’s past four starts. But Kershaw's ERA on the road this season is 5.54, compared to 1.85 at Dodger Stadium. Pelfrey is coming off his best start of the season and has an ERA of 3.91 at home. Neither guy pitched in the first series between these clubs in May.
Wednesday: Dodgers (Hiroki Kuroda, 3-4, 3.91) at Mets (Oliver Perez, 1-2, 9.97) – This is Perez’s first start since May 2. He went on the DL with tendinitis in his right knee May 3. Perez takes Tim Redding’s spot in the rotation, with Redding now in the bullpen.
Thursday: Dodgers (Randy Wolf, 3-3, 3.49) at Mets (Livan Hernandez, 5-4, 4.56) – Wolf faced the Mets May 18, getting a no-decision despite allowing just two runs in 7 2-3 innings. That remains his longest outing of the season. Hernandez faced L.A. May 20, also getting a no-decision despite allowing one run in seven innings.
A few numbers
The Dodgers have the majors' best winning percentage in one-run games at .692 (18-8). They took two of three from San Diego over the weekend, but the bullpen allowed 11 runs in the final two games to the weak-hitting Padres.
In the three games since Ramirez returned, Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal is 8-for-16 with four runs scored. However, second baseman Orlando Hudson is in a 0-for-22 slump.
The Mets were held to just three runs in three games by the struggling Phillies’ staff over as New York was swept the weekend. It was the Mets’ fifth three-game sweep of the year – only the Nats have been swept more in the National League. New York third baseman David Wright was hitless in 11 at-bats in the series and is just five hits in his last 41 trips to the plate.
New York set a dubious mark Sunday, becoming the first visiting team at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park to go consecutive games without an extra-base hit.
Both teams were off Monday, and the Mets have won the past five times they have played following a scheduled day off and eight times in the nine such occurrences. The Dodgers are 4-1 in their past five following a day off and have won the past four openers of a series.
By THE PREZ - I am your Financial Advisor - I take this very seriously
Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets
Season series
The Dodgers swept the Mets in a three-game series May 18-20 out in L.A. The Dodgers didn’t have Manny Ramirez for that series. New York, meanwhile, was just 3-for-27 in the three games with runners in scoring position. And the Mets didn’t have a homer in the entire set.
However, Los Angeles is just 2-7 in the past nine meetings in the Big Apple. This will be L.A.’s first look at new Citi Field.
Welcome home?
Ramirez was raised in New York, but here’s guessing he doesn’t get a warm reception from his fellow New Yorkers following that drug suspension. Manny returned last Friday in San Diego, but there seemed to be more Dodger fans in Petco Park than Padres fans, so all Ramirez heard were cheers (in an odd coincidence, the locker area that Manny used at Petco was the same one that Barry Bonds occupied on his visits to San Diego).
Padres pitcher Chris Young was upset that Ramirez, a cheater, got all those standing ovations.
"I think it sends the wrong message to kids," Young told reporters. "Juan Pierre should be the one getting those ovations, in my opinion."
Ramirez didn’t start Sunday’s game because Manager Joe Torre said he wanted Ramírez to rest his legs after being out so long. Manny did pinch-hit in the 11th inning and flew out; he was 1-for-7 in the series, with that one hit a solo home run Saturday. Ramirez also was lifted in the first two games after batting in the sixth inning.
Torre said he would continue to ration Ramirez’s playing time at least up to the All-Star break.
"It's his legs -- he's not in game shape yet,” Torre said to the media. “He has to get his legs under him. Running back and forth to the outfield, it takes some time. By the time the second half starts, he should be all the way back.”
The pitchers
Tuesday: Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw, 5-5, 3.49) at Mets (Mike Pelfrey, 6-3, 4.26) – Los Angeles has won Kershaw’s past four starts. But Kershaw's ERA on the road this season is 5.54, compared to 1.85 at Dodger Stadium. Pelfrey is coming off his best start of the season and has an ERA of 3.91 at home. Neither guy pitched in the first series between these clubs in May.
Wednesday: Dodgers (Hiroki Kuroda, 3-4, 3.91) at Mets (Oliver Perez, 1-2, 9.97) – This is Perez’s first start since May 2. He went on the DL with tendinitis in his right knee May 3. Perez takes Tim Redding’s spot in the rotation, with Redding now in the bullpen.
Thursday: Dodgers (Randy Wolf, 3-3, 3.49) at Mets (Livan Hernandez, 5-4, 4.56) – Wolf faced the Mets May 18, getting a no-decision despite allowing just two runs in 7 2-3 innings. That remains his longest outing of the season. Hernandez faced L.A. May 20, also getting a no-decision despite allowing one run in seven innings.
A few numbers
The Dodgers have the majors' best winning percentage in one-run games at .692 (18-8). They took two of three from San Diego over the weekend, but the bullpen allowed 11 runs in the final two games to the weak-hitting Padres.
In the three games since Ramirez returned, Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal is 8-for-16 with four runs scored. However, second baseman Orlando Hudson is in a 0-for-22 slump.
The Mets were held to just three runs in three games by the struggling Phillies’ staff over as New York was swept the weekend. It was the Mets’ fifth three-game sweep of the year – only the Nats have been swept more in the National League. New York third baseman David Wright was hitless in 11 at-bats in the series and is just five hits in his last 41 trips to the plate.
New York set a dubious mark Sunday, becoming the first visiting team at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park to go consecutive games without an extra-base hit.
Both teams were off Monday, and the Mets have won the past five times they have played following a scheduled day off and eight times in the nine such occurrences. The Dodgers are 4-1 in their past five following a day off and have won the past four openers of a series.
Tell-all book: How sportsbooks made out this weekend
By LOGANS
MLB
The Fourth of July treated the book very nicely as underdogs held their own going 8-8. The big win for the shop was when +200 underdog Seattle beat the Red Sox in Fenway. Almost 75 percent of people were on Boston, plus there was a lot of parlay action backing the Red Sox, so that’s why this particular result was so nice. We hold about 12 percent on day, so there was definitely above average results for the day.
The betting public beats us Sunday, as favorites went 11-4. Toughest outcome for us was when the -150 favorite Dodgers win 7-6 in 13 innings over the Padres. A little over 80 percent of our players were backing Los Angeles. We lost 3.5 percent on the day overall on bases.
Golf
Being the prohibitive favorite, when Tiger Woods wins an event, the result is good for the book. This was this case this past weekend, when Woods won the AT&T National at Congressional. We held over 40 percent when Woods eked out a 1-shot win over Hunter Mahan. Where we did exceptionally well was on the Adjusted Odds to Win. With Tiger tied with Anthony Kim and a few other solid players within striking distance, we opened Tiger -250 and booked very little action on him, but we booked significant action on all the other golfers listed. We held over 50 percent just on that future.
Tennis
After 2008 bettors couldn’t imagine a better Wimbledon final than last year's Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer match. Federer again blessed us with another epic result against Andy Roddick. We hold about 45 percent on the men's future. If Roddick had won, we would have held about 10 percent. We did great booking that particular match as well. We held nearly 30 percent with bettors back the American underdog.
Women's draw was also very favorable for the book, as we hold just over 35 percent as Serena Williams took care of her sister Venus in the final. We did well on that particular match, holding nearly 22 percent.
All in all, it was a great Fourth of July weekend for bookmakers.
By LOGANS
MLB
The Fourth of July treated the book very nicely as underdogs held their own going 8-8. The big win for the shop was when +200 underdog Seattle beat the Red Sox in Fenway. Almost 75 percent of people were on Boston, plus there was a lot of parlay action backing the Red Sox, so that’s why this particular result was so nice. We hold about 12 percent on day, so there was definitely above average results for the day.
The betting public beats us Sunday, as favorites went 11-4. Toughest outcome for us was when the -150 favorite Dodgers win 7-6 in 13 innings over the Padres. A little over 80 percent of our players were backing Los Angeles. We lost 3.5 percent on the day overall on bases.
Golf
Being the prohibitive favorite, when Tiger Woods wins an event, the result is good for the book. This was this case this past weekend, when Woods won the AT&T National at Congressional. We held over 40 percent when Woods eked out a 1-shot win over Hunter Mahan. Where we did exceptionally well was on the Adjusted Odds to Win. With Tiger tied with Anthony Kim and a few other solid players within striking distance, we opened Tiger -250 and booked very little action on him, but we booked significant action on all the other golfers listed. We held over 50 percent just on that future.
Tennis
After 2008 bettors couldn’t imagine a better Wimbledon final than last year's Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer match. Federer again blessed us with another epic result against Andy Roddick. We hold about 45 percent on the men's future. If Roddick had won, we would have held about 10 percent. We did great booking that particular match as well. We held nearly 30 percent with bettors back the American underdog.
Women's draw was also very favorable for the book, as we hold just over 35 percent as Serena Williams took care of her sister Venus in the final. We did well on that particular match, holding nearly 22 percent.
All in all, it was a great Fourth of July weekend for bookmakers.
Tuesday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
Slumping
Paul Maholm (Pittsburgh Pirates)
The lefthander is 1-2 in his previous four starts for last-place Pittsburgh, which appears to be slipping into its annual midseason swoon. But that doesn’t tell the whole story about Maholm.
After three straight starts of seven innings, Maholm has gotten past the fifth inning just once in his last four outings. Over his last four starts, Maholm has given up 38 hits and 21 earned runs in just 21 1-3 innings for an ugly 8.86 ERA. In his last outing, he gave up six runs and 11 hits to the punchless Mets.
About the best that can be said of Maholm lately is that he still isn’t giving up homers. He has allowed just one during the slump and five all season.
Debuting
Marc Rzepczynski (Toronto Blue Jays)
Rzepczynski has made a quick ascent through the minor leagues since the Blue Jays drafted the lefthander in the fifth round two years ago.
He did not lose a game at Single-A Auburn in 2007 and spent 2008 with Single-A Lansing, going 7-6 with a 2.83 ERA. He began this season with Double-A New Hampshire before being promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas.
In two starts in the hitter-friendly PCL, Rzepczynski was lights out, giving up one run and seven hits with 16 strikeouts in 11 1-3 innings.
In 254 2-3 minor league innings, Rzepczynski has 277 strikeouts. He is being given a shot at Toronto’s fifth starter slot, replacing the ineffective Brad Mills.
Dustin Nippert (Texas Rangers)
A 6-foot-8 right-hander who pitched primarily in relief last season, Nippert is making his first start of the year for the Rangers.
Nippert has missed the entire campaign with a muscle strain in his shoulder. His rehab has included five minor-league outings, including a start for Triple-A Oklahoma City Wednesday where he allowed one run and two hits in five innings.
“I feel like I’m able to locate all my pitches and throws strikes,” he told the Rangers’ website.
Nippert made six starts at the end of last season, going 2-3 with a 5.63 ERA. One of those was a loss to the Los Angeles Angels, his opponent Tuesday.
Streaking
Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Kershaw has pitched way better than his 5-5 record indicates. Over his last four starts, batters have almost been better off waiting him out for a walk rather than swinging for a hit.
The 21-year-old left-hander has been next to untouchable, going 2-0 with a 0.76 ERA during that span while the Dodgers have won all four games. In three of those outings, he did not give up a run.
Kershaw has given up 14 hits and issued 13 walks, which have been a problem for him throughout his brief career and impacts his pitch count and ability to work deeper in games.
“Sometimes when you’re not able to throw strikes consistently, it’s going to be like that,” he told the team’s website.
On the other hand, Kershaw has given up just one homer since April 26.
Returning
Erik Bedard (Seattle Mariners)
Bedard is another left-hander who has pitched better than his numbers, although he hasn’t pitched in a while.
He did not allow more than three runs in any of his first 11 starts but won just five of them, taking four no-decisions. In both his losses, the Mariners – among the worst hitting teams in the majors - didn’t score.
Bedard won three straight starts before going on the DL just under a month ago with shoulder inflammation. He also had shoulder issues last year that ended his season before the midway point.
Slumping
Paul Maholm (Pittsburgh Pirates)
The lefthander is 1-2 in his previous four starts for last-place Pittsburgh, which appears to be slipping into its annual midseason swoon. But that doesn’t tell the whole story about Maholm.
After three straight starts of seven innings, Maholm has gotten past the fifth inning just once in his last four outings. Over his last four starts, Maholm has given up 38 hits and 21 earned runs in just 21 1-3 innings for an ugly 8.86 ERA. In his last outing, he gave up six runs and 11 hits to the punchless Mets.
About the best that can be said of Maholm lately is that he still isn’t giving up homers. He has allowed just one during the slump and five all season.
Debuting
Marc Rzepczynski (Toronto Blue Jays)
Rzepczynski has made a quick ascent through the minor leagues since the Blue Jays drafted the lefthander in the fifth round two years ago.
He did not lose a game at Single-A Auburn in 2007 and spent 2008 with Single-A Lansing, going 7-6 with a 2.83 ERA. He began this season with Double-A New Hampshire before being promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas.
In two starts in the hitter-friendly PCL, Rzepczynski was lights out, giving up one run and seven hits with 16 strikeouts in 11 1-3 innings.
In 254 2-3 minor league innings, Rzepczynski has 277 strikeouts. He is being given a shot at Toronto’s fifth starter slot, replacing the ineffective Brad Mills.
Dustin Nippert (Texas Rangers)
A 6-foot-8 right-hander who pitched primarily in relief last season, Nippert is making his first start of the year for the Rangers.
Nippert has missed the entire campaign with a muscle strain in his shoulder. His rehab has included five minor-league outings, including a start for Triple-A Oklahoma City Wednesday where he allowed one run and two hits in five innings.
“I feel like I’m able to locate all my pitches and throws strikes,” he told the Rangers’ website.
Nippert made six starts at the end of last season, going 2-3 with a 5.63 ERA. One of those was a loss to the Los Angeles Angels, his opponent Tuesday.
Streaking
Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Kershaw has pitched way better than his 5-5 record indicates. Over his last four starts, batters have almost been better off waiting him out for a walk rather than swinging for a hit.
The 21-year-old left-hander has been next to untouchable, going 2-0 with a 0.76 ERA during that span while the Dodgers have won all four games. In three of those outings, he did not give up a run.
Kershaw has given up 14 hits and issued 13 walks, which have been a problem for him throughout his brief career and impacts his pitch count and ability to work deeper in games.
“Sometimes when you’re not able to throw strikes consistently, it’s going to be like that,” he told the team’s website.
On the other hand, Kershaw has given up just one homer since April 26.
Returning
Erik Bedard (Seattle Mariners)
Bedard is another left-hander who has pitched better than his numbers, although he hasn’t pitched in a while.
He did not allow more than three runs in any of his first 11 starts but won just five of them, taking four no-decisions. In both his losses, the Mariners – among the worst hitting teams in the majors - didn’t score.
Bedard won three straight starts before going on the DL just under a month ago with shoulder inflammation. He also had shoulder issues last year that ended his season before the midway point.
All the money. Half the time: Best and worst five-inning MLB bets
There’s nothing quite like watching the boys of summer play nine innings on a sunny July afternoon. Unless, the 100-degree heat is causing perspiration in all the wrong places and forcing you to squirm awkwardly in your bleacher seat.
Or, perhaps, the team you are betting on blows a huge lead in the bottom of the ninth, causing you to squirm awkwardly on your couch. Maybe you have somewhere better to be or, perhaps, you just need some action … fast.
Most sports bettors are aware that Major League Baseball isn’t exactly the sport of which action junkies are made, with most games easily clipping the three-hour mark.
Oddsmakers are aware of this too and responded with the five-inning bet to fill this void. Win or lose, the satisfaction of a fast outcome can be yours by the seventh-inning stretch.
Here is a quick team-by-team look at the top three best and worst teams for bettors through five innings in MLB.
Best
San Francisco Giants (43-30-8 through five innings)
If you like the security and simple approach of backing quality starting pitchers, the overachieving Giants are your team. Although their overall record of 44-37 has made them one of the league’s surprises, the first five innings is where they do their best work for bettors.
They boast the league’s best ERA at 3.53 and starters Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum are a combined 18-4 with an ERA under 2.50. Although the Giants are 26th in offense at 4.16 runs per game and average just 2.29 in the first five innings, they are holding opponents to 1.93 runs in the same span, which is good enough to get the money most of the time.
Minnesota Twins (43-32-8)
The Twins help out their backers with a balanced attack, as they rank 11th in both runs scored (4.78) and ERA (4.28). Coincidentally, they hold the exact same half-run edge over their opponents in the first five frames, scoring 2.72 runs while yielding just 2.22.
Minnesota’s underrated starting staff features three starters, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn, who are a combined 23-13 and consistently get their club to the later innings in position to win. Their balanced lineup is led by the M&M boys, Justin Morneau (.323 avg., 21 HR, 69 RBI) and Joe Mauer (.389, 14 HR, 45 RBI).
Boston Red Sox (40-31-10)
The Red Sox can provide some quick punch on offense to get you to the five-inning finish line, as they are third in MLB at 5.27 runs per game. Even so, it’s worth pointing out that their starting rotation is capable of carrying the club as well, as they have posted a 32-15 record with an ERA just under 4.00.
However, their bats have slowed a little and their five-inning prowess has suffered because of it. Boston has scored five runs or more just three times in its last 10 outings, leading to 3-6-1 record over the first five innings in that span.
Worst
Washington Nationals (26-40-14 through first five innings)
If solid starting pitching is what you covet, look anywhere but here. The Nationals are either dead last or 29th – second to dead last – in all major pitching and defensive categories. Needless to say, both their overall and five-inning records reflect this trend.
With a banged-up and inconsistent starting staff, only John Lannan and Shairon Martis have managed to throw more than 80 innings. While they are a respectable 11-8 combined, the rest of the staff hasn’t been nearly as effective. The Nationals are scoring 2.19 runs in the first five innings, while yielding 2.93. In fairness, the offense hasn’t been much help. The Nationals are in the bottom third of MLB in all major categories.
San Diego Padres (28-40-13)
The Padres have the biggest gap in the majors between runs scored and runs allowed over the first five innings, scoring at a clip of 1.94 while giving up nearly a run more at 2.92.
This comes as little surprise considering the disappointing performance of their starting staff, including injured ace Jake Peavy’s mediocre mark of 6-6 with a 3.97 ERA. Chris Young and Chad Gaudin also have disappointed, as they are a combined 8-13. Not to be outdone, the Padres are dead last in the MLB in both batting average (.234) and runs scored (3.8 per game), with their only consistent threat coming from first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (24 HR, 51 RBI).
Oakland Athletics (26-40-14)
In the interest of equity, the A’s traded in their recent past, filled with solid pitching but inconsistent offense. And now, they are equally inept at both endeavors. While still following their time-honored policy of trading or dumping all pitchers before they can command more than a farmer’s salary, Oakland has balanced out its roster by signing some free-agent flops to fill out the lineup.
New additions such as Jason Giambi and Nomar Garciaparra have been injured and inconsistent, and the A’s continue to lack offensive punch as their 24th-ranked offense (4.19 runs per game) sputters along. They are scoring just 2.48 over the first five while allowing 2.80, and are 3-7 in their last 10 games for five-inning bettors.
There’s nothing quite like watching the boys of summer play nine innings on a sunny July afternoon. Unless, the 100-degree heat is causing perspiration in all the wrong places and forcing you to squirm awkwardly in your bleacher seat.
Or, perhaps, the team you are betting on blows a huge lead in the bottom of the ninth, causing you to squirm awkwardly on your couch. Maybe you have somewhere better to be or, perhaps, you just need some action … fast.
Most sports bettors are aware that Major League Baseball isn’t exactly the sport of which action junkies are made, with most games easily clipping the three-hour mark.
Oddsmakers are aware of this too and responded with the five-inning bet to fill this void. Win or lose, the satisfaction of a fast outcome can be yours by the seventh-inning stretch.
Here is a quick team-by-team look at the top three best and worst teams for bettors through five innings in MLB.
Best
San Francisco Giants (43-30-8 through five innings)
If you like the security and simple approach of backing quality starting pitchers, the overachieving Giants are your team. Although their overall record of 44-37 has made them one of the league’s surprises, the first five innings is where they do their best work for bettors.
They boast the league’s best ERA at 3.53 and starters Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum are a combined 18-4 with an ERA under 2.50. Although the Giants are 26th in offense at 4.16 runs per game and average just 2.29 in the first five innings, they are holding opponents to 1.93 runs in the same span, which is good enough to get the money most of the time.
Minnesota Twins (43-32-8)
The Twins help out their backers with a balanced attack, as they rank 11th in both runs scored (4.78) and ERA (4.28). Coincidentally, they hold the exact same half-run edge over their opponents in the first five frames, scoring 2.72 runs while yielding just 2.22.
Minnesota’s underrated starting staff features three starters, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn, who are a combined 23-13 and consistently get their club to the later innings in position to win. Their balanced lineup is led by the M&M boys, Justin Morneau (.323 avg., 21 HR, 69 RBI) and Joe Mauer (.389, 14 HR, 45 RBI).
Boston Red Sox (40-31-10)
The Red Sox can provide some quick punch on offense to get you to the five-inning finish line, as they are third in MLB at 5.27 runs per game. Even so, it’s worth pointing out that their starting rotation is capable of carrying the club as well, as they have posted a 32-15 record with an ERA just under 4.00.
However, their bats have slowed a little and their five-inning prowess has suffered because of it. Boston has scored five runs or more just three times in its last 10 outings, leading to 3-6-1 record over the first five innings in that span.
Worst
Washington Nationals (26-40-14 through first five innings)
If solid starting pitching is what you covet, look anywhere but here. The Nationals are either dead last or 29th – second to dead last – in all major pitching and defensive categories. Needless to say, both their overall and five-inning records reflect this trend.
With a banged-up and inconsistent starting staff, only John Lannan and Shairon Martis have managed to throw more than 80 innings. While they are a respectable 11-8 combined, the rest of the staff hasn’t been nearly as effective. The Nationals are scoring 2.19 runs in the first five innings, while yielding 2.93. In fairness, the offense hasn’t been much help. The Nationals are in the bottom third of MLB in all major categories.
San Diego Padres (28-40-13)
The Padres have the biggest gap in the majors between runs scored and runs allowed over the first five innings, scoring at a clip of 1.94 while giving up nearly a run more at 2.92.
This comes as little surprise considering the disappointing performance of their starting staff, including injured ace Jake Peavy’s mediocre mark of 6-6 with a 3.97 ERA. Chris Young and Chad Gaudin also have disappointed, as they are a combined 8-13. Not to be outdone, the Padres are dead last in the MLB in both batting average (.234) and runs scored (3.8 per game), with their only consistent threat coming from first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (24 HR, 51 RBI).
Oakland Athletics (26-40-14)
In the interest of equity, the A’s traded in their recent past, filled with solid pitching but inconsistent offense. And now, they are equally inept at both endeavors. While still following their time-honored policy of trading or dumping all pitchers before they can command more than a farmer’s salary, Oakland has balanced out its roster by signing some free-agent flops to fill out the lineup.
New additions such as Jason Giambi and Nomar Garciaparra have been injured and inconsistent, and the A’s continue to lack offensive punch as their 24th-ranked offense (4.19 runs per game) sputters along. They are scoring just 2.48 over the first five while allowing 2.80, and are 3-7 in their last 10 games for five-inning bettors.
Hot lines: Tuesday's best MLB bets
Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets (130, 8.5)
Just call them the New York Mess.
The Mess, sorry Mets, are banged up, beaten and barely hanging on in the race for a National League postseason spot.
Lineup regulars Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes are on the DL and not expected back anytime soon. The rotation is missing John Maine and Oliver Perez.
With no protection in the lineup, slugging third baseman David Wright is 5-for-40 with just three RBI and 14 strikeouts in his last 10 games.
"For us to score, I have to swing the bat better," Wright told the team's website.
And when Wright isn't hitting, the Mets don't hit. The Mets have lost eight of 10 and have been held to two runs or less seven times in that span. Over the weekend, the Mets were swept in Philadelphia, becoming the first team to be held without an extra-base hit in consecutive games at Citizens Bank Park.
On Tuesday, the Mets host the Dodgers, the best team in baseball. Los Angeles swept New York on the West Coast in mid-May, allowing just six runs in three games.
Pick: Los Angeles -134
Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers (-230, 8.5)
When the Detroit Tigers were last at home, they were unbeatable. With Justin Verlander on the mound, they just might be untouchable.
After a 3-6 road trip, Detroit is back at Comerica Park, where it has not lost in over a month. The Tigers have won eight straight home games, all as the favorite, averaging 6.1 runs.
Detroit’s last loss at home was June 5, when Verlander allowed no runs in eight innings of a 2-1 setback to the Los Angeles Angels. That is the closest the right-hander has come to losing at home this season.
Verlander is arguably the best home pitcher in baseball. He is 4-0 with a 1.11 ERA, best among qualified starters in home games. In 40 2-3 innings, he has 51 strikeouts.
He matches up against the Kansas City Royals, who are 3-9 in their last dozen meetings with Verlander.
Pick: Detroit -230
Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets (130, 8.5)
Just call them the New York Mess.
The Mess, sorry Mets, are banged up, beaten and barely hanging on in the race for a National League postseason spot.
Lineup regulars Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado and Jose Reyes are on the DL and not expected back anytime soon. The rotation is missing John Maine and Oliver Perez.
With no protection in the lineup, slugging third baseman David Wright is 5-for-40 with just three RBI and 14 strikeouts in his last 10 games.
"For us to score, I have to swing the bat better," Wright told the team's website.
And when Wright isn't hitting, the Mets don't hit. The Mets have lost eight of 10 and have been held to two runs or less seven times in that span. Over the weekend, the Mets were swept in Philadelphia, becoming the first team to be held without an extra-base hit in consecutive games at Citizens Bank Park.
On Tuesday, the Mets host the Dodgers, the best team in baseball. Los Angeles swept New York on the West Coast in mid-May, allowing just six runs in three games.
Pick: Los Angeles -134
Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers (-230, 8.5)
When the Detroit Tigers were last at home, they were unbeatable. With Justin Verlander on the mound, they just might be untouchable.
After a 3-6 road trip, Detroit is back at Comerica Park, where it has not lost in over a month. The Tigers have won eight straight home games, all as the favorite, averaging 6.1 runs.
Detroit’s last loss at home was June 5, when Verlander allowed no runs in eight innings of a 2-1 setback to the Los Angeles Angels. That is the closest the right-hander has come to losing at home this season.
Verlander is arguably the best home pitcher in baseball. He is 4-0 with a 1.11 ERA, best among qualified starters in home games. In 40 2-3 innings, he has 51 strikeouts.
He matches up against the Kansas City Royals, who are 3-9 in their last dozen meetings with Verlander.
Pick: Detroit -230
Lady Luck: Tuesday's best WNBA bet
San Antonio Silver Stars at Seattle Storm (-5.5, 142)
The Silver Stars-Storm matchup in Seattle is either a gimme or a trap.
The Silver Stars are 0-3 straight up and against the spread on the road, where they have lost by double digits each time and failed to cover despite getting generous numbers.
San Antonio is averaging just 66 points in road games compared to 76.6 at home.
The Storm are 3-0 straight up and 2-1 ATS at home, where they have won twice by double digits and covered sizable numbers. This is the lowest number they have faced at home.
Seattle is averaging nearly 80 points in home games compared to 73 on the road.
Sounds like a gimme.
Pick: Seattle -5.5
San Antonio Silver Stars at Seattle Storm (-5.5, 142)
The Silver Stars-Storm matchup in Seattle is either a gimme or a trap.
The Silver Stars are 0-3 straight up and against the spread on the road, where they have lost by double digits each time and failed to cover despite getting generous numbers.
San Antonio is averaging just 66 points in road games compared to 76.6 at home.
The Storm are 3-0 straight up and 2-1 ATS at home, where they have won twice by double digits and covered sizable numbers. This is the lowest number they have faced at home.
Seattle is averaging nearly 80 points in home games compared to 73 on the road.
Sounds like a gimme.
Pick: Seattle -5.5
Craig Trapp
Bonus Play
Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox -1½+120
Craig ended a super hot streak with his 5 star top plays of day. But that still puts Craig at 4-2 with his top plays the last 6 days. Don't miss out Craig's top 5 star MLB play of them month goes today. Today's Bonus Play is a Run Line winner in the AL today.
Betting Trends
-Indians are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a left-handed starter.
-Indians are 2-8 in Sowers' last 10 starts.
-White Sox are 6-2 in Buehrles last 8 home starts vs. Indians.
-White Sox are 5-0 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
CHW -1.5 (+125): Mark Buehrle has been one of the best pitchers in the league for years and recently he has shown why. His last three starts he is 2-0 with 1.71 ERA. The CHW have owned CLE recently sweeping them in CLE less than a month ago. This WhiteSox team has won 14 or last 20 games and many of these wins were on the road. Today for CLE Sowers will take the mound after several really poor starts. Less than a week ago he was pounded by this same CHW team. Sowers is 0-5 with a 6.23 ERA in six starts against the White Sox. In three outings against them this season, he's allowed 13 runs and 23 hits over 16 innings. At the plate CLE has been so up and down whereas CHW have been putting up an average of 5 runs per game in the last 15 games!! This one works out pretty easy Buehle goes 8 innings of 1 run baseball while the CHW batters take batting practice scoring at least 6 runs.
SCORE CHW 6 - CLE 1
Bonus Play
Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox -1½+120
Craig ended a super hot streak with his 5 star top plays of day. But that still puts Craig at 4-2 with his top plays the last 6 days. Don't miss out Craig's top 5 star MLB play of them month goes today. Today's Bonus Play is a Run Line winner in the AL today.
Betting Trends
-Indians are 0-4 in their last 4 games vs. a left-handed starter.
-Indians are 2-8 in Sowers' last 10 starts.
-White Sox are 6-2 in Buehrles last 8 home starts vs. Indians.
-White Sox are 5-0 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
CHW -1.5 (+125): Mark Buehrle has been one of the best pitchers in the league for years and recently he has shown why. His last three starts he is 2-0 with 1.71 ERA. The CHW have owned CLE recently sweeping them in CLE less than a month ago. This WhiteSox team has won 14 or last 20 games and many of these wins were on the road. Today for CLE Sowers will take the mound after several really poor starts. Less than a week ago he was pounded by this same CHW team. Sowers is 0-5 with a 6.23 ERA in six starts against the White Sox. In three outings against them this season, he's allowed 13 runs and 23 hits over 16 innings. At the plate CLE has been so up and down whereas CHW have been putting up an average of 5 runs per game in the last 15 games!! This one works out pretty easy Buehle goes 8 innings of 1 run baseball while the CHW batters take batting practice scoring at least 6 runs.
SCORE CHW 6 - CLE 1
Marc Lawrence
Today’s Free Pick
Cincinnati Reds @ Philadelphia Phillies Jul 7, 2009 7:05PM
PICK: Cincinnati Reds
REASON FOR PICK: Play On: Cincinnati w/Harang
Note: Aaron Harang and the Reds find themselves in a serious bounce back mode tonight following last night's 22-1 pasting here against the Phillies last night. Harang enters tonight's fray in great KW form with 4 walks and 21 strikeouts in his last four starts. He's also 3-1 in his last four team starts against the Phils. With that look for Harang to improve to 10-3 in his last thirteen team starts in July here tonight.
1-unit play on Cincinnati with Harang.
Today’s Free Pick
Cincinnati Reds @ Philadelphia Phillies Jul 7, 2009 7:05PM
PICK: Cincinnati Reds
REASON FOR PICK: Play On: Cincinnati w/Harang
Note: Aaron Harang and the Reds find themselves in a serious bounce back mode tonight following last night's 22-1 pasting here against the Phillies last night. Harang enters tonight's fray in great KW form with 4 walks and 21 strikeouts in his last four starts. He's also 3-1 in his last four team starts against the Phils. With that look for Harang to improve to 10-3 in his last thirteen team starts in July here tonight.
1-unit play on Cincinnati with Harang.
The Sports Investing Professional
Tuesday COMP.
Yesterdays Recap - just remember one thing....."Closer" is just a "C" away from "LOSER"
The Giants should have cruised but Idiot Boy Wilson had to turn an easy winner into
a cardio workout. The bottom line, however, is that we pick up a nice $500 piece of change
to add to our pie.
Today's Play(s) - This one is tough because the lay is so heavy. Of all the
games and totals I look at I think the biggest mismatch is Verlander vs Chen.
Question for me is to play the whole game or just the first 5. If you've watched
the Tigers lately, you know that they can't seem to get anyone out from their pen
and so I really don't want any part of that. I see the Tigers bouncing out to the
early lead and then after the 5th I don't care what happens. Let's take the bullpen
out, play ONLY THE FIRST 5, and gut it up to make the lay.
MLB - Detroit Tigers 1H -210[LISTED] Chen / Verlander - 1050.00 / 500.00
Record (10-3) + $2700
Tuesday COMP.
Yesterdays Recap - just remember one thing....."Closer" is just a "C" away from "LOSER"
The Giants should have cruised but Idiot Boy Wilson had to turn an easy winner into
a cardio workout. The bottom line, however, is that we pick up a nice $500 piece of change
to add to our pie.
Today's Play(s) - This one is tough because the lay is so heavy. Of all the
games and totals I look at I think the biggest mismatch is Verlander vs Chen.
Question for me is to play the whole game or just the first 5. If you've watched
the Tigers lately, you know that they can't seem to get anyone out from their pen
and so I really don't want any part of that. I see the Tigers bouncing out to the
early lead and then after the 5th I don't care what happens. Let's take the bullpen
out, play ONLY THE FIRST 5, and gut it up to make the lay.
MLB - Detroit Tigers 1H -210[LISTED] Chen / Verlander - 1050.00 / 500.00
Record (10-3) + $2700
