Dave Cokin
Tuesday Bonus Play 7:10 PM
MLB (921) BALTIMORE ORIOLES (922) TAMPA BAY RAYS
Take: (922) TAMPA BAY RAYS -115
The Rays got me paid on Monday night, and I’m looking to come right back with them this evening as they again square off with the Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez returns from his brief stint on the DL to take on craft southpaw Erik Bedard, so one can pretty much take it for granted the bullpens will be getting involved for some multiple innings tonight.
Tampa Bay seems to have finally shaken out of one of its worst stretches in the last handful of years. The Rays are probably dead ducks already as far as the playoff are concerned. It’s not as through ten games out of the wild card chase is the end of the line. But there are too many holes on the team and too many teams, namely all off them, to realistically expect a dramatic rally is in the cards. Nevertheless, this team is not nearly as horrendous as they were performing. The Rays are now actually on a bit of an uptick, and should have a good chance at garnering another win tonight.
The pitching tonight offers what I feel is a small edge to Bedard. The veteran lefty has been reasonably effective at home, and he’ll be facing an Orioles entry that has struggled of late vs. southpaws. As for Gonzalez, he’s got some rather substantial home/road splits, and has been considerably more reliable in Baltimore as opposed to enemy turf. The bullpen numbers are roughly equal as far as the season to date numbers but more recent form would clearly favor Tampa Bay. In fact, aside from the completely messed up Grant Balfour, the Rays pen has been really strong lately.
A blind bet on Tampa Bay in every game they’ve played so far this season would have resulted in a loss of nearly 26 net units. That’s what happens when a team with higher than average expectations falls on its face. But as a result, many bettors have simply sworn off this team and I’m expecting some correction as far as that net bottom line is concerned. With the exception of games involving David Price, I think you can make an argument you’ll be able to get the Rays at a more than fair price for at least a small window, and tonight’s game falls into that spectrum. I made the Rays -125 tonight, so even with some sharp early money coming in on their side, I’m still under that price with the current number. Off the exciting Monday win, I’ll be looking to take my chances with the Rays once more tonight.
Tuesday Bonus Play 7:10 PM
MLB (921) BALTIMORE ORIOLES (922) TAMPA BAY RAYS
Take: (922) TAMPA BAY RAYS -115
The Rays got me paid on Monday night, and I’m looking to come right back with them this evening as they again square off with the Orioles. Miguel Gonzalez returns from his brief stint on the DL to take on craft southpaw Erik Bedard, so one can pretty much take it for granted the bullpens will be getting involved for some multiple innings tonight.
Tampa Bay seems to have finally shaken out of one of its worst stretches in the last handful of years. The Rays are probably dead ducks already as far as the playoff are concerned. It’s not as through ten games out of the wild card chase is the end of the line. But there are too many holes on the team and too many teams, namely all off them, to realistically expect a dramatic rally is in the cards. Nevertheless, this team is not nearly as horrendous as they were performing. The Rays are now actually on a bit of an uptick, and should have a good chance at garnering another win tonight.
The pitching tonight offers what I feel is a small edge to Bedard. The veteran lefty has been reasonably effective at home, and he’ll be facing an Orioles entry that has struggled of late vs. southpaws. As for Gonzalez, he’s got some rather substantial home/road splits, and has been considerably more reliable in Baltimore as opposed to enemy turf. The bullpen numbers are roughly equal as far as the season to date numbers but more recent form would clearly favor Tampa Bay. In fact, aside from the completely messed up Grant Balfour, the Rays pen has been really strong lately.
A blind bet on Tampa Bay in every game they’ve played so far this season would have resulted in a loss of nearly 26 net units. That’s what happens when a team with higher than average expectations falls on its face. But as a result, many bettors have simply sworn off this team and I’m expecting some correction as far as that net bottom line is concerned. With the exception of games involving David Price, I think you can make an argument you’ll be able to get the Rays at a more than fair price for at least a small window, and tonight’s game falls into that spectrum. I made the Rays -125 tonight, so even with some sharp early money coming in on their side, I’m still under that price with the current number. Off the exciting Monday win, I’ll be looking to take my chances with the Rays once more tonight.
