dr daddy and dr cogyle would be a great addition to the other drs today. if anyone can help out grab daddy and/or cogyle and this site would set as far as dr's go
i am pretty sure the guy who bought the dr's friday did not intend to hold back (and they were not held back)...man i feel like rickey henderson talking in the third person
i am pretty sure the guy who bought the dr's friday did not intend to hold back (and they were not held back)...man i feel like rickey henderson talking in the third person
Red Dog Sports
Kansas City at LA Angels
Play Kansas City -120
Zach Greinke is pitching well as the team is 6-0 with him starting and his ERA in the last 3 is 0.72. Joe Saunders is a good pitcher as the team is 4-2 with him starting but his ERA is 4.58 in his last 3 starts. The Royals are 15-6 in their last 21 on the road. Play the KC Royals on Saturday night!
Kansas City at LA Angels
Play Kansas City -120
Zach Greinke is pitching well as the team is 6-0 with him starting and his ERA in the last 3 is 0.72. Joe Saunders is a good pitcher as the team is 4-2 with him starting but his ERA is 4.58 in his last 3 starts. The Royals are 15-6 in their last 21 on the road. Play the KC Royals on Saturday night!
Charlie Scott
Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks
Play: Under 209
The main reason I played this UNDER is that a whole lot of breaks will have to take place to go Over 210. It is much easier for games to stay Under high totals in the Playoffs than go Over. One team could come out flat, or have a bad day from the Free Throw line and boom, an easy Under. In the NBA Playoffs, teams (even Dallas) will make an effort on defense, Teams don't give up easy lay ups on defense in the Playoffs like they do in the regular season. If You like trends : Denver is 7-1 Under their last 8 Road games. The Under is 8-2 the last 10 games in Dallas vs Denver.
Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks
Play: Under 209
The main reason I played this UNDER is that a whole lot of breaks will have to take place to go Over 210. It is much easier for games to stay Under high totals in the Playoffs than go Over. One team could come out flat, or have a bad day from the Free Throw line and boom, an easy Under. In the NBA Playoffs, teams (even Dallas) will make an effort on defense, Teams don't give up easy lay ups on defense in the Playoffs like they do in the regular season. If You like trends : Denver is 7-1 Under their last 8 Road games. The Under is 8-2 the last 10 games in Dallas vs Denver.
Cajun Sports
Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins
Play: Seattle Mariners
The Metrodome will be the site of tonight’s second game of a three-game set in the Twin Cities between the host Minnesota Twins and the visiting Seattle Mariners. The Twins captured the first game on Friday night by an 11 to 0 final. Tonight’s game features a rematch between the two starters with Felix Hernandez taking the first matchup over Francisco Liriano and the Twins by a score of 6 to 1 back on April 6th here in the Twin Cities. Hernandez went eight innings giving up one earned run on five hits while Liriano pitched seven innings giving up four earned runs on four hits in the loss. Hernandez is 3-2 W/L with an ERA of 2.23 and a WHIP of 0.970 against the Twins, the Mariners are 5-2 W/L (+2.1) overall when Hernandez takes the bump versus Minnesota. Liriano is 2-2 W/L with an ERA of 2.32 and a WHIP of 0.903 versus the Mariners, the Twins are 2-3 W/L (-2.5) overall when Liriano takes the mound versus Seattle. Comparing their bullpen support we see that the Mariners have the edge here as well with an ERA of 4.50 on the road and the Twins bullpen checks in with an ERA of 6.34 in the Metrodome this season. Seattle has handled left-handers this season going 8-1 W/L (+8.0) including a perfect 4-0 W/L on the road averaging 5.9 runs per game against them. Minnesota is 9-12 W/L (-4.4) versus right-handed pitching averaging only 4.5 runs per game. On the technical front we see that Hernandez is 13-4 (+12.7) as a road underdog of +100 or higher the last 2 seasons and the Twins are 0-5 W/L in Liriano’s last five starts as a favorite. Minnesota is 2-7 W/L their last nine when facing a team with a winning record and Seattle is 5-2 W/L their last seven facing a team with a losing record this season. Seattle is active in a MLB System that tells us to Play On MLB (AL) underdogs with a team whose OBP is .320 or worse against a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.300 or better, with a starting pitcher who averages more than 6.5 innings per start, 56-33 W/L (+41.0) the last five seasons. Our TPR (Team Performance Ratings) Index projects a Mariners win by 1.0 runs in tonight’s contest so we will back the visitor as Seattle cashes the winning ticket in the Twin Cities on Saturday night.
Graded Selection: 2* Seattle Mariners 3 Minnesota Twins 2
Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins
Play: Seattle Mariners
The Metrodome will be the site of tonight’s second game of a three-game set in the Twin Cities between the host Minnesota Twins and the visiting Seattle Mariners. The Twins captured the first game on Friday night by an 11 to 0 final. Tonight’s game features a rematch between the two starters with Felix Hernandez taking the first matchup over Francisco Liriano and the Twins by a score of 6 to 1 back on April 6th here in the Twin Cities. Hernandez went eight innings giving up one earned run on five hits while Liriano pitched seven innings giving up four earned runs on four hits in the loss. Hernandez is 3-2 W/L with an ERA of 2.23 and a WHIP of 0.970 against the Twins, the Mariners are 5-2 W/L (+2.1) overall when Hernandez takes the bump versus Minnesota. Liriano is 2-2 W/L with an ERA of 2.32 and a WHIP of 0.903 versus the Mariners, the Twins are 2-3 W/L (-2.5) overall when Liriano takes the mound versus Seattle. Comparing their bullpen support we see that the Mariners have the edge here as well with an ERA of 4.50 on the road and the Twins bullpen checks in with an ERA of 6.34 in the Metrodome this season. Seattle has handled left-handers this season going 8-1 W/L (+8.0) including a perfect 4-0 W/L on the road averaging 5.9 runs per game against them. Minnesota is 9-12 W/L (-4.4) versus right-handed pitching averaging only 4.5 runs per game. On the technical front we see that Hernandez is 13-4 (+12.7) as a road underdog of +100 or higher the last 2 seasons and the Twins are 0-5 W/L in Liriano’s last five starts as a favorite. Minnesota is 2-7 W/L their last nine when facing a team with a winning record and Seattle is 5-2 W/L their last seven facing a team with a losing record this season. Seattle is active in a MLB System that tells us to Play On MLB (AL) underdogs with a team whose OBP is .320 or worse against a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.300 or better, with a starting pitcher who averages more than 6.5 innings per start, 56-33 W/L (+41.0) the last five seasons. Our TPR (Team Performance Ratings) Index projects a Mariners win by 1.0 runs in tonight’s contest so we will back the visitor as Seattle cashes the winning ticket in the Twin Cities on Saturday night.
Graded Selection: 2* Seattle Mariners 3 Minnesota Twins 2
Craig Trapp
Kansas City Royals vs. LAA Angels
Play: Kansas City Royals
Saturday's Bonus Play for Hanicapper Craig Trapp is in the late American League matchup. Make sure you shop around as there is a huge difference at some sites I have seen this play as low as -110!! Check out the records, trends, and free breakdown winner!
Records
Kansas City Royals 18-12, 7-6 away (Greinke 6-0, 0.40 ERA)
Los Angeles Angels 14-14, 8-7 home (Saunders 4-1, 3.29 ERA)
Betting Trends
Royals are 6-0 in their last 6 overall.
Royals are 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Angels are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
Royals are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.
Grienke has been amazing with the most wins and the best ERA. He has not just been winning games but has been shutting down every batter in baseball. LAA has been playing better latley but still are not even close to as consistent as KC has been. Grienke will have another stellar start going 8 innings only giving up 1 run. The bats also get it done for KC and bust up Saunders in the 5th inning. SCORE KC 4 - LAA 2
Kansas City Royals vs. LAA Angels
Play: Kansas City Royals
Saturday's Bonus Play for Hanicapper Craig Trapp is in the late American League matchup. Make sure you shop around as there is a huge difference at some sites I have seen this play as low as -110!! Check out the records, trends, and free breakdown winner!
Records
Kansas City Royals 18-12, 7-6 away (Greinke 6-0, 0.40 ERA)
Los Angeles Angels 14-14, 8-7 home (Saunders 4-1, 3.29 ERA)
Betting Trends
Royals are 6-0 in their last 6 overall.
Royals are 8-2 in their last 10 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Angels are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
Royals are 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.
Grienke has been amazing with the most wins and the best ERA. He has not just been winning games but has been shutting down every batter in baseball. LAA has been playing better latley but still are not even close to as consistent as KC has been. Grienke will have another stellar start going 8 innings only giving up 1 run. The bats also get it done for KC and bust up Saunders in the 5th inning. SCORE KC 4 - LAA 2
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Seattle w/Hernandez
When the Mariners meet the Twins in Minnesota Saturday night they will send Feliz Hernandez to the mound knowing he is in terrific KW form with 4 walks and 25 strikeouts in his last three starts. He's also 5-2 in his career team starts in this series. Look for King Felix to improve to 8-3 on Saturdays here today.
Play On: Seattle w/Hernandez
When the Mariners meet the Twins in Minnesota Saturday night they will send Feliz Hernandez to the mound knowing he is in terrific KW form with 4 walks and 25 strikeouts in his last three starts. He's also 5-2 in his career team starts in this series. Look for King Felix to improve to 8-3 on Saturdays here today.
James Patrick Sports
Blackhawks vs. Canucks
Game #5 in this Playoff match up and the action will be intense as one mistake could turn the series around for one of these teams. We'll take our Saturday NHL complimentary selection is Vancouver Canucks in their home game as they are 19-7 against the Blackhawks in the past 26 meetings including 12-3 in the Great Northwest
Blackhawks vs. Canucks
Game #5 in this Playoff match up and the action will be intense as one mistake could turn the series around for one of these teams. We'll take our Saturday NHL complimentary selection is Vancouver Canucks in their home game as they are 19-7 against the Blackhawks in the past 26 meetings including 12-3 in the Great Northwest
Big Al McMordie
Pirates vs Mets
Pick: Mets
At 1:10pm our complimentary selection is on the New York Mets over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mets righthander John Maine may just be the best starter in baseball who has an ERA over five runs. Maine is currently 2-2 with a 5.20 ERA but those numbers don't tell the entire story about what has been a very interesting season so far for the six-year veteran. Despite the inflated ERA, Maine has only surrendered 22 hits in almost 28 innings of work, although he has been issuing far too many walks. But in his last home start on April 27 against Florida, Maine seemed to put it all together with six innings of one-hit ball, and he managed to keep his walks down (to three) in that outing as well. He is on a bit of a roll also, with wins in each of his last two starts, and that no doubt is good news for him and this ball club. Despite the second-best team ERA in the National League, the Pirates are struggling with a 12-17 overall record, clearly a result of very poor offensive production. There aren't too many teams in the Majors who would count their catcher as their #1 or 2 offensive weapon, but the Pirates are one of those teams, and the loss of regular backstop Ryan Doumit has no doubt hurt this team's production dramatically. Pittsburgh will have to get used to this for a while as it looks like Doumit won't be back from his broken wrist until at least the end of June. In their last nine games the Pirates have only scored a total of 24 runs, or an average of less than three per game, and they have been shut out in three of those nine contests. Take the Mets.
Pirates vs Mets
Pick: Mets
At 1:10pm our complimentary selection is on the New York Mets over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mets righthander John Maine may just be the best starter in baseball who has an ERA over five runs. Maine is currently 2-2 with a 5.20 ERA but those numbers don't tell the entire story about what has been a very interesting season so far for the six-year veteran. Despite the inflated ERA, Maine has only surrendered 22 hits in almost 28 innings of work, although he has been issuing far too many walks. But in his last home start on April 27 against Florida, Maine seemed to put it all together with six innings of one-hit ball, and he managed to keep his walks down (to three) in that outing as well. He is on a bit of a roll also, with wins in each of his last two starts, and that no doubt is good news for him and this ball club. Despite the second-best team ERA in the National League, the Pirates are struggling with a 12-17 overall record, clearly a result of very poor offensive production. There aren't too many teams in the Majors who would count their catcher as their #1 or 2 offensive weapon, but the Pirates are one of those teams, and the loss of regular backstop Ryan Doumit has no doubt hurt this team's production dramatically. Pittsburgh will have to get used to this for a while as it looks like Doumit won't be back from his broken wrist until at least the end of June. In their last nine games the Pirates have only scored a total of 24 runs, or an average of less than three per game, and they have been shut out in three of those nine contests. Take the Mets.
Jimmy The Moose
Washington Nationals at Arizona Diamondbacks
The Nationals have won 4 of their last 5 games overall. Washington send Lannan to the mound tonight and although he's 1-3 on the year he's pitched pretty good, the offense hasn't helped him out. Lannan has given up 3 ER's or les in 4 of his 4 starts this season. Arizona has lost 5 of their last 6 games. Davis is on the mound tonight and he struggles vs. the Nationals. In 7 carrer starts vs. them his team's record is 2-5. Play on the Washington Nationals +.
Play on: Washington
Washington Nationals at Arizona Diamondbacks
The Nationals have won 4 of their last 5 games overall. Washington send Lannan to the mound tonight and although he's 1-3 on the year he's pitched pretty good, the offense hasn't helped him out. Lannan has given up 3 ER's or les in 4 of his 4 starts this season. Arizona has lost 5 of their last 6 games. Davis is on the mound tonight and he struggles vs. the Nationals. In 7 carrer starts vs. them his team's record is 2-5. Play on the Washington Nationals +.
Play on: Washington
VEGAS EXPERTS
Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks
The Denver Nuggets are hot. But they cannot possibly cover every game this postseason. With Dallas in a "must-win" situation Saturday evening and SU winners covering at a startling rate in the playoffs, we're calling for the Mavs to put an end to the Nuggets streak. Since 1996, Denver is just 58-82 ATS on the road coming off consecutive covers. Dallas averaged nearly 106 PPG at home this season and Nuggets HC Karl is just 2-13 ATS all-time in Game Three's!
Play on: Dallas
Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks
The Denver Nuggets are hot. But they cannot possibly cover every game this postseason. With Dallas in a "must-win" situation Saturday evening and SU winners covering at a startling rate in the playoffs, we're calling for the Mavs to put an end to the Nuggets streak. Since 1996, Denver is just 58-82 ATS on the road coming off consecutive covers. Dallas averaged nearly 106 PPG at home this season and Nuggets HC Karl is just 2-13 ATS all-time in Game Three's!
Play on: Dallas
Jimmy Boyd
1 Unit on Royals/Angels UNDER 7.5
We saw just 5 runs put on the board in this matchup Friday night and I'm expecting another low number with Greinke and Saunders facing off. Greinke is 6-0 with a ridiculous 0.40 ERA on the season, which includes a 2-0 mark with a 0.00 ERA on the road. Saunders hasn't been too shabby himself with a 4-1 record and an ERA of 3.29. This matchup has been an unders machine as the Under is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings. Also, the Under is 5-1 in the Royals last 6 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5, 6-1 in Greinke's last 7 starts overall, and an impressive 20-5 in Greinke's last 25 starts when his opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. The Halos are 24-10 Under in May games over the last 2 seasons. Bet the Under tonight.
1 Unit on Royals/Angels UNDER 7.5
We saw just 5 runs put on the board in this matchup Friday night and I'm expecting another low number with Greinke and Saunders facing off. Greinke is 6-0 with a ridiculous 0.40 ERA on the season, which includes a 2-0 mark with a 0.00 ERA on the road. Saunders hasn't been too shabby himself with a 4-1 record and an ERA of 3.29. This matchup has been an unders machine as the Under is 21-5 in the last 26 meetings. Also, the Under is 5-1 in the Royals last 6 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5, 6-1 in Greinke's last 7 starts overall, and an impressive 20-5 in Greinke's last 25 starts when his opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game. The Halos are 24-10 Under in May games over the last 2 seasons. Bet the Under tonight.
John Ryan
New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles
Play: Baltimore Orioles
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on the Baltimore orioles as they face the NYY sated to start at 7:05 EST. Supporting this graded play is a strong system that has posted a 79-49 mark making 55.2 units since 2003. Play against all favorites with a money line of -110 or higher with a poor bullpen whose ERA is 4.50 or worse on the season and poor defensive catchers allowing 0.85 + SB's/game on the season. Baltimore is a solid 31-9 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in home games vs. AL teams allowing 6.2 or more runs/game on the season since 1997. Orioles starter Eaton has posted a 17-6 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a marginal losing team sporting a win percentage of 46% to 49% since 1997. Based on the posted total, the NYY are not in a good role for another win tonight. Note that they are 3-12 (-10.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons. Eaton has pitched far better than he once did for the Phillies. He is getting the FB up there at 93 MPH on a consistent basis, which makes his change to left handers far more effective. The does have a very good curve ball and slider for RH batters. Take Baltimore.
New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles
Play: Baltimore Orioles
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on the Baltimore orioles as they face the NYY sated to start at 7:05 EST. Supporting this graded play is a strong system that has posted a 79-49 mark making 55.2 units since 2003. Play against all favorites with a money line of -110 or higher with a poor bullpen whose ERA is 4.50 or worse on the season and poor defensive catchers allowing 0.85 + SB's/game on the season. Baltimore is a solid 31-9 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in home games vs. AL teams allowing 6.2 or more runs/game on the season since 1997. Orioles starter Eaton has posted a 17-6 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a marginal losing team sporting a win percentage of 46% to 49% since 1997. Based on the posted total, the NYY are not in a good role for another win tonight. Note that they are 3-12 (-10.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons. Eaton has pitched far better than he once did for the Phillies. He is getting the FB up there at 93 MPH on a consistent basis, which makes his change to left handers far more effective. The does have a very good curve ball and slider for RH batters. Take Baltimore.
MATT FARGO
Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Indians
PICK: Detroit Tigers
Justin Verlander pitched a gem last night, allowing only two hits and two walks in a complete game shutout. The Indians wasted a solid effort from Cliff Lee as it dropped its second straight game to drop to 11-19 on the season. This includes a 5-8 record at home where the offense has been a virtual no-show. The Indians have scored one run or fewer in five of their last nine games at home, averaging a mere 2.9 rpg over that span. Detroit has been up and down this season but it is maintaining enough to stay above .500 as it sits at 15-13 and trails the Royals by just two games in the American League Central. The offense has hit a lull, scoring three runs or less in four of its last five games but all four of those games came against left-handed starters. Tonight, the Tigers face a struggling righty and that offense should get going once again. Fausto Carmona has had a tough time of it in the early going, allowing four runs or more in five of his sis starts on the season. His ERA sits at 6.11 while his WHIP is 1.58. He has had a solid career against the Tigers, going 6-2 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in nine starts, but he is far from the same pitcher that tossed six quality starts in his first seven outings against Detroit. The Tigers counter with Edwin Jackson who has been up and down but solid for the most part. He has a 3.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in his six starts which is well above average and three of his four career starts against the Indians have been quality efforts. He only has one win this season and that is due to a lack of run support as the Tigers have averaged only 3.1 rpg in his starts. He should get much better support tonight. Detroit is 21-9 in its last 30 road games against teams with a home winning percentage of less than .400 while the Indians are only 8-20 in their last 28 games against right-handed starters. This includes a 7-17 record this season. 3* Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Indians
PICK: Detroit Tigers
Justin Verlander pitched a gem last night, allowing only two hits and two walks in a complete game shutout. The Indians wasted a solid effort from Cliff Lee as it dropped its second straight game to drop to 11-19 on the season. This includes a 5-8 record at home where the offense has been a virtual no-show. The Indians have scored one run or fewer in five of their last nine games at home, averaging a mere 2.9 rpg over that span. Detroit has been up and down this season but it is maintaining enough to stay above .500 as it sits at 15-13 and trails the Royals by just two games in the American League Central. The offense has hit a lull, scoring three runs or less in four of its last five games but all four of those games came against left-handed starters. Tonight, the Tigers face a struggling righty and that offense should get going once again. Fausto Carmona has had a tough time of it in the early going, allowing four runs or more in five of his sis starts on the season. His ERA sits at 6.11 while his WHIP is 1.58. He has had a solid career against the Tigers, going 6-2 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in nine starts, but he is far from the same pitcher that tossed six quality starts in his first seven outings against Detroit. The Tigers counter with Edwin Jackson who has been up and down but solid for the most part. He has a 3.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in his six starts which is well above average and three of his four career starts against the Indians have been quality efforts. He only has one win this season and that is due to a lack of run support as the Tigers have averaged only 3.1 rpg in his starts. He should get much better support tonight. Detroit is 21-9 in its last 30 road games against teams with a home winning percentage of less than .400 while the Indians are only 8-20 in their last 28 games against right-handed starters. This includes a 7-17 record this season. 3* Detroit Tigers
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Houston Astros -115
A win in Game 1 of this 3-game set does a lot for Houston's confidence, and I expect the Astros to take Game 2 to ensure themselves a series win this evening. Moehler is long overdue for a good outing and I expect the Houston sticks to have their way with Correia. While Houston fits in this category itself, the Astros are 27-12 against the money line when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) over the last 2 seasons. The Padres' lineup is not about to put the fear of God into you and they are only 9-27 against the money line in road games after batting .250 or worse over a 20 game span over the last 2 seasons. While Moehler has struggled, the Astros are 4-0 in his last 4 starts as a home favorite. I'll take the 'stros here!
1 Unit on Houston Astros -115
A win in Game 1 of this 3-game set does a lot for Houston's confidence, and I expect the Astros to take Game 2 to ensure themselves a series win this evening. Moehler is long overdue for a good outing and I expect the Houston sticks to have their way with Correia. While Houston fits in this category itself, the Astros are 27-12 against the money line when playing against a bad team (Win Pct. 38% to 46%) over the last 2 seasons. The Padres' lineup is not about to put the fear of God into you and they are only 9-27 against the money line in road games after batting .250 or worse over a 20 game span over the last 2 seasons. While Moehler has struggled, the Astros are 4-0 in his last 4 starts as a home favorite. I'll take the 'stros here!
Scott Rickenbach
Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Mets
PICK: Under 9
With left-hander Paul Maholm getting the start for the Pirates this afternoon, it’s likely that the Mets will have Gary Sheffield and Fernando Tatis in the lineup instead of Ryan Church and Daniel Murphy. Although Church has been struggling, this still weakens the lineup as Sheffield is hitting just .158 this season. Maholm is 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA in five career starts against the Mets. He’s given up two runs or less in four of his six starts this season. John Maine gets the start for the Mets and he’s been solid in compiling a 2.25 ERA in his last two starts after some inconsistency plagued him early this season.
Maine has still shown some control troubles but he’s also proven to be tough to hit and that’s not good news for a struggling Pirates lineup. Pittsburgh has lost six straight on the road and they’ve managed just one homer and hit just .167 in their last four road games. Going back even further, Pittsburgh is hitting just .205 in their last nine games with only three homers. Maine is 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA in five career starts against the Pirates and this one has all the makings of a pitchers duel between Maholm and Maine. Consider a small play on UNDER the total in the New York Mets game early on Saturday!
Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Mets
PICK: Under 9
With left-hander Paul Maholm getting the start for the Pirates this afternoon, it’s likely that the Mets will have Gary Sheffield and Fernando Tatis in the lineup instead of Ryan Church and Daniel Murphy. Although Church has been struggling, this still weakens the lineup as Sheffield is hitting just .158 this season. Maholm is 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA in five career starts against the Mets. He’s given up two runs or less in four of his six starts this season. John Maine gets the start for the Mets and he’s been solid in compiling a 2.25 ERA in his last two starts after some inconsistency plagued him early this season.
Maine has still shown some control troubles but he’s also proven to be tough to hit and that’s not good news for a struggling Pirates lineup. Pittsburgh has lost six straight on the road and they’ve managed just one homer and hit just .167 in their last four road games. Going back even further, Pittsburgh is hitting just .205 in their last nine games with only three homers. Maine is 2-2 with a 2.93 ERA in five career starts against the Pirates and this one has all the makings of a pitchers duel between Maholm and Maine. Consider a small play on UNDER the total in the New York Mets game early on Saturday!
Jeff Benton
For Saturday’s Bonus Play on the diamond, we’ll back the Royals and the incredible Zach Greinke as a slight road favorite at the Angels.
What can I say about Greinke that hasn’t already been said (or that you don’t already know)? The guy has been remarkable, going 6-0 with a 0.40 ERA through six starts, including 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two road outings (that’s right, no runs allowed in 15 innings). And three times in his last four starts, Greinke has gone the distance. You go back to last season, and the right-hander has given up a grand total of three runs (two earned) in his last eight starts. What’s more, those two earned runs came in his final start in April, meaning in seven of his last eight trips to the mound, the guy hasn’t yielded a single freakin’ earned run!
Again, going back to last season, Greinke has delivered 13 quality starts in his last 14 trips to the mound, surrendering a total of 11 earned runs in 95 2/3 innings (1.03 ERA), walking just 19 and striking out 133! To put it simply, the guy is a freak of nature right now.
So why would I not use Greinke as premium selection? Two reasons. He’s NOT going to be able to pitch like this forever and eventually he’s going to run into some trouble, and it could come tonight against a hot-hitting Angels club. I highly doubt it will happen, but it might. More than that, though, the Angels are trotting out lefty Joe Saunders, who has been pretty solid in his own right and the Halos rarely lose when he pitches.
That said, it’s impossible not to make a play on Greinke here, given what he’s done over such a long stretch of time – not to mention the Royals’ recent run of success (8-2 last 10 games) and this cheap number. Kansas City’s the play.
4? KANSAS CITY
For Saturday’s Bonus Play on the diamond, we’ll back the Royals and the incredible Zach Greinke as a slight road favorite at the Angels.
What can I say about Greinke that hasn’t already been said (or that you don’t already know)? The guy has been remarkable, going 6-0 with a 0.40 ERA through six starts, including 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two road outings (that’s right, no runs allowed in 15 innings). And three times in his last four starts, Greinke has gone the distance. You go back to last season, and the right-hander has given up a grand total of three runs (two earned) in his last eight starts. What’s more, those two earned runs came in his final start in April, meaning in seven of his last eight trips to the mound, the guy hasn’t yielded a single freakin’ earned run!
Again, going back to last season, Greinke has delivered 13 quality starts in his last 14 trips to the mound, surrendering a total of 11 earned runs in 95 2/3 innings (1.03 ERA), walking just 19 and striking out 133! To put it simply, the guy is a freak of nature right now.
So why would I not use Greinke as premium selection? Two reasons. He’s NOT going to be able to pitch like this forever and eventually he’s going to run into some trouble, and it could come tonight against a hot-hitting Angels club. I highly doubt it will happen, but it might. More than that, though, the Angels are trotting out lefty Joe Saunders, who has been pretty solid in his own right and the Halos rarely lose when he pitches.
That said, it’s impossible not to make a play on Greinke here, given what he’s done over such a long stretch of time – not to mention the Royals’ recent run of success (8-2 last 10 games) and this cheap number. Kansas City’s the play.
4? KANSAS CITY
Matt Rivers
For Saturday take a shot with the Hawks at home.
I can't quite make this a pay play because there are too many unknown injury issues today with the Hawks but at this home dog price and the way Mike Woodson's team normally mans up at Philips Arena I'll make a small play on them today plus this hefty number.
LeBron and the Cavs are absolutely rolling right now after winning and covering their sixth straight playoff game on Thursday. This team is extremely deep and ready to win an NBA Title. But the road is never easy and if there is any Jekyl and Hyde type team team that can all of a sudden rise to the occasion on their home court it is these Atlanta Hawks. If the Hawks are going to be without Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Marvin Williams obviously this is going to be an ultra tough game to compete in. But more than likely we will see one, if not two of those guys able to play (probably not Johnson though) and in front of their crowd I do think this thing will be competitive.
The first two games in this series were lopsided jokes, there is no denying that at all. But look back at last season and the first two playoff games in Boston were just as pathetic. But then Mike Bibby, Josh Smith and the talented Hawks manned up and gutted out some wins at home. I'm not calling for an outright as this situation may be a bit too tough but with the adrenaline pumping and in more than likely a semi low scoring game I am fine with this number and will expect the Hawks to soar enough in order to grab that cash.
For Saturday take a shot with the Hawks at home.
I can't quite make this a pay play because there are too many unknown injury issues today with the Hawks but at this home dog price and the way Mike Woodson's team normally mans up at Philips Arena I'll make a small play on them today plus this hefty number.
LeBron and the Cavs are absolutely rolling right now after winning and covering their sixth straight playoff game on Thursday. This team is extremely deep and ready to win an NBA Title. But the road is never easy and if there is any Jekyl and Hyde type team team that can all of a sudden rise to the occasion on their home court it is these Atlanta Hawks. If the Hawks are going to be without Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Marvin Williams obviously this is going to be an ultra tough game to compete in. But more than likely we will see one, if not two of those guys able to play (probably not Johnson though) and in front of their crowd I do think this thing will be competitive.
The first two games in this series were lopsided jokes, there is no denying that at all. But look back at last season and the first two playoff games in Boston were just as pathetic. But then Mike Bibby, Josh Smith and the talented Hawks manned up and gutted out some wins at home. I'm not calling for an outright as this situation may be a bit too tough but with the adrenaline pumping and in more than likely a semi low scoring game I am fine with this number and will expect the Hawks to soar enough in order to grab that cash.
