Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Sport: MLB Baseball
Game: Texas Rangers @ Detroit Tigers - Friday April 10, 2009 1:05 pm
Pick: 3 units MONEYLINE: Texas Rangers +130
Texas is going to be an excellent money making team for baseball bettors over the first month of the season. They have one of the best, if not the best, line-up in baseball and have already crushed opposing pitchers this season. They scored 29 runs in their series against Cleveland, and now they get to face a struggling Detroit bullpen. The Tigers bullpen is going to have significant problems while they wait for Joel Zumaya to return. Texas also has the advantage of getting a motivated Kris Benson to take the mound for the start. Benson hasn’t seen action since the 2006 season due to injuries and struggles. However, he appears to be over those problems and pitched well in Spring Training. I look for Texas to continue their momentum and hot hitting in this game. The Rangers have the vastly better line-up, and Detroit’s line-up hasn’t seen Benson’s stuff in almost three years. Look for the Tigers bullpen to get shelled in the last three innings, as they won’t let quality young starter Armando Gallaraga see extensive action in this game.
3 UNIT SELECTION
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Sport: MLB Baseball
Game: Texas Rangers @ Detroit Tigers - Friday April 10, 2009 1:05 pm
Pick: 3 units MONEYLINE: Texas Rangers +130
Texas is going to be an excellent money making team for baseball bettors over the first month of the season. They have one of the best, if not the best, line-up in baseball and have already crushed opposing pitchers this season. They scored 29 runs in their series against Cleveland, and now they get to face a struggling Detroit bullpen. The Tigers bullpen is going to have significant problems while they wait for Joel Zumaya to return. Texas also has the advantage of getting a motivated Kris Benson to take the mound for the start. Benson hasn’t seen action since the 2006 season due to injuries and struggles. However, he appears to be over those problems and pitched well in Spring Training. I look for Texas to continue their momentum and hot hitting in this game. The Rangers have the vastly better line-up, and Detroit’s line-up hasn’t seen Benson’s stuff in almost three years. Look for the Tigers bullpen to get shelled in the last three innings, as they won’t let quality young starter Armando Gallaraga see extensive action in this game.
3 UNIT SELECTION
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Who will cover
Tampa Bay at BALTIMORE (+120) By Bobby Maxwell, Featured Handicapper
We delivered you a FREE winner on the diamond Thursday as the Giants got an easy win over the Brewers at home. Today we've got another comp winner on the Orioles as they host the Rays in Baltimore.
Both these teams had successful opening series to begin the season with the Rays going to Boston and taking two of three while the Orioles took two of three at home against the Yankees.
While the Rays have won 12 in a row in this rivalry, we like the makeup of this young Baltimore squad. They have speed, defense and decent pitching. They need a little more pop in the lineup but these guys are going to make some noise in this A.L. East.
Mark Hendrickson is on the mound for the Orioles tonight after going 7-8 for the Marlins last season. He should be familiar with the Rays as he pitched for them in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He did most of his work out of the bullpen last year for the Marlins but didn't allow a run in eight of his last nine appearances.
Andy Sonnanstine was 13-9 last year for the Rays with a 4.38 ERA and he got hti pretty hard at the end of last season, giving up three earned runs or more in three of his last four starts, including his World Series outing when he gave up five runs in four innings of their 10-2 loss.
The Rays are just 5-13 in their last 18 roadies against left-handers and 0-4 when they are a road favorite. Play the Orioles in this one at home.
3? BALTIMORE
NY Mets at FLORIDA (+110) By Drew Gordon, Featured Handicapper
Solid Bonus Play winner on the Giants over the Brewers 7-1 Thursday, as part of my 3-0 Sweep (incl. paid & Bonus Plays) across the board! Another Free baseball winner goes Friday...
Fish have come out of the gate hot, and after watching the Mets John Maine struggle through the Spring, I'm liking the plus money in this one! First things first, many thought the Marlins would see a drop-off after shedding some of their bigger bats in the offseason, but that has not been the case. Both team leaders, Ramirez and Uggla, have been great, but its been newcomer Emilion Bonafacio that's been the difference. Both he and Cameron Maybin give the Fish tremendous speed on the bases, and its translated into 3 straight wins and helped the Marlins average a gaudy 8+ runs a game early on!
Now of course, we don't want to get too carried away with 3 straight wins over the sorry-ass Nationals, but there's more reasons than that to like the Fish tonight. I did not like what I saw from John Maine in the Spring, posting an ugly 6.65 ERA in 6 appearances. He's fresh off a tough shoulder injury, and I'm just not comfortable backing him against a hot-hitting Marlins club in this one. Yes, I know he has solid numbers against Florida, but until he proves he's 100% I'm not buying what he's selling.
One player the Marlins are expecting a lot out of this season is righty Anibal Sanchez, who's been injury-riddled throughout his short, but promising career. Unlike Maine, Sanchez is coming in relatively healthy & one season removed from his shoulder surgery. He's 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 3 career starts against the Mets, and despite joining the rotation late last season, he was clearly much more comfortable at home, going 2-2 with a 4.28 ERA in 6 starts. In the end, there's simply too much value to ignore the Marlins in this spot, as they take care of business at home Friday night.
Take Florida behind Sanchez over the NY Mets and Maine in this MLB match up.
2? FLORIDA
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Tampa Bay at BALTIMORE (+120) By Bobby Maxwell, Featured Handicapper
We delivered you a FREE winner on the diamond Thursday as the Giants got an easy win over the Brewers at home. Today we've got another comp winner on the Orioles as they host the Rays in Baltimore.
Both these teams had successful opening series to begin the season with the Rays going to Boston and taking two of three while the Orioles took two of three at home against the Yankees.
While the Rays have won 12 in a row in this rivalry, we like the makeup of this young Baltimore squad. They have speed, defense and decent pitching. They need a little more pop in the lineup but these guys are going to make some noise in this A.L. East.
Mark Hendrickson is on the mound for the Orioles tonight after going 7-8 for the Marlins last season. He should be familiar with the Rays as he pitched for them in 2004, 2005 and 2006. He did most of his work out of the bullpen last year for the Marlins but didn't allow a run in eight of his last nine appearances.
Andy Sonnanstine was 13-9 last year for the Rays with a 4.38 ERA and he got hti pretty hard at the end of last season, giving up three earned runs or more in three of his last four starts, including his World Series outing when he gave up five runs in four innings of their 10-2 loss.
The Rays are just 5-13 in their last 18 roadies against left-handers and 0-4 when they are a road favorite. Play the Orioles in this one at home.
3? BALTIMORE
NY Mets at FLORIDA (+110) By Drew Gordon, Featured Handicapper
Solid Bonus Play winner on the Giants over the Brewers 7-1 Thursday, as part of my 3-0 Sweep (incl. paid & Bonus Plays) across the board! Another Free baseball winner goes Friday...
Fish have come out of the gate hot, and after watching the Mets John Maine struggle through the Spring, I'm liking the plus money in this one! First things first, many thought the Marlins would see a drop-off after shedding some of their bigger bats in the offseason, but that has not been the case. Both team leaders, Ramirez and Uggla, have been great, but its been newcomer Emilion Bonafacio that's been the difference. Both he and Cameron Maybin give the Fish tremendous speed on the bases, and its translated into 3 straight wins and helped the Marlins average a gaudy 8+ runs a game early on!
Now of course, we don't want to get too carried away with 3 straight wins over the sorry-ass Nationals, but there's more reasons than that to like the Fish tonight. I did not like what I saw from John Maine in the Spring, posting an ugly 6.65 ERA in 6 appearances. He's fresh off a tough shoulder injury, and I'm just not comfortable backing him against a hot-hitting Marlins club in this one. Yes, I know he has solid numbers against Florida, but until he proves he's 100% I'm not buying what he's selling.
One player the Marlins are expecting a lot out of this season is righty Anibal Sanchez, who's been injury-riddled throughout his short, but promising career. Unlike Maine, Sanchez is coming in relatively healthy & one season removed from his shoulder surgery. He's 2-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 3 career starts against the Mets, and despite joining the rotation late last season, he was clearly much more comfortable at home, going 2-2 with a 4.28 ERA in 6 starts. In the end, there's simply too much value to ignore the Marlins in this spot, as they take care of business at home Friday night.
Take Florida behind Sanchez over the NY Mets and Maine in this MLB match up.
2? FLORIDA
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HalfBets.com
Looks like SSG has been undefeated in premium MLB so far this week and they have another GUARANTEED winner on Halfbets. Here is the play. They also have some free picks up but you can check those out yourself.
Philadelphia v. Colorado 4pm
PICK: OVER 9.5 -110 (5*)
Bonus PICK: Philly -135 (2*)
Looks like SSG has been undefeated in premium MLB so far this week and they have another GUARANTEED winner on Halfbets. Here is the play. They also have some free picks up but you can check those out yourself.
Philadelphia v. Colorado 4pm
PICK: OVER 9.5 -110 (5*)
Bonus PICK: Philly -135 (2*)
Rocky Atkinson
Toronto @ Cleveland 4:05 PM EST
Play On: Cleveland (Richmond/Lewis) Listed
Toronto is 9-22 the past 3 years as a road underdog of +125 to +150. Cleveland is 10-3 overall vs Toronto the past 3 years including 6-1 at home vs Toronto the past 3 years. Richmond is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA vs Cleveland since 1997. Blue Jays are 3-7 in their last 10 games following a win. Blue Jays are 2-6 in their last 8 Friday games. Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 games as an underdog. Indians are 6-0 in their last 6 home games. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 Friday games. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Indians are 6-2 in their last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Indians are 5-2 in their last 7 games as a favorite of -151 to -200. Indians are 25-10 in their last 35 during game 1 of a series. Indians are 45-19 in their last 64 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200. Indians are 4-0 in Lewis' last 4 starts. Indians are 4-0 in Lewis' last 4 starts on grass. Blue Jays are 7-23 in the last 30 meetings. Blue Jays are 2-15 in the last 17 meetings in Cleveland. We'll recommend a small play on Cleveland today! Thanks and good luck, Rocky
Toronto @ Cleveland 4:05 PM EST
Play On: Cleveland (Richmond/Lewis) Listed
Toronto is 9-22 the past 3 years as a road underdog of +125 to +150. Cleveland is 10-3 overall vs Toronto the past 3 years including 6-1 at home vs Toronto the past 3 years. Richmond is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA vs Cleveland since 1997. Blue Jays are 3-7 in their last 10 games following a win. Blue Jays are 2-6 in their last 8 Friday games. Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 games as an underdog. Indians are 6-0 in their last 6 home games. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 Friday games. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 home games with the total set at 9.0-10.5. Indians are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Indians are 6-2 in their last 8 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game. Indians are 5-2 in their last 7 games as a favorite of -151 to -200. Indians are 25-10 in their last 35 during game 1 of a series. Indians are 45-19 in their last 64 games as a home favorite of -151 to -200. Indians are 4-0 in Lewis' last 4 starts. Indians are 4-0 in Lewis' last 4 starts on grass. Blue Jays are 7-23 in the last 30 meetings. Blue Jays are 2-15 in the last 17 meetings in Cleveland. We'll recommend a small play on Cleveland today! Thanks and good luck, Rocky
John Ryan
Money Line: 140 Edmonton Oilers
Ai Simulator 7* graded play on Edmonton as they face Calgary slated to start at 9:05 EST. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 27-14 making 20 units since 2003. Play against road favorites of -200 or less against the money line and is a good closing team outscoring opposition by 0.2+ goals/game in third period in the 2nd half of the season and after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game. Edmonton is 12-3 against the money line (+11.4 Units) revenging a close loss versus opponent of 1 goal or less this season. Take Edmonton.
Money Line: 140 Edmonton Oilers
Ai Simulator 7* graded play on Edmonton as they face Calgary slated to start at 9:05 EST. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 27-14 making 20 units since 2003. Play against road favorites of -200 or less against the money line and is a good closing team outscoring opposition by 0.2+ goals/game in third period in the 2nd half of the season and after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game. Edmonton is 12-3 against the money line (+11.4 Units) revenging a close loss versus opponent of 1 goal or less this season. Take Edmonton.
David Malinsky
4-10-09
Dodgers/D-Backs OVER 10
On a breezy spring evening in Phoenix in which the Chase Roof will be open we see the potential for two under-achieving offenses to have a break-out here, with the starting pitchers and middle relievers (the latter in play because of the former) obliging.
Jon Garland gets more respect than he deserves from the marketplace off of seven straight seasons of double-figure wins, but while he only turns 30 this September, the fact that he worked at least 190 innings in each of those seasons has already taken a toll. The Angels did not try all that hard to re-sign him after his 14-8/4.90 from LY, seeing what the White Sox did the previous season – a guy that has to survive on guile, because he can no longer miss bats. A 24-21 record the past two seasons can not hide the fact that he allowed an awful ratio of 456 hits vs. only 188 strikeouts in that span. Less than half of his starters with the Angels registered for the “Quality” tag LY, and his penchant for getting too many balls hit in the air does not make him conducive to success in this environment. We saw that already this spring, with his 1-3/6.23 in the Cactus League.
Meanwhile James McDonald gets the call from the Dodgers because they do not have a Garland, some veteran that could go out and eat early-season innings while the young prospect develops. McDonald opens in The Show despite only working 22.1 innings at AAA and six in the Majors in his young career, and there was nothing in his 5.03 over 19.2 spring innings that shows that he is ready to be a part of this rotation yet. Of particular concern for tonight’s matchup are extremely high fly-ball tendencies through his Minor League outings. They will likely keep him on a pitch count in the early going, which forces the middle relief corps into play, and Joe Torre lacks a couple of options from that unit tonight, with Corey Wade unlikely to be available after working back-to-back games, and three in four at San Diego, while Ronald Belisario is also doubtful to be an option after throwing 32 Thursday pitches.
4-10-09
Dodgers/D-Backs OVER 10
On a breezy spring evening in Phoenix in which the Chase Roof will be open we see the potential for two under-achieving offenses to have a break-out here, with the starting pitchers and middle relievers (the latter in play because of the former) obliging.
Jon Garland gets more respect than he deserves from the marketplace off of seven straight seasons of double-figure wins, but while he only turns 30 this September, the fact that he worked at least 190 innings in each of those seasons has already taken a toll. The Angels did not try all that hard to re-sign him after his 14-8/4.90 from LY, seeing what the White Sox did the previous season – a guy that has to survive on guile, because he can no longer miss bats. A 24-21 record the past two seasons can not hide the fact that he allowed an awful ratio of 456 hits vs. only 188 strikeouts in that span. Less than half of his starters with the Angels registered for the “Quality” tag LY, and his penchant for getting too many balls hit in the air does not make him conducive to success in this environment. We saw that already this spring, with his 1-3/6.23 in the Cactus League.
Meanwhile James McDonald gets the call from the Dodgers because they do not have a Garland, some veteran that could go out and eat early-season innings while the young prospect develops. McDonald opens in The Show despite only working 22.1 innings at AAA and six in the Majors in his young career, and there was nothing in his 5.03 over 19.2 spring innings that shows that he is ready to be a part of this rotation yet. Of particular concern for tonight’s matchup are extremely high fly-ball tendencies through his Minor League outings. They will likely keep him on a pitch count in the early going, which forces the middle relief corps into play, and Joe Torre lacks a couple of options from that unit tonight, with Corey Wade unlikely to be available after working back-to-back games, and three in four at San Diego, while Ronald Belisario is also doubtful to be an option after throwing 32 Thursday pitches.
Ted Sevransky
2* Toronto Raptors -6.5
The betting marketplace seems to be very concerned about whether Gilbert Arenas is going to play for the Washington Wizards; or Brendan Haywood or Nick Young or Caron Butler or any of the other banged up guys on Ed Tapscott’s roster. These injuries are completely irrelevant to Washington ’s performance, and savvy bettors are ignoring them completely.
The reality is that the Wizards are a team struggling with effort issues right now. In most ‘normal’ games, the Wizards are a bottom feeder team playing out the string, a very easy ‘bet against’ squad. Every once in a while, Washington has something special to play for, like a Barack Obama visit to the Verizon Center or a national TV game against the same Cavaliers team that knocked them out of the playoffs in each of the last three years. In those two games, Washington covered the spread by more than 40 points.
However, in their ‘ordinary’ games, the Wizards couldn’t care less. We’re getting value betting against Washington because the marketplace over-reacting to the injury issues and the outlier performances. That gives us a solid opportunity to confidently bet against Washington here as they travel to Toronto to take on the suddenly resurgent Raptors; winners of six of their last nine. 2* Take Toronto.
2* Toronto Raptors -6.5
The betting marketplace seems to be very concerned about whether Gilbert Arenas is going to play for the Washington Wizards; or Brendan Haywood or Nick Young or Caron Butler or any of the other banged up guys on Ed Tapscott’s roster. These injuries are completely irrelevant to Washington ’s performance, and savvy bettors are ignoring them completely.
The reality is that the Wizards are a team struggling with effort issues right now. In most ‘normal’ games, the Wizards are a bottom feeder team playing out the string, a very easy ‘bet against’ squad. Every once in a while, Washington has something special to play for, like a Barack Obama visit to the Verizon Center or a national TV game against the same Cavaliers team that knocked them out of the playoffs in each of the last three years. In those two games, Washington covered the spread by more than 40 points.
However, in their ‘ordinary’ games, the Wizards couldn’t care less. We’re getting value betting against Washington because the marketplace over-reacting to the injury issues and the outlier performances. That gives us a solid opportunity to confidently bet against Washington here as they travel to Toronto to take on the suddenly resurgent Raptors; winners of six of their last nine. 2* Take Toronto.
Red Dog Sports
NY Yankees at Kansas City
Play KC ROYALS (+150)
The Yankees FINALLY got their first win of the new season yesterday at Baltimore but New York was only 5-5 against these Royals last year. Kansas City was 36-25 versus left-handed pitchers last year, averaging over 5 runs per game, and the Royals actually beat the Yankees to start last year 5-2 and 4-0 in their first two home games of 2008. Sidney Ponson starts for the Royals and he would love to beat his former team. Play the underdog Royals at home!
NY Yankees at Kansas City
Play KC ROYALS (+150)
The Yankees FINALLY got their first win of the new season yesterday at Baltimore but New York was only 5-5 against these Royals last year. Kansas City was 36-25 versus left-handed pitchers last year, averaging over 5 runs per game, and the Royals actually beat the Yankees to start last year 5-2 and 4-0 in their first two home games of 2008. Sidney Ponson starts for the Royals and he would love to beat his former team. Play the underdog Royals at home!
LT Profits comp
Derek Lowe was masterful in his Atlanta Braves debut on Sunday night, and a repeat performance should key a safe Under in the Atlanta home opener vs. the Washington Nationals tonight.
Lowe looked to be in midseason form, as he allowed just two hits and walked nobody in eight scoreless innings vs. the Phillies in a stadium that usually strongly favors the hitters. Lowe comes off of arguably the best season of his career last year, and if Sunday was any indication, he has not missed a step this year.
He has also pitched sensationally vs. the Nationals in recent years. He faced Washington twice last year, allowing a total of two runs and seven hits in 16 innings with just two walks. He also allowed three hits in seven scoreless innings in one of his two starts vs. the Nats two years ago, and he should have continued success here vs. a Washington lineup that is hitting just .219 vs. right-handers in the early going this season.
Young Shairon Martis pitched credibly for Washington after his September call-up last year, allowing three runs or less in three of his four starts. One of those outings came vs. these Braves, where he allowed two runs and four hits, albeit in only five innings. His stamina is questionable, but that may not necessarily be a bad thing here as the bullpen is a strength for the Nationals.
Look for Washington to get practically nothing against Lowe here, and for Martis and the Washington bullpen to keep the Atlanta bats in check enough for a sage Under.
Nationals/Braves Under 8.5
Derek Lowe was masterful in his Atlanta Braves debut on Sunday night, and a repeat performance should key a safe Under in the Atlanta home opener vs. the Washington Nationals tonight.
Lowe looked to be in midseason form, as he allowed just two hits and walked nobody in eight scoreless innings vs. the Phillies in a stadium that usually strongly favors the hitters. Lowe comes off of arguably the best season of his career last year, and if Sunday was any indication, he has not missed a step this year.
He has also pitched sensationally vs. the Nationals in recent years. He faced Washington twice last year, allowing a total of two runs and seven hits in 16 innings with just two walks. He also allowed three hits in seven scoreless innings in one of his two starts vs. the Nats two years ago, and he should have continued success here vs. a Washington lineup that is hitting just .219 vs. right-handers in the early going this season.
Young Shairon Martis pitched credibly for Washington after his September call-up last year, allowing three runs or less in three of his four starts. One of those outings came vs. these Braves, where he allowed two runs and four hits, albeit in only five innings. His stamina is questionable, but that may not necessarily be a bad thing here as the bullpen is a strength for the Nationals.
Look for Washington to get practically nothing against Lowe here, and for Martis and the Washington bullpen to keep the Atlanta bats in check enough for a sage Under.
Nationals/Braves Under 8.5
