MLB
Write-Up
Sunday, July 10
Hot pitchers
-- WRodriguez is 3-2, 2.90 in his last five starts.
-- Hamels is 6-2, 1.74 in his last ten starts. Lowe is 2-0, 3.18 in his last two starts, 1-1, 1.38 in two starts against Philly this season.
-- Pirates won Maholm's last four home starts (3-0, 1.48).
-- Zimmerman is 3-1, 1.68 in his last seven starts.
-- Stauffer is 3-0, 2.70 in his last three starts.
-- Cain is 3-1, 2.15 in his last four home starts.
-- Sabathia is 5-0, 2.21 in his last five starts.
-- Atkins allowed one run in six IP in his first '11 start, at Texas.
-- Verlander is 6-1, 0.95 in his last seven starts.
-- Swarzak is 1-0, 1.29 in his last two starts, but last one was June 2.
-- FHernandez is 1-1, 2.66 in his last three starts. Haren is 3-0, 1.21 in his last three starts, winning last two 1-0.
Cold pitchers
-- Volstad is 0-5, 5.97 in his last five home starts.
-- Ortiz lost his first '11 start, allowing three runs in six IP.
-- Chacin is 0-2, 8.44 in his last couple starts.
-- Willis is 5-2, 2.63 in 13 starts in AAA this year; he has a big league record of 71-63, 4.12 in 189 career starts, but 2007 was last time he was in a big league rotation. Wolf is 1-2, 6.30 in his last three starts.
-- Duke is 1-3, 6.39 in his last seven starts. JGarcia is 2-2, 4.93 in his last six starts.
-- Lilly is 0-4, 9.15 in his last four starts.
-- Mets lost nine of Pelfrey's eleven road starts.
-- Carrasco is 1-2, 5.68 in his last three starts. Cecil is 0-3, 6.52 in his last three outings.
-- Shields is 0-2, 4.85 in his last couple starts.
-- Weiland is 8-6, 3.00 in 17 AAA starts; this is his big league debut; he was 15-21 in his first three minor league seasons.
-- Peavy is 1-2, 7.59 in his last four starts. Francis is 0-3, 6.33 in his last four outings.
-- Cahill is 2-6, 4.30 in his last 11 starts. Harrison is 2-3, 4.33 in his last six outings.
Totals
Keep in mind two things about today's games:
1) Mets-Giants game is 5pm local start; if its sunny in San Francisco, shadows will be helping the pitchers.
2) Its Getaway Day for players (and coaches and umpires); chances are a few more first pitches than usual might get swung at.
-- Seven of last eight Lowe starts went over the total.
-- Nine of Maholm's ten home starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 11-5-1 in Washington's last seventeen games.
-- Five of last seven Volstad starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Milwaukee games.
-- Four of Duke's five road starts went over the total.
-- Six of Dodgers' last seven home games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in Giants' last nine home games.
-- Seven of last ten Bronx games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Carrasco starts.
-- Over is 13-4-2 in last nineteen games at Fenway Park.
-- Six of last nine Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-1-2 in White Sox' last ten home games.
-- Under is 12-5 in Seattle's last seventeen road games.
-- 10 of last 14 Texas games went over the total.
Hot Teams
-- Phillies won eight of their last twelve games. Braves won 14 of their last 18 games.
-- Pirates won four of their last six games.
-- Marlins won eight of their last ten games.
-- Arizona won six of its last nine games.
-- Dodgers won their last three games, 6-0/1-0/1-0.
-- Mets won eight of their last eleven road games. Giants won 10 of their last 15 games overall.
-- Red Sox won eight of their last nine games.
-- Bronx won nine of its last twelve games. Rays are 6-3 in their last nine road games.
-- Detroit won three of its last four games.
-- Twins won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Rangers won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Angels won 13 of their last 15 games.
Cold Teams
-- Cubs lost 11 of their last 15 road games.
-- Astros also lost 11 of their last 15 road games.
-- Brewers lost eight of last 12 games. Reds lost six of last nine.
-- Washington is 6-9 in its last 15 games. Rockies lost 10 of last 15 games, seven of last nine on road.
-- Cardinals lost six of their last nine home games.
-- Padres lost their last four games, scoring six runs.
-- Blue Jays are 5-8 in their last thirteen games. Indians are 3-4 in their last seven games.
-- Orioles lost 20 of their last 25 road games.
-- Oakland lost 12 of its last 17 games.
-- Kansas City lost eight of its last twelve games.
-- White Sox lost five of their last seven games.
-- Mariners lost their last four games, scoring seven runs.
Umpires
-- Atl-Phil-- Underdogs are 11-5 in last 16 Guccione games.
-- Hst-Fla-- Last four Bucknor games went over the total.
-- Col-Wsh-- Seven of last ten Knight games went over the total.
-- Chi-Pitt-- Five of last six Hirschbeck games went over the total.
-- Cin-Mil-- Under is 11-3 in last 14 Darling games; road team won his last seven games behind the dish, underdogs eight of his last 11.
-- Az-StL-- Underdogs won six of last ten Marquez games.
-- SD-LA-- Favorites won last seven Blaser games.
-- NY-SF-- Visiting team won eight of last twelve Miller games.
-- Tor-Clev-- Seven of last eight Eddings games stayed under total.
-- TB-NY-- Six of last seven Kulpa games stayed under the total.
-- Balt-Bos-- Road team won six of last seven Foster games, with four of last five staying under total.
-- A's-Tex-- Over is 7-1-1 in last nine Kellogg games.
-- Min-Chi-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Vanover games.
-- Det-KC-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Cuzzi games.
-- Sea-LA-- Last ten Davis games all went over the total.
Write-Up
Sunday, July 10
Hot pitchers
-- WRodriguez is 3-2, 2.90 in his last five starts.
-- Hamels is 6-2, 1.74 in his last ten starts. Lowe is 2-0, 3.18 in his last two starts, 1-1, 1.38 in two starts against Philly this season.
-- Pirates won Maholm's last four home starts (3-0, 1.48).
-- Zimmerman is 3-1, 1.68 in his last seven starts.
-- Stauffer is 3-0, 2.70 in his last three starts.
-- Cain is 3-1, 2.15 in his last four home starts.
-- Sabathia is 5-0, 2.21 in his last five starts.
-- Atkins allowed one run in six IP in his first '11 start, at Texas.
-- Verlander is 6-1, 0.95 in his last seven starts.
-- Swarzak is 1-0, 1.29 in his last two starts, but last one was June 2.
-- FHernandez is 1-1, 2.66 in his last three starts. Haren is 3-0, 1.21 in his last three starts, winning last two 1-0.
Cold pitchers
-- Volstad is 0-5, 5.97 in his last five home starts.
-- Ortiz lost his first '11 start, allowing three runs in six IP.
-- Chacin is 0-2, 8.44 in his last couple starts.
-- Willis is 5-2, 2.63 in 13 starts in AAA this year; he has a big league record of 71-63, 4.12 in 189 career starts, but 2007 was last time he was in a big league rotation. Wolf is 1-2, 6.30 in his last three starts.
-- Duke is 1-3, 6.39 in his last seven starts. JGarcia is 2-2, 4.93 in his last six starts.
-- Lilly is 0-4, 9.15 in his last four starts.
-- Mets lost nine of Pelfrey's eleven road starts.
-- Carrasco is 1-2, 5.68 in his last three starts. Cecil is 0-3, 6.52 in his last three outings.
-- Shields is 0-2, 4.85 in his last couple starts.
-- Weiland is 8-6, 3.00 in 17 AAA starts; this is his big league debut; he was 15-21 in his first three minor league seasons.
-- Peavy is 1-2, 7.59 in his last four starts. Francis is 0-3, 6.33 in his last four outings.
-- Cahill is 2-6, 4.30 in his last 11 starts. Harrison is 2-3, 4.33 in his last six outings.
Totals
Keep in mind two things about today's games:
1) Mets-Giants game is 5pm local start; if its sunny in San Francisco, shadows will be helping the pitchers.
2) Its Getaway Day for players (and coaches and umpires); chances are a few more first pitches than usual might get swung at.
-- Seven of last eight Lowe starts went over the total.
-- Nine of Maholm's ten home starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 11-5-1 in Washington's last seventeen games.
-- Five of last seven Volstad starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Milwaukee games.
-- Four of Duke's five road starts went over the total.
-- Six of Dodgers' last seven home games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in Giants' last nine home games.
-- Seven of last ten Bronx games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Carrasco starts.
-- Over is 13-4-2 in last nineteen games at Fenway Park.
-- Six of last nine Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-1-2 in White Sox' last ten home games.
-- Under is 12-5 in Seattle's last seventeen road games.
-- 10 of last 14 Texas games went over the total.
Hot Teams
-- Phillies won eight of their last twelve games. Braves won 14 of their last 18 games.
-- Pirates won four of their last six games.
-- Marlins won eight of their last ten games.
-- Arizona won six of its last nine games.
-- Dodgers won their last three games, 6-0/1-0/1-0.
-- Mets won eight of their last eleven road games. Giants won 10 of their last 15 games overall.
-- Red Sox won eight of their last nine games.
-- Bronx won nine of its last twelve games. Rays are 6-3 in their last nine road games.
-- Detroit won three of its last four games.
-- Twins won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Rangers won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Angels won 13 of their last 15 games.
Cold Teams
-- Cubs lost 11 of their last 15 road games.
-- Astros also lost 11 of their last 15 road games.
-- Brewers lost eight of last 12 games. Reds lost six of last nine.
-- Washington is 6-9 in its last 15 games. Rockies lost 10 of last 15 games, seven of last nine on road.
-- Cardinals lost six of their last nine home games.
-- Padres lost their last four games, scoring six runs.
-- Blue Jays are 5-8 in their last thirteen games. Indians are 3-4 in their last seven games.
-- Orioles lost 20 of their last 25 road games.
-- Oakland lost 12 of its last 17 games.
-- Kansas City lost eight of its last twelve games.
-- White Sox lost five of their last seven games.
-- Mariners lost their last four games, scoring seven runs.
Umpires
-- Atl-Phil-- Underdogs are 11-5 in last 16 Guccione games.
-- Hst-Fla-- Last four Bucknor games went over the total.
-- Col-Wsh-- Seven of last ten Knight games went over the total.
-- Chi-Pitt-- Five of last six Hirschbeck games went over the total.
-- Cin-Mil-- Under is 11-3 in last 14 Darling games; road team won his last seven games behind the dish, underdogs eight of his last 11.
-- Az-StL-- Underdogs won six of last ten Marquez games.
-- SD-LA-- Favorites won last seven Blaser games.
-- NY-SF-- Visiting team won eight of last twelve Miller games.
-- Tor-Clev-- Seven of last eight Eddings games stayed under total.
-- TB-NY-- Six of last seven Kulpa games stayed under the total.
-- Balt-Bos-- Road team won six of last seven Foster games, with four of last five staying under total.
-- A's-Tex-- Over is 7-1-1 in last nine Kellogg games.
-- Min-Chi-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Vanover games.
-- Det-KC-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Cuzzi games.
-- Sea-LA-- Last ten Davis games all went over the total.
FANTASY SPORTS GAMETIME
MLB Baseball Sunday
Play St. Louis (-185) over Arizona (Top Play of the Day)
Starts at 2:15 PM EST
Jaime Garcia has won 8 consecutive games as a favorite of -150 or higher and he has also won 4 of the last 5 day games. Jaime Garcia is 1-0 vs. Arizona over his career with an ERA of 1.80 and he is 5-1 in home games this season with an ERA of 0.94.
Play Detroit (-175) over Kansas City (Top Play of the Day)
Starts at 2:10 PM EST
Justin Verlander has won 30 of the last 36 games as a favorite of -150 or higher and he has also won 24 of the last 31 games vs. division opponents. Justin Verlander is 11-2 vs. Kansas City over his career with an ERA of 2.47 and he has an ERA of 0.79 over the last three overall starts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Play New York Yankees (-160) over Tampa Bay (Bonus)
MLB Baseball Sunday
Play St. Louis (-185) over Arizona (Top Play of the Day)
Starts at 2:15 PM EST
Jaime Garcia has won 8 consecutive games as a favorite of -150 or higher and he has also won 4 of the last 5 day games. Jaime Garcia is 1-0 vs. Arizona over his career with an ERA of 1.80 and he is 5-1 in home games this season with an ERA of 0.94.
Play Detroit (-175) over Kansas City (Top Play of the Day)
Starts at 2:10 PM EST
Justin Verlander has won 30 of the last 36 games as a favorite of -150 or higher and he has also won 24 of the last 31 games vs. division opponents. Justin Verlander is 11-2 vs. Kansas City over his career with an ERA of 2.47 and he has an ERA of 0.79 over the last three overall starts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Play New York Yankees (-160) over Tampa Bay (Bonus)
DAVID MALINSKY
4* BOSTON –1½
Every once in a while it is as much of a case of “Why Not” as “Why” when turning a play, and that is what we have here. After cashing comfortable Run Line tickets in each of the last two nights in this series there is no reason not to stay in play, especially at the underdog return being offered.
At the onset we put these Orioles as one of those classic play-against teams entering the All Star break – a lineup filled with veterans that know that they are heading nowhere, and are looking forward to getting a few days off. They have been outscored by a hideous 54-18 in taking an 0-6 collar at Texas and Boston this week, and with the starters eating only 22.2 IP in that span the bullpen has simply been gassed. Not much of that changes today. We are not sure that Mitch Atkins is much of a prospect, after an uninspiring 2-3/3.21 at AAA in which he only had 29 K’s over 46.1 IP, all the while having more fly-ball outs than ground-ball outs (consider the latter a real danger zone). And while he earned market respect from a decent debut at Texas, the Rangers did bat .320 that night, and he only managed four K’s of the 25 batters he faced.
4* BOSTON –1½
Every once in a while it is as much of a case of “Why Not” as “Why” when turning a play, and that is what we have here. After cashing comfortable Run Line tickets in each of the last two nights in this series there is no reason not to stay in play, especially at the underdog return being offered.
At the onset we put these Orioles as one of those classic play-against teams entering the All Star break – a lineup filled with veterans that know that they are heading nowhere, and are looking forward to getting a few days off. They have been outscored by a hideous 54-18 in taking an 0-6 collar at Texas and Boston this week, and with the starters eating only 22.2 IP in that span the bullpen has simply been gassed. Not much of that changes today. We are not sure that Mitch Atkins is much of a prospect, after an uninspiring 2-3/3.21 at AAA in which he only had 29 K’s over 46.1 IP, all the while having more fly-ball outs than ground-ball outs (consider the latter a real danger zone). And while he earned market respect from a decent debut at Texas, the Rangers did bat .320 that night, and he only managed four K’s of the 25 batters he faced.
SPORTS WAGERS
Tampa Bay +158 over NEW YORK
Congrats to Derek Jeter, the guy did it with pure class in much the same way he’s been his whole career. After a win and a night of celebration, we could catch the Yanks in a letdown spot. Regardless of whether that comes to pass or not, the Rays are still taking back some strong value with James Shields on the hill. When Shields is dealing it he’s one of the best in the business. Everything about this guy is elite. He’s struck out 132 in 135 IP while walking a mere 33 batters. His 2.37 ERA aligns well with his 2.89 xERA and his 1.00 WHIP is also one of games best. Shields is 5-2 on the road with a 2.94 ERA and he recently threw three complete games in a row in which he allowed 12 hits and one earned run in those 27 frames. Only in New York against the Yanks would a price like this be offered on Shields and regardless of the outcome, he’s a must play at this price. C.C. Sabathia needs no introduction. He’s solid, reliable and consistently great. The Yanks have won his last five starts and nine of his last 10. He has now held opposing batters to one run over his last 22.2 innings and he’s going to be tough to score on again. Having said that, expect a low scoring game that could easily be decided by the pens. Again, in such a close match-up among two of the best, the tag and the possible letdown angle is what seals the deal. Definite overlay. Play: Tampa Bay +158 (Risking 2 units).
PITTSBURGH –1½ +162 over Chicago
The musical chairs at the back end of the Cubs rotation continues, as Ramon Ortiz gets another shot here after he held the Nats to three runs (two earned) in six innings. That’s nice, it really is but we’re here to tell you that every ball was scorched and we seriously mean scorched. The problem was they were hit right at people. For the Iowa Cubs, Ortiz allowed 115 hits (.292 BAA) in 99 innings and 12 of those hits went yard. His ERA in the minors this year was 4.45. He was also was in the minors from ’05 to ’07 and he posted ERA’s of 5.46, 5.57 and 5.45 respectively in those three years. Ortiz is 38 years old and he’s a fill in until the Cubs get some healthy bodies back. He was extremely lucky in his season debut, period. The Pirates have been a resilient and strong bounce back club all season long. They’ll get plenty of opportunities to score today in front of what should be another packed house. Paul Maholm has outstanding numbers the first and second time he goes through lineups. Things fall apart for him late in games so if he can find a solution for his late game troubles, his stock will rise fast. Maholm has a strong groundball profile and at PNC Park this year his ERA is 2.02. Laying 1½-runs at home or anywhere is risky and that’s why the price is so high. However, against Ortiz, it’s worth a bet because the Pirates should score five runs or more today. Play: Pittsburgh –1½ +162 (Risking 2 units).
BOSTON –1½ +125 over Baltimore
Battle of minor league call-ups here and a big edge goes to Kyle Weiland of the Red Sox. At Pawtucket this year, Weiland allowed 69 hits in 93 IP for a BAA of .206. He also struck out 99 while walking 37. Weiland has seen his stock rise in '11 thanks to his improved control and consistency in his curveball. He is a tall and lean pitcher with a heavy 88-94 mph fastball that exhibits above average movement and sink. He has added a cutter to his repertoire, which gives hitters another look. Weiland locates his fastball with precision and he can drop in an impressive curveball to register strikeouts. A solid-average change-up rounds out his arsenal and he holds his velocity deep into games. The kid is major-league ready. Mitch Atkins made his season debut in Texas of all places and he allowed one run in six frames. WHAT??!! Don’t get too excited because a repeat performance is unlikely. In need of a spot starter, the Orioles recalled the 25-year-old from Triple-A. Atkins has some Major League time to his credit - 12 IP with the Cubs between '09 and '10 - but he's spent most of the past four seasons in Triple-A. He was originally drafted by Chicago before signing a minor league contract with Baltimore in November '10. Atkins is large and durable. He's able to repeat his high 3/4 delivery consistently, but his fringy stuff doesn't project to anything more than average at the big league level. With an 88-92 mph fastball, cutter, curveball, and changeup, he can mix his pitches effectively, though none are considered out pitches. While he may not walk many batters, Atkins doesn't have polished command or location of his fastball. He is prone to giving up HR’s, as he is a flyball pitcher. He has a career 4.21 ERA in the minors. The Orioles have been outscored 24-7 in the first three games of this series and the onslaught is likely to continue here. Play: Boston –1½ +125 (Risking 2 units).
Tampa Bay +158 over NEW YORK
Congrats to Derek Jeter, the guy did it with pure class in much the same way he’s been his whole career. After a win and a night of celebration, we could catch the Yanks in a letdown spot. Regardless of whether that comes to pass or not, the Rays are still taking back some strong value with James Shields on the hill. When Shields is dealing it he’s one of the best in the business. Everything about this guy is elite. He’s struck out 132 in 135 IP while walking a mere 33 batters. His 2.37 ERA aligns well with his 2.89 xERA and his 1.00 WHIP is also one of games best. Shields is 5-2 on the road with a 2.94 ERA and he recently threw three complete games in a row in which he allowed 12 hits and one earned run in those 27 frames. Only in New York against the Yanks would a price like this be offered on Shields and regardless of the outcome, he’s a must play at this price. C.C. Sabathia needs no introduction. He’s solid, reliable and consistently great. The Yanks have won his last five starts and nine of his last 10. He has now held opposing batters to one run over his last 22.2 innings and he’s going to be tough to score on again. Having said that, expect a low scoring game that could easily be decided by the pens. Again, in such a close match-up among two of the best, the tag and the possible letdown angle is what seals the deal. Definite overlay. Play: Tampa Bay +158 (Risking 2 units).
PITTSBURGH –1½ +162 over Chicago
The musical chairs at the back end of the Cubs rotation continues, as Ramon Ortiz gets another shot here after he held the Nats to three runs (two earned) in six innings. That’s nice, it really is but we’re here to tell you that every ball was scorched and we seriously mean scorched. The problem was they were hit right at people. For the Iowa Cubs, Ortiz allowed 115 hits (.292 BAA) in 99 innings and 12 of those hits went yard. His ERA in the minors this year was 4.45. He was also was in the minors from ’05 to ’07 and he posted ERA’s of 5.46, 5.57 and 5.45 respectively in those three years. Ortiz is 38 years old and he’s a fill in until the Cubs get some healthy bodies back. He was extremely lucky in his season debut, period. The Pirates have been a resilient and strong bounce back club all season long. They’ll get plenty of opportunities to score today in front of what should be another packed house. Paul Maholm has outstanding numbers the first and second time he goes through lineups. Things fall apart for him late in games so if he can find a solution for his late game troubles, his stock will rise fast. Maholm has a strong groundball profile and at PNC Park this year his ERA is 2.02. Laying 1½-runs at home or anywhere is risky and that’s why the price is so high. However, against Ortiz, it’s worth a bet because the Pirates should score five runs or more today. Play: Pittsburgh –1½ +162 (Risking 2 units).
BOSTON –1½ +125 over Baltimore
Battle of minor league call-ups here and a big edge goes to Kyle Weiland of the Red Sox. At Pawtucket this year, Weiland allowed 69 hits in 93 IP for a BAA of .206. He also struck out 99 while walking 37. Weiland has seen his stock rise in '11 thanks to his improved control and consistency in his curveball. He is a tall and lean pitcher with a heavy 88-94 mph fastball that exhibits above average movement and sink. He has added a cutter to his repertoire, which gives hitters another look. Weiland locates his fastball with precision and he can drop in an impressive curveball to register strikeouts. A solid-average change-up rounds out his arsenal and he holds his velocity deep into games. The kid is major-league ready. Mitch Atkins made his season debut in Texas of all places and he allowed one run in six frames. WHAT??!! Don’t get too excited because a repeat performance is unlikely. In need of a spot starter, the Orioles recalled the 25-year-old from Triple-A. Atkins has some Major League time to his credit - 12 IP with the Cubs between '09 and '10 - but he's spent most of the past four seasons in Triple-A. He was originally drafted by Chicago before signing a minor league contract with Baltimore in November '10. Atkins is large and durable. He's able to repeat his high 3/4 delivery consistently, but his fringy stuff doesn't project to anything more than average at the big league level. With an 88-92 mph fastball, cutter, curveball, and changeup, he can mix his pitches effectively, though none are considered out pitches. While he may not walk many batters, Atkins doesn't have polished command or location of his fastball. He is prone to giving up HR’s, as he is a flyball pitcher. He has a career 4.21 ERA in the minors. The Orioles have been outscored 24-7 in the first three games of this series and the onslaught is likely to continue here. Play: Boston –1½ +125 (Risking 2 units).
BIG AL's 25-5 MLB ROADKILL WINNER (18-8 RUN)!
At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Yankees over the Tampa Bay Rays. It's quite possible that the Major League wins leader will not be going to the All Star game. Right now, CC Sabathia is tied with Jair Jurrjens of the Braves at 12 wins, but if he can beat the Rays today, he will be the undisputed leader and he was not chosen for the roster for next Tuesday's game. Sabathia has already had one start since not being named to the team, and he took out his frustration over being snubbed on his former team, the Cleveland Indians, by throwing seven innings of five-hit, shutout ball against them with 11 strikeouts and only two walks as the Yanks went on to an easy 9-2 victory. It was the second straight game that Sabathia has dominated a former team as in the start before that one he shut out the Brewers over 7 2/3 innings with very similar strikeout-to-walk numbers (13:2). To say that the big lefthander is firing on all cylinders right now would be stating the obvious and it couldn't come at a better time for the Yanks, who are locked in battle once again with the Red Sox in what should be one of the best pennant races of the second half. The Rays will have an All-Star starting for them in righthander James Shields but Tampa is 4-12 in Shields' last 16 starts against the Yanks. And Joe Girardi's men are a super 25-5 in day games this season. Take New York. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
At 1:05 pm, our selection is on the New York Yankees over the Tampa Bay Rays. It's quite possible that the Major League wins leader will not be going to the All Star game. Right now, CC Sabathia is tied with Jair Jurrjens of the Braves at 12 wins, but if he can beat the Rays today, he will be the undisputed leader and he was not chosen for the roster for next Tuesday's game. Sabathia has already had one start since not being named to the team, and he took out his frustration over being snubbed on his former team, the Cleveland Indians, by throwing seven innings of five-hit, shutout ball against them with 11 strikeouts and only two walks as the Yanks went on to an easy 9-2 victory. It was the second straight game that Sabathia has dominated a former team as in the start before that one he shut out the Brewers over 7 2/3 innings with very similar strikeout-to-walk numbers (13:2). To say that the big lefthander is firing on all cylinders right now would be stating the obvious and it couldn't come at a better time for the Yanks, who are locked in battle once again with the Red Sox in what should be one of the best pennant races of the second half. The Rays will have an All-Star starting for them in righthander James Shields but Tampa is 4-12 in Shields' last 16 starts against the Yanks. And Joe Girardi's men are a super 25-5 in day games this season. Take New York. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
ON FIRE: BIG AL's BASEBALL TOTAL OF THE MONTH!
At 1:35 pm, our selection is on the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox 'under' the total. The two starters in this game which closes out the first half of the season for both teams have a combined one Major League start and 18 Major League innings among them. Baltimore righthander Mitch Atkins has one start with the Orioles (seven previous relief appearances with the Cubs) and that first Major League start was a good one too, as Atkins threw six innings last Tuesday, allowing just one earned run on four hits against the Rangers. Meanwhile, righthander Kyle Weiland of the Red Sox will be making his MLB debut this afternoon, and Weiland is a guy who was chosen in the third round of the 2008 MLB draft by the Red Sox and has worked his way up through all of the Minor League levels to get to this point and he's had some pretty good results going 8-6 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 17 starts this season at AAA Pawtucket. Baltimore has been having trouble scoring runs lately, having plated more than four runs on just two occasions in their last nine games and we're working with an inflated total of 10.5 runs due to the pitchers' inexperience. Take the 'under.' As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
At 1:35 pm, our selection is on the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox 'under' the total. The two starters in this game which closes out the first half of the season for both teams have a combined one Major League start and 18 Major League innings among them. Baltimore righthander Mitch Atkins has one start with the Orioles (seven previous relief appearances with the Cubs) and that first Major League start was a good one too, as Atkins threw six innings last Tuesday, allowing just one earned run on four hits against the Rangers. Meanwhile, righthander Kyle Weiland of the Red Sox will be making his MLB debut this afternoon, and Weiland is a guy who was chosen in the third round of the 2008 MLB draft by the Red Sox and has worked his way up through all of the Minor League levels to get to this point and he's had some pretty good results going 8-6 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 17 starts this season at AAA Pawtucket. Baltimore has been having trouble scoring runs lately, having plated more than four runs on just two occasions in their last nine games and we're working with an inflated total of 10.5 runs due to the pitchers' inexperience. Take the 'under.' As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
BIG AL's RED-HOT 45-19 MLB HIGH ROLLER WINNER!
At 3:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Angels over the Seattle Mariners. Here's a question for you: Which one of these starters earned a spot in the 2011 All-Star game - the one that is 8-7 with a 3.22 ERA or the one that is 9-5 with a 2.65 ERA? If you guessed the second one, then you're wrong. The first set of numbers are for Seattle's Felix Hernandez, while the second set is for the Angels' Dan Haren, and Haren will either be watching from a couch or out on the golf course next Tuesday while Hernandez is in Arizona participating in the festivities. So do you think Haren has a little extra incentive this afternoon when he goes to mound at home to face the Mariners and King Felix? Of course the fact that Hernandez will be starting this game means that he will be ineligible to pitch in the All Star game anyway. Both starters have pitched well lately, but Haren has one up on Hernandez as he is 3-0 with a 1.21 ERA in his last three vs. King Felix's 1-1 and 2.66. The Angels are 45-19 in the last 64 meetings. Take L.A. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
At 3:35 pm, our selection is on the Los Angeles Angels over the Seattle Mariners. Here's a question for you: Which one of these starters earned a spot in the 2011 All-Star game - the one that is 8-7 with a 3.22 ERA or the one that is 9-5 with a 2.65 ERA? If you guessed the second one, then you're wrong. The first set of numbers are for Seattle's Felix Hernandez, while the second set is for the Angels' Dan Haren, and Haren will either be watching from a couch or out on the golf course next Tuesday while Hernandez is in Arizona participating in the festivities. So do you think Haren has a little extra incentive this afternoon when he goes to mound at home to face the Mariners and King Felix? Of course the fact that Hernandez will be starting this game means that he will be ineligible to pitch in the All Star game anyway. Both starters have pitched well lately, but Haren has one up on Hernandez as he is 3-0 with a 1.21 ERA in his last three vs. King Felix's 1-1 and 2.66. The Angels are 45-19 in the last 64 meetings. Take L.A. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
Rocky Atkinson | MLB Money Line
double-dime bet 977 OAK (+140) betJamaica vs 978 TEX
Oakland @ Texas 3:05 PM EST
Play On: Oakland +140 (Cahill/Harrison) Listed
Analysis:
Oakland bullpen has a 3.07 ERA overall this year and a 3.05 ERA on the road this season. Trevor Cahill is 8-6 with a 3.17 ERA overall this year, 4-2 with a 3.76 ERA on the road this season and 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA his last 3 starts. Cahill is 8-2 with a 2.18 ERA overall vs Texas since 1997 and his team is 9-2 during his starts vs Texas. We'll play Oakland for 2 DIMES today! Thanks and good luck, Rocky
double-dime bet 977 OAK (+140) betJamaica vs 978 TEX
Oakland @ Texas 3:05 PM EST
Play On: Oakland +140 (Cahill/Harrison) Listed
Analysis:
Oakland bullpen has a 3.07 ERA overall this year and a 3.05 ERA on the road this season. Trevor Cahill is 8-6 with a 3.17 ERA overall this year, 4-2 with a 3.76 ERA on the road this season and 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA his last 3 starts. Cahill is 8-2 with a 2.18 ERA overall vs Texas since 1997 and his team is 9-2 during his starts vs Texas. We'll play Oakland for 2 DIMES today! Thanks and good luck, Rocky
