hno:
Chris Jordan
Chicago White Sox at TAMPA BAY (-125)
Unbelievable, as I find myself in un-chartered waters today – taking a team with Edwin Jackson on the hill, and listing him as well. But such is the case in this pitching rematch with John Danks, from April 20, when Chicago won 6-0 in Tampa. Revenge will be sweet for a Devil Rays team that has gone 24-10 since its series with the Sox last month, and that still holds a slim lead over the Red Sox.
Chicago is 5-12 in Danks’ last 17 starts, while it is 5-15 as a road pup in this price range, 0-4 in its last four against the A.L. East and 1-5 in Danks’ last six starts against the A.L. East. On the flipside, Tampa is 8-0 in its last eight at home against winning teams, 21-7 in its last 28 at home, 5-2 in Jackson’s last seven starts at home and 4-1 in its last five against a southpaw.
2♦ RAYS
Chicago White Sox at TAMPA BAY (-125)
Unbelievable, as I find myself in un-chartered waters today – taking a team with Edwin Jackson on the hill, and listing him as well. But such is the case in this pitching rematch with John Danks, from April 20, when Chicago won 6-0 in Tampa. Revenge will be sweet for a Devil Rays team that has gone 24-10 since its series with the Sox last month, and that still holds a slim lead over the Red Sox.
Chicago is 5-12 in Danks’ last 17 starts, while it is 5-15 as a road pup in this price range, 0-4 in its last four against the A.L. East and 1-5 in Danks’ last six starts against the A.L. East. On the flipside, Tampa is 8-0 in its last eight at home against winning teams, 21-7 in its last 28 at home, 5-2 in Jackson’s last seven starts at home and 4-1 in its last five against a southpaw.
2♦ RAYS
Josh Dean
<TABLE id=AutoNumber5 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">A.P. MLB Totals System </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE id=AutoNumber1 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#808080 height=19 cellSpacing=0 borderColorDark=#808080 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#808080 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="27%" height=1>Cws/TB</TD><TD width="48%" height=1>UNDER 8.5</TD><TD width="25%" height=1>[A]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE id=AutoNumber5 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="100%">A.P. MLB Totals System </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE id=AutoNumber1 style="BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" borderColor=#808080 height=19 cellSpacing=0 borderColorDark=#808080 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#c0c0c0 borderColorLight=#808080 border=1><TBODY><TR><TD width="27%" height=1>Cws/TB</TD><TD width="48%" height=1>UNDER 8.5</TD><TD width="25%" height=1>[A]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
System 3 Gm Chase Record: 15-2
Total Profit:+3.6
System 2 Gm Chase Record: 14-3
Total Profit:+4.2
Total Profit:+3.6
System 2 Gm Chase Record: 14-3
Total Profit:+4.2
CHRIS JORDAN FROM BRANDON LANGS SITE
600♦ CUBS (LIST Marquis and Francis) - This could be about as ugly as a blowout could be. I would normally be inclined to lay the chalk in this one, but I honestly believe the run line can get us some extra juice on your bookmaker. The Cubs have been terrorizing teams at Wrigley Field with their offense, yet they come into this one after a three-game home sweep in which the pitching staff allowed a mere three runs. Tied with the Braves for the most home wins this season, Chicago is getting it done offensively by bringing 6.3 runs per game. And with Colorado winless in its last eight and 14 of 16 on the road, I don’t see how the Cubs don’t blow this team out tonight.
Honestly, it looks too good to be true, and though that’s never a good thing, in baseball you have to pick your spots, and that’s a fact with this clash tonight. Normally the team ace, Jeff Francis is 1-5 with a 6.18 ERA on the season and comes into this one after allowing six runs – five in the first inning – in a 9-2 loss to the Mets. And he hasn’t had any luck on the North Side, posting a brutal 9.37 ERA in three starts. Conversely, we’re siding with Jason Marquis, who is in a perfect position to make things right for himself. Though he’s won just one of his last six starts, he is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in his last four starts against Colorado.
100♦ SPURS - I honestly don’t believe the Lakers plan on heading back to San Antonio, and likely have their flight plans set for either Motown or Beantown. But I also don’t think Los Angeles is going to blow this team out like everyone thinks. I’ve been saying this the entire postseason – including Game 7 in New Orleans – the Spurs are the defending World Champs, and they’re not going to go quiet into that gentle night. The only way San Antonio has a chance is to do everything possible to shut down Kobe Bryant. Problem is, by doing that, you give Pau Gasol or Lamar Odom the chance to have a big game. Good thing is, if the strategy works, you keep it under double digits, and make a surge at the end of the game. I will bank on the latter taking place, and the Spurs covering this one, while bowing out in the end.
600♦ CUBS (LIST Marquis and Francis) - This could be about as ugly as a blowout could be. I would normally be inclined to lay the chalk in this one, but I honestly believe the run line can get us some extra juice on your bookmaker. The Cubs have been terrorizing teams at Wrigley Field with their offense, yet they come into this one after a three-game home sweep in which the pitching staff allowed a mere three runs. Tied with the Braves for the most home wins this season, Chicago is getting it done offensively by bringing 6.3 runs per game. And with Colorado winless in its last eight and 14 of 16 on the road, I don’t see how the Cubs don’t blow this team out tonight.
Honestly, it looks too good to be true, and though that’s never a good thing, in baseball you have to pick your spots, and that’s a fact with this clash tonight. Normally the team ace, Jeff Francis is 1-5 with a 6.18 ERA on the season and comes into this one after allowing six runs – five in the first inning – in a 9-2 loss to the Mets. And he hasn’t had any luck on the North Side, posting a brutal 9.37 ERA in three starts. Conversely, we’re siding with Jason Marquis, who is in a perfect position to make things right for himself. Though he’s won just one of his last six starts, he is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in his last four starts against Colorado.
100♦ SPURS - I honestly don’t believe the Lakers plan on heading back to San Antonio, and likely have their flight plans set for either Motown or Beantown. But I also don’t think Los Angeles is going to blow this team out like everyone thinks. I’ve been saying this the entire postseason – including Game 7 in New Orleans – the Spurs are the defending World Champs, and they’re not going to go quiet into that gentle night. The only way San Antonio has a chance is to do everything possible to shut down Kobe Bryant. Problem is, by doing that, you give Pau Gasol or Lamar Odom the chance to have a big game. Good thing is, if the strategy works, you keep it under double digits, and make a surge at the end of the game. I will bank on the latter taking place, and the Spurs covering this one, while bowing out in the end.
<TABLE class=data id=hcFreePicks_tblFreePick><TBODY><TR><TD class=datahead id=hcFreePicks_tdGame>GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers @ New York Mets May 29, 2008 7:10PM</TD></TR><TR id=hcFreePicks_trCapperName><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdCapperName>EXPERT: Marc Lawrence</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdSport>SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdPick>PICK: New York Mets</TD></TR><TR id=hcFreePicks_dLineRow><TD class=datacell>Offered at: -110 5Dimes</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdReason>REASON FOR PICK: Play On: NY Mets w/Vargas vs Penny.
Note: When the Mets play host to the Dodgers in Game One of the series today they do so knowing Brad Penny has dropped 14 of his 20 career team starts in this series.
He's also 1-10 with a 6.35 ERA in his career team starts on this field. With Claudio Vargas in solid current form, look for the Mets to improve to 9-3 the last 12 games at home in this series tonight.
We recommend a 1-unit play on the NY Mets with Vargas vs. Penny.
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Note: When the Mets play host to the Dodgers in Game One of the series today they do so knowing Brad Penny has dropped 14 of his 20 career team starts in this series.
He's also 1-10 with a 6.35 ERA in his career team starts on this field. With Claudio Vargas in solid current form, look for the Mets to improve to 9-3 the last 12 games at home in this series tonight.
We recommend a 1-unit play on the NY Mets with Vargas vs. Penny.
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Stephen Nover:
<TABLE class=data id=hcFreePicks_tblFreePick><TBODY><TR><TD class=datahead id=hcFreePicks_tdGame>GAME: Toronto Blue Jays @ Oakland Athletics May 29, 2008 3:35PM</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdSport>SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdPick>PICK: under</TD></TR><TR id=hcFreePicks_dLineRow><TD class=datacell>Offered at: 8 Sportsbook</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdReason>REASON FOR PICK: The marketplace has been very active on this total. They should be because the oddsmaker has mispriced the 'over/under.' You'll probably have to pay a little extra juice, but getting the Blue Jays-A's 'under' eight is a bargain.
Starting pitchers Jesse Litsch and Dana Eveland don't have big-name reputations. But they've been pitching well, especially Eveland at home. He has a 0.94 home ERA in four starts, holding foes to a .160 batting average. He blanked Toronto last month in 6 1/3 innings. He also is 3-1 in day contests with a 2.05 ERA. The Jays aren't expected to have injured Frank Thomas. The 'under' is 8-1-1 during Eveland's past 10 starts in Oakland.
Litsch has a 2.31 ERA in his last four starts. He's 4-0 in day games with a 1.59 ERA. He's yielded just two runs in 13 innings versus the A's this season.
Both teams are having trouble putting up runs. They've failed to score more than three runs during three of their last four games.
Oakland is a very tough hitter's park. Both teams play excellent defense. Jerry Layne is scheduled to be the home plate umpire. The 'under' has cashed during nine of the 11 times Layne has been behind the plate this season. He has been an 'under' ump for the past three seasons.
Maybe these teams do what they haven't done during the first two games of the series - score lots of runs. But the evidence sure doesn't lead us to that conclusion. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=data id=hcFreePicks_tblFreePick><TBODY><TR><TD class=datahead id=hcFreePicks_tdGame>GAME: Toronto Blue Jays @ Oakland Athletics May 29, 2008 3:35PM</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdSport>SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdPick>PICK: under</TD></TR><TR id=hcFreePicks_dLineRow><TD class=datacell>Offered at: 8 Sportsbook</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdReason>REASON FOR PICK: The marketplace has been very active on this total. They should be because the oddsmaker has mispriced the 'over/under.' You'll probably have to pay a little extra juice, but getting the Blue Jays-A's 'under' eight is a bargain.
Starting pitchers Jesse Litsch and Dana Eveland don't have big-name reputations. But they've been pitching well, especially Eveland at home. He has a 0.94 home ERA in four starts, holding foes to a .160 batting average. He blanked Toronto last month in 6 1/3 innings. He also is 3-1 in day contests with a 2.05 ERA. The Jays aren't expected to have injured Frank Thomas. The 'under' is 8-1-1 during Eveland's past 10 starts in Oakland.
Litsch has a 2.31 ERA in his last four starts. He's 4-0 in day games with a 1.59 ERA. He's yielded just two runs in 13 innings versus the A's this season.
Both teams are having trouble putting up runs. They've failed to score more than three runs during three of their last four games.
Oakland is a very tough hitter's park. Both teams play excellent defense. Jerry Layne is scheduled to be the home plate umpire. The 'under' has cashed during nine of the 11 times Layne has been behind the plate this season. He has been an 'under' ump for the past three seasons.
Maybe these teams do what they haven't done during the first two games of the series - score lots of runs. But the evidence sure doesn't lead us to that conclusion. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Doc
<TABLE class=data id=hcFreePicks_tblFreePick><TBODY><TR><TD class=datahead id=hcFreePicks_tdGame>GAME: Giants (RL) @ Diamondbacks (RL) May 29, 2008 9:40PM</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdSport>SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdPick>PICK: Giants (RL)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdReason>REASON FOR PICK: The Giants have taken the first two games of this series in impressive blowout fashion and expect them to pound the baseball against Randy Johnson. The Snakes are really struggling swinging the bats and the off speed stuff of Barry Zito should keep them frustrated. We all know that Zito has struggled this season but he did record a victory in his last start and has pitched better since being demoted to the bullpen. Johnson is just a 7-8 lifetime pitcher against the Giants and will give up a couple of long balls on Thursday as this is a high scoring game that will only be decided by one run giving us the victory with whomever comes out on top. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=data id=hcFreePicks_tblFreePick><TBODY><TR><TD class=datahead id=hcFreePicks_tdGame>GAME: Giants (RL) @ Diamondbacks (RL) May 29, 2008 9:40PM</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdSport>SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdPick>PICK: Giants (RL)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdReason>REASON FOR PICK: The Giants have taken the first two games of this series in impressive blowout fashion and expect them to pound the baseball against Randy Johnson. The Snakes are really struggling swinging the bats and the off speed stuff of Barry Zito should keep them frustrated. We all know that Zito has struggled this season but he did record a victory in his last start and has pitched better since being demoted to the bullpen. Johnson is just a 7-8 lifetime pitcher against the Giants and will give up a couple of long balls on Thursday as this is a high scoring game that will only be decided by one run giving us the victory with whomever comes out on top. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Larry Ness...Comp
<TABLE class=data id=hcFreePicks_tblFreePick><TBODY><TR><TD class=datahead id=hcFreePicks_tdGame>GAME: Colorado Rockies @ Chicago Cubs May 29, 2008 8:05PM</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdSport>SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdPick>PICK: Chicago Cubs</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdReason>REASON FOR PICK: The Cubs have built their 22-8 home mark mostly by averaging 6.33 RPG in "the friendly confines." However, in sweeping the Dodgers in a three-game series, the Cubs scored a total of just eight runs but the team's pitching staff held the Dodgers to just one run in each game. The Cubs will likely have to score more runs tonight if they want to win because Jason Marquis has won just one of his last six starts and will take a 2-3 mark with a 4.97 ERA into this game. However, he is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in his last four starts against Colorado and the Rockies are nowhere near last year's offensive powerhouse. The Rockies led the NL with a 2.80 team BA in '07, averaging 5.28 RPG. Those numbers are down to .255 and 4.15 RPG this year as Brad Hawpe, Matt Holliday, and Troy Tulowitzki remain out of the lineup. The Rockies have lost eight straight on the road and 14 of their last 16 away from Coors Field. They are 8-19 on the road this season, averaging 3.67 RPG. After 'killing' right-handed pitching in 2007 (70-49 while averaging 5.4 RPG), the Rockies are only 15-26 vs righties this year, averaging just 4.2 RPG. Marquis may be shaky but so is the Colorado lineup he will face. As for Colorado's starter tonight, Jeff Francis is a far cry from the pitcher he was in 2007. Colorado went 22-12 with Francis on the mound last year, as his plus-$1,095 moneyline mark made him MLB's second-biggest "money-maker." He enters this game 1-5 with a 6.18 ERA, as Colorado is 3-7 (minus-$420) in his 10 starts. It won't give Francis any confidence to remind him that he's made three previous starts in Wrigley Field, posting a 9.37 ERA! Take the Cubs.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=data id=hcFreePicks_tblFreePick><TBODY><TR><TD class=datahead id=hcFreePicks_tdGame>GAME: Colorado Rockies @ Chicago Cubs May 29, 2008 8:05PM</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdSport>SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdPick>PICK: Chicago Cubs</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdReason>REASON FOR PICK: The Cubs have built their 22-8 home mark mostly by averaging 6.33 RPG in "the friendly confines." However, in sweeping the Dodgers in a three-game series, the Cubs scored a total of just eight runs but the team's pitching staff held the Dodgers to just one run in each game. The Cubs will likely have to score more runs tonight if they want to win because Jason Marquis has won just one of his last six starts and will take a 2-3 mark with a 4.97 ERA into this game. However, he is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in his last four starts against Colorado and the Rockies are nowhere near last year's offensive powerhouse. The Rockies led the NL with a 2.80 team BA in '07, averaging 5.28 RPG. Those numbers are down to .255 and 4.15 RPG this year as Brad Hawpe, Matt Holliday, and Troy Tulowitzki remain out of the lineup. The Rockies have lost eight straight on the road and 14 of their last 16 away from Coors Field. They are 8-19 on the road this season, averaging 3.67 RPG. After 'killing' right-handed pitching in 2007 (70-49 while averaging 5.4 RPG), the Rockies are only 15-26 vs righties this year, averaging just 4.2 RPG. Marquis may be shaky but so is the Colorado lineup he will face. As for Colorado's starter tonight, Jeff Francis is a far cry from the pitcher he was in 2007. Colorado went 22-12 with Francis on the mound last year, as his plus-$1,095 moneyline mark made him MLB's second-biggest "money-maker." He enters this game 1-5 with a 6.18 ERA, as Colorado is 3-7 (minus-$420) in his 10 starts. It won't give Francis any confidence to remind him that he's made three previous starts in Wrigley Field, posting a 9.37 ERA! Take the Cubs.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Matt Fargo:
<TABLE class=data id=hcFreePicks_tblFreePick><TBODY><TR><TD class=datahead id=hcFreePicks_tdGame>GAME: Minnesota Twins @ Kansas City Royals May 29, 2008 8:10PM</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdSport>SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdPick>PICK: Minnesota Twins</TD></TR><TR id=hcFreePicks_dLineRow><TD class=datacell>Offered at: 100 Sportsbook</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdReason>REASON FOR PICK: There is no reason to jump off Minnesota now. The Twins continue to hang around in the American League Central despite what was to be a rebuilding season. They are 27-25 and trail the White Sox by just two games in the division. Minnesota took two of three in Detroit in the first series of this roadtrip and it has won three straight after taking the first two games of this set. The Twins have been division killers, winning 12 of their last 15 within the Central and they have taken six of the first eight from Kansas City this year.
Kansas City is playing some of the worst baseball in the league as it has dropped 10 straight games which is the league’s longest active losing skid. The Royals were just a game under .500 but now they possess the 4th worst record in baseball. Hitting has been horrendous as they are batting just .232 over their last 10 games. Even worse has been the pitching as Kansas City has allowed six runs or more in nine of its last 13 games. Even though they are not huge chalk like the last two nights, it is still a ridiculous number.
The Twins send Kevin Slowey to the hill who is coming off his first win of the season. He allowed no runs on four hits in six innings against the Tigers. It was his 4th start since coming back from the disabled list and easily his best and his longest. He has an ERA of 4.21 which is average but more importantly here is the fact that he has a WHIP of 1.17 showing he does not allow baserunners. Giving up the long ball has been his problem with six allowed but the Royals are dead last in baseball with a mere 26 dingers.
It has been an up and down start for Luke Hochevar. He tossed three quality outings in a four-game span but his last two starts were not nearly as effective. He allowed four earned runs in six innings in both of his last two starts as the Royals were outscored 13-0 in those contests. He has now allowed four earned runs in three of his last four starts while posting a 1.40 WHIP. The Twins are hitting .287 against righties over their last 10 games and have won four straight against right-handed starters. Play Minnesota Twins 1.5 Units
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<TABLE class=data id=hcFreePicks_tblFreePick><TBODY><TR><TD class=datahead id=hcFreePicks_tdGame>GAME: Minnesota Twins @ Kansas City Royals May 29, 2008 8:10PM</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdSport>SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdPick>PICK: Minnesota Twins</TD></TR><TR id=hcFreePicks_dLineRow><TD class=datacell>Offered at: 100 Sportsbook</TD></TR><TR><TD class=datacell id=hcFreePicks_tdReason>REASON FOR PICK: There is no reason to jump off Minnesota now. The Twins continue to hang around in the American League Central despite what was to be a rebuilding season. They are 27-25 and trail the White Sox by just two games in the division. Minnesota took two of three in Detroit in the first series of this roadtrip and it has won three straight after taking the first two games of this set. The Twins have been division killers, winning 12 of their last 15 within the Central and they have taken six of the first eight from Kansas City this year.
Kansas City is playing some of the worst baseball in the league as it has dropped 10 straight games which is the league’s longest active losing skid. The Royals were just a game under .500 but now they possess the 4th worst record in baseball. Hitting has been horrendous as they are batting just .232 over their last 10 games. Even worse has been the pitching as Kansas City has allowed six runs or more in nine of its last 13 games. Even though they are not huge chalk like the last two nights, it is still a ridiculous number.
The Twins send Kevin Slowey to the hill who is coming off his first win of the season. He allowed no runs on four hits in six innings against the Tigers. It was his 4th start since coming back from the disabled list and easily his best and his longest. He has an ERA of 4.21 which is average but more importantly here is the fact that he has a WHIP of 1.17 showing he does not allow baserunners. Giving up the long ball has been his problem with six allowed but the Royals are dead last in baseball with a mere 26 dingers.
It has been an up and down start for Luke Hochevar. He tossed three quality outings in a four-game span but his last two starts were not nearly as effective. He allowed four earned runs in six innings in both of his last two starts as the Royals were outscored 13-0 in those contests. He has now allowed four earned runs in three of his last four starts while posting a 1.40 WHIP. The Twins are hitting .287 against righties over their last 10 games and have won four straight against right-handed starters. Play Minnesota Twins 1.5 Units
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