Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) - 7:10 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Total: 8.5/-117 Under Play Title: Wednesday's MLB Top Total Play
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These teams have been under machines recently. The Yankees have had tremendous problems scoring, while Tampa Bay’s starting and relief pitching have completely shutdown teams. The Ray’s best starter, Scott Shields, gets the start today. He has allowed only 0.78 baserunners per inning in his last three starts, while going 21 innings total in those outings. He has also only allowed 13 hits while posting a 2.91 ERA in his last three starts. Mike Mussina has also pitched very well, as he has been able to establish a different approach to pitching as he has become older. His location has been outstanding, and he has approached each start with a terrific game plan. In the eight games these teams have played against each other this season, the under has gone 6-2. I look for another low scoring game today. The under has gone 8-1 in the Yankees last nine games and 5-2 in the Rays last seven games. Look for a low scoring game tonight.
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs (MLB) - 8:05 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Money Line: -116 Chicago Cubs Play Title: NL Moneyline Play of the Night
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Chicago is one of the best home teams in baseball with a record of 15-7 at Wrigley Field. The Cubs are unbeatable at home when they face struggling opposing pitchers, as their offense is able to really crush them. Jake Peavy hasn’t had his best stuff recently. Ted Lilly has pitched very well at home recently, as most of the Cubs pitchers have done. He has allowed teams to less than one base runner per inning and posted a 2.70 ERA in his last three starts. He has allowed only 13 hits and gone 20 innings total in those starts. San Diego also hits significantly worse against left handed pitching. Chicago is hitting .300 at home against right handed pitching this season. They will hit Peavy and the Padres bullpen hard enough to get an easy win.
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Boston Celtics (NBA) - 8:05 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Total: 176/-109 Under Play Title: Cavs/Celtics Top Play
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These teams have become very predictable in the playoffs, but especially in this series. Boston’s defense is significantly better at home than on the road. They have limited Cleveland to below 80 points in both games at home, while allowing them to average well over 80 points in both road games. Boston’s offense has been fairly stagnant though, as they haven’t had any breakout performances in this series. The reason for their low scoring offense is that Cleveland is a decent defensive team, and they play a slower paced style, similar to Boston. The Celtics don’t get as many chances to score against Cleveland as opposed to other teams. I expect Boston to really ratchet down on defense tonight, and this game will be played at a slow enough pace to go under the total.
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers (NBA) - 10:35 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Point Spread: 8.5/-107 Utah Jazz Play Title: Jazz/Lakers Top Play
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Kobe Bryant is dealing with significant back pain going into game four. His ailing back is going to play a substantial role in this game. Bryant is the catalyst to the Lakers, and the younger role players feed off his play. Utah has become accustomed to playing in Los Angeles after games 1 and 2. In both of those games the Jazz fell behind early but showed resiliency in almost covering in both games. After winning two straight games and having much more confidence, I don’t expect them to fall behind by such a significant margin in the first two quarters. In addition, as the game goes on, Bryant will not be as effective with his injury. The Jazz will play him very physical as in games three and four. I look for this game to be very close and come down to the wire.
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona D-Backs (MLB) - 9:40 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Point Spread: -1.5/129 Arizona D-Backs Play Title: NL Late Addition
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Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals (MLB) - 8:10 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Total: 9/-115 Under Play Title: AL Late Addition