Wednesday: Finally broke through with a 6-0 day, about +9 units. One of these days I'll update my record. The A's face Tanaka tomorrow, with Pomeranz possibly continuing his slide back to earth- no play- but the Yankees are in trouble. And the A's, are they the best in the MLB? Right now, I'd say yes.
St. Louis -118 ML. 3 units. Really happy to get a reasonable ML bet on this. Ventura had "elbow discomfort" last start, was pulled early, missed a start and now gives it a go. You can bet the Royals and Ventura will be careful with this guy's arm. But elbow discomfort is going to happen when you sling it at 100. He was only at 92-93 in his last start before coming out. What I really like here is that Ventura wasn't doing all that great before the elbow thing. He is a one trick pony, and hitters are waiting on that fastball, middle of the plate. He has not been striking out batters and has given up 5 HRs in his last 27 IPs. He does not trust his command of his off speed stuff.
Wacha is another story. He has the great stuff, but KNOWS how to pitch. A great competitor, with excellent command of his pitches. The Royals don't have much power and don't walk much. They're a bunch of singles hitters, with an occasional double. Wacha is the kind of pitcher who can give up a hit or two, but pitch out of the inning. Get this: Only 2 HRs in his last 8 starts. The Royals are 13-14 at home, and the only thing that they have an advantage here is the BP- although the Cards' is much better this year.
St. Louis -118 ML. 3 units. Really happy to get a reasonable ML bet on this. Ventura had "elbow discomfort" last start, was pulled early, missed a start and now gives it a go. You can bet the Royals and Ventura will be careful with this guy's arm. But elbow discomfort is going to happen when you sling it at 100. He was only at 92-93 in his last start before coming out. What I really like here is that Ventura wasn't doing all that great before the elbow thing. He is a one trick pony, and hitters are waiting on that fastball, middle of the plate. He has not been striking out batters and has given up 5 HRs in his last 27 IPs. He does not trust his command of his off speed stuff.
Wacha is another story. He has the great stuff, but KNOWS how to pitch. A great competitor, with excellent command of his pitches. The Royals don't have much power and don't walk much. They're a bunch of singles hitters, with an occasional double. Wacha is the kind of pitcher who can give up a hit or two, but pitch out of the inning. Get this: Only 2 HRs in his last 8 starts. The Royals are 13-14 at home, and the only thing that they have an advantage here is the BP- although the Cards' is much better this year.