Ben Burns
Personal Favorite - Dodgers
TV GOM - Yankees
Wunderdog
Game: Toronto at Baltimore (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Baltimore -121
Dustin McGowan has not been the type of starter the Blue Jays had hoped for. His biggest problem has been his command throughout his big league career. He has worked 88 innings, has given up 100 hits, 52 walks and has hit 9 batters. That is a lot of base runners (16.5 per 9 innings) and sooner or later that leads to a big inning. It is one reason he has a 6.95 career ERA and in his 13 starts, he has not had a single quality start! This year has been even worse, his ERA has risen to a very lofty 8.22. He has another problem as he does not do a good job keeping runners close as there has been 12 SB's in 16 attempts while he’s on the mound. He will oppose Steve Trachsel, who has not been great over his career, but has been very steady. This season Trachsel has not allowed more than 3 earned runs in 8 of his 9 starts and if you compare that to McGowan who has not allowed less than four in only one of his career starts, you'll quickly see there is tremendous value riding th!
e O's in this one, at an economical price at home.
Rob House
1,000,000* NL East Game of the Month
NY Mets
500,000* Boston Red Sox
Brandon Lang
15 DIME
Pitt. Pirates
5 DIME
NY Mets
Oakland A's
SCOTT SPREITZER'
25* MLB MATCHUP MISMATCH! *23-8!
Baltimore Orioles
Vegas Experts
Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles
Even with last night's over toronto has gone under the total in nine of its last 11 and Baltimore in five of its last seven. Toronto averages just 3.9 runs/game vs. RHP and Baltimore 3.8. In addition, TORONTO is 15-4 UNDER when playing against a team with a losing record this season and 69-39 UNDER vs. teams whose hitters strike out 6 or less times/game over the last 3 seasons.
Play on: Under
LAS VEGAS PIPELINE
20 STAR SUPER PLAY
MLB GOM
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Michael Cannon
20 Dime
METS
5 Dime
PIRATES
ROCKIES
Hondo Likes the Brewers Tonight
The Dodgers generated some additional DPs (dead presidents) for Hondo last night as they downed the Brews to up the earnings to 150 sherrys.
Tonight, Mr. Aitch will switch dugouts and give the ball to stable stalwart Capuano. Ten units on the Brewers
Big Al McMordie
Phillies (Garcia) at Marlins (Kim)
Prediction: 'Over'
A couple of weeks ago, a trade occurred in which the Marlins and Rockies swapped a couple of washed-up, ineffective and disappointing right-handers - Jorge Julio and Byung-Hyun Kim. The Marlins may have gotten slightly the better of the deal as Kim will be in their rotation and can only cause damage to his new team once every five games (perhaps fewer if his start is skipped periodically), whereas the wildly unpredictable Julio can be destructive over several consecutive nights (just ask Florida). Phillies right-hander Freddy Garcia is a bit washed-up as well, although nothing compared to Kim. Garcia really has not put up very impressive numbers, but he can be effective on occasion. For some reason, however, Garcia seems to turn from somewhat of a power pitcher at home to a control pitcher on the road. His strikeouts and walks have both decreased dramatically in his three starts away from South Florida. Unfortunately for Garcia and the Phillies, he really hasn't been very good at home or on the road. The over is 50-23-1 in the last 74 games between these two overall and 43-16-2 in the last 61 meetings in Florida. Take the 'over'.
Alex Smart
Cubs at Padres
Prediction: Padres
The Cubs enter this game having lost five straight at PETCO Park and nine of the last 10 overall in this series, including seven straight last season. The Cubs have been outscored 22-8 during their losing run in Southern California. That's not a good omen considering the Padres have been playing some good ball of late having won six of their last eight game overall. They're now primed to take over the Dodgers for first in the NL West. San Diego's veteran southpaw David Wells gets the start tonight. Boomer pitched well last time out going eight innings and allowing just one earned run. That was a week ago, so he will be well rested and ready for a repeat performance here tonight. Final Notes & Trends: The Cubs are batting just .239 and producing a lowly 3.4 runs per game against lefty starters this season. Play on the Padres.
Mighty ! Quinn
Minnesota Twins
Michael Cannons Money Train
Michael Cannon
Wednesday's Plays..
20 Dime –
METS (With Perez and James as listed pitchers)
Take the Mets tonight on the road over the Braves.
Oliver Perez gets the start for New York and he looks like he’s finally regained his form from 2004 when he was one of the league’s best young pitchers with the Pirates. When Perez has his command he can be lethal. A devastating slider complimented by an overpowering fastball makes him one tough hombre to hit against.
The left-hander is 5-3 with a 2.90 ERA in eight starts this year. He has 48 strikeouts in 49 2-3 innings pitched, but more importantly has walked only 16. He’s 2-1 with a 2.18 ERA over his last three starts and is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in two starts vs. Atlanta this year.
Atlanta left-hander Chuck James gets the start tonight and I don’t see him holding the Mets offense down. James has already been roughed up in one start vs. New York this year, giving up six earned runs and 10 hits in 5 1-3 innings in a 7-2 loss on April 21. He’s 1-2 with a 7.02 ERA in three lifetime starts against the Mets.
Take the Mets as they grab the road win at this gift of a price.
5 Dime –
PIRATES (With Snell and Wells as listed pitchers)
I had the Pirates last night and they lost as a 5 dime selection, but I’m sticking with them again tonight.
That’s mainly because the Bucs are starting one of the best up and coming young pitchers in Ian Snell. That and his mound opponent is Kip Wells, a former Pirate who seems to have lost it as a pitcher.
Snell is 4-2 with a 2.76 ERA this year and he easily could have as many as seven wins if the Pirates were able to score any runs for him in his three no-decisions. He is 1-1 this year against St. Louis despite a miniscule 1.29 ERA.
Wells, on the other hand, has been anything but effective this year, going 1-8 with a 6.75 ERA in nine starts. He’s 0-3 with a 9.39 ERA over his last three starts and he has struggled with his command, walking 13 batters in 15 1-3 innings over that span.
The Cardinals just aren’t the team they were last year when they got hot at the end of the year and won the World Series. The Buccos have the better of the pitching matchup and Wells won’t be able to keep them from getting on base, ensuring Snell a chance to work with some offensive support for a change.
Take the Pirates for the road win.
ROCKIES (With Francis and Davis as listed pitchers)
Take Colorado as the small road dog for the win over Arizona.
The Rockies will send left-hander Jeff Francis to the hill tonight and he’s had a history of success against the Diamondbacks. In 12 career games, Francis is 6-1 with a 3.68 ERA. He’s also pitched well over his last three starts, going 1-0 with a 2.01 ERA in 22 1-3 innings.
Left-hander Doug Davis will start for Arizona and he hasn’t received much in the way of run support this year, going 2-5 with a 3.71 ERA. His lack of offensive support may be weighing on him, as he’s gone 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in his last three starts.
Take the Rockies as they get the win as a small road dog tonight.
Bonus Play: YANKEES
Cappersaccess
(Wed) MLB Mets Braves 110 Braves
(Wed) MLB W. Sox A's 130 A's
Big Al McMordie
Bonus Play: Philadelphia Phillies vs Florida Marlins
At 7:05 pm our complimentary selection is on the Philadelphia Phillies and the Florida Marlins 'over' the total. A couple of weeks ago, a trade occurred in which the Marlins and Rockies swapped a couple of washed-up, inneffective, and disappointing righthanders, Jorge Julio and Byung-Hyun Kim. The Marlins may have gotten slightly the better of the deal, as Kim will be in their rotation and can only cause damage to his new team once every 5 games (perhaps fewer if his start is skipped periodically) whereas the wildly unpredictable Julio can be destructive over several consecutive nights (just ask Florida). The Phillies' righhander Freddy Garcia is a bit washed-up as well perhaps, although nothing compared with Kim. Garcia really has not put up very impressive numbers, but he can be effective on occasion. For some reason, however, Garcia seems to turn from somewhat of a power pitcher at home to a control pitcher on the road. His strikeouts and walks have both decreased dramatically in his three starts away from South Florida. Unfortunately for Garcia and the Phillies, he really hasn't been very good at home or on the road. The over is 50-23-1 in the last 74 games between these two overall, and 43-16-2 in the last 61 meetings in Florida. Take the 'over'. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. Al McMordie WON AGAIN last night with the Angels as his Sucker Bet of the Month, and Big Al's on an 8-3 (73%) streak. And Al's also CASHED 73 PERCENT of his Baseball Totals plays for the ENTIRE SEASON. Today, THE TOTALS EXPERT has another Over/Under Winner. It's Big Al's American League Total of the Week. Pick it up right now.
Vernon Croy
Bonus Play: Houston Astros vs San Francisco Giants
1 Unit - Take the San Francisco Giants -157, Houston has struggled against lefties this season hitting just .248 as a team while averaging just 3.6 RPG and Houston's bats overall have struggled over their past 7 games hitting just .206 as a team and averaging just 2.9 RPG. Zito has struggled lately but I look for him to bounce back with a quality start tonight at home against a slumping Astro's ball club. This pick also falls into one of my MLB systems
comp pick
Ben Burns
Game: Pittsburgh Pirates at St Louis Cardinals May 23 2007 8:10PM
Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates
Reason: Tonight's two starting pitchers have had vastly different seasons. Kip Wells has been absolutely abysmal. Indeed, Wells has lost his past seven starts, allowing 37 earned runs in 39 innings for an 8.54 ERA during that stretch. He leads the National League in both losses (8) AND earned runs allowed (39). Ian Snell, on the other hand, has been terrific. While he did allow four runs his last time out, a closer look shows that Snell had a shutout through the first five innings and only ran into problems in the sixth. Despite that "sub-par" start, Snell remains an excellent 4-2 with a 2.76 ERA. He still hasn't allowed more than four runs in any of his nine starts and he's only allowed more than two earned runs twice. Snell has also already tossed a pair of gems against the Cards this season, allowing just two earned runs in 14 combined innings, most recently winning 3-2 here on April 16th.
Consider a play on the visitors, listing Snell and Wells as the starting pitchers
Gator's "Right" Angle Technical Analysis
Listed below is one of Gator's MLB "Tech" Total Selections for Sunday's MLB action. These selections are based on Gator's Angles and Technical Analysis.
Gator's MLB "Tech" Total Selection for Wednesday:
Game: (903) Washington vs (904) Cincinnati (Listed Pitchers)
Selection: OVER 9.5 (even)
VEGAS EXPERTS
Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles
Wednesday, May 23rd, 7:05 PM EDT
Even with last night's over toronto has gone under the total in nine of its last 11 and Baltimore in five of its last seven. Toronto averages just 3.9 runs/game vs. RHP and Baltimore 3.8. In addition, TORONTO is 15-4 UNDER when playing against a team with a losing record this season and 69-39 UNDER vs. teams whose hitters strike out 6 or less times/game over the last 3 seasons.
Play on: Under
BRYAN LEONARD
Philadelphia Phillies @ Florida Marlins
May 23, 2007 7:05PM
Philadelphia Phillies
Florida hasn’t seen much of Freddy Garcia, as he spent most of his time in the AL. He threw 4 innings against them earlier this season and struck out 8 with 2 walks. Brett Myers, the Phillies' Opening Day starter, has an 0.90 earned run average since being moved to the bullpen. Myers is 6-for-7 in save opportunities with a 0.77 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings. Florida starter Byung-Hyun Kim (7.15 ERA) is a stop-gap starter because of all the injuries the Marlins have had.
PLAY THE PHILLIES
Alex Smart
MLB for 05/23/2007
Cubs at Padres
Prediction: Padres
The Cubs enter this game having lost five straight at PETCO Park and nine of the last 10 overall in this series, including seven straight last season. The Cubs have been outscored 22-8 during their losing run in Southern California. That's not a good omen considering the Padres have been playing some good ball of late having won six of their last eight game overall. They're now primed to take over the Dodgers for first in the NL West. San Diego's veteran southpaw David Wells gets the start tonight. Boomer pitched well last time out going eight innings and allowing just one earned run. That was a week ago, so he will be well rested and ready for a repeat performance here tonight. Final Notes & Trends: The Cubs are batting just .239 and producing a lowly 3.4 runs per game against lefty starters this season.
Play on the Padres
Matt Rivers
For Wednesday take the Blue Jays in Camden Yards.
Dustin McGowan is far from a stud and has the potential to get blasted in any start but Steve Trachsel is a joke that has no business laying money to the superior squad.
All in all the Jays are better than the O's. Toronto has been destroyed with injuries this season including All-World closer BJ Ryan, Reed Johnson and others but with Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, Frank Thomas and Troy Glaus this Toronto club could put a five spot on the board in any inning.
Overall Baltimore is a 70-75 win club that does not have that much of an upside. Yes Miguel Tejada is still very good and Melvin Mora and a few others are alright but the Jays are the superior club and Trachsel and his slower than slow game speed may not last into the third inning in this one.
For Toronto to not be the favorite here is wrong but fine with me
Jeff Benton
For Wednesday, let’s once again try the A’s-White Sox UNDER the total.
I know these teams absolutely pounded the ball in the first two games of this series, including on Monday night when I gave out the Under as a Bonus Play. But I can’t help but see a low-scoring affair tonight, because the two starting pitchers scheduled to go in this one – Oakland’s Chad Gaudin and Chicago’s John Garland – have been THAT good.
Actually, this is a rematch from an April 10 game in Oakland, when the A’s prevailed, 2-1. Both Garland (7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs) and Gaudin (5 2/3 innings, 3 hits, 1 run) were sensational that night, and they’ve pretty much continued to pitch lights out since then.
Garland, who is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA in his last three starts, has given up three earned runs or fewer in each of his last five contests. Also, since lasting just 5 1/3 innings his 2007 debut, he’s pitched at least seven innings in seven consecutive trips to the mound. Also, in his last three at home, Garland has given up a total of five runs in 22 1/3 innings (1.99 ERA).
As for Gaudin, he’s given up more than two runs just twice in nine starts – and in those two games he surrendered four runs (three earned) against Tampa Bay and five runs (four earned) against Cleveland, both at home. So the righthander has yet to really get knocked around in any game. Plus, he’s been sensational on the road, posting a 2.25 ERA in four starts (six earned runs in 24 innings).
Now, given the numbers above, it should hardly come as a surprise that both have been "under" pitchers this season, with the A’s going under in six of Gaudin’s nine starts and the White Sox staying low in three of Garland’s last four overall and three of his four games at home. Not only that, but including his start in Oakland last month, Garland is 6-1 "under" in his last seven starts against the A’s.
Again, the results of the last two games aside, I have no hesitation whatsoever playing this one Under the total.
2* A's-White Sox UNDER
Totals 4 U
Toronto/baltimore Over 9 1/2
Las Vegas Pipeline
Wednesdays Pick
20 Star Super Play
Mlb Gom
Cleveland Indians
Listed Pitchers
Lee / Elarton
JIM FEIST
COL Rockies
Arizona starter Doug Davis may have a decent ERA (3.71), but this guy has pitched very poorly. He's 2-5 with 29 walks in 51 innings -- that's 91 base runners in 51 innings! Colorado southpaw starter Jeff Francis has excellent command and is 6-1 with a 3.68 ERA in his career against Arizona. The D-Backs are also 2-4 their last 6 against lefties. Play the Rockies
DAVE COKIN
Philadelphia
Freddy Garcia has settled in reasonably well after struggling early with injury and rust. The Phillies have played well lately, and are well placed to rebound from the Tuesday loss as they get to face Kim and the Marlins. Look for the well-traveled Kim to have particular issues with Utley and Rollins. The price is hardly unreasonable, so I'll back Garcia and the Phillies in this spot
ROSS BENJAMIN
5/23/2007: Texas -120 over Minnesota
MATT F@RGO
MLB Oakland vs. Chicago (A)
Take Oakland Athletics
The White Sox bats are finally coming to life but this is where the run likely ends. Chicago has put up 8.5 rpg over its last four games after not scoring more than six runs in its previous 17 games. The task will be more difficult tonight. Oakland has dropped the first two games in this series as it has simply been outhit but the A’s can bounce back as they are now 37-17 in the last 54 meetings with the White Sox despite Chicago winning four of five this season. Jon Garland has strung together five straight quality starts and that is a big reason for going against him tonight. He is obviously in good form but he is not the type of pitcher than can keep it up. He has tossed five consecutive quality outings one other time since 2004 and he was ripped for six runs in 5.2 innings in his next start. Despite the solid season, the White Sox are 3-5 in his eight starts and despite those three coming in his last three outings, they are averaging only 3.3 rpg of support. Chad Gaudin looks to continue his very solid debut season as a starter for the A’s. He is coming off a quality starts against San Francisco, his fourth of the season. That total could be at eight if he went a total of 4.1 innings more as he has allowed three runs or less in eight of his nine outings and has held the opposition to two runs or less in seven of his nine assignments. Gaudin hasn't allowed a home run since giving up two in his first start of the season. The A’s are 6-3 in his nine starts. The recent success of Garland puts him and the White Sox in a tough situation that favors the A’s. Play on American League road underdogs that are allowing 4.2 or less rpg on the season going up against an opponent with a starting pitcher that has posted an ERA of 2.50 or less over his last five starts. This situation is 31-12 (72.1 percent) since 1997 with the average run differential being +1.6 rpg. Oakland avoids the sweep as it takes game three on Wednesday.
Play Oakland A’s 1 Unit
yourwinnersonly
comp st louis -127 snell/wells
Yourwinnersonly
All 3*s Today (2*,3*,4*,5*-10*goy are their plays)
Atl
Pit
Dodgers
Min
NYY
kodiak
Detroit +105
Detroit over 9 -110
SCOTT SPREITZER'S
25* MLB MATCHUP MISMATCH
Baltimore Orioles
Totals 4 U
Top Play
NYY UNDER 9
Reg Plays
Atl UNDER 9
Ariz UNDER 8
LAA UNDER 9
SD OVER 7
Burns:
Personal Favorite: Dodgers
TV GOM: Yankees
Under twins/rangers
__________________
Maverick
MLB Tex, Yanks & Clev, Clev.
No NBA tonight
Sebastian
Sebastian
7* Oak
7* Col
7* LA Dodgers
7* Tex under
10* Balt
10* NYY
20* NYM
WUNDERDOG
Game: Toronto at Baltimore (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Baltimore -121
Dustin McGowan has not been the type of starter the Blue Jays had hoped for. His biggest problem has been his command throughout his big league career. He has worked 88 innings, has given up 100 hits, 52 walks and has hit 9 batters. That is a lot of base runners (16.5 per 9 innings) and sooner or later that leads to a big inning. It is one reason he has a 6.95 career ERA and in his 13 starts, he has not had a single quality start! This year has been even worse, his ERA has risen to a very lofty 8.22. He has another problem as he does not do a good job keeping runners close as there has been 12 SB's in 16 attempts while he’s on the mound. He will oppose Steve Trachsel, who has not been great over his career, but has been very steady. This season Trachsel has not allowed more than 3 earned runs in 8 of his 9 starts and if you compare that to McGowan who has not allowed less than four in only on! e of his career starts, you'll quickly see there is tremendous value riding the O's in this one, at an economical price at home
Karl Garrett
30 DIME
BOSTON WITH SCHILLING
10 DIMER
MILWAUKEE WITH CAPUANO
Rob House
1,000,000* NL East Game of the Month
1,000,000? NY Mets W/ Perez
500,000? Boston Red Sox W/ Schilling
John Ryan
Game: Colorado Rockies at Arizona Diamondbacks
May 23 2007 9:40PM
Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks
Reason: Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Arizona - Colorado is perhaps the worst team in the league in my opinion. They have no offense and no bullpen. They are batting 255 and scoring just 4.0 RPG on the season and 227 and 3.4 RPG over the past 7 games. The bullpen is in ruins sporting a 5.58 ERA and 1.628 WHIP on the season and 7.71 ERA and 2.035 WHIP over the past 7 games. Arizona's offense is not that much better, but they are batting 260 and scoring 4.9 RPG over the past 7 games. Arizona's bullpen is one of the best though sporting a 1.64 ERA over the past 7 games and 3.41 ERA for the season. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 64-17 (80%) and has made 46.1 units since 1997. Play against NL road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 with a bad bullpen that blows 38% or more of their save opportunities and is now facing an opponent with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.750 or worse on the season. Davis has struggled in his last 2 starts against Pittsburgh and Houston, but should be able to bounce back with a strong outing against Colorado's weak offense. Based on the AiS he has an 80% probability of completing 6+ innings tonight and needless to say should that occur Arizona will win this game
Ethan Law
COL: LHP Jeff Francis (2-4, 4.60 ERA)
vs.
ARI: LHP Doug Davis (2-5, 3.71 ERA)
The Diamondbacks play the Rockies on Wednesday at Chase Field in the rubber game of their three-game series. Arizona hopes to take its second straight series overall playing a Colorado squad it has beaten five of seven times despite the loss Tuesday. "That's what we look for," said manager Bob Melvin. "You win the first two, obviously you want to sweep, but if you win the series, especially at home, that's what you expect to do, and that's what we expect to do tomorrow." Hmmmm…I’m picking up what your putting down Mr. Melvin. Now keep in mind I was originally not going to play this series until I saw the results of yesterdays contest. Not only do I have the confidence in Mr. Melvin’s statement but we also have a very large pitching discrepancy in this contest. Arizona will send left-hander Doug Davis to the mound making his 10th start of the season coming off one of his worst starts of the year Friday, when he gave up seven runs on 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings in a loss at Pittsburgh. That contest marked only the second time he has allowed more than three earned runs this season, with the other time coming April 15 against the Rockies when he picked up his first win as a Diamondback, allowing four runs on nine hits in five innings. Despite some rather inconsistent result, Davies has been a rock pitching in this situational spot, home/night games as he posts an impressive 3-0 +$310 mark with an equally impressive 2.37 in those contests. Davies should continue his success against this Colorado club that is 3-9 -$725 aaginst left-handers in all setting this season, and a perfect 0-3 -$300 against left-handers (averaging just 3.2 runs per game) in night/away spots. In contrast, Arizona averages well over 4 runs per game against left-handers and they will have the luxury of facing Jeff Francis who’s 4.60 ERA overall is nothing to be concerned about. Moreover, the Colorado offense has continually failed to support Francis as they have scored 22 runs in his nine starts, tied for eighth lowest in the National League. Although the price is very reasonable, I’m still going for large money on the runline.
Verdict: Colorado 2, Arizona 6
PLAY 1* UNIT ON ARIZONA -1.5 +$175
FPBE Free Picks
Matty O'Shea - OAK +115 MLB
Ben Burns - PIT -110 MLB
Bryan Leonard - PHI -120 MLB
Larry Ness - HOU/SF over 8.5 MLB
Jeff Bonds - CLV/DET over 174.5 NBA
Wed. Comps
Sebastian-OVER Mets
Winner Line-Dodgers
Computer Boys-Cincinnati
OTM-Cubs
Jim Sullivan-UNDER Oakland
Feiner-Phil.
Ty Gaston-Florida
Personal Favorite - Dodgers
TV GOM - Yankees
Wunderdog
Game: Toronto at Baltimore (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Baltimore -121
Dustin McGowan has not been the type of starter the Blue Jays had hoped for. His biggest problem has been his command throughout his big league career. He has worked 88 innings, has given up 100 hits, 52 walks and has hit 9 batters. That is a lot of base runners (16.5 per 9 innings) and sooner or later that leads to a big inning. It is one reason he has a 6.95 career ERA and in his 13 starts, he has not had a single quality start! This year has been even worse, his ERA has risen to a very lofty 8.22. He has another problem as he does not do a good job keeping runners close as there has been 12 SB's in 16 attempts while he’s on the mound. He will oppose Steve Trachsel, who has not been great over his career, but has been very steady. This season Trachsel has not allowed more than 3 earned runs in 8 of his 9 starts and if you compare that to McGowan who has not allowed less than four in only one of his career starts, you'll quickly see there is tremendous value riding th!
e O's in this one, at an economical price at home.
Rob House
1,000,000* NL East Game of the Month
NY Mets
500,000* Boston Red Sox
Brandon Lang
15 DIME
Pitt. Pirates
5 DIME
NY Mets
Oakland A's
SCOTT SPREITZER'
25* MLB MATCHUP MISMATCH! *23-8!
Baltimore Orioles
Vegas Experts
Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles
Even with last night's over toronto has gone under the total in nine of its last 11 and Baltimore in five of its last seven. Toronto averages just 3.9 runs/game vs. RHP and Baltimore 3.8. In addition, TORONTO is 15-4 UNDER when playing against a team with a losing record this season and 69-39 UNDER vs. teams whose hitters strike out 6 or less times/game over the last 3 seasons.
Play on: Under
LAS VEGAS PIPELINE
20 STAR SUPER PLAY
MLB GOM
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Michael Cannon
20 Dime
METS
5 Dime
PIRATES
ROCKIES
Hondo Likes the Brewers Tonight
The Dodgers generated some additional DPs (dead presidents) for Hondo last night as they downed the Brews to up the earnings to 150 sherrys.
Tonight, Mr. Aitch will switch dugouts and give the ball to stable stalwart Capuano. Ten units on the Brewers
Big Al McMordie
Phillies (Garcia) at Marlins (Kim)
Prediction: 'Over'
A couple of weeks ago, a trade occurred in which the Marlins and Rockies swapped a couple of washed-up, ineffective and disappointing right-handers - Jorge Julio and Byung-Hyun Kim. The Marlins may have gotten slightly the better of the deal as Kim will be in their rotation and can only cause damage to his new team once every five games (perhaps fewer if his start is skipped periodically), whereas the wildly unpredictable Julio can be destructive over several consecutive nights (just ask Florida). Phillies right-hander Freddy Garcia is a bit washed-up as well, although nothing compared to Kim. Garcia really has not put up very impressive numbers, but he can be effective on occasion. For some reason, however, Garcia seems to turn from somewhat of a power pitcher at home to a control pitcher on the road. His strikeouts and walks have both decreased dramatically in his three starts away from South Florida. Unfortunately for Garcia and the Phillies, he really hasn't been very good at home or on the road. The over is 50-23-1 in the last 74 games between these two overall and 43-16-2 in the last 61 meetings in Florida. Take the 'over'.
Alex Smart
Cubs at Padres
Prediction: Padres
The Cubs enter this game having lost five straight at PETCO Park and nine of the last 10 overall in this series, including seven straight last season. The Cubs have been outscored 22-8 during their losing run in Southern California. That's not a good omen considering the Padres have been playing some good ball of late having won six of their last eight game overall. They're now primed to take over the Dodgers for first in the NL West. San Diego's veteran southpaw David Wells gets the start tonight. Boomer pitched well last time out going eight innings and allowing just one earned run. That was a week ago, so he will be well rested and ready for a repeat performance here tonight. Final Notes & Trends: The Cubs are batting just .239 and producing a lowly 3.4 runs per game against lefty starters this season. Play on the Padres.
Mighty ! Quinn
Minnesota Twins
Michael Cannons Money Train
Michael Cannon
Wednesday's Plays..
20 Dime –
METS (With Perez and James as listed pitchers)
Take the Mets tonight on the road over the Braves.
Oliver Perez gets the start for New York and he looks like he’s finally regained his form from 2004 when he was one of the league’s best young pitchers with the Pirates. When Perez has his command he can be lethal. A devastating slider complimented by an overpowering fastball makes him one tough hombre to hit against.
The left-hander is 5-3 with a 2.90 ERA in eight starts this year. He has 48 strikeouts in 49 2-3 innings pitched, but more importantly has walked only 16. He’s 2-1 with a 2.18 ERA over his last three starts and is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in two starts vs. Atlanta this year.
Atlanta left-hander Chuck James gets the start tonight and I don’t see him holding the Mets offense down. James has already been roughed up in one start vs. New York this year, giving up six earned runs and 10 hits in 5 1-3 innings in a 7-2 loss on April 21. He’s 1-2 with a 7.02 ERA in three lifetime starts against the Mets.
Take the Mets as they grab the road win at this gift of a price.
5 Dime –
PIRATES (With Snell and Wells as listed pitchers)
I had the Pirates last night and they lost as a 5 dime selection, but I’m sticking with them again tonight.
That’s mainly because the Bucs are starting one of the best up and coming young pitchers in Ian Snell. That and his mound opponent is Kip Wells, a former Pirate who seems to have lost it as a pitcher.
Snell is 4-2 with a 2.76 ERA this year and he easily could have as many as seven wins if the Pirates were able to score any runs for him in his three no-decisions. He is 1-1 this year against St. Louis despite a miniscule 1.29 ERA.
Wells, on the other hand, has been anything but effective this year, going 1-8 with a 6.75 ERA in nine starts. He’s 0-3 with a 9.39 ERA over his last three starts and he has struggled with his command, walking 13 batters in 15 1-3 innings over that span.
The Cardinals just aren’t the team they were last year when they got hot at the end of the year and won the World Series. The Buccos have the better of the pitching matchup and Wells won’t be able to keep them from getting on base, ensuring Snell a chance to work with some offensive support for a change.
Take the Pirates for the road win.
ROCKIES (With Francis and Davis as listed pitchers)
Take Colorado as the small road dog for the win over Arizona.
The Rockies will send left-hander Jeff Francis to the hill tonight and he’s had a history of success against the Diamondbacks. In 12 career games, Francis is 6-1 with a 3.68 ERA. He’s also pitched well over his last three starts, going 1-0 with a 2.01 ERA in 22 1-3 innings.
Left-hander Doug Davis will start for Arizona and he hasn’t received much in the way of run support this year, going 2-5 with a 3.71 ERA. His lack of offensive support may be weighing on him, as he’s gone 0-2 with a 7.20 ERA in his last three starts.
Take the Rockies as they get the win as a small road dog tonight.
Bonus Play: YANKEES
Cappersaccess
(Wed) MLB Mets Braves 110 Braves
(Wed) MLB W. Sox A's 130 A's
Big Al McMordie
Bonus Play: Philadelphia Phillies vs Florida Marlins
At 7:05 pm our complimentary selection is on the Philadelphia Phillies and the Florida Marlins 'over' the total. A couple of weeks ago, a trade occurred in which the Marlins and Rockies swapped a couple of washed-up, inneffective, and disappointing righthanders, Jorge Julio and Byung-Hyun Kim. The Marlins may have gotten slightly the better of the deal, as Kim will be in their rotation and can only cause damage to his new team once every 5 games (perhaps fewer if his start is skipped periodically) whereas the wildly unpredictable Julio can be destructive over several consecutive nights (just ask Florida). The Phillies' righhander Freddy Garcia is a bit washed-up as well perhaps, although nothing compared with Kim. Garcia really has not put up very impressive numbers, but he can be effective on occasion. For some reason, however, Garcia seems to turn from somewhat of a power pitcher at home to a control pitcher on the road. His strikeouts and walks have both decreased dramatically in his three starts away from South Florida. Unfortunately for Garcia and the Phillies, he really hasn't been very good at home or on the road. The over is 50-23-1 in the last 74 games between these two overall, and 43-16-2 in the last 61 meetings in Florida. Take the 'over'. As always, good luck...Al McMordie. Al McMordie WON AGAIN last night with the Angels as his Sucker Bet of the Month, and Big Al's on an 8-3 (73%) streak. And Al's also CASHED 73 PERCENT of his Baseball Totals plays for the ENTIRE SEASON. Today, THE TOTALS EXPERT has another Over/Under Winner. It's Big Al's American League Total of the Week. Pick it up right now.
Vernon Croy
Bonus Play: Houston Astros vs San Francisco Giants
1 Unit - Take the San Francisco Giants -157, Houston has struggled against lefties this season hitting just .248 as a team while averaging just 3.6 RPG and Houston's bats overall have struggled over their past 7 games hitting just .206 as a team and averaging just 2.9 RPG. Zito has struggled lately but I look for him to bounce back with a quality start tonight at home against a slumping Astro's ball club. This pick also falls into one of my MLB systems
comp pick
Ben Burns
Game: Pittsburgh Pirates at St Louis Cardinals May 23 2007 8:10PM
Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates
Reason: Tonight's two starting pitchers have had vastly different seasons. Kip Wells has been absolutely abysmal. Indeed, Wells has lost his past seven starts, allowing 37 earned runs in 39 innings for an 8.54 ERA during that stretch. He leads the National League in both losses (8) AND earned runs allowed (39). Ian Snell, on the other hand, has been terrific. While he did allow four runs his last time out, a closer look shows that Snell had a shutout through the first five innings and only ran into problems in the sixth. Despite that "sub-par" start, Snell remains an excellent 4-2 with a 2.76 ERA. He still hasn't allowed more than four runs in any of his nine starts and he's only allowed more than two earned runs twice. Snell has also already tossed a pair of gems against the Cards this season, allowing just two earned runs in 14 combined innings, most recently winning 3-2 here on April 16th.
Consider a play on the visitors, listing Snell and Wells as the starting pitchers
Gator's "Right" Angle Technical Analysis
Listed below is one of Gator's MLB "Tech" Total Selections for Sunday's MLB action. These selections are based on Gator's Angles and Technical Analysis.
Gator's MLB "Tech" Total Selection for Wednesday:
Game: (903) Washington vs (904) Cincinnati (Listed Pitchers)
Selection: OVER 9.5 (even)
VEGAS EXPERTS
Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles
Wednesday, May 23rd, 7:05 PM EDT
Even with last night's over toronto has gone under the total in nine of its last 11 and Baltimore in five of its last seven. Toronto averages just 3.9 runs/game vs. RHP and Baltimore 3.8. In addition, TORONTO is 15-4 UNDER when playing against a team with a losing record this season and 69-39 UNDER vs. teams whose hitters strike out 6 or less times/game over the last 3 seasons.
Play on: Under
BRYAN LEONARD
Philadelphia Phillies @ Florida Marlins
May 23, 2007 7:05PM
Philadelphia Phillies
Florida hasn’t seen much of Freddy Garcia, as he spent most of his time in the AL. He threw 4 innings against them earlier this season and struck out 8 with 2 walks. Brett Myers, the Phillies' Opening Day starter, has an 0.90 earned run average since being moved to the bullpen. Myers is 6-for-7 in save opportunities with a 0.77 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings. Florida starter Byung-Hyun Kim (7.15 ERA) is a stop-gap starter because of all the injuries the Marlins have had.
PLAY THE PHILLIES
Alex Smart
MLB for 05/23/2007
Cubs at Padres
Prediction: Padres
The Cubs enter this game having lost five straight at PETCO Park and nine of the last 10 overall in this series, including seven straight last season. The Cubs have been outscored 22-8 during their losing run in Southern California. That's not a good omen considering the Padres have been playing some good ball of late having won six of their last eight game overall. They're now primed to take over the Dodgers for first in the NL West. San Diego's veteran southpaw David Wells gets the start tonight. Boomer pitched well last time out going eight innings and allowing just one earned run. That was a week ago, so he will be well rested and ready for a repeat performance here tonight. Final Notes & Trends: The Cubs are batting just .239 and producing a lowly 3.4 runs per game against lefty starters this season.
Play on the Padres
Matt Rivers
For Wednesday take the Blue Jays in Camden Yards.
Dustin McGowan is far from a stud and has the potential to get blasted in any start but Steve Trachsel is a joke that has no business laying money to the superior squad.
All in all the Jays are better than the O's. Toronto has been destroyed with injuries this season including All-World closer BJ Ryan, Reed Johnson and others but with Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, Frank Thomas and Troy Glaus this Toronto club could put a five spot on the board in any inning.
Overall Baltimore is a 70-75 win club that does not have that much of an upside. Yes Miguel Tejada is still very good and Melvin Mora and a few others are alright but the Jays are the superior club and Trachsel and his slower than slow game speed may not last into the third inning in this one.
For Toronto to not be the favorite here is wrong but fine with me
Jeff Benton
For Wednesday, let’s once again try the A’s-White Sox UNDER the total.
I know these teams absolutely pounded the ball in the first two games of this series, including on Monday night when I gave out the Under as a Bonus Play. But I can’t help but see a low-scoring affair tonight, because the two starting pitchers scheduled to go in this one – Oakland’s Chad Gaudin and Chicago’s John Garland – have been THAT good.
Actually, this is a rematch from an April 10 game in Oakland, when the A’s prevailed, 2-1. Both Garland (7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs) and Gaudin (5 2/3 innings, 3 hits, 1 run) were sensational that night, and they’ve pretty much continued to pitch lights out since then.
Garland, who is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA in his last three starts, has given up three earned runs or fewer in each of his last five contests. Also, since lasting just 5 1/3 innings his 2007 debut, he’s pitched at least seven innings in seven consecutive trips to the mound. Also, in his last three at home, Garland has given up a total of five runs in 22 1/3 innings (1.99 ERA).
As for Gaudin, he’s given up more than two runs just twice in nine starts – and in those two games he surrendered four runs (three earned) against Tampa Bay and five runs (four earned) against Cleveland, both at home. So the righthander has yet to really get knocked around in any game. Plus, he’s been sensational on the road, posting a 2.25 ERA in four starts (six earned runs in 24 innings).
Now, given the numbers above, it should hardly come as a surprise that both have been "under" pitchers this season, with the A’s going under in six of Gaudin’s nine starts and the White Sox staying low in three of Garland’s last four overall and three of his four games at home. Not only that, but including his start in Oakland last month, Garland is 6-1 "under" in his last seven starts against the A’s.
Again, the results of the last two games aside, I have no hesitation whatsoever playing this one Under the total.
2* A's-White Sox UNDER
Totals 4 U
Toronto/baltimore Over 9 1/2
Las Vegas Pipeline
Wednesdays Pick
20 Star Super Play
Mlb Gom
Cleveland Indians
Listed Pitchers
Lee / Elarton
JIM FEIST
COL Rockies
Arizona starter Doug Davis may have a decent ERA (3.71), but this guy has pitched very poorly. He's 2-5 with 29 walks in 51 innings -- that's 91 base runners in 51 innings! Colorado southpaw starter Jeff Francis has excellent command and is 6-1 with a 3.68 ERA in his career against Arizona. The D-Backs are also 2-4 their last 6 against lefties. Play the Rockies
DAVE COKIN
Philadelphia
Freddy Garcia has settled in reasonably well after struggling early with injury and rust. The Phillies have played well lately, and are well placed to rebound from the Tuesday loss as they get to face Kim and the Marlins. Look for the well-traveled Kim to have particular issues with Utley and Rollins. The price is hardly unreasonable, so I'll back Garcia and the Phillies in this spot
ROSS BENJAMIN
5/23/2007: Texas -120 over Minnesota
MATT F@RGO
MLB Oakland vs. Chicago (A)
Take Oakland Athletics
The White Sox bats are finally coming to life but this is where the run likely ends. Chicago has put up 8.5 rpg over its last four games after not scoring more than six runs in its previous 17 games. The task will be more difficult tonight. Oakland has dropped the first two games in this series as it has simply been outhit but the A’s can bounce back as they are now 37-17 in the last 54 meetings with the White Sox despite Chicago winning four of five this season. Jon Garland has strung together five straight quality starts and that is a big reason for going against him tonight. He is obviously in good form but he is not the type of pitcher than can keep it up. He has tossed five consecutive quality outings one other time since 2004 and he was ripped for six runs in 5.2 innings in his next start. Despite the solid season, the White Sox are 3-5 in his eight starts and despite those three coming in his last three outings, they are averaging only 3.3 rpg of support. Chad Gaudin looks to continue his very solid debut season as a starter for the A’s. He is coming off a quality starts against San Francisco, his fourth of the season. That total could be at eight if he went a total of 4.1 innings more as he has allowed three runs or less in eight of his nine outings and has held the opposition to two runs or less in seven of his nine assignments. Gaudin hasn't allowed a home run since giving up two in his first start of the season. The A’s are 6-3 in his nine starts. The recent success of Garland puts him and the White Sox in a tough situation that favors the A’s. Play on American League road underdogs that are allowing 4.2 or less rpg on the season going up against an opponent with a starting pitcher that has posted an ERA of 2.50 or less over his last five starts. This situation is 31-12 (72.1 percent) since 1997 with the average run differential being +1.6 rpg. Oakland avoids the sweep as it takes game three on Wednesday.
Play Oakland A’s 1 Unit
yourwinnersonly
comp st louis -127 snell/wells
Yourwinnersonly
All 3*s Today (2*,3*,4*,5*-10*goy are their plays)
Atl
Pit
Dodgers
Min
NYY
kodiak
Detroit +105
Detroit over 9 -110
SCOTT SPREITZER'S
25* MLB MATCHUP MISMATCH
Baltimore Orioles
Totals 4 U
Top Play
NYY UNDER 9
Reg Plays
Atl UNDER 9
Ariz UNDER 8
LAA UNDER 9
SD OVER 7
Burns:
Personal Favorite: Dodgers
TV GOM: Yankees
Under twins/rangers
__________________
Maverick
MLB Tex, Yanks & Clev, Clev.
No NBA tonight
Sebastian
Sebastian
7* Oak
7* Col
7* LA Dodgers
7* Tex under
10* Balt
10* NYY
20* NYM
WUNDERDOG
Game: Toronto at Baltimore (7:00 PM Eastern)
Pick: Baltimore -121
Dustin McGowan has not been the type of starter the Blue Jays had hoped for. His biggest problem has been his command throughout his big league career. He has worked 88 innings, has given up 100 hits, 52 walks and has hit 9 batters. That is a lot of base runners (16.5 per 9 innings) and sooner or later that leads to a big inning. It is one reason he has a 6.95 career ERA and in his 13 starts, he has not had a single quality start! This year has been even worse, his ERA has risen to a very lofty 8.22. He has another problem as he does not do a good job keeping runners close as there has been 12 SB's in 16 attempts while he’s on the mound. He will oppose Steve Trachsel, who has not been great over his career, but has been very steady. This season Trachsel has not allowed more than 3 earned runs in 8 of his 9 starts and if you compare that to McGowan who has not allowed less than four in only on! e of his career starts, you'll quickly see there is tremendous value riding the O's in this one, at an economical price at home
Karl Garrett
30 DIME
BOSTON WITH SCHILLING
10 DIMER
MILWAUKEE WITH CAPUANO
Rob House
1,000,000* NL East Game of the Month
1,000,000? NY Mets W/ Perez
500,000? Boston Red Sox W/ Schilling
John Ryan
Game: Colorado Rockies at Arizona Diamondbacks
May 23 2007 9:40PM
Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks
Reason: Ai Simulator 3* graded play on Arizona - Colorado is perhaps the worst team in the league in my opinion. They have no offense and no bullpen. They are batting 255 and scoring just 4.0 RPG on the season and 227 and 3.4 RPG over the past 7 games. The bullpen is in ruins sporting a 5.58 ERA and 1.628 WHIP on the season and 7.71 ERA and 2.035 WHIP over the past 7 games. Arizona's offense is not that much better, but they are batting 260 and scoring 4.9 RPG over the past 7 games. Arizona's bullpen is one of the best though sporting a 1.64 ERA over the past 7 games and 3.41 ERA for the season. Supporting this graded play is a system that has gone 64-17 (80%) and has made 46.1 units since 1997. Play against NL road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 with a bad bullpen that blows 38% or more of their save opportunities and is now facing an opponent with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.750 or worse on the season. Davis has struggled in his last 2 starts against Pittsburgh and Houston, but should be able to bounce back with a strong outing against Colorado's weak offense. Based on the AiS he has an 80% probability of completing 6+ innings tonight and needless to say should that occur Arizona will win this game
Ethan Law
COL: LHP Jeff Francis (2-4, 4.60 ERA)
vs.
ARI: LHP Doug Davis (2-5, 3.71 ERA)
The Diamondbacks play the Rockies on Wednesday at Chase Field in the rubber game of their three-game series. Arizona hopes to take its second straight series overall playing a Colorado squad it has beaten five of seven times despite the loss Tuesday. "That's what we look for," said manager Bob Melvin. "You win the first two, obviously you want to sweep, but if you win the series, especially at home, that's what you expect to do, and that's what we expect to do tomorrow." Hmmmm…I’m picking up what your putting down Mr. Melvin. Now keep in mind I was originally not going to play this series until I saw the results of yesterdays contest. Not only do I have the confidence in Mr. Melvin’s statement but we also have a very large pitching discrepancy in this contest. Arizona will send left-hander Doug Davis to the mound making his 10th start of the season coming off one of his worst starts of the year Friday, when he gave up seven runs on 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings in a loss at Pittsburgh. That contest marked only the second time he has allowed more than three earned runs this season, with the other time coming April 15 against the Rockies when he picked up his first win as a Diamondback, allowing four runs on nine hits in five innings. Despite some rather inconsistent result, Davies has been a rock pitching in this situational spot, home/night games as he posts an impressive 3-0 +$310 mark with an equally impressive 2.37 in those contests. Davies should continue his success against this Colorado club that is 3-9 -$725 aaginst left-handers in all setting this season, and a perfect 0-3 -$300 against left-handers (averaging just 3.2 runs per game) in night/away spots. In contrast, Arizona averages well over 4 runs per game against left-handers and they will have the luxury of facing Jeff Francis who’s 4.60 ERA overall is nothing to be concerned about. Moreover, the Colorado offense has continually failed to support Francis as they have scored 22 runs in his nine starts, tied for eighth lowest in the National League. Although the price is very reasonable, I’m still going for large money on the runline.
Verdict: Colorado 2, Arizona 6
PLAY 1* UNIT ON ARIZONA -1.5 +$175
FPBE Free Picks
Matty O'Shea - OAK +115 MLB
Ben Burns - PIT -110 MLB
Bryan Leonard - PHI -120 MLB
Larry Ness - HOU/SF over 8.5 MLB
Jeff Bonds - CLV/DET over 174.5 NBA
Wed. Comps
Sebastian-OVER Mets
Winner Line-Dodgers
Computer Boys-Cincinnati
OTM-Cubs
Jim Sullivan-UNDER Oakland
Feiner-Phil.
Ty Gaston-Florida
