Scott Rickenbach
8* Tampa Bay / Boston Over 9
This match-up was just played Wednesday in Boston and, even with a respectable start from Matt Garza, the game still flew over the total. Daisuke Matsuzaka got crushed and, with a rematch less than week later, there is reason to believe both hurlers will get crushed in this one. The Rays offense is heating up again as they’ve scored at least five runs in seven of their last ten games. As for the Red Sox, they are 6-0 in games played on artificial turf this season and bring some extra confidence to Tropicana Field as a result. Boston was held to just one run by lefty Brian Matusz of the Orioles yesterday but, previously, the Red Sox had averaged six runs per game in their last nine games. Look for much more success for Boston against Garza in a quick “second look”. Keep in mind, Boston’s recent offensive surge at the plate has been even with some key sticks missing so don’t put too much weight into that. Also note that Boston’s bullpen ERA currently ranks as the worst in the American League.
The Red Sox are 20-14 to the over in divisional games this season and Matsuzaka has not been able to find the plate in his recent outings. He’s walked eight batters in his last two starts and he’s also 2-5 in his career against Tampa Bay. The Rays are 21-12 to the over against teams with a winning record on the season and they’ve gone over the total in five of their last six games as their offense heats up again. Garza’s ERA has gone from 2.37 in late May to it’s current 4.08 mark and we look for his troubles with the home run ball against the Red Sox to continue. Play OVER the total in Tampa Bay as an *8* Regular Play selection.
Richard Witt
3* Arizona -125
Wrigley breezes benefitted those big Cincinnati bats, and dispatched the Cubbies out West, in a dither. Under those circumstances, can't imagine the Chicagoans are looking forward to playing a day game, today, especially with no day off. Zona pitching no bargain, but Ian Kennedy's acquitting himself adequately this season, and Cub regular-season record in this locale over the years has been awful. Look for the D-Backs to jump out early, and coast home.
MIKE LINEBACK
4* Tampa Bay Rays
4* Indians/Rangers Over 10.5
4* Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5
NSA
20* Yanks -145
20* Rays -155
20* Reds +120
The Duke's Sports
Milwaukee (-110) for 2 Units
Milwaukee has been one of the most predictably unpredictable teams in the majors. They can look like minor leaguers 1 day and world champions the next. Today, we'll lean towards the world champion-like side; after all, they've alternated wins and losses over their last 10 games. The Brewers, coming off a loss yesterday, are a healthy 17-8 with David Bush on the mound as a favorite. We'll look for the Brewers to give Bush, who's coming off 3 respectable starts, good run support. Milwaukee is 5-1 at home vs lefty starters and should tag Sanchez who has not had success vs Milwaukee with a bloated 10.38 ERA over 4 starts. Sanchez is 7-19 when cast as a road dog with SF. And SF, which is coming off a 15 inning marathon loss yesterday should stay in their funk dropping to 1-9 over their last 10.
BOB BALFE
New York Mets -121
The Reds have been impressive this year, but New York at home has been money in the bank and Mike Pelfrey has been on fire. In my opinion, he is on the verge of becoming a household name. This should be a good series between two teams that might meet again in September or October playing for a spot in the World Series. Take New York.
SEABASS
100* LA Angels Under
100* Arizona
100* Seattle -1.5
200* Steam NY Mets
C STAR SPORTS
5000 Units Yankees over Oakland
1000 Units Rangers -1.5 over Cleveland
1000 Units Chicago over LA Angles
MIKE LINEBACK
4* Tampa Bay Rays
4* Indians/Rangers Over 10.5
4* Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5
4.5* POD Texas Rangers -1.5
Craig Davis
20 Dime White Sox
20 Dime Oakland
20 Dime Reds/Mets Under
Teddy Covers
Tampa Bay Rays
BIG AL
New York Mets
New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays
Angels/White Sox Under
TIM TRUSHEL
20* Seattle Under