Brett Atkins
My free winner is the Over on the Minnesota/Seattle game, and besides the fact I think the Mariners can get to Scott Diamond and this could just as easily be a run line play on with Seattle handing Felix Hernandez the ball, I know the Twins have to hit the ball to support their horrible pitching staff.
Minnesota's starting rotation has the worst ERA in baseball, so the offense has no choice but to step up. Hernandez is 6-5 with a 2.17 ERA in 14 games against the Twins. His ERA is impressive, but the fact the Twins have beaten him almost as many times as he's beaten them should provide them with the confidence they'll need.
Again, this could be a run line play, but I'm not chancing a one-run game, or shocking upset, when I know this just as easily could be a high-scoring game.
Play this one high.
5♦ Minnesota/Seattle OVER
Chris Jordan
My free winner is on the New York Mets in the second game of Friday's doubleheader, in Washington D.C. against the Nationals. And in this game I want you to list Matt Harvey ONLY.
Last night the Nationals got a boost with Bryce Harper hitting the game-winning, walk-off shot. Now they have to endure a doubleheader, and I think there will be too much exhiliration for this team to have to face Harvey, who arrives after a dominant performance against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
Harvey allowed three hits while striking out 10 in seven innings, marking the sixth time he fanned at least 10 batters this season while giving him a National League-leading 157 strikeouts.
The right-hander is 1-0 in two starts against the Nationals this year, including an 11-strikeout performance on June 28 in which he received a no-decision.
Take the Mets in the nightcap and list Harvey only.
3♦ METS
Scott Delaney
My free winner for Friday night is going to be on the Detroit Tigers laying the hefty - but value - price against the Philadelphia Phillies, who make their first trip to the Motor City since 2002, and arrive on a five-game losing streak.
This could end up being a rough series for the Phillies, who are dealing with offense issues, having only scored nine runs during its skid.
On the other hand, the Tigers are about to receive a huge boost to the lineup, with superstar Miguel Cabrera returning to the lineup. Cabrera missed the team's last three contests of Detroit's seven-game road trip with a sore left hip flexor.
I won't list Cole Hamels or Doug Fister, cause I don't think it matters who goes for either team, the Tigers are simply poised for a big weekend while the Phils are in the wrong spot a the wrong time.
4♦ DETROIT
Chase DiamondFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals
Play: Washington NationalsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
This game features the Mets at 45-53 and the Nats 49-53. I'm taking the Nationals in game one and game two today the Nationals need to turn things around and the Mets are just the right team they need. Matt Harvey has been near the best pitcher in the league but flying under the radar is Ross Ohlendorf he is 2-0 with a 2.03 ERA this season and is ready to prove he deserves a spot tonight. Public is backing the Mets in game 2 at a rate of 62% yet the line went from -134 to -121. Let's back with the sharps tonight with a 9* play on the Nats to win for plus money.
Joe GavazziFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees
Play: Tampa Bay RaysFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
With multiple starters still missing from the Yankee lineup, Jeeter not expected to return until Saturday and the A Rod fiasco still hanging as a dark cloud, it is tough to back the Yankees against the red hot Rays. NYY is 1-4 in the last 5 starts by Sabathia. That includes 0-3 recently where Sabathia has a 5.61 ERA. And in a trio of outings vs. the Rays this year, Sabathia has a 7.29 ERA. Far prefer our meal ticket Tampa Bay whose recent long term run of 46-24 still has them ½ game behind Boston in the role of “Hunter”. More recently, the Rays are 19-3 outscoring the opposition 104-51 while twirling a 2.17 ERA. The Rays have won Hellickson’s last 6 starts in which the youngster has gone 5-0 with a 2.19 ERA. In 5 recent starts vs. NYY, Hellickson is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA.
Kansas City at Chicago White Sox
Play: Kansas City
Quintana has been solid in the month of July with a 2.36 ERA in his last 4 starts. But we have long ago abandoned the White Sox whose bad defense, bad hitting and bad attitude have resulted in a recent record of 16-35. Far prefer the resurgent Royals and veteran starter Shields. Playing against solid winning teams Detroit and Baltimore, KC has a post break record of 5-2 including a 3-0 sweep of Baltimore. Shields is one of the most consistent pitchers in MLB with YTD numbers of 3.24 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 122/40 KBB. Shields has been even better on the road with 2.74 ERA. Ride the resurgent Royals.
Jeff AlexanderFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
KC Royals -118FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
The Royals have won their last six as chalk. They've also won eight of Shield's last 10 starts, including his last five as chalk. Shields has been outstanding on the road where he has a 2.74 ERA and the Royals have won four of his last five starts. Chicago's Quintana has pitched well for the most part but hasn't been on Shield's level. The Sox have dropped three of his last four starts versus Kansas City. The White Sox are 16-35 in their last 51 overall, including 5-11 in their last 16 at home. Bet the Royals.
Jack Jones
Texas Rangers +120
The Texas Rangers are showing solid value as a road underdog to the Cleveland Indians tonight. I'll gladly back them at this price as they look to build on their impressive 27-22 road record in 2013.
Martin Perez has given Texas' rotation a very good boost in limited action this year. Perez has gone 3-3 with a 3.40 ERA in seven starts in 2013.
Corey Kluber is getting too much respect from the books tonight. Cleveland's right-hander has gone 6-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 16 starts this season.
Texas is 21-7 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games with double revenge - 2 straight losses against opponent over the last 3 seasons.
This play falls into a system that is 57-33 (63.3%, +38.2 units) over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on road underdogs with a money line of +100 to +150 (TEXAS) - revenging 2 straight losses where team scored 2 or less runs, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team. Bet the Rangers Friday.