Free Picks: Service Plays for Tuesday, July 6,2010

Marc Lawrence
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks
Prediction: Chicago Cubs
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
When the Cubs meet the Diamondbacks in Arizona this evening do so in a very favorable situation. That's because Carlos Silva enters tonight's contest in terrific KW form with four walks and 36 strikeouts in his last six starts, posting a sharp 2.23 ERA in those games. Unfortunately, all he's had to show for his efforts is a 2-4 team start mark in that span. On the flip side, Arizona's Barry Enright enters off his first-ever MLB win in his last start. With Silva disgruntled about not being named to the All-Star squad, look for him to improve to 5-1 in his last six road team starts here tonight. We recommend a 1-unit play on the Cubs.

MTi Sports
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Cleveland Indians at Texas Rangers
Prediction: Texas Rangers
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Rangers are 8-0 when C.J. Wilson starts as a favorite after throwing more than 100 pitches and the Indians are 0-9 with Justin Masterson when he threw more than 100 pitches at home in his last start. Consider Texas.

Craig Trapp
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Houston Astros
Play: Houston Astros
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Hard to say great value with HOU being one of the worst teams in the league. But HOU is 3-0 on the season none of which have been close as HOU is averaging over 6 runs per game. Better news for us is Rodriguez goes for HOU today and he is 3-0 at home vs the Pirates with a 3.26 ERA. Last two starts have been great as well going 2-0 giving up only 1 run over 13 innings. PIT turns to Lincoln who was good getting his first win in his rookie season. Hard to imagine he has such a good performance as PIT on the road are 11-32. Good value on super hot pitcher vs the worst road team in the league.

Steve Merril
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Twins @ Blue Jays
PICK: Blue Jays -1.5
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Toronto will be glad to be home after a 10-game road trip which included three ‘home’ games in Philadelphia against the Phillies. The Blue Jays will host the Twins who come into tonight’s game as losers of three of their last four games. Toronto’s Jesse Litsch will make his fifth start of the season as he looks for his first victory of the year. The righty is coming off a solid outing against the Indians where he gave up just two runs in six innings of work. Litsch showed flashes of brilliance when shutting out the Giants for seven innings. He is 3-0 with a 3.10 ERA in five career starts against Minnesota. Justin Morneau (3-12), Jason Kubel (2-9), Jim Thome (0-5), and Joe Mauer (1-4) all struggle against Litsch. The Twins are 18-21 on the road where they are hitting just .256 as a team.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Minnesota’s Carl Pavano doesn't enjoy facing the Blue Jays. He gave up six runs and 10 hits over four innings pitched in an outing against Toronto earlier this season. He's 3-5 with a 6.22 ERA in 10 career starts against them. Vernon Wells (8-20), Adam Lind (4-12), Jose Molina (3-7), Edwin Encarnacion (2-5), and Fred Lewis (2-3) all hit Pavano the best. Toronto is 21-19 at home this season and 34-28 against right-handed starters whom they are averaging five runs per game against. Toronto has won six of the last nine meetings in Toronto against the Twins, so we expect another close game and recommend taking the Blue Jays on the run line in this game tonight.

BIG AL
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Yankees @ Athletics
PICK: Under 8
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Both of the starting pitchers going to the hill for this game will be on the 2010 American League All-Star roster scheduled to take place in a week, and while nobody is surprised by the choice of New York's lefthander CC Sabathia, there are still plenty of baseball fans who have never heard of righthander Trevor Cahill, let alone realize that he's been selected for the midsummer classic. But if Cahill starts twice before Tuesday (once tonight and once on Sunday), he would be unavailable for the game anyway (due to the rule that a Pitcher is ineligible if he throws on the Sunday prior to the game). Dallas Braden's injury has necessitated the A's to go to a four-man rotation which means more work for Cahill, but also the possibility that he might not be able to pitch in Anaheim next Tuesday. But first things first, and Cahill needs to pitch well tonight because his team is still very much alive in the AL West division race. Pitching numbers don't get any better than these two have been performing lately with Sabathia going 6-0 with a 2.00 ERA in his last six starts while Cahill is 7-0 with a 2.12 ERA in his last nine starts. Something has to give tonight, and it will probably be at the expense of the hitters on these two teams. Heading into Tuesday night, the under was 7-3 in the last 10 games between these two played in Oakland. Take the 'under.'

BEN BURNS

Netherlands @ URU
PICK: Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
I believe that this game has all the makings of a low-scoring contest. Uruguay didn't allow a single goal in Group play, scoring only four themselves. Uruguay beat South Korea by a 2-1 score in the Round of 16 but its last game vs. Ghana was 1-1 after regulation. That's a total of nine goals in five games, an average of 1.8 per game.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Netherlands scored five goals in group play, allowing one. Since then, the Dutch have seen last two games both finish with scores of 2-1. The most recent of those games was against Brazil - and its tough to shut them out. Previously, the game against Slovakia saw the Slovakians score on a penalty shot on the final play, otherwise that one would have finished with only two goals.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Looking more closely at the above results shows that neither one of these teams has allowed more than one goal, in any game. Uruguay has three shutouts. Holland has two.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
We've got the choice of two lines here. We can get plus (+) money with the 'under' two goals. Or, we can lay extra juice to play at 'under' 2.5. I'm personally going to split my play between the two options.
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
These teams played once before in the World Cup. That 1974 match saw the Dutch win by a score of 2-0. I expect to see two or fewer goals once again. Consider the Under

Jim Feist
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Kansas City Royals vs. Seattle Mariners
Play: Kansas City Royals
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Erik Bedard makes his first start for the last place Mariners. You never know how a pitcher will perform after such a long layoff and Bedard said he expects to be held to about 90 pitches in his first start for the Mariners. He topped out at 92 in his last rehab start, walking three in just 4.1 innings. The Mariners offense is terrible, last in the AL in runs, and they face an ace in Zack Greinke and the Royals are 3-1 his last 4 starts. An excellent spot for the visitors. Play the Royals.

Brad Diamond Sports
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Play New York over Cincinnati
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Mets are in a challenging home series, much like the Phillies that brings serious playoff issues to the playing field. For my money this situation belongs to Johan Santana (5-5, 3.41). Young lefty Travis Wood of Cincinnati looked strong in his initial major league outing, but should be over his head tonight. The Mets have won 4 straight versus Cincinnati with Santana, and field with a super 24-7 mark on their home turf. Favor NY tonight, even if Wood does not go for Cincinnati. Good Luck.

EZWINNERS
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Detroit Tigers -188
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
The Tigers starting pitcher Armando Galarraga has not pitched very well since his "near" perfect game, but I expect him to pitch well here against the Orioles. Galarrage should have plenty of run support to help him pick up the win in this game. The Tigers bats are hot and they will be facing the Orioles struggling rookie pitcher Jake Arrieta. Arrieta is 0-2 in his last three starts and has an ERA of 8.78 in that span. Arrieta has only struck out four batters in the last three games and has walked a total of ten. That is a bad combination against a Detroit team that is knocking the cover off of the ball right now and exploded for 12 runs in yesterday's game against the Orioles. Baltimore exploded for seven runs yesterday themselves (and still lost) but they usually don't provide their pitchers with much run support. Arrieta's margin for error against this Detroit lineup is very small and he has not shown that he is ready to shut down a quality lineup like Detroit. The Orioles have lost five of their last six games in Detroit and the Tigers are 9-0 in their last nine games as a home favorite of -$151 to -$200. Play on Detroit.

Gill Alexander
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
ANA (-105) vs CWS
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVlCE PLAYS VlSlT THESPREAD.COM
Weaver has to be miffed about not making the All-Star team and I expect him to come out with an edge to him in this one. Weaver has a 0.86ERA in his last 3 outings and we've backed him successfully in 2 of them. He has given up just 2ER and 9H over the course of those 21IP w 28SO against 3BB. Wow. He leads the AL w 124SO. He owns the White Sox, posting a 0.52ERA against them in 5 lifetime starts and has given up just 1ER in 19.2IP at US Cellular. Peavy, though, has a 1.23ERA in his last 3 starts. However, on May 20th, LAA did beat him up for 6ER on 8H in 6IP. Sabermetrics backs us up here, as well. Weaver has a 2.89FIP (5th best in MLB) and 3.26xFIP (6th best in MLB). Peavy has a 4.10FIP and 4.14xFIP. The White Sox have won 19 of 24, but Weaver's a juggernaut at this point, and the Sox won't have enough to overcome a guy who even when not at his best, tortures the South Siders.

JAY MCNEIL

Pittsburgh at Houston

As bad a season this has been for the Astros, there are some bright spots looking at this game tonight.

The Astros have won 13 of 16 at home against the Pirates, while Pittsburgh has scored merely 13 runs in its last seven games at Minute Maid Park.

And now, Houston hands the ball to Wandy Rodriguez, and the Astros have won all five starts Rodriguez has made against the Pirates in Houston - while he’s gone 3-0 with a 3.26 ERA.

Most recently, the veteran southpaw has a 0.69 ERA in winning his last two starts.

This is too easy tonight.

2♦ HOUSTON

BRETT ATKINS

Today's free winner comes from Chicago as I go with the Angels to get the win over the White Sox.

I’m looking for something special out of the Angels’ Jered Weaver tonight in Chicago. The kid has great stuff and he was just snubbed for the All-Star roster, so he’s carrying a grudge into this one.

Weaver leads the American League in strikeouts, is 2-0 in his last three starts and has a 0.86 ERA in those three. In his last 21 innings, Weaver has allowed two runs, struck out 28 and issued just three walks. His last road outing was in Chicago, only against the Cubs, when he allowed just two hits and no runs, struck out 11 and got the Angels a 12-0 win.

Jake Peavy is on the hill for the White Sox and in his last outing against the Angels on May 20, he gave up six runs in six innings of a 6-5 loss in Chicago. In five career starts against the White Sox, Weaver has won all five and allowed two runs in 34.2 innings.

So have no fear and back the Angels tonight!

5♦ L.A. ANGELS

Stephen Nover

I am 37-19-1 on my last 57 free selections. I like the Los Angeles Angels and Jered Weaver today against Jake Peavy and the Chicago White Sox.

Both pitchers have been excellent, but Weaver could be the best pitcher in the American League. He has elevated himself to ace status this season. It's a joke he wasn't named to the All-Star team. He should be starting for the American League in his homepark.

Look for Weaver to be especially motivated after being snubbed. He's given up just two earned runs in his last three starts spanning 21 innings. He has a 28-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio during this span. Weaver entered this week leading the majors in strikeouts.

Weaver also has a very strong history versus Chicago. He's 4-0 lifetime against the White Sox with a 0.52 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings.

Peavy has been pitching well, too, but he did allow three runs to the Royals in his last start giving up seven hits in six innings. Peavy is 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA career-wise versus the Angels in 14 innings.

The Angels are the better hitting club ranking ninth in runs and 17th in batting average. The White Sox are 20th in runs scored and 23rd in batting average.

The Angels did lose the series-opener on Monday, but still have won 12 of their last 16 away games.

3♦ LA ANGELS

Chris Jordan

Armando Galarraga hasn’t looked like the guy who was robbed of a perfect game earlier this season, but this might be the perfect game to pitch, well, perfect. Though the right-hander has a 6.00 ERA since his controverSIAl one-hitter back on June 2, he has pitched well at home, where’s he’s 2-0 with a 2.22 ERA at Comerica Park.

The Tigers also come into this one with an American League-best home record of 28-12, and will be taking on the major league-worst Orioles, who are 25-57 on the year. Baltimore is the only team in the bigs that hasn’t won 30 games yet, and is sitting 26 games back of the AL East-leading Yankees.

The Orioles aren’t doing themselves any favors by handing the ball to Jake Arrieta, a rookie right-hander who is 0-2 with an 8.78 ERA in his last three starts after giving up four runs on seven hits and walking four in six frames last Thursday during an 8-1 loss to the Athletics.

Detroit will take it to the youngster, while Galarraga breaks out of his slump and handcuffs the Orioles’ weak lineup.

3♦ DETROIT -1.5