Friday's Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitchers
Streaking
Clay Buchholz (15-5, 2.21 ERA) Boston Red Sox
The Sox didn’t win the last time Buchholz toed the rubber but you can’t blame the young righty for that. He gave up just one earned run in 7 1/3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. He’s allowed three or fewer runs in seven straight starts.
The under is 3-0 in his last three outings while the Sox are 8-2 in his last 10 appearances. Even better, he wasn’t listed higher than a -153 favorite in any of those games.
Matt Garza (13-5, 3.53 ERA) Tampa Bay Rays
Garza is 2-0 with a 0.83 ERA over his last three starts and his best outing may have been his last when he held the Red Sox to one run but got a no-decision.
The right-hander has lasted seven innings or more and thrown at least 100 pitches in each of his last three starts with 16 strikeouts to six walks during that stretch.
Garza has enjoyed success at Baltimore, going 5-0 lifetime at Camden Yards.
Slumping
Barry Zito (8-10, 4.17) San Francisco Giants
Zito would have been the first man in the shower in his last two starts except for the fact that he barely broke a sweat. He has lasted a career-low 3 2/3 innings during both starts and allowed 12 earned runs in those brief appearances.
Zito hasn't won a game since July 16, going 0-7 in his last eight starts plus one relief appearance. The lefty could be headed for the bullpen if he doesn't turn it around soon. He is 25-14 with a 3.72 ERA in the month of September.
Fausto Carmona (11-13, 4.19 ERA) Cleveland Indians
It's been over a month now since Carmona last tasted victory, dropping five consecutive starts and allowing 43 hits and 21 earned runs during that 31 1/3-inning span.
The Tribe has provided a total of only 13 runs in support in those five games, but Carmona hasn't exactly been putting himself in position to get a win either.
Friday MLB Tips
By Kevin Rogers
The first Friday of September provides baseball bettors with a full card of games, including three key contests out west. The Angels and A's are fighting it out for second place in the AL West, while the Giants and Dodgers renew acquaintances in Los Angeles. We'll start in Southern California with the Rockies looking to keep the Padres in a slump at Petco Park.
Rockies at Padres - 10:05 PM EST
Colorado's offense dried up when it traveled to San Francisco, scoring just five runs in a series loss to the Giants. The Rockies' woes at the plate don't compare to San Diego's problems in general, as the Padres have lost seven straight games. Bud Black's squad was on a 13-3 run before dropping seven in a row, including four games to the last-place Diamondbacks.
The Padres will look to end their struggles with a rookie on the mound. Cory Luebke makes his Major League debut, as the former Ohio State Buckeye compiled a 5-0 mark with an ERA of 2.97 at Triple-A Portland. The Rockies are 1-4 in their last five road games against left-handed starting pitchers, while scoring just four runs combined those contests.
Aaron Cook (4-8, 5.31 ERA) returns to the Rockies' rotation for the first time in nearly a month after suffering a right toe injury on August 3. In that horrendous start against the Giants, Cook allowed five earned runs in three innings, the third straight outing the right-hander had given up five runs. Pitching away from Coors Field has turned the Rockies into an automatic 'fade' with Cook on the mound, as Colorado owns a 3-8 mark in his 11 road starts. However, that mindset does change a bit when Cook pitches in San Diego, as the Rockies are 3-1 in his previous four trips to the mound at Petco Park.
Colorado owns an 8-4 mark against San Diego this season, including a 4-2 record at Petco Park. The 'over' has profited nicely in Southern California, hitting in five of the six matchups.
Angels at Athletics - 10:05 PM EST
Two teams that are just looking to finish above .500 and second in the AL West begin a three-game set in Oakland. The Halos bounced back from an ugly three-game sweep at home by the Orioles to take two of three at Seattle. The A's return to the East Bay after finishing their road trip at 4-6, topped off by four consecutive losses to the Yankees.
Gio Gonzalez (12-8, 3.23 ERA) has been one of the nice surprises in this Oakland rotation, owning a 6-3 record at home. Gonzalez shut down the Rangers in his last outing, cashing as a $1.35 road underdog in an 8-2 victory. The A's southpaw has delivered five straight quality outings, including home wins over Texas and Toronto in this span. Gonzalez beat the Angels in Anaheim back in April, scattering six hits and two earned runs in six innings of a 10-4 drubbing.
The Angels send out the struggling Scott Kazmir (8-12, 6.34 ERA), who is winless in his last four trips to the mound. The former Rays' lefty has allowed 13 earned runs in those four defeats, including home setbacks to Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and Toronto. Kazmir has two contrasting starts at the Oakland Coliseum this season, looking like a different pitcher in each one. The southpaw gave up five hits and one earned run in 6.1 innings of a 4-2 victory on June 7. Things were dramatically different in his next trip to the Bay a month later, allowing 11 hits and 13 earned runs in five innings of a 15-1 whipping by the A's.
This series has been nearly even this season, with the Angels going 7-6 in the first 13 meetings. However, the Halos have won just one of four series against the A's, including a series loss at the Coliseum in mid-July. Oakland owns a subpar 16-27 mark in series openers, as the A's are 7-14 in this situation at home.
Giants at Dodgers - 10:10 PM EST
Now that the Manny Ramirez era is done in Los Angeles, the Dodgers try to pick up the pieces for a lost season against their arch-rivals from San Francisco. The Giants bounced back from a late meltdown in a series opening loss to the Rockies by grabbing the final two games. San Francisco trails Philadelphia by 1 ½ games in the NL Wild Card race, as the Giants play their next 10 games on the road.
Barry Zito (8-10, 4.07 ERA) has tapered off a bit following a strong start to the season, losing each of his last three outings. The former Cy Young Award winner hasn't lasted past the fifth inning in three straight defeats, while allowing 14 runs (12 earned) and 13 hits in lob-sided setbacks to the D-Backs and Cardinals. Zito has been involved in four low-scoring contests against the Dodgers, as the Giants are 1-3 versus their division rivals. However, the San Francisco southpaw has given up six earned runs in those four starts, but the Giants plated only five runs in support of Zito.
The Dodgers send out Chad Billingsley (10-8, 3.73 ERA), who was on the winning side of two of those three starts opposite Zito this season. Billingsley has put together quality starts in seven of his last eight trips to the mound, but Los Angeles is 1-5 in his previous six starts. The 'under' is extremely profitable in this quality start stretch for Billingsley, going on a 6-1-1 run. Only four of Billingsley's last 12 outings have come at Chavez Ravine, with the Dodgers owning a 3-1 mark.
The rivals have split 12 meetings this season, as the Giants evened the score with a three-game sweep at AT&T Park in late July. Six of Los Angeles' last eight home series openers have finished 'under' the total, including three shutouts by the Dodgers.
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Tips and Trends
Chicago White Sox at Boston Red Sox
WHITE SOX: Chicago has won their past 3 games, and optimism is high with the addition of offensive powerhouse Manny Ramirez. The current 3 game winning streak has Chicago within 4 games of the Twins in the American League Central. The White Sox only chance at making the postseason is by winning the AL Central. The White Sox are +9.27 and +10.15 units both SU and on the RL this year. Chicago is also serviceable on the road, where they are 35-33 SU this season. The White Sox have split the 8 games they've played against the Red Sox this season. Pitcher John Danks will make the road start tonight, as he is 12-9 with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.18 this year. The White Sox are 9-2 in their last 11 Friday games. The White Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 road games against a right-handed starter. Chicago is 7-2 in their last 9 games following an off day. The White Sox are 4-9 in their last 13 games as a road underdog. The White Sox are 2-5 in Danks' last 7 starts as an underdog. Chicago is 2-11 in Danks' last 13 Friday starts overall. The White Sox are 0-4 in Danks' last 4 starts against the American League East.
White Sox are 18-5 last 23 games during game 1 of a series.
Over is 7-0 last 7 games as an underdog.
Key Injuries - 2B Gordon Beckham (wrist) is questionable.
Projected Score: 2
RED SOX: (-150, O/U 8) Boston is fighting a daunting battle, as they try to gain enough ground in the AL East to make the postseason. The battle comes from having to chase both the Yankees and the Rays, the 2 best teams in baseball. Despite being 75-58 SU this year, the Red Sox trail the playoff hunt by 7 games. Boston is +1.14 and -1.03 units both SU and on the RL respectively this year. Pitcher Clay Buchholz will make the home start tonight, as he is 15-5 with an ERA of 2.21 and a WHIP of 1.18 this season. The Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 games as a favorite. Boston is 5-0 in Buchholz's last 5 home starts against a team with a winning record. The Red Sox are 8-0 in Buchholz's last 8 starts as a home favorite. Boston is 8-1 in Buchholz's last 9 starts against the American League Central. The Red Sox are 14-3 in Buchholz's last 17 starts during game 1 of a series. Boston is 21-5 in Buchholz's last 26 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Red Sox are 38-15 last 53 games as a home favorite.
Over is 8-3 last 11 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Key Injuries - C Jason Varitek (foot) is out.
Projected Score: 4 (UNDER-Total of the Day)
Diamond Trends - Friday
By Vince Akins
Angels at Athletics – The Angels are 0-6 since July 02, 2010 after a win and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $705 when playing against. The Athletics are 7-0 since April 15, 2010 as a favorite after a loss in which they were shut out in the last 6 innings for a net profit of $700. The Athletics are 6-0 since August 31, 2009 when Gio Gonzalez starts as a favorite vs a team that lost their starters last two starts for a net profit of $600.
Reds at Cardinals – The Reds are 8-0 since August 01, 2010 when they are off a win in which they came back from a deficit for a net profit of $810. The Reds are 8-0 since August 13, 2009 when Bronson Arroyo starts after his team scored a total of fewer than three runs in his last start for a net profit of $910. The Reds are 0-6 since July 08, 2010 after a win in which they allowed 1 or fewer walks for a net profit of $730 when playing against.
Mets at Cubs – The Mets are 6-0 since May 30, 2010 when R.A. Dickey starts within 20 cents of pickem after throwing more than 100 pitches and they won in his previous start for a net profit of $630. The Mets are 0-6 since April 18, 2010 on the road after a win in which they used 5+ pitchers for a net profit of $620 when playing against. The Cubs are 0-12 since May 28, 2010 after a win and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $1355 when playing against.
Astros at Diamondbacks – The Diamondbacks are 0-7 since April 13, 2010 after a win in which they left fewer than 10 men on base for a net profit of $715 when playing against.
Giants at Dodgers – The Giants are 7-0 since May 28, 2010 vs a team that has lost at least their last two games and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $740. The Dodgers are 0-5 since July 20, 2010 as a favorite when they lost the last time they faced this starting pitcher for a net profit of $565 when playing against.
Indians at Mariners – The Indians are 0-8 since May 13, 2010 as a road dog vs a team that has lost at least their last two games for a net profit of $800 when playing against. The Indians are 0-7 since September 09, 2009 when Fausto Carmona starts as a dog after the team lost his last two starts for a net profit of $700 when playing against. The Mariners are 0-7 since April 12, 2010 as a home favorite after allowing 6+ runs for a net profit of $795 when playing against.
Braves at Marlins – The Braves are 0-8 since April 11, 2010 when Kenshin Kawakami starts on the road for a net profit of $825 when playing against. The Braves are 6-0 since April 30, 2010 as a favorite when they are off a loss in which they never led and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $600. The Marlins are 7-0 since May 02, 2010 at home after a win in which they allowed 1 or fewer walks for a net profit of $710.
Rays at Orioles – The Rays are 8-0 since May 04, 2010 after scoring 3 runs or less and winning as a favorite for a net profit of $800. The Rays are 0-6 since May 26, 2009 when Matt Garza starts as a road favorite after the team won his last two starts for a net profit of $790 when playing against. The Orioles are 5-0 since August 03, 2010 at home and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $640.
Rockies at Padres – The Rockies are 0-9 since May 19, 2010 on the road vs a team that has lost at least their last two games for a net profit of $900 when playing against.
Brewers at Phillies – The Brewers are 6-0 since April 20, 2010 vs a team that has won at least their last three games and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $730. The Phillies are 10-0 since April 05, 2010 as a 200+ favorite and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $1000.
Nationals at Pirates – The Nationals are 0-6 since September 16, 2009 when Livan Hernandez starts on the road after his team won the last time he started for a net profit of $620 when playing against. The Pirates are 0-10 since July 10, 2009 when Zach Duke starts as a dog after losing as an away dog in his last start for a net profit of $1000 when playing against.
White Sox at Red Sox– The White Sox are 6-0 since June 11, 2010 as a dog after a win and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $700. The Red Sox are 8-0 since May 03, 2010 when Clay Buchholz starts as a home favorite for a net profit of $800.
Tigers at Royals – The Tigers are 0-8 since April 23, 2010 within 20 cents of pickem when they came back from a deficit to win in their starter's last start for a net profit of $810 when playing against. The Royals are 6-0 since June 25, 2010 at home when they lost by one run in their starter's last start for a net profit of $720.
Angels at Athletics – The Angels are 0-6 since July 02, 2010 after a win and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $705 when playing against. The Athletics are 7-0 since April 15, 2010 as a favorite after a loss in which they were shut out in the last 6 innings for a net profit of $700. The Athletics are 6-0 since August 31, 2009 when Gio Gonzalez starts as a favorite vs a team that lost their starters last two starts for a net profit of $600.
Reds at Cardinals – The Reds are 8-0 since August 01, 2010 when they are off a win in which they came back from a deficit for a net profit of $810. The Reds are 8-0 since August 13, 2009 when Bronson Arroyo starts after his team scored a total of fewer than three runs in his last start for a net profit of $910. The Reds are 0-6 since July 08, 2010 after a win in which they allowed 1 or fewer walks for a net profit of $730 when playing against.
Mets at Cubs – The Mets are 6-0 since May 30, 2010 when R.A. Dickey starts within 20 cents of pickem after throwing more than 100 pitches and they won in his previous start for a net profit of $630. The Mets are 0-6 since April 18, 2010 on the road after a win in which they used 5+ pitchers for a net profit of $620 when playing against. The Cubs are 0-12 since May 28, 2010 after a win and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $1355 when playing against.
Astros at Diamondbacks – The Diamondbacks are 0-7 since April 13, 2010 after a win in which they left fewer than 10 men on base for a net profit of $715 when playing against.
Giants at Dodgers – The Giants are 7-0 since May 28, 2010 vs a team that has lost at least their last two games and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $740. The Dodgers are 0-5 since July 20, 2010 as a favorite when they lost the last time they faced this starting pitcher for a net profit of $565 when playing against.
Indians at Mariners – The Indians are 0-8 since May 13, 2010 as a road dog vs a team that has lost at least their last two games for a net profit of $800 when playing against. The Indians are 0-7 since September 09, 2009 when Fausto Carmona starts as a dog after the team lost his last two starts for a net profit of $700 when playing against. The Mariners are 0-7 since April 12, 2010 as a home favorite after allowing 6+ runs for a net profit of $795 when playing against.
Braves at Marlins – The Braves are 0-8 since April 11, 2010 when Kenshin Kawakami starts on the road for a net profit of $825 when playing against. The Braves are 6-0 since April 30, 2010 as a favorite when they are off a loss in which they never led and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $600. The Marlins are 7-0 since May 02, 2010 at home after a win in which they allowed 1 or fewer walks for a net profit of $710.
Rays at Orioles – The Rays are 8-0 since May 04, 2010 after scoring 3 runs or less and winning as a favorite for a net profit of $800. The Rays are 0-6 since May 26, 2009 when Matt Garza starts as a road favorite after the team won his last two starts for a net profit of $790 when playing against. The Orioles are 5-0 since August 03, 2010 at home and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $640.
Rockies at Padres – The Rockies are 0-9 since May 19, 2010 on the road vs a team that has lost at least their last two games for a net profit of $900 when playing against.
Brewers at Phillies – The Brewers are 6-0 since April 20, 2010 vs a team that has won at least their last three games and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $730. The Phillies are 10-0 since April 05, 2010 as a 200+ favorite and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $1000.
Nationals at Pirates – The Nationals are 0-6 since September 16, 2009 when Livan Hernandez starts on the road after his team won the last time he started for a net profit of $620 when playing against. The Pirates are 0-10 since July 10, 2009 when Zach Duke starts as a dog after losing as an away dog in his last start for a net profit of $1000 when playing against.
White Sox at Red Sox – The White Sox are 6-0 since June 11, 2010 as a dog after a win and it is the first game of the series for a net profit of $700. The Red Sox are 8-0 since May 03, 2010 when Clay Buchholz starts as a home favorite for a net profit of $800.
Tigers at Royals – The Tigers are 0-8 since April 23, 2010 within 20 cents of pickem when they came back from a deficit to win in their starter's last start for a net profit of $810 when playing against. The Royals are 6-0 since June 25, 2010 at home when they lost by one run in their starter's last start for a net profit of $720.
Rangers at Twins – The Rangers are 14-0 since May 02, 2010 after a win in which they allowed 5+ walks for a net profit of $1490. The Rangers are 0-6 since June 14, 2009 when Derek Holland starts as a dog when he is off a start in which he needed more than 4 pitches per batter for a net profit of $600 when playing against.
Blue Jays at Yankees – The Blue Jays are 0-9 since April 25, 2010 as a road dog when they are off a loss in which they held the lead for a net profit of $900 when playing against.
MLB RoundUp For 9/3
By Dan Bebe
National League
Mets (-119) @ Cubs with a total of N/A
To call Randy Wells up-and-down would be fairly accurate. His last start was 6 innings of 2-run ball against the Reds. The start before that was a 6 innings, 7-run effort. Before that, 7 innings, 1 run. Before that, 5 innings, 6 runs. I suppose you could say he's due for a bad start, but it doesn't really work that way. More than likely, the punchless Mets are going to end up in a bit of a low-scoring battle, at least until the bullpens get involved. Let's keep an eye on the wind, because Dickey just keeps dominating everyone in the League not named the Marlins.
Brewers @ Phillies (-265) with a total of 8.5
Inflated line, anyone? Toss a half unit on the Brewers with Philadelphia coming home off a makeup game in Colorado that followed a long road trip through AZ, SD, and LAD. This is a trademark letdown spot for the Phils, and while Milwaukee stinks, it's a great shot to steal one.
Nationals (-120) @ Pirates with a total of 8.5
Both of these pitchers have been struggling, of late, but then, I suppose the only surprise there is that it took so long for Livan's ERA to creep up into the mid-3's. This has still be a huge success of a season for Livan, and while his career 4-4, 5.05 ERA against Pittsburgh doesn't look so hot, he actually beat Duke a few months back with 6 innings of 2-run ball. I would expect something similar, even though the Pirates are a little better at home. Fact is, the Nats offense is significantly better than the Pirates, so even if both starters give clunkers, Washington has some edges. It's a cheap line, and that's the only note on this one that's scaring me away from the Nationals.
Braves (-125) @ Marlins with a total of 9
How do you get to be 1-9 on a really, really good team? That's the question that only Kawakami can answer, and a 4.75 ERA isn't good, but certainly doesn't warrant a record that poor. Sometimes a pitcher can just be insanely unlucky, and sometimes a pitcher brings a little of that on himself. Without going back through each game he's started, it's tough to know if, perhaps, Kawakami had a tendency to give up runs after his team scored (failed shut-down innings), but what we do know is that he's just 1-4 with a 5.55 ERA against the Marlins, and the Braves road woes make even Andrew Miller seem like a decent play.
Reds @ Cardinals (-130) with a total of 8
Arroyo's been a complete disaster in this ballpark so far in 2010, though I suppose it's just one start. He's faced the Cards 4 times this year, was great in his first 2 starts, and pretty mediocre in the most recent 2. St Louis has been struggling, but that might also be when they're the most dangerous to fade. Garcia at a -130 favorite is about where I expected this line to open. He's been decent enough against the Reds, and very strong at home. If the Cardinals weren't playing like such nitwits, it might be easier to pull the trigger on them, but the sweep in Cincinnati might have the Reds thinking revenge, and the big NL Central lead for Cincy might also have them thinking, "Crush their spirits."
Astros @ D'backs (-140) with a total of 8
This line is higher than I expected, considering how well the Astros have been playing, and the quality of the starting pitcher on the hill for them. Brett Myers is 10-7 for a very bad team, and has a 2.97 ERA on the season - very impressive. Daniel Hudson continues to impress for his new ballclub, and even though Edwin Jackson is pitching well for the White Sox, you have to think the D'backs are pleased to get a quality young arm...especially since, in my opinion, they got garbage for Dan Haren. Hudson has never faced the 'Stros, and Myers beat the D'backs earlier this year with a strong effort. I would take the Under if I trusted the bullpens.
Rockies @ Padres (-130) with a total of 7.5
I imagine the question on everyone's mind is...who the heck is Cory Luebke? Well, funny you should ask because, conveniently, I've actually done play by play for a game where he pitched for the Lake Elsinore Storm and got waxed. Of course, some time between 2007 and now Luebke "figured it out." What is "it", exactly? Tough to say, but over his last 2 Minor League seasons, Luebke is 21-5 at 3 levels. He's not a big-time strikeout guy, but he does seem to have a good grasp of how to pitch, and thus the Padres will deploy him to try to catch the Rockies off guard. Aaron Cook, interestingly, is 13-4 with a 2.86 lifetime mark against the Padres, but got beat up by them in one start this year, and hasn't pitched since August 3.
Giants @ Dodgers (-135) with a total of 7.5
Chad Billingsley isn't really the question mark. I didn't think I'd ever get to say that again after the way he sputtered after the playoff meltdown(s). He's been very good for the Dodgers after a slow start, and he's been dominant against these Giants this year. He's 5-2 against San Francisco in his career, and that includes 2 starts this year where he hasn't allowed a run to them. And whether or not the Dodgers are in the playoff hunt, these rivalry games are always going to bring out some sort of competitive fire. Zito is a concern. He's been amazing in 4 starts against the Dodgers this year (though he's just 0-1 with 3 no-decisions), but he's coming off a stretch of 4 straight ugly outings that has ballooned his ERA up over 4. Which Zito will we see? And how about the fact that Billingsley has faced Zito 3 times already, this year, the Dodgers won 2 of those and all 3 went Under.
American League
Blue Jays @ Yankees (-150) with a total of 9
It sucks to be in the AL East. Toronto is actually 7-5 against the Yankees this year, but man, every time you turn around, you have to play one of the best teams in baseball. Morrow, Toronto's starter, has put together a nice year for the Jays, coming close to a no-no. He's also been very good against the Yankees, but only at home. His work in New York has been subpar, and I feel like we're getting a pretty cheap price on Ivan Nova, largely because of his name. If I were to play this one, and I doubt I will be, it would be the home team.
Rays (-200) @ Orioles with a total of 8.5
Do I think there's some sort of reason to back the Orioles? Sure, but I'd prefer to take them against teams not fighting for anything. Pass.
White Sox @ Red Sox (-150) with a total of 8
It's been talked about ad nauseum, but really, how can you still get Buchholz for this reasonable of a price? I guess one more game. I know the White Sox have Manny now, and John Danks has been pretty darn solid this year, but he's just 1-4 lifetime against the Red Sox with a 5.08 ERA. Boston can definitely score at home, and while Buchholz got lit up the one time he faced the White Sox, this is a more mature version of him. And that 15-5 record and 2.21 ERA is a testament to that.
Tigers @ Royals (-160) with a total of 8.5
This line is headed North, thanks to the Tigers playing a long one in Minnesota last night, and one that took more pitchers than they would have liked when the day started. If you like the Royals, which I would given Bonderman's failure in KC earlier this year and Greinke being nothing short of dominant against the Tigers, then you should get them early.
Rangers @ Twins (-130) with a total of 9.5
I can't believe I'm even considering this, but Blackburn has actually looked pretty solid since his return to the Twins rotation. He's 0-2 with a 4.26 ERA against Texas, but I would go so far as to say that giving up 3 runs in 6.1 innings should be enough in this one. The Twins are coming off a tough extra-inning game, and that's a definite concern, and Texas had the day off, so they're rested, but Holland faced Minnesota once this year way, way back, and only made it through 1 inning. He was bad in his first start since getting another call-up a week ago, too. The price might be right on a favorite.
Angels @ Athletics (-180) with a total of 7.5
My, how the mighty have fallen. The Angels a monster road dog to...the A's? I'm afraid so. The A's have outplayed the Angels for the last couple months on the coattails of their tremendous starting pitchers. I don't expect anything less, here. The Angels have, more or less, mailed it in, scoring almost all their runs on monster cuts. It's almost funny to watch the Angels at the plate, taking these HUGE swings. Yeah, they connected for a couple homers in that Seattle series, and that was enough against the cruddy Mariners, but they'll get rolled in Oakland if they keep that crap up.
Indians @ Mariners (-110) with a total of 7
The Indians are live dogs in every game of this series, largely because they can just flat-out hit better than the Mariners. Seattle is good for about 3 runs most games, but Carmona is strong enough where he might be able to pin them at 2. Can the Indians score 3-4 off French? Maybe. I am starting to hate betting on Mariners games - they're just a struggle to watch, even if they're going well. I might consider the Over, since French seems to alternate good and bad starts, and Carmona has not pitched well over the last month.