MLB Weekend Series
By Josh Jacobs
Florida, Texas and Toronto have gotten off to a quick start after the first week of play. And then there’s clubs like Cleveland and Washington who continue to search for some sort of cohesion. But keep your hats on because the weekend is here, Easter Sunday highlights family fun and baseball will provide us with some golden opportunities.
Before we jump into the fray, condolences go out to Nick Adenhart and two others who were tragically killed in a car accident Thursday. Adenhart was selected in 14th round of the 2004 draft and was the youngest pitcher at 22 years of age to be on an active MLB roster.
Taking a page from last season’s coverage, this installment of the MLB preview will focus on individual series and games that will catch bettors’ eyes on the board. And off we go…
N.Y. Mets at Florida
Game 2 – Saturday, 6:10 p.m. EST
NYM – L. Hernandez (R) vs. FLA – R. Nolasco (R)
It’s been tough struggles when these two clubs get together around the diamond but it’s Florida that’s had the upper hand as an 11-2 record in the last 13 home games demonstrates. Even more attractive is the Marlins’ 7-2 performance against the Mets when starter Ricky Nolasco is scheduled to pitch. In 2008, Nolasco wasn’t flawless in head-to-head action, struggling to secure a 1-2 record and a 3.48 ERA in six games. But there’s one difference to take into account. When pitching in Shea Stadium during the ’08 season, Nolasco found himself giving up a damaging, .284 BAA and a .321 OBP. Compare that to a .251 BAA and .281 OBP inside Dolphins Stadium and the difference in parks is apparent. Nolasco went six innings, giving up three hits and three runs in a 4-3 victory against the Mets on Aug. 30 (the last home-game against New York). That performance was followed up by a 2-0 loss in New York in the last start of 2008.
Given the history between these two clubs in Florida, the Mets are predicted to have a tough going to begin their first series with the Marlins. New York’s offense has started off on a tare, scoring 17 runs in the last three games against Cincinnati (despite the 8-6 loss in Game 3). Veteran starter Livan Hernandez will make his debut with the Mets on Saturday. Finishing with a 13-11 record and a 6.05 ERA in 2008, Hernandez figures to be an anchor in the No. 5 spot in the rotation. He’s had seven seasons possessing a winning record and is a career, 4.38 ERA slinger. But it’s his experience that New York is looking for. Hernandez has pitched in 12 postseason games for which he’s 7-3 with a 3.97 ERA. His 25 career starts against his former Marlins team has Hernandez at 12-7 with a 3.39 ERA and 1.26 WHIP.
Game 3 – Sunday, 1:10 p.m. EST
NYM – J. Santana (L) vs. FLA – J. Johnson (R)
Instead of starting out by questioning what Johan Santana has done to the Marlins, it would be more apropos to ask what has the Marlins done to Johan Santana? In only five games that Florida has seen Santana, the club struggled mightily, making contact for a skimp, .184 BA. And the rest of the numbers are just as poor; .250 on base percentage, .304 slugging percentage, 40 strikeouts and only 10 base on balls. But maybe the most damaging of statistics is the Marlins’ 0-5 record versus the two-time Cy Young Award winner. Having started in his first game of the season on Monday, a three hit, one-run performance was capped off by earning the ‘W’ against Cincinnati. The poor weather didn’t seem to play much of a factor in Santana’s performance but 99 pitches in a little over five innings should have carried the All-Star slinger further into the contest.
The Marlins will attempt to come out of the starting gate in a full sprint. The reason being, Florida had its most productive offensive moments in the first inning in 2008. During the start of the game, the Marlins brought in a team high, 95 RBIs with 33 homeruns in the first inning. And low and behold, the Mets’ Santana struggled the most in the first inning, giving up a .287 BAA and an OPS of .726. On the flip side, that BAA number dips down to .223 when factoring in innings one through three. Now is the time to strike for Florida as last year proved that April/March had the club batting for a season high, .261. That number gradually dropped month by month. But this is a clubhouse that changes drastically from season to season.
Boston at L.A. Angels
Game 2 – Saturday, 4:10 p.m. EST
BOS – B. Penny (R) vs. LAA – S. Loux (R)
After winning Game 1, 5-3, Boston proceeded to get smacked by Tampa Bay in Game 2 and 3, losing by a combined score of 11-5. Now newly acquired starter, Brad Penny will get to show his stuff after having a horrible 2008 season. Penny is coming off a 6-9 showing in ’08 but it was his shoulder problem that related to just 17 starts. This coming from a guy who went 32-13 with a 3.68 ERA from 2006 and 2007. Being a National Leaguer throughout his career, Penny will be facing the Angels for the first time in his career. Reverting back to interleague play, the right-hander is a current 7-11 in 23 starts versus AL teams. A 5.08 ERA coupled with a 1.36 WHIP has given way to a .279 BAA>
The Red Sox are just 3-9 in their last 12 head-to-head meetings and are 2-3 in their last five in Anaheim.
The tragic loss of Nick Adenhart has put a heavy psychological strain on this club. Personal wise, the pitching staff has been decimated by injury and placing right-hander, Shane Loux on the mound is evidence of the depletion. Loux is the classic mold of Triple-A pitchers. His control over the strike zone is suspect at best and unless he keeps the ball down, Cactus League batters have had fun times lifting the ball. In his Major League career of seven starts and 21 total games of action spanning back to 2002, Loux is 1-4 with a 6.41 ERA.
The ‘under’ is 38-18-4 in the Angels last 60 during Game 2 of a series.
Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee
Game 3 – Sunday on ESPN at 8:05 p.m. EST
CHC – R. Dempster (R) vs. MIL – J. Suppan (R)
The game to end the weekend will have Chicago slinger Ryan Dempster going up against Milwaukee’s righty, Jeff Suppan. Suppan was bombarded for six hits and six earned runs on only 62 pitches in four innings of work in his season debut. But let’s not be too surprised as the 34-year-old hurler logged in 10 starts last season that had him pitching five innings of less. In-fact in the final four appearances on the mound, Supan tossed an average of 3.3 innings, giving up 6.8 hits per game and 4.3 runs per game.
At the plate, the Brewers brought in a .253 BA (12th worst in the NL), an OBP of .325 (10th ranked) and 1,398 total hits (11th ranked). What padded 722 RBIs was a high, 198 homeruns (third best in the NL). Against the Cubs last year, Milwaukee scratched together an ineffective, .250 BA but found a way to cross the plate for 4.5 runs per game. Other then posting satisfactory RBIs numbers against Houston and St. Louis, the Brewers found a way to get the job done in the offensive department with 69 total RBIs versus the Cubs. But a pitching staff that posted a 5.16 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP helped push Milwaukee behind in the record books with a 7-9 performance versus Chicago last year.
As for the Cubs, hitting .282 with 17 runs scored in the first three games (two wins and a loss against Houston). Starting pitcher Ryan Dempster will begin the night on the hill for Chicago. In his first win this season against the Astros, Dempster posted some solid numbers (five strikeouts and two runs allowed on six hits) but found himself walking three batters (something that could be detrimental to Dempster as the season rolls on).
Dempster is 3-1 pitching in Miller Park for his career. This is accompanied by a 1.90 ERA, giving up 13 runs in 52 innings of work. During the last three years, Dempster is 4-1 with a .182 BAA against Milwaukee.
vegasinsider.com
Major League Baseball weekend cheat sheet
By Marc Lawrence
March Madness is in the rearview mirror and the NBA playoffs are just around the corner. Our focus shifts to the basepaths with the 2009 MLB season now underway.
Each week throughout the MLB season we will present a MLB Cheat Sheet. It’s a guide designed to help you isolate a key best bet or two on the weekend baseball card. And just as important, like all good information, it can also help keep you off a potential loser.
With that thought in mind let’s examine the top two series in both circuits on this weekend’s MLB cards. Note that all pitcher records are team starts unless noted otherwise.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
New York Mets at Florida Marlins
Most Recent Series Result: Mets 8-6 last 14 games vs. Marlins
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Mets 15-5 last 20 games here vs. Marlins
Key Day/Month Stat: Marlins 4-0 last four Fridays
Best Arm in the Series: Mets’ Santana 5-0, 1.83 lifetime ERA vs. Marlins
Worst Arm in the Series: Mets’ Pelfrey 1-7, 6.12 lifetime ERA vs. Marlins
Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks
Most Recent Series Result: Dodgers 5-0 last five games vs. Diamondbacks
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Dodgers 2-0 last two games here vs. Diamondbacks
Key Day/Month Stat: Dodgers 6-0 last six Saturdays
Best Arm in the Series: Dodgers’ Wolf 4-0, 3.90 ERA last four games here vs. Diamondbacks
Worst Arm in the Series: Diamondbacks’ Davis 1-2, 11.27 ERA last three vs. Dodgers
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox
Most Recent Series Result: Twins 6-2 last eight games vs. White Sox
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: White Sox 12-3 (6-0 last 6) last 15 games here vs. Twins
Key Day/Month Stat: White Sox 9-1 last 10 Sundays
Best Arm in the Series: White Sox’ Danks 3-0, 2.84 ERA last three home vs. Twins
Worst Arm in the Series: Twins’ Blackburn 0-4, 5.49 away lifetime ERA vs. White Sox
Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Angels
Most Recent Series Result: Angels 9-3 last 12 games vs. Red Sox
Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Red Sox 2-0 last two games here vs. Angels
Key Day/Month Stat: Angels 10-1 last 11 home on Sundays
Best Arm in the Series: Angels’ Saunders 7-0, 3.43 ERA lifetime vs. Red Sox
Worst Arm in the Series: Angels’ Lackey 3-13, 5.36 ERA lifetime vs. Red Sox
Game of the day: Red Sox at Angels
By David Chan
Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Angels (+118, 9)
Pitching matchup
The Red Sox will roll out one of their newest acquisitions in right-hander Brad Penny. Los Angeles turns to Shane Loux, who will be making his first start in six years.
Penny is a bit of a wild card after enduring an injury-riddled 2008 season. He made only 17 starts last year after taking the mound at least 29 times each season from '05 to '07.
Not only did he battle injury, but also inconsistency. Penny went 6-9 with an ERA north of six in '08. Now he'll have to adjust to life in the American League.
Shane Loux pitched well when called upon last season, but that call only came seven times. In 16 innings he gave up 16 hits and only five earned runs, striking out four and walking two. He hasn't started a game since he was a member of the Tigers in 2003.
Slow starts
Both the Red Sox and Angels have gotten off to surprisingly slow starts at the plate.
Boston entered play Friday with a collective .238 batting average and only 10 runs scored through three games. The Red Sox put up three runs on seven hits against Los Angeles Friday night.
The Angels were only slightly better in their first series of the season, plating 11 runs while batting .257 as a team. However, they found their swing Friday, knocking in six runs on 10 hits for a 6-3 victory.
Perhaps facing the backend of their opponent's rotation will keep Los Angeles' bats from cooling off again.
History lesson
The Angels had the Red Sox number a year ago, taking nine of 13 meetings.
The road team prevailed eight times during their 2008 season series with seven of those eight wins coming in the role of underdog.
This will be Brad Penny's sixth career start against the Angels. His first five came as a member of the Marlins and Dodgers. His teams went 1-4 in those five outings. His most recent appearance against the Angels came in May of 2007, in a 9-1 setback.
Shane Loux has never pitched against the Red Sox.
Early season showdown
As perennial playoff contenders, this is a key early season series in the American League.
With that said, Red Sox manager Terry Francona doesn't like to overemphasize these early April matchups.
“They’re a good team,” Francona told reporters. “We’d like to think we are. It will be a long, interesting season.”
The Red Sox were 5-7 on the road last April while the Angels finished the month 8-6 as hosts.
With heavy hearts
A somber atmosphere will cloud this series following the tragic death of Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart. The team honored their fallen teammate Friday and rode that emotion to an impressive win over the Red Sox.
“It’s almost numbing. It’s just crushing,” Francona said to the media. “As much as we care about baseball, it becomes secondary in a hurry.”
Baseball Today
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, April 11
Boston at the Los Angeles Angels (4:10 p.m. EDT). Brad Penny, who overcame nagging injuries to win a spot in the rotation, makes his debut for the Red Sox.
STARS
Friday
-Miguel Cabrera, Tigers, had three hits including a grand slam and finished with six RBIs in a 15-2 rout of the Rangers.
-Kelly Johnson, Braves, had three hits including the winning RBI single in the 10th inning in a 6-5 victory over the Nationals.
-Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins, had three hits and scored three runs, the last the game-winner in the ninth inning of a 5-4 victory over the Mets.
-Andy Pettitte, Yankees, gave up one run and three hits over seven innings, striking out six with only one walk in a 4-1 victory over the Roayls.
-Justin Morneau, Twins, went 2-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs in a 12-5 trouncing of the struggling White Sox.
-Evan Longoria, Rays, hit a pair of home runs and finished with three RBIs in a 5-4 loss to the Orioles.
-Adam Lind, Blue Jays, drove in four runs with two doubles and a homer in a 13-7 win over the Indians.
SO LONG, NICK
The grief-stricken Los Angeles Angels, still mourning the shocking death of rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart, beat Boston 6-3 behind Jered Weaver's fine pitching performance. The 22-year-old Adenhart and two of his friends were killed when their car was broadsided early Thursday in a crash caused by a suspected drunk driver who was charged with three counts of murder Friday. The Angels honored Adenhart, Courtney Stewart and Henry Pearson with a moment of silence before the game as the team returned to baseball after postponing Thursday's scheduled game against Oakland. Weaver reached down with his finger and etched Adenhart's initials in the dirt on the mound, then allowed only an unearned run in 6 2-3 innings. The Angels wore No. 34 patches, which will remain on their home and road jerseys throughout the season.
EMILI-WHO?
Emilio Bonifacio is quickly making a name for himself with the Marlins. He went 3-for-5 for his fourth consecutive multi-hit game, hiking his average to .579 (11-for-19). The former Washington Nationals player scored three times and has nine runs this season.
THE NEW K
Kansas City played the Yankees in the first game at the renovated Kauffman Stadium. One of the prettiest parks in the majors underwent a $250 million facelift, and the Royals christened it with a 30-minute pregame party. The familiar fountains are still there, as is the crown scoreboard. The results were awfully similar, too, a 4-1 loss to New York.
HAPPY RETURNS
Joe Crede homered against his former team, making a triumphant return to Chicago in the Minnesota Twins' 12-5 victory over the White Sox. Just 3-for-16 in the first four games, Crede led off the second by driving a pitch from Jose Contreras into the left-field bullpen. He was hit by boos from a crowd that gave him a standing ovation when he stepped to the plate.
SURPRISE SAVE
Cardinals reliever Kyle McClellan got up in the bullpen Friday night to throw what he thought would be a side session. A few minutes later he was called in to save his second career game, getting the final two outs against the Houston Astros after rookie reliever Jason Mott struggled again in the ninth. St. Louis won 5-3.
LOVIN' THE NL
Jon Garland sure made everyone in Arizona forgot about that Randy Johnson guy. Signed in the offseason to replace the Big Unit, Garland allowed three runs on five hits in seven innings in his National League debut, a 9-4 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
LONG NIGHT
Cleveland dropped to 0-4 for the first time since 1985, losing its home opener 13-7 to Toronto in a game that was delayed by rain for 3 hours, 47 minutes in the fifth inning. A sellout crowd of 42,473, which enjoyed the usual pomp and festivities of opening day under a gray sky, was reduced to about 500 for the final out, recorded 7 hours, 12 minutes after Indians rookie starter Scott Lewis threw his first pitch.
FAMILIAR FACES
Sidney Ponson gave up four runs and six hits over six innings in his Royals debut, a 4-1 loss to the Yankees. Ponson made 15 starts for New York last year. ... Armando Galarraga struck out a career-high eight for Detroit in a 15-2 win over Texas, the team that traded him to the Tigers in February 2008. He allowed a run and five hits in seven innings. ... Mark Hendrickson won his Baltimore debut, yielding one run and six hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 5-4 victory over the AL champion Rays. The left-hander, who pitched for Tampa Bay from 2004-06, struck out two and walked two.
ROCKY RETURN
Texas right-hander Kris Benson was roughed up in his return to the majors. He allowed eight runs - seven earned - and 10 hits in five innings of a 15-2 loss at Detroit, his first big league game since Sept. 27, 2006.
SPEAKING
"If he doesn't get better, we're going to send him to Albuquerque,'' -Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez on Emilio Bonifacio, who went 3-for-5 and scored the winning run in a 5-4 victory over the Mets. The speedster is 11-for-19 and has scored nine runs this season.
TEXAS vs. DETROIT
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Texas is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 6-17 SU in its last 23 games
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
TORONTO vs. CLEVELAND
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
Toronto is 3-15 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Toronto
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Cincinnati's last 21 games at home
SEATTLE vs. OAKLAND
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
Oakland is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
BOSTON vs. LA ANGELS
Boston is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
LA Angels are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games when playing Boston
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home
HOUSTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
St. Louis is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Minnesota is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
NY METS vs. FLORIDA
NY Mets are 15-6 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Florida
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Florida is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games
Chi Cubs are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
TAMPA BAY vs. BALTIMORE
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Tampa Bay is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
NY YANKEES vs. KANSAS CITY
NY Yankees are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
NY Yankees are 14-5 SU in their last 19 games
Kansas City is 6-16 SU in their last 22 games when playing NY Yankees
Kansas City is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
Washington is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing Washington
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
LA Dodgers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Arizona is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
PHILADELPHIA vs. COLORADO
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Philadelphia is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
San Francisco is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Francisco is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Francisco
San Diego is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against San Francisco
American League Research
By Indiancowboy
Toronto vs. Cleveland
Toronto continues to put up runs upon runs, as they have put up 37 runs in the first 5 games as their offense continues to surprise. Cleveland is still winless on the year at 0-4, but look to bounce-back here. Halladay pitched a went 7 innings and gave up 5 runs (6+ ERA), but still picked up the win in his first game. Lee was roughed up for 7 runs on 5 innings against the Rangres on the road so he looks to bounce-back today. The line is at 8 as both pitchers look to lower their ERA on bounce-backs. Note, Halladay is 5-2 with a 3.73 ERA against the Indians in 12 outings against them lifetime and Lee is 1-3 with a 4.02 ERA against the Jays in 7 starts lifetime.
Texas vs. Detroit
Verlander hits the mound today and if you want my thoughts on Justin, check out the "Vertigo Verlander" MLB article posted here. As per this game, he has reported to have made many changes over the off-season but that did not help him much against the Jays on the road. Harrison is a good looking kid that had a lot of wins last year but note that he is a 5ERA type pitcher, and he needs the Rangers offense to help him if he expects to do well. I know Verlander is on a bounce-back, but I would not be surprised to see this game go over with this Ranger offense.
Seattle vs. Oakland
Although King Felix struggled getting rnners into scoring position, he still managed to give up just 1 run as picked up the win against the Twins and having a 1.13 ERA on the season. The Mariners won by 1 run yesterday as they are 3-2 on the year. Outman was a product of the Phillies but the A's were high on the kid so they sent Blanton to the eventual world series champs and brought Outman to Oakland. The A's like the kid as he pitched well in the Cactus games and give him the ball for the home opener today. If anything a lean on the Under here as Outman is pitching to remain in the starting rotation; note that if Felix gets in similar trouble as he did in the first game, he might not be so lucky in yielding just 1 run as he did last time.
Red Sox vs. Angels
Penny makes his first start for the Redsox this afternoon against the Angels. He looks to come back from a frustrating injury proned year in 08' when he went 6-9 with a 6.27 era, Saunders has always done well against the Redox going 4-0 with a 2.89 era against Boston, he is 8-0 in April over the last 2 years, I understand Penny makes his first start for the Redsox today but there are still many unanswered questions about Brad's ability to get his stuff straight early on, as the season goes on I'm sure he gets it ironed out, but early on I'm not sure. A lean on the Angels here as the dog tag although the Redsox will look to stop getting taken to the cleaners by this kid.
Tampa Bay vs. Baltimore
Niemann, the first round draft pick in 2004 and 4th overall, makes his start for the Rays beating out Price and others for the 4th spot in the Rays rotation. The young man is extremely tall but looks to have worked out his mechanics and starts against a potent O's team. Guthrie pitched very well against the Yankees and has the ability to go 6 inns and give up 3 runs as usual. I know what we are likely to get from Guthrie, not sure from Niemann. This can go either way frankly as the line indicates (+100/-108)
Yankees vs. Royals
I'm not the biggest fan of RL, but that could be something to look at here. Sabathia has a 12+ ERA in his first outing, looks to bounce-back, Ramirez is a lefty but is only the temporary 5th starter for the Royals, and then will be used in the bullpen; A lean on the Yanks RL here as Sabathia looks to return back to form.
NL Look Out (Fantasy value):
I'm a big fan of Johnny Cueto although I focus on the AL, take a good look at that kid as if he starts off the season strong, he will be a greatout Strikeout pitcher in your fantasy leagues. Dusty Baker is high on this kid and if he gets it going early, as he is maturing much more this year compared to his rookie year, look for him to be a double-digit winner this yaer.
PITTSBURGH (2 - 2) at CINCINNATI (1 - 2)
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 33-46 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 219-251 (-62.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
PAUL MAHOLM vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
MAHOLM is 3-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.08 and a WHIP of 1.372.
His team's record is 7-6 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.6 units)
JOHNNY CUETO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
CUETO is 2-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.563.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)
HOUSTON (1 - 3) at ST LOUIS (3 - 2)
ROY OSWALT (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OSWALT is 6-14 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 61-47 (+14.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 87-78 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 85-77 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 43-39 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
ROY OSWALT vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
OSWALT is 11-5 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.176.
His team's record is 14-13 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 18-9. (+8.4 units)
ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. HOUSTON since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 5-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.14 and a WHIP of 1.048.
His team's record is 6-0 (+6.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)
NY METS (2 - 2) at FLORIDA (4 - 0)
LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 75-70 (-25.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 29-39 (-24.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 88-77 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 59-36 (+31.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 49-36 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 19-11 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 44-31 (+21.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 87-75 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 62-58 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 63-56 (+14.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 22-11 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 12-5 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 21-11 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 16-9 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 16-8 (+13.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 18-13 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 15-9 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. FLORIDA since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 12-7 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.262.
His team's record is 16-9 (+5.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-13. (-3.9 units)
RICKY NOLASCO vs. NY METS since 1997
NOLASCO is 2-5 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 6.65 and a WHIP of 1.707.
His team's record is 4-5 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)
CHICAGO CUBS (2 - 2) at MILWAUKEE (2 - 2)
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. DAVE BUSH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 959-1011 (-186.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 902-927 (-163.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BUSH is 25-9 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 64-42 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 39-19 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 23-9 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 10-8 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.220.
His team's record is 10-12 (-6.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-9. (+1.9 units)
DAVE BUSH vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
BUSH is 1-7 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.05 and a WHIP of 1.122.
His team's record is 1-10 (-10.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.4 units)
WASHINGTON (0 - 4) at ATLANTA (3 - 1)
JOHN LANNAN (L) vs. KENSHIN KAWAKAMI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 33-72 (-30.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 14-34 (-16.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 24-55 (-23.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 59-106 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 40-76 (-24.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-44 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 91-79 (+41.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 73-85 (-21.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 75-91 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 74-89 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 21-33 (-17.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
JOHN LANNAN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LANNAN is 2-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.824.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.
PHILADELPHIA (1 - 3) at COLORADO (3 - 1)
BRETT MYERS (R) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MYERS is 14-20 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MYERS is 14-22 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 108-90 (+28.2 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 126-114 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 95-79 (+14.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 47-69 (-23.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
BRETT MYERS vs. COLORADO since 1997
MYERS is 5-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.35 and a WHIP of 1.289.
His team's record is 6-0 (+6.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)
JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 11.57 and a WHIP of 2.286.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)
LA DODGERS (2 - 3) at ARIZONA (2 - 2)
ERIC STULTS (L) vs. YUSMEIRO PETIT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 7-17 (-12.3 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 85-82 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
ERIC STULTS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.
YUSMEIRO PETIT vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
PETIT is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
SAN FRANCISCO (2 - 2) at SAN DIEGO (3 - 2)
JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 61-41 (+28.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 29-22 (+17.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 659-557 (+77.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 366-352 (+47.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 66-100 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 11-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 66-100 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 45-74 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 23-42 (-20.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.083.
His team's record is 2-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
JAKE PEAVY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
PEAVY is 11-8 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.31 and a WHIP of 1.196.
His team's record is 12-11 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-10. (+0.2 units)
TEXAS (3 - 1) at DETROIT (2 - 3)
MATT HARRISON (L) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 82-84 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 148-155 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 60-53 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 45-38 (+12.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 26-34 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 70-77 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 24-40 (-19.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 76-91 (-31.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 41-41 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 13-21 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 12-19 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
MATT HARRISON vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.
JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. TEXAS since 1997
VERLANDER is 4-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.30 and a WHIP of 1.213.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.1 units)
TORONTO (4 - 1) at CLEVELAND (0 - 4)
ROY HALLADAY (R) vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 15-27 (-15.6 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
LEE is 24-8 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 14-2 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 21-7 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 34-21 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 37-45 (-15.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 12-19 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 9-17 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 18-31 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
ROY HALLADAY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HALLADAY is 5-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.332.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.4 units)
CLIFF LEE vs. TORONTO since 1997
LEE is 1-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.02 and a WHIP of 1.413.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+2.9 units)
SEATTLE (3 - 2) at OAKLAND (2 - 2)
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. JOSHUA OUTMAN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 57-94 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 64-103 (-35.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 82-63 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 7-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.56 and a WHIP of 1.148.
His team's record is 7-5 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.1 units)
JOSHUA OUTMAN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.
BOSTON (1 - 3) at LA ANGELS (2 - 2)
BRAD PENNY (R) vs. SHANE LOUX (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 103-67 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 45-20 (+21.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 31-11 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 97-60 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 145-98 (+25.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 94-57 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
BRAD PENNY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PENNY is 1-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.99 and a WHIP of 1.206.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)
SHANE LOUX vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.
MINNESOTA (3 - 2) at CHI WHITE SOX (1 - 3)
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 10-0 (+10.6 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 56-31 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 30-11 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 87-61 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 44-30 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
LIRIANO is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
BARTOLO COLON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
COLON is 7-7 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.36 and a WHIP of 1.437.
His team's record is 10-10 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-9. (-1.6 units)
TAMPA BAY (2 - 2) at BALTIMORE (3 - 1)
JEFF NIEMANN (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 18-12 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 107-75 (+28.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 49-34 (+18.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 78-46 (+29.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 469-511 (-107.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 169-229 (-71.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 469-511 (-107.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
JEFF NIEMANN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
NIEMANN is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GUTHRIE is 1-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.49 and a WHIP of 1.729.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-4.0 units)
NY YANKEES (2 - 2) at KANSAS CITY (2 - 2)
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. HORACIO RAMIREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 130-88 (-54.1 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -175 or more since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 25-31 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 15-30 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 37-26 (+22.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 50-93 (-32.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 26-52 (-26.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
C.C. SABATHIA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SABATHIA is 14-10 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.40 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 18-13 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 18-13. (+3.9 units)
HORACIO RAMIREZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
RAMIREZ is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
National League
PITTSBURGH at CINCINNATI
MAHOLM: 12-3 Under Away when the money line is +125 to -125
OWINGS: 7-10 TSR as home favorite
HOUSTON at ST LOUIS
OSWALT: 6-14 TSR Away on Saturday
WAINWRIGHT: 6-0 TSR, 2.14 ERA vs. Houston
NY METS at FLORIDA
HERNANDEZ: 20-6 Over as an underdog
NOLASCO: 12-5 TSR when the total is 9 to 9.5
CHICAGO CUBS at MILWAUKEE
ZAMBRANO: 39-19 TSR Away vs. division
BUSH: 1-10 TSR vs. Cubs
WASHINGTON at ATLANTA
LANNAN: Wash 13-43 Away vs. righties
KAWAKAMI: Atlanta 40-17 as a home favorite of -150 or more
PHILADELPHIA at COLORADO
MYERS: 6-0 TSR, 3.35 ERA vs. Colorado
DE LA ROSA: 7-1 Over vs. NL East
LA DODGERS at ARIZONA
KURODA: 12-4 Under when the money line is +125 to -125
PETIT: 9-2 Under as an Underdog
SAN FRANCISCO at SAN DIEGO
SANCHEZ: 13-4 TSR first half of season
PEAVY: 23-9 Under as home favorite
American League
TEXAS at DETROIT
HARRISON: 7-0 TSR as underdog
VERLANDER: 5-12 TSR 1st half of season
TORONTO at CLEVELAND
HALLADAY: Toronto 53-67 as a road favorite of -125 to -150
LEE: Cleveland 13-6 as home underdog
SEATTLE at OAKLAND
HERNANDEZ: Seattle 0-8 as road favorite
OUTMAN: Oakland 24-14 Under as home underdog
BOSTON at LA ANGELS
PENNY: 11-3 TSR as road favorite
LOUX: Angels 31-11 in day games
MINNESOTA at CHICAGO WHITE SOX
LIRIANO: 10-1 Under in day games
COLON: White Sox 10-0 as a home underdog of +100 to +125
TAMPA BAY at BALTIMORE
NIEMANN: TB 46-75 as a road underdog
GUTHRIE: Baltimore 46-36 as favorite
NY YANKEES at KANSAS CITY
SABATHIA: Yankees 8-3 at Kansas City
RAMIREZ: 9-1 Over as underdog
Tips and Trends
Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Indians
Blue Jays: (-125, O/U 8): Roy Halladay had been 5-0 lifetime against Cleveland until last season, when he lost both of his outings while giving up eight runs - five earned - over 12 2-3 innings. In his last 11 starts against Cleveland, Halladay is 5-2 with a 3.78 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. He got the win in his season debut vs. Detroit, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits (2 homers) in 7 innings. The Blue Jays are hitting .287 and scoring 6 runs per game so far this season, but this will be their first game against a lefty starter in '09.
Toronto is 3-15 in their last 18 games at Cleveland.
The Over is 8-1 in Halladay's last 9 starts overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side Play of the Day)
Indians: Cliff Lee got pounded for seven runs and 10 hits in five innings in his season debut at Texas. All the runs came after the Rangers’ Hank Blalock hit a one-hopper off his forearm, but Lee refused to use that as an excuse. “It’s fine. I got it in the forearm. It’ll probably be a little sore, but it’ll be fine. I don’t think it affected my pitches,” he said. Lee is 1-3 with a 4.02 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 7 career starts vs. Toronto. Lee was fantastic against the Blue Jays last season, throwing 17 scoreless innings over two starts.
The Indians are 23-8 in Lee's last 31 starts.
The Over is 7-0-1 in Lee's last 8 starts as a home underdog.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 3