Wednesday NL Tip Sheet
By Brian Edwards
All 16 National League teams are on the diamond Wednesday. Will the Nationals get their first win of the season? Can Derek Lowe continue his masterful work in his third start with the Braves? Let’s take a closer look at the eight NL showdowns on tap.
**Rockies at Cubs**
-- Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Chicago (5-2, +251) as a minus-200 favorite. As always, LVSC didn’t sent out an overnight total due to the uncertain wind conditions at Wrigley Field.
--Colorado (3-4, -51) has lost three straight games after winning three of its first four. The Rockies lost the series opener to the Cubs by a 4-0 count.
--Lou Piniella’s squad has won three in a row to pull to within one-half game of the NL-Central-leading Cardinals.
--Colorado RHP Jason Marquis (1-0 record, 2.57 ERA) will face his former team in this spot. The veteran righty is 3-5 with a 4.48 ERA in 10 lifetime appearances against the Cubs.
--Rich Harden (0-0, 1.50) worked six solid innings in his first start, giving up just three hits and one earned run. Harden has never faced the Rockies before.
--The Rockies have watched the ‘over’ go 5-2 overall, 2-2 their road games.
--The ‘under’ is 4-3 overall for the Cubs, 1-0 in their lone home game.
--Gamblers will have to get their bets in early for this 2:20 p.m. Eastern start in the Windy City.
**Marlins at Braves**
--LVSC opened Atlanta (5-1, +416) as a minus-185 favorite with a total of 8 ½ ‘over’ (minus 120). For run-line wagers, the Braves opened at plus-115 odds if they win by two runs for more. As of early Tuesday night, most books had Atlanta a tad less expensive than LVSC’s send-out number, while the total was nine and shaded to the ‘under.’
--Coming into Tuesday’s lid-lifter of this three-game series, these teams were tied for first place in the NL East. Both clubs swept the woeful Nationals at home. The Braves won two of three at Philadelphia, while the Marlins took two of three from the Mets in South Florida this past weekend.
--Derek Lowe (1-0, 0.82) pitched eight scoreless innings in his debut with the Braves, a 4-0 win at Philadelphia in the season opener for both teams. His second outing for Atlanta came on Friday night at Turner Field. Lowe struck out six batters in three innings and left the game with a 3-1 lead after a two-hour rain delay. Therefore, he settled for the no-decision in a 6-5 victory in extra innings.
--Lowe has compiled a 5-4 record and 4.23 ERA in nine career starts against Florida.
--Florida (5-1, +386) went 8-10 against Atlanta last season, losing six of nine games at The Ted.
--Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez is playing like one of the best overall players in baseball, lending further credence to the brilliance of Marlins GM Larry Beinfest, who does an amazing job for the cash-strapped Fish. Ramirez has feasted on Lowe by going 8-for-14 (.571) against the right-hander with four doubles. Jorge Cantu is 3-for-3 off Lowe with a pair of doubles.
--Freddi Gonzalez will give the starting nod to Andrew Miller (0-0, 3.86), who has appeared twice in relief so far this season. The young southpaw 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA in a pair of career starts against the Braves.
--The ‘over’ went 4-2 in Florida’s first six games, which were all played at home. As for the Braves, totals were a wash (3-3) in their first six games, but they did see the ‘over’ hit in two of their first three home games against Washington over the weekend.
**Giants at Dodgers**
--LVSC opened Los Angeles (5-3, +197) as a minus-150 ‘chalk’ with a total of 7 ½ flat (minus-110 either way). Bettors will most likely be able to back the Dodgers on the run line (minus 1 ½ runs) for a nice ‘plus’ comeback in the 140-150 range.
--Joe Torre’s club has won three in a row, including Monday’s 11-1 win over San Francisco as a minus-185 home favorite.
--Clayton Kershaw (0-0, 1.80) will make his second start of the season for L.A. The left-hander went five innings in his first outing, allowing just one run and a pair of hits. Kershaw has a 5-5 record and 4.15 ERA in 23 major-league appearances.
--San Francisco (2-5, -317) will give the ball to Matt Cain (1-0, 1.29) in this spot. The right-hander has had miserable luck against the arch-rival Dodgers. Cain is 0-6 against L.A. despite a decent 4.06 lifetime ERA.
--You think L.A. OF Andrew Ethier likes seeing Cain on the bump? Ethier has a .593 career batting average against Cain, going 16-for-27. On the flip side, Orlando Hudson, who hit for the cycle against San Francisco in the series opener, is hitless in 18 career at-bats versus Cain.
--The ‘under’ is 5-3 overall for the Dodgers, but the ‘over’ is on a 3-1 run in their last four games and cashed in their lone home outing to date.
--The ‘over’ is 6-1 overall for the Giants, 4-0 in their road games. The ‘over’ has cashed in five consecutive outings for San Francisco (regardless of venue).
--The first pitch is scheduled for 10:15 p.m. Eastern.
**B.E.’s Bonus Nuggets**
--New York LHP Oliver Perez owns a 1-3 record and 5.40 ERA in five career starts against Wednesday’s foe, San Diego.
--Houston LHP Mike Hampton has posted a 10-3 record and 2.71 ERA in 16 career starts against the Pirates.
--MLB suspended Boston RHP Josh Beckett for six games on Monday. The suspension stemmed from Beckett’s role in a bench-clearing scene between the Red Sox and Angels this past weekend.
--Washington is winless through its first seven games. The Nats, who are playing just their second game at home Wednesday, will give the ball to Shairon Martis to oppose Philadelphia’s Joe Blanton.
Editor's note: Brian will add more Bonus Nuggets after Tuesday's games conclude, so be sure to check back later.
vegasinsider.com
Baseball Today
SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, April 15
San Diego at N.Y. Mets (7:10 p.m. EDT). Gary Sheffield, one homer shy of 500, is set to make his first start for the Mets, who face the surprising Padres in the second game at Citi Field.
STARS
Tuesday
— A.J. Burnett, Yankees, took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning in his second start since signing an $82.5 million, five-year deal, leading New York to a 7-2 victory over Tampa Bay. He gave up two runs and three hits in eight innings.
— Joe Crede, Twins, doubled off the center-field fence in the 11th inning to score Justin Morneau from first base and give Minnesota a 3-2 victory over Toronto.
— John Buck, Royals, hit a grand slam for his second homer of the night and had a career-high five RBIs, lifting Kansas City to a 9-3 win over struggling Cleveland.
— Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks, broke out of a 1-for-17 slump with a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning that gave Arizona a 7-6 victory over St. Louis.
— Adam Jones, Orioles, hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the 10th inning and Baltimore held on to hand Texas its fifth straight loss, 7-5.
THE KID STILL HAS IT
Ken Griffey Jr. went 1-for-3 with a walk in his first home game for the Mariners since Sept. 26, 1999, a 3-2 Seattle win. The 39-year-old slugger has the same corner locker inside “The House that Junior Built” that he had for half a season before Seattle granted his request and traded him to his hometown Cincinnati Reds nine years ago.
FISH STORY
Dan Uggla drove in three runs, Chris Volstad and two relievers combined on a four-hitter and Florida beat the Atlanta Braves 5-1. The Marlins are a major league-best 6-1—all against NL East opponents—for their best start since opening 8-1 in 1997, when they won the first of their two World Series titles.
SIT DOWN
Boston pitcher Josh Beckett has been suspended for six games and fined by Major League Baseball, which determined he intentionally threw a pitch near the head of the Los Angeles Angels’ Bobby Abreu last week that led to the benches clearing Sunday. Beckett appealed, delaying any penalties until after a hearing. Angels hitting coach Mickey Hatcher was suspended for one game and fined, and he served the penalty Tuesday night at Seattle. In addition, Watson fined Angels manager Mike Scioscia and players Torii Hunter and Justin Speier.
NOT AGAIN!
St. Louis lost oft-injured starting pitcher Chris Carpenter to a strained left ribcage during a 7-6, 10-inning loss at Arizona. Carpenter got hurt when he grounded out to end the top of the fourth. The 2005 NL Cy Young Award winner made only four appearances last season after reconstructive elbow surgery. He underwent another procedure in November to transpose an elbow nerve that was irritating the muscles in the back of his shoulder and around his neck. … Third baseman Nomar Garciaparra left the Oakland Athletics’ 6-5, 12-inning victory over Boston after one inning with tightness in his right calf.
WELCOME BACK
Scott Podsednik rejoined the Chicago White Sox, agreeing to a minor league contract one day after center fielder Dewayne Wise separated a shoulder. Podsednik played for Chicago from 2005-2007 and hit .253 for the Colorado Rockies last year. He became a free agent after the season, agreed to a minor league contract with the Rockies, then was released April 1. Wise is expected to miss six weeks after getting hurt while making a diving catch against the Tigers.
TOUGH IN A PINCH
A pair of pinch-hit homers helped the Diamondbacks beat St. Louis 7-6 in 10 innings, ending the Cardinals’ five-game winning streak. Mark Reynolds connected for a two-run shot in the fifth, and Conor Jackson’s three-run drive with two outs in the eighth put Arizona ahead 6-4.
SAVED BY THE ‘PEN
After rookie starter Alfredo Simon left in the second inning of the Orioles’ 7-5, 10-inning win over Texas with a right elbow problem, Jim Johnson threw two innings of one-hit relief to earn the victory. He joined four other Baltimore relievers in allowing just two runs over the final 8 2-3 innings. Closer George Sherrill allowed the two runs in the 10th.
FEELING FINE
Bronson Arroyo allowed four hits in six-plus innings, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-1 victory at Milwaukee. Arroyo (2-0) was bothered by a flare-up of carpal tunnel syndrome during spring training and didn’t look particularly sharp in winning his first outing of the season. But this time he gave up his only run on a homer by J.J. Hardy.
STRUGGLING
The Red Sox lost their second straight in Oakland, 6-5 in 12 innings, dropping to 2-6 this season. It’s Boston’s worst start since 1996.
SIDELINED
Tom Glavine might retire if his sore left shoulder doesn’t improve in two weeks. The Atlanta Braves pitcher, who has 305 career wins, was told he must rest for at least two weeks after inflammation was found in his left rotator cuff. The 43-year-old had an MRI and was examined by Dr. James Andrews, who advised treatment and rest. Glavine said he’s tired of rehabbing after elbow and shoulder surgery last August. He’s willing to give the shoulder two weeks, but not much longer. … Toronto placed right-hander Jesse Litsch on the 15-day disabled list with a strained forearm. Litsch left Monday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins in the middle of an at-bat by Delmon Young in the fourth inning.
SPEAKING
“It’s big for us to win here, the way we’ve struggled everywhere in recent years.”—Bronson Arroyo, after pitching the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-1 victory at Milwaukee.
CHI WHITE SOX vs. DETROIT
Chi White Sox are 4-0-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox are 1-5-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 6-2-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Detroit is 8-16-1 SU in its last 25 games
CLEVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
COLORADO vs. CHI CUBS
Colorado is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Colorado's last 10 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Colorado
BOSTON vs. OAKLAND
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Boston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Oakland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
Oakland is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
ST. LOUIS vs. ARIZONA
St. Louis is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Arizona
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games at home
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 16-7 SU in their last 23 games
Tampa Bay is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing NY Yankees
HOUSTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Pittsburgh's last 17 games when playing at home against Houston
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games at home
FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
SAN DIEGO vs. NY METS
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
San Diego is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 9 games at home
BALTIMORE vs. TEXAS
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Texas is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
TORONTO vs. MINNESOTA
Toronto is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Minnesota is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Toronto
LA ANGELS vs. SEATTLE
LA Angels are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Seattle
LA Angels are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
SAN FRANCISCO vs. LA DODGERS
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
San Francisco is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games at home
Hot Pitchers
-- Cubs won last five Harden home starts (2-0, 2.73). Marquis won his first Colorado start, allowing two runs in seven IP-- he pitched for the Cubs the last two years.
-- Lowe is 1-0, 0.82 in two starts this season.
-- Garland was on winning side in his last six home starts. Pineiro is 2-0, 3.46 in his last two starts.
-- Cain has 2.67 RA in his last four starts against LA. Dodgers won Kershaw's last five home starts.
-- Danks is 2-0, 1.31 in his last three starts. Detroit is 5-2 in last seven Galarraga home starts.
-- Pettitte is 2-0, 3.00 in his last two starts.
-- Baker is 3-0, 2.55 in his last four starts.
Cold Pitchers
-- Miller is 0-4, 9.78 in his last five starts.
-- Hampton is 1-3, 4.50 in his last four starts. Ohlendorf is 0-4, 6.35 in his last five starts.
|-- Perez is 0-1, 8.31 in his last six starts. Correia is 0-1, 6.61 in his last three starts.
-- Blanton was 1-0, 7.20 in three starts vs Washington LY. Martis has a 6.75 RA in five big league starts.
-- Looper is 0-4, 5.44 in his last seven starts.
-- Owings is 0-5, 8.88 in his last five starts.
-- Indians were 1-6 in Laffey road starts last season.
-- Red Sox are 3-10 in Wakefield's last thirteen road starts. Anderson lost his first big league start 5-4, giving up all five runs in the second inning- he pitched six innings overall.
-- Sonnanstine had a 10.61 RA in two starts against Bronx LY.
-- Richmond is 1-3, 4.35 in six starts for the Blue Jays.
-- Ponson is 1-4, 7.20 in his last nine starts.
-- Hendrickson is 1-5, 9.00 in his last nine starts. Benson allowed ten hits, eight runs in five IP in his first start in two years, at Detroit.
-- Weaver had a 5.79 RA in four starts against Seattle LY. Mariners are 2-9 in Washburn's last eleven home starts.
Hot Teams
-- Cubs won four of their last five games.
-- Marlins won six of their first seven games; Braves won five of their first seven.
-- Phillies won last three games, scoring 24 runs.
-- Padres won their last five games, scoring 29 runs.
-- Reds won four of their last five games.
-- Cardinals won five of their last six games.
-- Dodgers won last three games by combined total of 25-4.
-- Tigers won three of their last four games. White Sox won last three in a row by combined score of 24-7.
-- Seattle won five in row, six of first eight games.
-- Bronx won four of its last six games.
-- Orioles won six of their first eight games.
-- Royals won five of their last seven games.
-- Blue Jays won six of their first nine games; they've won ten of their last eleven against Minnesota. .
Cold Teams
-- Rockies lost last three games, allowing 19 runs.
-- Pirates are 0-3 in game following a win. Astros lost last five games; they didn't score in last two.
-- Nationals are only winless team in majors (0-7).
-- Mets lost four of their last five games.
-- Brewers lost five of their last six games.
-- Diamondbacks lost five of last seven games.
-- Giants lost last four games, outscored 30-8.
-- Rangers lost their last five games, allowing 42 runs.
-- Indians lost seven of first eight games, allowing 64 runs.
-- Twins lost three of their last four games.
-- Red Sox lost six of their last seven games.
-- Angels lost four of their last six games.
Totals
-- Five of seven Colorado games went over the total.
-- Four of last six Cardinal games stayed under the total.
-- Five of seven Houston games stayed under the total.
-- All four Philly road games went over the total.
-- Three of Marlins' last four games stayed under the total.
-- Last four San Diego games all went over the total.
-- Five of last six Cincinnati games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Dodger games went over the total.
-- Five of first seven White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of eight Kansas City games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Oakland games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Bronx games.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in Texas games this season.
-- Four of last five Toronto games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-1-2 in Angels' last six games.
COLORADO (3 - 4) at CHICAGO CUBS (5 - 2)
JASON MARQUIS (R) vs. RICH HARDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 76-93 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-33 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 76-93 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 47-71 (-26.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 35-54 (-19.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 2-15 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 33-19 (+17.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 86-77 (+22.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 24-9 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 962-1011 (-183.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 514-470 (-109.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 377-346 (-74.4 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 905-927 (-160.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 37-55 (-31.2 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 465-495 (-117.5 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 478-453 (-98.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
JASON MARQUIS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MARQUIS is 3-5 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.526.
His team's record is 4-6 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.4 units)
RICH HARDEN vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.
ST LOUIS (6 - 3) at ARIZONA (3 - 5)
JOEL PINEIRO (R) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 62-48 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 86-85 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 9-17 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 86-82 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 58-63 (-20.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 24-38 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GARLAND is 36-41 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
JOEL PINEIRO vs. ARIZONA since 1997
PINEIRO is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.25 and a WHIP of 1.083.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)
JON GARLAND vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
GARLAND is 0-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
HOUSTON (1 - 6) at PITTSBURGH (4 - 3)
MIKE HAMPTON (L) vs. ROSS OHLENDORF (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 43-41 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 87-81 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 85-80 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH 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)
MIKE HAMPTON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HAMPTON is 10-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.86 and a WHIP of 0.989.
His team's record is 10-2 (+6.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.8 units)
ROSS OHLENDORF vs. HOUSTON since 1997
OHLENDORF is 0-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 10.00 and a WHIP of 2.444.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)
PHILADELPHIA (4 - 3) at WASHINGTON (0 - 7)
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. SHAIRON MARTIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 45-28 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 24-57 (-25.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 59-109 (-31.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 59-106 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 40-77 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 33-75 (-33.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 14-37 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA 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)
JOE BLANTON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BLANTON is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.57 and a WHIP of 1.619.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)
SHAIRON MARTIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.
FLORIDA (6 - 1) at ATLANTA (5 - 2)
ANDREW MILLER (L) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 41-36 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 90-78 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 21-12 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 46-32 (+22.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 89-76 (+25.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 63-59 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 64-57 (+14.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 77-92 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 76-90 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 113-120 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-0 (+1.5 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
ANDREW MILLER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MILLER is 2-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 0.82 and a WHIP of 1.545.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)
DEREK LOWE vs. FLORIDA since 1997
LOWE is 4-4 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 4.69 and a WHIP of 1.293.
His team's record is 5-4 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.1 units)
SAN DIEGO (6 - 2) at NY METS (3 - 4)
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. OLIVER PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 69-100 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 5-21 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 69-100 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 47-74 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 30-40 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 16-27 (-27.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 14-21 (-19.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 1-0 (+2.0 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
KEVIN CORREIA vs. NY METS since 1997
CORREIA is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)
OLIVER PEREZ vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
PEREZ is 1-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.893.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)
CINCINNATI (4 - 3) at MILWAUKEE (2 - 6)
MICAH OWINGS (R) vs. BRADEN LOOPER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 46-64 (-22.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 30-42 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 451-523 (+45.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 297-338 (+32.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 222-234 (+43.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-0 (+2.7 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
MICAH OWINGS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
OWINGS is 0-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 8.00 and a WHIP of 1.889.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)
BRADEN LOOPER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LOOPER is 3-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.30 and a WHIP of 0.837.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-0.9 units)
SAN FRANCISCO (2 - 5) at LA DODGERS (5 - 3)
MATT CAIN (R) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CAIN is 24-43 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 8-21 (-14.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 24-43 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 15-29 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 9-26 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 659-558 (+76.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS 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=+1.1 Units)
MATT CAIN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CAIN is 0-6 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.647.
His team's record is 4-7 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.5 units)
CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.
CHI WHITE SOX (4 - 3) at DETROIT (4 - 4)
JOSE CONTRERAS (R) vs. ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 87-65 (+24.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 90-61 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CONTRERAS is 9-1 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 78-92 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 36-47 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 27-46 (-30.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 72-78 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 51-68 (-28.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 39-51 (-20.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 26-40 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
JOSE CONTRERAS vs. DETROIT since 1997
CONTRERAS is 8-8 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.356.
His team's record is 12-10 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-10. (+0.9 units)
ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.
CLEVELAND (1 - 7) at KANSAS CITY (5 - 3)
AARON LAFFEY (L) vs. SIDNEY PONSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 22-34 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-22 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 19-32 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 0-7 (-7.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-47 (-16.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-28 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 37-27 (+21.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 43-35 (+14.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 51-93 (-31.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 27-52 (-25.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PONSON is 18-36 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
AARON LAFFEY vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
LAFFEY is 2-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.59 and a WHIP of 1.192.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)
SIDNEY PONSON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PONSON is 0-7 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 9.15 and a WHIP of 2.085.
His team's record is 4-8 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-8. (-5.0 units)
BOSTON (2 - 6) at OAKLAND (4 - 4)
TIM WAKEFIELD (R) vs. BRETT ANDERSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 291-268 (-52.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-0 (+2.8 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)
TIM WAKEFIELD vs. OAKLAND since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 6-6 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.82 and a WHIP of 1.408.
His team's record is 13-8 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-10. (+0.3 units)
BRETT ANDERSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.
NY YANKEES (4 - 4) at TAMPA BAY (4 - 4)
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. ANDY SONNANSTINE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 27-33 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 109-77 (+28.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 63-28 (+28.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 51-36 (+18.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 24-6 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 63-29 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 67-34 (+26.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 22-7 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)
ANDY PETTITTE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
PETTITTE is 15-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.70 and a WHIP of 1.430.
His team's record is 17-7 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-17. (-11.6 units)
ANDY SONNANSTINE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
SONNANSTINE is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.09 and a WHIP of 1.183.
His team's record is 2-2 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)
BALTIMORE (6 - 2) at TEXAS (3 - 5)
MARK HENDRICKSON (L) vs. KRIS BENSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 21-13 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 60-59 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 325-379 (+30.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
BENSON is 2-11 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in home games in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-0 (+2.5 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)
MARK HENDRICKSON vs. TEXAS since 1997
HENDRICKSON is 1-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.714.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)
KRIS BENSON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.
TORONTO (6 - 3) at MINNESOTA (4 - 5)
SCOTT RICHMOND (R) vs. SCOTT BAKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 56-31 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 58-33 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 65-51 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 58-36 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 26-9 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
SCOTT RICHMOND vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.
SCOTT BAKER vs. TORONTO since 1997
BAKER is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)
LA ANGELS (3 - 4) at SEATTLE (6 - 2)
JERED WEAVER (R) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 104-69 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 51-33 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 98-62 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 38-25 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 44-23 (+18.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 45-30 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 28-46 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 67-103 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 27-45 (-21.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 60-94 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 42-71 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 42-72 (-28.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHBURN is 10-19 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 23-33 (-24.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 4-19 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 27-30 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
JERED WEAVER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
WEAVER is 6-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-1. (+8.0 units)
JARROD WASHBURN vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
WASHBURN is 4-5 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.31 and a WHIP of 1.340.
His team's record is 5-5 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.8 units)
National League
COLORADO at CHICAGO CUBS
MARQUIS: 24-9 TSR in day games
HARDEN: CHC 6-11 after a shutout win
ST LOUIS at ARIZONA
PINEIRO: STL 62-48 against right-handed starters
GARLAND: ARI 30-46 when the line is +125 to -125
HOUSTON at PITTSBURGH
HAMPTON: HOU 1-6 as an underdog
OHLENDORF: PIT 5-0 UNDER after shutting out a division foe
PHILADELPHIA at WASHINGTON
BLANTON: PHI 13-2 after 3+ consecutive overs
MARTIS: WAS 12-36 after a loss by 2 runs or less
FLORIDA at ATLANTA
MILLER: FLA 21-12 in April
LOWE: ATL 39-40 as a favorite
SAN DIEGO at NY METS
CORREIA: SD 10-4 against the Mets
PEREZ: NYM 14-21 at home when the total is 9 to 9.5
CINCINNATI at MILWAUKEE
OWINGS: CIN 23-12 UNDER after allowing 1 run or less
LOOPER: MIL 1-6 against right-handed starters
SAN FRANCISCO at LA DODGERS
CAIN: SF 15-7 after 3+ consecutive overs
KERSHAW: LAD 34-40 when the line is -100 to -150
American League
CHICAGO WHITE SOX at DETROIT
CONTRERAS: 9-1 TSR AWAY in April
GALARRAGA: DET 9-21 off a division loss as a favorite
CLEVELAND at KANSAS CITY
LAFFEY: CLE 41-22 AWAY after having lost 2 of their last 3
PONSON: 18-36 TSR at home against division opponents
BOSTON at OAKLAND
WAKEFIELD: BOS 10-19 revenging a one run loss
ANDERSON: OAK 43-28 after 2+ consecutive home games
NY YANKEES at TAMPA BAY
PETTITTE: NYY 13-22 after 5+ consecutive road games
SONNANSTINE: TB 63-28 at home
BALTIMORE at TEXAS
HENDRICKSON: BAL 3-15 after scoring 7+ in 2 straight
BENSON: TEX 41-28 after 5+ consecutive losses
TORONTO at MINNESOTA
RICHMOND: TOR 53-68 after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6
BAKER: MIN 49-25 after 1+ consecutive unders
LA ANGELS at SEATTLE
WEAVER: LAA 23-9 after a loss by 2 runs or less
WASHBURN: 4-19 TSR on a grass field
Tips and Trends
New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays
Yankees: This is the Yankees' last game on the road trip before the official opening of the new Yankee Stadium on Thursday. Andy Pettitte is 15-4 with a 3.63 ERA in his career against the Rays, including 8-2 with a 3.72 ERA in 12 starts at Tropicana Field. The lefty had a solid season debut Friday at Kansas City, yielding one run and three hits over seven innings to earn a 4-1 victory. “It means that for four days I’m going to be fairly in a good mood instead of being miserable and wanting to get back out there,” Pettitte said. “I’m just happy I could give us a good start. Hopefully we can get rolling and all of us will get going together.”
The Yankees are 3-9 in Pettitte's last 12 starts.
The Under is 24-9 in Pettitte's last 33 road starts.
Key Injuries - 3B Alex Rodriguez (hip) is on the 15-day DL.
LF/DH Johnny Damon (flu) is QUESTIONABLE.
RF Xavier Nady (elbow) is DOUBTFUL.
PROJECTED SCORE: 4
Rays (-110, O/U 9.5 ): The Rays managed just two runs last night after scoring 15 to open the series. “You’re not going to score 10-plus runs every night,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said after his club received its championship rings Tuesday. Rays starter Andy Sonnanstine will try to bounce back from a bad first outing of 2009. The right-hander lasted 4 2-3 innings in Friday’s 5-4 loss at Baltimore, giving up five runs and eight hits. He is 2-1 with a 6.08 ERA in four career starts against the Yankees. In his only home start against the Yankees last season, Sonnanstine lasted just 3 1/3 innings and allowed seven earned runs on nine hits (three homers) in an 8-7 loss.
The Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Tampa Bay.
The Rays are 8-2 in Sonnanstine's last 10 home starts.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side Play of the Day)
San Diego Padres at New York Mets
Padres: The Padres are looking to extend their winning streak to six games for the first time since a seven-game run Sept. 14-20, 2007. Kevin Correia will likely need better support than he received in his season debut last Thursday against Los Angeles. He gave up three runs in six innings, but the Padres scored only one run for him and he didn’t get credit for a 4-3 victory. Correia is 0-2 in seven career appearances against the Mets, six of them in relief. However, he’s yielded only three earned runs to New York in 16 2-3 innings.
The Padres are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.
The Padres are 1-8 in their last 9 games following an off day.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 5
Mets: (-185, O/U 9.5): “Right now it just seems like we’re a little off. We’re not playing a complete game,” said Mets third baseman David Wright. In his season debut, Oliver Perez allowed eight runs and five hits, including a homer, with five walks in 4 1-3 innings of an 8-6 loss at Cincinnati. Mets manager Jerry Manuel took solace in Perez’s seven strikeouts. “I was happy that we saw some glimpses of the old Ollie,” Manuel said. “I think he’ll be fine. There was enough there to say we should be OK.” Perez is 0-2 in his last three starts against the Padres, allowing 11 runs and 19 hits while walking seven batters and hitting three more with 14 strikeouts in 12 1-3 innings.
The Over is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in New York.
The Over is 9-1-1 in Perez's last 11 starts overall.
Key Injuries - NONE
PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (OVER - Total Play of the Day)
American League Research
By Indiancowboy
Whitesox vs. Detroit (Contreras vs. Galarraga)
These two teams were postponed yesterday, Contreras struggled in his last start a bit, Contreras is 8-8 against the Tigers, said he felt healthy after quite some time and had a 7.2 era against the Twins in his first start, Galarraga is soldifying himself as the go to pitcher for this team as he pitched well once again, remember, Galarraga has never started against the Whitesox, but had that horrible inning or so against them in the final game last year which he will undoubtedly remember as he takes the mound today .
Cleveland vs. KC
Laffey is making an unexpected start due to the injury to Scott Lewis, he would like to stay in the rotation but irrelevant of this start, he is going to go back down to Triple A, where he was hit hard in his last start, Ponson had an 6 era against the Yankees in his last start, a former team of his, and will look to bounce-back at home, the Royals once again won last night, in relatively easy fashion late as they are now 5-3 while the woeful Indians are 1-7. Heads might be rolling in Cleveland if this start continues.
Boston vs. Oakland
Oakland won by a run in extras yesterday, as this young As team faces Wakefield who gave up 5 walks in 6 inns last time, he had a 4.5 era in his last start, he is 5-4 with a 6era in Oakland lifetime, Anderson faces the Sox today and he had a rough 7.5 era outing his last time out, all of the runs he gave up against the Mariners came in one inning as it might have been jitters, nevertheless, a small lean on the Under here as both pitchers have potentials for bounce-backs.
Yankees vs. Tampa Bay
Pettitte is on the mound today for the Yanks, he had a strong showing in his first start, he was 2-2 with a 4.13 era against TB last year, Sonnanstine is on a bounce-back after getting roughed up by the Orioles for over a 9 era in his last start, the Rays are on a bounce-back from a loss yesterday, Sonnanstine has not had much luck with the Yankees lifetime as he is 2-1 with a 6.08era.
Toronto vs. Minnesota
Look at the Bluejays go at 6-3, Richmond faces the Twins for the first time and his first contest this year against the Indians was rained out, he faces a Twins team that is 4-5 and Baker makes his first start of the year. Baker had stiffness in his shoulder but that looks to be solved as he was great for the Twins down the stretch last year and he looks to carry that strong showing this year. Lean on the Twins here as they have the better pitcher, juice is a bit high though at -138 or so.
Angels vs. Seattle
There is a reason why this total is at 8 as Weaver was stellar in his first outing at home as he pitched for his buddy Nick Adenhart who passed away, I'm not sure if Weaver will translate that into a great road victory today, Washburn was stellar in his last start, he was 1-0 with a 0era in his last start against the Twins, I lean slightly on the Mariners here, but tight call either way.