Baseball Today
SCOREBOARD
Wednesday, April 8
Cleveland at Texas (8:05 p.m. EDT). The Indians try to bounce back after losing to the Rangers 9-1 in Monday’s opener. Fausto Carmona takes the hill for Cleveland, while Vicente Padilla is scheduled to start for Texas.
STARS
Tuesday
— Josh Beckett, Red Sox, struck out 10 in seven innings of two-hit ball, leading Boston to a season-opening 5-3 victory over Tampa Bay in a rematch of last year’s AL championship series.
— Albert Pujols, Cardinals, hit a two-run homer and reached base five times to lead St. Louis to a 9-3 victory over Pittsburgh.
— Jim Thome, White Sox, hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning, rallying Chicago past Kansas City 4-2 in a season opener delayed a day because of bad weather.
— Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies, homered for the second straight game in Colorado’s 3-0 win against Arizona.
— Chipper Jones and Kelly Johnson, Braves, each hit a solo homer to help Atlanta beat Philadelphia 4-0.
— Dan Uggla and Jorge Cantu, Marlins, each had a two-run homer to boost Florida to an 8-3 win against Washington.
— Alexi Casilla, Twins, hit a two-run single to cap a three-run rally with two outs in the ninth inning that gave Minnesota a 6-5 victory over Seattle.
— Travis Ishikawa, Giants, had a three-run triple in San Francisco’s 10-6 victory over Milwaukee.
TAPPED OUT
Beer and alcohol sales were banned at the Tigers-Blue Jays game in Toronto on Tuesday night, a day after their season opener was delayed when unruly fans littered the field with baseballs and debris. The clubhouses were cleared of booze, too, after the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario suspended the liquor license at Rogers Centre for three dates because of past infractions. The panel cited five broken rules at baseball and football games and concerts dating to the Canadian Football League championship game in 2007. The stadium will also be dry on April 21 when Toronto plays Texas, and for a CFL game on Aug. 1.
SPECIAL CEREMONY
Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, diagnosed last May with a malignant brain tumor, threw out the first pitch at the Boston Red Sox season opener to newly elected Hall of Famer Jim Rice. Kennedy entered the field from the left-field corner, riding in a golf cart driven by Rice. The ceremony came 97 years after Kennedy’s grandfather, Boston mayor John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, threw out the first pitch at the first major league game played at Fenway Park on April 20, 1912. Fitzgerald was a member of the “Royal Rooters,” Red Sox fans who paraded in the outfield before games. “It’s the thrill of a lifetime,” Kennedy said in a statement. “I know how proud (Fitzgerald) was to be a loyal member of the famous ‘Royal Rooters’ and to be a part of Red Sox history that day.”
TO NEW BEGINNINGS
Jeff Keppinger found a quick way to endear himself to his new team: He won a game in his first at bat. Exactly one week after being traded to Houston, Keppinger hit a broken-bat single in the 10th inning off closer Kevin Gregg that gave the Astros a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night. It was Keppinger’s first game with the team after being acquired from the Reds. He batted .140 for Cincinnati this spring.
TO NEW BEGINNINGS II
Huston Street pitched the ninth inning in Colorado’s 3-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks to earn his first save with the Rockies. Street was acquired in the offseason trade that sent Matt Holliday to the Oakland Athletics. … Heath Bell rang in the post-Trevor Hoffman era in San Diego, striking out the side in the ninth inning to save the Padres’ 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was the first save opportunity this season for Bell, promoted to closer after the awkward offseason departure of Hoffman, baseball’s career saves leader.
COMEBACK KIDS
Toronto trailed the Detroit Tigers 3-0 after seven innings before Scott Rolen hit a solo homer and Aaron Hill connected for a go-ahead, three-run drive in the eighth. Rod Barajas gave the Blue Jays a 5-4 victory with a sacrifice fly in the ninth. B.J. Ryan got the win despite allowing a tying homer to Brandon Inge in the top of the ninth. … Minnesota rallied for three runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, beating the Mariners 6-5. Brought in to protect a 5-3 lead, Seattle closer Brandon Morrow retired his first two batters before walking the bases loaded. Miguel Batista relieved and Denard Span chopped an RBI infield single to third that made it 5-4. Alexi Casilla lined the next pitch from Batista up the middle, scoring Brendan Harris and Brian Buscher.
STRONG STARTS
AL MVP Dustin Pedroia homered on the second pitch he saw this season in Boston’s 5-3 victory over Tampa Bay. … Erik Bedard, making his first start for Seattle since July 4, struck out eight and walked none in five innings of a no-decision against Minnesota. The left-hander missed the second half of last season because of a shoulder injury that required surgery. … Detroit right-hander Edwin Jackson, obtained in an offseason trade with Tampa Bay, allowed one hit over the first seven innings against Toronto.
FENWAY FLOP
Tampa Bay starter James Shields gave up five runs on nine hits and three walks in 5 1-3 innings of a 5-3 loss at Boston. He dropped to 0-4 with a 9.56 ERA in four career appearances at Fenway Park.
SOX IN THE CITY
Jason Varitek made his ninth straight opening-day start, most for a Red Sox catcher. Left fielder Carl Yastrzemski holds the franchise lead with 15. … Mark Buehrle tied Billy Pierce’s club record by starting his seventh season opener for the Chicago White Sox. Pierce threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
SPEAKING
“It’s definitely a good welcome and hopefully I can keep doing it.”—Jeff Keppinger after his broken-bat single in the 10th inning off Kevin Gregg gave the Houston Astros a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. It was Keppinger’s first game with the team after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds.
Wednesday's Early Tips
By Josh Jacobs
It’s the third day into the season and already the action is picking up. But that’s to be expected as the anticipation for Major League Baseball has been buzzing since Spring Training began. And so Wednesday will come and go but before it does what games will you be wagering on?
Washington (D. Cabrera) at Florida (C. Volstad) – 12:10 p.m. EST
Florida took Opening Day by the horns, hitting back-to-back bombs over the outfield fence, getting leadoff hitter Emilio Bonifacio to knock in an inside the park homer and all while getting a decent start from No. 1 slinger Ricky Nolasco.
The Marlins will give the ball to Chris Volstad on Wednesday. An extreme gound-baller, Volstad’s rookie season included 14 starts for a 6-4 record with a 2.88 ERA. His 52 total strikeouts translated into 5.6 Ks per nine innings (something that needs improvement) but a 4-1 record with a 1.95 ERA on the road was impressive for the rookie right-hander. If Volstad can lower his walk numbers (1.44 K/BB) this season, expect this starter to mature quickly in what looks to be a promising starting rotation in Florida.
Peaking back at 2008 reveals that Florida recorded an effective .278 BA with 98 RBIs and a .346 on base percentage versus Washington. Going back even further is a 19-7 record in the Marlins last 26 head-to-head meetings. Hanley Ramirez has been a consistent force against the Nationals, hitting .354, driving in 17 RBIs and taking six stolen bases in 17 games last season.
Washington enters the season improving its roster by adding power hitting left-fielder Adam Dunn (100 RBIs with 40 homeruns in ’08) while retaining a foundation made up of Nick Johnson, Christian Guzman and Lastings Miledge. The Nats are hoping that this year’s squad can top a .250 BA, four runs per game and a .378 slugging percentage, numbers which were all produced on the road.
Starting pitching was the root of all evil in ’08. From the top to the bottom of the rotation, Washington tossed a dire 4.97 ERA, worked to produce a weak 1.49 WHIP and found a way to go 34-75 on the season.
That leads us to righty, Daniel Cabrera. A career, 5.05 ERA didn’t get the job done in Baltimore for five seasons and now the move to the Nation’s capital in the National League is expected to help the 25-year-old slinger. The problem with that statement is Cabrera is a career, 2-11 with a 6.08 ERA against NL teams.
Given Cabrera’s problems on the mound it could be worth investing time in looking at the ‘over’ in this game. The ‘over’ is 36-16-4 ATS in the last 56 head-to-head meetings. And since the two teams started off the season by combining for 18 runs could bettors be anticipating another high flying affair?
Atlanta (J. Vazquez) at Philadelphia (J. Blanton) – 3:05 p.m. EST
Showing up for only four hits and one run to begin the season, the Phillies will now invest their time in the right-hand of starting pitcher Joe Blanton. After coming over to Philly from Oakland, Blanton took the mound in 13 games. His 4-0 record as a Phillies’ slinger was marked by an elevated, 4.20 ERA. Pre All-Star numbers had Blanton putting together a disappointing, 5-12 record accompanied by a 4.96 ERA and a .284 BAA in 2008. But then came the 4-0 record and a .246 BAA after the midway mark.
Maybe the most disappointing part of Blanton’s games was the belief that this guy could swallow up innings through the long haul. But no dice as last year’s numbers had the righty facing only 37 at bats from the 61-75 pitch mark. This is in comparison to Blanton’s 161 at bats faced from 46-60 pitches and 198 batters faced from 31 to the 45 pitch count.
Atlanta’s Javier Vazquez had an off year in Chicago last year, posting a skimp 12-16 record and a 4.67 ERA to boot. This is the same pitcher who clocked in at 15-8 the year before. But ’08 downturn wasn’t much of a surprise as Vazquez went a combined 34-43 with a 4.64 ERA during the ’05, ’06 and ’08 seasons.
Since becoming a pro is 1998, Vazquez is 10-7. His 4.55 ERA has been further stressed by 1.31 WHIP, giving up a .266 BA and surrendering 278 total bases in 23 games versus Philadelphia. That 278 total bases are hands down the most surrendered against any given team that Vazquez has faced as a Major Leaguer (also the most amount of games played against any given team during his career).
The Braves are 5-16 in their last 21 meetings against the Phillies.
Colorado (F. Morales) at Arizona (D. Davis) – 3:40 p.m. EST
The final afternoon matchup will have a perennial defensive juggernaut in Arizona going up against $1.10 underdogs, Colorado. The Rockies are coming off a horrible 2008 season for which the pitching staff ranked 26th worst thanks to a 4.77 ERA. And 36 saves proved that the Rockies were a club that entered the later innings trailing teams rather then owning the lead.
A .263 BA on the season spoke volumes in head-to-head situations which had Colorado posting up a .245 BA, .298 OBP and 145 strikeouts in 18 total games versus the Diamondbacks. And the problems didn’t stop there as a rock bottom, 3-15 record was complimented in the trash can with a 5.84 ERA and 26 homers surrendered.
Franklin Morales will get the nod on Wednesday. His highly anticipated 2008 season was cut short due to back problems which the starter was reported to be hiding. So in only five starts, Morales ended up with a 1-2 record and a sky high, 6.40 ERA. In two career start against Arizona, the southpaw slinger is 0-1, working for a 6.30 ERA despite a low, .243 BAA.
The D-Backs counter with a lefty of their own. Doug Davis packed in a feel good story last season as his battle with thyroid cancer was successful, coming back to action after missing just eight weeks on the DL. His 1.53 WHIP in 26 starts was high for a pitcher who has trouble getting into the late innings of a given contest. A .282 BAA and 64 base on balls were also troubling. And given Colorado’s surprising .277 BA, .350 OBP and a .453 slugging percentage in ’08, Arizona might want Davis to approach this contest with caution.
Most books have set the D-Backs as early, $1.30 home favorites with a total set at 10 runs. The ‘over’ is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings in Arizona while Colorado is just 5-16 in the last 21 head-to-head meetings.
vegasinsider.com
Primetime Tip Sheet
By Judd Hall
Even though Mother Nature has cooperated with the opening of the Major League Baseball season with the vigor of Peg Bundy, but the games must go on. Wednesday is loaded up with 15 games on the schedule. While there are plenty of tilts to cover, only one will be on ESPN 2 (Rays-Red Sox). Let’s take a look at that televised battle and another tilt that features American League East foes battling after taking a day off.
New York Yankees (C. Wang) at Baltimore Orioles (K. Uehara) – 7:05 p.m.
Is it too late for the Yankees to ask for their money back?
I’m sure some fans might be thinking that after watching New York’s latest big name signing help the team fall to the Orioles as a $1.85 road “chalk” on Monday, 10-5. C.C. Sabathia failed to get out the fifth inning after walking five batters and allowing six earned runs off of eight hits. Despite the shortcomings on the mound, the Yanks were still able to claw back to being down 6-5 in the eighth inning. That’s when Mark Teixeira proved that he couldn’t get out of the gate fast after going 0-for-4 and left four runners on base, two of which coming in the eighth. The Yanks’ bullpen didn’t do the club any favors by giving up four runs in 3.2 innings of work.
The Bombers will attempt to level out the season by sending Chien Ming-Wang to the mound on Wednesday. This is his first start since pulling up lame with a right foot injury last June. Even though Wang had a so-so spring, he’s facing a club that he has gone 3-1 over his career. Yet bettors should take note in the fact that he’s got just 17 strikeouts to 12 walks versus Baltimore to go along with an earned run average of 5.13.
New York will also be facing off against a fresh face as the O’s send out Japanese standout Koji Uehara. The Orioles No. 2 starter had a solid spring training, going 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA in 14.2 innings of work. He also displayed great control as he struck out 17 batters while walking only four.
Baltimore will be hoping to get some production out of its first three hitters of Brian Roberts, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem when that trio batted .728 with four runs batted in.
You might want to believe that another high score will come out of this battle given Wang’s bulbous ERA and the fact that Baltimore hung up a 10-spot, but don’t be so rash. The ‘under’ went 10-7-1 in the season series between these clubs in 2008.
Something else bettors may want to consider is fading the Orioles as they’re 5-10 last season when coming off of a game that they scored at least 10 runs. The ‘under’ was 7-6-2 in that time frame as well.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants have installed the Yankees as $1.90 road faves with a total of 9 ½. You can back the Orioles for a plus-165 return (risk $100 to win $165).
Tampa Bay Rays (S. Kazmir) at Boston Red Sox (J. Lester) – 7:10 p.m. EDT on ESPN2
When the Rays beat Boston in the ALCS last year they did it with a squad that was healthier than their opposition. This time around, the Red Sox have very few players on the disabled list (most notably John Smoltz, Mark Kotsay and Julio Lugo). The BoSox will be looking towards their healthiest starter of last season, Jon Lester, to stay on top of his game this Wednesday at Fenway Park.
Lester had one of the best seasons of his young career as he posted a 16-6 mark with 3.21 ERA during the 2008 wild card campaign. As fine a season as he had, the southpaw couldn’t beat the Rays when it matter most, the playoffs. Lester was 0-2 with a 5.16 ERA in the ALCS against Tampa Bay, giving up three four-baggers…he gave up 14 homers in all of the regular season. While you might roll your eyes at those stats if you’re a Sawx fan, Lester is 4-0 with a 3.38 ERA in 42.2 innings of work.
Even though the Rays have a fair amount of talent to send up to the plate, they struggle against lefties. How bad is it? Well, last season Tampa Bay hit .246 versus left-handed pitching. That was good enough to rank 27th in all of Major League Baseball. The Rays do have a pair of guys that can hit ‘em though, like Carlos Pena and Pat Burrell. Pena has a .313 lifetime average with six RBI against Lester, while Burrell is a career .276 hitter versus southpaws with 71 four-baggers.
Tampa Bay sends out Scott Kazmir to toe the slab and they’ll be happy just to have him start a game this early…especially after having him out of the rotation until early May of last year. You know there was a time that Kazmir taking the hill against the Red Sox was an automatic win for Tampa Bay: he was 5-2 with a 2.62 ERA from 2004 to 2006. Those days have gone the way of the dodo as Kazmir is 1-5 and an ERA of 4.91 over the past two seasons.
The good folks at LVSC have installed Boston as a $1.40 home “chalk” with the total holding steady at 8 ½. Gamblers can take the Rays to win outright at plus-130.
The Rays have lost five of the last eight games that Kazmir has started for them dating back to Sept. 15. Tampa Bay was just 7-8 in Kazmir’s 15 road starts in 2008 with the ‘under’ going 8-7.
The ‘over’ is on a 7-0 run in Kazmir’s previous seven starts in Boston.
Boston is 8-3 in its last 11 games against left-handed pitchers. However, the Red Sox are only 2-6 in their past eight contests when listed as faves.
vegasinsider.com
WASHINGTON vs. FLORIDA
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Florida
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Philadelphia is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Atlanta
COLORADO vs. ARIZONA
Colorado is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Arizona is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Colorado
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 9 games on the road
NY Yankees are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games
Baltimore is 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
NY METS vs. CINCINNATI
NY Mets are 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Cincinnati
NY Mets are 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Tampa Bay is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
CHI CUBS vs. HOUSTON
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
CLEVELAND vs. TEXAS
Cleveland is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 8 games when playing Cleveland
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
Seattle is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Minnesota
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games at home
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Kansas City is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
Chi White Sox are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Chi White Sox are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Kansas City
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
Pittsburgh is 3-5-1 SU in its last 9 games
Pittsburgh is 3-10-1 SU in its last 14 games on the road
St. Louis is 6-1-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
St. Louis is 6-1-1 SU in its last 8 games
LA DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO
LA Dodgers are 2-4-1 SU in their last 7 games
LA Dodgers are 8-2-1 SU in their last 11 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 1-5-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games
OAKLAND vs. LA ANGELS
Oakland is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Oakland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
LA Angels are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games at home
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Milwaukee is 3-5-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Milwaukee is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
San Francisco is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games
Tips and Trends
Tampa Bay Rays at Boston Red Sox
Rays:. Southpaw Scott Kazmir heads to the hill for Tampa Bay and will be pitching at Fenway Park for the first time since seeing his team blow a 7-0 lead in Game 5 of the 2008 ALCS. Kazmir allowed only two hits in six scoreless innings with three walks and seven strikeouts before watching the bullpen implode. Even though the Rays went on to the World Series, Kazmir thinks they still need to improve. “I feel like we have to be better than we were last year,” Kazmir said. “And we’re capable of doing it. We know we can do it.”
Rays are 2-7 in their last 9 games overall.
The UNDER is 6-1-1 in Tampa Bay's last 8 games overall.
Key Injuries - OF B.J. Upton (shoulder) is on 15-day DL
PROJECTED SCORE: 3 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)
Red Sox (-145, O/U 8.5): Jon Lester entered last year's ALCS with a perfect 4-0 mark and 3.38 ERA in seven career starts vs. Tampa Bay. However, Lester failed in two attempts to beat the Rays in that series, including a 3-1 loss in Game 7. He is coming off his best season with Boston at 16-6 with a 3.21 ERA and owns the highest career winning percentage of any pitcher since 1900 with at least 25 decisions at 27-8 (.771).
Red Sox are 7-2 in Lester's last 9 starts vs. Tampa Bay.
The UNDER is 10-4-1 in Boston's last 15 games as a favorite.
Key Injuries - 3B Mike Lowell (hip) is probable.
SS Julio Lugo (knee) is on the 15-day DL.
PROJECTED SCORE: 4
Hot Pitchers
-- Volstad is 2-1, 2.62 in his last six starts.
-- Phillies won Blanton's last seven starts, scoring 49 runs.
-- RJohnson has 2.57 RA in his last four starts.
-- Davis is 2-1, 2.83 in his last five home starts.
-- Astros won eight of last nine Moehler home starts. Lilly is 4-0, 1.93 in his last four starts.
-- Gallardo was 0-1, 2.57 in five starts last year.
-- Litsch is 4-1, 2.40 in his last six starts.
-- Bronx was 6-1 in Wang's road starts LY.
-- Red Sox are 15-1 in Lester's last sixteen home starts.
-- Greinke is 4-1, 2.08 in his last six starts.
-- Minnesota won eight of last nine Slowey home starts.
Cold Pitchers
-- Cabrera is 0-4, 8.23 in his last six starts.
-- Vazquez was 0-4, 13.78 in his last four starts for the White Sox.
-- Morales is 1-2, 8.38 in his last four starts.
-- Volquez has a 6.52 RA in his last three home starts. Pelfrey is 0-3 in his last five starts, with a 4.44 RA.
-- Duke is 0-1, 6.48 in his last three starts. Wellemeyer is 2-5, 4.06 in his last seven starts.
-- Billinglsey is 2-3, 8.06 in his last five starts. WSimon is making major league debut after a career in the Mexican League.
-- Miner is 0-1, 6.67 in his last five starts.
-- Japanese import Uehara is making big league debut for Orioles.
-- Kazmir is 0-2, 4.97 in his last five starts.
-- Carmona was 0-2, 5.16 in his last four starts LY. Padilla has 6.75 RA in his last six home starts.
-- Floyd is 1-2, 6.43 in his last four starts.
-- CSilva was 0-6, 8.22 in his last 11 starts LY.
-- Young prospect Adenhart ha a 9.00 RA in three starts LY. Eveland is 0-1, 6.77 in his last three road starts.
Pitcher vs Team
-- Blanton allowed two runs in two IP in his only start vs Atlanta, in a game where rain shortened his outing.
-- Davis had a 4.91 RA in two '08 starts against the Rockies. Morales was 0-1, 6.30 in two starts against Arizona LY.
-- Volquez allowed four runs in five IP in his only '08 starts vs Mets. Pelfrey was 0-1, 4.85 in two starts against the Reds LY.
-- Moehler was 1-2, 3.68 in four starts against Cubs LY. Lilly was 2-0, 1.40 in three starts against Houston last season.
-- Duke wais 0-2, 6.00 against St Louis LY. Wellemeyer was 3-0, 3.73 in five starts against the Pirates last season.
-- Billingsley was 1-2, 3.00 against the Padres last year.
-- RJohnson was 0-2, 9.90 against the Brewers LY.
-- Litsch shut Detroit out for seven innings in his only '08 start against them. Minor allowed one run in six IP in his only '08 start vs Toronto.
-- Lester was 3-2, 2.76 against Tampa Bay last year. Kazmir was 0-2 in six starts against Boston LY, with a 7.62 RA (only 28.1 IP).
-- Carmona had 7.88 RA in two starts against the Rangers LY. Padilla had an 11.42 RA in two starts against Cleveland LY.
-- Floyd was 1-2, 5.59 against the Royals LY. Greinke was 2-2, 7.25 vs White Sox LY; he was ejected in last start vs Chicago (beanball).
-- CSilva gave up nine runs in 3.1 IP in his only '08 start against Twins, who are also his old team.
-- Eveland was 0-2, 6.06 in three starts against the Angels last season. Adenhart gave up five runs in two IP in a May 1 start vs A's LY.
Hot Teams
-- No hot teams, no cold teams yet.............
Cold Teams
-- ..............this section will start later this week.
Totals
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Volstad starts.
-- Last four Vazquez starts went over the total.
-- Three of last four Davis home starts stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Volquez starts went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Lilly road starts went over the total.
-- Four of last five Duke starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Billingsley starts.
-- All five Gallardo starts LY stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Miner road starts stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Wang starts went over the total.
-- Six of last eight Lester starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 11-2 in Carmona's last thirteen starts.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in Floyd's last five starts.
-- Five of last seven CSilva starts went over the total.
-- Over is 10-7 in Eveland's last 17 starts.
WASHINGTON (0 - 2) at FLORIDA (2 - 0)
DANIEL CABRERA (R) vs. CHRIS VOLSTAD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 33-70 (-28.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 59-104 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-42 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 42-31 (+18.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 85-75 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 61-56 (+12.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 86-77 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 57-36 (+29.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 91-78 (+42.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)
DANIEL CABRERA vs. FLORIDA since 1997
CABRERA is 0-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 9.52 and a WHIP of 1.764.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.
ATLANTA (2 - 0) at PHILADELPHIA (0 - 2)
JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 74-90 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 73-88 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 28-50 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
BLANTON is 24-8 (+13.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 103-123 (-38.9 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 10-7 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.55 and a WHIP of 1.306.
His team's record is 12-11 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-13. (-6.5 units)
JOE BLANTON vs. ATLANTA since 1997
BLANTON is 0-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
COLORADO (1 - 1) at ARIZONA (1 - 1)
FRANKLIN MORALES (L) vs. DOUG DAVIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 74-90 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 17-31 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 74-90 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DAVIS is 23-10 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DAVIS is 23-10 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 32-19 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 84-81 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 9-16 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-1 (+0.5 Units) against ARIZONA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
FRANKLIN MORALES vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MORALES is 0-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.571.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.5 units)
DOUG DAVIS vs. COLORADO since 1997
DAVIS is 2-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.652.
His team's record is 3-5 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)
NY METS (1 - 0) at CINCINNATI (0 - 1)
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 7-18 (-13.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
PELFREY is 9-16 (-10.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 13-2 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 44-63 (-23.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
MIKE PELFREY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
PELFREY is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.368.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)
EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 0-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.200.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
CHICAGO CUBS (1 - 1) at HOUSTON (1 - 1)
TED LILLY (L) vs. BRIAN MOEHLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 141-200 (-61.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 901-926 (-163.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 958-1010 (-185.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 278-323 (-92.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
HOUSTON is 87-76 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 47-39 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 15-7 (+9.6 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 44-36 (+13.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 85-75 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 64-55 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 49-36 (+19.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MOEHLER is 14-7 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOEHLER is 11-4 (+8.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
TED LILLY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
LILLY is 3-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.52 and a WHIP of 0.915.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.2 units)
BRIAN MOEHLER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MOEHLER is 2-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.098.
His team's record is 5-2 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.3 units)
PITTSBURGH (1 - 1) at ST LOUIS (1 - 1)
ZACH DUKE (L) vs. TODD WELLEMEYER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 19-6 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 37-24 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)
ZACH DUKE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
DUKE is 2-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.519.
His team's record is 3-6 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.0 units)
TODD WELLEMEYER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WELLEMEYER is 3-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 0.964.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)
LA DODGERS (1 - 1) at SAN DIEGO (1 - 1)
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. WALTER SILVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 36-46 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 5-20 (-16.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 64-99 (-35.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 44-73 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 22-41 (-20.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 64-99 (-35.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 4-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 1.277.
His team's record is 5-4 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.5 units)
WALTER SILVA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.
MILWAUKEE (0 - 1) at SAN FRANCISCO (1 - 0)
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. RANDY JOHNSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 659-555 (+79.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
YOVANI GALLARDO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
GALLARDO is 1-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 7.72 and a WHIP of 1.822.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)
RANDY JOHNSON vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
JOHNSON is 9-5 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.148.
His team's record is 11-5 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-7. (+1.5 units)
DETROIT (0 - 2) at TORONTO (2 - 0)
ZACH MINER (R) vs. JESSE LITSCH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 49-57 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 48-67 (-30.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 37-51 (-22.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 74-90 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 34-45 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 83-132 (-39.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 12-24 (-12.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
ZACH MINER vs. TORONTO since 1997
MINER is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)
JESSE LITSCH vs. DETROIT since 1997
LITSCH is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
NY YANKEES (0 - 1) at BALTIMORE (1 - 0)
CHIEN-MING WANG (R) vs. KOJI UEHARA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 14-20 (-17.8 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 23-30 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 11-4 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 23-50 (-19.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 467-510 (-108.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 467-510 (-108.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 1-0 (+1.7 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
CHIEN-MING WANG vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
WANG is 3-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.19 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.8 units)
KOJI UEHARA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.
TAMPA BAY (0 - 1) at BOSTON (1 - 0)
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 94-54 (+23.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LESTER is 34-15 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 16-3 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 24-9 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 19-6 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 105-74 (+26.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 47-33 (+16.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 334-252 (-48.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
SCOTT KAZMIR vs. BOSTON since 1997
KAZMIR is 6-7 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 12-11 (+7.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-11. (+0.6 units)
JON LESTER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LESTER is 4-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.74 and a WHIP of 1.265.
His team's record is 7-2 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.3 units)
CLEVELAND (0 - 1) at TEXAS (1 - 0)
FAUSTO CARMONA (R) vs. VICENTE PADILLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 146-154 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 58-52 (+15.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PADILLA is 19-10 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 11-3 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
FAUSTO CARMONA vs. TEXAS since 1997
CARMONA is 2-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.325.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)
VICENTE PADILLA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PADILLA is 2-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 6.82 and a WHIP of 1.769.
His team's record is 2-4 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)
KANSAS CITY (0 - 1) at CHI WHITE SOX (1 - 0)
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. GAVIN FLOYD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 56-28 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 30-8 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 87-58 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-19 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 41-31 (+20.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 28-25 (+17.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX 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)
ZACK GREINKE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
GREINKE is 3-8 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.38 and a WHIP of 1.354.
His team's record is 5-9 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.3 units)
GAVIN FLOYD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
FLOYD is 1-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.224.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.1 units)
SEATTLE (1 - 1) at MINNESOTA (1 - 1)
CARLOS SILVA (R) vs. KEVIN SLOWEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 41-70 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 40-71 (-30.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 37-64 (-25.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 62-102 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 25-44 (-22.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 27-56 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 54-29 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 56-31 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-19 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 56-34 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 80-62 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-1 (+0.3 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)
CARLOS SILVA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SILVA is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 24.32 and a WHIP of 3.003.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
KEVIN SLOWEY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.
OAKLAND (1 - 1) at LA ANGELS (1 - 1)
DANA EVELAND (L) vs. NICK ADENHART (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 4-13 (-10.2 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 42-22 (+16.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 102-66 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 44-19 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 96-59 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
DANA EVELAND vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
EVELAND is 0-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.06 and a WHIP of 1.470.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)
NICK ADENHART vs. OAKLAND since 1997
ADENHART is 0-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 22.50 and a WHIP of 4.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.4 units)
American League Research
By Indiancowboy
Yankees vs. Orioles
Wang only started 15 games last year before he went down for the season. The Yanks were 12-3 when he suited up for them in those starts. Note that Wang did not face the Orioles last year and historically he has not pitched all that well against the O's last year going 3-1 (great in wins) but with over a 5 ERA. Uehara received lots of awards internationally before the Orioles decided to pick him up - he picked up the Cy Young twice and the ROY in his native land prior to his arrival in Baltimore. MLB also reports that he was undefeated in international competition to his credit. Note that the last time these two teams met it was 10-5 as these offenses railed on each other as Sabathia had a rude homecoming back to the AL. I know the Yanks are seeing the kid for the first time, but I think this game is likely to go over given their tough lost last game.
Detroit vs. Toronto
The Tigers were stunned from leading 3-0 yesterday to end up losing the game in the bottom of the 9th, nothing stinks more than that. Miner was tossed out of the starting rotation as the odd man out but with Bonderman going down, Miner is back on the starting rotation and looks to prove himself. His team could definitely use a solid performance today as they lost the first 2 games of the series. Note that Litsch is actually the 2nd listed starter on the depth start but b/c the Bluejays wanted a R,L,R combo, they inserted the left hander in their and put Litsch third. I lean on the Under here.
Tampa Bay vs. Boston
Kaz has always done well against the Red Sox. He struggled in the 2nd half of last year posting a full 1 point higher in his ERA but he had command of his stuff in spring training. He is 4-4 with a 3.02 ERA in his career starts at Fenway. Although Lester comes off a huge year last year, he lost twice to the Rays in the playoffs when they defeated hiim 1-3 and 1-9. I think there is decent value in TB given their loss yesterday.
Seattle vs. Minnesota
There are many sites that are reporting Slowey is on the verge of a breakout season commanding his walks/hit ratio but also because he is making it on the rotation the 2nd straight year so he will have that experience as a benefit. Seattle will throw out Silva who will pitch against his former team so I expect a good outing from him as well. If anything a lean on the Under here.
KC vs. Whitesox
The Whitesox have Floyd who looks to build off his year last year and the Royals send Greinke who came on strong last year. Greinke led the Royals in ERA since 1997 with a mid 3 effort. He is great if you are looking for a fantasy pitcher with strikeout value as in 32 starts last year he had 182 KO. Floyd is 1-3 against the Royals with a 3.62 ERA and 10-6 with a 4.25 ERA in Cellular Field. No lean on this game either way but Greinke is the better pitcher on paper coming in so there is value there, but of course, the Whitesox have the better offense.
Oakland vs. L.A. Angels
The A's pick up a win yesterday as the series is tied at 1-1 as they face off today. Eveland has never pitched extremely well against the A's as he was 0-2 with a 6+ ERA and I don't think he is fully ready to start the season to be honest as he still has some mechanical issues. Adenhart is a young kid that struggled when he came to the Bigs last year but had a great spring. Nevertheless, with 2 inconsistent pitchers, I wouldn't be surprised to see an over here.
National League
WASHINGTON at FLORIDA
CABRERA: Washington 21-48 off BB losses
VOLSTAD: Florida 17-9 after scoring 8+ runs
ATLANTA at PHILADELPHIA
VAZQUEZ: Atlanta 3-17 Away off win by 4+ runs
BLANTON: Philadelphia 40-20 off BB losses
COLORADO at ARIZONA
MORALES: Colorado 17-5 after allowing one run or less in division win
DAVIS: Arizona 5-17 after scoring one run or less in division loss
NY METS at CINCINNATI
PELFREY: Mets 18-4 Over on Wednesday
VOLQUEZ: 13-2 TSR off team loss
CHICAGO CUBS at HOUSTON
LILLY: Cubs 24-10 Over after scoring 2 runs or less
MOEHLER: 14-7 TSR in night games
PITTSBURGH at ST LOUIS
DUKE: Pittsburgh 5-28 Away after allowing 9+ runs
WELLEMEYER: StL 19-6 at home on Wednesday
LA DODGERS at SAN DIEGO
BILLINGSLEY: 9-4 TSR as favorite of -150 or more
SILVA: SD 22-41 off a win
MILWAUKEE at SAN FRANCISCO
GALLARDO: Milwaukee 21-55 Away revenging loss where they allowed 10+ runs
JOHNSON: 22-8 Over at home in April
American League
DETROIT at TORONTO
MINER: Detroit 19-40 as an underdog
LITSCH: Toronto 26-12 vs. AL Central
NY YANKEES at BALTIMORE
WANG: Yankees 66-44 Under as a favorite
UEHARA: Baltimore 8-26 after scoring 8+ runs
TAMPA BAY at BOSTON
SHIELDS: TB 37-18 Under vs. lefties
LESTER: 18-3 TSR as home favorite
CLEVELAND at TEXAS
CARMONA: 11-1 Over as favorite
PADILLA: 14-5 Over as underdog
KANSAS CITY at CHICAGO WHITE SOX
GREINKE: KC 5-14 at White Sox
FLOYD: White Sox 30-8 vs. division
SEATTLE at MINNESOTA
SILVA: Seattle 15-36 off one run loss
SLOWEY: Minnesota 12-3 Over off one run win
OAKLAND at LA ANGELS
EVELAND: Oakland 46-15 Under off an Over
ADENHART: Angels 31-14 as an underdog