JB's COMPUTER PICKS
New York Yankees -125
Colorado Rockies -130
Los Angeles Angels -200 * * *
BEST BET ***
DUNKEL
Boston at Seattle
The Red Sox look to bounce back from their sweep in Anaheim and take advantage of Seattle's 1-3 record as a home underdog between +125 and +150. Boston is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Red Sox favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Boston (-135). Here are all of today's games.
MONDAY, JULY 21
Game 951-952: Atlanta at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Campillo) 14.687; Florida (Volstad) 13.849
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Florida (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+105); Under
Game 953-954: San Diego at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Banks) 14.398; Cincinnati (Bailey) 15.658
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-130); Over
Game 955-956: Pittsburgh at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Van Benschoten) 13.640; Houston (Hernandez) 13.180
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-145); 10
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+135); Under
Game 957-958: Milwaukee at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (McClung) 16.844; St. Louis (Pineiro) 15.571
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+110); Over
Game 959-960: LA Dodgers at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Stults) 15.044; Colorado (Wells) 16.408
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-125); 10
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-125); Under
Game 961-962: Chicago Cubs at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago Cubs (Harden) 14.291; Arizona (Johnson) 15.459
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+125); Under
Game 963-964: Minnesota at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 17.121; NY Yankees (Ponson) 15.806
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+115); Under
Game 965-966: Toronto at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Litsch) 16.055; Baltimore (Liz) 14.996
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-110); 10
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100); Over
Game 967-968: Oakland at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Eveland) 13.711; Tampa Bay (Kazmir) 14.933
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-185); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-185); Under
Game 969-970: Texas at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Hurley) 13.998; White Sox (Vazquez) 15.629
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-165); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-165); Over
Game 971-972: Detroit at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Miner) 17.171; Kansas City (Hochevar) 15.859
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110); Over
Game 973-974: Cleveland at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Byrd) 16.110; LA Angels (Santana) 17.515
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-200); Over
Game 975-976: Boston at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 16.292; Seattle (Washburn) 15.036
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-135); Under
INDIAN COWBOY COMP
Angels/Indians Over 8.5
Normally I'm not a fan of taking overs with Santana, but he comes off a great start and is in for a little bit of let down here and remember the Indians are looking to show some heart after a terrible first half and they had a decent home stand where they at least played better, heck, the Angels could get quite a few runs on Byrd alone as he comes off one of his few half-decent starts and I think this game is likely to be more competitive than expected as I have this at possibly 10 runs, given that the over is 5-0 for the Indians of late on the road, the over is 4-0 when Byrd faces a winning team meaning his pitching does not hold up as well as the over is 4-0 for Santana following a quality appearance, I'll take my chances here on the over.
The Indians had a good home stand of late, but now have to hit the road where they are 17-32 on the year, Byrd is 3-10 on the year and the juice on Santana shows how bad the year has been for the Indians and Byrd, Byrd hasn't picked up a win since June 6th, the Indians have lost 9 of the last 10 games he has started, he has been giving up a ton of hits and has not put together back to back quality starts in quite some time and his last start can be considered quality for his standards this year, Santana is 11-3 this year and comes off a dominating performance at Oakland where he gave up 0 runs in 7 innings in what was a bounce-back game for him, he has at times though been having trouble putting together back to back starts, but one has to lean on the Indians run-line here, I'm not a fan of the run-line but it has value here. This is likely to be a high scoring game as an 8.5 line with Byrd is fairly small. The question is, can the Indians score as the Angels should be able to get to Byrd.
PRO INFO SPORTS
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles
Prediction: OVER 10
Baltimore plays host to the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night in the opening game of a four-game set between these two teams.
The Orioles have been competitive this season and that success has come in large part to their bullpen. Their bullpen has posted an ERA of 3.49 but overuse has depleted their effectiveness lately.
The last six games have seen only Olson and Guthrie pitch at least six innings in their outings. The lack of productivity from the Orioles starters has forced the relievers to pitch over 8 innings in just the last two games allowing five runs and eleven hits. They gave up two runs and four hits in 3 2/3 innings of work in a 5 to 1 loss to the Tigers on Sunday.
Baltimore will send Radhames Liz to the bump on Monday with his 3-2 record and 7.57 ERA. The right-hander is coming off the worst start of his brief career, allowing eight runs and six hits in 2 1/3 innings as Baltimore lost 12-1 to Boston on July 12. He's failed to go at least four innings in three of his eight starts, and has never pitched more than 6 1/3 in his career. Liz also has given up 12 runs in six innings while losing his last two starts.
Toronto will send Jesse Litsch to the hill with his 8-6 record and 4.16 ERA. Over his last two starts we see his ERA has skyrocketed to 10.13 while losing both starts.
After beginning the season 7-1, Litsch has won once in his last eight outings. The right-hander gave up eight runs three of those earned and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings as Toronto lost 9-4 to the New York Yankees on July 12. Litsch is 1-2 with a 3.57 ERA in three starts against the Orioles.
Data base research supports our selection on the Over in tonight?s contest between the Orioles and Blue Jays. Toronto is 4-1 Over their last 5 when their opponent allowed at least 5 runs in their previous game, 10-3 Over their last 13 versus the AL East, 8-3 Over their last 11 road games versus right-handed starters, 13-5-1 Over their last 19 versus right-handed starters overall. Baltimore is 10-2-2 Over versus the AL East, 22-6-3 Over their last 31 after suffering a SU loss, 10-3-1 Over their last 14 after allowing 5 or more runs in their previous game, 23-7-1 Over their last 31 as a home favorite of -110 to -150, 19-7-1 Over their last 27 overall and Liz is 10-1 Over his last 11 starts overall. SERIES: 12-1 Over their last 13 overall and 5-1 Over their last 6 played in Baltimore.
Our Pitcher Power Index indicates Liz will allow the Blue Jays to plate 5.6 runs while Litsch gets touched for 6.1 runs in tonight?s contest. Our Team Power Index Ratings predict an Over in tonight?s game with a final score of Baltimore 7 and Toronto 5.
The combination of poor starting pitching and the Orioles bullpen struggling should be enough to send this game well over the posted total.
GRADED PREDICTION: 2* TORONTO / BALTIMORE OVER 10
TONY MATHEWS
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies -130
The Los Angeles Dodgers will use starting pitcher Eric Stults. Eric Stults has been struggling as of late. In fact, Eric Stults has a 4.70 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Eric Stults pitching another bad game today.
The Colorado Rockies will use starting pitcher Kip Wells. Kip Wells has been pitching very well as of late. In fact, Kip Wells has a 1.69 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Kip Wells pitching another great game today.
The Colorado Rockies are 7-2 in their last 9 meetings against the Los Angeles Dodgers (when playing in Colorado), and should be able to get another win today!
Take the Colorado Rockies
STEVE JANUS
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have won 4 in a row at home and 6 in a row overall against any team with a losing record. They've also been drilling left-handed pitching lately and have been translating that into wins as Colorado has won 7 of 8 against lefties. The Dodgers are 9-20 as a road underdog between +110 and +160, plus they've lost 4 of their last 5 against right-handed pitching. Solid play on the home team in Colorado Monday.
JOHN FINA
Selection: Pittsburgh/Houston Over 10
Today we expect a high-scoring game as the Pittsburgh Pirates do battle with the Houston Astros. One reason why we expect a high-scoring game is because both these teams will send to the mound poor starting pitchers. This says it all... The Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher (John Van Benschoten) has a 9.77 ERA this season, while Houston Astros Starting Pitcher (Runelvys Hernandez) has a 10.29 ERA this season. As you can see, both these pitchers have been having huge pitching problems. The bottom line, we should see many runs scored tonight! Take the Pittsburgh Pirates/Houston Astros Over 10
Sports Gambling Hotline
Los Angeles at COLORADO
While the Dodgers offense has not exactly been lighting up the scoreboard this season, we do like them to get some runs this evening in Colorado as they this three game set against the Rockies.
Kip Wells is making his first start since April 1st, and we simply don't think he is going to be around that long in this one. In Wells' two previous starts against LA, he has allowed 10 runs in 10 innings of work. With that kind of line, it is likely the Dodgers will plate some runs tonight.
Eric Stults counters for Los Angeles, and the southpaw has allowed 8 runs over his last 15 innings of work for an 0-2 record.
These teams have played three already this year at Coors, and 2 of the 3 have gone OVER the total. We like this one to go OVER as well.
Play on the OVER tonight between the Dodgers and Rockies.
2♦ OVER
Karl Garrett
Minnesota at NY YANKEES
You would think with the lineup the Yankees have they would be going OVER the total more often than not, but that just hasn't been the case, as the New York offense hasn't shown much pop in a while.
Yesterday's UNDER was New York's 4th straight UNDER, and their 8th UNDER in their last 9 games!
Hard to imagine an OVER tonight against the Twins with that lack of production from the pinstripers.
Minnesota comes to town having played UNDER the total in 3 of their last 4, and starter Nick Blackburn comes into this start having allowed just 4 earned runs over his last 21 innings of work.
This will be the first meeting between the teams in the Bronx this year, and over the last two season's, these teams are on a 2-4-1 UNDER clip in 7 meetings.
G-Man gonna ride the UNDER in tonight's series opener.
3♦ UNDER
VEGAS EXPERTS
Pittsburgh Pirates at Houston Astros
Off a loss, you can't make the Houston Astros a large enough favorite against John Van Benschoten and Pittsburgh. The Pirates too are coming off a loss, five of them in fact, and Van Benschoten may be the worst starter in any rotation in baseball. In all three starts, he's failed to log more than four innings and his ERA is a pathetic 12.27. Pittsburgh has lost seven straight on the road.
Play on: Houston
GINA
Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks have won eight of the last 9 games against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field and won lefty Randy Johnson last 10 starts versus the Cubs, 7-0 in his last seven at home.
Go with Arizona with their veteran Johnson on the hill to continue their dominance at home against the Cubs. Johnson is 12-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 13 career starts against the Cubs. Chicago has lost 11 of their last 16 road games and 25 of the last 32 meetings in Arizona.
Arizona Diamondbacks +120
Pupsnchalk Sports
Atlanta Braves vs. Florida Marlins
Play: Florida Marlins
The Florida Marlins will look to carry the momentum they gained from Sunday's walk off win against the Phillies into game 1 of their series tonight with the Atlanta Braves. They will send a young right hander to the mound in Christopher Volstad who was electric in his first big league start.
I'm a little apprehensive in recommending a play on a rookie pitcher in his first home start but I was impressed by what I saw from Volstad in his first outing against the Dodgers. He has an electric fastball with good command of his changeup. He struck out six while going 8 2/3 innings allowing just 5 hits and 1 earned run in the Marlins 3-1 win nine days ago. He should be tough against a Braves team who is coming off a rough weekend, dropping two of three to the lowly Washington Nationals including a 15-6 drubbing yesterday.
The Braves are one of the major's worst road teams with a record of 15-32. Jorge Campillo will get the start for the Braves. After a strong start the right hander has cooled off some and comes into the game just 1-2 in his last three with an ERA of 5.00. The Braves are just 2-5 in his last 7 starts overall. He lasted only four innings in his only appearance against the Marlins giving up 6 hits and 4 earned runs in only 4 innings pitched inlcluding two homer's. The Braves are hitting just .202 against right handers the last 10 games.Play on the Florida Marlins for 1 unit.
MATT RIVERS
For Monday take the Yankees at this cheap price.
Let me get a few things straight, the Yankees are not having another amazing second half run because they are too beat up and overall not very good and Sidney Ponson is a piece of crap. So then how can I back Arod and the fellas? Simple, this price is too darn cheap at Yankee Stadium against yes a solid Minnesota team but a squad that is still not exactly a road warrior.
I love Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, who just won the home run title in the Bronx, and the Twinkies are a solid squad that should be in this thing until the end but Nick Blackburn on the road does not faze me one bit and despite Ponson being a fat judge slapping Aruban piece of crap the righty has been very good all season long and was just great in that last start shutting down the first place Rays.
Jeter, Giambi, Arod, Abreu and the Yankees are beat up as Damon and Matsui among others are injured but they did just manage to sweep the A's in that last series and the bats can't do any less today they they did against Oakland.
Minnesota can win this game but the Twins are not as good away from the Metrodome and today against the Yankees should fall a little flat in maybe a tight game but still a loss.
Even with Joe Girardi's club not being all that dominant they still should be a sizable favorite today in the range of at least 160ish.
BRIAN MARSHALL
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles
Play On: Toronto/Baltimore Over 10
The Toronto Blue Jays will be lead by starting pitcher Jesse Litsch. Jesse Litsch has been having a bad season. In fact, Jesse Litsch has a 4.16 ERA on the season. In addition, Jesse Litsch has a 6.59 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Jesse Litsch giving up many runs once again today.
The Baltimore Orioles will be lead by starting pitcher Radhames Liz. Radhames Liz has also been having a bad season. In fact, Radhames Liz has a 7.57 ERA on the season. In addition, Radhames Liz has a 11.25 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Radhames Liz giving up many runs once again today.
These teams have a history of playing high-scoring games when they meet. In fact, the Over is 12-1 in the last 13 meetings between these teams.
Take the Toronto Blue Jays/Baltimore Orioles Over 10
SCOTT DELANEY
I know Boston played late last night in Anaheim, but that's cool, as the M's are officially the saddest team in the majors after Cleveland went in and looked like a contender when it's really nothing more than one of the worst teams in the bigs.
We'll side with Jon Lester, who is 3-2 in eight road starts, and who looked good earlier this month in Yankee Stadium, nabbing the complete-game shutout. He'll get plenty of run support against Jarrod Washburn, who is 2-3 at home with a 5.26 ERA, and who is 0-2 in his last three starts against the BoSox.
2♦ RED SOX