The Standard: 200 units by 8/31/09
Current standing: -103.5 units
Units remaining: 303.5
6/22/09
$500 NY Mets +100
The Cardinals come into NY tonight maybe a little overvalued with Wellemeyer on the hill. The public like the Cards but Redding has been better than normal of late, and he will continue his run tonight. As should most games, this one will come down to the starting pitching early on in this one. The bullpens should not have much of an issue. Both teams should have an easy time with relief in this series. Wellemeyer has struggled against the Mets in his last 2 giving up 10 ERs in 10 innings and even with a banged up line-up. I feel the Mets should see at least 4 cross in this one. Well has an ERA iof 5+ on the road this year and 6+ in his last 3 starts. Whoever gets more off the starters will win tonight and the Mets should handle that task easily.
$500 Atlanta -150
You can sure bet the Atlanta Braves are ready tonight after being fired up in yesterdays contest on the losing end in Boston. The Braves play this one game make-up with the Cubs. The Braves have gotten solid pitching in their series with the Cubs and this should continue for this one. Braves have struggled offensively as if that is new to this club. The pitching has been the best it has been in years, but the bats are not putting up runs. Cubs with Dempster tonight are just 3-11 as a team as underdogs, so what might look like a sure win may not be. Look for Javy Vasquez to get the job done tonight with Atlanta putting up more than usual.
$500 Oakland -150
As far as teams to open as a fave, the As are probably the only team on the board deserving of the line. They have been playing better of late, and send Cahill to the mound to face off with J. Sanchez. Cahill has seen opponents put up 3-4 runs on average in gms started at home recently. He has allowed 5 ERs in his last 3. Sanchez is the weak spot in this game. Although he shut down Oakland last season in a 11-1 win, he did not face this line-up this year just yet. Sanchez comes in with a 5.43 ERA on the season. A disappointment in some peoples eyes. Even worse he is 0-6, 6.39 ERA on road in 2009. It does not get better as he has allowed a 7.71 ERA to form over his last 3 starts, 2 of those on the road. Cahill has the edge, bullpens shouldnt have an effect on the outcome. As by a few.
$500 LA Angels -110
$100 Col/LAA Under 9
Cook will try to keep the Colorado win streak going again. The Rockies are putting together a run like a couple years ago at the end of the season. Palmer will go for the Angels and he is 6-0 on the year. He stands at 4-0 at home. I went against him in his last outing and today I am going with him and the Angels to win a low scoring contest. Both starters have an under 3.00 ERA over their last 3 ballgames. A combined 4-0 mark between them over those 3 starts each. The Angels are 8-1 when Palmer takes the hill and should get enough off Cook to seal this one up. The Rockies are 4-1 in Cooks starts when he pitches more than 6 innings. When he goes 6 or less it is a different story. I doubt he will last more than 6 innings tonight. Look for a 5-3 final.
__________________
Finally, a nice profitable night. Hopefully the remaining 70 days will be worth the wait for a nice chunk of change. A 7-play card tonight hopefully the start of positive things to come. What I am facing is roughly 300 units in the next 70 days, or 10 weeks. As much as the losing streak sucked out of me, I am not one of those fly by night posters that will just run when things are at their worst. I am sticking with this as it has succeeded for the last several years of doing it. Hopefully the winning will continue this season. I am here til the end, whether I accomplish the goal at hand or not. We have 70 days til truth or failure.
The Standard: 300 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 3-2, +8.4 units
Units remaining: 300
6/23/09
$750 Texas +130
Harrison will go for Texas coming off being swept in SF. Max Scherzer will take the home hill for Zona after they too were swept. Both starters have gotten their teams wins of late as the Rangers are 5-2 in the last 7 Harrison has started, while the D-Backs are 6-2 in Scherzer starts. Both teams come in 2-6 in each of their last 8 games. The key here is the bullpens, and Texas will have the big edge in this one. Arizona pen is allowing 1 ER in less than 2 innings on the year. Scherzer has struggled at home with a near 6 ERA. Harrison had a great early May but fell apart in late May. He bounced back in his last start and should return to dominant form tonight against a team that has scored 4 or less runs in 15 of their last 21 games. Plenty of value with Texas as dogs.
$500 Cubs +115
Zambrano has a 1.66 ERA over his last 3 outings. He has allowed just 5 ERs in 28 innings over his last 4 outings. His last 2 on the road have shown nearly 15 innings with just 1 ER allowed. After being shut out last night things may look up for Cubbies tonight. Still questioning why the Rays let Jackson go? Stellar season with his new club. He is only 1-1 at home though, with a 3.00 ERA. Both starters will pitch well, no doubt but I see the Cubbies winning this one late, by a 5-3 margin. Lean under in this one.
$500 Milwaukee -110
Jeff Suppan of the Brewers will face Liriano for Minny. Liriano has good numbers against Milwaukee in 2 starts previously back in 2006. Things have changed since then including his struggles in 09. Liriano has given up 15 ERs in his last 4 road outings, including a 7 ER performance in Chicago. He is 2-8 overall, 1-4 on road with a 6.43 ERA. Suppan is 2-0 in his last 3 starts with a 2.50 ERA. Suppan allowed just 2 ERs in 7 innings at home vs. Min last season. The big question mark is the Brewers bullpen. If Suppan can give a strong outing like last season and limit the pen work to 2-3 innings, I see Milwaukee taking this one tonight. Like the starter match-up with the small home fave Brew Crew tonight. If they get enough off Liriano they will cruise in this one.
$500 Kansas City -130
Greinke has struggled lately. Russ Ortiz has looked sharp getting into the mix as Astros starter. When the Royals put up more than 5 runs with Greinke on the hill they are 4-0 this season. A showing of 5 or less puts them at 4-6 with Greinke starting. Run support is key tonight. Ortiz has started in 4 home games this year going 5 innings on average, allowing 2 ERs. Opponents have averaged 4-5 runs per game in his starts this year. The big factor here is the NL ballpark which will favor Greinke. Last season he allowed just 1 ERs in his last 14 innings during road interleague play. Having the pitcher spot bat is key for Greinke and will help him throughout the first 5 innings at least. Royals should get enough on the board to help his cause. KC by a few.
$500 San Diego +120
$200 SD/Sea Over 8.5
The Padres are a good value underdog today considering Olson has not pitched well at home for Seattle this year. Coming off a 4-3 win in San Diego, the Ms look to do more damage to this club at home. Opponents have scored 5 runs in both of Olsons starts at home. Olson has also allowed 5 ERs in 2 of his 5 starts for Seattle. Opponents also are averaging 5 runs per contest when Olson starts. Gaudin has been a mess this year, and I feel the public perception with this re-match is that the same results will take place. Seattle and the under will come in, but I disagree. With these two on the hill I think we will see double digits tonight in a high scoring affair. I see Gaudin pitching stronger than he has previously getting on the winning end tonight. Pads by a run.
$200 San Fran/Oakland Under 7
Lincecum and Mazzaro will do battle once again, this time in Oakland. Last meeting the Giants shut out Oakland at home 3-0. Mazzaro has been a strong move to the rotation for Oakland but should see a couple cross while he is out there tonight. I still feel he will go deep into this one as Oakland has been more pitcher friendly than San Fran has. Lincecum will try to continue his mastery against this line-up tonight. He has a 16 consectutive scoreless inning streak vs. Oakland still in tact. Giants won 1-0 last season in Oakland while the 3-0 Giants win occured just 10 days ago. I see at least 15 innings with these starters combined in a near 2-1 finish tonight. Under looks more than a little nice!
The write-ups yesterday certainly were dead on for the most part, still needing that one win to have a big night. The late games were well called, Milwaukee didn't get enough off Liriano which was stated so that was a bust, and the Cubs lost one late but with the Cubs up 4-3 that could've been almost correctly called. Harrison didn't show up and that was was over early on as the D-Backs put up 8 last night, the most they have scored in a while. Onto Wednesday!
The Standard: 300 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 4-3, -3 units
Units remaining: 303
6/24/09
$200 LAD/ChW UNDER 9
Top total as Wolf and Floyd face off. I like both of these starters and what they have done recently. The bullpens have done a bang up job as well. Wolf was on a tear early this season and simmered of late allowing 11 ERs over 2 starts not long ago but has bounced back. He gave up 0 ERs in Texas of all places, and 1 ER vs. Oak. He still holds a 2.28 ERA on the road this season and has proven he can hang with MLBs top pitchers. Floyd has also been on a tear of his own of late allowing only 1 ER in each of his last 3 starts. He holds a 2.68 ERA at home and a 1.25 ERA in his last 3. After a shaky s tretch he has settled in with 6 straight quality starts in my opinion. Opponents have only put up 10 runs in his recent 5 home outings so look for this one to finish under the 9 with room to spare.
$200 San Fran +105
Gio Gonzalez will take the place for Outman who will miss tonight due to elbow issues. Randy Johnson will go for SF. RJ allowed just 2 ERs in his mtg with Oakland this season at home. On the road I see him having an even better outing. Gonzalez has been awful as a starter and reliever. He has a 7.27 ERA as reliever, and last season as starter allowed 29 ERs in 28 inngs. Opponents totaled 50 runs in 7 starts last year. He may pitch better at home as alot of those starts were based on the road, but the guy has yet to prove himself. He would need a solid 1 or 2 ER outing to beat Johnson tonight. I would expect a move favoring SF in this one but take them with the plus money as they should win based on pitching as they did last night.
$200 Seattle -135
Morrow has looked shaky in the past but this season looks better as far as runs allowed. He just needs to go deeper. Two of Morrows final 3 starts of 2008 were 6 ER performances but this season looks sharp only allowing 3 ERs in his 2 outings. Yes he has only pitched 7 innings, but his team will back him tonight facing Josh Geer. The run support was shaky for Morrow as Seattle only scored 3 runs in those starts and lost both games. I think with SD in town and a ton of run scoring last night will send this one into possible hibernation. I dont see many runs being scored by SD tonight. Geer may not be as good on the road against Seattle. He allowed 3 runs last mtg this year but opponents have scored 29 runs in his last 3 rd starts, and 42 runs over his last 5 on rd.
$100 Minnesota -115
Minnesota pitching has slowly caught fire of late and Blackburn is another example. He is 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA in his last 3 ballgames. He has climbed the ladder in his last 3 outings going 7,8 and 9 innings respectively. Milwaukee struggled against the bullpen and struggled after the first couple innings last night. That will likely continue with Blackburn on the hill. Both Blackburn and his opposition Looper, have had one career start against the respective opponent. Neither looked sharp. Looper will continue to struggle as he has given up 11 ERs in his last 2 games. Not even 10 innings pitched over those 2. Minny should easily get 5-6 runs and that should be enough to win this one.
$100 Cincy/Tor OVER 8.5
This has risen at most books during the completion of this write-up. The move will not matter in the slightest. Opened at 8.5 runs and is on the rise. These teams easily hit an over last night and will do the same tonight. I would guarantee double digits in this one as Arroyo will face Richmond. Both starters have a 4+ ERA in each of their last 3 including on the road and home for the season respectively in this spot. Arroyo has given up 5 or more runs in 3 of his last 4 on road. He also allowed 10 ERs in his meeting in Toronto last meeting, last year. He may have a stronger outing than last but will still be tagged for several. Richmond has also given up 5 ERs in 2 of his last 3 home outings. Opponents average almost 6 runs per game over his last 5 starts. Look for at least a dozen to cross in this game.
Write-ups are a little shorter than usual based off an early card today. All sides are action, totals listed starters.
The Standard: 300 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 3-2, +1.75 units
Units remaining: 301.25
6/25/09
$200 St.Louis -115
$100 StL/NYM Under 7
Johan Santana has not looked the same of late. Seems like he is fighting the losing battle with many of his teammates out of action. It is showing on the mound. The Mets cruised 11-0 last night so look for them to be dormant today in a revenge game for STL. Especially with Carpenter going. Opponents are averaging 2.5 runs per game when Carpenter starts, and that includes his 3 inning short outing this season. Carp has allowed 10 ERs in 9 starts this season. Johan will do battle today and bring his best but it wont be enough. Look for a 3-2 final. Mets were 22-12 in Santana starts LY. Only 7-11 in games where Santana was dog or was laying less than -170. TY Mets are 8-6 with him as starter, 4-4 as dogs or faves less than -170 and are 1-3 in his last 4 outings.
$200 Kansas City +105
This one likely should go over the total but more importantly KC should be able to get plenty of runs and win this one easy. Bannister faces Moehler. Moehler has a 9+ ERA at home this season and stands at 0-3 there. With some low outputs in the first 2 games look for KC to especially put up a bunch. Bannister has shown good signs lately and has looked sharp in his last 3 games. It is the pen that has failed him. That will not happen today.
$200 Cubs -110
Lilly has a 2.21 ERA over his last 3. Galarraga has struggled mightily since early in the year. Galarraga has only pitched 6 total innings in his last 2 outings. I played to victory in the last Galarraga outing, now I will fade him today. Cubbies will stop the road sweep in Detroit and get some revenge from the first 2 in this series.
$200 NYY/Atlanta UNDER 8.5
Pettitte and Lowe will face off in the rubber-match series game. NY won last night with 4 late inning rallies for runs. Braves gave that one away. These starters should keep runs off the board as long as things dont get sloppy like last night. Lowe has struggled of late, so I would lean Yanks here. Overall Pettitte has dominated road opponents of late and the Yanks would have only gotten a couple last night if the Braves didnt fork over about 5 runs. Neither team has been able to put up tons lately and that will continue tonight in a 4-2 ballgame.
$200 Texas/Arizona OVER 9.5
Texas comes off the win last night looking for run scoring. Tonight they may get it as they face Garland who has a 7.82 home ERA. He allowed 20 ERs against Texas last year in just 3 starts. This year opponents at home have put up nearly 10 runs per game in Garlands last 3 at home. Overall at home on the year, opponents have scored 52 runs in his 7 home outings. A weak home starter and a weak bullpen equals a ton of run scoring coming off a 2-1 game the night before.
$200 Cincy +120
How could one pass up Cueto as a dog tonight over Brett Cecil who has not looked that great. Cueto has allowed 5 ERs in his last 4 road outings. The bullpen remains to be seen to see how well they will perform tonight. But even in those games opponents averaged 4 runs per. I would certainly ride against the public here, as they weigh heavy on Cecil who has allowed 11 ERs in his last 2 outings. Cincy should put up 3-4 alone on Cecil and take this one by a run or two.
$300 Washington +110
Smoltz makes his Sox debut tonight in Washington, a place he has succeeded in the past. The thing is, he may be rusty, he may not be able to go too long tonight. There is value on the Nats as home dogs tonight with the public heavy on Boston. If Smoltz goes 3 innings with pain or stiffness(highly possible) the Nats could have an easy night. Oh, and Jordan Zimmermann has not been pitching that bad recently and this could set up a big outing for him. Home dog to take the final game in this series.
The Standard: 300 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 4-4, Even
Units remaining: 301.25
Three one run losses busted any chance of a profitable day with the late plays coming through for a save.
6/26/09
$500
Chisox +105
Washington +150
Houston +105
Tampa Bay -140
Analysis: The public loves the O's and the Tigers. I can personally see both teams losing today, and hopefully so as these are 2 of the 4 big ones tonight. O's were just swept, and the Nats have ultimately shown life in the 11th hour of their season. At a +150 there is no reason why this team can't win tonight. Their bullpen has done much better against two of the AL's best in the Yanks and Sox. Detwiler has been impressive and I like him over Bergeson tonight as things are clicking for the Nats. Detroit is overvalued tonight as road faves after sweeping a lowly Cubs ballclub. I expect Wandy Rod to come out and outperform Verlander for the win. Speaking of the Cubs, they can not seem to win ballgames of late. Swept by Detroit when 2 of the games were in reach for wins until they folded up shop. This afternoon Contreras will have his way with these Cubs and keep them on the losing path. Finally, the Rays have shown some life as have the Marlins. Should be a close call tonight, but I have found that teams going on the road after facing a weak opponent at home struggle. I expect the fish will struggle tonight after a seemingly easy series with Baltimore.
$300
Texas -1.5(-115)
SD/Tex Under 10.5
Oakland -140
Analysis: Looking to get at least 2 of 3 of these, but 3-0 would be nice. Millwood should be this heavy of a fave tonight at home as he has been dominant in this ballpark. The Pads are just awful and send Walter Silva to the hill. Silva and the Pads allow 5 or more each time he starts. With Texas getting the offense going this should be a 5+ run margin. Millwood should not allow more than a couple tonight unless this one gets sloppy, hence the only chance of an over hitting. Like the under as I see no more than 9 coming in. Besides for a 9 run outburst the other night, the Pads have scored 26 runs in the last 10 games. As far as the Rockies and their 17 wins in 18 games streak is all but over losing 2 straight. They head into another seemingly weak series with Oakland and Brett Anderson who pitched well last time out despite losing. Rocks are on the downswing now and will struggle to hit Anderson. Public favors Colorado heavily, as +130 dogs but there is a reason why this line is what it is. Let us not forget that. When a line sometimes looks to good to be true it is.
$100
Bos/Atl Under 8
Fla/TB Under 8
Analysis: Small plays on these two totals for a few reasons... Beckett has absolutely owned Atlanta in years past. It seems like whether it is 2008 or 2003, his stats dont change much vs. Braves. He has alot of 0's when facing Atlanta as far as ERs go so look for Atlanta to struggle for runs after putting up close to double digits last night. This stays under with a greatly contested game by Jurrjens and an error free effort by Escobar and the Braves fielders. Johnson will face Shields and these guys steadily put up good numbers in Tampa. Shields obviously is the good guy at home and Johnson and the fish see opponents putting up an average of 3 regularly on the road. I see a 4-3 game at best here tonight as long as the bullpens finish strong.
The Standard: 300 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 4-5, -4.35 units
Units remaining: 305.60
6/27/09
$400 San Fran/Milwaukee OVER 9
$400 Wsh/Balt UNDER 10.5
$400 Cincy/Cleve UNDER 10.5
$300 Oakland -130
$200 Florida/Tampa Bay UNDER 9.5
$200 Seattle/LA Dodgers UNDER 7.5
$100 Yanks/Mets UNDER 9
6-1 for 13+ units yesterday. Hopefully this is the new beginning.
Instead of posting the 300 units as the goal, which might be misleading, I am back to the 200 showing I am down 92 units since the start as I try to climb my way back.
The Standard: 200 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 6-1, +13.10 units
Units remaining: 292.50
6/28/09
$300 Milwaukee -150
$300 Houston +125
$300 Philly/Toronto OVER 10
$100 Colorado/Oakland UNDER 7.5
$1000 NY Yankees -130
The New Yorks will face for the last time in 2009 most likely. Wang will go for the Yanks while Hernandez counters to try to get the Mets a win in the series. Mets are still in a bad way without their stars. When they return, maybe they can make a run, but until then...For now the Mets will struggle until that can become a reality. The Yanks have owned the Mets at the plate. Wang has seemingly gotten better with each start despite his 11+ ERA on the year. His last 2, were nearly identical with 3 ERs, 4 Ks, 6 hits allowed over 5 inngs. NYY lost both of those gms. Hernandez has not had luck vs. Yanks. His recent 3 show him allowing 6 runs on average in 5 innings. Yanks will stay hot, get a good enough outing from Wang, and sweep the Mets in the final IL game of 09.
The Standard: 200 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 2-3, +0.2 units
Units remaining: 292.30
6/29/09
(70%+ angles should hit 6 of next 8 sides)
$500 Washington +170
Nats have a 10-0 angle backing them tonight with this one, as this is my strongest of the evening in terms of probable win pct. The Nats are coming off the win while Florida was swept on the road. The public will over-value the home team in this situation in which they are. The Nats are getting good dog money as Olsen returns to face his old club. The motivational factor is in efeect, not to mention a revenge angle that shows the Nats blew 3 possible wins against this Marlins team earlier this season. Nats pen has been performing much better at this point in time and this time I see them holding onto a win. Should be a tight contest either way. Nats by a run.
$500 NY Mets +120
Mets gave us a 10 unit winner last night but after another embarrassing loss to the Yanks, they will be hungry for blood tonight against Braden Looper. The one bright spot for the Mets right now is their rotation as Redding, Hernandez and now Nieve, who goes tonight, have been key. No run support is killing this team. I feel if they can get at least 3-4 off Loop tonight, they should handle the Brewers in the first game of this series. After being held to a handful of hits over the last couple games look for the Metropolitans to fire up on all cylinders tonight and get this much needed road win.
$500 Toronto -150
Halladay will be back tonight for Toronto as he has missed time recently. The Jays host the Rays in game 1 of this set. Toronto needs Roy to get back into the groove he has been in. Halladay, hurt or not, is a must play at home laying only minimal chalk here tonight as he is 10-1 on the year. He is 6-1 with a 3.00 ERA at home, while his opposition has struggled of late. Niemann has given up 9 ERs in his last 3, with 2 of those on the road. Now that isnt terrible but it is when you discuss the fact he has only gone less thab 13 innings over those 3 starts. If he does not give TB a good strong long outing tonight, they will not have a chance. Toronto should be able to outscore the Rays, and if they get Niemann out early they will have a field day on the shaky Rays pen. Toronto by a couple.
$500 Detroit -110
Porcello is a must play off the win yesterday where he is superb on the road. Anderson has struggled at home all year and is 1-4 with a 5+ ERA there. Oakland is usually a pitcher friendly park but Anderson would not agree. Opponents have scored 3 or less in 8 of Porcellos last 10 starts. Oakland has scored 3 or less in 4 of their last 5 at home so there are no guarantees of a big night. Detroit should win this by 3 or more based on the numbers of both teams pitching and hitting. Oakland has also lost by 2.5 runs average in their last 5 gms during their losing streak.
$500 LA Dodgers -110
Someone needs to stop the Rockies before they cruise to a wild card berth and claim another NL championship. The competition has not been strong for Colorado as they have faced some weak clubs and good ballclubs that were slumping. They lost the series to a hot Angles team, and the LAD rank up there. LA has lost 4 of 5 but have yet to lose 3 straight games all year let alone 3 straight at home. They swept Colorado last time here, outscoring them 27-10 in a 3 game series. Wolf is on a bounce-back, and considering this Dodger team pounded Jimenez last time puts a damper on the Rockies winning yet again. Rocks are 1-4 in Jimenezs last 5 road starts. Colorado swept on the road and stay on the road, a place where LA has won 26 of 38. LA by a few.
$500 Texas -120
$200 LAA/Tex Under 10.5
This game is off a similar scenario as the Marlins fade was the other night. Marlins had an easy opponent and went on the road to face a tougher team. Same here as the Angels took care of business at Arizona and now face a division rival in Texas. The Rangers are coming off a slump with hitting besides for two games ago where they scored 12. This one should go under the total of a steep 10.5, where both of Texas totals went under in their last couple. Sully goes for the Angels while Padilla starts for Texas. Both starters have done exceptional this year, mind you Sully has only two starts, but impressive. Sully has not faced a line-up quite like this and if Texas can put up 4-5 they should easily take this one. I see a 5-3 final here.
The Standard: 200 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 2-5, -22 units
Units remaining: 314.30
6/30/09
$500 Arizona -130
As bad as the Backs have looked I think they outmatch Arroyo and Cincy tonight. Arroyo has been awful over his last several especially at home.
$500 Seattle +220
Big chance here as Morrow comes off the decent outing. He previously held the Yanks to 1 ER over 7 innings. I won't be shocked if the result is the same tonight. Yanks have played weak slumping teams lately, way overvalued.
$300 Cubs/Pirates OVER 8
Lilly is coming off a rough start and I look for him to struggle tonight. No evidence states this will be a low scoring game. Both sides would need to not hit and pitchers would need great outings. Don't see it. Look for at least 9 in this one, 5-4.
$200 LAA/Texas OVER 10.5
Look at Saunders and Feldman in this park against these rosters and you would agree. Coming off a low scoring game yesterday, Sauders has struggled against Tex for the most part and this one should see 13-15.
$200 Boston -120
Worth the shot with Sox as small road faves coming off win last night. Smoltz got the rust out after a rough outing last time. He will bounce back strong tonight being undervalued. Hill has been a nice fill for the O's but has struggled in home starts this year.
$200 Philly +115
$100 Phi/Atlanta OVER 9
These teams will hit the ball in this game. Philly seems to be scoring again and Lowe has struggled. Blanton has been great lately but has not had success with Atlanta. Philly will get it done on Atlanta's pen late in this one. Look for at least 12 scored tonight.
The Standard: 200 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 2-4-1, -5.7 units
Units remaining: 320
I am happy that June is over. Gives me a fresh start for a new month and hopefully these 1 run losses stop over the next 60+ days. The losses have been nothing short of brutal, capping off with Philly pitching in a non force situation with runners in scoring position and one out(lousy call). How about Seattle coming back twice but falling short in NY. Morrow got out of trouble several times. They had opportunity. Lastly, was that really Boston who blew a 10-1 lead in the bottom of the 7th and 8th innings last night. Come on. It doesn't get much worse when the capping is dead to rights and you still somehow seem to lose. Best call of the night was the Texas over which came in right in the middle of the 13-15 predicted runs in a 9-5 final. Let's get July rolling.
$1000 Toronto +115
Jays look to avoid being swept today and with Ricky Romero on the mound it is very possible that the Jays accomplish this task at hand. Romero has allowed just 10 ERs in 31 innings at home this year. He has allowed 3 or less ERs in 8 of his last 10. Dominant all year long so far. James Shields counters for the Rays who look to win their 8th straight. Shields usually pitches well vs. Toronto but the Jays finished with 13 runs in his last 2 outings while his previous 6 to those starts saw the jays total 18 runs. If the Jays can hit today and give Romero run support this one is in the bag. Jays are winless in their last 10 games when they average less than .250 hitting for the game. They need hits today and will get them. Jays 4-3.
$100 NYM/Mil OVER 7.5
The Mets have just been awful of late. Their lack of hitting is now bleeding into their pitching as Nieve and Santana struggled recently vs. Brew. Today Pelfrey has his turn. He allowed 4 ERs in 5 innings last time out vs. Milwaukee. Gallardo goes for Milwaukee and shut down the Mets this season over 6 strong innings of 5 hit ball. Brew won that one 1-0. This time around the Mets should muster up a couple at least but it is the Brewers that should send this one over the total. These teams equalled 25 runs already in this series. I dont see the run scoring stopping today. I just hope this is not one of those 2-1 games going into the 7th. Should see at least 9 here.
$300 Arz/Cin UNDER 8.5
Garland and Cueto look to continue the trend of unders these teams have played for years. I feel that this one should see at most 7 runs tonight keeping this one under the 8.5 listed. Garland is doing a much better job on the road compared to at home. He only has a 2.60 ERA away from home, and has looked sharp overall in 2 of his last 3. The problem is run support as the D-Backs have been outscored 55-31 in the 8 previous losses with Garland on the hill. As a team the backs are 2-8 in Garland's last 10 starts. Look for Cincy to win and get revenge after last night but still keeping this one under. Cueto has allowed just 5 ERs in his 3 starts vs. Arz and the D-Backs have scored just 6 total in those games.
$200 Chisox/Cle UNDER 9.5
One of the better totals on the board for today. Contreras has been superb lately as has Sowers. Contreras has allowed 7 ERs over his last 4 games. Sowers is coming off a stunning start at home vs. Cincy. Contreras has pretty much owned Cleveland over his last 4 meetings. How about 4 ERs in those games including both in Cleveland were shutouts. Cleveland has averaged 2 runs per game in those previous meetings. Sowers did allow 5 ERs at home this year to this Sox club but allowed just 2 ERs in his last meeting with them. Unless the pens fail in this one these starters will likely keep this one under.
The Standard: 200 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 3-1, +15.4 units
Currently: -104.6 units
Units remaining: 304.6
Great way to kick off July, going 3-1 last night for 15+ units. Hopefully this month will reverse mirror June. 61 days remaining, a good two full months. Totals have been the hotter of the selections placed. A tally of 11-3-1 in roughly a weeks time for nearly 20 units in profit. Hopefully sides will start doing the same.
7/2/09
$300 Kansas City +135
The Royals are going to give comebacker Bruce Chen another shot tonight. The White Sox look to continue their hot hitting when they travel to KC. Chisox may be overvalued today, coming off the travel after game with a lowly Cleveland club. Royals can hit the ball and should have some success vs. Buehrle. I like the home dog in this spot. All signs point to the Sox as they come off the sweep, playing a team that has struggled, and face a pitcher who gave up 4 on the road last time out. All of those facts have little significants. What is of greater importance is the fact that all signs point to Chicago as an easy win tonight. I doubt that as we have not seen Chen at home. KC lost a home series and will look to win at home here. Play the home dog tonight.
$300 Atlanta -135
$200 Phi/Atl UNDER 8
Look for the Braves to rid themselves completely of their previous slumping losing streak as they have outplayed the Phillies in the first two looking to make it 3 for 3. Vasquez will take the bump for the Braves where he has dominated lately. Especially against Philly in his last 3, which were on the road, just 8 ERs allowed in a hitter friendly park. Opponents have scored a combined 14 runs in his last 6 home starts. He will go pretty deep and limit the pen work which has done a good job of late. Happ will counter for Philly, but this team has lacked run support for their starters. In their last 10, minus the two 10 run outbursts, they average less than 3 runs per game. Happ has just allowed 2 ERs in 2 starts vs. Atlanta in his career. Braves get more on the board, 3-2.
$200 St.Louis -130
Cards get a win after the win tonight as Wellemeyer faces Zito. Surprisingly both starters have good numbers against these opponents. Zito has only allowed 9 ERs in his last 3 vs. STL and Wellemeyer has allowed 6 ERs in 3 starts vs. SF. The key here is that the SF bullpen has always struggled in Zito outings vs. this Cards team. They gave up 7 runs in the last 2 meetings, all in less than 6 innings. Cards averaged 7 runs over the last two meetings with Zito. Wellemeyer has stifled SF two of three outings. Should see a very lopsided contest tonight. Cards by 4 or more. Runline may be more of a lucrative wager.
$200 Seattle +1.5(+115)
The Mariners have fought to try and take a game from the Yanks. They keep coming up short. In gm 1, they tied the game twice. After the second tie, they gave it up in the bottom of the inning. Last night they did the same exact thing. Tonight they send Vargas to the hill to try and get the Ms in the win column vs. NY. Sabathia will be the home starter. CC has impressed me lately, as has Vargas. The difference is Vargas has not shown good road numbers. The Ms are due for a solid outing from a starter as Morrow and Wash did not do enough. Opponents are averaging 5 runs per game with Vargas on road. CC will not give up much but I am banking that Vargas steps up and the Ms keep this close. They lost gm 1 by 3, and by 2 runs last night. Hoping the pattern continues.
The Standard: 200 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 4-1, +6.30 units
Currently: -98.3 units
Units remaining: 298.3
7/3/09
Making progress in July...A 7-2 mark over the first 2 days for over 21 units of profit. Let's see if the month of July does a complete 360 of how June went. So far no complaints. Totals with the win last night are 12-3-1 over the last week and 16 plays. Again, alot better than sides are doing. Everything but the Royals game was on point last night.
Write-ups to follow later today but I am listing the plays now for line movement especially on totals.
$200 Toronto +170
Yanks come off the loss. Look for the Jays to start winning again somewhat as they come off the win and face Burnett who they got 5 runs off of last time they met. Tallet has not really had a bad showing as Jays starter, and held the Yanks to 2 runs in his lone meeting with them. Again, Yanks at home, alot of value on the dog in this spot.
$200 STL -1.5(+125)
$100 STL/CIN OVER 9.5
$100 SEA/BOS UNDER 8.5
$500 Oakland +110
$200 Oakland/Cleveland Over 9
$500 Atlanta -125
$500 Pittsburgh +145
$500 Philly -140
Here are the write-ups for the late MLB games:
$200 St. Louis -1.5(+125)
$100 St. Louis/Cincy OVER 9.5
Joel Pineiro has succeeded in Cincy and in his last 4 against the Reds he has allowed 9 ERs in 24 innings. Bailey has struggled against STL and has not had any success at home. Opponents have ran up the scoreboard on Bailey and the Reds bullpen putting up 40 total runs in the last 6 home starts. Look for the Cards to get busy with the bats today. Bailey has not seen many trips to the mound vs. STL. He has less than 4 innings pitched in both his previous home outings vs. Cards. Look for him to continue with the struggles. Cards should be able to get 7-9 in this one and the Reds should not see more than 4 today. Cards should take this by several. Prediction 9-4.
$100 Seattle/Boston UNDER 8.5
King Felix is back. Hernandez has shut down the opposition of late and has cruised in Fenway in the past. He is 2-0 in his last 3 outings with a 0.74 ERA. He also is not too shabby on the road with a 1.72 ERA and a 5-1 record away from home. Felix has allowed just 7 hits in his 2 starts in Boston and has not allowed a run there. He has struggled at home vs. Sox but obviously different ballparks give different results. Red Sox will struggle for runs today and so will Seattle. The Ms have only scored 26 runs in the 6 road starts by Hernandez. Wakefield has also posted just 3 ERs allowed in his last 15 innings vs. Seattle. Look for 5 at most.
$500 Oakland +110
$200 Oakland/Cleveland Over 9
Trevor Cahill looks to bounce back after a 7 ER allowance in his last start. The ball will travel today. Opponents average 5+ runs per game in Cahills last 10 outings. The As pen has also struggled in Cahill road outings. Cahill has a 4+ ERA on the road for the season. Huff has had a great run until his last outing where he allowed 6. Yes, and that was at home. The ball will fly today, as Cleveland has allowed 17 runs in Huffs last 2 home outings. This game should see a double digit figure, and Oakland should be able to score more than Cleveland in this one. Look for a 7-5 final.
$500 Atlanta -125
Kenshin Kawakami will lead the Braves to another win tonight as they face the Nats in the opening game of their series. Kawakami has had a great run allowing 3 or less ERs in 12 of his 14 starts. Since an 8 ER shelling in Cincy, he has settled in and has allowed 2 ERs in 6 of his last 10. Three of four previous road outings were 2 ER performances. The Braves have started making some real contact with the baseball and are finding ways to win ballgames. Look for them to at least get 5 somehow tonight, giving them the win in this one. I can see a 5-4 final here.
$500 Philly -140
Mets finally got some runs on the board yesterday but I see that fade into the night with having to face Lopez tonight. Rodrigo Lopez has not been seen in over a year, almost 2 years. The former Oriole was sent to Colorado, where he pitched very well. How about no more than 3 ERs in his last 5 outings as starter in Coors. Not bad. He should prosper in Philly as long as he stays healthy. I believe he will have a good return back tonight. Unless he exits early, the Phills should take this one easily as Livan Hernandez and his relievers have struggled on the road. In the last 6 road outings, opponents have put up 30 total runs on the Mets. Philly was also embarrassed in Atlanta where they won 20 of 27 previously. Look for them to take revenge on a weak Mets team at home.
$500 Pittsburgh +145
I will take my chances with Morton who is dogged today at Florida and Volstad. Morton allowed just 2 ERs in his last road outing in Colorado. Volstad has been too overvalued at home seeing as his ERA is 4.72 and over his last 3 games a whopping 7.47 ERA. Morton is familiar with Florida as he faced them 3 times while with the Braves. The Fish are just 3-7 in the last 10 games Volstad has started. I think the Pirates will get it done offensively and with Morton allowing just 5 ERs in 11 innings, I like the value here.
The Standard: 200 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 6-3, +14.65 units
Currently: -83.65 units
Units remaining: 283.65
JULY 13-5, +36.35 units in 3 days
Totals run of 14-4-1 last 19 plays
7/4/09
Just a few more winning days like the last 3, and I will be on my way. How about that STL game turning around from having 2 losses to 2 wins. Braves fought for the win, and totals go 2-1 to stay hot last night. Small card for Saturday, hoping to go at least 2 of 3.
$500 Atlanta/Washington UNDER 8.5
Has anyone else liked what Tommy Hanson has brought to the Braves rotation? I sure do. It is about time! Once Hudson gets back to full strength the Braves will have one of the best starting 5 in the league. All they need are some guys that can swing lumber and get runs across. Recently that has not been an issue. Against Lannan Saturday, they may go back to struggling. Both starters have a combined 3.56 ERA in this spot. Hanson a 1.54 on road and Lannan a 2.02 at home. Lannan has allowed just 8 ERs over his last 5 home outings. Braves have scored just 6 runs total in his 2 outings against them this season. Just 1 run in Washington. Hanson has never faced Wsh, but has allowed 2 ERs in 2 road starts and has not allowed a run over his last 3 gms over 17+ innings. Look for 5 runs at best.
$200 Pittsburgh/Florida OVER 8.5
I look at these team and starters and say 8.5 runs, are you kidding me? These teams hit the over in game 1 of their series and will do it again Saturday as Duke faces A.Miller. These teams will put up runs in this series. Duke holds a better home ERA and I feel too much weight is based on how well he has pitched at home. In Duke starts, opponents have averaged about 5 runs over his last 3 outings and the same over his last 4 on road. Duke gave up 6 ERs in his last mtg with FLA back in 2007. Florida should put up 6-7 in this one. Miller has not had much backing from his bullpen as he has only allowed 12 ERs over his last 6 at home but opponents scored a total of 27 runs in those gms. Miller already faced Pit this year allowing 4 ERs en route to a 8-0 loss. This one hits about a dozen.
$200 Tampa/Texas OVER 11
Texas totals have been the cornerstone of my totals rally I have going. Already 2 wins this week looking for the hat trick. After a low scoring game the other night Texas opened the flood gates with run scoring going over in two straight. Now a similar low output in the first of this series. I expect these teams will do some damage offensively, especially with Price and Holland facing off. Price has pitched good in several starts but his lack to go deep has given the pen a chance to blow it. In 2 of the 4 road starts this year for Price, the bullpen had a collapse. Price will not last long and Texas will tag the TB pen. Holland has suffered at home allowing 1 ER per home inning roughly. Both teams should put up a half dozen each with a total of 14 or more at the finish!
The Standard: 200 units (last day 8/31/09)
Yesterday: 2-1, +4.80 units
Currently: -78.85 units
Units remaining: 278.85
JULY 15-6, +41.15 units in first 4 days
Totals run of 16-5-1 last 22 plays
7/5/09
Last Sunday there were a few games that were lost late giving me a 2-3 finish to the day. Could've easily went 4-1 and I am hoping this cinderella week continues today, keeping the July run piping hot!
$1000 Boston -270
Never really like laying the big chalk on games, but this systematic play comes with a rate of high return regardless of line. Personally Morrow will struggle against this Sox line-up. He has failed to go deep in games and although he is no longer on a strict pitch count he still gets into trouble and leaves the pen to clean up. The Sox will be doing the cleaning up. Lester has had rough times vs. Seattle but has never faced them at home. Should be a good outing for him, but I do like runs to be scored in this one. Lean to the over and the runline may be wiser for some. I rarely play RLs as my selections are based off of MLs only. Sox have won 5 of the last 6 games that Lester had started. Morrow is 0-3 on the road this season.
$200 Chisox/Royals OVER 9
This game has the most appealing total to me for the day. Bannister has proven he struggles against the Sox. Bannister has given up 5+ ERs in his previous 6 of 7 meetings with the White Sox. This year he gave up 7 in a 11-2 loss. Opponents have averaged 5-6 runs over his last 10 outings and the Sox average 7 runs per game in his last 10 meetings with them. Richard has not pitched well of late, only pitching in 28+ innings in his last 6 outings. He has only gone 6 or more in his last 3 of 6 road starts. KC has not hit the ball well nor have they scored tons of runs lately, but they scored 14 in a Richard outing last season. They managed just 2 runs in his one start against them this year. One of these guys will struggle today, leading to 13 or more runs!
$200 Cards/Reds UNDER 8.5
Caught this one in the nick of time, as this game has risen from a 7.5 to an 8.5 quickly. No one has much faith in Arroyo I guess. After all he has taken a beaten lately, allowing 5 ERs or more in 4 of his last 6 outings. However, he also is 7-1-1 to the under in his last 9 outings vs. STL. We know how well Carpenter can pitch. He already went the distance vs. Cincy this season allowing 1 run. I expect him to have a similar outing. This total will ride on the shoulders of Arroyo, who has only allowed 9 ERs in his last 5 home outings vs. STL. Reds are also 5-1-1 to the under in their last 7 games and have played to the under 11 more times than the over this season. Look for 5-7 in this one.
$200 Rays/Rangers UNDER 9.5
$300 Texas +115
Looking for a fourth straight win with a Texas total. Tonight I lean back to the under after flip flopping back and forth. This team is the best under team in the league, which is surprising at 29-47-3 on the year. Tampa comes into this one at 9-20 in the last 29 in Texas. They struggle to win here. Texas has Feldman facing off with Garza. You will slowly see the 10s and 11s fade down to 9 and 9.5 run totals. Garza is 1-1 in Texas including a 7-0 shutout win in his last meeting with them. Feldman allowed 2 ERs in 7 innings in his only home meeting with the Rays. Opponents have scored 17 runs total in the last 6 games Feldman has started at home. I expect this one to see a 3-2 game midway or even late. Look for the Rangers to continue the winning ways as they should win this one 4-3.