Drew Gordon
Angels rode Joe Saunders to the win yesterday, as he pitched a 8 1/3 allowing 1 run on 3 hits, outdueling Gavin Floyd, who was also excellent. Angels are going to need more of the same tonight, but I'm not so sure Jered Weaver is the guy to do it and here's why:
While its true Weaver's career numbers against the White Sox are excellent, going 2-0 with a minuscule 0.48 ERA, including tossing 7 scoreless against them back on May 13th, his numbers on the road leave a lot to be desired. Weaver is 1-3 with an ugly 7.76 ERA on the highway, and just in case you were wondering... Yes, his win May 13th was at Angel Stadium. Now at US Cellular Field, I expect much different results, as the White Sox look to bounce back in this one.
Not only that, but he'll have very little room for error against the White Sox southpaw Joe Danks, who's 3-3 with a rock-solid 2.94 ERA on the season. Since his ugly home debut against the Twins, Danks has proceeded to lock down every opponent he's seen at US Cellular, including A's, Orioles, and lastly, a nice revenge win over the Twins May 8th.
Also, let's not forget Danks already shut down this Angels offense once this season, tossing 6 1/3 scoreless innings opposite Weaver May 13th!
Finally, while the Angels have won 4 of their last 5 games, they're still struggling mightily at the plate, batting .225 as a team over their last 10. When you consider the White Sox have been much better against righties over the same 10-game span, batting .272 against them, you've got all the makings of a solid bounce back effort here by Chicago.
They've won 8 of their last 9, and I fully expect them to get right back on track behind Danks in this one.
Take the Chicago White Sox behind Danks over the LA Angels and Weaver afternoon MLB action.
2* CHI. WHITE SOX
MICHAEL CANNON
Take the Marlins for the home win tonight over the Giants.
I know San Francisco has all the numbers here, having won three straight overall, five in a row over the Marlins and six straight road wins over Florida.
But this is one of those backwards situations that baseball will present you with every so often.
Florida is a good, young team. They are not going to lose every single matchup to the lowly Giants.
Now, with Matt Cain starting tonight you would think that the Giants have an excellent chance at continuing their run. It certainly appears so on paper.
But this game is played between the lines and that?s why I like the Marlins to bounce back here tonight.
Burke Badenhop will start for Florida and hes a rookie who?s had a bit of a rough start this year, but maybe that works in Floridas favor as the Giants come in a little overconfident with their streak and Cain going tonight.
Ive seen it happen many times before.
Take the Marlins as they grab the home win.
2* FLORIDA
Alex Smart
AFL Columbus Destroyers 2 units
AFL Chicago/Utah Under 117 3 units
AFL Arizona Rattlers 3 units
AFL-Grand Rapids/Arizona Under 116.5 3 units
AFL-Colorado/San Jose Under 110.5 3 units
Feist
MLB
5* Detroit
Plat Arizona
IC Milwaukee
NBA
5* Celtics
Cokin
MLB
3* Arizona Colorado
Hat St Louis
NBA
3* Pistons
Spreitzer
5* Colorado
Burns
MLB
Gom Dodgers
Gow Colorado
NBA
Bc Under Pistons
Ann Celtics
The Rock
MLB
10* Blue Jays
10* Rockies
5* Orioles
5* Braves/Diamondbacks Over 9
5* Braves
Jack Clayton Guaranteed Selections
4* Angels at White Sox
The Angels are going to win the West with their pitching depth, defense and improving offense. Chicago starter John Danks is 2-3 his last 5 starts, one of those losses was to this Angels team. LA righty Jered Weaver has oustanding stuff and has dominated this weak hitting White Sox team, with a 2-0 record against them and a 0.48 ERA. He has a 19-3 strikeout to walk ratio against them.The underdog gets the win. Play the Angels!
Aj Apollo
NBA 3* Celtics/Pistons Under 176
MLB 3* Oakland A's
Bob Harvey
Take Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins UNDER 5/-120 in Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Defense wins titles and these are two of the top defensive teams in the league, especially in the playoffs.Goalie Chris Osgood took over for a shaky Dominik Hasek in round one and has been airtight in posting 10-2 record. Osgood has benefited from superior defensive play in front of him, facing less than 22 shots a game in the postseason, but has been right when called upon.
Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has a 1.70 GAA and .938 save percentage after three rounds, the best in postseason. Defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Brooks Orpik will likely draw the assignment of containing Detroit?s big line and have met every challenge to date. Most of the other Pittsburgh defensemen are talented, yet inexperienced, especially playing on this stage. Fleury and the Pens defense have often been able to play with a lead.
Teddy Covers
AFL New York Dragons 5 units
AFL Utah Blaze 4 units
AFL Arizona Rattlers 4 units
AFL San Jose Sabercats 4 units