Drew Gordon
Chi. White Sox at OAKLAND
The White Sox won a rare game at McAfee Coliseum yesterday, thanks in large part to the A's inability to hit lefties, but look for much different results this Sunday afternoon and here's why:
Like what I saw from the young lefty Gio Gonzalez in his last start, limiting the Rays to 1 run on 5 hits over 5 innings, striking out 5 for his first career Major League win. Looking for him to build off that effort today, as the White Sox have issues hitting lefties away, batting just .255 and averaging a paltry 4.1 runs per game in that spot!
Herein lies the problem for Chicago, as yesterday the lefty Danks controlled the A's meager offense, but this afternoon will not be nearly as easy with the righty Javier Vazquez on the mound. Vazquez is coming off an excellent start, but before you go jumping ship on the A's, remember he's 0-2 with a 7.13 ERA in 4 career start in Oakland! Not to mention, he's 2-5 with a 5.10 ERA over his last 9 starts... Overestimate him at your own risk, as he's been consistently below average for almost 2 months now!
Finally, its hard to argue against the White Sox futility in Oakland, going just 7-28 over their last 35 meetings there! Chicago is also 3-7 over their last 10 road games, and 3-7 following a win, so again, don't go overestimating this White Sox team just because Oakland has struggled. In the end, the A's have the pitching edge, a much better offensive match up facing a road-weary righty, and a bog edge in the bullpen (White Sox 'pen 5.33 ERA L3 vs. A's bullpen 3.83 ERA L3). A's protect their house, like they usually do against the White Sox, in this Sunday afternoon showdown!
Take Oakland behind Gonzalez over the Chicago White Sox and Vazquez in this MLB match up.
3♦ OAKLAND
VEGAS EXPERTS
Los Angeles Angels at Cleveland Indians
The Angels are simply a vastly superior team when compared to the Indians and a 24-9 record not only in day games, but vs. southpaws as well, justifies them as a play this afternoon. Huge pitching mismatch here as well with Joe Saunders taking on Jeremy Sowers, who has not won a home start in over two years. The Halos have won all five of Saunders' starts since the All-Star Break.
Play on: LA Angels
Tom Stryker
LAA Angels vs. Cleveland Indians
Play: LAA Angels
Without question, the Angels are the best team in baseball and I'll side with the Halos in the rubber match of this series.
On the bump for LA will be southpaw Joe Saunders. Backing this former Virginia Tech graduate shouldn't be a problem for anyone. Overall this season, Saunders has tossed 152.2 frames and been touched for only 52 earned runs and 134 hits. That shakes down to a strong 14-5 record and a respectable 3.07 ERA. Joe's efforts with the sun shining are noteworthy too. With 43.2 daytime innings in the bank, No. 51 has surrendered just 16 earned runs and 49 hits. That's good enough for a stellar 5-0 mark and a decent 3.30 ERA!
Cleveland will counter with lefty Jeremy Sowers. So far this year, Sowers efforts have been average at best. With 77.1 innings on the books, Jeremy has been tagged for 54 earned runs and 92 hits. That adds up to a woeful 1-6 record and a lofty 6.28 ERA! To make matters worse, the former Vanderbilt Commodore hasn't won in the city of Cleveland since knocking off Detroit back on August 25th, 2006!
Technically speaking, this is a phenomenal spot for Los Angeles. The Halos have cashed 23 of their last 31 facing southpaws and nailed 39 of their last 54 with Saunders on the mound. Meanwhile, with Sowers pitching, the Tribe has dropped eight of their last nine provided they're matched up against a greater than .500 foe.
The Angels own a huge edge on the mound and they'll scoop up this victory. Take LA with listed pitcher Saunders.
TONY WESTON
Even though the Royals come into this game as a huge dog, consider that they've played the Yankees nine times this season and are a very respectable 5-4 against the Evil Empire. And of those five wins the Royals were dogs in each and every game, including two of the last three that have been played in New York.
Over their last three meetings in the Bronx, the Royals have been installed as dogs each time out. On June 9 the Royals were installed at +206, then Friday night they were +191 and both times they won. And last night, Kansas City was set at +163 and barely lost 3-2 in extra innings.
Also consider that of the four losses the Royals have against the Yankees this season, two have been by one run. Also, the last time they faced New York scheduled starting pitcher Mike Mussina, the Royals beat the Yankees 4-3 on June 9 in New York.
The Royals will continue their success against the Yankees and get over on Mussina today. Go with the huge dog and take Kansas City on the road.
3♦ ROYALS
JAKE TIMLIN
Sunday selection is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Short and sweet with this selection all thanks to the Buccaneers preseason dominance of New England. You see for Tampa Bay if August games counted they would be one amazing team as the Buccaneers have been able to beat New England six straight times in the preseason, including a 13-10 cover win last season. Well thanks to being at home and facing a New England team that like to rest it's star players look for Tampa Bay to continue to own the Patriots in the preseason. After all thanks to being on a run of 9-3 ATS as a preseason chalk it is clear that Tampa Bay is focused when it comes to preseason games.
Easy call Take the Buccaneers minus the home chalk
Sean Michaels
25 DIME PLAY
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
JEFF BENTON
Although it scored a shaky 13-10 win over the Giants last week at home pushing as a three-point favorite Detroit remains one of the worst bets in preseason football over the last several summers. The Lions are 4-12-1 ATS in their last 17 exhibition games, 2-8 ATS in their last 10 on the road and 3-9 ATS in their last 12 as an underdog.
If that's not enough, Lions coach Rod Marinelli has said his starters will see limited action tonight (about 20 plays), meaning we're going to get a heavy dose of Detroit's crappy backups, including unheralded QBs Dan Orlovsky and Drew Stanton.
As for the Bengals, with this being a home game, I bet we see Carson Palmer and the No. 1 units longer than normal (and they played into the second quarter in last week's 20-17 win over Green Bay). Also, Cincinnati has won and covered two of its last three Week 2 exhibition games, and the Bengals are on a 7-3 roll at home in August (6-4 ATS) and 4-2 ATS in their last six as a favroite.
Throw in a very reasonable pointspread, and I?ll back the host in this one.
3♦ CINCINNATI BENGALS
LT Profits
Cincinnati Reds -105
Edinson Volquez of the Cincinnati Reds appeared to regain his great form in his last start, which is bad news for the St. Louis Cardinals here today.
Volquez may have been the favorite to win the Cy Young Award at the All-Star break, but he has now probably fallen out of contention due to a poor second half. However, he was given a couple of extra days off prior to his last start, and he responded by allowing just one run and five hits in 6.2 innings vs. the Pirates. Volquez should be doubly tough on a St. Louis lineup that has yet to face him.
Meanwhile, Cardinal starter Kyle Lohse continues his descent after pitching over his head ealier in the year. Lohse has now gone four consecutive starts without recording a Quality Start, posting a dreadful 7.48 ERA over those outings. In fact, he has struggled on the road all year despite his 6-3 record, as he has a 5.40 ERA and a poor 1.66 WHIP away from home.
Not only do the Reds have the better starting pitcher here, but they also have the better bullpen, ranking sixth in the majors with a 3.49 pen ERA. Thus, this seems like a modest price at home.
Pick: Reds -105
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -2.0
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots have opposite philosophies when it comes to preseason, and because of this look for the Bucs to come out on top in this contest broadcast nationally on NFL Network Sunday night.
The Patriots are now 7-8 against the spread in preseason since 2004, including their opening 16-15 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week. Coach Belichick oftentimes holds out his stars in these games for precautionary reason, such as with Tom Brady last week.
Brady is expected to play the entire first quarter this time around, but the rest of the contest could be an adventure as none of the three backup quarterbacks distinguished themselves last week. That trio of Matt Cassel, Matt Gutierrez and Kevin OConnell collectively completed just 17 of 33 passes with two interceptions.
Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia and starting running back Earnest Graham are both expected to see their first action of the preseason this week, and this game actually means something to the Bucs. After all, it would be a major morale booster if they can beat the Super Bowl favorites in front of their home fans and a national TV spotlight.
Finally, somewhat surprisingly, Tampa Bay has flourished as preseason favorites, going 9-3 against the spread in this role the last five years
Pick: Buccaneers -2
Locksmith Sports
1 Unit on Atlanta Braves +125
The Braves finally picked up a home win yesterday and I like that momentum to carry over to today's game. We'll bet the Braves showing great value in the home dog role. The Giants are just 1-5 in their last 6 overall, 1-6 in their last 7 road games, and 1-7 in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The Giants are also just 5-12 in the last 17 meetings in Atlanta . I know Lincecum is on the hill today, but the Giants haven't been able to support their pitchers consistently enough all season long and I don't see it happening here. The Braves are a dominant 35-16 in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a losing record and yesterday's win gets them back on track. Bet the Braves.
Scott Delaney
I know this is an absolute shot in the dark, but I looked at this game and said to myself: Everyone will have the Giants with Tim Lincecum and his 7-1 road mark against the Braves and Charlie Morton, who is 0-5 at home with a 9.00. Why wouldn't they Lincecum has been the breath of fresh air for the Giants, posting an 11-3 mark on the year, a 2.68 ERA and he's 3-0 in his last three starts against Atlanta, including an Aug. 6 outing in Frisco, where he allowed two earned runs over eight frames.
On top of that, the Braves slumped into this series, they've looked terrible and Morton is no saving grace for the hapless National League tribe. That being said, ever heard the phrase too good to be true That's what we have here a gut instinct and that's why I am taking a shot with an underdog no one expects to win today. Play the pup, and shock everyone else who will have Frisco and Lincecum.
1 DIME BRAVES
BRIAN MARSHALL
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox
Play : Toronto/Boston Under 8.5
The Toronto Blue Jays will be lead by starting pitcher Shaun Marcum. Shaun Marcum has been struggling as of late. In fact, Shaun Marcum has a 4.67 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Shaun Marcum pitching another bad game today.
The Boston Red Sox will be lead by starting pitcher Josh Beckett. Josh Beckett has also been struggling as of late. In fact, Josh Beckett has a 4.50 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Josh Beckett pitching another bad game today.
We should see a high-scoring game today!
Take the Toronto Blue Jays/Boston Red Sox Under 8.5
BeatYourBookie
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox
Play: Boston Red Sox
Boston
35-8 when playing in day home games the last 2 seasons
40-14 as a home favorite of -110 or higher this season
32-12 in home games when the total is between 8.5 and 10 runs
Play on BOSTON RED SOX
Bankrollsports
Angels -135
The King Maker
Angels -145
Jack Clayton
Dodgers
Templer's Sports Picks
Baltimore/Detroit Over 11
floridabookybusters
Baltimore
JIM'S HOT PICKS
NY Yankees -1.5
C-Stars Guaranteed Plays
Chi White Sox/Oakland Under 8.5
JerseySteveWins
Chi White Sox
Global Sports Picks
MARINERS +190
PlaybyPlayInc
Lions/Bengals Over
Mjp Sports
Patriots
Vegas Steamline
White Sox
Razor Sharp Sports
SF Giants
MIGHTY QUINN
Rockies
Armvin Sports
New England
Marlins
Rocco Spacamuro
100* Tampa -2
Bob Donahue
Cubs
Tony Mathews
Mets/Pitt Under
Joe Wiz
SF Giants
White Sox
Big Time Sports
Ariz/Hou Under
Glen Mcgrew
Dbacks
Bob Harvey Sports
TB Bucs
NE/TB Under
Brandon Banks
Pirates +1.5
Insider Sports Report
Arizona -110
TRACE ADAMS
San Francisco
DARK HORSE
Dodgers -135
BIG TIME SPORTS
ARIZONA /HOUSTON UNDER 8
TOTALS 4 U
PHILADELPHIA/SAN DIEGO UNDER
LEE STEVENS
TAMPA BAY -2
HAWKEYE
Dodgers -125
HUDDLE UP
Milwaukee +130
PLATINUM PLAYS
ASTROS - 105
#1 SPORTS
BLUE JAYS + 190
COMPUTER SPORTS
WHITE SOX
NEVADA SHARPSHOOTER
DODGERS -135
ANTHONY CAPONE
CHARGERS +3
Arthur Ralph
NE Pats
THE BOOKIE PAYS YOU:
===========================================
Is it just me, or is that every time we turn around we're on a winning streak.
We seem to win a lot, then lose one and win one, then win a lot again.
Here's the pattern we've had over the past month.
Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Lose, Win, Lose, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Win, Lose, Win, Lose, Win, Lose, Win, Win, Win, ... And now we're at today.
I call that... DOMINANT!
If you want to know just how dominant we are, simply think of two things.
1) When is the last time we lost two in a row?
2) When is the last time I gave you a pick that wasn't in the lead going into the ninth inning?
I AM JUST THAT DAMN GOOD!
Without a few hiccups by some bullpen BUMS, we could be 26-0 in the last 26 days.
But we'll settle for 21-5... LOL.
O.K... Enough of me boasting.
We're riding those ANGEL wings again today!
ANGELS, ANGELS, ANGELS once again!
Who needs stats? Who needs analysis? If you're consistently winning, who cares!
The Angels have been good for our morale, and for our bankrolls, and we're stickin with them.
The Angels WILL once again beat this horrible Cleveland squad, and bring us another wining day!****
Thanks. ;D
Tony Karpinski
LAA Angels vs. Cleveland Indians
Play: LAA Angels
The Angels will look to win another road series on Sunday. Joe Saunders is 3-0 with a 1.25 ERA in 3 career starts against the Indians. Saunders pitched 8 innings of one-run ball against Cleveland in his last start against the Indians this year. Saunders has not allowed more than 4 hits in each of his 3 career starts against Cleveland. The lefty is 8-3 with a 2.45 ERA in road starts this year, proving he’s not afraid to go out and dominate in an opposing ballpark. Everything points to the road team this afternoon, so take the Angels.