SPORTS ADVISORS
NATIONAL LEAGUE
St. Louis (50-40) at Philadelphia (48-42)
The Phillies continue their 10-game homestand at Citizens Bank Park when they send ace Cole Hamels (9-5, 3.22 ERA) to the mound to open a three-game series against the Cardinals. Philadelphia has followed a four-game winning streak by losing three in a row, all to the division-rival Mets. With Monday’s 10-9 setback to New York, the Phillies have now lost 14 of their last 21 overall, and they’re 1-8 in their last nine at home.
St. Louis, which was idle Monday, hands the ball to Joel Pineiro (2-4, 4.52) tonight. The Cardinals come into this one having lost four of their last six, though they are 9-5 in their last 14 on the road. Tony LaRussa’s squad is also 23-11 in its last 34 games against winning teams, 11-4 in its last 15 versus the N.L. East and 10-3 in its last 13 following an off day.
The Phillies handed St. Louis its worst defeat of the season back on June 13, winning 20-2, but the Cardinals came back to win the final two games of the series. Still, Philadelphia is 10-5 in the last 15 meetings, and the road team is 12-6 in the past 18 head-to-head battles dating to 2006.
Hamels is 3-1 with a 3.03 ERA in his last four starts, and he’s pitched at least seven innings in six straight outings. The southpaw is just 5-4 despite a 2.84 ERA in 10 starts at Citizens Bank this year. He’s also 2-0 with a 4.26 ERA in four career starts against the Redbirds, with the Phillies winning all four contests. In fact, Philadelphia is 18-4 in Hamels’ last 22 starts against the N.L. Central.
Pineiro has gotten lit up in his last two trips to the hill, giving up 11 runs on 21 hits in 12 2/3 innings (7.82 ERA). The Cardinals are just 1-6 in Pineiro’s last seven starts, the lone victory being Wednesday’s come-from-behind 8-7 home win over the Mets. Finally, the right-hander is 1-3 with a 5.16 ERA on the road, and in two career starts against the Phillies – both when he was with Seattle – Pineiro has given up five earned runs on 12 hits in 13 innings (3.46 ERA).
The over is 7-2 in the last nine meetings overall, 11-2-2 in the last 15 clashes at Citizens Bank, 5-2-1 in the Cardinals’ last eight overall and 4-0-1 in the Cardinals’ last five against the N.L. East.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA and OVER
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Minnesota (50-39) at Boston (52-40)
The streaking Twins continue their three-game series at Fenway Park when they send Nick Blackburn (7-4, 3.78) to the mound. Minnesota was on the wrong end of a 1-0 decision in Boston on Monday, ending a five-game winning streak. Still, the Twins have won 16 of their last 19, and Ron Gardenhire’s club is also on a 5-2 roll on the highway. On the downside, the Twins have lost seven straight road games when facing left-handed starters.
Jon Lester (7-3, 3.21) looks to duplicate his dominating effort in his most recent start against the Yankees when he takes the hill for the defending champions. The Red Sox returned from a disappointing 2-7 road trip and got a run in the bottom of the eighth to blank the Twins last night. Boston is on runs of 41-12 at home, 11-4 on Tuesdays, 58-26 on grass, 23-9 when Lester starts and 16-5 when Lester toes the rubber at Fenway.
These teams squared off in a four-game series at the Metrodome two months ago, and the Twins won three of the four contests, scoring seven runs or more in all three victories.
Blackburn was outstanding on Wednesday against the Tigers at home, scattering three hits and a walk over seven innings en route to a 7-0 win. The young right-hander has given up two earned runs or fewer in seven of his last nine starts, with the Twins going 7-2 during this run, including 4-0 in the last four. Blackburn is 2-2 with a 5.06 ERA in eight road starts this season. Also, he faced Boston back on May 11 and earned a victory despite giving up four runs on nine hits in six innings, with the Twins prevailing 9-8.
Lester schooled the Yankees on Thursday in New York, allowing five hits and two walks in a complete-game, 7-0 victory. Lester has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his last six starts, and Boston is 6-1 in the lefty’s last seven contests.
Lester is 4-1 with a 2.54 ERA in nine home games (including a no-hitter against the Royals), but in his lone career start against the Twins back on May 9, he got touched up for five runs (three earned) in 5 1/3 innings, losing 7-6.
The under is 16-7-2 in Lester’s last 25 starts overall, 7-2 in his last nine at home and 5-1-1 in his last seven on Tuesdays. Also, with Monday’s game falling well short of the posted total, the under is now 19-8-2 in the last 29 series meetings between these clubs, including 5-1 in the last six battles in Fenway.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON and UNDER
Tampa Bay (55-33) at N.Y. Yankees (47-42)
Andy Pettitte (9-6, 4.42) will try to get his Yankees closer to the A.L. East-leading Rays when these teams open a brief two-game series at Yankee Stadium. New York, which split a four-game home set against the Red Sox over the weekend before taking Monday off, trails Tampa Bay by 8½ games and second-place Boston by 4½. Also, despite beating the Red Sox on Saturday and Sunday, the Yankees are just 7-9 in their last 16 contests (4-6 at home).
Scott Kazmir (7-3, 2.62) gets the call tonight for the Rays, who saw their seven-game winning streak snapped in Monday’s 7-4, 10-inning home loss to the Royals. Despite that result, Tampa Bay has still won 11 of its last 13 and 15 of its last 19. During this hot streak, the Rays are 5-1 on the road, evening their season mark on the highway at 19-19.
These teams have split 10 meetings already this season, with the Rays most recently taking three of four at home a month ago. During that four-game series, the Yankees scored a total of four runs. On the bright side, New York is still 49-20 in the last 69 meetings between these rivals at Yankee Stadium.
Since a sensational stretch in which he recorded seven straight quality starts, Kazmir hasn’t delivered a quality outing in any of his last four trips to the bump, failing to get out of the sixth inning in any of those contests. Still, Tampa Bay is 3-1 during Kazmir’s “slump,” and they’re 9-2 in his last 11 outings (3-1 on the road), including Wednesday’s 7-6 home victory over the Red Sox.
Kazmir is 3-2 with a 3.52 ERA in five road starts, 3-3 with a 2.68 ERA in 10 career appearances (nine starts) against the Yankees and 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA in four games (three starts) in the Bronx. One of his wins against the Yanks came at home on May 15, when he scattered three hits and three walks in six scoreless innings of a 5-2 victory
The under is on streaks of 7-2-1 for the Yankees overall, 14-5-1 for the Yankees against divisional foes, 8-3-1 at Yankee Stadium and 9-5 for Tampa Bay on the highway. Finally, the last five meetings between these clubs this year have stayed low, and the under is 4-1 in the last five battles in the Bronx.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
STU FINER
Tampa Bay Rays at NY Yankees
Look for the Yankees to take care of the Rays here tonight. This is a mini two game set and a much more important set for the Yankees. New York was able to rest up after their tough series against the Red Sox. The Rays on the other hand had to sweat out an extra inning game yesterday. That was a game they lost, they sure haven’t had many losses this season. Tampa is amazingly twenty two games over .500. 55-33 isn’t too shabby is it?
They haven’t been the same team on the road though. At home this team is 36-14. Top three in all of baseball playing on their home field. On the road they are just an average baseball team. This team is just 19-19 away from “The Trop”.
Sure they send out Scott Kazmir to the hill tonight but he falls in line with the rest of his team. At home 4-1 with a 1.96 ERA. On the road he is 3-2 with an ERA over 3.50. Don’t think the Yankees 2008 season is over. They will get the job done here in the Bronx.
New York Yankees (-)
Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers
The Indians are in complete disarray folks. This is a baseball team that has seen their season come and go before the all-star break. Just ask C.C. Sabathia how the 2008 season was going for the Indians? Cleveland just traded their best pitcher and arguably their best player. Sabathia leaves for the National League and the Indians are here left holding their hands.
The Indians are have lost eight straight games. They just don’t have the punch in their line-up. It doesn’t help that their two best hitters are out. 1B Travis Hafner and all-star catcher Victor Martinez continue to sit on the disabled list. No word when they return. Cleveland just designated their closer for assignment as he wasn’t getting the job done. This team is a complete and utter mess.
On top of all those factors they have to play on the road where they are just 15-29 on the season and play a Tigers team behind their ace. Verlander will be able to keep the Indians down and out. Home team wins this game.
Detroit Tigers (-)
Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox
Jon Lester is a pitcher that doesn’t get his due. This guy has been doing an A plus job all season. Not only is he 7-3 on the season, but he has given the Red Sox innings. The team as a whole is 12-7 in his nineteen starts. This guy is just filthy. Last start against the Yankees, he had the first two hitters of the game on and up come the big bats. Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi loomed on deck. All he did was get a pop out and two strikeouts.
After that he wasn’t even touched. A complete game shutout on the road in Yankee stadium. How many pitchers do you know can do that? How many power left-handed arms can do that type of job?
Lester is nearly un-beatable home. He has had a quality start in seven of his last ten outings. This guy doesn’t allow long balls, and doesn’t put many batters on base. The Sox are going to put a hurting on the Twins tonight.
Boston Red Sox (-)
Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays
Look here for the Blue Jays to get the job done here tonight. There is no question that this team has been up and down all season, they win a few they lose a few and visa versa. One thing has been consistent though, it has been their pitching. Despite pitching in the AL East this team has the fourth best ERA and the fourth best WHIP in all of baseball. On top of that this team plays great defense. Would you believe they have played close to ninety games and have committed just 46 errors? They are finally healthy and have an outfield that can go get anything.
Daniel Cabrera goes for the Birds tonight. He has struggled dramatically away from Camden Yards. His last three road starts have all resulted in losses. He actually hasn’t won a start on the road since back in May. May 20 against the Yankees he pitched decently. Since then, losses to the Twins, Brewers and Nationals have occurred. Take the Blue Jays and their young gun Dustin McGowan.
Toronto Blue Jays (-)
LA Angels at Texas Rangers
A lot of times in a baseball game the starters importance is over-rated. Trust us we have seen it time and time again. How many times does a starter not make it out of the fifth inning? How many times do we see come backs? How many times does a starter throw well and leave with a no decision? How many times have we seen a closer blow a sure-fire win? Well you get the point. Tonight it is all about the starting pitchers.
Joe Saunders is a name you many not know, but you should. This guy just wins and wins big. In 2006 this guy was four games over .400. Last season another three games over .500. This season Joe is 12-4 and eight games over .500. Do you think he is an American League all-star by accident? This guy absolutely deserves it. Always a tough man to hit Joe has been death on lefties. More impressive is the fact he has 6 road wins (most in the AL) and a better ERA outside of Anaheim. If you want a reliable starter you have found him. His name is Joe Saunders.
LA Angels (-)
Chicago White Sox at Kansas City Royals
Big win from the Royals yesterday. Sure they went in to Tampa and lost the series but is that such a bad thing? How many teams now go in to Tampa and win? Tampa isn’t the best team in baseball by mistake. The Royals return home here against the White Sox tonight. The Royals have been playing great ball in Kauffman Stadium. Try a 7-3 mark in their last ten games.
The Royals offense has really turned it up. Just within the last few weeks they beat Tim Lincecum, Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Matt Garza and others. They were able to either beat these pitchers or wait them out and take care of business against the bull-pen. You better believe that yesterday’s 7-4 extra inning win carries over.
With a young team like this, they get fired up. The Royals have players that are capable of wrecking a game. David Dejesus continues to have big games at the top of the line-up. They had twelve hits on the road against an A level starter. Tonight the damage will be even more. After all when Kyle Davies hits the mound the Royals win (5-2 in his seven starts).
Kansas City Royals (+)
Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics
How good has Justin Duchscherer been this season? This is a guy that should be legitimately 14-0. You say guys how can Justin be 14-0? Well he is the only starting pitcher in baseball to never allow more than three runs. Folks that isn’t a factual error or a miss-print. When Justin goes out there he puts up: 0, 1, 2 and the occasional three. To take it one step further he has only given up more than two runs ONE TIME. Fourteen starts on the season, seven times he has allowed one run, four times two runs and a few goose-eggs.
Justin hasn’t been pitching any different lately. His last four starts he has allowed just one run in each with all four of them being quality starts. At home he has been un-touchable. Justin has six of his wins at home and has an ERA that sparkles at 1.46. 1.46 in his eight home starts! There isn’t a better bang for your buck than the Athletics with Justin on the hill.
Oakland Athletics (-)
National League
Houston Astros at Pittsburgh Pirates
Don’t look for the same type of slug fest again tonight everyone. Was that some slug-fest though last night? That number was over in the second inning! Tonight the Pirates send Ian Snell to the mound. Judging by his numbers this year you would think he is a loser or a bum. We could understand why you think that, but that isn’t the case. Ian is still young and has a ton of up-side. Not only does he have the up-side but he has done it in the majors before.
In 2006 Ian won 14 games on a bad Pirates team. Last season he won just nine but had one of the best ERA’s in all of baseball. 3.76 ERA with his 208 innings pitched. HE also had 177 strikeouts to go with it. Through his career he has averaged almost eight strikeouts per nine innings.
Ian has felt more comfortable in Pittsburgh that is evident by his splits. Just 1-5 on the road with an 8.14 ERA. At home he has just two wins and two losses, but his hits per innings are done, his walks are done and his numbers are better across the board. Don’t get scared off the Pirates tonight.
Pittsburgh Pirates (-)
St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies
We understand that this line is high, but don’t run away from it. This game is as good as gold. Cole Hamels goes tonight for the Phillies. The Phillies are desperate for a good start here from their ace folks. The Phillies have dropped three straight games. You have heard the statement “stopper” right. Cole is the Phillies stopper, in fact Cole could be the stopper on almost any team in baseball. This guy is that good.
We all know that Hamels is great. He is 9-5 and has one of the best WHIP’s in all of baseball. Let’s talk about the Phillies offense though. Let’s talk about what they did last time they played the Cardinals. They scored a grand total of 28 runs in that three game set. They actually dropped two one run games, and won the opening game 20-2. 20-2! The Cardinals bounced back by winning the next two games. It is now the Phillies turn. The Cards didn’t face Cole or any one like him in that series. He is rested and ready to go. Eight innings one run wouldn’t shock us one bit.
Philadelphia Phillies (-)
Arizona Diamondbacks at Washington Nationals
Look for the Nationals to steal this game here tonight. The line is just too high to get on board with the Diamondbacks. Arizona is a team that has struggled for a long time folks. Can you believe this team that came out of the gate red hot, is actually under the .500 mark come July 8? Well it is true. We have faced facts it is time that you do the same.
If you have been on board with Arizona on the road this season then you know the pain they have inflicted. They just don’t know how to win. The problem with this team is they rely on their two aces too much. We think Danny Haren and Brandon Webb are great. These guys are both all-stars but they only pitch 40% of the games. The other 3/5’s of the rotation just doesn’t cut it.
Arizona is just 18th in the league in runs scored. They hit an abysmal .247 and they don’t steal bases (just 29 stolen bases all season). Throw in all those factors and this game has let-down written all over it.
Washington Nationals (+)
San Francisco Giants at NY Mets
Wild game for the Mets last night. They get up early and then have to deal with the Phillies late. Overall they played well in Philadelphia and return home tonight to take on the Giants. This is a tough spot for the Mets. They are coming off such an emotional series, it is going to be hard for them to win this game against any team. They have to deal with arguably the best pitcher in all of baseball.
The Mets were up 10-1 last night but that was barley enough. They won the game 10-9 but come on. How confident can you be with the Mets? The Mets send their number five starter to the hill here tonight. Pelfrey has been pitching well but he is just 6-6 on the season.
Timmy Lincecum has been on another level this season. He already has 122 strike-outs and 10 wins. It doesn’t matter where Tim is. He pitched well and he wins. He has struck out double-digit batters multiple times. Look for the Giants to steal one.
San Francisco Giants (Even)
Colorado Rockies at Milwaukee Brewers
Well here comes the big man. C.C. Sabathia goes tonight for the Brewers. Are the Brewers going for it or what? Milwaukee is clearly going for it this season folks. They not only have C.C. Sabathia now but they also have Ben Sheets. This combination may be the best one two right handed, left-handed punch in all of baseball. The problem lies in the fact they are both free-agents. Yes both Sheets and Sabathia could be pitching else-where come 2009. Trust us when we tell you they would gladly allow that to happen for a World Series ring in 2008.
Milwaukee has the talent to do so. We already mentioned Ben Sheets, he is an all-star and he is 10-2 on the season. They also have Manny Parra, Jeff Suppan and David Bush who are all quality arms. Their line-up is special as well. They have five players that have already hit double-digit home-runs. All five players are on pace for 20 plus home-runs. Ryan Braun is an all-star and a top level player. Look for Milwaukee to really make a push even before the all-star break. They are fighting a few teams, but they have a good shot to pass them all.
Milwaukee Brewers (-)
Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs
Call us crazy but we like the Reds to steal one here tonight in Wrigley. The Cubs have been just average for almost two weeks now folks. In fact they are just 4-6 in their last ten. They were swept against the White Sox, they split against the lowly Giants and they squeaked two of three from the Cardinals We aren’t going to come on here and tell you we don’t think the Cubs are a solid baseball team, they are, but are they a great team?
Chicago has some power, but aren’t in the top five in that department. They have just average speed as they rank 17th in the league in steals. There pitching is decent by they have a team ERA of 3.87 and that doesn’t make the top slots. They also have a so-so defense. Their defense has already committed 56 errors on the season. That is good for the 12th most errors in all of baseball.
If you have to give the ball for one game to either Harang or Marquis you give the ball to Aaron and you take your chances. The Reds are surely capable of beating the Cubs, they have done it before and will do it again.
Cincinnati Reds (+)
Florida Marlins at San Diego Padres
Battle of the south-paws here tonight in sunny San Diego. Both starts have been just average this season and both have struggled recently. Andrew Miller has especially had his struggles. He started off the season strong but he is now finding his problems. Don’t forget that this kid is just a “baby”. Throwing almost 100 innings so far will take toll on his body. After all in 2006 he threw a total of ten innings. In 2007 he threw 64 innings. Now this season he has already made 20 appearances and thrown 94 innings.
Andrew has a ton of tools and a ton of talent but he isn’t there yet. It takes these big lanky left-handed pitchers a little longer to develop. On the road this season Andrew has been hit hard. 3-3 on the road but an ERA creeping up to the 5 mark. Andrew has walked too many batters to be successful. 94 innings and 41 walks do not equal success. The Padres at home behind Wolf will win game two of this series.
San Diego Padres (-)
Atlanta Braves at LA Dodgers
Chad Billingsley has been on another planet the last two months. Each and every start he has been going out there and dominating teams. This is a guy that had an ERA of 5 for a while. His ERA is now down to 3.12. His record is just 8-7 but he has pitched a thousand percent better than that. Chad has allowed just 90 hits in his 104 innings pitched. Even more impressive than that is the fact that he is one of only a few pitchers to average MORE than a strikeout per inning. 104 innings pitched 107 strikeouts.
You want to gauge how good Chad has been? Just look at his last two starts. 15 total innings, zero runs, nine hits, twelve strikeouts. What else is there to say about Chad? He has four wins in LA and has pitched fantastic. Hitters are only reaching base 32% of the time against Chad. Look for him to hold down this line-up and pick up the victory here on Tuesday night.
LA Dodgers (-)
Brad Diamond Sports
Selection: St. Louis
Since June 13th when the Phillies defeated the Cardinals 20-2, their season has gone on a negative 7-14 downward cycle. Monday the Mets defeated Philly, while concluding a 3 of 4 series take at the Bank, so the NL East is no longer a lock for the former division champs. Although the Phillies are on a super 20-8 streak w/Hamels at home and a 4-0 versus STL, there are some nice edges with the Cards. Not only is STL 10-3 with a day off, but 6-1 versus a hurler with under a 1.15 WHIP. Finally, Philadelphia is 5-2 in Tuesday road games and 5-3 this season coming in off a loss of six runs or more.
Jimmy The Moose
Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox
Prediction: under
The under is 6-0 in the Twins last 6 starts as an underdog. The under is 5-1 in their last 6 games vs. a team with a winning record. The under is 7-1-2 in Boston's last 10 home games vs. a team with a winning record. The under is 11-4-2 in their last 17 home games as a favorite between -150 and -200. The under is 8-3-1 in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. The under is 7-2 in Lester's last 9 home starts. The under is 5-1 in the Twins last 6 trips to Boston. The under is 19-8-2 in thelast 29 meetings between the clubs. Play the under.
Marc Lawrence
Florida Marlins at San Diego Padres
Prediction: Florida Marlins
The Marlins meet the Padres in Game Two of their three game series in San Diego this evening when they take on Randy Wolf. The bad news for the Padres is that Wolf is in rocky current form at 0-4 with an 8.33 ERA in his last four starts. Worse news is the fact he is 6-13 with a 6.74 ERA in his career team starts in this series. With the Fish scoring runs and the Padres not of late, look for Florida to continue their winning ways at the expense of Wolf and the Padres here tonight.
Robert Ross
Houston Astros at Pittsburgh Pirates
Prediction: Houston Astros
Houston a good bet to bounce back off last night's loss. Supporting angles say to Play Against - Home teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (PITTSBURGH) - with a mediocre bullpen whose WHIP is 1.450 to 1.550 on the season against opponent with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.550 to 1.650 on the season-NL (69-38 since 1997, 64.5%) andPlay On - Road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (HOUSTON) - cold hitting team - batting .250 or worse over their last 20 games against opponent with a cold starting pitcher- WHIP >= 2.000 over his last 3 starts.(47-25 over the last 5 seasons, 65.3%). Take Houston!
Scott Ferrall
BOSTON -155 over Minnesota--Lester gets the W against Blackburn, but it won't be easy. TAKE THE UNDER 9.5 RUNS
Tampa (even odds) over NY Yanks--Kazmir beats the Bombers in the Bronx and takes the first of two there. Pettitte has won 4 of 5, but the Rays aren't afraid of the Yankees any more. UNDER 8.5 RUNS
Toronto -135 over Baltimore--McGowan tops Cabrera at Rogers center and take THE OVER 8.5 RUNS
ANGELS -135 over Texas--Saunders is just too much for the Rangers in Arlington. How can I bet against a guy that's 12-4 ? Hurley's not bad, so TAKE THE UNDER 10 RUNS
ChiSox -125 over Royals--Contreras over Davies in KC. There's a reason the W Sox have 11 more wins than the Royals-they are better !
OAKLAND -185 over Seattle--Duchscherer is the man these days for the A's. Silva is 4-10 and having a nightmare season for the Mariners. OVER 7.5 RUNS--but not because of Duchscherer
DUNKEL
San Francisco at NY Mets
Tim Lincecum is 6-0 with a 2.84 ERA since his lone loss on April 29 and will look to build on San Francisco's 9-6 record as a road underdog between +100 and +125. The Giants are the underdog pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has San Francisco favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+100). Here are all of today's games.
TUESDAY, JULY 8
Game 951-952: St. Louis at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Pineiro) 15.081; Philadelphia (Hamels) 14.373
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-195); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+182); Under
Game 953-954: Houston at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Backe) 15.125; Pittsburgh (Snell) 13.612
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+110); Under
Game 955-956: Arizona at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Webb) 14.986; Washington (Perez) 12.594
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-160); Over
Game 957-958: San Francisco at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Lincecum) 16.446; NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.527
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 7
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-110); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+100); Under
Game 959-960: Colorado at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Redman) 14.496; Milwaukee (Sabathia) 16.563
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 3; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-225); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-225); Over
Game 961-962: Cincinnati at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Harang) 15.591; Cubs (Dempster) 14.573
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-160); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+150); N/A
Game 963-964: Florida at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Miller) 13.761; San Diego (Wolf) 15.165
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: San Diego (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-120); Under
Game 965-966: Atlanta at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Jurrjens) 13.636; LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 16.100
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-135); Under
Game 967-968: Cleveland at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Sowers) 15.159; Detroit (Verlander) 14.835
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-200); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+185); Under
Game 969-970: Minnesota at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 15.659; Boston (Lester) 16.887
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-165); Under
Game 971-972: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Kazmir) 15.531; NY Yankees (Ponson) 16.057
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-115); Under
Game 973-974: Baltimore at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Cabrera) 14.874; Toronto (McGowan) 14.666
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Toronto (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+125); Under
Game 975-976: LA Angels at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Saunders) 14.929; Texas (Hurley) 15.639
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-135); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+125); Over
Game 977-978: Chicago White Sox at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Contreras) 16.397; Kansas City (Davies) 15.355
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-120); Under
Game 979-980: Seattle at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Silva) 14.372; Oakland (Duchscherer) 16.210
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-185); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-185); Over
Alex Smart
Phoenix Mercury -5.5
The Phoenix Mercury after a slow start to their current campaign, looked like they were ready to join the WNBA elite again , as they had notched wins in 8 of 11 games, until a pair of weekend double digit losses to the Los Angeles Sparks and the New York Liberty , temporarily derailed their momentum. Their visiting opponents the Houston Comets , have won 8 of their L10 games, but Im still not sold on ,their overall depth, and their abilities to be contenders this season.
The Mercury after the above mentioned lackluster weekend performances, will be very motivated to rebound. With the talent needed to get the job done, behind the leagues top scorer Diana Taurasi (23.9 PPG), I am recommending we back the home team to bring home the dough as favorites, against a squad they swept in a four-game season series in 2007. The Mercury outscored the Comets in those tilts by an average of 12.5 PPG.
Big Al Mcmordie
Chicago White Sox at Kansas City Royals
Prediction: Chicago White Sox
At 8:10pm our member selection is on the Chicago White Sox over the Kansas City Royals. The White Sox are about to head into the All-Star Break as the most surprising team in the American League. Sure, most people would not have predicted that Tampa Bay would be on top in the AL East, but anyone you asked would have told you that the Rays had one of the most talented teams in the league heading into the season. But finding someone who would have predicted that Chicago would have 50 wins by the break would have been a lot harder. Only the surprising Twins appear to be in a position to give Chicago a run for its money in the AL Central. Kansas City had a shocking victory against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday but are still only 2-5 in its last seven games. The White Sox have won the last five games against the Royals and have outscored them 34-11 during this time. The Sox are 8-2 in their last ten games and 24-11 their last 35 vs. division foes. Take Chicago.
Sports Gambling Hotline
San Francisco at NY METS
Tonight we will be going UNDER the total at Shea Satdium, as Tim Lincecum and Mike Pelfrey should be dealing the aspirins tonight at the hitters.
Lincecum brings a perfect 6-0 road record into this start, and his road ERA is a sparkling 1.84. His counterpart Mike Pelfrey has won his last 4 starts, and has allowed 1 run or less in 2 of those 4 efforts. Pelfrey's home ERA is just 3.06, so you can expect the runs to be hard to come by this Tuesday evening.
Last year, 2 of the 3 meetings between the teams in New York stayed UNDER the posted price, and we think this one will as well.
The Mets have to be a bit worn down after the wild 4 game set they just concluded with Philadelphia, so expect a bunch of goose eggs up on the scoreboard tonight.
Play on the UNDER.
2♦ UNDER
Karl Garrett
Colorado at MILWAUKEE
Expect a highly-charged evening when new Brewer CC Sabathia takes the mound tonight for his first start in a Milwaukee uniform.
I know the Rockies won 4-3 last night, but Colorado is still 13-31 on the road this year, and just 2-5 at Milwaukee since 2006.
Mark Redman was decent in his first start back in the rotation, as he worked 6 innings of 2 run ball in a no decision against Florida, but the fact remains Redman's ERA is over 7 for the year.
Milwaukee is still a positive 28-14 at home this year, and the G-Man feels sure they will have a little extra in their game tonight in Sabathia's first go at Miller Park in a Brewers uniform.
I am taking the Brewers on the RUN LINE tonight.
2♦ MILWAUKEE -1 1/2 RUNS
Bobby Maxwell
Florida +110 at SAN DIEGO
Victory with the Angels over the Rangers on Monday improved our FREE play record to 22-17 over the last 39 days. Today we're coming with a comp selection on the Marlins as they take o the Padres in San Diego.
The struggling Padres just can't score runs at home and can't seem to beat anybody in front of their home fans. San Diego has lost nine straight games at home and fell 3-1 Monday to the Marlins.
Florida is moving closer to the N.L. East division lead, closing to within 1 1/2 games after Monday victory. Tonight the Marlins have lefty Andrew Miller (5-7, 4.98 ERA) on the hill and San Diego just struggles mightily against southpaws. Back on May 4 he gave up two runs in six innings of a 10-3 win over the Padres.
On Thursday in Colorado, Miller gave up three runs on five hits in 6.2 innings of work but the offense didn't deliver and the Marlins lost 6-5 in 10 innings.
San Diego has been outscored 49-22 during its nine-game home losing streak and this team can't seem to string together three hits. Randy Wolf (5-8, 4.59 ERA) is on the hill for the Padres and he is 0-4 with an 8.31 ERA since June 11. On Wednesday in Colorado he gave up seven runs in four innings of an 8-1 loss.
And against the Marlins, Wolf is 3-12 with a 6.24 ERA in 19 starts. All numbers that lead us to play the Marlins in this one.
3♦ FLORIDA
JIM FEIST
Two hot pitchers meet up here tonight in LA as the Dodgers face the Braves. Jair Jurrjens starts for the Braves and he was on fire until his last game where he allowed four earned runs in a seven inning loss to the Phillies. Jurrjens prior to that start had allowed zero earned runs in 21 2/3 innings. On the season, the right-hander is now 8-4 with a nifty 3.09 era. Chad Billingsley has been just as dominant for the Dodgers. The young right-hander has not allowed a run in his last 15 innings and just four earned runs in his last 26 1/3. His era is also a very nice 3.10 on the season. Two solid young pitchers here on Tuesday and we look for a very low scoring game. Take the UNDER.
DAVE COKIN
The Mets did some great work at Philly this weekend, and come back to Shea off three straight important divisional wins. But the Mets bullpen logged a load of innings and might be a bit worn down tonight. Mike Pelfrey has finally been getting some good run support, but that doesn't figure to continue here. That's because the Giants are sending out their ace, Tim Lincecum, who's sporting a spectacular 7-0, 1.87 road ledger. Looks to me like a good spot for the Giants!