James Patrick
Tigers vs. Indians
Ginter has answered the bell for Cleveland since his call up. The trouble with Cleveland is their inept line-up. Tigers are Under the Total in 8 of 10 Gallaraga starts and 6 of 7 of his road starts. Runs at a premium in this game puts our Tuesday selection in American League action on Cleveland-Detroit Under the Total.
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Milwaukee w/Sheets
The Brewers host the Cubs in Game Two of this pivotal four-game series when Ben Sheets takes the hill in Milwaukee. As steady as ever, Sheets has issue 11 walks against 46 strikeouts in his last seven home starts. He loves hurling in July, too, as evidenced by a 9-3 mark when at home. In those twelve starts he compiled a powerful 12 walk/84 strikeout ratio as well. His counterpart, Carlos Zambrano, is winless in his last three starts against Milwaukee and sports a not so impressive 24/35 walk-to-strikeout ratio in his last nine starts. With Big Ben 4-0 in his last four team starts against Chicago we'll back the Brewers here tonight. Key Stat: Milwaukee is 18-1 at home on Tuesdays.
Jimmy The Moose
Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays
Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa has been playing great for most of the season but tonight they face a hot Jays team with their ace on the mound. Tampa is 4-10 in their last 14 games as an underdog. Tampa has lost 6 of Garza's last 7 road starts. The Jays have won 6 of their last 7 games. Toronto is 10-2 in their last 12 home games. The Jays are 8-1 in their last 9 games as a home favorite. The Jays are 43-12 in Halladay's last 55 home games. In his last 51 starts vs. division opponents the Jays are 36-15. Toronto has won 4 of his last 5 home starts vs. the Rays. Play on the Toronto Blue Jays -.
Scott Ferrall
BOSTON and Buchholz +105 over Lackey and the Angels--it won't be easy though. Lackey is a freak and he brings it hard every time out
Cleveland +105 over Detroit--It's Ginter over Galarraga at the Jake. Hey, the Tribe are bound to win a few times, right ?
SF +110 over LA Dodgers--Matt Cain has been getting tough to beat of late and Johnson hasn't pitched, so I like the odds here on the Giants
SD -125 over Arizona--Chris Young returns and tops Davis and the D'Backs
Milwaukee -120 over ChiCubs--Ben Sheets over Zambrano in the game of the week at Miller Park. This series is going to be sick
Houston -110 over Cincy--Moehler over Arroyo at Minute Maid
SPORTS ADVISORS
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Chicago Cubs (62-44) at Milwaukee (60-46)
A pair of aces square off tonight at Miller Park, where the Brewers’ Ben Sheets (10-3, 2.87 ERA) is scheduled to oppose the Cubs’ Carlos Zambrano (11-4, 2.96) as the top two teams in the N.L. Central continue a key four-game series.
Chicago gutted out a 6-4 victory on Monday, moving to 4-2 in its last six games and boosting its divisional lead to two games over the Brewers. Still, Lou Piniella’s club is just 7-13 in its last 20 on the highway and 2-9 in its last 11 as an underdog.
The Brewers have come back to earth after a seven-game winning streak, losing three of their last four, all at home. On the bright side, Milwaukee is still on runs of 12-6 as a home favorite and 19-9 against the N.L. Central.
These teams have alternated wins and losses against one another over the last six meetings.
Zambrano is 3-1 with a 2.31 ERA in four starts since returning from a stint on the disabled list. Also, he’s dominated the Brewers twice this year, giving up just one run on 10 hits in 13 innings (0.69 ERA), but the Cubs lost both games at home by identical 4-3 scores. In fact, Chicago is just 3-7 in Zambrano’s last 10 starts against Milwaukee, but 3-1 during this stretch at Miller Park.
The Brewers are 14-6 with Sheets toeing the rubber this year, including 6-2 in his last eight. However, they’re only 4-3 when the right-hander pitches at home, where Sheets sports a solid 2.96 ERA. Finally, going back to last season, the Brewers have won four straight games against the Cubs with Sheets on the bump, though all four wins came at Wrigley Field, including two this year by scores of 4-3 and 10-7.
The over is on runs of 8-2 for Milwaukee at home, 8-1-2 in this rivalry at Miller Park, 4-1 when Sheets pitches at home, 16-7-1 when Sheets battles a divisional foe, 4-0 for Sheets at home against Chicago, 4-1 when Zambrano pitches in Milwaukee and 8-3 when Zambrano goes off as an underdog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MILWAUKEE and OVER
AMERICAN LEAGUE
L.A. Angels (65-40) at Boston (61-46)
John Lackey (8-2, 3.02) looks to defeat Clay Buchholz (2-5, 5.81) and the Red Sox for the second time this month when he takes the mound for the Angels in the middle game of this three-game series at Fenway Park.
Los Angeles, which owns baseball’s best record, improved to 10-2 in its last 12 games with Monday’s 7-5 win in Boston. The Halos are also on streaks of 5-1 on the road, 7-1 against the A.L. East and 6-0 against the Red Sox. Meanwhile, Boston has dropped six of 10 games since the All-Star break, but Terry Francona’s squad is still riding streaks of 41-14 at home and 21-9 against the Angels at Fenway Park.
Lackey held the Red Sox to three runs on five hits in seven innings on July 18 in Los Angeles en route to an 11-3 victory. Despite that result, Lackey is just 2-6 with a 6.01 ERA in 12 career regular-season starts versus Boston, and including the playoffs, the Angels are 2-11 all-time with Lackey facing the Sox, including 1-7 at Fenway Park.
Lackey has a 7.64 ERA in his last three outings, but L.A. won all three and is 10-3 in the right-hander’s 13 starts this year, including 5-1 on the road.
Buchholz is 0-2 with a 6.60 ERA in three starts since being recalled from Triple-A, though Boston did earn a 6-3, 12-inning victory in Seattle in the right-hander’s most recent start on Wednesday. Still, the Red Sox are just 3-8 with Buchholz on the hill this season, including the 11-3 loss to Lackey and the Angels in Anaheim on July 18. Also, Buchholz has pitched through the sixth inning just three times in 11 starts.
The over is 4-0 in Lackey’s last four starts overall, 4-1 in his last five against the Red Sox, 5-0-1 in Buchholz’s last six outings and 2-0 in Buchholz’s two career starts against the Angels. Also, the over is 10-4-2 in the last 16 series meetings in Boston and 6-2-1 in Boston’s last nine at Fenway.
ATS ADVANTAGE: L.A. ANGELS and OVER
Chicago White Sox (59-45) at Minnesota (58-47)
Glen Perkins (7-3, 4.08) gets the nod for the Twins, who look to inch closer to the White Sox in the A.L. Central race as this four-game series continues at the Metrodome. Chicago is scheduled to hand the ball to Clayton Richard (0-0, 9.00 ERA) for his second career big-league start.
Minnesota rolled to a 7-0 victory Monday night for its third straight win. The Twins, who had lost five in a row to Chicago prior to Monday, are now on a 19-5 run at home. Meanwhile, the White Sox have followed a four-game winning streak with consecutive losses. They’re also 7-15 in their last 22 on the road and 1-10 in their last 11 on artificial turf.
The host is 10-2 in this rivalry in 2008.
Perkins saw a string of four straight quality starts end his last time out at Yankee Stadium, where he gave up five runs in six innings of a 5-1 loss. Still, the Twins are 9-4 in the lefty’s last 13 starts, including 5-2 at home. However, in his lone career start against the White Sox in Chicago on June 9, Perkins allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings, getting a no-decision in Minnesota’s 7-5 loss.
Richard lasted just four innings in his major-league debut on Wednesday against the Rangers, giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits. However, Chicago’s offense bailed out the southpaw in a 10-8 victory.
The under is 5-0 in Perkins’ last five starts and 16-5 in Chicago’s last 21 games on artificial turf.
ATS ADVANTAGE:MINNESOTA and UNDER
Matt Fargo
LAA Angels vs. Boston Red Sox
Play: Boston Red Sox
I mentioned in this week’s diamond preview how this series is a possible preview of a second consecutive postseason meeting. The Angels have the best record in baseball but do they really need to be the favorites here in this spot? Not against the Red Sox who still possess the best home record in baseball. Boston was able to salvage the final game of its series against the Yankees and getting swept could have taken its toll on this team. The Red Sox are hitting .295 at home, 4th best in baseball. Boston is 30-10 on the season after a win in Game Two, Three and Four.
As mentioned, the Angels have the best record is baseball but that doesn’t mean they need to be favored on the road against a team that is arguably just as good. Especially a team that has owned them over the past few years. They have been doing it with solid pitching as the offense has been strangely absent on the road, hitting just .249 which is 5th worst in the American League. Even the overall hitting of .261 is lower than expected. Los Angeles is 8-21 in the last 29 meetings in Boston.
One of the reasons for this price is the pitching of John Lackey. He is having a solid season as he is 8-2 with a 3.02 ERA in his 13 starts. He has had some trouble of late as two of his last three starts were forgettable as he allowed six runs in those. What is not being taken into consideration are the struggles he has had in this venue. In seven starts at Fenway Park, he is 1-4 with a 7.46 ERA and 2.03 WHIP. Only two of those were quality outings. The Angels are 2-11 in Lackey’s last 13 starts against the Red Sox.
The other reason for this price has been the pitching of Clay Buchholz which has been inconsistent. This will be his fourth start since getting called back up from the Minors and while his ERA is 6.60 over the those three outings, he showed much better signs last time out. He allowed three runs in 5.1 innings while striking out seven. Two home runs were the issue. He was roughed up for four earned runs in 4.2 innings against the Angels two starts back but tossed a quality start against them last season in a win over Lackey. Play Boston Red Sox 1.5 Units
Brad Diamond Sports
PLAY ON: WASHINGTON over Philadelphia
Not afraid to go against the hitting machine of Philly down in Washington on Tuesday night, especially considering that retooled right hander Brett Myers is on the hill. As a road chalk in this price range (with Myers) the Phillies are 1-11. Take the Nationals here.
Jim Feist
ATLANTA BRAVES
A pair of fine pitchers face off today as both their respective clubs look to climb back into the Pennant races. The Cardinals start Todd Wellemeye who despite having a fine record of 8-4 on the season has only garnered a victory in one of his last seven starts. Wellemeyer won't give the Cards a lot of innings seeing that he has lasted past the fifth inning just twice in his last seven starts. Meanwhile, Tim Hudson has been excellent for the Braves. Hudson is 8-1 at home this season with a 2.57 era. He's 4-2 in his last seven starts and is coming off a very nice six inning, no earned run win over the Marlins. Lay the price here on Tuesday with the Braves!!
Dave Cokin
CINCINNATI REDS
The Reds aren't much good, but they've been world beaters lately when Bronson Arroyo takes the mound. Cincy has won each of his last five starts, and Arroyo is definitely riding one of his hot streaks. Brian Moehler got crushed in his last outing, so I'm willing to back the Reds here to top the Astros.
Tony Matthews
ROCKIES / PIRATES OVER 10½
We expect a high-scoring game as the Colorado Rockies face-off against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Tuesday's MLB contest. The Colorado Rockies will use starting pitcher Glendon Rusch. Glendon Rusch has struggled this season. In fact, Glendon Rusch has a 5.74 ERA on the season. We see Glendon Rusch giving up many runs once again tonight. The Pittsburgh Pirates will use starting pitcher Yoslan Herrera. Yoslan Herrera has also struggled this season. In fact, Yoslan Herrera has a 9.75 ERA on the season. We also see Yoslan Herrera giving up many runs once again tonight. The bottom line, we should see many runs scored tonight! Take the Colorado Rockies/Pittsburgh Pirates Over 10½!
Carlo Campanella comp
Prediction: St Louis Cardinals
Reason: Atlanta is a large home Favorite on Tuesday as they start Hudson on the mound. Hudson's won back-to-back starts, including his last start which he allowed 0 Earned Runs in 6 Innings Pitched at Florida during a 9-4 victory. The Braves won't get that third straight win behind Hudson, as we find him at 1-7 after giving up 1 Earned Run or less in his previous start this season! St. Louis becomes LIVE DOG in here.
7* Play On St. Louis +150
Tony Weston
3♦ ORIOLES / YANKEES UNDER
Consider that these teams have played nine times this season and the under is 7-2, including 4-1 in their last five meetings. The under is also 2-1 in the three games these teams have played in Yankee Stadium. Also consider that the under is 32-18-4 for the Yankees at home this season. Also, when Mike Mussina takes the mound for New York, as is scheduled tonight, the under is 8-1 his last nine outings. It’ll be a low scoring game and the under, which is set around 8 1/2 or 9, will definitely come in.
Chip Chirimbes
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Roy Halladay might be having the best season of a highly impressive career that includes a Cy Young award and five All-Star appearances with the Toronto Blue Jays. So far in 2008, though, he hasn't been able to solve the Tampa Bay Rays. The Blue Jays hope for a better result from their ace on Tuesday in his third start against the visiting Rays, who are clinging to a one-game lead atop the AL East. Halladay (12-7, 2.82 ERA) is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA against the Rays (61-44) this season, and 12-5 with a 2.48 ERA against the rest of the majors. He pitched one of his major league-leading seven complete games against Tampa Bay on April 23, but yielded five runs - four in the sixth - over eight innings in a 5-3 loss.
Bobby Maxwell
4♦ FLORIDA MARLINS +110
We're playing the Marlins in this one because the Mets are starting the unreliable Oliver Perez (6-6, 4.15 ERA) tonight and this guy is tough to decipher. He's brilliant one start and then lousy in another. We're banking on the lousy one tonight. Perez was great against the Phillies Thursday as he gave up one run in 7 2/3 innings of a 3-1 win. Now we're counting on him being bad as he's got a 3.75 ERA in two starts against the Marlins this season. The Marlins beat the Mets 7-3 on Monday when they rallied for five runs in the eighth inning to pull within one game of New York in the race for the N.L. East. Scott Olsen (6-5, 4.07) is on the hill for Florida and he didn't fare well on Thursday when he gave up six runs in six innings of a 6-3 in Chicago. But he is 4-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 12 starts at home. The Marlins are 9-3 in their last 12 games as an underdog and 5-1 at home against teams with a winning record. They are also 4-0 in the second game of a series. Meanwhile the Mets are 0-4 when Perez starts as a favorite and as a team they are 1-8 their last nine games as a road favorite. Florida has won three of its last four and we like their chances of getting to Perez early in this one. Let's take the plus-money on the Marlins at home.
John Fina
MARINERS / RANGERS OVER 11½
Today we see a high-scoring game as the Seattle Mariners do battle with the Texas Rangers. One reason why we expect a high-scoring game is because both these teams will send to the mound struggling starting pitchers. This says it all... The Seattle Mariners Starting Pitcher (Carlos Silva) has a 5.62 ERA on the season, while Texas Rangers Starting Pitcher (Luis Mendoza) has a 7.16 ERA on the season. As you can see, both these starting pitchers have been struggling as of late. To say the least, we should see many runs scored tonight! Take the Seattle Mariners/Texas Rangers Over 11½!