Free Picks: Service Plays for Monday September, 3

Nick ParsonsFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Edmonton vs Calgary
Pick: CalgaryFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Last year, Edmonton came into Calgary for the Labour Day Classic as 8.5 point underdogs and took complete control of the game, rolling to a 35-7 victory in front of the Calgary faithful. That game signaled the end of the Henry Burris era, as the Stamps handed control over to Drew Tate. With Tate sidelined for the year and Kevin Glenn at the helm, the Stamps will have some revenge motivation from last year's embarrassing upset, as well as the fact that a Calgary win will put them tied with Edmonton and into striking distance for top spot in the West. The Edmonton D has been nasty this season, coming off a road win at Toronto, the Eskimo's held their former QB Ricky Ray to only 17 points. Although Edmonton's defense is only allowing just under 20 pts per game, in their last three they are averaging 25 against and with starting QB Steven Jyles hobbled, and listed as probable on the injury report, Calgary could be in position to take this one. Calgary is coming off two straight home losses and will want to put this one away early in front of the home fans. Edmonton is coming off of a short week, while Calgary is off of a 17-10 gritty victory in Saskatchewan and will want to start a run of wins at home. Take the Stamps who are right back in Western conference contention with a win.

Marc LawrenceFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners
Prediction: Boston Red SoxFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Red Sox send Clay Buchholz to the mound against the Mariners in Seattle Labor Day Monday knowing the right hander is 8-5 in his career team starts during September, including 5-2 away. He is also 2-0 in his career team start against the M's, with both wins coming in this park With the BoSox 12-6 the last 18 games in this series, look for more of the same here this evening. We recommend a 1-unit play on Boston.

Rob VincilettiFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta BravesFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Play: Atlanta Braves -1.5FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Home favorites of -140 or higher are 15-3 off a home win where they scored 5 or more runs, if they are playing an opponent off a home win that scored 10 or more runs. Both teams are off wild games on Sunday with Atlanta coming back for an 8-7 win on the Phillies and Colorado holding off the Padres 11-10. Atlanta has won the last 5 here vs Colorado and of their last 10 wins at home vs The Rockies all 10 have been by more than 1 run. K. Medlen goes for the Braves and he has better overall numbers then T. Chatwood has for Colorado. Medlen has won his last 9 home starts and has allowed just 2 earned runs in his last 19+ innings here at home. With the Rockies having dropped 30 of the last 44 in Day games we will back the Braves to get a multiple run win here today.

David ChanFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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San Diego vs. LA Dodgers
Pick: LA DodgersFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The Padres' (62-73) Andrew Werner (1-1, 3.00 ERA) is set to square off against the Dodgers' (72-63) Joe Blanton (9-12, 4.95 ERA) on the mound this evening.
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Werner gave up two runs off four hits over six frames in his team's 2-0 loss to the Braves on Tuesday; he struck out seven and issued zero walks in his second start in the majors. I'm going to caution reading too much into that outing though, as Werner had posted a pedestrian 5.79 ERA in the minors before being called up. Note, both of Werner's starts were in the friendly confines of Petco Park, which is clearly a "pitchers park". This road contest will obviously be the 25-year olds stiffest test to date.
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Blanton got back into the winners circle in his last outing, and I now expect the veteran to carry that momentum over into this contest; the 31-year old went into the eighth frame, striking out five and walking one in his team's eventual 10-8 victory over the Rockies on Wednesday: "As a starter, sometimes it's not necessary to get the win, just making sure the team gets the win, but that hadn't happened either way in my last couple of starts," Blanton said after. "I think the most important thing right now are the team wins, not the individual wins."
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The Dodgers also carry momentum over into tonight's contest after Adrian Gonzalez hit a walk off double to secure the 5-4, ninth inning victory over Arizona yesterday. It was LA's second win in a row:
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"Sometimes that can get a team rolling," the Dodger's Mark Ellis said of yesterday's thrilling win. "To build off it, you just got to have good at-bats.''
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"It's a matter of time before this offense gets clicking on all cylinders,'' LA's Shane Victorino echoed. "Sometimes it takes a certain time to get people going in the same direction.''
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You'll want to keep your eyes on Dodgers' sluggers Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, who have dominated Friars' pitching this season; Ethier is hitting .311 with three home runs and 20 RBIs; Kemp is batting .528 with six home runs and 15 RBIs in nine games.
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San Diego has now lost three of its last five after falling 11-10 to Colorado yesterday.
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Expect the veteran Blanton, and this loaded Dodgers lineup to do just enough to sneak away with the victory tonight; lay it and cash it!

Tom FreeseFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox
Play: Minnesota TwinsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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The 72-61 White Sox are at home in Chicago for game 1 of their 3 game Series with the 55-79 Twins on Monday. The White Sox give the rock to 0-0 Santiago while 5-2 Deduno gets the nod for Minnesota. Santiago starts his day with a 3.91 ERA Overall giving up 21 earned runs in 48.3 innings of work and allowing 26 BB's while striking out 51. On the other side of the diamond, Deduno begins the day with a 3.72 ERA giving up 24 earned runs in 58 innings pitched allowing 37 BB and recording 39 K's. The White Sox are 0-8 in Their last 8 Games against American League Central Clubs and 0-4 in their last 4 Overall Games. The Twins are 4-0 in Dedunos last 4 Starts against American League Central Clubs and 7-2 in His last 9 Overall Starts. The Twins win easily Tonight.

Dave CokinFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Los Angeles Angels vs Oakland Athletics
Pick: Oakland AthleticsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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CJ Wilson managed to get a win last time out, but he still wasn't particularly sharp and keeps losing his command as the game progresses. I'd rather back Tommy Milone and the sizzling A's to win again today.

Jim FeistFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Francisco Giants
Pick: San Francisco GiantsFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Arizona had both LA and San Francisco in its sight when August started, but a 13-16 August has seen the Diamondbacks lose 5 1/2 games in the standings to the Giants and now trail 1st place in the NL West by a massive 10 1/2 games. The Wild Card also became a long shot, as the D'backs are 6 1/2 back in this race. Arizona lost to the Dodgers on Sunday, making that eight losses in the last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Giants are holding onto a 4 1/2 game lead over the Dodgers thanks to a 7-3 run their last 10 games. The Giants just got done feasting on two of the worst teams in the NL, Houston and Chicago, taking five of six games from the duo. Now the Giants have three against Arizona and then three big games with the Dodgers. The Giants have feasted on NL West opponents over the last two seasons, posting a 70-47 mark and outscoring their division foes by a 4.3-3.7 mark. The Giants have also done very well against lefties, going 28-14 this season. Pat Corbin starts for the D'backs with a 5-5 mark in 11 games and a 4.36 ERA. Barry Zito toes the rubber for the Giants with a 10-8 mark and 4.42 ERA. The Giants have won Zito's last three starts though. The Giants are 14-7 in their last 21 games with Arizona and the price is right on Monday. Take the Giants.

ParlayJoe

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are 5-0 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series and are 4-0 in their last 4 road games with the total set at 7.0-8.5. Today I'm on the Brewers.

Under 48.5 GTVT

In their last 5 meetings the under is 4-1. VT team will be led by their D as they return the majority of their starters from last year. VT defense was ranked 10th nationally last season. GT is led by their running game and I expect long controlled drives. Unlike last year a shoot-out is not expected and I expect a much more ball control game plan from both sides. I look for this game to stay under the toal of 48.5.

Michael AlexanderFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. Miami Marlins
Play: Milwaukee Brewers
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The Brewers stating pitcher, Michael Fiers, has had a fantastic year sporting a 2.85 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. He has done well on the road and will be taking on a Marlins team that seems to be just going through the motions.
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Miami starter, Ricky Nolasco, has been horrible versus Milwaukee. He has a sky high 9.47 ERA in 25.2 innings versus Milwaukee

Frank JordanFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox
Play: Chicago White SoxFOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Chicago just got swept in a three game set against Detroit and are now tied with the Tigers as they head home to take on the Minnesota Twins. White Sox are now just a .500 team at 25-25 in division play. The White Sox against Minnesota this year is 9-3 and at home are nearly perfect at 5-1. Minnesota has had a disappointing year with a 55-79 and in last place in the AL Central. Look for Chicago to feed off the home crowd and just unload on the Twins as they have a big holiday win and get back to winning. Play Chicago White Sox

Bryan PowerFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Minnesota vs. Chi. White Sox
Pick:Chicago White Sox
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This is a game and series the White Sox really need after getting swept in Detroit over the weekend. They now find themselves in a first place tie with the Tigers as we start a new week of games and putting the pressure on is the fact Detroit will be at home facing a terrible Cleveland club. However, at the same time Chicago does return to US Cellular Field to face a weak divsion opponent themselves in the Minnesota Twins.
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As you might expect, the White Sox have really cleaned up against the Twins this season, going 9-3 overall and 5-1 here at home. And a return home is probably just what the doctor ordered for this club as they've won 19 of 24 at US Cellular. While the offense struggled to produce with runners in scoring position during the 1-6 road trip, they have had no such trouble at home, averaging 6.1 rpg their last 18 contests here and hit 38 home runs. They have won five in a row at home over Minnesota, outscoring the Twins 43-18.
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The pressure is definitely on Hector Santiago here for the White Sox as he makes his first career start after starting the year as the team's closer. He did start three times in Triple-A Charlotte and did not allow a single run in over 14 innings of work. Sam Deduno gets the baseball for Minnesota and despite a strong start last time out at home, his WHIP on the road remains 1.748.

JR O'DonnellFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Oakland A's -110FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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At 4;05 PM EST today the LA Angels (71-63 & 35-34 road) visit the Oakland Athletics (76-67 & 42-27 home) in a game that is far more important to the A's who are only "3" games out of first in the AL West compared to the Angels who are 8.5 down. Angles send out lefty CJ Wilson (10-9, 3.86 ERA & 1.33 WHIP) who has struggled at late surrendering "21" earned runs in his last "27" innings pitched. A's counter with lefty Tommy Milone (11-9, 3.73 ERa & 1.19 WHIP) who is 2-2 in his last "5" starts, and has had quality back to back outings. Plus he is at home where the A's are tough, and they have won "9" of their last "10" games overall.

Joe GavazziFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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San Francisco -105FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Arizona has fallen out of post-season contention with a recent 2-8 slide. San Francisco's recent momentum, with streaks of 15-6, 10-3 and 5-1 have allowed them to open up a 4½ game lead. The Giants have won the last 5 times Zito has taken the mound. In a pair of performances vs. Arizona this year, Zito has been solid allowing just 5 runs in 13 IP. Great value price with this Contender vs. Pretender.

SPORTS WAGERSFOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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TAMPA BAY -103 over N.Y. Yankees
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In its most crucial series of the season so far, New York proceeded to lose two of three to the Orioles and had it not been for a fortunate three-run seventh inning in the middle game, they would’ve been swept. New York scored eight runs in that three-game series against three mediocre starters. Prior to that, they lost two of three to a Blue Jays team that had not won a series since July 23-25. The Yanks have lost nine of their past 10 games at Tropicana Field. We once again find the Yankees overvalued.
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The Rays are closing the gap quickly on the Yankees. They racked up 18 hits yesterday and the newly acquired bat of Ben Francisco went yard in one of his two hits.
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C.C Sabathia has not had the best results at this park. He has made 13 starts here, compiling a 3-5 mark with a 3.90 ERA and 1.30 WHIP in 87.2 IP. He’s 1-4 over his past seven starts here with a 4.03 ERA.FOR FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
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Opposing Sabathia is James Shields and his 64% groundball rate with runners on base. Shields has 176 strikeouts in 182 IP with just 49 walks issued. He`s one of the best in the game and anytime we can spot less than a nickel on Shields and the Rays at home, you can pencil us in. Against the struggling and banged up Yankees, we`re not about to make an exception.
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SEATTLE +101 over Boston
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The season can’t end soon enough for the Red Sox. Last September they collapsed to go 7-20 and ended up missing the playoffs by one game. That collapse carried over to this year, as the Red Sox started poorly, never went on a significant run the entire year and have remained well behind the front-runners all season. This year they have checked out a month earlier. Boston went 9-20 in August. They’ve lost six straight including a just completed three-game sweep in Oakland in which they were outscored 33-5. Now they’re favored on the road against a team that is thriving by comparison?
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Seattle has won 12 of 18. They’re playing with passion and purpose. Jason Vargas is coming off a couple of rough road starts but prior to that he went 6-1 with a 1.95 ERA during a run of 10 consecutive quality starts. He has put up solid numbers at home this season, going 4-3 in 11 starts with a 2.63 ERA (3.11 xERA) and 0.99 WHIP in 78.2 IP. Expect him to get back on track against this uninspired group.
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Clay Buchholz has made nine starts since the All-Star break, going 3-2 with a 3.15 ERA, and 1.04 WHIP in 66 IP. Impressive, yes but the lack of consistent K’s mixed in with some clunkers, makes Buchholz an average pitcher and so does his 4.50 ERA. It’s also difficult to get motivated or flourish when you see the rest of the team has quit. Boston is a team to fade because they just don’t care while the M’s do. Regardless of outcome, we’re going with the best of it here.