Tony Matthews
MARINERS / ROYALS OVER 10
We expect a high-scoring game as the Seattle Mariners face-off against the Kansas City Royals in Monday's MLB contest. The Seattle Mariners will use starting pitcher Carlos Silva. Carlos Silva has struggled this season. In fact, Carlos Silva has a 6.53 ERA on the season. In addition, Carlos Silva has a 12.21 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Carlos Silva having another bad game today. The Kansas City Royals will use starting pitcher Kyle Davies. Kyle Davies has also struggled this season. In fact, Kyle Davies has a 4.70 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Kyle Davies also pitching another bad game today. The bottom line, we should see many runs scored today! Take the Seattle Mariners / Kansas City Royals Over 10!
Scott Delaney
1♦ NY YANKEES
Perfect sweep with the comp releases this weekend - Duke and Tampa Bay - so tonight we're going to file away an MLB winner on the Yankees, lisiting Aceves and Buehrle.
JB's Computer Picks
Boston Red Sox -115
New York Mets -170
Arizona Diamondbacks -170
Matt Rivers
For Monday take the Nats at home.
Sure the Mets are the much much better team but the way things are starting to unfold, ala the end of last season, we could be looking at choke part deux with these New Yorkers.
We all remember how Willie Randolph's boys were horrific down the stretch and completely blew the division to the Phillies in 2007. Things appeared to be different this season now with Jerry Manual at the helm but the way the bullpen blew two of those games over the weekend to the Braves and the way the Phillies have suddenly surged you can feel the noose start to tighten once again.
Pedro is not the Pedro of old. The guy is definitely a smart pitcher who can hold his own with the slow junk but he also goes about six innings max leaving a full three innings for what is turning out to be one of the worst bullpens in the game with Billy Wagner done for the season.
John Lannan's record is not very good and he was hit hard in that last start against these same Mets at Shea but for the most part the lefty is a quality hurler who has a very solid ERA and should hold his own.
Reyes, Wright, Delgado, Beltran and the Mets are the far better team that should win this game but they also should have beaten the Braves in those last games that they blew late. With the bullpen the way it is I will take my chances on Guzman, Zimmerman, Harris and the Nats plus this home dog price.
Priceless Picks
1 Unit on Los Angeles Dodgers -161
The Dodgers have dominated the Pirates and we fully expect this trend to continue tonight. The Dodgers are an impressive 22-6 in the last 28 meetings in Pittsburgh and 40-13 in the last 53 meetings overall. The Dodgers are also a red hot 12-2 in their last 14 games. The Pirates are a pathetic 4-10 in their last 14 home games and just 8-21 in their last 29 overall. Take the Dodgers.
WILD BILL
Eagles +7 (5 units)
Eagles-Cowboys Under 47 (5 units)
Boston Red Sox +110 (5 units)
Detroit Tigers +125 (5 units)
San Diego Padres +165 (5 units)
San Francisco Giants (+155 (5 units)
Rangers-Detroit Tigers Under 12 (5 units)
Doc's
3* Eagles
LT Profits
New York Yankees -120
The New York Yankees are trying to make their last homestand at Yankee Stadium a memorable one, as they played spoiler vs. the Tampa Bay Rays the last two games and will now look to do the same vs. another division leader, the Chicago White Sox.
White Sox starter Mark Buehrle has been brilliant in his last two starts, but he has never pitched well against the Yankees. In fact, he has allowed 20 earned runs in just 11 innings in his last three starts against the Bronx Bombers, allowing at least five runs on each occasion. While he does have a nice 3.88 ERA overall this season, he has actually been very erratic, either pitching like he has his last two outing or pitching like he has against the Yankees, with nothing in between.
Young Alfredo Aceves pitched very well in his first major league start, allowing just one run on five hits with no walks in seven innings in a 7-1 win at Anaheim over the Los Angeles Angels. He may be tough his first time through the league and he is catching a White Sox lineup here that is batting a rather modest .252 vs. right-handing pitching in the last 10 games.
Throw in the fact that the Yankees are 7-2 in the last nine head-to-head meetings, and look for the Yankees to play spoilers again.
Pick: Yankees -120
Boston Red Sox @ Tampa Bay Rays Under 8.5
The Tampa Bay Rays begin the biggest series in the history of the franchise tonight vs. the Boston Red Sox, and we look for the pitchers to dominate Game 1.
This is a pitching rematch from last Tuesday, a game that snuck Over late in a 5-4 Rays win. Scott Kazmir did his part though, allowing only two runs and five hits in six innings. This marked the ninth time in the last 10 starts that Kazmir has allowed three runs or less, lowering his ERA for the season to a sparkling 2.99. Furthermore, he has been brilliant here at home, where he is 7-1 with a 2.10 ERA, with the Rays as a team going 11-1 in all of his home starts.
Do not lose sight of the fact that Daisuke Matsuzaka is 16-2 with a 2.97 ERA in his own right however. Sure, he did not have his best stuff vs. the Rays last week while putting men on in every inning, and he was lucky to allow only three runs in five innings. Sill, Dice-K does not usually turn in back-to-back bad efforts, so look for a return to normalcy for him tonight. He has still allowed three runs or less seven of his last eight outings.
If not for the Rays reaching Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon for two runs in the ninth inning of this pitching matchup last week, all three games of the that series in Fenway Park would have gone Under. Look for another Under here tonight.
Pick: Red Sox, Rays Under 8.5
INDIAN COWBOY COMP
Cowboys/Eagles Under 47 (1 unit)
Cowboys play their nemesis in the Eagles today. The spread opened up at -7 and has remained relatively steady as it has gone down slightly as the public are favoring the Cowboys to a tune of 55% today. The Cowboys and Eagles split the season series last year at 1:1 but the most recent game featured Dallas getting beat home by the Eagles in what was a defensive 6-10 battle. The Cowboys were dominant easily covering the 6 point road chalk against Cleveland and give Philly some credit for pounding the Rams by 35 points at home easily covering the 9 point chalk. Frankly, this game could go either way, but note I love the Eagles defense this year as I do the Cowboys. However, I think the Eagles are still more physical, but of course, when it comes to offense the Cowboys have given Romo far more weapons and frankly, the Cowboys running game is much better than it was last year and you will see that throughout this game. In essence, you will see a balanced running and passing attack. However, in an NFC East battle such as this 7 points is quite a lot and I know I normally favor the dog and the over here, but not in this game. McNabb has a QB rating of 130+ here and Romo with over a 106 rating. I actually lean on the Eagles and the Under here but do note that I do not have a play on this game, and will have wnba selections, college and nfl to come later this week. However, in such a rivalry, with the total being 46.5 and the public favoring the over by a 2:1 margin, don't be surprised to see an under shape up here. No play for me, but my free play will be on the under here as the under is 12-2 for the Eagles after scoring 30 points in their previous game and the under is 4-0 for the Cowboys when playing the tough defenses that the NFC East features.
Dr. Bob
Philadelphia (+7) 21 DALLAS 23
Philadelphia appears to be an underrated team to start this season. My ratings favored the Eagles by 14 points last week against the Rams (a 38-3 win) and my ratings favor Dallas by only 3 points in this game, as I have these teams rated the same. The Eagles have a great running back in Brian Westbrook and Donavan McNabb looks completely healthy after spending last season recovering from his knee surgery. The addition of rookie DeSean Jackson has been a bigger factor than most anticipated, as Jackson led the Eagles in receiving yards last week (6 catches for 106 yards) while also setting up a touchdown with a 60 yard punt return. Philly's defense was pretty good last season (5.2 yards per play allowed to teams that would average 5.4 yppl against an average team) and they've added top cornerback Asante Samuel to make the pass defense even better. The Rams were limited to 166 total yards at 3.7 yppl last week and the Eagles are capable of slowing down an explosive Dallas attack. I actually rate Dallas as being slightly better than the Eagles offensively and 0.2 yppl better on defense, but McNabb is the current all-time leader in lowest interception percentage (2.1%) while Dallas quarterback Tony Romo is intercepted 3.7% of the time during his career, which is worse than the league average. Aside from the line value, I also like the fact that Eagles? head coach Andy Reid is 41-21-2 ATS in his career as an underdog or pick. I'll consider Philadelphia a Strong Opinion at +7 points or more.
MJP Sports
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS 151
MINNESOTA TWINS -118
NEW YORK YANKEES -122
Bryan Leonard
2* Minnesota at Cleveland
Cheap number here when you consider that Cleveland starter Jensen Lewis will be making his major league starting debut. Normally a one inning relief pitcher Lewis will be on a strict pitch count. That means an early call to the bullpen which has been a major Tribe problem all season. Coming off three games in the past two days where Cleveland allowed 29 combined runs to a weak Kansas City lineup, the early bullpen call isn't something Cleveland fans cherish.Minnesota sends their hottest starter Kevin Slowey to the hill. They have won 12 of his last 16 starts and one of those losses came against these Indians. We watched that game and Slowey was one pitch away from getting out of trouble. You can be sure the youngster has been waiting for this opportunity to avenge the defeat.With Minnesota in the thick of the playoff race and the Tribe long out of contention we will back the better team with the proven starter at a cheap price.PLAY MINNESOTA
Tom Freese
San Francisco at Arizona
San Francisco is 8-1 their last 9 games and they and they are 7-1 their last 8 games vs. NL West foes. The Giants are 7-1 their last 8 games vs. losing teams and they are 9-3 in Brad Hennessey's last 12 road starts. Arizona has scored 24 runs Total in their last 10 games and they are 5-16 their last 21 games. The Diamondbacks are 1-11 their last 12 games vs. NL West teams and they are 4-9 in the last 13 starts made by Doug Davis. PLAY ON SAN FRANCISCO +
Gamblersworld
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
MARC LAWRENCE PLAYBOOK
DALLAS over Philadelphia by 7
Impressive outings by both teams puts this game in the national spotlight,under the Monday Night lights to boot. Good numbers abound for both sides, too. The Eagles are 11-6 SU and ATS on Mondays behind Andy Reid,including 7-0 SU and ATS when playing off a win of 7 or more points. They are also 19-12 SU and 21-10 ATS on the division road under Andy. The Cowboys counter at 17-11 ATS in Monday night division duels, including 9-3 in Games 1 thru 3. Wade Phillips chips in at 12-3 SU and ATS at home off a win versus an opponent off a win, including 6-1 in division games. His 1-6 ATS mark in Monday night games is the only negative note.
DALLAS 5-1 Game Two… SEPT: 2-10 favs vs .500 > opp… PHILLIPS: 12-3 H off win vs opp off win
SPORTS REPORTER
*DALLAS over PHILADELPHIA by 4
The early gauntlet was thrown down when Philly won by 35 points, Dallas by 18 on opening day. Tony Romo got banged around by Cleveland?s pass rush, which wasn't very good last year, and Philly will get in his face, too. Important, new speedy offensive playmakers on both teams this season. Felix Jones on Dallas, DeSean Jackson on the Eagles. The Cowboys got a lead and padded it on the ground last week against that statue of a Cleveland quarterback who their new defensive assistant Grantham knew he could rattle, hence the Best Bet winner on the Cowboys. But the Dallas D can't be as confidently prepared vs. McNabb,Westbrook and the rest. Let the shootout start. DALLAS, 30-26.
WINNING POINTS
*Dallas over Philadelphia by 4
Both teams are hurting for depth at wide receiver because of numerous injuries to their wideouts. But Donovan McNabb and Tony Romo still have big-play targets. The Eagles have played the Cowboys tough at Texas Stadium, winning and covering six of their past eight visits. This includes the last two when the Eagles held Dallas to a combined 13 points. The Eagles have no love lost for former teammate Terrell Owens. The Eagles have covered nine of the past 11 times they've been underdogs during the past two plus seasons. DALLAS 24-20.
CKO
Philadelphia...Donovan McNabb is back and so apparently is the deep ball in Philly! All McNabb did was pass for 361 yards in the Birds' 38-3 romp past the Rams on opening day, with three different Philly receivers (Hank Baskett, Greg Lewis, and Cal rookie DeSean Jackson) each cracking the 100-yard barrier, the first time that was done by the Eagles since their 1960 championship year when Timmy Brown, Pete Retzlaff, and Tommy McDonald all turned the trick in a 38-28 win over the Redskins on December 18. What's interesting is that the Eagles' top two wideouts, Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis, both missed the game due to injury. Pittsburgh...Willie Parker is apparently back from a broken leg, at least based upon his opening-week performance against Houston (138 YR and 3Tds) in the Steelers' 38-17 romp. Illinois rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall, expectred to get the bulk of the short-yardage carries (and cracks at the goal line from close range), indeed carried 10 times, but didn't record a TD against the Texans.
TECH EDGE
PHILADELPHIA at DALLAS (Monday, September 15).Birds have won and covered last 2 (as dog each time) and 3 of last 4 at Dallas. Andy 4-1 as dog LY, 8-2 in role since '06, and 19-8 last 27 as dog away from home. Tech edge-Eagles, based on team and series trends.
POINTWISE
DALLAS 23 - Philadelphia 20 - What a match this shapes up to be. The Cowboys were methodical in their destruction of the hopeful Browns, with Romo's 24-of-32 for 320 yds the catalyst. A year ago, Dallas scored 45, 37, 34, & 35 pts in its 1st 4 games, so a possible repeat. But Philly's entourage finally includes a healthy McNabb, who opened with a 21-of-33 effort for 361 yds & 3 TDs (no INTs). Three Eagle receivers reached 100 yds in catches in that one for the first time since 1960. Philly 20-10 ATS on division road, & the visitor is on a 10-2 ATS run in Eagle games. This could go into OT, so we'll grab the TD spot.
THE GOLD SHEET
*DALLAS 27 - Philadelphia 23—Both impressive in opener, but pointspread roomy enough to consider Philly, especially with McNabb & Westbrook healthy, the attack invigorated by WR DeSean Jackson (6 for 106 receiving in opener), and the defense reinforced by former N.E. CB Asante Samuel. Eagles play with confidence in Dallas, winning and covering 3 of last 4 meetings. Philly also has the pass rushers in quantity that Browns did not when Tony Romo had plenty of time to spot his targets last week.
(07-Dal. 38-PHIL. 17...D.24-21 D.32/110 P.19/66 D.20/25/1/324 P.27/46/2/250 D.0 P.1)
(07-Phil. 10-DAL. 6...P.20-11 P.27/134 D.15/53 D.13/36/3/187 P.23/41/0/181 P.1 D.0)
(07-Dallas -3 38-17, Philadelphia +10 10-6...SR: Dallas 54-43)