Bob Majors
TAM (-115) vs BOS
Boston Red Sox are playing at the Tampa Bay Rays in an evening game. This game is very important for both teams as the Red Sox are one game out in the AL Eastern Division behind the Rays.
Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is pitching against Rays Scott Kazmir. Matsuzaka is 7-0 with a 2.67 ERA on the road and team is 9-2 when he starts. In the last 3 starts, he has pitched 19.0 innngs with a 2.84 ERA and a 11.4 MBA . His previous starts against the Rays is 0-0 in 10.0 innings and a 3.60 ERA.
Rays Kazmir is 7-1 at home this season with a2.10 ERA and his team is 11-1 when he starts. In his last 3 starts, Kazmir is 2-0 in 17.1 innings and a 1.04 ERA and a 10.4 MBA. In his previous starts against the Red Sox, Kazmir is 01 in 15.0 innings and a 5.40 ERA.
The Rays had a rough road trip and try to rebound back to their winning ways at home. The Rays are 49-14 in the last 63 Home Games and 4-0 last 4 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
I like the Home Team to prevail here as your Monday free pick of the day.
BIG AL
San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies Over 9½
Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez is working on short rest while San Diego's bullpen is worn out. Look for the Over to cash on Monday in Denver when the Rockies host the Padres.
Our Monday night MLB selection is on the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies going over the total at Coors Field in Denver.
After a promising end to last season, Rockies young righthander Ubaldo Jimenez hasn't really progressed this year and has looked very average for most of the 2008 season. Lately, Jimenez has been battling some nagging injuries and hasn't gone very deep into the innings in his outings. In fact, Jimenez hasn't gone more than six innings since his start way back on August 1 against the Marlins. But that hasn't stopped Colorado from winning when the 24-year-old steps to the mound, especially at home, as the Rockies are 6-2 in Jimenez's last eight starts at Coors Field.
Another 24-year-old by the name of Wade LeBlanc takes the mound for the Padres tonight, and although his name sounds perhaps more like that of an NHL player, the Padres have high hopes for the young southpaw and he figures to be in their starting pitching plans prominently for 2009. But although he's one of their top prospects, LeBlanc did not put up major league-type numbers in his 25 starts this season with AAA-Portland, winning 11 times but posting an ERA of 5.32. LeBlanc has two starts in the bigs, and both were against the Dodgers with one being good and the other being not so good, so the jury is still out.
Look for some balls to be flying out tonight in the thin air in Denver, as San Diego's bullpen is taxed after the Padres used eight pitchers yesterday, while Jimenez is pitching on three days of rest. Take the Over.
Pick: Padres-Rockies Over 9½
YourWinningPicks
*BEST BET*
DALLAS COWBOYS (-7) VS. Philadelphia Eagles: This is an early battle for supremacy in the ultra-competitive NFC East as the Cowboys and Eagles both come off demolitions in Week 1. Dallas QB Tony Romo doesn't have good history against the Eagles at home as he has thrown only 1 TD and 5 INT's in his last two such outings against the Birds. The Eagles are also a great bet as an underdog under Andy Reid as they are 41-21-2 ATS in that role. This will be a close game and should go right down to the wire. THE PICK: Philadelphia Eagles +7
Frank Jordan
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys
Play: Over
Each team put up at least 28 points last week expect more of the same as they shall find themselves in a shoot out. Play the over
Sportsbettingstats
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys -3
The Cowboys come into this early season NFC East match up after beating up on the Cleveland Browns 28-10, while the Eagles crushed the Rams in their opening game 38-3. Even though it is only the 2nd game of the season it is an important one, especially for the Eagles who want to show the league they are still one of the premier teams in the NFL. The Eagles are led by QB Donovan McNabb (361 yds 3 TD) and his main targets are WR's Greg Lewis (5 rec 104 yds) and rookie DeSean Jackson (6 rec 106 yds). The Eagles rushing attack is led by RB Michael Westbrook (91 yds 1 TD). The Cowboys are led by QB Tony Romo (320 yds 1 TD 1 INT) and his main targets are TE Jason Witten (6 rec 96 yds) and WR Terrell Owens (5 rec 87 yds). The Cowboys rushing attack is no longer a 2 man backfield, as Marion Barber III (80 yds 2 TD) is the main man.
Staff Pick: Both teams looked impressive in their opening wins and both QB's looked good getting great pass protection. The key to this game may be which team's D can get to other team's QB. The Cowboys have to find a way to contain Westbrook, as their defense has to balanced because if they focus too much on stopping the run the rejuvenated McNabb will hurt you, but if they only focus on McNabb, Westbrook will put up big numbers. The Eagles secondary is much improved with CB Assante Samuel, as he may match up with Owens, which will be a battle. Eagles rookie WR DeSean Jackson looked stellar in the win over the Rams, with over 100 receiving yards, and if he develops into a legit weapon for McNabb the Eagles may soar into the playoffs. The Eagles are filled with confidence, but playing Dallas, which is the premier team in the NFC, in the Big D will be a test to see how good the Eagles are, as smoking the lowly Rams was not really a test, but merely a tune-up for this big game. The Cowboys own the regular season and this game will be no different, as even though the game will be close Romo and company will beat the Eagles and cover the spread.
Dallas 23 Eagles 18
Sixth Sense Sports
DALLAS –6.5 Philadelphia 46.5
Both teams looked great last week. Dallas averaged 7.7yppl, including 5.4ypr and 10.0yps. They allowed Cleveland just 4.8yppl, including just 4.6yps. Philly racked up 7.4yppl, including 10.6yps and allowed the Rams just 3.7yppl, 2.4ypr and 4.3yps. Philly has dominated Dallas in Dallas winning the last two years here and six of the past eight years. One of those two losses was by just two points so getting 6.5 points in this game looks like a lot with a good Philly defense. I don’t have any situations on this game and my numbers favor Dallas by about six points and predict about 45 points.
DALLAS 26 PHILADELPHIA 20
Karl Garrett
Philadelphia at DALLAS
Tonight a total play, as I see Philly and Dallas strapping it on for a tight one in Big "D".
I know both teams generated some offense last week, but upon closer look, it ain't too hard to get the points on the board against Cleveland, and St. Louis.
The G-Man expects the yards, and the points to be harder to come by in this division rivalry contest.
Remember, the Cowboys defense yielded just 6 points in their win at Cleveland, while the Eagles held St. Louis to only a field goal in their blowout win.
Last year the series meeting in Dallas produced a 10-6 final, making it 3 straight games played at Dallas between the teams that have stayed LOW.
Included last week's results, the Cowboys have stayed UNDER the total in 5 in a row dating back to last season (playoffs included), while the Eagles have stayed UNDER in 4 of their last 5 dating back to a season ago.
Stick with the defense here, and play the LOW.
1♦ UNDER
Drew Gordon
Minnesota -115 at CLEVELAND
Look guys, I know after watching the young lefty Scott Lewis toss 8 scoreless innings at Baltimore in his Major League debut, that plenty of bettors will be all over the Tribe in this one. But as is the case with most young hurlers, I say:
not so fast! Let's not forget, this is a rookie we're talking about, and he's about to face-off against a solid Twins club, that also happens to hit lefties well.
Speaking of hitting lefties well, the Twins average 5.5 runs per game against lefties on the road this season, batting a solid .273! Not only that, but just two days ago they completely dismantled Orioles lefty Garret Olson, tagging him for 6 runs in just 2/3 of an inning! Note, the Twins are 2nd in the AL in RBI off lefties, at 227!
Opposing Lewis is Minnesota's Kevin Slowey, who's 5-1 with a stellar 2.27 ERA in his last 7 starts! That includes an excellent effort against the Royals in his last one, allowing 1 run over 7 strong innings. While his numbers aren't great against the Indians this season, two things to consider: A. Slowey's been downright nasty since he last lost to Cleveland August 2nd (5-1, 2.27 ERA L7 starts). And B. The Indians have hit a lull in their offense, losing 4 of 5, as their offense has fallen asleep at the wheel.
Bottom line, look for the Twins, who are the midst of tight race with the White Sox, to come out focused behind one of their hottest arms in this one. On the flip side, look for the Indians young lefty to come back down to Earth, after an excellent debut. Twins have won 10 of 15 games against the Tribe this season, make it 11 of 16 after tonight!
Take Minnesota behind Slowey over Cleveland and Lewis in this MLB match up.
2♦ MINNESOTA
Bobby Maxwell
Chicago White Sox at N.Y. YANKEES -120
Every game is a must-win for the Yankees from here on out and that might not even be enough to get this team in the playoffs. But this team has a lot of fight in it and we think they will get the win over the White Sox tonight.
New York took two of three over Chicago in April in the first series between these two this year and the Yankees have won seven of the last nine head-to-head clashes overall and six of seven in New York.
Today the Yankees send rookie Alfredo Aceves (1-0, 1.29) to the mound to face the White Sox Mark Buehrle (13-11, 3.88). Aceves was spectacular in his major league debut on Tuesday, giving up just one run on five hits and no walks in seven innings of a win at the Angels.
Buehrle is just 3-8 with a 5.34 ERA on the road this season and the White Sox are just 3-11 in his 14 roadies this year. He is 1-5 with a 6.58 ERA in his career against the Yankees and in his last three outings, he's 0-3 with a 16.36 ERA dating back to 2004 against the Bronx Bombers.
Chicago is clinging to a narrow one-game lead in the A.L. Central race over Minnesota and they might be a little tight if they fall behind today. We like the veterans in New York tonight.
2♦ N.Y. YANKEES
Michael Cannon
Boston +110 at TAMPA BAY
Take the Red Sox as the small road dog tonight over the Rays.
Hey, anytime I can get a pitcher who is 16-2 on the year as an underdog I’m taking it, regardless of the opponent or venue.
Daisuke Matsuzaka will start for the BoSox and he brings that sparkling record into Tampa. The Red Sox are on a two-game winning streak while the Rays have dropped their last two.
Scott Kazmir will start for Tampa and he’s clearly their ace, but in three starts against the Red Sox this year the left-hander is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 15 innings.
Take the Red Sox as they grab the road win
2♦ BOSTON
Sports Gambling Hotline
Detroit at TEXAS -135
We sure hope the scorebord operator doesn't get a cramp ringing up all the runs in tonight's game at Arlington!
Detroit will go with Dontrelle Willis, fresh up from the minors. Welcome back "D"-Train, as the Texas bats get things cranking early in this one.
Willis shows a 1-2 mark as a starter this year with an ERA over 10, and with the Tigers having to play a rain-logged double dip yesterday in Chicago, it is likely Leyland's hook won't come out as early when Willis gets himself into trouble.
Brandon McCarthy counters for the Rangers, and he is fresh off 6 runs allowed in a 5 inning stint against Boston 8 days ago.
McCarthy sports an over 5 ERA at home this year.
The season series shows 2 of the 3 games played at Texas landing OVER the total, and a 4-1-1 OVER run overall this year in the 6 games played between the clubs.
Have to look for the offense to rule.
Play on the OVER.
3♦ OVER
Smooth44
MLB
CHICAGO/HOUSTON UNDER 9.5
SAN DIEGO +150
ARIZONA RL -1.5 +120
Marc Lawrence
16-1 ATS Monday Night Awesome Angle
DAL -6.5 vs PHI
Play On: Dallas Cowboys
When Dallas plays host to division rival Philadelphia tonight they'll do so knowing that NFL teams in home openers who won 9 or more games last year are 16-1 ATS as a dog or favorite of 7 or less points when facing a division foe who won 8 or more games last season provided the opponent has won 17 or less of its last 32 games. With Dallas head coach Wade Phillips 6-1 ATS in his NFL head coaching career at home versus a division opponent off a win, look for the Cowboys to avenge last year's 10-6 loss on this field against the Eagles (as DD favorites) here tonight.
Greg Shaker
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys - Under 46.5 -110 | Unit Value: 2
This line has dropped from an opening of 48. Needless to say, this is a big game for both of these teams and the winner will come away with a good start in winning this very tough division. Both teams have very good offensive squads but we have to remember that they both also play sound defense. That is especially true verses the run. The Eagles run defense, looked very good last week as it held three time 1,000 yard rusher Steven Jackson to 40 yards on 14 attempts. Philadelphia was seventh in the league against the run last season, allowing an average of 95.8 yards per game, while Dallas ranked sixth at 94.6. Overall, St. Louis ran for a net 36 years. The Cowboys did not fair as well verses Cleveland as the Browns netted 91 on the ground, but a couple of those runs were of the large variety and overall, they were held in check. The Eagles had their way last week but it will be tougher going this time around. The Dallas secondary is expected to welcome back Pro Bowl cornerback Terence Newman, who sat out the opener with a groin injury. With Jones replacing Newman in the starting lineup last week, the Cowboys limited the Browns passing game - featuring 2007 Pro Bowlers Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, to just 114 yards. We will have a lot of hardhitting on the turf tonight with this early season rivalry. The last 5 of 7 the Eagles/Cowboys have played, have gone UNDER this posted total. One of those that did top the total was last year in a game that saw Dallas score 38 against a Philly squad that was banged up late in the season. The Eagles are not that way right now, and I expect them to give Romo a lot of preasure tonight. This team had 4 sacks last week, a ton of hurries and they were in the backfield all game. They do have quick LB's and 2 very good bookends. Picking the winner tonight between these two is not an easy task in my best opinion. If you held me down on the floor and tickled me, I would buy the 1/2 point and play the Eagles. That does seem to always work. Luckily, there is nobody willing to do that. But barring some D scores tonight, I think we have us an UNDER in the offing.
Matt Fargo
Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians
Prediction: Minnesota Twins
The Twins are hanging around in the American League Central as they trail Chicago by a game and a half. They have been fortunate that the White Sox have cooled off considerably so they have been able to keep pace. Minnesota actually trails the Red sox by six games in the Wild Card race so it is basically division crown or nothing. The Twins are hitting .290 over their last 10 games including .342 against left-handed pitching. Minnesota has won 20 of its last 26 games within the division.
Cleveland is coming off getting swept by the Royals at home as the dismal season goes on for the Indians after high expectations coming into the year. Cleveland is three games over .500 at home which is pretty bad considering the fact it was 22 games over .500 at home last season. The Indians are hitting only .260 on the season and most of that damage has been done against left-handed pitching. They are 1-4 in their last five games against a right-handed starter.
Kevin Slowey has been one of the reasons that the Twins have been as successful as they have been. He has been as consistent as they come as he had now gone seven straight games of allowing three runs or fewer. Most impressive has been his control as he has not walked more than one batter in nine straight games, walking a total of four, while striking out 47 over that span. Cleveland has been a nemesis for his this season even though the Twins did win one of his two starts against the Indians.
Scott Lewis will be making his second career start after pitching a gem in his Major League debut, allowing no runs on three hits and no walks in eight innings in a 7-1 over the Orioles. That was the Orioles though. He is far from over-powering and could be in for a tough outing in his home debut. Minnesota is 20-6 in its last 26 games against a left-handed starter and as mentioned, it has been pounding it against southpaws of late. Look for more of the same here. Play Minnesota Twins 1.5 Units