Top Play:
Balt/Tor over 10.5
I think this game coasts way over the posted total based on the pitching matchup and Home Plate Umpire. Ainsworth was rocked his last outing and had to wait an extra three days to pitch because of the two rainouts in Boston. I think this time of the year those extra days off will be problematic, especially since he gave up 7 runs over 1 2/3 in his last start. Towers is the fifth starter for an average Toronto pitching staff and has yet to find the consistency he displayed as a rookie. The fact that Toronto is hesistant to use Towers cannot be a great boost of confidence to a kid that has struggled the last two seasons. Behind the plate you have Phil Cuzzi who called 19 out of 30 games over the posted total last season. I look for two average pens to decide this one.
Other plays
NYM -137
Trachsel has good numbers at home and the I think he can control the light hitting Pirates. Look for the Mets to get some early runs off the inconsistent arm of Pirates pitcher Oliver Perez.
Yankees/Sox over 8.5
If the teams clean up thier defense , I think this game will be low scoring. Wegner is an under ump behind the plate and both teams have good pitchers throwing. Mussina has pitched competitively with the exception of his second D-rays start( twice in one-week) and Schilling has been brilliant in his early starts.
Marlins -129
Beckett is a Special Pitcher and the Braves are just average offensively. I cannot see the Braves generating enough offense to beat Beckett at what appers to be a bargain price. Russ Ortiz has struggled with the strike zone lately and I think an opportunistic Marlins team will come up with enough timely hitting to grab the victory. Although the under is inviting it appears to be a dangerous proposition with the inconsistent arm of Ortiz.
LOL
FEIN
ALL FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED!
Fein,
Just my two cents for what it’s worth. Your call on the Baltimore/Toronto Over may be right on the money, however, both pitchers may just surprise everyone. Ainsworth will be trying to vindicate himself for his last outing and Towers will be trying to prove he can overcome the last couple of years. I’d rather flip a coin on this one. Now as far as the New York/Boston game goes, I’m confused. I believe it will go over, but in your explanation of why you think it will go over, it sounds like you’re supporting an under total. Maybe I’m not reading it right, but I’m confused by your evaluation.
Vickie