Friday Service Plays 7/25/08

[the duke]

Comps


Jason Lowry

MLB | Jul 25
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies -112

We are taking the Phillies at home against one of the worst road teams in all of the MLB in the Atlanta Braves. On top of that the Phillies have a 71% system at their back, as you should play against - Road teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (ATLANTA) - average hitting team (AVG = .255 to .269) against an average starting pitcher (ERA=4.20 to 5.20) -NL, with a starting pitcher whose gives up 0.5 or less HR's/start. (45-18 over the last 5 seasons.) Plus starter Kyle Kendrick is 14-3 against the money line in night games this season. Take the Phillies!



John Martin

MLB | Jul 25
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Kansas City Royals

Tampa Bay Rays -110

1 Unit on Tampa Bay Rays -110
(Listing Jackson)

Tampa Bay will be looking to revenge last night?s loss to the Kansas City Royals. A poor performance at the dish was their downfall, but they won?t allow the Royals to steal two games in a row Friday. Edwin Jackson has revived his career in 2008. In eight road starts, Jackson has managed a 2-2 record and a 3.72 ERA. The biggest reason for his road domination has been the fact that Jackson has allowed a mere 2 home runs in over 48 innings of work. Brian Bannister has been awful as of late for the Royals, going 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA through his last three outings. The Royals are 3-13 vs. an AL starting pitcher whose ERA is 4.00 to 4.70 this season. K.C. is 22-40 vs. AL teams allowing 4.7 or less runs/game on the season this season. The Rays have won 9 of their last 11 Friday games and appear more focused than ever heading into the weekend. Cash in with Tampa Bay as the favorite.



Info Plays

MLB | Jul 25
Houston Astros vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Houston Astros +150


3* on Houston Astros +150
(Listing Rodriquez only)

Wandy Rodriquez takes a hungry Astros? team into Milwaukee to take on a Brewers? squad in a letdown spot. The Brewers are fresh off a 4-game sweep of the Cardinals where everything went their way. Milwaukee won?t be so fortunate tonight against the Astros? best starter in Wandy Rodriquez. In 14 starts this season, Rodriquez is 5-3 with a 3.31 ERA. Rodriquez allowed just 1 earned run in his last start against Milwaukee in seven strong innings. Brewers? starter Manny Parra has struggled against Houston, allowing 5 earned runs or more in two of his last 3 starts against them for a 6.46 ERA in his career. Houston is 52-32 in road games vs. good power teams - averaging 1.25 or more HR's/game in the second half of the season since 1997. Rodriquez has given up just 9 home runs in 82 innings this season so he won?t be the victim of the long ball tonight. Bet Houston on the road.



Black Widow

MLB | Jul 25
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

New York Yankees +118

1* on New York Yankees +118
(List Chamberlain only)

The Yankees are rolling right now and they finally have the kind of momentum needed to steal a road victory at nemesis Boston tonight. The Yankees have won six straight games heading into action Friday. Joba Chamberlain has been on top of his game on the road this year. Chamberlain offers a 1-1 road record with a miniscule 1.86 ERA in three starts. Josh Beckett has been just average at home this year with a 4.82 ERA and he?s been human as of late with a 5.68 ERA in his last three starts. The Yankees own a 12-9 record at Fenway Park over the last 3 seasons. Boston is 5-13 (-12.2 Units) against the money line revenging a one run loss to opponent this season. The Yankees? time is now to show Boston they are here until the end starting with Game 1 of this series. Take the Yankees on the Money Line.



Bob Harvey

MLB | Jul 25
LAA Angels vs. Baltimore Orioles

LAA Angels -132

The Angels have a lot of pluses on their side heading into tonight?s game in Baltimore. Los Halos own the majors best road record at 31-18. They?ve won two straight and seven of their last eight. They lead second place Oakland by ten-games in the AL West, they?ve got the best closer in baseball and tonight?s starting pitcher, Joe Saunders, has never lost to the Orioles. How?s that for impressive? Saunders, who is 12-5 on the year with a 3.05 ERA, grew up in Springfield, Virginia about 60 miles from Camden Yards. He grew up as a huge Orioles fan and just happens to have a 3-0 record against them.

Baltimore scored just two runs in two losses to Toronto on Thursday and have lost three-in-a row. The Orioles will go Brian Burress against the Halo?s. He?s 7-6 this season with a 5.02 ERA. The lefty fared well last year against the Angels going 2-0 with an ERA under 3.00.

The Angels are the cream of the crop in baseball right now. They?ve been getting it done with pitching up to this point and now their offense is starting to show signs of life. That figures to be ?double trouble? for the Birds.

 

[the duke]

Comps

BRAD DIAMOND SPORTS

Play on: Baltimore over LA Angeles

The fading Orioles get a chance to bounce back at home against the traveling Angels on Friday night in what should be an interesting set of games. The Birds hurler lefty Brian Burres has a nice life time mark of 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA against Los Angeles, whereas cagey lefty Joe Saunders throws a mark of 3-0, but a 5.62 ERA versus Baltimore. With the O?s a super 72% in game #1 of a series, I?ll back the Orioles to reverse form here.


Marc Lawrence

Play On: L.A. Angels w/Saunders vs Burres

Note: When the Angels take on the Orioles in the first of a three-game series in Baltimore Friday night it will be with Joe Saunders battling Brian Burres. Saunders has cashed in 13 of his last 19 road starts. He's also 5-1 in his career team starts and 8-2 in his career team starts on Fridays. On the flip side, Burres is just 2-4 during July and has dropped each of his last three home starts. With that, look for the Halos to improve to 13-4 in this series against the Birds here tonight.


James Patrick

Padres vs. Pirates 7:05 p.m. est.

San Diego has captured 13 of 17 meetings in this series and has won 6 of 10 in the Steel City. The Bucs are just 3-15 in starter Duke?s Friday starts and we look for the Padres to continue their winning ways against the Pirates. Our complimentary selection in Major League Baseball is #955 San Diego Padres.


Colorado at CINCINNATI (-145) Bobby Maxwell

The Rockies kick off their 10-game road trip tonight in Cincinnati against one of the best young pitchers to come around in a while in Edinson Volquez (12-3, 2.49 ERA). The Reds' young sensation is tough to get to at home.

For the season, Volquez is 6-0 with a 2.82 ERA in 10 starts in front of the home fans and Sunday he gave up four runs in five innings against the Mets and Cincinnati lost in 10 innings, 7-5. Today he gets a much easier lineup to face in the Rockies who have lost nine of their last 11 on the road and are a major league worst 14-36 away from home.

Colorado has Aaron Cook (12-6, 3.58) on the mound tonight and he's coming off three runs in six innings against the Pirates on Sunday as the Rockies got an 11-3 win. In five appearances against the Reds, Cook has a 7.11 ERA and last time he saw the Reds he gave up five runs on 10 hits in 5.1 innings.

The Rockies are just 14-38 in their last 52 on the road while Cincinnati is 9-1 in their last 10 Friday games and 7-2 in their last nine as a favorite. The Reds are 4-2 in the last six between these two in Cincinnati and they'll get this one behind Volquez. Play the Reds.

4♦ CINCINNATI

 

[the duke]

Brian Marshall

Game: St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets

Plays On: New York Mets -1.5 Runs (+125)

Game Analyses: The New York Mets should be able to beat the St. Louis Cardinals by at least two runs in Friday's MLB game.

The St. Louis Cardinals will be lead by starting pitcher Mitchell Boggs. Mitchell Boggs has been struggling this season. In fact, Mitchell Boggs has a 6.59 ERA on the season. Mitchell Boggs also has a 7.27 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Mitchell Boggs giving up many runs once again today.

The New York Mets will be lead by starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey. Mike Pelfrey has pitched well this season which is shown by his 3.81 ERA on the season. Mike Pelfrey also has a 2.05 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Mike Pelfrey giving up very few hits and runs today.

The New York Mets are 10-1 in their last 11 home games, and should be able to get another blowout win tonight!

Take the New York Mets -1.5 Runs!



John Fina

Selection: San Diego Padres (+105)

Reason: Put us down on the San Diego Padres (+105) for our Free MLB Selection on Friday. Today the San Diego Padres will be on the road as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. We will side with the San Diego Padres! One reason why we will side with the San Diego Padres is because they will be sending to the mound the much superior starting pitcher. This says it all... The San Diego Padres Starting Pitcher (Cha Seung Baek) has a 2.08 ERA in his last 3 starts, while Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Pitcher (Zach Duke) has a 12.82 ERA in his last 3 starts. As you can see, the San Diego Padres have the much better starting pitcher on the mound. In addition, the San Diego Padres have proven they can beat the Pittsburgh Pirates. In fact, the San Diego Padres are 10-2 in their last 12 meetings against the Pittsburgh Pirates. We see the San Diego Padres getting another win today! Take the San Diego Padres



Tony Mathews

Matchup: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants

Selection: Arizona Diamondbacks (-135)

Explanation: We will side with the Arizona Diamondbacks as they face-off against the San Francisco Giants in Friday's MLB contest.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will use starting pitcher Dan Haren. Dan Haren has pitched well this season. In fact, Dan Haren has a 2.58 ERA on the season. In addition, Dan Haren has a 1.23 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Dan Haren pitching another great game today.

The San Francisco Giants will use starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez. Jonathan Sanchez has struggled this season. In fact, Jonathan Sanchez has a 4.10 ERA on the season. In addition, Jonathan Sanchez has a 6.28 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Jonathan Sanchez pitching another bad game today.

The San Francisco Giants have struggled when playing the role of the underdog. In fact, the San Francisco Giants are 1-7 in their last 8 games as an underdog.

Take the Arizona Diamondbacks!

 

[the duke]

Comps

Matt Rivers

Friday take a shot with the Nats in the City of Angels.

Why not? Yes Chad Billingsley has a bright future and is very good right now but John Lannan has quietly been very tough himself. The Washington lefty just looked good once again in a win in Atlanta and despite the mediocre record has a great ERA in the 3's, which most people would not even realize.

Manny Acta's boys have a terrible record and overall are not a good big league baseball team and I will not sugarcoat and say they are. But the Dodgers are far from an offensive juggernaut and we can easily see a low scoring competitive game here where one bounce of the ball or one misplay will decide it leaving me just fine with a quality takeback like this.

Ryan Zimmerman is back and that helps Washington's offense immensely. The Z-Pack is the Nats best player and a legitimate All-Star calibre player when healthy.

This is far from the lock of my life or even a steal as the Nats did just trade away closer Jon Rauch and their original closer in Chad Cordero is done for the year meaning there are problems galore with the relief corps but the price is enough for me to expect Lannan will keep the visitors in the game and I'll take my chances from there.



Jimmy The Moose

Game: Arizona Diamondbacks at San Francisco Giants Jul 25 2008 10:15PM

Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks

Reason: Arizona has struggled on the road this season while the Giants have struggled at home. The Diamondbacks are 5-2 in their last 7 games as a favorite. Arizona sends Haren to the mound tonight and they have won 7 of his last 9 starts. The D'Backs have won 4 of his last 5 road starts. In his last 14 starts as a favorite the D'Backs are 10-4. San Francisco is 4-9 in their last 13 games. In their last 26 games as a home dog they are 5-21. The Giants are 8-18 in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. The Giants are 1-4 in Sanchez's last 5 home starts. Pitching edge tonight goes to Arizona. Play on the Arizona Diamondbacks -.


Carlo Campanella

Game: Seattle Mariners at Toronto Blue Jays Jul 25 2008 7:05PM

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays

Reason: Seattle starts a 4-11 Batista on the mound as they face Toronto on Friday. Don't expect things to turn around for Batista here, as we find him at 0-8 against teams with a losing record this season! That's plenty for Toronto to improve on their 8-4 series record at home.

7* Play On Toronto



Big Al Mcmordie

Game: Seattle Mariners at Toronto Blue Jays Jul 25 2008 7:05PM

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays

Reason: At 7:05pm our member selection is on the Toronto Blue Jays over the Seattle Mariners. Despite Toronto veteran righthander John Parrish having had two quality starts at home for the Jays, his time in the rotation may be short as the team would like to promote young prospect David Purcey from AAA. Parrish didn't help his cause in his last start on the road against Tampa, however he should have a much easier time of it tonight in front of the home crowd against the worst team in the AL and a veteran righthanded starter (Miguel Batista) who is 4-11 with a 6.89 ERA. The Mariners aren't quite sure what to do with Batista as they have shuffled him in and out of the rotation at various times and Batista even picked up a save in his first relief appearance of the season while regular closer JJ Putz was recovering from an injury. Perhaps they should keep him in a relief role as opponents are batting only .172 against him in that capacity but he is getting knocked around pretty good as a member of the rotation (.315 BA against when starting). Despite Toronto's overall mediocre showing this season, they have been very tough at home going 27-20 so far at the Rogers Centre. Take the Jays.

 

[the duke]

ARMVIN SPORTS

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS -129

OAKLAND ATHLETICS -124



Hondo

Cheers! Hondo had brains and the Brewskis had Braun, whose dinger in the ninth last night boosted the chunky wad to 830 roysters.

Tonight, Mr. Aitch will shake and Baek with the Padres in Pittsburgh - 10 units.


Mighty Quinn

Mighty hit with the Giants and missed with Smarty Marty (5th at Saratoga) yesterday. Today it's the Yankees. The surplus is 170 sirignanos.

 

[the duke]

Las Vegas Sports Advisors


5* NY Yankees at Boston moneyline Boston/J. Beckett -124)

5* LA Angels at Baltimore moneyline LA Angels/J. Saunders -134)

5* Arizona at San Francisco moneyline Arizona/D. Haren -133)

 

[the duke]

SPORTS ADVISORS

AMERICAN LEAGUE

New York (56-45) at Boston (60-43)

Right-hander Josh Beckett (9-6, 3.98 ERA) takes the hill for the Red Sox to open a three-game weekend set against the archrival Yankees at Fenway Park. Boston, returning from a six-game West Coast swing, bounced back after a three-game sweep against the Angels last weekend to win three in a row at Seattle. The Sox are 36-11 at home this season and have won eight of their last 10 behind Beckett at Fenway.

New York, which will counter with right-hander Joba Chamberlain (2-3, 2.52), is on a six-game winning streak, having swept Oakland and Minnesota at home after coming back from the All-Star break. The Yanks are also 20-8 in their last 28 games against winning teams.

Boston leads the season series between these two 5-4, and the Red Sox are 4-0 in Beckett?s last four starts against New York.

The Red Sox are a middling 5-5 in Beckett?s last 10 starts, with the 28-year-old taking the loss in a 4-2 road setback against the Angels on Saturday, allowing four runs on nine hits in eight innings.

The Yankees are 6-2 in Chamberlain?s last eight starts. On Saturday, the 22-year-old yielded just one run on six hits in six innings as New York beat Oakland 4-3. Chamberlain has given up two earned runs or less in seven of his nine starts this season.

Despite his 4.82 ERA at Fenway this season, Beckett has a 5-1 record in seven home starts, and he?s 7-3 in with a 5.75 ERA in 11 career starts against the Yanks, winning all three starts this season against New York. Chamberlain is 1-2 with a 1.74 ERA in 14 appearances (three starts) on the road this season, and he?s 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA in four career appearances (one start) against Boston.

The under has cashed in four of the last five for Boston and is 6-1 in New York?s last seven roadies and 20-7-2 in the Yanks? last 29 games overall. On the flip side, the total has gone high in four of Beckett?s last five home starts against New York, and in this rivalry, the over is 22-7 in the last 29 clashes at Fenway.

ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON


Chicago White Sox (57-43) at Detroit (52-49)

The A.L. Central-leading White Sox trot out right-hander Gavin Floyd (10-6, 3.52 ERA) to open a three-game set against the Tigers at Comerica Park. Chicago followed up a three-game losing skid by winning two straight at home against Texas on Tuesday and Wednesday, racking up 10 runs in each game en route to 10-2 and 10-8 victories. The Sox have dropped 13 of their last 18 road games, but they are on runs of 6-0 following a day off and 19-7 in division play.

Detroit, which will give the ball to left-hander Nate Robertson (6-8, 5.69), is on a four-game winning streak, taking Thursday off after sweeping a three-game series at Kansas City. The Tigers have won six of their last seven series openers and are 20-8 in their last 28 games at Comerica.

Chicago has a 5-4 edge in the season series between these teams, and they are 5-1 facing Robertson in Detroit. But the Tigers have won the last three games, sweeping a home series June 10-12.

Floyd was on a 6-1 run before cooling off with losses in his last two starts. On Saturday against Kansas City, he allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits in six innings of a 9-1 home loss, on the heels of a 7-2 setback at Texas in which he allowed six runs on five hits in just 2 2/3 innings.

Robertson is 0-2 with three no-decisions in his last five starts, getting rocked for seven runs on eight hits in only 2 1/3 innings Saturday in an 11-10 loss at Baltimore.

Floyd is 3-4 with a 5.40 ERA in eight road starts this year, and he?s 3-0 with a solid 2.43 ERA in six career starts against Detroit. He beat the Tigers in back-to-back starts in April, including throwing 7 1/3 innings of one-hit shutout ball in a 7-0 home rout April 12. Robertson, meanwhile, is 3-3 with a 4.45 ERA in nine home starts this year, and he?s 6-6 with a 5.02 ERA in 18 career starts against Chicago.

In this division rivalry, the under is on a 35-17 run overall and is 40-17-3 in the last 60 battles in Detroit. However, the over is 7-1 in Chicago?s last eight games, 17-5 for the Sox in their last 22 division games and 8-3 in Robertson?s last 11 starts for Detroit.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO WHITE SOX

 

[the duke]

Scott Ferrall



TORONTO -155 over Seattle--Batista is flat out awful for M's--jump on the Jays

New York Yanks +110 at Fenway over Sox--JOBA STEPS UP BIG TIME IN BOSTON--tops Beckett, but it won't be easy. Yanks are on fire !

White Sox +110 at Detroit--Gavin Floyd stuns Robertson and Tigers at Comerica

Angels -135 over Orioles--Joe Saunders is just too good for this Baltimore lineup

Dodgers -180 over Lannan and the lowly Nationals

Philly -125 over Braves--Kendrick gets the Phils back in the inw column after a crappy series in NY against Mets where they lost first place in the NL East

 

[the duke]

Comps

Alex Smart

Game: St Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets
Game Time: 7/25/2008 7:10:00 PM

Prediction: New York Mets

The NY Mets (55-47) enter into this series against the struggling St.Louis Cardinals off a key 3-1 win against the Phillies yesterday, as they took 2 of 3 in that series. They now look to extend their lead in the NL East standings, with another victory in this spot. The Cards(57-47), are off getting swept in a 4 games series at home against the Milwaukee Brewers and could be in for another rough night, as they depend on a rookie pitcher (Mitchell Boggs 3-1, 6.59 ERA) , that is just now, returning from a minor league assignment . It is important to mention that Boggs was absolutely crushed by the Mets, in his last major league start on July 3rd, as is evident by allowing 11 runs including 10 ERs and 10 hits in just 6 innings, of less than stellar work. Meanwhile, the Mets will return fire with the very capable Mike Pelfry (8-6, 3.81 ERA) who is 6-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his last 10 outings. The right hander in those 10 trips to the hill has allowed 2 or less ERs in 7 appearances. Pelfry received the decision the last time he faced the Mets, in the above mentioned beat down win, against todays pitching opponent Boggs. The Mets have really been playing some strong baseball at home of late , winning 9 of their L/10 at Shea Stadium, while out scoring their opponents in those wins by an average of 3.8 RPG. I am expecting a repeat performance against the Cards. Final notes & Key Trends: It is interesting to note that in the last 20 meetings in this head to head series, 18 tilts have been decided by multiple runs. The Mets have garnered 12 wins during that span by an average of 4+ RPG.

Play on the Mets Runline -1.5



Tom Freese

Blue Line Club


Arizona at San Francisco (10:15pm)
Arizona is 7-2 in the last 9 starts made by Danny Haren and they are 10-4 with Haren when favored. The Diamondbacks are 5-1 their last 6 games when playing off a loss. San Francisco is 8-20 vs. a pitcher with a WHIP of less than 1.15 and they are 5-21 their last 26 games as home dogs. The Giants are 1-4 in the last 4 home starts made by Jonathan Sanchez and they are 0-4 their last 4 Friday games. PLAY ON ARIZONA - (Haren vs. Sanchez)



Robert Ross

Game: New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox Jul 25 2008 7:05PM

Prediction: Boston Red Sox

Reason: Cheap price on the home side. Yanks step up in class after playing Oakland and Minnesota at home. A better than 70% winning angle says to Play On - All teams when the money line is +125 to -125 (BOSTON) - stranding 7.5 or more runners on base per game on the season, after 3 straight games where they stranded 10 or more runners on base (31-13 over the last 5 seasons). Take Boston

 

[the duke]

Anthony Capone

Four Kings Sports

3 * Toronto -150

2 * LA Angels -130

2 * White Sox +114

 

[the duke]

MVPCapper

1 Unit Florida Marlins +160

 

[the duke]

CappersAccess

Fri (MLB) Florida
Fri (MLB) Astros

 

[the duke]

Comps


San Diego at PITTSBURGH (-125) Sports Gambling Hotline

Tonight we take the smoking Pirates to dump the Padres once again.

It really doesn't seem to matter who is pitching for Pittsburgh these days, as when you are scoring 7, 8, 9 runs a game, you could trot out just about anyone and make them look good.

Pittsburgh starter Zack Duke has 4 wins for the year, and all 4 have come at PNC Park. Look for him to notch another "W" tonight, as San Diego has lost their last 3, and 9 of their last 10 games overall.

The Friars are also a weak 15-35 on the road this year, and starter Baek is just 1-5 for the season.

We have to lay it with the red-hot Pirates as they extend their current winning streak to 5 in a row.

Play on Pittsburgh.

5♦ PITTSBURGH


Tony George

MLB | Jul 25
LAA Angels vs. Baltimore Orioles

LA Angels -135

Like Joe Saunders on the mound tonight with 1.10 WHIP and a 3.00 ERA his last 3 outings as well as a 12-5 record this year for LA. LA is 7-1 their last 8 games and by far are the better team tonight. They have taken 12 out of the last 16 in this series. Baltimore has dropped 7 out of their last 10 games, and the bullpen in the last 10 games has a whopping 5.97 ERA, and we all know LA has some hitters.


Jeff Alexander

MLB | Jul 25
Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians

Total 8? un-110

1 Unit PLAY on Twins/Indians UNDER 8.5 Runs (listing Hernandez and Lee)

With two strong starters on the hill tonight, the bats will be virtually silenced in this game. The Under is 6-1 in the Twins last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15. The Under is 4-0-1 in Lee's last 5 starts overall and 4-0 in Lee's last 4 starts vs. a team with a winning record. The Under is also 7-3 in the Indians last 10 home games and 9-1-1 in Indians last 11 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game. We'll take a crack at the UNDER here



Steve Janus

MLB | Jul 25
LAA Angels vs. Baltimore Orioles

LAA Angels -132

You have to love following the Angels on the road this year because they have the best road record in baseball, yet you still get the benefit of a lower line on them simply because they are on the road. LA has won 7 of their last 8 overall and they've gone 13-6 with starter Joe Saunders pitching on the road. A pretty amazing stat is that, when Saunders starts a game for the Angels, their record is 35-16 in his last 51 starts. That's the kind of trend that works in our favor! The Orioles are just 1-7 in their last 8 games against the AL West and they've lost 5 in a row at home against a winning team when SP Brain Burres takes the mound.

 

[the duke]

ROCCO SPACAMURO

100* Red Sox -125

 

[the duke]

JEFFERSONSPORTS 2-0 yesterday

16-5-1 last 20 plays 76%

46-23-1 last 70 plays 67%

MLB RECORD
+33.92 units (+3392 playing 100 per game)

EARLY RELEASE FOR FRI (early game)
MLB
ARIZONA-133 Haren

 

[the duke]

Matt Fargo

Texas Rangers @ Oakland Athletics Jul 25, 2008 10:05PM
EXPERT: Matt Fargo
SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks
PICK: Oakland Athletics -120

REASON FOR PICK: The A?s are back home following a miserable road trip where they went 1-5 and they look to try and get back in the race in the American League West. They are now 10 games out and they now have to worry about the Rangers creeping up on them as Texas is just a game behind them at this point. Oakland is 31-24 at home and it all starts with the pitching. The A?s starters have a 3.01 ERA at home which is 2nd best in the league. Granted, a lot had to do with Rich Harden but the bullpen sports a 3.00 ERA as well.

Texas has had a solid season thus far as it is two games over .500 but it is now two games under .500 on the road no thanks to its 2-4 start on this roadtrip. Pitching is a real issue as the team ERA is 5.22 on the season and it just keeps going up. That ERA jumps to 7.47 over the last 10 games with 7.93 coming from the starters. Over the last 17 games, they have allowed nine runs or more 10 times and have allowed an average of 7.6 rpg over those 17 games. This includes 10 runs in two straight.

The A?s go with their acquisition from that Harden deal as Sean Gallagher makes his third start since coming to Oakland. His last start was decent as he allowed two runs in five innings against the Yankees in New York. His first one was a quality outing at home against the Angels. He is not going to go deep in games but he gives good innings which is fine with the success of the A?s pen. In 10 starts with the Cubs, he posted a respectable 4.45 ERA as he allowed three runs or less in nine of his 12 starts on the season.

The Rangers go with Vicente Padilla to try and stop the bleeding but that is not going to happen. He has been a disaster of late after a very solid start to the season. He is coming off one of his best start on the year as he allowed just three hits in seven innings against the Twins. Prior to that however, he allowed 15 runs in his previous two starts and he has been up and down the last two months. After posting a 3.67 ERA in April and May, he has a 5.75 ERA in June and July.

Play Oakland A?s 1.5 Units

 

[the duke]

Mr East

Sport: MLB Baseball
Game: Los Angeles Angels @ Baltimore Orioles - Friday July 25, 2008 7:05 pm
Pick: 3 units MONEYLINE: Los Angeles Angels -137

The Angels have 3 things going for them in this one. First, they have the best record in baseball right now as they are the only team playing over .600 on the season. Second, they are also by far the best road team in baseball with a 31-18 mark. Third, they have been destroying LHP where they are 19-6 on the season. They also have one more reason as Baltimore is now just 3-7 in their last 10 at home, and Brian Burres has really struggled. Burres had a 3.18 ERA in late May, and has followed with a 7.28 ERA over his last 10 starts. The Angels are sending a loud message to the rest of the AL that they are the team to beat, and they get the opener here.

 

[the duke]

Thebookiepaysyou

Get on the Cubs in their early evening matchup with the Marlins. We've studied the numbers, and analyzed this matchup from top to bottom... and it's clearly a game that should be taken by the Cubs.

Chicago Cubs

 

[the duke]

Sports Kingz

MLB

Angels -135

Milwaukee -160

Oakland -125

Tampa Bay -125

 

[the duke]

WINNERS EDGE

2 UNITS DETROIT TIGERS - 130

2 UNITS ATLANTA BRAVES + 110

1 UNITS TEXAS RANGERS + 110