Friday Service Plays

[the duke]

Comps


Marc Lawrence

Game: Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees Jul 4 2008 1:05PM

Prediction: Boston Red Sox

Reason: Play On: Boston w/Beckett vs Rasner
Note: The BoSox send ace Josh Beckett to the mound against Darrell Rasner and the Yankees in New York this afternoon in Game Two of this crucial four game series. Rasner has certainly struggled of late in his last seven starts (1-6 with a 5.68 ERA) while Beckett is 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his last three starts against the Pinstripes. With that look for Beckett to make it five straight wins on Fridays here today.



Carlo Campanella

Game: Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers Jul 4 2008 2:05PM

Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers

Reason: Pittsburgh heads to Milwaukee knwoing they're just 2-14 on the road this season. While you might be tempted to back them on Friday since they've won back-to-back games, forget it, as we find them at a horrible 9-20 after winning 2 of their last 3 games this year.

7* Play On Milwaukee



Jimmy The Moose

Game: Cleveland Indians at Minnesota Twins Jul 4 2008 7:10PM

Prediction: Minnesota Twins

Reason: The Indians come into this one having lost 5 in a row and 8 of their last 10 games. Cleveland is 7-20 in their last 27 road games. In their last 30 games as an underdog the Indians are 8-22. Minnesota is 13-2 in their last 15 games. The Twins are 10-2 in their last 12 home games. Minnesota has won their last 8 games where they have been the favorite. In their last 10 games following an offday the Twins are 9-1. The Indians have had their way with the Twins over the last couple of season's but right now the Twins are red hot. Play on the Minnesota Twins



Big Al Mcmordie

Game: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants Jul 4 2008 4:05PM

Prediction: under

Reason: At 4:05pm our member selection is on the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants 'under' the total. Dodgers veteran righthander and today's starter Derek Lowe would probably be fine with facing the Giants every time he goes out to start a game. Few starters have been consistently dominant against an opponent the way Lowe has been against San Francisco the last three years. In his last eight starts against them going back to July 2005, Lowe only has one which was not a quality outing, and he also has gone 'under' the total 11 of his last 13 on the road vs. losing teams. Take the 'under'.


Sports Gambling Hotline

Los Angeles (pick) at SAN FRANCISCO

Today, we will stick with the surging Dodgers who hit the Bay Area fresh off 3 straight wins at Houston.

Los Angeles has already claimed 2 of the first 3 meetings against San Francisco down the freeway in LA earlier this season, and they have owned the Giants at AT&T Park the last couple of years, going 14-4 versus San Fran in their own backyard the last 2 years.

It will be Lowe and Sanchez, and while Sanchez has shown promise with an 8-4 mark, we prefer the veteran Lowe to build off his 7 inning, 1 run hard-luck loss to the Angels his last time out.

Lowe has gone 2-1 his last 5 strarts against the Giants, allowing just 8 runs in 34 innings of work.

With the Giants just 16-26 at home this year, it is hard to make a case to back their cause.

Play on LA.

4♦ LOS ANGELES



Bobby Maxwell

Cleveland (+115) at MINNESOTA

We love Cleveland in this one as they are sending Paul Byrd (3-9, 5.26 ERA) to the mound in Minnesota to take on the surging Twins.

Byrd has dominated the Twins in his career, going 10-4 with a 3.79 ERA in 18 starts against Minnesota, including a remarkable 6-1 record with a 2.03 ERA in 10 starts inside the Metrodome. Saturday he gave up four runs and six hits in six innings but his offense let him down and failed to score a run in a 5-0 loss to the Reds.

The Twins are coming with veteran Livan Hernandez (8-5, 5.22) who has been struggling lately. He's lost three of his last five starts and has a 6.43 ERA in that span. Saturday he gave up five runs in seven innings of a 5-1 loss to the Brewers.

Hernandez has seen the Indians just once in his career and gave up seven runs on 12 hits in a 12-2 loss on June 12. No doubt the Tribe will have the bats working tonight.

We'll take the pitcher with the history of success rather than the rapidly aging Hernandez who can't get anybody out right now. Even with the Twins recent hot streak, we're playing Cleveland in this one.

3♦ CLEVELAND

 

[the duke]

Jim Feist

My free pick of the day is the game between (955) LA Dodgers and (956) SF Giants. Take "Under". If you're fan of offense in baseball, don't watch this game. Both teams have struggled all season, with the Dodgers ranked 13th in the National League in runs scored, while the Giants are 14th. Both starting pitchers are on a roll, with LA's Derek Lowe sporting a 3.20 ERA his last three starts, while San Francisco lefty Jonathon Sanchez has a 2.08 his last three games. The Dodgers are on an 11-4 run under the total, highlighted (or lowlighted) by winning a 1-0 game despite getting no hit. San Fran is on a 10-5-1 run under the total. Don't look for much offense, Play the Dodgers/Giants under the total!




Dave Cokin

My free pick of the day is the game between (971) TEX Rangers and (972) BAL Orioles. Take "(971) TEX Rangers". Jeremy Guthrie is pitching some outstanding baseball for Baltimore. But the talented right hander hasn't been able to dent the win column on a regular basis thanks to unfortunate run support when he takes the mound. It's been the opposite for Rangers veteran Vicente Padilla, who's been almost unbeatable on the road regardless of how he throws. I'm going to go with the trends in this one and I'll go for the good sized dog price in the process with the Rangers.

 

[the duke]

Cappers Access


Fri (MLB) Red Sox
Fri (MLB) White Sox


Hondo

Today, on the silver anniversary of the only time Mr. Aitch's designated pitcher honored him with a no-hit ter, he's counting on Super-Duper Looper - 10 units on the Cardinals to slam Zam.


Mighty Quinn

Mighty hit with the Red Sox last night. Today it's the Orioles and Indians. The deficit is 115 sirignanos.



ARMVIN SPORTS

CHICAGO CUBS -119

TORONTO BLUE JAYS 105


Sharp Sports Advisors

ST LOUIS CARDINALS 109



Gamblers Data

Wash Nationals +140

 

[the duke]

Comps

Jeff Benton

Happy 4th of July to all! Let?s celebrate with a free-play winner on the underdog Yankees at home against Boston.

Josh Beckett is a stud, we know this, and he?s been pitching his tail off recently (1.64 ERA in his last three starts), but the Red Sox ace doesn?t have much to show for his efforts. Boston last his two most recent starts (2-1 at home to Arizona; 3-2 at Houston); they?re 1-3 in his last four outings; and they?re only 8-7 in his 15 starts this season, including 4-5 on the road. So why are the struggling Sox such a big favorite in this one? Mostly because New York rookie right-hander Darrell Rasner has come crashing back to earth ? the kid has gone four straight starts without a quality outings, and New York is 1-6 in his last seven starts.

However, Rasner wasn?t that bad against the Mets on Sunday, giving up just two runs in five innings of a 3-1 loss. Also, Rasner has been dynamite at Yankee Stadium this year, going 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA in four starts ? the only defeat being a 2-1 setback to the Royals. Throw in Beckett?s 5.87 career ERA against the Yankees (5.90 in five starts at the Stadium), and I?ll look for the Bombers to bounce back from Thursday's ugly 7-0 loss to the BoSox.

(Based on a 1♦ to 10♦ rating system)

3♦ N.Y. YANKEES



Matt Rivers

For Thursday take the Yankees at home plus money.

Josh Beckett is awesome and certainly could be that tonight but the Yankees at home plus money is never a terrible play, even with them being a fairly mediocre squad these days.

Boston was just pounded in Tampa Bay in that sweep for the Rays and without David Ortiz and being on the road makes me more than happy to back Arod and the Bombers at the Stadium in this situation. I am the first to say how the Yankees do stink, releatively speaking, but you know the intensity will be there and with Rodriguez, Jeter, Giambi, Damon, Posada and others we could easily see this home dog bark.

Darrell Rasner has been really good ever since coming up from the minors. The guy has been bombed only once and has a bunch of quality starts. Sure he's no Beckett but right now I would rather have the New York righthander over anybody else in the rotation and that may even include Andy Pettitte. Crazy to say it but "Darrell Rasner" may be the the New York Yankees ace right now!?!?!?

This should be a well contested game that is tight until the end. Both hurlers should be able to stick around for at least six innings and without Big Papi and the way the Sox have been looking recently sign me up for Joe Girardi's Yankees in this one.


Jake Timlin

Milwaukee Brewers -1 1/2 Runs

Looking to erase their tough loser on Thursday I look for the Brewers to roll big time minus the Run Line today. After all thanks to being back home where they have been a big money maker posting a 25-13 season record as Milwaukee has won their last 6 at home it?s the Brewers who hold all of the advantages today. You see what today comes down to is pitching where Milwaukee with Sheets who is 9-2 with a sub 3 ERA has a huge edge over the Pirates who counter with Gorzelanny who has been awful on the road this year going 1-5 with a road ERA of 8.63. Flat out Milwaukee is going to be on a mission to forget about their ninth inning collapse in the desert yesterday and due to that look for the Brewers to destroy the weak traveling Pirates.

All Milwaukee



Tony Weston

Baltimore Orioles will get over on the Texas Rangers.

Over their last 19 games the Orioles are a modest 11-8, but are 7-3 at home in that stretch. They?re 8-3 their last 11 home games and are an impressive 24-13 at home this season. But the difference for Baltimore tonight will be starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, who is only 4-7 this season, but has an impressive 3.50 ERA.

Over Guthrie?s last six starts he?s 2-1 with three no decisions and the Orioles are 4-2. He also has a 3.25 home ERA this season in eight starts in front of the home crowd.

Opposite Guthrie will be Rangers starting pitcher Vicente Padilla, who has allowed 18 earned runs in his last 31 innings of work as Texas is only 3-2 in that stretch.

Padilla has been giving up a lot of earned runs and a lot of home runs (eight in that five game stretch) and he?ll get lit up again tonight.

Pencil in Guthrie as your starting pitcher and take Baltimore at home.

3♦ ORIOLES (1♦ to 5♦ Scale)

 

[the duke]

SPORTS ADVISORS

New York Mets (42-43) at Philadelphia (47-39)

Left-hander Johan Santana (7-7, 3.01 ERA), who is winless in his last five starts, will toe the slab for the Mets when they open a four-game weekend set at Citizens Bank Park against the Phillies. New York has alternated wins and losses in its last six games, though the Mets pounded St. Louis 11-1 on the road Thursday night. The Mets are 2-7 in their last nine against the National League East and 1-4 in Santana?s last five outings when facing a winning team.

Philadelphia will counter with 25-year-old left-hander J.A. Happ, making just his second career major league appearance. The Phillies finished off a three-game sweep of Atlanta on Thursday, winning 4-1 on the road to post a combined 19-6 run advantage in the series. Philly is just 5-9 in its last 14 outings and has lost five straight at home, but the Phillies are on hot streaks of 11-1 against losing teams, 8-2 in the N.L. East, 12-4 on Friday, 8-3 at home against southpaws, 9-4 overall against lefties and 36-16 in their last 52 series openers.

The Mets are 4-2 in six meetings against the Phillies this season, taking two of three at home and two of three on the highway in a pair of April series. However, New York is still only 2-6 in the last eight clashes at Citizens Bank Park.

Santana is 0-4 with a no-decision in his last five starts, despite giving up just nine runs in 32 innings (2.53 ERA). On Saturday at home against the Yankees, he allowed three runs on four hits in six innings in a 3-2 loss for his third straight setback. Santana has pitched at least six innings in 11 consecutive starts, going just 4-5 despite a 2.96 ERA.

Happ, meanwhile, will again face the Mets, whom he lost to in his only other major league appearance ? giving up five runs on seven hits in four innings in an 8-3 setback last year.

Santana is 4-4 with a 3.12 ERA in nine road starts this year, with one of those wins being a 6-4 victory at Philadelphia on April 18. In that contest, he allowed three runs on four hits in seven innings, giving him a 1-0 mark and 3.09 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies.

The over is 6-0-1 in Santana?s last seven starts in series openers, and it is 10-4-1 in the Mets? last 15 contests against left-handers. The over has also cashed in four of the last six for the Phillies and is 10-3 at home following a Philadelphia road trip of seven or more days.

ATS ADVANTAGE: N.Y. METS


Chicago Cubs (51-35) at St. Louis (49-38)

Carlos Zambrano (8-3, 3.13 ERA) returns from a stint on the disabled list as he leads the Cubs against the rival Cardinals in the opener of a three-game weekend series at Busch Stadium between the top teams in the N.L. Central. Chicago wrapped up a four-game set at San Francisco on Thursday by losing 8-3. The Cubs are mired in slumps of 2-6 overall, 2-7 on the road and 0-6 on the road against winning teams.

St. Louis, which will send right-hander Braden Looper (9-5, 4.26) to the hill, finished off a four-game home series against the Mets with a blowout 11-1 loss. Despite that, the Cards have won four of their last six after a three-game hiccup, and they?re 10-3 in their last 13 as a home underdog.

The Cardinals took two of three at home against the Cubs the first week of May, but Chicago is 11-5 in the last 16 clashes and a perfect 8-0 in the last eight games that Zambrano has started versus St. Louis.

Zambrano is 0-2 with a no-decision in his last three starts, taking the loss in a 5-4 setback at Tampa Bay on June 18 before going on the DL with a shoulder strain. In that game, he allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

The Cardinals have won three of their last four behind Looper, with the 33-year-old going 2-0 with two no decisions. On Sunday at Kansas City, he didn?t figure in the decision after allowing three runs on six hits in 3 1/3 innings of a 9-6 St. Louis win.

Zambrano is 4-3 with a 4.08 ERA in seven road starts this season, but the Cubs are 30-13 in his last 43 on foreign turf. Also, the right-hander is 8-4 with a 2.37 ERA in 19 career appearances (18 starts) against the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Looper is 4-3 with a 4.50 ERA in nine home starts this year and is 3-1 with a 2.35 ERA in 47 career appearances ? but just one start ? against the Mets.

Chicago carries a plethora of ?over? trends into this series, including 8-2 overall, 7-2 in roadies, 7-3 in series openers, 4-0 with Zambrano on the road and 6-2 overall behind Zambrano. The over is also 5-1-1 in St. Louis? last seven games overall and 7-1-1 in its last nine against righties.

ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO CUBS and OVER

 

[the duke]

Comps

Karl Garrett

Boston (-130) at NY YANKEES

Throw away the Yankees 18 run outburst on Wednesday, and this team has scored just 7 runs over 5 games!

That lack of offensive production will hurt them once again today against one of the best in the game in Josh Beckett.

Beckett's last 22 innings have seen just 4 runs score, and Beckett has long been a thorn in New York's side dating back to his days as a Florida Marlin when he bested the Yanks in the World Series clincher at Yankee Stadium.

Beckett is 2-0 this season against New York, and his Red Sox are now 4-2 against the Yankees in this year's season series.

Darrell Rasner opposes, and the fine work he did when he first came up for Ian Kennedy has been diminished of late, as the righty has dropped his last 2 starts, working only 10 innings while allowing 9 runs.

Rasner has dipped to 4-6 for the year...make that 4-7 after the Red Sox get done with him today.

2♦ BOSTON


Nelly

Texas + over Baltimore

The Rangers are 9-1 when Vicente Padilla starts on the road this season and the Rangers continue to deliver solid results this season, home or away. Texas is one of the top hitting teams in baseball with a .278 team average and the Rangers have been especially productive against right-handed pitching. Baltimore owns a 24-13 home record but the Orioles have received inconsistent results from Jeremy Guthrie. He is 1-3 in home games and the Baltimore bullpen has really struggled in the last week. Look for the Rangers offense to put up solid numbers tonight despite playing in a second straight road series. Baltimore is putting together a nice season but the Orioles are overvalued in this match-up.


James Patrick Sports

Indians vs. Twins 7:10 p.m. est.

Our Fourth of July Holiday complimentary selection in Major League Baseball action is #978 Minnesota Twins as the Tribe is fading light a Tropical Sunset

 

[the duke]

comps

Alex Smart

Game: Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds

Prediction: Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds will send Bronson Arroyo (5-7,6.19 ERA) to the hill to stop the light hitting Washington Nationals, this afternoon in Ohios Great American Ball Park. The Reds right hander ,has not been all that efficient of late, but is off notching a win in his last trip to the hill, allowing just 2 runs in 6 innings of capable work. Meanwhile, the visiting Nationals, will return fire with hard luck hurler ,Jason Bergmann (1-5, 4.26). The righty thrower is 0-4 along with a 2.98 ERA in eight starts since beating the New York Mets back in mid May. His losing run can mostly be attributed to his teams inability to get runners home, as is evident by 2.5 RPG in support. It must be noted that Washington is hitting below the Mendoza line on the season, and a lowly .226 against righties like Arroyo. Bottom line: Despite of the perceived starting pitching advantage that Washington has, it is their lack of offensive punch, that in my humble opinion, makes them fade material in this spot. Final notes & Key Trends: The Reds are 8-2 in Arroyos L10 starts as a home favorite. Play on the Reds




Scott Ferrall


Seattle -125 over Detroit

Bedard finally looks like the guy they wanted in the Emerald City and cools off the Tigers and Kenny Rogers


TEXAS +120 over Baltimore

Padilla beats Guthrie and I'm on the OVER 8 RUNS. The Rangers can defintiely score runs.


KANSAS CITY +140 over Tampa

upset special ! It's just to obvious that everyone is on the Rays. But they just swept the Red Sox and layed it all on the line. I say they get burned as Bannister tops Edwin Jackson in St.Pete at the Trop


Chi Sox -155 over Oakland--TAKE THE OVER 8.5 RUNS and run with Buerhle over Blanton.

The GO GO SOX are back


Minnesota -120 over Cleveland

ake Livan Hernandez because the Tribe blow this yr. The Twins can beat anybody.


ANGELS -125 over Toronto

The Jays suck and they are even worse when they are on the road. Burnett gets the L and Jared Weaver pulls one out of his ass at Anaheim. JUMP OVER THE 7.5 RUNS

 

[the duke]

Im out the rest of the day.
Whoever can help post Im sure this forum will appreciate it.
Have a Safe 4th of July and Good Luck.

 

[kozski61]

Players of America


HOU vs. ATL
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves
The Play: Atlanta Braves -170.0
Play Description:
Star Value: 5* (50 Units)
Writeup: N/A


CLE vs. MIN
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins
The Play: Cleveland Indians +115.0
Play Description:
Star Value: 3* (30 Units)
Writeup: N/A


CHC vs. STL
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals
The Play: Under 9.0
Play Description:
Star Value: 3* (30 Units)
Writeup: N/A


NYM vs. PHI
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Play: New York Mets +135.0
Play Description:
Star Value: 1* (10 Units)
Writeup: N/A


OAK vs. CHW
Sport: Major League Baseball
Game: Oakland Athletics vs. Chicago White Sox
The Play: Oakland Athletics +145.0
Play Description:
Star Value: 1* (10 Units)
Writeup: N/A




Insider Sports Report

L.A. Dodgers/San Francisco (MLB) UNDER 8





MATT FARGO
SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks
PICK: St. Louis



PLATINUM PLAYS

MLB: the TEXAS RANGERS + 120 Over the Baltimore Orioles



THE VEGAS STEAMLINE

Friday: Take TEXAS/BALTIMORE over the total of 9 runs





ALEX SMART


Cincinnati Reds (-150)




Armvin Sports

Mlb
Chicago Cubs -119
Toronto Blue Jays 105




CAPPERS ACCESS

Fri (MLB) Red Sox
Fri (MLB) W.Sox




MIKE WYNN

Minnesota w/Hernandez -115 Over Cleveland






RAZOR SHARP

FRIDAY: FLORIDA/COLORADO OVER the total of 10




ARTHUR RALPH

Seattle Mariners





Totals 4 U

Florida/Colorado Over 10





MARC LAWRENCE

Game: Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees Jul 4 2008 1:05PM
Prediction: Boston Red Sox

Reason: Play On: Boston w/Beckett vs Rasner
Note: The BoSox send ace Josh Beckett to the mound against Darrell Rasner and the Yankees in New York this afternoon in Game Two of this crucial four game series. Rasner has certainly struggled of late in his last seven starts (1-6 with a 5.68 ERA) while Beckett is 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his last three starts against the Pinstripes. With that look for Beckett to make it five straight wins on Fridays here today.





ROCCO SPACAMURO


50 * Orioles -135



Stu Feiner Writeups

American League

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees

I know on paper this looks like a major mis-match but let?s dig a little deeper. Josh has made two starts against the Yankees this season. He had one start at Fenway and one start at Yankee stadium. Both of them were just average starts. He threw fourteen innings and he allowed thirteen base-runners (For Josh that is just average). Also in those fourteen innings he struck out just ten batters and he allowed six runs.

Josh is not the same pitcher on the road as he is at home. First of all at home he is 4-1 and has a fantastic whip. On the road Josh is just 3-4. Josh has allowed six long balls on the road and twenty one earned runs.

Let?s not forget that in the Red Sox last series they were swept out of the ball park. They just aren?t a good team on the road. Things may change in the future, but the Yankees at home will get the job done. Remember just two nights ago they scored 18 runs, that doesn?t happen on accident.

New York Yankees (+)


Detroit Tigers at Seattle Mariners

The Tigers have been playing better baseball but can?t pass on Erik Bedard tonight. It doesn?t matter that the Tigers are a better team than the Mariners. On most days that is surely the case, but not tonight, not with this match-up.

Kenny Rogers still battles, but he is just an average pitcher. On the season he is 6-5 and the Tigers are just 9-8 in his seventeen starts. Kenny faced the Mariners once before this season and didn?t fair too well. He lasted just 5 1/3 innings and allowed eight hits, two walks and two home-runs. That start was at home as well.

Seattle is playing much better baseball under their new manager. That includes a 5-1 record in their last six games and three straight series wins. Take the Mariners and Bedard tonight.

Seattle Mariners (-)


Texas Rangers at Baltimore Orioles

Look for the Orioles to bounce back tonight. The Orioles are a team that doesn?t get enough credit. Everyone talks about the rest of the AL East. Everyone talks about the nice job that the Twins have done. People talk about what the Cardinals have done. What about these Baltimore Orioles?

The Orioles play in the toughest division in all of baseball. Imagine playing almost half your schedule against the: Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Even with that competition they are above .500.

Jeremy Guthrie has a big time arm. His last 21 innings he has allowed just five runs and sports a 3.50 earned run average on the season. Look for him to keep down a Texas line-up that is good but not great.

Baltimore Orioles (-)


Kansas City Royals at Tampa Bay Rays

How can you not love what the Rays are doing? Tampa is now a full 20 games over the .500 mark. Yes on July 4 the Tampa Bay Rays have the best record in all of base baseball. They haven?t done it with a soft schedule either. The Rays have played the toughest schedule of any team so far this season. They still have managed a 52-32 record on the season.

Tampa is even more impressive in their ball park. The Rays are 33-13 at home. It is not out of the question that this team will have 60 wins in their building. At worst they are looking at a 55 win season in Tropicana field.

Tampa has won four straight games and seven of their last eight. They know how to win close games, and will win again here tonight. The Royals are a below average team, the Rays are now the class of the American league.

Tampa Bay Rays (-)


Oakland Athletics at Chicago White Sox

Mark Buehrle is heating up as usual. Mark has been on a torrid pace on the mound. It is not just his last three starts. Mark has had six straight top level starts. In fact eight of his nine starts have been of the quality start variety.

Last start for Mark Buherle he allowed zero earned runs, one the start before, two the start before that, one the start before that, one the start before that, three the start before that. Do you see a pattern here? Mark has been going deep in to games and not just pitching well but winning these contests.

Mark hasn?t lost a start since May 27 and that was on the road. He hasn?t lost at home since the first week of May. Mark just beat the Cubs and the Dodgers, he will take care of an Oakland line-up that has been over-achieving for a while. White Sox are the play here tonight.

Chicago White Sox (-)


Cleveland Indians at Minnesota Twins

Both of these two teams are coming off an off day on July 3 and both are going in separate directions. The Cleveland Indians just can?t put anything together this season. They surprised many people last year, but they aren?t even close to having the same success. There is no doubt that injuries have been a big part of the problem. You can?t lose your number two starter (Carmona) your All-Star catcher (Martinez) and your clean-up hitter (Hafner) within the span of a month. That is exactly what has happened to the now buried Indians.

The Twins on the other hand have been playing fantastic baseball. In fact Minnesota and not Tampa may be the best story of the American league as we head in to July 4 weekend. We all knew that Tampa had pitching, but Minnesota? Who knew?

Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are arguably the two best back to back left-handed hitters in baseball. If you don?t think facing those guys causes right-handed pitching to scratch their head, than you are missing the boat. Livan Hernandez will always allow his share of hits, but the guy still wins ball games. Twins are the play tonight.

Minnesota Twins (-)


Toronto Blue Jays at LA Angels

Toronto is one of the few teams that can win on the road. There is one simple reason for that and that is they send out a quality starter to the mound each and every day. Whether it is Dustin McGowan or Roy Halladay or Shaun Marcum or tonight?s starter the Blue Jays always have a chance to win. If you don?t want to take our word for it, just look at their season statistics. They have played 81 games and 48 times the number has gone under.

Tonight we get the Blue Jays hottest pitcher. We get a pitcher that has much talent as anyone out there. We also get a pitcher that is throwing for his supper. A.J. Burnett will not be in Toronto after this season and he knows it. Last start A.J. faced one of the best line-ups in baseball (Atlanta Braves) and absolutely shut them down. Seven innings, four hits, no runs, eleven strikeouts! Think that was a fluke? How about the start before against the Reds in which he threw eight innings of one run ball? This guy can win and he can win on the road.

Toronto Blue Jays (+)


National League


Washington Nationals at Cincinnati Reds

We were very impressed with the Reds last night. They were down 3-1 late in that game, in a classic let-down game. They were facing a bad team, they were tired from the night but they went to work and took care of the Nationals as they should. The Reds were able to take advantage of some bad defense by the Nationals. Brandon Phillips ended up with three RBI?s and the Reds capitalized and won the game 5-3.

Tonight expect much of the same. While the Reds don?t have a great record they are still playing better than expected. 40-47 on the season and showing sings of life each and every ball game. After all this team is 23-19 at home. The Reds face a starter who is used to losing tonight. Jason Bergmann is just 1-5 on the season. Even worse is the fact that the team is 2-9 in his eleven starts of 2008. Take the Reds and lay the number.

Cincinnati Reds (-)


Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers will bounce back tonight. Sure they were stunned last night. Sure last night was a terrible loss. We aren?t going to come on here and tell you that they did play well last night. Actually for the first eight innings they did play well. They were able to score off the best pitcher in the National league (Brandon Webb) and they were able to put some runs on the board.

They just couldn?t close the door. After all they don?t have a dominant closer. Eric Gagne is hurt and Torres just couldn?t close the door. They allowed the Diamondbacks to come and score six runs in the final inning and losing the game. That game is over and done with though.

Momentum is only as good as the next day?s starter right? Well who would we and the Brewers have than Ben Sheets? Ben is 9-2 on the season with a 2.83 ERA. When healthy this guy wins, and that is exactly what he is doing right now. Take the home team at any price!

Milwaukee Brewers (-)


LA Dodgers at San Francisco Giants

This line is just too good to pass up. The Dodgers are making a long trip to come here and start a set with the Giants. The Giants played yesterday at well, but they were at home. Last night the Giants beat the Cubs behind their ace Tim Lincecum. They feel real good about themselves today. They will send their second best pitcher to the mound in Pac Bell Park.

Jonathan Sanchez has been dealing. Jonathan is 6-1 in his last seven starts! Notice we didn?t say the Giants or his team is 6-1, Mr. Sanchez has gone out there and battled the opposition and has won ball games.

Sanchez has allowed just two runs in his last three starts. IN fact in his last ten starts he has had just one bad start (Seven runs against the Rockies in a start he actually won). He has not allowed more than a handful of runs since early May. Keep riding this left-handed all the way to the bank!

San Francisco Giants (-)


New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies

It wouldn?t matter if Sandy Koufax was on the hill for the New York Mets tonight, this line is just completely off. The Mets are far too up and down to trust at all like this. We are sure that many of you have been burned by the Mets and especially Johan Santana in the recent months.

The Mets and Johan are laying this big number even though they are on the road and they don?t deserve it. Johan Santana?s last win came on the first day of JUNE. He has gone five straight starts without a win. Even worse the Mets haven?t won in Johan?s last five starts. Johan just hasn?t been on top of his game. Just two starts ago he allowed a grand-slam to an American League pitcher.

The Phillies won a huge ball game last night and their bats are picking up. They hit three long balls in Atlanta. Returning home they will put another three to four over the wall and they will beat the Mets here on this Friday night contest.

Philadelphia Phillies (+)


Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves

There is a reason why this line is so high folks. The line should be this high. After all look at it objectively. Tonight we get the better team, tonight we get the better pitcher, and tonight we get the home-field advantage. What else would we want? What else could we ask for?

The Braves are still one of the best teams at home this season. They are 10 games over .500 with a record of 28-18. Tonight we get Tim Hudson going for Atlanta. Tim thrives at home. Tim for the season is just 2-5 on the road with a 4.34 ERA. Not exactly CY Young numbers. At home though Tim Hudson has a 6-1 mark with a 2.24 ERA. Those numbers make him one of baseball?s best pitchers.

Atlanta still has a ton of power in their line-up. They are still in this division race because of the Mets and Phillies stumbling around. Look for the Braves to win this game easily.

Atlanta Braves (-)


Florida Marlins at Colorado Rockies

Wild game last night in Coors. Tonight look for a more conventional game. Scott Olsen goes for the Marlins and has he been good or what? Scott has really matured. He busted on the scene in 2005 making just four starts but throwing the ball well and impressing the Marlins enough to give him a spot in the rotation the following season.

2006 Scott was just as good. He won 12 games and had an ERA right at 4. His electric stuff really impressed people. He had 166 strikeouts in that his ?rookie? season. Last year he had a ton of off the field problems and took a step back. This year he has picked up where he left off in 2006. This guy is just 4-4 but the team has won ten of his starts. Scott has an ERA and a WHIP they rank in the top 20 in the National league.

The Rockies aren?t the same team from last year folks. Look for Florida to keep plugging along and win this game.

Florida Marlins (+)


Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals

Big match-up here in St. Louis. This is a rivalry in every sense of the word. This year this rivalry is hotter than ever. Sure the Cubs have been playing great baseball. They have been a feel good story. They have people out there predicting that they will be in the World Series etc. etc. Before we crown the Cubs, can they win a few games on the road?

The Cubs fly in to St. Louis after a disappointing split at the hands of the Giants. Yes it is true that the Cubs couldn?t even beat the Giants more than two games (Four game series) on the road. For the season the Cubs are seven games under .500. The Cardinals in the mean time have almost caught the Cubbies. With a sweep here in this series the Cardinals will take over first place.

Carlos Zambrano does not pitch well on the road. At home he is 4-0 with a 2.40 ERA. On the road he is just 4-3 with an ERA over 4.08. Look for the battle of the Midwest go to the Cardinals in this game.

St. Louis Cardinals (+)


San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks

Don?t be scared off by this big line. In fact we want you to run to this line before it moves in any direction. The Diamondbacks are going to win this game and win this game easily.

Arizona is coming off their best win of 2008 season. See many people forget but the Diamondbacks are still a first place team. Sure there is no denying they have struggled for a long time, but they are a better team than what they have showed. Just take yesterday?s game for example. They were down 6-0 in the last inning. How many teams can come back from that? Well the Diamondbacks did exactly that. They scored seven runs in the last inning to win the game in dramatic fashion. You better believe that carries over the next day, especially when you have your ?1A? on the hill.

Danny Haren would be an ace on 25 teams in baseball. For the season he is 8-4 but in the dessert this guy is just un-hittable. 7-1 with just 45 hits allowed in his sixty innings. Look for him to shut down a very weak line-up. Diamondbacks all the way.

Arizona Diamondbacks (-)






Sports Kingz

Mlb:


Detroit +110

Texas +120

Minnesota -130

Dodgers -105





Matty O'shea

Pod Red Sox Runline

 

[kozski61]

VEGAS EXPERTS
Comp Play

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals

The Cubs are struggling right now, but today will be inspired by the return of ace Carlos Zambrano to the rotation. Big Z owns a 17-5 team start record on the road vs. division opponents, not to mention an 11-1 TSR in the month of July. St Louis isn't exactly coming in playing their best ball either as they were trounced 11-1, at home, by the Mets yesterday. The Cubs are 42-19 as favorites this season.

Play on: Chicago Cubs




ROBERT FERRINGO

5-Unit Play. Take ?Over? 10.0 Florida at Colorado





Handicapper: Marc Lawrence
Oakland Athletics vs. Chicago White Sox (MLB) - 7:05 PM EDT Premium Play
Pick: Money Line: -154 Chicago White Sox Play Title: Marc Lawrence Fan Appreciation Game Of The Week Top Play! - Friday
Click Here to View Pick Analysis
Play On: Chicago w/Buerhle vs Blanton Note: The red-hot White Sox send Mark Buerhle to the hill against Joe Blanton and the A's in a matchup of two hurlers with opposite home-road dichotomies. That's confirmed by Buerhle's 2.96 home ERA as opposed to his 4.43 road ERA this season. On the flip side, Blanton owns a 6.75 ERA away from home compared to a 4.32 ERA at home this year. With Blanton 0-5 in his last five starts in July and 2-11 with a 5.00 ERA under the nights at lights this season, look for the A's to dip to 1-6 in their last seven away games against southpaws here tonight.





To all my fellow AL buddies, Aux., Sons, VFW members, & particularly our reservists & active duty members-happy 4th of July. Enjoy!
Last night I saw more totals line changes than ever in history, have my crib notes, but didn't have time to print, had to get off line & call in my stuff, so correct me if I'm wrong but according to my crib notes w/contingency plans, here goes w/contingencies.
MY LINE / POSSIBILITIES

pod Col. over 10 2.5* W / pod Col. over 10.5 2* W

Cinci under 9 2* W same 2* W
Stl over 9 1.5 W StL over 9.5 1* W
Balt. over 9.5 1.5* W same 1.5* W
Seattle over 8.5 .5* W Seattle over 8 1* W
Atl. under 8 1* W
parlay SF un 7, Atl un 7.5 .5* L SF under 7.5 1* L

pod, 5-1 +7.5* pod, 6-1 +7.5*

Either way, stressful comeback, for records sake I'll use the line I got, some of you might have gotten the best of both worlds, so for the week 18-8 +17* 4-0 pods BOL be back RDS





Beat your Bookie

100 arizona
50 atlanta
50 tampa bay




Ross Benjamin Guaranteed Selections
Date: Friday, July 04, 2008
$30.00 Guaranteed: Ross has a TOP VALUE underdog winner in MLB this afternoon that will give you a terrific rate of return! This selection is guaranteed to put you on the winning side or there will be no charge. 7/4/2008
Washington (Bergmann) @ Cincinnati (Arroyo) 1:15 PM ET
Play On: Washington +135 (15*) The Washington starter Bergmann enters the game in very good form off of his last 3 starts posting a stellar 1.35 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. The Reds starter Arroyo enters the game in horrible form off of his last 3 starts posting a 11.48 ERA, a 2.02 WHIP, and allowed 5 home runs in just 13.1 innings. In 3 starts during the day this season Arroyo has posted a very lofty 9.00 ERA, a 1.85 WHIP, and allowed 5 home runs in just 13.0 innings. In 4 starts versus the Nationals since 2004 Arroyo has posted a very beatable 5.95 ERA. The Reds are just 2-7 in their last 9 at home and 4-11 in their last 15 versus a team with a win percentage of less than .400. Play on the Washington nationals as my MLB 15* Underdog Game of the Week




JIMMY THE MOOSE

Game: Cleveland Indians at Minnesota Twins Jul 4 2008 7:10PM
Prediction: Minnesota Twins

Reason: The Indians come into this one having lost 5 in a row and 8 of their last 10 games. Cleveland is 7-20 in their last 27 road games. In their last 30 games as an underdog the Indians are 8-22. Minnesota is 13-2 in their last 15 games. The Twins are 10-2 in their last 12 home games. Minnesota has won their last 8 games where they have been the favorite. In their last 10 games following an offday the Twins are 9-1. The Indians have had their way with the Twins over the last couple of season's but right now the Twins are red hot. Play on the Minnesota Twins -.





Carlo Campanella

Game: Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers Jul 4 2008 2:05PM
Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers

Reason: Pittsburgh heads to Milwaukee knwoing they're just 2-14 on the road this season. While you might be tempted to back them on Friday since they've won back-to-back games, forget it, as we find them at a horrible 9-20 after winning 2 of their last 3 games this year.

7* Play On Milwaukee




HONDO

HONDO bounced back beautifully from his two-game losing streak, cashing with the GiantsNew York Giants and A's last night to expand his retirement fund to 620 righettis.

Today, on the silver anniversary of the only time Mr. Aitch's designated pitcher honored him with a no-hit ter, he's counting on Super-Duper Looper - 10 units on the Cardinals to slam Zam





ATS Lock Canadian

Montreal -1 v. Winnipeg 4 units

Saskatchewan/Brit Col Over 51.5 4 units

ATS Lock Canadian 1-3 last 4 including 0-2 yesterday




Unionmanspicks
********************
FREE PLAY FOR FRIDAY

(MLB) MINNESOTA -125




betbetwin
***********************
TODAYS FREE WINNERS

Friday July 4th, 2008

Another Free winner comes out of
the MLB. Take the Orioles

Free Pick: Baltimore Orioles -135

 

[MLBKING]

Nostradomus:


Friday's Selections

MLB-Yankees +120
MLB-Wash/Cinn OVER 9.5 +100
MLB-Milwaukee -200
MLB-Kansas City +145
MLB-Houst/Atl OVER 9 +100
MLB-Toronto +115
MLB-SD/Ariz OVER 9 +100
MLB-Cubs/Cards UNDER 8.5 +100

 

[MLBKING]

Sports Kingz

Mlb:


Detroit +110

Texas +120

Minnesota -130

Dodgers -105

 

[MLBKING]

Matty O'shea

Pod Red Sox Runline

 

[MLBKING]

DSETHI

3 units:
Brewers -1 (-138)

2 units:
White Sox (-155)

 

[MLBKING]

MRD Sports (1-0 yesterday)


Triple Dime Release: NYY/BOS over 9.5

 

[MLBKING]

*** EZWINNERS CFL ***

1 STAR: (406) MONTREAL (PICK) over winnipeg
(Risking $110 to win $100)
6:05PM Central Time



*** EZWINNERS MLB ***

3 STAR: (971) TEXAS (+$118) over Baltimore
(Listing Padilla only)
(Risking $300 to win $354)
3:35PM Central Time


2 STAR: (967) BOSTON (-$119) over NY Yankees
(Listing Beckett only)
(Risking $238 to win $200)
12:05PM Central Time


2 STAR: (955) LA DODGERS (-$107) over San Francisco
(Listing Lowe only)
(Risking $214 to win $200)
3:05PM Central Time


2 STAR: (957) NY METS (-$134) over Philadelphia
(Listing Santana only)
(Risking $268 to win $200)
6:05PM Central Time

 

[MLBKING]

Dave Malinsky



6*NY Yankee/Boston Red Sox Under (9.5)

6*LA Dodgers/SF Giants Under (7)

3*TB (-155)

 

[MLBKING]

Bob Balfe


Major League Baseball
Whitesox -155 over A's
Buehrle/Blanton

 

[MLBKING]

#1 Sports

Minnesota Twins - 115

 

[MLBKING]

SAPKOWSKI 92-53
4-0 yesterday, 7-1 L2 days
Premium47-27 L74, Yesterday 2-0 (LA Dodgers"W",DET Tigers"W")
CHI White Sox
MIN Twins
Free picks45-26 L71, 2-0 Yesterday (WAS Under"W",FLO Over"W")
NY Mets
MIL Brewers
WAS vs. CIN Under