Friday, May 02, 2008
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Houston Rockets vs. Utah Jazz (NBA) - 10:30 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Total: 180/-106 Under Play Title: Houston/Utah Late Night NBA Winner
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These two teams have combined to go under the total in four out of five games in this series. Now that this series is in game 6, I look for both teams to really ratchet down on defense, as they will not let up many easy baskets. Neither team has scored over 100 points in the series also. Teams have scored 90 points or less six times in this series. I look for each side to focus on defense, and the offenses will struggle somewhat as this game will turn into a physical, half court battle. Utah has properly adjusted their defense for the addition of Rafer Alston to the line-up. I don?t expect Houston to score as many points on the road either. They will also ratchet down on defense to contain Utah?s scoring. I expect Utah to win this game by around 5-10 points, but they won?t score over 92 points. Look for a very low scoring game.
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins (MLB) - 8:10 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Money Line: -125 Detroit Tigers Play Title: AL Top Play Moneyline Winner
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Detroit is on a tear after a horrible start to the season. They are coming off of a sweep of the Yankees on the road. They scored 6 runs or more in all three games of the series. Their line-up is finally healthy after missing many starters due to injury to start the season. Now they face Twins starter Livan Hernandez, who has really struggled of late. After a good start to the season, he has given up 4 runs or more in every start. The Tigers have talented young pitcher Armando Galarraga starting today. He has been excellent in all three starts. His ERA is at 1.50 and has only allowed three earned runs in three starts. Overall, the Tigers had a lot of success against the Twins both at home and on the road. They won 12 of 18 games against them last season, including a 7-1 record at the Metrodome. The Twins won the series against the White Sox, but they still struggle to score runs. Minnesota?s offense will not be able to keep up with Detroit, and I expect a big Tigers win.
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies (MLB) - 9:05 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Total: 9/-118 Under Play Title: Top NL Total Play
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This game features two pitchers who have been dominate of late. Brad Penny is 4-2 with a 2.89 ERA this season. He has been performed very well against Colorado also. He is 13-2 with a 2.97 ERA against them and has won his last eight starts to the Rockies. Colorado starter, Jeff Francis, started the season off poorly, but he has rebounded nicely in his last three starts, including one start against Los Angeles. I look for him to shut down the Dodger offense again. He only gave up 2 runs on 5 hits, with 6 strikeouts in a 7 inning performance at Los Angeles on Sunday. Colorado will be without Troy Tulowitski also, which will significantly hurt their offense. I look for this game to turn into a pitchers duel. Take the under.
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics (MLB) - 10:05 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Total: 8.5/-112 Over Play Title: Top AL OVER Play
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Both of these teams have been playing well offensively lately. Texas has scored five runs or more in six of their last eight games. They hit .319 in their last series against the Royals. Oakland is also hitting very well. They pounded out 15 runs last night against the Angels, and they have scored in double digits in three of their last eight games. Vicente Padilla has taken advantage of pitching against some weak hitting teams so far this year. I look for him and the horrible Texas bullpen to hit pretty well today. Oakland is a decent offensive team at home, and I expect them to have a lot of success, especially against Texas? bullpen, which has been the worst in baseball. Texas however can swing the bats very well. They have many quality young hitters, and should hit Joe Blanton very well. Overall, I look for both teams to have around 5 or 6 runs, and this game will easily go over the total.
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
San Diego Padres vs. Florida Marlins (MLB) - 7:10 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Money Line: -127 Florida Marlins Play Title: NL Moneyline Play of the Day
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San Diego has really struggled to hit this season. They have hit below .200 many times this season, especially against left handers. Today they are going up against Mark Hendrickson, one of Florida?s best pitchers. He has performed very well for the Marlins so far this year, and he will continue playing well today. San Diego is the worst hitting team in baseball against left handers, averaging below .200 as a team. The Padres are also going to lose this game because they have their worst starter going today, Justin Germano. He has been horrible in his last two starts, and his coaches think that he may have lost his stuff. They also have been questioning his confidence on the mound. Overall, Florida is a much better hitting team and has played well at home, despite getting swept by the Dodgers. San Diego has lost two of three games on their recent road trip, and I expect them to lose today as well. Look for Florida to rebound at home.
