Comps
Jim Feist
REDS / DODGERS UNDER
The Reds are 11th in the NL in runs scored...and they play in a hitter friendly park. Now they head way out to the West Coast to play in a big, pitcher friendly park, Dodger stadium. LA is 5-3 under the total the last 6 games while Cincy is on an 8-5 under run. Both veteran starting pitchers know how to throw strikes, which is key in a big park like this. Play the Reds/Dodgers under the total.
Dave Cokin
TEXAS RANGERS
Scott Feldman has been a nice surprise for the Rangers. While I doubt he maintains his present form, he's a better bet right now that Minnesota righty Boof Bonser. Bonser simply cannot or will not trust his stuff enough to attack the inner half of the plate, and the results have been predictable. The Rangers are the choice to top the Twins.
Marc Lawrence
LA DODGERS
The Dodgers open a three game series with the Reds in Los Angeles Monday night behind Brad Penny knowing they are 11-3 the last 14 games in this series against Cincinnati, including 6-0 the last six games at Dodgers Stadium. In addition, Penny is 5-0 in his last starts against the Reds with a sparkling 1.47 ERA and - get this - 10-0 in his last 10 team starts on Mondays. With Cincy nice and fat over their three-game series sweep at home over the Indians, look for the Dodgers to grab the series opener here tonight.
Matt Fargo
HOUSTON ASTROS +114
Chicago heads to Houston on a roll, having won eight of its last 10 games however all of those games were at home. The Cubs are a different team on the road as proven by their records. They are 11 games over .500 at Wrigley but a game under .500 away from home. Pitching has been the strength on the road, sans tonight?s starter as talked about later, while hitting has been a weakness. The Cubs are hitting just .246 on the road, including .237 against righties, and have scored three runs or less in eight of their last 10 roadies. The Astros have been playing very well also, going 12-4 over their last 16 games and that includes a 7-3 mark in their last 10 which all came on the road. For the season, Houston is 11-6 at home which includes wins in eight of its last nine. While the Cubs offense sputters on the road, the Astros offense shines at home, hitting .285 and averaging 5.6 rpg. This compares to a .251 average and 4.5 rpg scored in their 28 road games where they are a respectable 14-14. Brian Moehler will get a third straight start in replacement of Wandy Rodriguez. Moehler was not very effective out of the bullpen, posting a 7.04 ERA in five appearances. It has been a complete turnaround however as he has allowed only three runs in 10 innings total in his two starts. Neither games were quality outings due to the innings pitched but both were solid enough to keep the Astros in the game, leading to easy wins. The bullpen has posted a 2.54 ERA over the last 10 games. Ted Lilly gets the call for the Cubs as he comes off back-to-back double digit strikeout games, the first time he has accomplished that in his career. His last outing was a shaky one and it broke a string of four straight quality starts. He allowed four runs in six innings against the lowly Padres, the worst offense in baseball .Now he faces a much tougher offense as Houston is hitting .327 at home against left-handed pitching. Lilly has a 6.43 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in his four road starts.
Tony Karpinski
PHILLIES / NATIONALS UNDER 9
Both teams played long rain-delayed games on Sunday, which took forever to complete. Both teams had to travel after their games and will be tired. Washington is a pitchers ballpark and I dont expect many runs scored in this matchup. I look at the low side here and going to put a pick on the under 9 runs with Myers and Redding as the starters. Under is 17-5-2 in Reddings last 24 starts overall. Under is 17-5-2 in Reddings last 24 on grass.
Big Al McMordie
OAKLAND ATHLETICS +105
Now that the short interleague schedule is complete (there will be more interleague games, but not until the middle of June), it's back to intraleague contests for a while. This is a very intriguing one with two teams that so far have surprising winning records and that are generally considered to be playing a bit over their heads. Both Tampa and Oakland can point to some young, talented starting pitching as the reason why they are doing better than expected almost 1/3 of the way into the season. And tonight's pitching matchup is proof of that with righthanders James Shields and Joe Blanton facing off against one another. And although Blanton is the elder at 27 years (vs. Shields at 26), he is still developing as a starter and we probably have not yet seen the best of him. Shields is a low-ERA starter with very good strikeout numbers, but he has been having some major problems when he pitches away from his home park, which is strange as Tropicana Field is thought to be one of the most hitter-friendly venues in the Majors. Nonetheless, Shields' numbers on the roard are abysmal at 1-2 with 6.10 ERA in 20 2/3 innings. Blanton has pitched very well but has been victimized by poor run support in most of his starts this season. But that is beginning to change a bit when Oakland plays at home, and they have been very dominant there lately, taking nine of their last twelve games at McAfee Coliseum. Tampa Bay is 5-24 in its last 29 games in Oakland. Take the A's. As always, good luck...Al McMordie.
Sports Gambling Hotline
1♦ SPURS / HORNETS UNDER 182?
Here we go, Game Seven from the Big Easy, and we don't see anything easy about this game featuring a bevy of points. The first three games in this series saw the OVER come through at a 2-0-1 clip, but the last three games have ALL stayed UNDER the posted price, as the defense has risen to the occasion. We like tonight's game to be a low-scoring game, as the few extra days off should mean the teams come out of the gate a little rusty, and the points are hard to come by. The Hornets are on a 2-6-1 UNDER run over their last 9 playoff games, while the Spurs are on a 2-5-1 UNDER run their last 8 playoff contests. We will stick with the UNDER to come through one last time in this best-of-seven set. Play the LOW.
Karl Garrett
4♦ CHICAGO CUBS -120
Chicago has been a winner in 8 of their last 10 games, and starter Ted Lilly has come on strong with 3 straight wins, while recording a whopping 22 strikeouts in his last 13 innings of work! Houston was lucky to dodge the broom yesterday in Texas, as the Astros nearly blew a 5-0 lead. The problem for the 'Stros is they went through a ton of pitchers this past weekend, and tonight's starter Brian Moehler has not worked past the 5th in either of his first 2 starts this season. Chicago has won 2 of 3 off Houston already this season, and the I like the Cubbies to open this set with the win tonight. Take the Cubs to continue their uptick.
Bobby Maxwell
4♦ CHICAGO CUBS -130
The Astros are coming home off a long 10-game road trip and even though they went 7-3, it was still a long time to be away from home and they will have some weary legs today. Chicago was home for a while and have Ted Lilly (4-4, 5.33 ERA) on the hill who has been red hot of late. So let's play the Cubs to get this series opener. Chicago just went 8-2 on the 10-game homestand and got a 4-3 win Sunday over the Pirates. The Cubs took two of three against Houston earlier this season and they've won six of the last eight meetings with the Astros. The Cubs have won each of Lilly's last three starts and in four of his last five starts has he allowed more than three runs. Chicago is 4-1 when Lilly pitches a series-opener and he split two outings against the Astros last season when he allowed a combined four runs on 10 hits in 14 innings against them. Houston has Brian Moehler (1-0, 4.58) on the hill for just his third start with the team and first at home. He is 1-0 with a 3.91 ERA in 23 innings of work against Chicago for his career. Let's go ahead and play the Cubs in this one as they come in with some fresh legs as opposed to the Astros. You know the rule, play against the team coming off a road trip for their first game back home. So lay the chalk with Lilly and the Cubs.
John Fina
GIANTS / ROCKIES OVER 10?
Today we expect a high-scoring game as the San Francisco Giants do battle with the Colorado Rockies. One reason why we expect a high-scoring game is because both these teams will be sending to the mound starting pitchers who have struggled as of late. This says it all... The San Francisco Giants Starting Pitcher (Patrick Misch) has a 6.19 ERA in his last 3 starts, while Colorado Rockies Starting Pitcher (Jorge De La Rosa) has a 9.42 ERA in his last 3 starts. As you can see, both these pitchers have struggled as of late. To say the least, we will most likely see a high-scoring game today! Take the San Francisco Giants/Colorado Rockies Over 10?!
Strike Point Sports
REDS / DODGERS OVER 8.5
Bronson Arroyo has not faired well for the most part this year, while Brad Penny has looked just as bad in his last couple of starts. The Reds found some good offense during their hot homestand, so look for that to carry over as well. I don't see Penny getting back on track, so he'll be good for three allowed runs or so, and I think the winner here has at least a five spot on the scoreboard. Play the over in Los Angeles.
Matt Rivers
CARDINALS / PADRES OVER
No doubt playing at PETCO is not exactly conducive to runs as the ballpark is an absolute pitchers' paradise but a total of eight cannot be reserved for these two pitchers, no how no way?!?!? I don't care how poor these offenses are, and both are pretty freakin' bad, but Wil Ledezma and Todd Wellemeyer plus mediocre at the very best bullpens cannot equal a total of seven. The number seven is pretty much as low as a total would ever go with great hurlers, save the ultra rare 6 1/2. Either of these hurlers could allow four runs in a frame today and I would not bat an eye. About a month ago Jake Peavy was up against Brandon Webb and that total was 6 1/2. I would gladly rather go over eight with Wellemeyer and Ledezma vs. only a run and a half of a run less than that with arguably the top two hurlers on the planet. There is always at least a superstar in Albert Pujols or pretty good hitters in Adrian Gonzalez or a red hot Ryan Ludwick to do some damage and in the end here there is no reason not to expect at the bare minimum three runs per side and I'll take my chances from there. This is a semi bargain and one that I will not pass up.
John Ryan
KANSAS CITY ROYALS +164
Ai Simulator 3* graded play on KC ? Luke Hochevar has done an excellent job for the Royals. He is 2-1 with a strong 2.84 ERA and a 1.105 WHIP over his last 3 starts. In his last start against Detroit he went 6 IP and yielded just 4 hits and zero earned runs. KC is 11-5 (+9.9 Units) against the money line versus an AL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.400 to 1.500 over the last 2 seasons. KC is a perfect 6-0 +10.4 units as a road dog of +150 or higher this season. Boston in a poor role for this game noting that they are 1-5 -5.4 units with a hot bullpen sporting an ERA of under 3.00 over their past 10 games this season. KC in an upset.
Drew Gordon
2♦ WASHINGTON NATIONALS +115
Solid value here with the Nationals, as they're coming off a relatively strong road trip that saw them go 4-3 overall, and now back at home, they've got clear pitching edge with Tim Redding facing off against Brett Myers tonight at RFK. First off, let's start with Brett Myers, who carries the worst ERA of the Phillies entire pitching staff at 5.91! Not only that, but he's been even worse over his last 3 starts, going 0-2 with an ugly 7.71 ERA, including getting absolutely rocked by the D-Back and Braves in back-to-back starts (12 earned in 9 1/3 innings)! He's 7-7 with a 4.91 ERA in 27 career outings (17 starts) against the Nationals, and already was only average in the Phillies season opener against them, allowing 3 earned over 5 innings in the Phillies 11-6 loss. Tim Redding on the other hand, has been rock-solid for the Nats, going 5-3 with a 3.55 ERA this season, including an impressive effort at Shea in his last one. He limited the Mets offense to just 1 run on 2 hits over 6 innings last Wednesday, and he can do the same to the Phillies tonight. He's had his issues at home, but with the Phillies batting just .240 against righties over their last 10 games, Redding should be just fine tonight at RFK. Finally, while the Phillies are favored here, that's not necessarily a good thing when Brett Myers is starting, as Philadelphia is just 1-8 in his last 9 starts as a favorite! Also, when you consider Myers is 0-3 with an astronimical 8.18 ERA on the road this season, all signs point to a solid Nationals win here at home. Take Washington behind Redding over Philadelphia and Myers in this MLB match up.
Tom Freese
LA DODGERS
Los Angeles starter Brad Penny is 8-3 in 11 career teams vs. the Reds and he is 2-0 vs. the Reds at Dodger Stadium with a 1.59 ERA. The Dodgers are 46-19 at home vs. losing teams and they are 11-3 on Monday. Cincinnati starter Bronson Arroyo is 1-4 in 5 career starts vs. the Dodgers. The Reds are 4-13 in Game 1 of a series and they are 7-19 as underdogs with Bronson Arroyoon the mound. PLAY ON LOS ANGELES - (Penny vs. Arroyo)
Nelly Sports
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Boston enters this game with momentum after sweep of the Brewers but Kansas City is a dangerous match-up tonight. The Royals are hitting .347 against left-handed pitching in the last ten games and on the season Kansas City is 9-7 in games against left-handed starters. Boston owns a brilliant home record but Jon Lester has posted very average numbers this season and has not been significantly better at home as most Boston pitchers have been. Lester is responsible for two of Boston?s five home losses and his 1.47 WHIP is a serious concern as far too many runners are getting on base as Lester has walked nearly as many batters as he has struck out. Lester has not been able to last deep into games and the Boston bullpen is one of the worst in baseball with nine losses and a 4.42 ERA. Luke Hochevar has made four consecutive strong starts for Kansas City and the Royals are 3-1 in those games. Kansas City is also 6-1 in the past seven games as the Royals are a much better team than their reputation.
Jimmy The Moose
CHICAGO CUBS
The Cubs have won 8 of their last 10 games. In their last 28 games as a favorite the Cubs are 20-8. Chicago has won 4 of their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning record. Chicago has won 4 of Lilly's last 5 starts. The Astros have also been red hot of late. Houston's Brian Moehler has statred 2 games for the Astros this season and they have won both but expect him to struggle vs. this Cubs lineup. Houston is 1-4 in the last 5 meetings between the clubs. Play on the Chicago Cubs -.
Vegas Experts
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
The Hornets enter tonight's deciding Game Seven with the Spurs knowing they are a perfect 11-0 vs. the number this season if playing at home with same season revenge. Home sides are a perfect 6-0 straight up/against the spread in this series with the average margin of victory greater than 18 points per game. Spurs are just 6-15 ATS as a road dog, including 3-14 if receiving six points or less from the oddsmaker.
Tony Matthews
REDS / DODGERS OVER 8?
We expect a high-scoring game as the Cincinnati Reds face-off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Monday's MLB contest. The Cincinnati Reds will use starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo. Bronson Arroyo has struggled this season. In fact, Bronson Arroyo has a 6.08 ERA on the season. We see Bronson Arroyo giving up many runs today. The Los Angeles Dodgers will use starting pitcher Brad Penny. Brad Penny has also struggled this season. In fact, Brad Penny has a 5.09 ERA on the season. In addition, Brad Penny has a 10.34 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Brad Penny giving up many runs today. The "Over" has been a smart investment in Los Angeles Dodgers home games. In fact, the "Over" is 10-4 in the Los Angeles Dodgers last 14 home games. Take the Cincinnati Reds/Los Angeles Dodgers Over 8?!
Michael Cannon
2♦ CINCINNATI REDS +135
The Reds have started to play some baseball, which is nice considering it?s nearing the end of May. Cincinnati is coming off an impressive series win over the Indians that included a dramatic walk-off homerun by Adam Dunn and yesterday?s win over Cleveland?s Cliff Lee, who came into the game sporting a 0.67 ERA on the year. Now they?ll head out west to face the Dodgers. Bronson Arroyo will start tonight and he?s coming off an impressive no-decision in which he tossed seven scoreless innings. Arroyo is 1-2 in five career games against the Dodgers, but does sport an impressive 3.48 ERA in those contests. The Dodgers will counter with Brad Penny, who is in a bit of a funk this year. The right-hander is 5-4 with a 5.09 ERA in nine games. He hasn?t been piling up the strikeouts and has given up more hits than innings pitched, which is a sign that he?s not hitting the speeds he?s used to on the radar gun. Take the Reds as they continue to mash and pick up the road win.
Covers' Ice Picks
Detroit at Dallas (+105, 5)
A few games ago we told you that Marty Turco was going to have to step up and steal a game from the Red Wings to keep Dallas alive. Guess what he went and did? Turco has held Detroit to a single goal in each of the last two games and has been huge starting Dallas? breakout from its own end, even assisting on what turned out to be the winning goal in the second period of Game 5. The Stars are allowing way too many scoring opportunities, even though Turco is holding the fort for now. Detroit will come out flying and the Red Wings offense will bust out sooner or later when it is developing as many chances as it is.
Good fight from the Stars, but this could be the end of the road.
Pick: Detroit
Robert Ross
Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals
Phillies' Myers was roughed up by Atlanta and Arizona in his last two. Even though his career numbers vs. Washington are not good, look for him to take advantage of the class drop and notch a much needed win here. Nats' Redding is 10-21 against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse since 1997.
Play on: Philadelphia
Ben Burns
Kansas City Royals @ Boston Red Sox
PICK: Boston Red Sox
REASON FOR PICK: At first glance, this price appears a little on the steep side. However, when considering that the Red Sox are 17-4 against teams with a losing record, 17-5 at home on the season and 13-5 the last 18 times that they were a host in this series, the price starts to seem much more reasonable. Additionally, it's worth noting that the Red Sox are a perfect 7-0 the last seven times that they were listed as home favorites in the -150 to -175 range.
Both pitchers have fared well of late. However, Hochevar has a 6.75 ERA and 1.781 WHIP in two road starts while Lester has a 3.52 ERA at home with a 1.435 WHIP. Lester will be supported by a Boston lineup which has scored 5.9 runs per game at home, while hitting a healthy .309. He'll faed a KC lineup which bats a collective .264 on the season, managing a mere 3.8 runs per game. Those numbers are even worse when the Royals have faced a southpaw as they've averaged only 3.6 runs in those games, hitting a mere .258. Since 2006, the Royals are 41-70 (-10.3) vs. left-handers. Therefore, it's no real surprise that they lost 1-0 the only time they faced Lester here at Fenway. Lester, a -270 favorite in that games, allowed just a single hit through eight complete innings. Look for him to get the better of Hochevar as the defending champs win their fourth straight.
Covers' Pick & Roll
San Antonio at New Orleans (-4, 182 1/2)
The most important factor for Monday?s game is likely David West?s health. West aggravated a back injury in Game 6 when Robert Horry caught him with a hard backside screen. West left the game and didn?t return as the Spurs rolled to an easy win, forcing a Game 7 back in New Orleans. Now West?s back is a concern, along with Tyson Chandler?s foot. "Took a pretty good shot in the back," New Orleans coach Byron Scott told reporters on Saturday. "Maybe it's a good thing that Game 7 is on Monday. It gives him a chance to get some rest - get that back together. Same thing with Tyson (Chandler) and his foot."
Then again, giving an experienced team like the Spurs another chance when you had them on the ropes is never a good idea. So what?s it going to be? Youth and enthusiasm or age and experience?
Pick: San Antonio
Alex Smart
Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros
Prediction: Chicago Cubs
Could this be the year the Chicago Cubs break out of a 100 year slump that has seen them fail to win the World Series. Im not sure, but they do have a team that Im predicting will be among the leaders to bring home a NL title this season. Tonight against a inconsistent Houston squad, that has lost 21 of their L/25 games, in the first game of a series, as underdogs , after a tilt, that they won , and never trailed, which happened yesterday, in a 5-4 win against instate rivals the Rangers. Play on Chicago
Locksmith Sports
1 Unit on Cubs/Astros UNDER 10
Oddsmakers have set the bar too high here so we'll look to take advantage. The Under is 18-6-1 in the last 25 meetings and 16-5 in the last 21 meetings in Houston. The Under is 20-6-3 in Cubs last 29 road games vs. a right-handed starter, 37-14-2 in Cubs last 53 games as a road favorite, and 4-1 in Lilly's last 5 road starts with the total set at 9.0-10.5. The Under is 5-1 in Astros last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600, 13-5 in Astros last 18 games as a home underdog, and 9-4 in Astros last 13 home games vs. a left-handed starter. We'll follow the numbers to an easy UNDER winner here.
WUNDERDOG
NBA
Game: San Antonio at New Orleans (8:35 PM Eastern)
Pick: New Orleans -4 (-110)
The New Orleans Hornets have lived a life similar to Boston in the playoffs. They have been a perfect 6-0 SU at home and 5-1 ATS. But on the road they are just 1-4 SU and ATS. It has been the theme right throughout the second round of the 2008 playoffs, as San Antonio is also just 1-4 SU and ATS on the road. For the Hornets it goes a lot deeper, as they are now 18-1 SU at home over their last 19, and what is even more amazing about that is that they would also be 18-1 ATS to a line of -4 in those 19 games. And 15 of those games were against playoff teams! The Hornets are young and inexperienced which you could say will hurt them against the veteran Spurs in a pressure game seven. Or, since they don't know any better, they may just not care and instead go out and do what they have been doing at home all season - win. How can we ignore the fact that this season San Antonio is an atrocious 9-18 ATS on the road against winning teams and 3-14 ATS as a road dog of six or less? We can't and we won't. Nor will we forget that the Hornets are a perfect 11-0 ATS this season at home revenging a loss. We like the Hornets.
DAVE PRICE
1 Unit on Chicago Cubs -124 (listing Lilly)
The Cubs have taken 4 of the last 5 meetings in this matchup and I like them to steal one out of the gates here in game 1 of this series as Lilly has the pitching edge. The Cubs are 6-0 in their last 6 games vs. a right-handed starter, 8-2 in their last 10 overall, and 21-7 in their last 28 games as a favorite. The Cubs are also 4-1 in Lilly's last 5 starts. The Astros have been strong at home but with losses in 2 of their last 3 games, I like the Cubs here with more momentum.
LARRY COOK
3* on Cubs/Astros UNDER 10
(Listing Lilly and Moehler)
Ted Lilly and Brian Moehler won?t let this game get out of hand tonight. Less than double-digit runs will be scored in this pitcher?s duel. Lilly is 32-14 UNDER in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. Moehler is 15-4 UNDER in home games vs. teams outscoring opp by 1 or more runs/game on the season since 1997. The Cubs are 40-22 UNDER in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons. Moehler owns a career 3.79 ERA against he Cubs in 3 lifetime starts against them. Lilly owns a 3.60 ERA in 3 career starts against the Astros. Bet the UNDER 10 runs.
Chuck Franklin
The A's are back home after going only 2-7 during the recent road trip. Tampa dropped two of three at St Louis and now must fly to the west coast to contnue their own road trip. Could these two teams be leveling out to more realistic expectations?
Starting for Tampa Bay is James Shields. He is 1-2 with a 6.10 ERA on the road. The A's will counter with Joe Blanton. This righty has allowed no more than two earned runs in each of his last four starts. The edge goes to Blanton.
The Rays have won only seven of Shields' last 26 road starts and they are 1-10 in his last 11 road
starts when facing a team with a better than .500 record. Oakland has won four in a row at home. They have won six of the last eight at home versus a right-handed starter. The A's are 9-4 with Blanton on the mound facing teams with a winning record.
The Rays are on a 5-24 run at Oakland. List the pitchers as specified and take the A's to the bank!
3♦ OAKLAND
JAKE TIMLIN
Monday selection is the Cincinnati Reds.
Take the Reds plus the money as stay red hot. Carrying momentum over to the road look for the Reds who have won 6 straight games to open up on the road in Los Angeles a winner. After all with the Dodgers sliding having lost 7 of their last 10 overall games and their last 4 at home I just don?t see Los Angeles rebounding tonight. Not with Penny on the mound as the righty is 0-2 with a 9.37 ERA over his last 3 starts. So behind Arroyo and a red hot offense back the Reds tonight as they carry over momentum on the road tonight in Southern California.
Cincinnati
Jeff Benton
Cardinals at San Diego.
I don?t get this line at all. The Padres, at 16-29, have the worst record in baseball, while the Cardinals are 26-20 and in second place in the N.L. Central. And yeah, San Diego is at home, but it hasn?t had much of an advantage at Petco Park this season, going just 8-10, which is actually worse than St. Louis? road record (9-10). And over their last 10 at home, the Padres are 3-7.
Then you take a look at the history between these teams and you see that the Cards have owned the Padres, going 48-19 in the last 67 meetings, wining 21 of the last 31 in San Diego.
So why is this basically a pick-em contest? Certainly, it?s not the pitching matchup. The Padres had to scratch ace Jake Peavy from this contest tonight, giving the spot-start to journeymen lefty Wilfredo Ledezma, who has been decent in relief this year but has a track record as a sub-par starter. Meanwhile, Cardinals right-hander Todd Wellemeyer is 4-1 with a 3.27 ERA, and over his last three starts, he?s given up just three earned runs, 11 hits and seven walks in 18 innings of work, which equates to a 1.50 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP.
And Wellemeyer was actually facing decent offenses in those three contests against the Cubs, Brewers and Pirates. Tonight, he faces the major leagues? worst offense, as the Padres are battling just .236 overall (St. Louis hits .280 overall), .215 at home (St. Louis hits .271 on the road), and .249 over the past 10 games (St. Louis is hitting .283 over its last 10).
Add it all up, and this one almost looks too easy. Play the Redbirds.
(Based on a 1♦ to 10♦ rating system)
4♦ ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Scott Rickenbach
NHL 1* (regular play) Dallas Stars Money Line (+) vs Detroit @ 8:05 ET ? The Stars have shown their resilience as they have battled back in this series to force this Game Six by winning two straight. Getting this Game Six at home is also big as, even though Marty Turco finally got a win at Joe Louis Arena Saturday, the Stars are certainly happy to have a chance to again extend this series with a home win. Detroit simply has to be concerned here as they know they?ve let this series slip away a bit and, in doing so, they?ve given the Stars some newfound confidence! This Monday night game is a tough spot for the Red Wings because they must go on the road knowing that a loss means a Game Seven is up next. Even though Detroit would get that came at home they certainly don?t want to ?go there? by losing a third straight game to Dallas tonight. This is putting quite a bit of pressure on the Wings in this spot and that?s bad news because Dallas has seen their confidence grow by leaps and bounds by getting the big wins necessary, in Games Four and Five, to stay alive.
Dallas truly comes into this Monday night match-up rejuvenated and full of energy whereas the Red Wings certainly looked a little bit old and/or slow in the way they played Game Five in Detroit. The way Dallas has battled back in this series has given them new hope and because they weren?t expected to be here (many thought they were on their way to a sweep less than week ago!), there is simply no pressure on Dallas in this match-up. This is allowing the Stars to come in very loose and confident for this game and, speaking of confidence, Dallas goaltender Turco is absolutely on top of his game right now. He turned aside plenty of Red Wings shots in Game Five in Detroit on Saturday afternoon. Although the Red Wings did generate a lot of shots on goal, the Stars have been making certain that there are not screens in front of their own net so Turco, for the most part, is getting a clear view of the pucks and he?s able to turn them aside. Also, Turco?s puckhandling ability should not be underestimated as it?s helped the Dallas offense in this series as he?s helped trigger scoring chances including a game winning goal!
The Stars are still dealing with a couple of injuries but the Red Wings are still without Johan Franzen and he came up big for Detroit early in these playoffs. Also, Dallas has already adjusted to their injury situation and they are fully confident that they can send this series back to Detroit for a huge Game Seven. We fully expect they will with another rock solid effort as the momentum has shifted in this series and we?ll continue to see the results of that on Monday night!
Play Dallas on the money line as a regular selection.
James Patrick Sports
Avengers vs. Rush 8:00 p.m. est.
Our Monday Selection goes in the Arena Football League as we look for a high scoring affair any time the Los Angeles Avengers take the field as they are a defenseless team.
#166 Avengers Rush OVER the TOTAL in the Arena Football League
Jack Reynolds
Power Plays Hotline
Tampa Bay @ Oakland ( 10:05pmEST )
MLB returns to regular season play. The surprising Tampa Bay Rays travel to Oakland to take on the Athletics. The Rays ( 25-19 ) lead their division going into this series. Oakland ( 24-21) are coming off a tough weekend against the Atlanta Braves. The Rays dropped 2/3 in St. Louis over the Inter League Weekend. James Shields ( 4-3 3.05 ) will start tonight against Joe Blanton ( 2-6 3.69 )
Shields is 2-1 life time vs Oakland with an ERA of 4.05. Joe Blanton is 203 life time against Tampa Bay with an ERA of 6.06.
Take Tampa Bay over Oakland in the opening game tonight.
Rocketman Sports
Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
May 19, 2008 10:10 PM EDT
Play: Los Angeles Dodgers
Cincinnati @ LA Dodgers 10:10 PM EST Play On: 1* LA Dodgers -145 (Arroyo/Penny) Listed Cincinnati bullpen has a 6.26 ERA on the road this year. LA Dodgers bullpen has a 3.10 ERA overall this year and a 2.79 ERA at home this season. Arroyo is 2-4 with a 6.08 ERA overall this year. LA Dodgers are 11-3 overall vs Cincinnati last 3 years including a perfect 6-0 at home vs Cincinnati last 3 seasons. Penny is 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA overall vs Cincinnati since 1997. We'll recommend a small play on the LA Dodgers tonight
