Service Plays Saturday 7/19/08

[the duke]

Comps

Chicago Cubs (-125) at HOUSTON Bobby Maxwel

We got a comp play on the Cubs as they take on the Astros in Houston.

The Cubs lost Friday's matchup with the Astros 2-1, but they'll bounce back in a big way tonight when they put ace Carlos Zambrano (10-3, 2.84 ERA) on the mound in Houston.

Chicago is 6-2 in Zambrano's last eight starts and 10-3 when he pitches on Saturdays. In his last two outings, Zambrano has allowed one run and five hits in 14 innings of work, getting victories over the Cardinals and Reds.

Zambrano beat the Astros on May 6 when he gave up two runs in seven innings of a 3-2 victory. The Cubs are 8-2 in his last 10 starts against Houston and he's given up one run or less in three of his last four starts in Houston.

Wandy Rodriguez (4-3, 3.48) has a 6.89 ERA in his last three starts and gave up four runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings in his last outing, a 6-4 win over the Nationals. Houston has lost five of his last seven starts and seven of his last 10.

Chicago is 35-17 in Zambrano's last 52 road starts and the Astros are just 8-20 when facing a right-handed starter and 3-11 in the second game of a series.

We're playing Zambrano and the Cubs.

3♦ CHICAGO CUBS


NY Mets (-125) at CINCINNATI Sports Gambling Hotline

Tonight we look for the Mets to get right back on track with the win over the Reds.

Last night, New York had their 10-game winning streak snapped in a 5-2 loss, but tonight Oliver Perez will be able to tie up the Cincy hitters as he has done the last 4 times he has faced them dating back to the 2006 season.

Perez enters tonight's game on a nice roll, as the southpaw has worked his last 20 innings while allowing just 2 earned runs to score, good for a 1-0 mark. Better still, the Mets have won all 3 of those starts.

Josh Fogg makes his 3rd start since May, and the righty sports a pair of no decisions in his return, allowing 4 runs in 11 innings of work.

The Mets have won 5 of their last 8 at Cincinnati, and have taken 12 of the last 19 overall against the Reds since the '06 season.

Look for New York to get right back on track with the win this Saturday night.

Play on New York.

3♦ METS


Toronto at TAMPA BAY (pick) Karl Garrett

Tonight I see a bunch of goose eggs on the scoreboard at Tropicana Field, as Toronto and Tampa Bay struggle once again to score runs.

Last night these teams combined for just 3 runs in an easy UNDER. The Jays have now been UNDER in their last pair, and 3 of 4, while the Rays have also been LOW in their last pair, and 5 of their last 7.

Roy Halladay has allowed just 2 earned runs over his last 25 innings of work, and sports a road ERA of 2.51, while Tampa hurler Matt Garza is a nifty 5-1 at home this year with a 2.38 ERA.

3 of the 4 games between the teams in Tampa this year have stayed LOW, while 9 of the last 14 overall have held UNDER between the teams at the Trop.

Gotta go LOW once again today between the Jays and Rays.

4♦ UNDER


Nelly

Houston + over Chicago

The Cubs are just 20-26 away from home and 4-9 in the last 13 road games. Chicago has also been less dominant against its own division, sitting only five games above .500 versus Central foes despite the best overall record in the majors. On the season the Cubs and Astros have split six games and the Astros have played solid ball in the last month. The Cubs are only 5-3 behind Zambrano on the road and his numbers are significantly worse. Wandy Rodriguez has quietly been a highly effective pitcher for the Astros with a 2.72 ERA at home. Houston is hitting .281 in home games this season and the great offensive numbers for the Cubs appear to be fading a bit. Following a busy All Star break for many of the players a slow start to the second half would not be a surprise. Closer Kerry Wood is likely unavailable for this game as well with a finger issue. The Cubs are hitting just .239 in the last ten games against left-handers and this is a much more even pitching match-up that most probably realize. Look for the Astros to have a great shot at the upset.

Join Nelly?s Sportsline for one of the big games on Saturday afternoon. Get on board for this televised match-up that should provide you with a great head start on the weekend. Nelly?s cashed in last Saturday with a top play winner on the White Sox before the break and we have a great set-up today for one of the afternoon games. Nelly?s is hitting 83 percent in our 2-Star top plays this baseball season, win again Saturday.



James Patrick

Diamond Club Selections

Phillies vs. Marlins 3:55 p.m. est.
The Philadelphia Phillies are a poor 2-7 in Saturday action and just 1-4 in contests played in Miami. The Fish are a solid 5-2 in starter Olsen?s Saturday starts and our Saturday complimentary selection is #958 Florida Marlins.


Marc Lawrence

Play On: Toronto w/Halladay over Garza

Note: The Blue Jays send the horse, Roy Halladay, to the hill in Tampa against Matt Garza and the Rays in the 2nd game of the three game series tonight. Halladay has been a model of consistency once again this season with a 2.54 ERA in his road starts. He's also 15- 6 in his career team starts in this series, including 8-2 with a 3.00 ERA his last ten games in this park. With Garza winless (0-2) with a 7.74 career ERA against Toronto, look for Halladay to improve to 14-6 in his last 20 starts on Saturdays here this evening

 

[the duke]

Comps

Jimmy Boyd

MLB | Jul 19
Cleveland Indians vs. Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners -128

1 Unit on Seattle Mariners -128 (listing Sowers and Washburn)
The Tribe haven't been able to buy a win behind Sowers. The Indians are 0-6 in Sowers' last 6 road starts and 1-10 in Sowers' last 11 starts as a road underdog. The Indians are a disastrous 6-23 in their last 29 games as a road underdog. Seattle is coming off a nice 8-2 win over the Tribe and they?ll ride that momentum to another big win here. Take the M?s.



Dave Price

MLB | Jul 19
Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves

Total 8? under-126

1 Unit Nats/Braves UNDER 8.5 (listing Lannan and Jurrjens
Unders have become a theme when these two NL East teams face off. The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings. The Under is a dominant 53-25-3 in Braves last 81 overall. The Under is 9-1 in Lannan's last 10 starts overall and 8-2 in Jurrjens' last 10 starts vs. a team with a losing record. Bet the Under ladies and gents.



Matt Rivers

Saturday take the Mets in Cincinnati.

Just too much going the way of the New Yorkers here to ignore them in this spot.

Oliver Perez has been total and complete money in each of his last three outings. The southpaw did walk six in that last outing and is always a risk to implode, as he is still a little feast or famine, but Perez has allowed only two earned runs in his last 20 innings and is a semi must play today.

No doubt the Reds can rake the ball and at Great American are very solid but the left handed power of Dunn, Griffey, Bruce and others could definitely get a bit neutralized here by Perez. In game one of the series Johan Santana did not follow through with this plan but still more times than not a lefthanded pitcher is much better to have against this Cincinnati team.

Josh Fogg has made a couple of recent starts for the Reds and has been okay. The former Rockies and Pirates hurler has been around the block a bit and is not dreadful but he also does not have a huge upside and should get smacked around by the red hot Mets.

Jerry Manual has done a tremendous job after the firing of Willie Randolph and this New York Mets team is as confident as can be right now and we all know how they had a ton of talent with Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Delgado and others to begin with. The loss yesterday means nothing to me and has not stopped any of the momentum.

We have the better everything and are in a quality spot so I'll take my chances with the Mets here.

 

[the duke]

Dave Cokin

My free pick of the day is the game between (955) CHC Cubs and (956) HOU Astros. Take "(955) CHC Cubs"The Astros captured a thriller against the Cubs on Friday night, and they can be a pretty pesky team at home, particularly when Wandy Rodriguez takes the mound. But this is a bad matchup for Houston. The Cubs eat up lefties and Carlos Zambrano has been absolutely sensational in his two starts since a two-week stint on the DL. Zambrano and the Cubs are my choice for Saturday's free play.



Jim Feist

My free pick of the day is the game between (963) PIT Pirates and (964) COL Rockies. Take "Over". Should be a high scoring affair here on Saturday as the Rockies host the Pirates. Yoslan Herrera makes only his second start for the Bucs and the club hopes it's better than his first. Herrera lasted just 4 1/3 innings, gave up 11 hits and six earned runs in his only other start this year, a 12-11 loss to St Louis. Jorge DeLa Rosa has started more games for the Rockies, but the results are pretty much the same. De La Rosa is 3-5 on the year with a 7.57 era. Moreover, he's allowed 16 earned runs and 26 hits in his last 13 2/3 innings. The ball should be flying out of Coors field on Saturday!! Take the OVER.

 

[the duke]

John Fina

July 19, 2008

Selection: Los Angeles/Arizona Under 7.5 (-110)

Reason: Put us down on the Los Angeles Dodgers/Arizona Diamondbacks Under 7.5 for our Free MLB Selection on Saturday. Today we expect a low-scoring game as the Los Angeles Dodgers do battle with the Arizona Diamondbacks. One reason why we expect a low-scoring game is because both these teams will be sending to the mound solid starting pitchers. This says it all... The Los Angeles Dodgers Starting Pitcher (Chad Billingsley) has a 2.66 ERA in his last 3 starts, while Arizona Diamondbacks Starting Pitcher (Dan Haren) has a 1.23 ERA in his last 3 starts. As you can see, both these teams will be sending to the mound solid starting pitchers. We expect to see a low-scoring game tonight! Take the Los Angeles Dodgers/Arizona Diamondbacks Under 7.5!


Brian Marshall

July 19, 2008

Game: Texas Rangers vs. Minnesota Twins

Plays On: Texas/Minnesota Over 10 (-110)

Game Analyses: Do you love high-scoring games? If yes, you will love Saturday's MLB game between the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins.

The Texas Rangers will be lead by starting pitcher Matt Harrison. Matt Harrison has had only two starts so far this season, however, has a 6.52 ERA. We see Matt Harrison giving up many runs once again today.

The Minnesota Twins will be lead by starting pitcher Livan Hernandez. Livan Hernandez has struggled this season. In fact, Livan Hernandez has a 5.44 ERA on the season. In addition, Livan Hernandez has a 6.75 ERA in his last 3 starts. We also see Livan Hernandez giving up many runs once again today.

These teams have a history of playing high-scoring games when they meet. In fact, the Over is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings between these teams.

Take the Texas Rangers/Minnesota Twins Over 10!


Tony Mathews

July 19, 2008

Matchup: New York Mets vs. Cincinnati Reds

Selection: New York Mets (-135)

Explanation: We will side with the New York Mets as they face-off against the Cincinnati Reds in Saturday's MLB contest.

The New York Mets will use starting pitcher Oliver Perez. Oliver Perez has been pitching very well as of late. In fact, Oliver Perez has a 0.90 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Oliver Perez pitching another great game today.

The Cincinnati Reds will use starting pitcher Josh Fogg. Josh Fogg has been having huge pitching problems this entire season. In fact, Josh Fogg has a 7.94 ERA on the season. We see Josh Fogg having another bad game today.

The New York Mets are 7-3 in their last 10 meetings against the Cincinnati Reds, and should be able to get another win tonight!

Take the New York Mets!

 

[the duke]

ARMVIN SPORTS

FLORIDA MARLINS 100

BOSTON RED SOX -118


HONDO

Hondo stumbled with the Tigers and Marlins last night but was wrighted somewhat by the Rays, so the earnings fell only to 745 sturdivants.

Today, he's dealing one of his aces, Duchscherer (or Chsch, for short), in El Bronx - 10 units on the A's. $


MIGHTY QUINN

Mighty hit with the Phillies Friday night.

Saturday it's the Yankees.

The deficit is 85 sirignanos.

 

[the duke]

Comps

Big Al Mcmordie

Game: Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins Jul 19 2008 7:10PM

Prediction: Texas Rangers

Reason: At 7:10pm our member selection is on the Texas Rangers over the Minnesota Twins. The Rangers have to be at least a litle bit peeved every time they see the pitching lines and stats for Reds starter Edinson Volquez and White Sox starter John Danks. After all, Danks (7-4 with a 2.67 ERA) and Volquez (12-3 with a 2.29 ERA) are two of the hottest young hurlers in the game, and both got their start in the Ranger organization -- Danks in the minor league system before being shipped off to Chicago prior to the 2007 season, and Volquez as a member of the major league club before being traded to Cincy prior to this year. Of course, the Rangers can't be TOO upset about Volquez because that trade brought Josh Hamilton to Arlington and all he has done is lead the Majors (by a wide margin) in RBI and become one of the best power hitters in baseball. Hamilton put on an amazing show at the All Star Home run contest before fading in the end to finish 2nd, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a player who can hit the ball as powerfully as he can with such an effortless swing. With multiple starting pitching injuries (Padilla, Hurley, Gabbard), the Rangers have turned to some even more obscure starters, such as young lefthander Matt Harrison and despite Harrison's somewhat ugly overall numbers, the sampling size is only two starts and one of those was pretty darn good (the other definitely was not). Despite the ugly start, Harrison has gotten the type of run support that you would expect from this stacked Ranger lineup and as a result his team is unbeaten in his two lifetime MLB outings, so he can be excused for the one poor performance and I will give him the benefit of the doubt tonight. Livan Hernandez seems like he's been around the league forever, and although his overall stats are not that bad, they'd be a lot better had it not been for two very ugly starts against this Ranger team already in '08. Take Texas.


Carlo Campanella

Game: Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Angels Jul 19 2008 3:55PM

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

Reason: The Angels find themselves as home Dogs as they host Boston on Saturday. We'll back this attack Dog knowing that Boston is a horrible 1-10 on the road against A.L. teams holding foes to 4.2 runs or less this season.!

7* Play on LA Angels


Jimmy The Moose

Game: Milwaukee Brewers at San Francisco Giants Jul 19 2008 4:05PM

Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers

Reason: All stats are prior to last night's game between the clubs. The Brewers are 20-8 in theor last 28 games as a favorite. In their last 16 games vs. a left-handed starter the Brewers are 13-3. Milwaukee is 11-3 in Sheets last 14 road starts. The Brewers are 26-11 in his last 37 starts overall. The Giants are 3-10 in their last 13 home games vs. a team with a winning record. San Francisco is 7-19 in their last 26 home games overall. Prior to last night's game the Giants had lost 6 of their last 7 overall. Milwaukee is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings between the clubs. Play on the Milwaukee Brewers

 

[the duke]

STU FINER


Oakland Athletics at New York Yankees

We love the Yankees here tonight. We really feel that Joba Chamberlain is about to take off. We know he has pitched well but he hasn?t been able to really finish the deal in most of his starts. It took him a little while to get used to the starting rotation, there is no question about that. Now it is a little different situation for Joba.

Joba has to learn how to pitch more than throw. Joba clearly has the stuff to be one of the best pitchers in all of a baseball. For the season Joba has an ERA that sits at 2.62. In 65 innings he has allowed just 54 hits.

The Yankees bats came out swinging last night and we expect to see the same results here tonight. Justin Duchscherer has been great all season but we expect him to come back to earth just a little bit.

New York Yankees (-)


Cleveland Indians at Seattle Mariners

We like the Mariners to get the job done once again here at home tonight. We know that the Mariners have been a disappointment all season, but as we have said before they are still capable of coming up on the winning side.

Tonight the Mariners face a very bad baseball team. The Indians are beat up badly folks. They are without a true closer since they released Joe Borrowski. They still don?t have a number three or number four batter. Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner continue to sit on the disabled list.

Sowers has not won a game all season. He has been particularly bad on the road folks. Sowers is 0-4 with an ERA over 9. We don?t expect anything different tonight. Seattle is a good deal at this price.

Seattle Mariners (-)


Boston Red Sox at LA Angels

We love Josh Beckett as much as anyone out there folks. If there were one game that was a must win we would turn to Josh. Like it or not though Josh isn?t a fantastic regular season pitcher. He isn?t a guy that goes out there and wins 20 games every year. He isn?t a guy that has an ERA in the 2.00?s and has a record of twelve games over .500. We have the numbers to back that up as well.

Josh is just 4-4 on the road this season. Even at home he is 5-1 but has an ERA near five. For the season Beckett isn?t even one of the top twenty starters in the American League. He has ERA that is just 3.94 and has actually cost lots of bettors a pretty penny this season. The Angels are one of baseball?s best and most under-rated teams. At home with this price is too good to pass up.

LA Angels (+)


Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays

You have to face facts, the Rays are in true free for all. The Rays bats have just gone silent. There are a few reasons for this. The first reason is that their line-up isn?t that solid to begin with. They are lacking a true presence in the middle of their lineup. Yes I know they have Evan Longoria but depending on a rookie is a very tough thing to count on.

Tonight the Rays face the best pitcher in the American League. Roy is 11-6 on the season and has been rolling his last few outings. Roy has gone 3-0 in his last three starts. Roy has thrown 25 innings and allowed just two runs and twelve hits. Those are scary numbers folks. His WHIP is now down to just 1.00. If there is any pitcher worth trusting on the road Roy is that man. He has beaten Tampa before and he will beat them again.

Toronto Blue Jays (Even)


Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox

Is there a more balanced team in all of baseball than the Chicago White Sox? This is a team that just doesn?t get any credit. We are here to give them the credit they deserve. Just look how the White Sox came out last night.

Last night Chicago came out and faced one of the best young pitchers in baseball. All they did was put up nine hits and seven runs through just the first two innings. The White Sox have a great bull-pen, the best team ERA and they are now creeping in to the top five in runs scored.

The Royals are an improved team but they aren?t in the class of the White Sox just yet. Let everyone talk about Minnesota?s winning ways and the ?other? team in Chicago, while we just jump on with the White Sox.

Chicago White Sox (-)


Detroit Tigers at Baltimore Orioles

More of the same from the Detroit Tigers the last few nights. This is a team that has a great offense but nothing else. Yes sad to say the Tigers are a one trick pony. Everyone out there expects them to get their act together and make a big run. They just don?t have the talent to do so.

The Tigers only have one capable starter. Sure we love Justin Verlander, but when he isn?t on the mound the Tigers are a disaster waiting to happen. Detroit has one of the weakest closers in all of baseball. We know Todd Jones has a decent amount of saves but he has blown multiple saves and just take a look at his ERA.

Look the Orioles still know how to win at home. The Tigers on the other hand haven?t proved they can win consistently on the road. If the Tigers are going to take off they are going to have to prove it to us first. With Daniel Cabrera on the mound look for the Orioles to get the job done here tonight at home.

Baltimore Orioles (-)


Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins

We know that you are going to look at the numbers of Livan Hernandez and probably not be impressed. We are going to take a different view on it though. Livan knows how to win. Livan doesn?t just know how to win, he does win folks. Livan is 9-6 on the season which by itself is impressive, but the Twins are 13-7 in his twenty starts. There aren?t many pitchers that can match those two very important statistics.

Matt Harrison pitches tonight for the Rangers. Matt isn?t one of these young studs that were called up to help his team make a push to the playoffs. The Rangers just don?t have any starting pitching. Matt has made two starts and has been hit hard in them.

Harrison has pitched just 9.2 innings and has allowed twelve hits to go along with his ERA of 6.52. The Twins can hit folks, make no mistake about that, tonight in the Metrodome the Twins get the job done and take game two of this series.

Minnesota Twins (-)


San Diego Padres at St. Louis Cardinals

We just can?t trust the Padres anymore folks. There are going to be very few times when it is a good spot to jump on board with San Diego. There may be a few times when Jake Peavy takes the mound but other than that the Padres just don?t have enough talent.

This is a team that is 15 games under .500 on the road. You may think that they are a great home team right? Think again, this is a team that is 23-30 at home. They are 20 games plus under the .500 mark. This is a team that just doesn?t have the offense. They have one solid player in Adrian Gonzalez and outside of that have no one that keeps you up at night.

Todd Wellemeyer is 7-4 on the season and has more than decent stuff. He has allowed fewer hits than innings pitched and has found ways to win ball games. Look for the Cardinals to stay in the race in the NL Central.

St. Louis Cardinals (-)


Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Marlins

We have said this before but the Phillies are just a better team when they aren?t supposed to win. Just take a look at their season so far. This is a team that had a shot to run away with the division, but they just couldn?t handle it and just couldn?t do it. Last season though they had to make up seven games in less than three weeks and did it. When this team has their back against the wall they perform at an ultra high level.

Tonight the Phillies send their second most reliable starter to the hill. Cole Hamels is the ace of the Phillies and there is no question about that, but Kyle has performed better than almost anyone could have expected.

Kyle has posted eight wins already this season and has just three losses. Kyle hasn?t lost a start since back on June 18 and that was against the World Series champion Boston Red Sox. Look for Kyle and the Phillies to win this second game.

Philadelphia Phillies (-)


Milwaukee Brewers at San Francisco Giants

We like Ben Sheets to get the job done on the road tonight. Ben looked great in his two innings in the all-star game. Ben is a true ace. This is a guy who already has ten wins on the season. Ben is one of the few pitchers that is actually better on the road than at home. So many pitchers just do a better job at home and struggle on the road. They feel they are out of their routine and get rattled much easier.

Ben hasn?t just been good on the road, Ben has been stellar on the road. Sheets is 6-1 on the road with an ERA of just 2.78. Ben has pitched 74.1 innings and walked just 17 men, while striking out a staggering 62 batters. You can be confident tonight for many reasons, that top reason is Mr. Ben Sheets.

Milwaukee Brewers (-)


Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves

The Braves will take care of business once again tonight. Last night they did have to sweat out the victory but they did get the job done. The Braves ended up scoring seven runs and pounding out eight hits. Tonight the Braves send their best starter to the mound. No it isn?t Tim Hudson it is Jair Jurrjens.

Jair Jurrjens has been pitching fantastic the last few weeks. Jair has allowed a total of five runs in his last five starts. Jair has lost just one game since May 13. He has gone out there and thrown so many big games. In his last eleven starts he has allowed a total of four runs.

The Braves will be able to make a little run in an average NL East. Look for the Braves to sweep this series.

Atlanta Braves (-)


New York Mets at Cincinnati Reds

To say the Mets are hot and rolling would be the under-statement of the year. The Mets are firing on all cylinders folks. Yes we are aware they lost last night, but so what? This is a team that has won ten out of eleven games. You didn?t expect them to go un-defeated the rest of the way did you? If you were expecting that prepare to be let-down.

The Mets have been doing it in all fashions. It is not as if the Mets have just slugged teams to death or shut teams out. Just look at the Mets two nights ago. They were down two runs in the ninth inning and put up six straight hits against the Reds closer. The Mets have also gotten top level pitching. Just one series ago, they allowed one run in a three game set against the Rockies.

When Oliver Perez is on he is nearly un-hittable. The Mets will get back on track tonight and begin a new streak.

New York Mets (-)


Pittsburgh Pirates at Colorado Rockies

The Rockies still have more than a fighting chance in this weak NL West. This is a team that hasn?t played well, there is no doubt about that. That doesn?t mean they don?t have the talent to win ball games. Just look at the first two games in this series. The Rockies still have hopes of turning this thing around.

Do you have to go much further than last year to see that the Rockies have fire in their bellies? Tonight we get the Rockies ace. Aaron Cook has been great all-season. Many of you weren?t familiar with Aaron until a few nights ago. Cook came in and shut down the American League for three innings. That included getting out of a bases loaded, nobody out situation. This guy pounds down in the zone and gets results. Take the Rockies at home tonight behind their ace.

Colorado Rockies (-)


Los Angels Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks

Big time pitching match-up here in Arizona. We sure feel that this game is going to be slightly different than last nights contest. Last night the Dodgers came out and scored three runs in the top of the first. All that happened next was four runs scored by the home Diamondbacks.

We are going to go on board with the home team once again tonight. The Dodgers are a team that really struggles on the road. They are more than three games under the .500 mark at home. Meanwhile the Diamondbacks are seven plus games over the .500 mark.

Dan Haren has given up a total of three runs in his last four starts. Yes folks his ERA is about 1.05 in his last five starts. Look for him to keep up that streak as this Pepperdine product will win again.

Arizona Diamondbacks (-)

 

[the duke]

SPORTS ADVISORS

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Philadelphia (53-44) at Florida (50-46)

The Marlins continue their three-game series against N.L. East rival Philadelphia when they send southpaw Scott Olsen (5-4, 3.77 ERA) to the mound at Dolphin Stadium. Florida is 6-3 in its last nine overall and 5-1 in its last six versus right-handed starters, but only 3-7 in Olsen?s last 10 trips to the hill.

Kyle Kendrick (8-3, 4.47) gets the start today for the Phillies, who are on a 5-1 run overall and have won four straight on the road. Also, Philadelphia has won 11 of Kendrick?s last 12 road starts and is 11-5 in its last 16 on the highway versus lefty starters, but the team is just 2-9 in its last 11 on Saturdays.

The Phillies took Friday?s series-opener 4-2 behind the pitching of veteran Jamie Moyer. They lead the season-series 4-3, and have won the last two matchups in South Beach.

Olsen closed the first half of his season with one of his best efforts to date, holding the Padres to a run on four hits in eight innings en route to a 5-2 victory, marking his sixth quality start in his last eight trips to the mound. Olsen is 3-3 with a solid 2.96 ERA in 11 starts at home.

Kendrick gave up four runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings in his most recent start July 11 at home against Arizona, but the Phillies bats bailed him out in a 6-5 victory. The Phillies are 20-8 in Kendrick?s last 28 starts (14-5 this year), and the right-hander is 4-1 with a 4.29 ERA on the road, where Philadelphia has averaged 7.7 per game for him in 10 starts (nine wins) this year.

Kendrick faced the Marlins twice last year, posting identical lines of seven innings pitched with six hits and two runs allowed, as Philadelphia lost 4-2 on the road and won 9-2 in South Beach. Meanwhile, Olsen is 3-5 with a 5.33 ERA in 10 lifetime starts against the Phillies, including tough 3-0 home setback on June 12 when the lefty allowed just two runs (one earned) in seven innings.

The over is 36-18-1 in the last 55 meetings between these clubs and 48-20-3 in the last 71 clashes at Dolphin Stadium. In addition, for the Marlins, the over is on streaks of 39-17-6 overall, 66-31-9 against the N.L. East, 37-16-2 on Saturdays and 8-3 when Olsen toes the rubber. Finally, the over is 19-9 in Kendrick?s last 27 starts overall and 10-4 in his last 14 on the road.

ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA


L.A. Dodgers (47-49) at Arizona (47-49)

The top two teams in the N.L. West continue their three-game series at Chase Field, where the Diamondbacks All-Star right-hander Dan Haren (8-5, 2.72) will oppose Chad Billingsley (9-8, 3.25).

Arizona alternated wins and losses on a six-game road trip to Washington and Philadelphia prior to the All-Star break, and the DBacks are just 19-33 going back to May 20. Two positives for the DBacks: They?re on runs of 19-9 on Saturday and 37-19 at home against losing teams.

Los Angeles is just 2-4 in its last six games, but 9-2 in its last 11 on the highway. Also, the Dodgers have won five of Billingsley?s last six starts overall, but they?re 0-4 in his last four against the N.L. West.

The Dodgers scored an 8-7, 11-inning victory Friday, but the D?Backs lead the season series 4-2, including a three-game sweep at Chase Field from April 7-9. The Diamondbacks have averaged 6.5 runs per game in the six contests against Los Angeles.

Haren has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six straight starts and seven of his last eight, with all eight being quality outings. The DBacks are 6-2 during this eight-game run. At home this year, Haren is 7-2 with a 2.43 ERA in 10 starts.

Billingsley was masterful his last time out against the Marlins on Sunday, allowing just one run on five hits over seven innings in a 9-1 home victory. He walked none and struck out a season-high 13, and he?s allowed one or no earned runs in four of his last six outings. However, the right-hander is just 4-4 in nine road starts despite a 2.65 ERA.

Billingsley is 4-3 with a 3.80 ERA in nine career appearances (seven starts) against Arizona, but he?s 0-2 with a 9.72 ERA in two starts against the DBacks this year. Meanwhile, Haren is 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four career games (three starts) against the Dodgers, including a 9-3 home win and an 8-3 road loss this season.

The over is 5-1 in the six series meetings between these teams this season and 5-0 in Arizona?s last five overall. However, the under is 10-4 in Haren?s last 14 starts overall, 5-2 in his last seven at home, 8-3 in Billingsley?s last 11 overall and 5-0 in his last five on the road.

ATS ADVANTAGE: ARIZONA


AMERICAN LEAGUE

Boston (57-41) at L.A. Angels (58-38)

Joe Saunders (12-5, 3.07) looks to pick up his league-leading 13th victory of the season when he leads the Angels against Josh Beckett (9-5, 3.94) and the Red Sox as the top two teams in the American League continue a three-game series against at Angel Stadium.

Los Angeles has won three in a row, including Friday?s XX-XX win over the Red Sox. The Angels are just 10-8 in their last 18 games overall and 7-6 in its last 13 at home. Meanwhile, Boston, which closed the first half of the season on a 5-1 run, is on slides of 3-9 in its last 12 versus the A.L. West and 2-8 in its last 10 on the road.

The Angels have won three straight over the Red Sox and lead the season series 3-1 after Boston won nine of 13 against Los Angeles last season, including sweeping a divisional playoff series in October.

Saunders hasn?t pitched since July 8 when he went eight innings at Texas, giving up three runs in eight innings but getting little support in the 3-2 loss to the Rangers. He is 6-2 at home with a 3.92 ERA and the Angels are 7-2 in his nine outings in Anaheim. Saunders is 3-0 in four career outings against Boston with a 2.92 ERA.

Beckett has been mediocre on the road, going 4-4 with a 3.31 ERA. He got drilled by the Twins on July 9, giving up five runs on eight hits in five innings but his offense dominated, scoring an 18-5 win. He dominated the Angels in the playoffs last season, throwing a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits in the 4-0 victory. For his career, Beckett is 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA in four regular season starts against Los Angeles and the Red Sox have won four of his five overall outings against the Angels.

Boston is 33-13 in Beckett?s last 46 as a favorite, 18-7 with him on the road and 7-1 when he pitches the second game of a series. The under is 11-6-1 the last 18 road starts for the Red Sox with Beckett facing a team with a winning record and 5-2-1 when Beckett starts on the road.

The under is 35-18-3 in the Angels? last 56 games overall and 14-3-2 when they play on Saturday, but the over is 9-3-1 in the last 12 meetings in this rivalry.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

 

[the duke]

Scott Ferrall


WHITE SOX -150 over Royals--Gavin Floyd puts on another show on the South Side and beats Gil Meche. UNDER 9 RUNS

Texas +105 over Minnesota--I say the Rangers jump on Livan Hernandez early and often. This one ends up being about the bats and the Rangers lineup can produce in bunches ! OVER 10 RUNS

ATLANTA -200 over Washington--Jurrjens isn't losing to this pathetic lineup. The Nats are so dreadful. It's usually easy money betting against them. Lannan gets lit every time out. OVER 8.5 RUNS

Cincy +115 over Mets--Oliver Perez has been tough lately, but that all ends here with another one of his bad outings where he can't find the strike zone. Another wild one--go light because I don't trust Josh Fogg either. OVER 10 RUNS

COLORADO -150 over Pittsburgh--De La Rosa is the snag here because the Bucs starter, Herrera, has an ERA over 12 and that's all you need to know. UNDER 10.5 RUNS(8-2 Final)

Arizona -130 over LA Dodgers--Dan Haren is better than Chad Billingsley, especially in the Desert. D'Backs won't let the Dodgers push them around this weekend. UNDER 7.5 RUNS

 

[the duke]

Comps

Frank Jordan

Oakland Athletics vs. New York Yankees
Play: New York Yankees

We like the Yankees to start off the second half in fine fashion. Mike Mussina was lights out last night and the Yankees shook up their batting order moving Jeter to lead-off and A-Rod to the #3 spot. Richie Sexton the newest Yankees also contributed on Friday night. Take the Yankees behind Joba and look for them to get another win and on a hot streak! Afterall it is there time of the season to catch fire.


Tony Weston

The Orioles come through with the victory last night to help me improve to 29-10 my last 39 Comp Plays.

Now, we?re going to keep that winning trend going tonight as we?re heading to Ohio as we?re going with the over on the Mets-Reds game.

The total for this one is set at about 10 and the teams will blow past that, despite totaling only seven runs last night.

The teams have played five times this season and the over has come in three times. In the five games these teams have played they?ve totaled, on average, more than 12 runs a contest (12.4). And only once in the last three games have they not scored double digits and that came last night when the teams totaled seven runs.

For the season the over is 27-19-5 for the Mets in road games and the over is 6-3 in the Reds? last nine games overall.

It?ll be another high-scoring affair and the over will come in easily. Take the over tonight.

3♦ METS-REDS OVER (On a 1-5♦ Scale)


Ross Benjamin

Kansas City (Meche) @ White Sox (Floyd)
Pick: White Sox -150

Note: If the White Sox exceed a favorite of 1.50 just risk as much as you would normally play to win.

The White Sox starter Gavin Floyd is 9-1 in his home team starts while posting a 2.57 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. The White Sox are an outstanding 21-6 in their last 27 home games versus a team with a winning percentage of less than .500. The Kansas City starter Gil Meche is 1-15 in his last 16 team starts as an underdog of 1.50 or less. The Royals are a woeful 2-10 in the last 12 versus a right-handed starting pitcher. The White Sox have defeated the Royals in 7 of the last 8 heading into the weekend series. Play on the Chicago White Sox as my Saturday free selection

 

[the duke]

JEFFERSONSPORTS

10-1-1 last 12 plays

40-19 last 59 plays 68%

MLB RECORD
+35.75 units (+3575 playing 100 per game)

EARLY RELEASE FOR SAT
MLB
ARIZONA-123
ATLANTA-189
MILWAUKEE-139
SEATTLE-124

 

[the duke]

PAUL LEINER

25* Over 9 Fla/Phi
10* Blue Jays -110

 

[the duke]

MIKE WYNN

MLB Milwaukee w/Sheets -140 Over San Francisco


Platinum Plays

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES + 105 Over the Florida Marlins


DARK HORSE SPORTS

Tampa Bay +110 over Toronto


TOTALS 4U

DODGERS/DIAMONDBACKS UNDER 7 1/2



RAZOR SHARP SPORTS

NY METS/CINCINNATI OVER the total of 10



THE SHARPSHOOTER

DODGERS +120 OVER DIAMONDBACKS



DR. VEGAS

Baltimore -115 over Detroit


BIG TIME SPORTS

TEXAS / MINNESOTA OVER 10



VEGAS STEAMLINE

Take CHICAGO WITE SOX w/ Floyd -155 over Kansas City


Trace Adams

Philadelphia Phillies

 

[the duke]

MLB Trend Sheet

1:05 PM OAKLAND vs. NY YANKEES
Oakland is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
NY Yankees are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home


3:55 PM BOSTON vs. LA ANGELS
Boston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Boston is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games


3:55 PM CLEVELAND vs. SEATTLE
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Seattle is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games


3:55 PM PHILADELPHIA vs. FLORIDA
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Philadelphia


3:55 PM SAN DIEGO vs. ST. LOUIS
San Diego is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games on the road
San Diego is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against San Diego
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Diego


4:05 PM MILWAUKEE vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
San Francisco is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games at home


6:10 PM TORONTO vs. TAMPA BAY
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Toronto is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Tampa Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Toronto
Tampa Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home


7:05 PM CHI CUBS vs. HOUSTON
Chi Cubs are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games


7:05 PM DETROIT vs. BALTIMORE
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home


7:05 PM KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Kansas City is 1-8 SU in their last 9 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing Kansas City
Chi White Sox are 12-2 SU in their last 14 games at home


7:10 PM NY METS vs. CINCINNATI
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
NY Mets are 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


7:10 PM TEXAS vs. MINNESOTA
Texas is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Texas is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Texas
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home


7:10 PM WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
Washington is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington


8:05 PM PITTSBURGH vs. COLORADO
Pittsburgh is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Colorado
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home


8:10 PM LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
LA Dodgers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

 

[the duke]

Goodfellasports


MLB
2 BOXES- COLORADO/PITTSBURGH OVER 11 EVEN (8PM)
1 BOX- SD +1.5 -155 over ST LOUIS (355PM)
1 BOX- SEATLE -130 over CLEVLAND (355PM)

WNBA
2 BOXES- PHOENIX/ATL OVER 186 (10PM)
1 BOX- LA/HOU OVER 150 (830PM)


CFL
2 BOXES- SASKATCHEWAN/MONTREL OVER 50.5 (7PM)

 

[the duke]

EZWINNERS

MLB

1 STAR: (967) OAKLAND (+$142) over NY Yankees
(Listing Duchscherer only)
(Risking $100 to win $142)
12:05PM Central Time

 

[the duke]

Comps


Boston at ANAHEIM (+110) Chris Jordan

Right on target in the second half of the season, as the Devil Rays helped complete the 3-0 Sweep on Friday night. Now it's time to bank on a huge winning weekend, as I gear up for a trip to Yankee Stadium tomorrow, and enjoy the trip to the N-Y-C.

Do yourself a favor, while you're enjoying today's free winner on the Angels, contemplate exactly what you're going to do this fall in the football season, as there should only be one handicapper to trust for your long-term investment.

Last season I ranked No. 1 at this site, this year will be no different!

I'll break down the Angels over the Red Sox for you, as the boys from Anaheim make it four straight today.

2♦ ANGELS





Nick Parsons

Originally the Yankees were destined to be on the pay play list Saturday. However, Sean Gallagher is now in the box for the Oakland instead of Justin Duchscherer. As a result, this line has jumped up and has now become pricier than what is used for pay play status. Still, there is value with the Yanks even at this price and that is why youre reading about them here! Joba Chamberlain gets the start for the Yanks and he has adjusted very well to his new starting status. The right-hander seems to be getting stronger in his new role and catcher Jorge Posada raved about his pitches in his most recent start. Even though Chamberlain took the loss in his most recent start he did match a career-high with nine strikeouts and he also allowed just three earned runs while lasting nearly seven innings. The As have never faced Chamberlain and that is another advantage for the Yankees hurler. The Athletics have lost three straight and theyve scored just five runs during this losing streak. The As have a .249 batting average and that is among the worst in the American League. Oakland is also just 3 for 21 with men in scoring position during their losing streak. In terms of the As pitching, Gallagher made a strong debut for the As after coming over from the Cubs. However, the Athletics right-hander was 0-4 with a 5.05 ERA away from Wrigley Field. His inability to win away from home is unlikely to see improvement with a visit to Yankee Stadium this afternoon. The Bronx is a tough place for young hurlers and the 22 year old is facing a Yanks club that has won four straight games at home. Not only do the Yankees have a starting pitching edge this afternoon but their bullpen has allowed just nine earned runs in their last 17 games and this has included nearly 54 innings of relief work! The Yankees should win this one in a home rout so this price is still offering some line value! Grab the value with the Yankees!

New York Yankees





Chip Chirimbes


The New York Yankees had baseball's best record after the All-Star break last year, turning a mediocre start into their 13th straight postseason appearance. They're hoping their comfortable win Friday is the start of another second-half surge. New York will look to win its sixth straight home game on Saturday when it continues its series with the Oakland Athletics, who have lost three straight for the first time since May. The Yankees' 51-25 record after the break last year earned them the AL wild card despite a 43-43 start. Their offense awakened in the second half, averaging 6.6 runs as five of their regulars batted above .300 over that span.

NEW YORK YANKEES

 

[the duke]

Rocco Spacamuro

500* Brewers -140

 

[the duke]

Vegas Steam

Colorado Rockies -150
Texas Rangers +105

 

[the duke]

CappersAccess


Sat (MLB) Brewers
Sat (MLB) Blue Jays