Thursday Service Plays 4/10
- Thread starter Al Kaline
- Start date
Insider Sports Report
4* St. Louis (Wainwright) -130 over San Francisco (Correia)
Range -110 to -145
3* L.A. Clippers +16 over L.A Lakers (NBA)
Range +17.5 to +14
3* Utah/Dallas (NBA) OVER 200.5
Range 199 to 202.5
4* St. Louis (Wainwright) -130 over San Francisco (Correia)
Range -110 to -145
3* L.A. Clippers +16 over L.A Lakers (NBA)
Range +17.5 to +14
3* Utah/Dallas (NBA) OVER 200.5
Range 199 to 202.5
EZ WINNERS
MLB
2 STAR: (906) PITTSBURGH (+$133) over Chicago
(Listing Morris and Hill)
(Risking $200 to win $266)
6:05PM Central Time
2 STAR: (906) MINNESOTA (+$131) over Chicago
(Listing Hernandez and Contreras)
(Risking $200 to win $262)
6:05PM Central Time
2 STAR: (915) DETROIT (+$127) over Boston
(Listing Robertson and Wakefield)
(Risking $200 to win $254)
6:05PM Central Time
2 STAR: (911) ST. LOUIS (-1.5)(+$125) over San Francisco
(Listing Wainwright and Correia)
(Risking $200 to win $250)
9:15PM Central Time
1 STAR: (924) KANSAS CITY (+$144) over NY Yankees
(Listing Bale and Pettitte)
(Risking $100 to win $144)
7:10PM Central Time
MLB
2 STAR: (906) PITTSBURGH (+$133) over Chicago
(Listing Morris and Hill)
(Risking $200 to win $266)
6:05PM Central Time
2 STAR: (906) MINNESOTA (+$131) over Chicago
(Listing Hernandez and Contreras)
(Risking $200 to win $262)
6:05PM Central Time
2 STAR: (915) DETROIT (+$127) over Boston
(Listing Robertson and Wakefield)
(Risking $200 to win $254)
6:05PM Central Time
2 STAR: (911) ST. LOUIS (-1.5)(+$125) over San Francisco
(Listing Wainwright and Correia)
(Risking $200 to win $250)
9:15PM Central Time
1 STAR: (924) KANSAS CITY (+$144) over NY Yankees
(Listing Bale and Pettitte)
(Risking $100 to win $144)
7:10PM Central Time
Jim Feist
LA Lakers
LA Clippers
Take "Under"
The battle for the pride of LA has been all Lakers this season, going for the season sweep here. It?s also been a series about defense, mainly by the Lakers, with the last two meetings sailing under the total. The Clippers are a mess on offense, with Chris Kaman out, Corey Maggette hurting, and Sam Cassell long gone. They are 4-1 under the total the last 5 games. The Lakers are surprisingly strong defensively, allowing 44.5% shooting by opponents ? 6th in the NBA. Play the Lakers/Clippers under the total!
LA Lakers
LA Clippers
Take "Under"
The battle for the pride of LA has been all Lakers this season, going for the season sweep here. It?s also been a series about defense, mainly by the Lakers, with the last two meetings sailing under the total. The Clippers are a mess on offense, with Chris Kaman out, Corey Maggette hurting, and Sam Cassell long gone. They are 4-1 under the total the last 5 games. The Lakers are surprisingly strong defensively, allowing 44.5% shooting by opponents ? 6th in the NBA. Play the Lakers/Clippers under the total!
Dave Cokin
CIN Reds
MIL Brewers
Take "MIL Brewers"
Aaron Harang has developed into a legit top of the rotation starter for the Reds. But he's had difficulty with the lineup he'll be facing Thursday in Milwaukee and Harang is less effective in day games as a rule. Carlos Villanueva had a good spring and was decent in his first start, and I'm going to side with him here. Brewers to top the Reds.
CIN Reds
MIL Brewers
Take "MIL Brewers"
Aaron Harang has developed into a legit top of the rotation starter for the Reds. But he's had difficulty with the lineup he'll be facing Thursday in Milwaukee and Harang is less effective in day games as a rule. Carlos Villanueva had a good spring and was decent in his first start, and I'm going to side with him here. Brewers to top the Reds.
Drew Gordon
Atlanta at COLORADO (-115)
While we should expect the Braves will be highly motivated to avoid the sweep here, doing against Jeff Francis may prove easier said than done. Yes, I know the Rockies southpaw is struggling a bit, but let's not get carried away, its still very early and we all know what he's capable of.
If Francis' last start against the Braves is any indication, we should expect a strong effort this afternoon, as back on August 3rd of last season, he limited Atlanta to 1 run on 6 hits over 6 innings, striking out 8! Braves offense did show signs of life yesterday, but it was Colorado's batting order that exploded for 12 runs on on 13 hits! That's bad news for Tim Hudson if you ask me.
Unlike Francis, Hudson started the season well, but all signs point to trouble today at Coors, where he's 0-2 with a ridiculous 13.00 ERA. In those 9 innings pitched in Colorado, he's allowed 13 runs on 19 hits, while walking 8 batters... Numbers like those are hard to ignore, especially after the Rockies efforts at the plate yesterday.
Bottom line, not only has Tim Hudson been awful at Coors, but under the circumstances, we're getting the Rockies at a bargain price. Much like the first two games of this series, expect a relatively close contest here, but in the end, the Rockies can and will get the W.
Take Colorado behind Francis over Altanta and Hudson in afternoon MLB action.
2♦ COLORADO
Atlanta at COLORADO (-115)
While we should expect the Braves will be highly motivated to avoid the sweep here, doing against Jeff Francis may prove easier said than done. Yes, I know the Rockies southpaw is struggling a bit, but let's not get carried away, its still very early and we all know what he's capable of.
If Francis' last start against the Braves is any indication, we should expect a strong effort this afternoon, as back on August 3rd of last season, he limited Atlanta to 1 run on 6 hits over 6 innings, striking out 8! Braves offense did show signs of life yesterday, but it was Colorado's batting order that exploded for 12 runs on on 13 hits! That's bad news for Tim Hudson if you ask me.
Unlike Francis, Hudson started the season well, but all signs point to trouble today at Coors, where he's 0-2 with a ridiculous 13.00 ERA. In those 9 innings pitched in Colorado, he's allowed 13 runs on 19 hits, while walking 8 batters... Numbers like those are hard to ignore, especially after the Rockies efforts at the plate yesterday.
Bottom line, not only has Tim Hudson been awful at Coors, but under the circumstances, we're getting the Rockies at a bargain price. Much like the first two games of this series, expect a relatively close contest here, but in the end, the Rockies can and will get the W.
Take Colorado behind Francis over Altanta and Hudson in afternoon MLB action.
2♦ COLORADO
VEGAS SPORTS PICS
Colorado (Francis) - 105* Atlanta (Hudson)
Colorado is 10-3 last 13 Francis home starts. Rockies, who have won last three Francis starts versus Atlanta, are 9-4 last 13 home meetings.
Pittsburgh (Morris) + 125* over Cubs (Hill)
Cubs are 5-10 last 15 Hill road starts, including 0-2 at Pittsburgh. Cubs have won the first two games of this set, both coming in extra innings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/10/08 @ 08:38:41 A.M.
Vegas Experts
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
Thursday, April 10th, 7:05 PM ET
Pirates have to be deflated after losing back-to-back extra inning affairs, particularly Wednesday's loss that saw them rally in the 14th only to lose by a pair of runs the next inning. That was Chicago's fourth straight win and the Cubbies have had little difficulty knocking around Pittsburgh pitching, scoring 16 runs in two games and 28 over their last four. That will be more than enough for southpaw Rich Hill, a hurler always involved in Unders.
Play on: Chicago Cubs
Colorado (Francis) - 105* Atlanta (Hudson)
Colorado is 10-3 last 13 Francis home starts. Rockies, who have won last three Francis starts versus Atlanta, are 9-4 last 13 home meetings.
Pittsburgh (Morris) + 125* over Cubs (Hill)
Cubs are 5-10 last 15 Hill road starts, including 0-2 at Pittsburgh. Cubs have won the first two games of this set, both coming in extra innings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/10/08 @ 08:38:41 A.M.
Vegas Experts
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
Thursday, April 10th, 7:05 PM ET
Pirates have to be deflated after losing back-to-back extra inning affairs, particularly Wednesday's loss that saw them rally in the 14th only to lose by a pair of runs the next inning. That was Chicago's fourth straight win and the Cubbies have had little difficulty knocking around Pittsburgh pitching, scoring 16 runs in two games and 28 over their last four. That will be more than enough for southpaw Rich Hill, a hurler always involved in Unders.
Play on: Chicago Cubs
Marc Lawrence
Play On: Texas w/Millwood
Note: Rangers close out a three-game home stand against the Orioles behind the serves of Kevin Millwood in Arlington this evening. Millwood has enjoyed hurling against the Birds as evidenced by his 8-2 career team start record with a 3.49 ERA, including 4-0 with a 1.74 ERA at home the last three seasons. Look for more of the same here tonight.
Play On: Texas w/Millwood
Note: Rangers close out a three-game home stand against the Orioles behind the serves of Kevin Millwood in Arlington this evening. Millwood has enjoyed hurling against the Birds as evidenced by his 8-2 career team start record with a 3.49 ERA, including 4-0 with a 1.74 ERA at home the last three seasons. Look for more of the same here tonight.
THE SPORTS ADVISORS
NBA
Denver (47-31, 42-36 ATS) at Golden State (34-44 ATS)
Two teams battling for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference meet up when the Nuggets travel to Oracle Arena for a clash with the Warriors.
Denver beat the Clippers 117-99 Tuesday night, easily covering as a 12?-point road chalk. The victory halted an untimely two-game SU and ATS skid ? with the losses coming to lowly Sacramento and Seattle. The Nuggets are 7-3 SU in their last 10 starts, but they are just 2-4 ATS in the last six (1-2 ATS on the road).
Golden State outgunned Sacramento 140-132 Tuesday but failed to cash as a 14-point home favorite for its second straight ATS setback. The Warriors, who are 5-5 SU in their last 10 starts, are on a 1-4 ATS slide.
These two teams met 12 days ago in Denver, with the Nuggets winning 119-112 but the Warriors cashing as an eight-point underdog. Denver is 2-1 SU and Golden State is 2-1 ATS in three contests this year. The Nuggets, who prevailed 124-120 at Golden State catching five points in December, are 7-3 SU in the last 10 meetings, but the two teams have split the cash during this stretch.
The Nuggets sport positive pointspread trends of 11-5 overall, 9-2 on Thursday, 8-3 on one day of rest, 5-2 on road trips and 7-3 after a spread-cover. However, they are 16-35-1 ATS in their last 52 as a dog of five to 10? points and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 against the Pacific Division.
The Warriors are on ATS streaks of 5-0 as a chalk of five to 10? points and 10-4 on Thursday, but the rest of their ATS trends are negative, including 6-15 at home, 5-14 as a home favorite, 2-6 against the Northwest Division, 9-29 after a SU win and 8-17 on one day of rest.
The ?over? trends run wild for both these high-scoring teams. For Denver, the over is on hot streaks of 19-7 overall, 5-1 as a road ?dog, 15-5 after an ATS win, 8-3 after a SU win and 10-4 on the highway. For Golden State, the over is on runs of 4-1 at home, 10-3 on Thursday, 17-6-1 after a SU win and 13-6 on one day of rest. Finally, the over is 10-4 in the last 14 series meetings overall and 6-1 in the last seven at Golden State.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GOLDEN STATE and OVER
Utah (52-26, 43-35 ATS) at Dallas (49-29, 34-40-4 ATS)
The Jazz aim to shore up their playoff seeding when they head to the American Airlines Center to face the Mavericks, who are trying to hold off Denver and Golden State in the Western Conference playoff chase.
Utah shut down New Orleans 77-66 Tuesday as a 5?-point road pup for its fourth consecutive SU and ATS victory. The Jazz are on a 15-4 tear in their last 19 games, going 13-6 against the number during that stretch.
Dallas bested lowly Seattle 99-83 Tuesday but couldn?t cover the heavy 18-point spread at home, halting a four-game ATS winning streak. The Mavericks are 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five starts, following an ugly six-game stretch in which they went 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS.
Utah is 2-1 SU and ATS this season against Dallas, with both wins coming at home, including a 116-110 victory laying 5? points on March 3. In the lone meeting in Dallas, the Mavericks prevailed 125-117 in December, also as a 5? point chalk. Utah is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six clashes in this series, but Dallas is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings at home. In fact, the host is on a 19-7-1 ATS roll in this rivarly.
The Jazz are on positive ATS runs of 4-0 against the Southwest Division, 5-1 after a SU win, 5-1 as a road ?dog, 7-2 on one day of rest, 20-7 against winning teams and 19-7 against the West. Their lone negative: They?re 3-10 ATS in their last 13 outings on Thursdays.
The Mavericks are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after a SU win and 12-5 ATS in their last 17 on one day of rest, but they harbor negative pointspread trends of 3-7 against winning teams, 2-5 as a favorite, 5-16-1 on Thursday, 1-5 at home and 1-5 after a non-cover.
For Utah, the under is on an 8-1-1 spree against the Southwest Division, but the over is 5-2 in its last seven starts overall, 29-11 in their last 40 as a ?dog of up to 4? points and 41-20 in their last 61 as a road pup of less than five points. For Dallas, the under is on runs of 4-1 overall, 5-1 overall, 7-1 as a favorite, and 10-1 as a favorite of less than five points.
However, the over is 4-1 in the last five clashes overall and 4-0 in the past four battles in Dallas.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DALLAS
NBA
Denver (47-31, 42-36 ATS) at Golden State (34-44 ATS)
Two teams battling for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference meet up when the Nuggets travel to Oracle Arena for a clash with the Warriors.
Denver beat the Clippers 117-99 Tuesday night, easily covering as a 12?-point road chalk. The victory halted an untimely two-game SU and ATS skid ? with the losses coming to lowly Sacramento and Seattle. The Nuggets are 7-3 SU in their last 10 starts, but they are just 2-4 ATS in the last six (1-2 ATS on the road).
Golden State outgunned Sacramento 140-132 Tuesday but failed to cash as a 14-point home favorite for its second straight ATS setback. The Warriors, who are 5-5 SU in their last 10 starts, are on a 1-4 ATS slide.
These two teams met 12 days ago in Denver, with the Nuggets winning 119-112 but the Warriors cashing as an eight-point underdog. Denver is 2-1 SU and Golden State is 2-1 ATS in three contests this year. The Nuggets, who prevailed 124-120 at Golden State catching five points in December, are 7-3 SU in the last 10 meetings, but the two teams have split the cash during this stretch.
The Nuggets sport positive pointspread trends of 11-5 overall, 9-2 on Thursday, 8-3 on one day of rest, 5-2 on road trips and 7-3 after a spread-cover. However, they are 16-35-1 ATS in their last 52 as a dog of five to 10? points and 3-7 ATS in their last 10 against the Pacific Division.
The Warriors are on ATS streaks of 5-0 as a chalk of five to 10? points and 10-4 on Thursday, but the rest of their ATS trends are negative, including 6-15 at home, 5-14 as a home favorite, 2-6 against the Northwest Division, 9-29 after a SU win and 8-17 on one day of rest.
The ?over? trends run wild for both these high-scoring teams. For Denver, the over is on hot streaks of 19-7 overall, 5-1 as a road ?dog, 15-5 after an ATS win, 8-3 after a SU win and 10-4 on the highway. For Golden State, the over is on runs of 4-1 at home, 10-3 on Thursday, 17-6-1 after a SU win and 13-6 on one day of rest. Finally, the over is 10-4 in the last 14 series meetings overall and 6-1 in the last seven at Golden State.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GOLDEN STATE and OVER
Utah (52-26, 43-35 ATS) at Dallas (49-29, 34-40-4 ATS)
The Jazz aim to shore up their playoff seeding when they head to the American Airlines Center to face the Mavericks, who are trying to hold off Denver and Golden State in the Western Conference playoff chase.
Utah shut down New Orleans 77-66 Tuesday as a 5?-point road pup for its fourth consecutive SU and ATS victory. The Jazz are on a 15-4 tear in their last 19 games, going 13-6 against the number during that stretch.
Dallas bested lowly Seattle 99-83 Tuesday but couldn?t cover the heavy 18-point spread at home, halting a four-game ATS winning streak. The Mavericks are 4-1 SU and ATS in their last five starts, following an ugly six-game stretch in which they went 1-5 SU and 0-6 ATS.
Utah is 2-1 SU and ATS this season against Dallas, with both wins coming at home, including a 116-110 victory laying 5? points on March 3. In the lone meeting in Dallas, the Mavericks prevailed 125-117 in December, also as a 5? point chalk. Utah is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six clashes in this series, but Dallas is 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings at home. In fact, the host is on a 19-7-1 ATS roll in this rivarly.
The Jazz are on positive ATS runs of 4-0 against the Southwest Division, 5-1 after a SU win, 5-1 as a road ?dog, 7-2 on one day of rest, 20-7 against winning teams and 19-7 against the West. Their lone negative: They?re 3-10 ATS in their last 13 outings on Thursdays.
The Mavericks are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 after a SU win and 12-5 ATS in their last 17 on one day of rest, but they harbor negative pointspread trends of 3-7 against winning teams, 2-5 as a favorite, 5-16-1 on Thursday, 1-5 at home and 1-5 after a non-cover.
For Utah, the under is on an 8-1-1 spree against the Southwest Division, but the over is 5-2 in its last seven starts overall, 29-11 in their last 40 as a ?dog of up to 4? points and 41-20 in their last 61 as a road pup of less than five points. For Dallas, the under is on runs of 4-1 overall, 5-1 overall, 7-1 as a favorite, and 10-1 as a favorite of less than five points.
However, the over is 4-1 in the last five clashes overall and 4-0 in the past four battles in Dallas.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DALLAS
Hondo
April 10, 2008 -- Misery broke off its torrid love affair with the Tigers last night as Detroit finally broke into the win column, sending Hondo to a rare defeat that cut his bulging bankroll to 515 cochranes.
Tonight, Mr. Aitch has a hunch they might try to get back together - 10 units on Wakefield, that knucklehead.
BOSTON
April 10, 2008 -- Misery broke off its torrid love affair with the Tigers last night as Detroit finally broke into the win column, sending Hondo to a rare defeat that cut his bulging bankroll to 515 cochranes.
Tonight, Mr. Aitch has a hunch they might try to get back together - 10 units on Wakefield, that knucklehead.
BOSTON
THE SPORTS ADVISORS
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia (4-5) at N.Y. Mets (3-4)
The Phillies wrap up a three-game set at Shea Stadium by sending right-hander Adam Eaton (0-0, 3.52 ERA) to the hill against Mets righty John Maine (0-1, 9.00 ERA).
The Mets snapped a three-game overall losing streak and nine-game skid to Philadelphia with Wednesday?s 8-2 rout of the Phillies. Despite last night?s result, the Phillies ? who won Monday?s opener 5-2 ? are still 13-7 in their last 20 against New York and 8-3 in their last 11 at Shea Stadium. Also, Philadelphia is on runs of 11-6 on the road, 13-7 against right-handed starters and 35-18 against the N.L. East.
New York is still just 2-10 in its last 12 home games and 2-10 in its last 12 against right-handed starters.
Eaton, who went 10-10 with a 6.29 ERA in 30 starts last year, got a no-decision in his 2008 debut, allowing three runs on six hits in 7 2/3 innings in his team?s 4-3 loss at Cincinnati on Saturday. He?s had great success against the Mets, with a 5-0 mark and 2.68 ERA in seven career starts, including 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four outings last season ? with both wins coming at Shea. Finally, despite a 6.12 road ERA last season, Eaton went 7-3 in 15 starts.
Maine, coming off a 15-10 campaign with a 3.91 ERA in 30 starts, struggled in his opener Saturday, allowing four runs on eight hits in four innings in an 11-5 loss at Atlanta. However, Maine is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA the past two seasons against the Mets, getting a road win and two home no-decisions last year. Maine went an even 6-6 at home last year, with a 3.44 ERA.
Although last night?s game barely eclipsed the posted total, the under is still 8-4-1 in the last 13 head-to-head meetings overall and 8-3 in the last 11 matchups in New York. The under is also 10-5 in the Phillies? last 15 games against right-handed starters, but the over is 12-4-2 in Eaton?s last 18 starts overall and 7-1-2 in Eaton?s last 10 on the highway.
For New York, the over is on runs of 17-5-1 overall, 18-6-1 against division rivals and 8-3 in Maine?s last 11 home starts.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Detroit (1-7) at Boston (4-5)
Having finally gotten into the win column, the Tigers will now try to make it two in a row when they send left-hander Nate Robertson (0-0, 9.0 ERA) to the mound in the finale of a three-game series at Fenway Park. The Red Sox are set to counter with veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (0-0, 4.50).
Detroit, which entered Wednesday?s game at Boston as the only remaining winless team in baseball, rode Jeremy Bonderman?s strong pitching performance to a 7-2 victory last night. The Tigers, who mustered just 15 runs in their first seven games, easily set a season high for runs. On the downside, they?re still just 2-6 in their last eight on the road and 0-6 in their last six against right-handed starters.
The Red Sox have now dropped three of their last four. However, they?re still 58-32 at Fenway since the start of the 2007 season (55-25 as a home favorite), and they?re 18-6 in their last 24 home games against Detroit. Additionally, Terry Francona?s club has won five straight games against left-handed starters.
Robertson, who went 9-13 with a 4.76 ERA in 30 starts in 2007, got pounded Friday in his season opener, allowing five runs on seven hits in five innings in an 8-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox. He is 2-3 with a 6.42 ERA in seven lifetime starts against Boston, winning at home and losing on the road in two outings last season.
Robertson was 4-9 with a 5.38 ERA in 14 starts on the highway last season, and the Tigers are 7-19 in his last 26 on foreign turf.
Wakefield, who went 17-12 with a 4.76 ERA in 31 starts last season, got a no-decision in his first start of 2008, allowing three runs on six hits in six innings as Boston lost 6-3 Friday at Toronto. The Red Sox are 1-4 in the veteran?s last five outings. However, Wakefield went 10-4 in 15 home starts in 2007, despite a beefy 5.27 ERA.
Wakefield is 13-10 with 4.50 ERA in 32 appearances (20 starts) against Detroit, and the Sox are 8-3 in his last 11 against the Tigers. However, in his lone start against Detroit last year, Wakefield got tagged for nine hits and five runs in a 7-2 home loss.
The first two games of this series have stayed under the total, making the under 8-2-1 in the last 11 series meetings. Also, for Detroit the under is on runs of 20-6-1 in Robertson?s road starts, 7-2 with Robertson as a road underdog, 7-2 against the A.L. East and 4-1 against right-handers. Also, the under is 22-8-1 in Wakefield?s last 31 starts when going on five days? rest, but the over is 7-1 in his last eight home outings and 9-4 in his last 13 as a favorite.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Philadelphia (4-5) at N.Y. Mets (3-4)
The Phillies wrap up a three-game set at Shea Stadium by sending right-hander Adam Eaton (0-0, 3.52 ERA) to the hill against Mets righty John Maine (0-1, 9.00 ERA).
The Mets snapped a three-game overall losing streak and nine-game skid to Philadelphia with Wednesday?s 8-2 rout of the Phillies. Despite last night?s result, the Phillies ? who won Monday?s opener 5-2 ? are still 13-7 in their last 20 against New York and 8-3 in their last 11 at Shea Stadium. Also, Philadelphia is on runs of 11-6 on the road, 13-7 against right-handed starters and 35-18 against the N.L. East.
New York is still just 2-10 in its last 12 home games and 2-10 in its last 12 against right-handed starters.
Eaton, who went 10-10 with a 6.29 ERA in 30 starts last year, got a no-decision in his 2008 debut, allowing three runs on six hits in 7 2/3 innings in his team?s 4-3 loss at Cincinnati on Saturday. He?s had great success against the Mets, with a 5-0 mark and 2.68 ERA in seven career starts, including 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four outings last season ? with both wins coming at Shea. Finally, despite a 6.12 road ERA last season, Eaton went 7-3 in 15 starts.
Maine, coming off a 15-10 campaign with a 3.91 ERA in 30 starts, struggled in his opener Saturday, allowing four runs on eight hits in four innings in an 11-5 loss at Atlanta. However, Maine is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA the past two seasons against the Mets, getting a road win and two home no-decisions last year. Maine went an even 6-6 at home last year, with a 3.44 ERA.
Although last night?s game barely eclipsed the posted total, the under is still 8-4-1 in the last 13 head-to-head meetings overall and 8-3 in the last 11 matchups in New York. The under is also 10-5 in the Phillies? last 15 games against right-handed starters, but the over is 12-4-2 in Eaton?s last 18 starts overall and 7-1-2 in Eaton?s last 10 on the highway.
For New York, the over is on runs of 17-5-1 overall, 18-6-1 against division rivals and 8-3 in Maine?s last 11 home starts.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Detroit (1-7) at Boston (4-5)
Having finally gotten into the win column, the Tigers will now try to make it two in a row when they send left-hander Nate Robertson (0-0, 9.0 ERA) to the mound in the finale of a three-game series at Fenway Park. The Red Sox are set to counter with veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (0-0, 4.50).
Detroit, which entered Wednesday?s game at Boston as the only remaining winless team in baseball, rode Jeremy Bonderman?s strong pitching performance to a 7-2 victory last night. The Tigers, who mustered just 15 runs in their first seven games, easily set a season high for runs. On the downside, they?re still just 2-6 in their last eight on the road and 0-6 in their last six against right-handed starters.
The Red Sox have now dropped three of their last four. However, they?re still 58-32 at Fenway since the start of the 2007 season (55-25 as a home favorite), and they?re 18-6 in their last 24 home games against Detroit. Additionally, Terry Francona?s club has won five straight games against left-handed starters.
Robertson, who went 9-13 with a 4.76 ERA in 30 starts in 2007, got pounded Friday in his season opener, allowing five runs on seven hits in five innings in an 8-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox. He is 2-3 with a 6.42 ERA in seven lifetime starts against Boston, winning at home and losing on the road in two outings last season.
Robertson was 4-9 with a 5.38 ERA in 14 starts on the highway last season, and the Tigers are 7-19 in his last 26 on foreign turf.
Wakefield, who went 17-12 with a 4.76 ERA in 31 starts last season, got a no-decision in his first start of 2008, allowing three runs on six hits in six innings as Boston lost 6-3 Friday at Toronto. The Red Sox are 1-4 in the veteran?s last five outings. However, Wakefield went 10-4 in 15 home starts in 2007, despite a beefy 5.27 ERA.
Wakefield is 13-10 with 4.50 ERA in 32 appearances (20 starts) against Detroit, and the Sox are 8-3 in his last 11 against the Tigers. However, in his lone start against Detroit last year, Wakefield got tagged for nine hits and five runs in a 7-2 home loss.
The first two games of this series have stayed under the total, making the under 8-2-1 in the last 11 series meetings. Also, for Detroit the under is on runs of 20-6-1 in Robertson?s road starts, 7-2 with Robertson as a road underdog, 7-2 against the A.L. East and 4-1 against right-handers. Also, the under is 22-8-1 in Wakefield?s last 31 starts when going on five days? rest, but the over is 7-1 in his last eight home outings and 9-4 in his last 13 as a favorite.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BOSTON
Michael Cannon
Rangers and Orioles were postponed last night, but I see no reason to change my pick because of that, so let's stick with the Rangers today!
Can?t trust Steve Trachsel as far as I can throw him. I know he?s had some success in an Oriole uniform, but his track record suggests he?s ready for a collapse soon.
Texas will start Kason Gabbard, who had an outstanding season debut. The left-hander threw seven scoreless innings on the road against the Angels in Texas? 11-6 win on Friday. He?s 1-0 with 2.53 ERA in two career games against Baltimore.
Take the Rangers as they grab the road win.
3♦ TEXAS
Rangers and Orioles were postponed last night, but I see no reason to change my pick because of that, so let's stick with the Rangers today!
Can?t trust Steve Trachsel as far as I can throw him. I know he?s had some success in an Oriole uniform, but his track record suggests he?s ready for a collapse soon.
Texas will start Kason Gabbard, who had an outstanding season debut. The left-hander threw seven scoreless innings on the road against the Angels in Texas? 11-6 win on Friday. He?s 1-0 with 2.53 ERA in two career games against Baltimore.
Take the Rangers as they grab the road win.
3♦ TEXAS
Moneylockoftheday
juniors Pick
Braves -105
diggers Pick
Under Of Atlanta / Colorado 9
hawkers Pick
Baltimore +140
juniors Pick
Braves -105
diggers Pick
Under Of Atlanta / Colorado 9
hawkers Pick
Baltimore +140
WINNERS EDGE
NBA:
Utah Jazz + 4 , 2 units
MLB:
Atlanta Braves -115 , 2 units
Kansas City Royals + 135 , 1 unit
NBA:
Utah Jazz + 4 , 2 units
MLB:
Atlanta Braves -115 , 2 units
Kansas City Royals + 135 , 1 unit
Gamblers Data
Toronto -150
Cappers Access
Thur (MLB) Reds
Thur (MLB) W. Sox
Thur (NBA) Nuggets
MIGHTY QUINN
Braves
VEGAS STEAM LINE
St Louis (Wainwright) -130 over San Fransisco
LT's Lock
Overall record: 584-485-22
Current streak: 2 losses
Marlins +120
Toronto -150
Cappers Access
Thur (MLB) Reds
Thur (MLB) W. Sox
Thur (NBA) Nuggets
MIGHTY QUINN
Braves
VEGAS STEAM LINE
St Louis (Wainwright) -130 over San Fransisco
LT's Lock
Overall record: 584-485-22
Current streak: 2 losses
Marlins +120
Comps
Tom Freese
Game: Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers Apr 10 2008 10:35PM
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
Reason: The Clippers are in a 86-47 ATS Play Against System that says to go against home teams with revenge from a road loss of 20 or more points if they are playing a team that is off a loss as a favorite in their last game. The Clippers are 0-9 ATS with revenge from a road loss of 20 or more points. The Lakers are 23-12 ATS vs. losing teams and they are 28-11 ATS vs. teams that allow 99 or more points a game. Kobe and company are 26-13 ATS on the road this year and they are 19-8 ATS off a game where this was a combined score of 215 or more points scored. PLAY ON LA LAKERS
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates Apr 10 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: Chicago Cubs
Reason: The first two games in the series have gone into extra innings and the bullpens are worn out. Rich Hill will be on the mound for the Cubs and they have won 8 of his last 11 starts. In his last 5 starts coming off a quality start the Cubs are 4-1. Morris takes the mound for the Pirates and with a tired pen he will have to eat up several innings. The Pirates are 2-5 in his last 7 starts overall and in his last 7 starts as an underdog. Prior to last night marathon the Cubs had won 4 straight meetings and will take this one too. Play on the Chicago Cubs
Allen Eastman
Take Denver Nuggets +5 over Golden State Warriors.
Sole possession of eighth place in the West will be on the line as the Nuggets face the Warriors at Oracle Arena. Denver has won four of its last six on the road, but its 16-23 record is the worst among conference teams still in the playoff race. However the Nuggets have won nine of their last 12 against a Golden State team that is just 14-24 ATS at home
Lee Kostroski
SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks
PICK: Atlanta Braves -125
REASON FOR PICK: PLAY ON 3* Atlanta (Hudson) minus on the $ line vs. Colorado (Francis), 3:05 PM EST
Both the Braves and the Rockies are off to disappointing starts to the 2008 season but Atlanta has been a victim of two extra-innings losses and three one-run losses this season. The Rockies have more to be concerned with having scored 16 runs in just eight games and seeing significant struggles in the pitching staff. Heading into Wednesday, the Rockies were tied with the Giants for the worst team batting average in baseball at .221. Atlanta is averaging 5.5 runs per game and is displaying solid power numbers despite the early season losses.
Rockies ace Jeff Francis has had a terrible start to the season, allowing 12 hits and five runs in his lone official start. Francis was down 5-1 against St. Louis on opening day before rain saved him and the Rockies from another loss. Francis has allowed ten runs in his past three starts against the Braves are a team that has had great success against left-handed pitching with a .282 team average thus far in 2008.
Tim Hudson has allowed just nine hits in two starts this season, giving the Braves a win in his last start against the potent Mets offense. Atlanta is 14-6 in Hudson?s last 20 starts and he owns a WHIP of just 0.69 through his first two starts this season. Atlanta had the fifth best road record in the National League last season and the Braves have been playing much better ball than the Rockies despite similar records.
Chip Chirimbes
LA LAKERS
The Los Angeles Clippers are mercifully set to play the last game of what has been a terrible season at Staples Center. The crosstown rival Lakers, meanwhile, are trying to ensure themselves of some extra games there in the playoffs. The Lakers, in a tight race for home-court advantage in the Western Conference, look to complete a series sweep of a Clippers team playing its final home game of the season Thursday night. The Clippers (23-55) are 13-27 at Staples, the arena they share with the Lakers (53-25). The draft lottery-bound Clippers have lost three straight and 11 of their last 13 at home. The Lakers (53-25), on the other hand, have enjoyed a significant advantage at Staples, going 27-11 there. After Thursday's "road" game, the Lakers play their final three games of the season at home. That bodes well for the Lakers, who are making a run at the top spot in the West, as well as trying to secure home-court advantage for at least the first round of the playoffs.
Tony Matthews
TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS -135
We will side with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as they face-off against the Seattle Mariners in Thursday's MLB contest. The Seattle Mariners will use starting pitcher Miguel Batista. In his first-start of the season, Miguel Batista pitched very poorly. Miguel Batista went only 5 innings while giving up 4 runs. We expect Miguel Batista to struggle once again today. On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will use starting pitcher Edwin Jackson. Edwin Jackson was very solid in his first-start of the season. In fact, Edwin Jackson went 6 innings while giving up only 1 single run. It's safe to expect another solid performance by Edwin Jackson today. We will gladly side with the home team who will be sending to the mound the much better starting pitcher! Take the Tampa Bay Devil Rays!
Big Al McMordie
DALLAS MAVERICKS -4
Jerry Sloan's men have the biggest disparity this season between their home and road records. At Energy Solutions Arena, Utah is a sparkling 35-4, but on the road the Jazz have not been in tune, with a 17-22 SU and 16-23 ATS record. Dallas is 32-7 SU at home this season, and catch Utah off back-to-back huge wins over the Spurs and Hornets. Utah is 16-34 ATS away from home off back to back wins, and we'll fade the Jazz tonight on Thursday. Take Dallas. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.
Jeff Benton
3♦ OAKLAND ATHLETICS
This may seem like an odd play, as Oakland is going for the road sweep ? and road sweeps are always tough to get, especially for mediocre teams against the A?s. However, for whatever reason, Oakland has enjoyed its recent journeys to Canada, as they?ve now won six straight games in Toronto going back to 2006. Last night, they needed a four-run, ninth-inning rally to pull out a 6-3 victory after scoring late on Monday to win 9-8. Tonight, Oakland sends young, but talented, lefty Dana Eveland to the mound. When last we saw Mr. Eveland, he was outdueling one C.C. Sabathia on Saturday, allowing the potent Indians just a run on six hits over seven innings, walking just one while whiffing seven in a 6-1 home victory. Obviously, one start does not a season make, but that?s very impressive. Speaking of impressive, that was Blue Jays starter Shawn Marcum in his debut six days ago against Boston, as he held the Sox to three hits and three runs in seven innings with a walk and eight strikeouts en route to a 6-3 win. That performance aside, though, it?s still difficult to ignore the fact that Marcum was a much better pitcher on the road last year (7-2, 2.72 ERA) than at home (5-4, 5.66). And one of those poor home outings came against the A?s, when Marcum lasted just three innings after allowing six runs and nine hits, losing 6-4. Add in the fact that Eveland is the first left-handed starter Toronto has faced all year, and I?ll back the A?s at a nice plus price as they go for their eighth straight win in Canada.
Jake Timlin
BRAVES / ROCKIES OVER
Get away day in Denver I look for a higher then expect scoring game at Coors Field despite the fact that both teams top pitchers are going. After all with last night?s game going over the total 8 of the last 11 series games have gone high. Even more help for a high scoring game will be that Francis is struggling to find the zone early this season as lefty carries a 2.06 WHIP and 7.11 ERA into today?s game. Meanwhile Hudson?s 3 plus ERA is not stellar either. Flat out thanks to day time baseball with cold temperatures expect look for both offenses to get their swings in for what will be a higher scoring game then Vegas expect.
Tom Freese
Game: Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers Apr 10 2008 10:35PM
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
Reason: The Clippers are in a 86-47 ATS Play Against System that says to go against home teams with revenge from a road loss of 20 or more points if they are playing a team that is off a loss as a favorite in their last game. The Clippers are 0-9 ATS with revenge from a road loss of 20 or more points. The Lakers are 23-12 ATS vs. losing teams and they are 28-11 ATS vs. teams that allow 99 or more points a game. Kobe and company are 26-13 ATS on the road this year and they are 19-8 ATS off a game where this was a combined score of 215 or more points scored. PLAY ON LA LAKERS
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates Apr 10 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: Chicago Cubs
Reason: The first two games in the series have gone into extra innings and the bullpens are worn out. Rich Hill will be on the mound for the Cubs and they have won 8 of his last 11 starts. In his last 5 starts coming off a quality start the Cubs are 4-1. Morris takes the mound for the Pirates and with a tired pen he will have to eat up several innings. The Pirates are 2-5 in his last 7 starts overall and in his last 7 starts as an underdog. Prior to last night marathon the Cubs had won 4 straight meetings and will take this one too. Play on the Chicago Cubs
Allen Eastman
Take Denver Nuggets +5 over Golden State Warriors.
Sole possession of eighth place in the West will be on the line as the Nuggets face the Warriors at Oracle Arena. Denver has won four of its last six on the road, but its 16-23 record is the worst among conference teams still in the playoff race. However the Nuggets have won nine of their last 12 against a Golden State team that is just 14-24 ATS at home
Lee Kostroski
SPORT: Major League Baseball Picks
PICK: Atlanta Braves -125
REASON FOR PICK: PLAY ON 3* Atlanta (Hudson) minus on the $ line vs. Colorado (Francis), 3:05 PM EST
Both the Braves and the Rockies are off to disappointing starts to the 2008 season but Atlanta has been a victim of two extra-innings losses and three one-run losses this season. The Rockies have more to be concerned with having scored 16 runs in just eight games and seeing significant struggles in the pitching staff. Heading into Wednesday, the Rockies were tied with the Giants for the worst team batting average in baseball at .221. Atlanta is averaging 5.5 runs per game and is displaying solid power numbers despite the early season losses.
Rockies ace Jeff Francis has had a terrible start to the season, allowing 12 hits and five runs in his lone official start. Francis was down 5-1 against St. Louis on opening day before rain saved him and the Rockies from another loss. Francis has allowed ten runs in his past three starts against the Braves are a team that has had great success against left-handed pitching with a .282 team average thus far in 2008.
Tim Hudson has allowed just nine hits in two starts this season, giving the Braves a win in his last start against the potent Mets offense. Atlanta is 14-6 in Hudson?s last 20 starts and he owns a WHIP of just 0.69 through his first two starts this season. Atlanta had the fifth best road record in the National League last season and the Braves have been playing much better ball than the Rockies despite similar records.
Chip Chirimbes
LA LAKERS
The Los Angeles Clippers are mercifully set to play the last game of what has been a terrible season at Staples Center. The crosstown rival Lakers, meanwhile, are trying to ensure themselves of some extra games there in the playoffs. The Lakers, in a tight race for home-court advantage in the Western Conference, look to complete a series sweep of a Clippers team playing its final home game of the season Thursday night. The Clippers (23-55) are 13-27 at Staples, the arena they share with the Lakers (53-25). The draft lottery-bound Clippers have lost three straight and 11 of their last 13 at home. The Lakers (53-25), on the other hand, have enjoyed a significant advantage at Staples, going 27-11 there. After Thursday's "road" game, the Lakers play their final three games of the season at home. That bodes well for the Lakers, who are making a run at the top spot in the West, as well as trying to secure home-court advantage for at least the first round of the playoffs.
Tony Matthews
TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS -135
We will side with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays as they face-off against the Seattle Mariners in Thursday's MLB contest. The Seattle Mariners will use starting pitcher Miguel Batista. In his first-start of the season, Miguel Batista pitched very poorly. Miguel Batista went only 5 innings while giving up 4 runs. We expect Miguel Batista to struggle once again today. On the other hand, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays will use starting pitcher Edwin Jackson. Edwin Jackson was very solid in his first-start of the season. In fact, Edwin Jackson went 6 innings while giving up only 1 single run. It's safe to expect another solid performance by Edwin Jackson today. We will gladly side with the home team who will be sending to the mound the much better starting pitcher! Take the Tampa Bay Devil Rays!
Big Al McMordie
DALLAS MAVERICKS -4
Jerry Sloan's men have the biggest disparity this season between their home and road records. At Energy Solutions Arena, Utah is a sparkling 35-4, but on the road the Jazz have not been in tune, with a 17-22 SU and 16-23 ATS record. Dallas is 32-7 SU at home this season, and catch Utah off back-to-back huge wins over the Spurs and Hornets. Utah is 16-34 ATS away from home off back to back wins, and we'll fade the Jazz tonight on Thursday. Take Dallas. Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.
Jeff Benton
3♦ OAKLAND ATHLETICS
This may seem like an odd play, as Oakland is going for the road sweep ? and road sweeps are always tough to get, especially for mediocre teams against the A?s. However, for whatever reason, Oakland has enjoyed its recent journeys to Canada, as they?ve now won six straight games in Toronto going back to 2006. Last night, they needed a four-run, ninth-inning rally to pull out a 6-3 victory after scoring late on Monday to win 9-8. Tonight, Oakland sends young, but talented, lefty Dana Eveland to the mound. When last we saw Mr. Eveland, he was outdueling one C.C. Sabathia on Saturday, allowing the potent Indians just a run on six hits over seven innings, walking just one while whiffing seven in a 6-1 home victory. Obviously, one start does not a season make, but that?s very impressive. Speaking of impressive, that was Blue Jays starter Shawn Marcum in his debut six days ago against Boston, as he held the Sox to three hits and three runs in seven innings with a walk and eight strikeouts en route to a 6-3 win. That performance aside, though, it?s still difficult to ignore the fact that Marcum was a much better pitcher on the road last year (7-2, 2.72 ERA) than at home (5-4, 5.66). And one of those poor home outings came against the A?s, when Marcum lasted just three innings after allowing six runs and nine hits, losing 6-4. Add in the fact that Eveland is the first left-handed starter Toronto has faced all year, and I?ll back the A?s at a nice plus price as they go for their eighth straight win in Canada.
Jake Timlin
BRAVES / ROCKIES OVER
Get away day in Denver I look for a higher then expect scoring game at Coors Field despite the fact that both teams top pitchers are going. After all with last night?s game going over the total 8 of the last 11 series games have gone high. Even more help for a high scoring game will be that Francis is struggling to find the zone early this season as lefty carries a 2.06 WHIP and 7.11 ERA into today?s game. Meanwhile Hudson?s 3 plus ERA is not stellar either. Flat out thanks to day time baseball with cold temperatures expect look for both offenses to get their swings in for what will be a higher scoring game then Vegas expect.