Tuesday Service Plays 5/20/08
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James Patrick Sports
Royals vs. Red Sox 7:05 p.m. est.
In Major League Baseball action on Tuesday we note that the World Champion Boston Red Sox have won 7 of 8 Tuesday games and their opponent in tonight?s game Gil Meche of the Royals is 1-10 vs. the American League East Division and the Royals have dropped 15 of the past 22 Meche starts. Our Tuesday complimentary selection is #922 Boston Red Sox.
Nelly
UNDER' Tampa Bay (Kazmir) at Oakland (Smith)
Both Tampa Bay and Oakland dramatically skew towards the ?under? in games this season and this should be another low scoring game with two successful pitchers on the mound. The ?under? is 26-17 in Rays games and 26-15 in A?s games this season. The A?s are averaging less than two runs scored per game in the last six games and Oakland is hitting just .242 against lefthander pitching on the season. Scott Kazmir has only pitched in three games since his return from injury but he has delivered two gems in his last starts, allowing six hits and no runs over 12 innings. He is also backed up by a Ray bullpen that has posted exceptional numbers this season. Rookie Greg Smith has delivered great results for Oakland this season with 42 strikeouts and just 18 walks and the ?under? has hit in each of his last four starts. Oakland?s bullpen has been one of the best in baseball this as there are likely to be few runs after these starters exit. Given the match-up and the ballpark this should be a very low scoring game and neither offense is likely to break out in the lefty-lefty match-up.
Great Lakes Sports
Texas at Minnesota 8:10PM EST
Play on: Texas Rangers with Mathis
The Texas Rangers are heating up going 9-3 their last 12 games, and are 12-5 when playing in the month of May this year. The Texas Rangers are also 18-12 when playing in night games this year while the Minnesota Twins have struggled going 1-5 their last six games. We look for the Texas Rangers to grab the road win tonight.
Jim Feist
(921) KC Royals and (922) BOS Red Sox. Take "Under". You may not be familiar with Boston starter Justin Masterson, but the young righty has outstanding, hard sinking stuff. He's made one start allowing 2 hits in 6 innings with a 1.50 ERA. Kansas City has never faced him and the Royals have the worst offense in the American League. At least the Royals have a good starter going in Gil Meche, a guy who is 4-1 with a 3.86 ERA against the Red Sox. Don't look for a lot of offense in this one. Play the Royals/Red Sox under the total.
Dave Cokin Game 2
(905) NY Mets and (906) ATL Braves. Take "(905) NY Mets". . "It like the looks of the back end of the Mets-Braves twinbill with Vargas opposing Campillo. Claudio Vargas deserved a better fate in his '08 debut, but he threw the ball well and he's got some nice numbers in his dealings with the Braves. Jorge Campillo has been doing some nice work out of the Atlanta pen. But it's been in mostly soft situations, and I just don't see anything in Campillo's lengthy minor and occasional major league ledger that stamps him as one to watch. With the Mets coming off a huge momentum building sweep of the Yankees, I think they're worth following here, and make them a good choice at the price in this contest with the Braves."
LT Profits
Atlanta Braves +120 (Game 1)
Now there is no question that John Maine of the New York Mets is a much better pitcher than Top Glavine of the Atlanta Braves at this stage of their careers. However, there are other factors pointing us to the Braves as nice home underdogs in this spot.
First of all, Atlanta has been one of the best home teams in baseball so far this season, going 16-5 here for +8.71 units. It is not often that you can catch the Braves as home underdogs either, as they have only been in this role three times this season. Well, they are a perfect 3-0 in those games, with one of the upsets coming over these Mets when they bested Johan Santana at a whopping +146.
Getting back to this game specifically, there is no disputing Maine?s talent, as he is 5-2 with a spiffy 2.81 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. However, he was not impressive in his first start here in Atlanta this year, when he surrendered four earned runs and 11 baserunners while lasting just four innings of an 11-5 Braves victory. Then again, Maine struggling against the Braves in Atlanta should not be surprising when you consider the Bravos are batting an impressive .309 vs. right-handed pitching at home.
Now Glavine is obviously past his prime, although he has still allowed two earned runs or less in four of his six ?real? starts this year. This does not include his seventh outing where he was lifted after just 16 pitches with a strained hamstring. Even is Glavine is in need of early relief here, Atlanta has now moved up to seventh in the Major Leagues with a 3.37 bullpen ERA, making them a play under our Bullpen System that has averaged +97 units the last three years.
We think that all of those factors are enough to offset the Mets? starting pitching advantage at this price at home for Atlanta.
Braves +120 (Game 1)
Toronto Blue Jays -115
John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels pitched well in his first start off of the Disabled List, but after throwing 99 pitches in seven innings, he is a prime candidate to regress in his second start tonight vs. the Toronto Blue Jays.
Besides, this is not the best pitching matchup for him, as Dustin McGowan has pitched much better than his 4.38 ERA and 1.44 WHIP would indicate. Both of those figures ate skewed by one horrid outing in Cleveland where McGowan was roughed up for nine runs while allowing 10 baserunners in just 3.2 innings. The truth of the matter however is that he has allowed three earned runs or less in seven of his other eight starts, and he allowed just four runs in the other outing. McGowan was also a perfect two for two in Quality Starts vs. the Angels last season.
Now if Lackey does indeed pitcher fewer innings tonight, that would certainly be bad news for the Halos given that the rank 29th out of 30 Major League teams with a 4.87 bullpen ERA, ahead of only the Texas Rangers. By comparison, the Blue Jays lead the American League with a 3.14 pen ERA, making Toronto a strong Bullpen System play here.
Finally, the Jays are 8-2 in the last 10 head-to-lead meetings with the Angels here north of the border, and we look for Toronto to prevail again here.
Blue Jays -115
Tony Weston
Looking at the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals I?m loving the under between the Pistons and Celtics tonight. The early number is set at about 174 and could move a little, but it won?t matter because tonight?s total is coming in way under that.
Over their last 10 meetings the under is 8-2. In their three meetings this season the under is 3-0 as the teams have averaged 172.3 points per game. In fact, in the two games the teams played in Boston this season they averaged 170 points a game.
Also consider that in the Pistons? last nine games the under is 6-3 and in the Celtics? last eight games the under is 5-3.
It?ll be an easy winner as the under comes in tonight.
Take the under.
3♦ PISTONS-CELTICS UNDER (1♦ to 5♦ Scale)
Jeff Benton
I know the standings suggest that Arizona (28-16) and Florida (24-19) are two fairly even teams. But I know differently. The Diamondbacks own better statistics across the board, including at the plate (.267 vs. .264) and on the mound (3.50 ERA vs. 4.36 ERA). And on the road, Arizona?s pitching has been especially stout, posting a 2.93 overall ERA and a 2.75 ERA by the starters. Compare that with the Marlins, who have 4.73 ERA at home, including a 5.52 ERA by starters at home.
Speaking of starters, even though tonight?s pitchers ? Arizona?s Micah Owings and Florida?s Mark Hendrickson ? both have similar stats, Owings (a young right-hander) has MUCH more upside thank Hendrickson (a journeyman lefty). And in the all-important category of baserunners allowed, Owings (1.17 WHIP overall; 0.96 WHIP on the road) shines big-time over Hendrickson (1.38 WHIP overall; 1.56 WHIP at home). What?s more, the DBacks have destroyed southpaws this season, batting .292 against them.
Throw in the fact these teams are headed in opposite directions (Florida has lost five of six; Arizona has won five of six), and the DBacks at this price are too good to pass up.
(Based on a 1♦ to 10♦ rating system)
8♦ ARIZONA DBACKS
Bobby Maxwell
Cleveland (-120) at CHICAGO WHITE SOX
OK, C.C. Sabathia, we're going to give you another chance here after your recent performances on the hill you seem to have straightened things out.
Sabathia (3-5, 5.47 ERA) is 2-1 in his last three starts with a 2.01 ERA and he hasn't been shabby on the road this season with a 1-1 mark and 3.18 ERA.
He's given up just six earned runs in his last five outings and is coming off a complete-game shutout of Oakland in his last outing, giving up five hits and striking out 11. And against the White Sox, the Indians are 7-2 the last nine times he's faced them and they beat the Sox after Sabathia gave up five runs on six hits in 5.1 innings on opening day, using the offens to win 10-8.
Jose Contreras (4-3, 3.35 ERA) has been on top of his game lately, but he's just 1-2 at home with a 4.12 ERA. Since 2006 Contreras and the Sox have beaten the Indians just once in five tries and in two of those games the Tribe just lit Contreras up.
The Indians took two of three in the first round between these two this season and we're banking on them winning this one and ending the modest five-game Chicago winning streak. Play Sabathia
and the Indians.
3♦ CLEVELAND
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers May 20 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: over
Reason: The over is 4-1 in the Mariners last 5 games following a win. Seattle has played the over in 4 of their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. The over is 38-18-4 in their last 60 games vs. AL Central opponents. Silva's ERA over his last 3 starts is 7.71. The over is 5-1-1 in Detroit's last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record. In their last 14 games overall vs. a team with a losing record the over is 9-4-1. The over is 17-6-1 in Verlander's last 24 home starts. The over is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings between the clubs and the over is 6-1 in Seattle's last 7 trips to Detroit. Play the over
Tony Mathews
Selection:Cincinnati/Los Angeles Over 8.5 (-110)
Explanation: We expect a high-scoring game as the Cincinnati Reds face-off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tuesday's MLB contest.
The Cincinnati Reds will use starting pitcher Matt Belisle. Matt Belisle has struggled this season. In fact, Matt Belisle has a 7.45 ERA on the season. We see Matt Belisle giving up many runs today.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will use starting pitcher Chad Billingsley. Chad Billingsley has also struggled this season. In fact, Chad Billingsley has a 4.34 ERA on the season. We see Chad Billingsley giving up many runs today.
The "Over" has been a smart investment in Los Angeles Dodgers home games. In fact, the "Over" is 11-4 in the Los Angeles Dodgers last 15 home games.
Take the Cincinnati Reds/Los Angeles Dodgers Over 8.5!
ROBERT ROSS
Arizona Diamondbacks at Florida Marlins
Tuesday, May 20th, 7:10 PM ET
Cheap price on the better team. Owings gives them an added bat in the lineup. ARIZONA is 52-38 against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. FLORIDA is 22-44 against the money line after allowing 8 runs or more over the last 3 seasons. Take Arizona!
Play on: Arizona
Brian Marshall
Game: Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox
Plays On: Cleveland/Chicago Under 8 (-110)
Game Analyses: Tuesday's MLB game between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox will feature two starting pitchers who have been pitching very well as of late. With that said, we see very little scoring in tonight's game.
The Cleveland Indians will be lead by starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia. C.C. Sabathia has been pitching well as of late. In fact, C.C. Sabathia has a 2.01 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see C.C. Sabathia pitching another great game tonight.
The Chicago White Sox will be lead by starting pitcher Jose Contreras. Jose Contreras has also been pitching well as of late. In fact, Jose Contreras has a 2.45 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Jose Contreras also pitching another great game tonight.
The Under is 22-6 in the Cleveland Indians last 28 games, while the Under is 8-2 in the Chicago White Sox last 10 games as an underdog.
Take the Cleveland Indians/Chicago White Sox Under 8
Vernon Croy
Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers (MLB) - May 20, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
Play: Money Line: -157 Detroit Tigers Pick
20 Units, Take Detroit ML, Seattle is just 5-12 over their last 17 games and Seattle is just 7-14 on the road this season. Detroit has struggled overall so far this season but this is a team with a lot of talent and they will start to put together some win streaks very soon. Justin Verlander (1-7, 6.05) has owned the Mariners over his career with a 4-0 record and an ERA of just 2.63 and he pitched well in his last outing allowing just 2 runs over 6 innings. Carlos Silva (3-2, 4.17 ERA) has struggled over his last 3 starts with an ERA of 7.72 and I look for the Tigers to hit him hard tonight at home. Take Detroit as my MLB Free Play for Tuesday night and make sure you get on my Massive MLB Run as it continues.
HIGH ROLLERS CLUB
Detroit vs. Boston
Take Boston Celtics
Boston has been unbeatable at home in the playoffs. Detroit has had some success on the road-winning three. Detroit has had a long layoff and Boston is just coming off a series ending triumph. Take the pumped up Celtics over the rusty Pistons
VEGAS EXPERTS
Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros
Tuesday, May 20th, 8:05 PM ET
Huge pitching mismatch in favor of the Cubs here. Ryan Dempster has emerged as the team's #2 man in the rotation behind Zambrano by allowing just two earned runs over his last three starts (0.89 ERA). He's opposed by Chris Sampson who has an ERA over 15.00 at home, yet somehow the Astros have won each of his last three starts. Not this time as the Cubbie build off yesterday's 7-2 win in the series opener.
Play on: Chicago Cubs
John Fina
Selection: Tampa Bay Rays (-125)
on Tuesday. Today the Tampa Bay Rays will be on the road as they take on the Oakland Athletics. We will side with the Tampa Bay Rays! One reason why we will side with the Tampa Bay Rays is because they will be sending to the mound the starting pitcher who has been pitching a lot better as of late. This says it all... The Tampa Bay Rays Starting Pitcher (Scott Kazmir) has a 1.69 ERA in his last 3 starts, while Oakland Athletics Starting Pitcher (Greg Smith) has a 4.32 ERA in his last 3 starts. As you can see, Scott Kazmir is the much better starting pitcher. In addition, the Tampa Bay Rays have played solid baseball when playing the role of the favorite. In fact, the Tampa Bay Rays are 6-2 in their last 8 games as a favorite. We see the Tampa Bay Rays getting another win tonight. Take the Tampa Bay
Chris Jordan
St. Louis at SAN DIEGO (-130)
We?ve seen a much different Mad Dog in PETCO Park, than we?ve seen on the road. And though Albert Pujols is heating up at the plate, I am intrigued about his clash with Greg Maddux, who has limited the Cardinals slugger to two singles in 12 at-bats since the 2006 campaign.
I know the Cardinals took it to San Diego last night, in the pitcher-friendly ball field, but I am thinking The Professor is going to bring his best stuff to the hill tonight, backing up his 1-0 record and 1.42 ERA in three starts at PETCO.
With everything going against San Diego ? the numbers tell the tale ? you have to wonder why the oddsmakers have laid the price over Maddux?s head. They?re begging you to take the underdog here, but I?ll buck the trends and play the home hurler in this one, as we list Maddux and take the Friars to stun the surging Cardinals.
1♦ PADRES
James Patrick Sports
Royals vs. Red Sox 7:05 p.m. est.
In Major League Baseball action on Tuesday we note that the World Champion Boston Red Sox have won 7 of 8 Tuesday games and their opponent in tonight?s game Gil Meche of the Royals is 1-10 vs. the American League East Division and the Royals have dropped 15 of the past 22 Meche starts. Our Tuesday complimentary selection is #922 Boston Red Sox.
Nelly
UNDER' Tampa Bay (Kazmir) at Oakland (Smith)
Both Tampa Bay and Oakland dramatically skew towards the ?under? in games this season and this should be another low scoring game with two successful pitchers on the mound. The ?under? is 26-17 in Rays games and 26-15 in A?s games this season. The A?s are averaging less than two runs scored per game in the last six games and Oakland is hitting just .242 against lefthander pitching on the season. Scott Kazmir has only pitched in three games since his return from injury but he has delivered two gems in his last starts, allowing six hits and no runs over 12 innings. He is also backed up by a Ray bullpen that has posted exceptional numbers this season. Rookie Greg Smith has delivered great results for Oakland this season with 42 strikeouts and just 18 walks and the ?under? has hit in each of his last four starts. Oakland?s bullpen has been one of the best in baseball this as there are likely to be few runs after these starters exit. Given the match-up and the ballpark this should be a very low scoring game and neither offense is likely to break out in the lefty-lefty match-up.
Great Lakes Sports
Texas at Minnesota 8:10PM EST
Play on: Texas Rangers with Mathis
The Texas Rangers are heating up going 9-3 their last 12 games, and are 12-5 when playing in the month of May this year. The Texas Rangers are also 18-12 when playing in night games this year while the Minnesota Twins have struggled going 1-5 their last six games. We look for the Texas Rangers to grab the road win tonight.
Jim Feist
(921) KC Royals and (922) BOS Red Sox. Take "Under". You may not be familiar with Boston starter Justin Masterson, but the young righty has outstanding, hard sinking stuff. He's made one start allowing 2 hits in 6 innings with a 1.50 ERA. Kansas City has never faced him and the Royals have the worst offense in the American League. At least the Royals have a good starter going in Gil Meche, a guy who is 4-1 with a 3.86 ERA against the Red Sox. Don't look for a lot of offense in this one. Play the Royals/Red Sox under the total.
Dave Cokin Game 2
(905) NY Mets and (906) ATL Braves. Take "(905) NY Mets". . "It like the looks of the back end of the Mets-Braves twinbill with Vargas opposing Campillo. Claudio Vargas deserved a better fate in his '08 debut, but he threw the ball well and he's got some nice numbers in his dealings with the Braves. Jorge Campillo has been doing some nice work out of the Atlanta pen. But it's been in mostly soft situations, and I just don't see anything in Campillo's lengthy minor and occasional major league ledger that stamps him as one to watch. With the Mets coming off a huge momentum building sweep of the Yankees, I think they're worth following here, and make them a good choice at the price in this contest with the Braves."
LT Profits
Atlanta Braves +120 (Game 1)
Now there is no question that John Maine of the New York Mets is a much better pitcher than Top Glavine of the Atlanta Braves at this stage of their careers. However, there are other factors pointing us to the Braves as nice home underdogs in this spot.
First of all, Atlanta has been one of the best home teams in baseball so far this season, going 16-5 here for +8.71 units. It is not often that you can catch the Braves as home underdogs either, as they have only been in this role three times this season. Well, they are a perfect 3-0 in those games, with one of the upsets coming over these Mets when they bested Johan Santana at a whopping +146.
Getting back to this game specifically, there is no disputing Maine?s talent, as he is 5-2 with a spiffy 2.81 ERA and 1.25 WHIP. However, he was not impressive in his first start here in Atlanta this year, when he surrendered four earned runs and 11 baserunners while lasting just four innings of an 11-5 Braves victory. Then again, Maine struggling against the Braves in Atlanta should not be surprising when you consider the Bravos are batting an impressive .309 vs. right-handed pitching at home.
Now Glavine is obviously past his prime, although he has still allowed two earned runs or less in four of his six ?real? starts this year. This does not include his seventh outing where he was lifted after just 16 pitches with a strained hamstring. Even is Glavine is in need of early relief here, Atlanta has now moved up to seventh in the Major Leagues with a 3.37 bullpen ERA, making them a play under our Bullpen System that has averaged +97 units the last three years.
We think that all of those factors are enough to offset the Mets? starting pitching advantage at this price at home for Atlanta.
Braves +120 (Game 1)
Toronto Blue Jays -115
John Lackey of the Los Angeles Angels pitched well in his first start off of the Disabled List, but after throwing 99 pitches in seven innings, he is a prime candidate to regress in his second start tonight vs. the Toronto Blue Jays.
Besides, this is not the best pitching matchup for him, as Dustin McGowan has pitched much better than his 4.38 ERA and 1.44 WHIP would indicate. Both of those figures ate skewed by one horrid outing in Cleveland where McGowan was roughed up for nine runs while allowing 10 baserunners in just 3.2 innings. The truth of the matter however is that he has allowed three earned runs or less in seven of his other eight starts, and he allowed just four runs in the other outing. McGowan was also a perfect two for two in Quality Starts vs. the Angels last season.
Now if Lackey does indeed pitcher fewer innings tonight, that would certainly be bad news for the Halos given that the rank 29th out of 30 Major League teams with a 4.87 bullpen ERA, ahead of only the Texas Rangers. By comparison, the Blue Jays lead the American League with a 3.14 pen ERA, making Toronto a strong Bullpen System play here.
Finally, the Jays are 8-2 in the last 10 head-to-lead meetings with the Angels here north of the border, and we look for Toronto to prevail again here.
Blue Jays -115
Tony Weston
Looking at the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals I?m loving the under between the Pistons and Celtics tonight. The early number is set at about 174 and could move a little, but it won?t matter because tonight?s total is coming in way under that.
Over their last 10 meetings the under is 8-2. In their three meetings this season the under is 3-0 as the teams have averaged 172.3 points per game. In fact, in the two games the teams played in Boston this season they averaged 170 points a game.
Also consider that in the Pistons? last nine games the under is 6-3 and in the Celtics? last eight games the under is 5-3.
It?ll be an easy winner as the under comes in tonight.
Take the under.
3♦ PISTONS-CELTICS UNDER (1♦ to 5♦ Scale)
Jeff Benton
I know the standings suggest that Arizona (28-16) and Florida (24-19) are two fairly even teams. But I know differently. The Diamondbacks own better statistics across the board, including at the plate (.267 vs. .264) and on the mound (3.50 ERA vs. 4.36 ERA). And on the road, Arizona?s pitching has been especially stout, posting a 2.93 overall ERA and a 2.75 ERA by the starters. Compare that with the Marlins, who have 4.73 ERA at home, including a 5.52 ERA by starters at home.
Speaking of starters, even though tonight?s pitchers ? Arizona?s Micah Owings and Florida?s Mark Hendrickson ? both have similar stats, Owings (a young right-hander) has MUCH more upside thank Hendrickson (a journeyman lefty). And in the all-important category of baserunners allowed, Owings (1.17 WHIP overall; 0.96 WHIP on the road) shines big-time over Hendrickson (1.38 WHIP overall; 1.56 WHIP at home). What?s more, the DBacks have destroyed southpaws this season, batting .292 against them.
Throw in the fact these teams are headed in opposite directions (Florida has lost five of six; Arizona has won five of six), and the DBacks at this price are too good to pass up.
(Based on a 1♦ to 10♦ rating system)
8♦ ARIZONA DBACKS
Bobby Maxwell
Cleveland (-120) at CHICAGO WHITE SOX
OK, C.C. Sabathia, we're going to give you another chance here after your recent performances on the hill you seem to have straightened things out.
Sabathia (3-5, 5.47 ERA) is 2-1 in his last three starts with a 2.01 ERA and he hasn't been shabby on the road this season with a 1-1 mark and 3.18 ERA.
He's given up just six earned runs in his last five outings and is coming off a complete-game shutout of Oakland in his last outing, giving up five hits and striking out 11. And against the White Sox, the Indians are 7-2 the last nine times he's faced them and they beat the Sox after Sabathia gave up five runs on six hits in 5.1 innings on opening day, using the offens to win 10-8.
Jose Contreras (4-3, 3.35 ERA) has been on top of his game lately, but he's just 1-2 at home with a 4.12 ERA. Since 2006 Contreras and the Sox have beaten the Indians just once in five tries and in two of those games the Tribe just lit Contreras up.
The Indians took two of three in the first round between these two this season and we're banking on them winning this one and ending the modest five-game Chicago winning streak. Play Sabathia
and the Indians.
3♦ CLEVELAND
Jimmy The Moose
Game: Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers May 20 2008 7:05PM
Prediction: over
Reason: The over is 4-1 in the Mariners last 5 games following a win. Seattle has played the over in 4 of their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. The over is 38-18-4 in their last 60 games vs. AL Central opponents. Silva's ERA over his last 3 starts is 7.71. The over is 5-1-1 in Detroit's last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record. In their last 14 games overall vs. a team with a losing record the over is 9-4-1. The over is 17-6-1 in Verlander's last 24 home starts. The over is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings between the clubs and the over is 6-1 in Seattle's last 7 trips to Detroit. Play the over
Tony Mathews
Selection:Cincinnati/Los Angeles Over 8.5 (-110)
Explanation: We expect a high-scoring game as the Cincinnati Reds face-off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tuesday's MLB contest.
The Cincinnati Reds will use starting pitcher Matt Belisle. Matt Belisle has struggled this season. In fact, Matt Belisle has a 7.45 ERA on the season. We see Matt Belisle giving up many runs today.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will use starting pitcher Chad Billingsley. Chad Billingsley has also struggled this season. In fact, Chad Billingsley has a 4.34 ERA on the season. We see Chad Billingsley giving up many runs today.
The "Over" has been a smart investment in Los Angeles Dodgers home games. In fact, the "Over" is 11-4 in the Los Angeles Dodgers last 15 home games.
Take the Cincinnati Reds/Los Angeles Dodgers Over 8.5!
ROBERT ROSS
Arizona Diamondbacks at Florida Marlins
Tuesday, May 20th, 7:10 PM ET
Cheap price on the better team. Owings gives them an added bat in the lineup. ARIZONA is 52-38 against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. FLORIDA is 22-44 against the money line after allowing 8 runs or more over the last 3 seasons. Take Arizona!
Play on: Arizona
Brian Marshall
Game: Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox
Plays On: Cleveland/Chicago Under 8 (-110)
Game Analyses: Tuesday's MLB game between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox will feature two starting pitchers who have been pitching very well as of late. With that said, we see very little scoring in tonight's game.
The Cleveland Indians will be lead by starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia. C.C. Sabathia has been pitching well as of late. In fact, C.C. Sabathia has a 2.01 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see C.C. Sabathia pitching another great game tonight.
The Chicago White Sox will be lead by starting pitcher Jose Contreras. Jose Contreras has also been pitching well as of late. In fact, Jose Contreras has a 2.45 ERA in his last 3 starts. We see Jose Contreras also pitching another great game tonight.
The Under is 22-6 in the Cleveland Indians last 28 games, while the Under is 8-2 in the Chicago White Sox last 10 games as an underdog.
Take the Cleveland Indians/Chicago White Sox Under 8
Vernon Croy
Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers (MLB) - May 20, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
Play: Money Line: -157 Detroit Tigers Pick
20 Units, Take Detroit ML, Seattle is just 5-12 over their last 17 games and Seattle is just 7-14 on the road this season. Detroit has struggled overall so far this season but this is a team with a lot of talent and they will start to put together some win streaks very soon. Justin Verlander (1-7, 6.05) has owned the Mariners over his career with a 4-0 record and an ERA of just 2.63 and he pitched well in his last outing allowing just 2 runs over 6 innings. Carlos Silva (3-2, 4.17 ERA) has struggled over his last 3 starts with an ERA of 7.72 and I look for the Tigers to hit him hard tonight at home. Take Detroit as my MLB Free Play for Tuesday night and make sure you get on my Massive MLB Run as it continues.
HIGH ROLLERS CLUB
Detroit vs. Boston
Take Boston Celtics
Boston has been unbeatable at home in the playoffs. Detroit has had some success on the road-winning three. Detroit has had a long layoff and Boston is just coming off a series ending triumph. Take the pumped up Celtics over the rusty Pistons
VEGAS EXPERTS
Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros
Tuesday, May 20th, 8:05 PM ET
Huge pitching mismatch in favor of the Cubs here. Ryan Dempster has emerged as the team's #2 man in the rotation behind Zambrano by allowing just two earned runs over his last three starts (0.89 ERA). He's opposed by Chris Sampson who has an ERA over 15.00 at home, yet somehow the Astros have won each of his last three starts. Not this time as the Cubbie build off yesterday's 7-2 win in the series opener.
Play on: Chicago Cubs
John Fina
Selection: Tampa Bay Rays (-125)
on Tuesday. Today the Tampa Bay Rays will be on the road as they take on the Oakland Athletics. We will side with the Tampa Bay Rays! One reason why we will side with the Tampa Bay Rays is because they will be sending to the mound the starting pitcher who has been pitching a lot better as of late. This says it all... The Tampa Bay Rays Starting Pitcher (Scott Kazmir) has a 1.69 ERA in his last 3 starts, while Oakland Athletics Starting Pitcher (Greg Smith) has a 4.32 ERA in his last 3 starts. As you can see, Scott Kazmir is the much better starting pitcher. In addition, the Tampa Bay Rays have played solid baseball when playing the role of the favorite. In fact, the Tampa Bay Rays are 6-2 in their last 8 games as a favorite. We see the Tampa Bay Rays getting another win tonight. Take the Tampa Bay
Chris Jordan
St. Louis at SAN DIEGO (-130)
We?ve seen a much different Mad Dog in PETCO Park, than we?ve seen on the road. And though Albert Pujols is heating up at the plate, I am intrigued about his clash with Greg Maddux, who has limited the Cardinals slugger to two singles in 12 at-bats since the 2006 campaign.
I know the Cardinals took it to San Diego last night, in the pitcher-friendly ball field, but I am thinking The Professor is going to bring his best stuff to the hill tonight, backing up his 1-0 record and 1.42 ERA in three starts at PETCO.
With everything going against San Diego ? the numbers tell the tale ? you have to wonder why the oddsmakers have laid the price over Maddux?s head. They?re begging you to take the underdog here, but I?ll buck the trends and play the home hurler in this one, as we list Maddux and take the Friars to stun the surging Cardinals.
1♦ PADRES
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Hondo
With an assist from the one and only Jimmy Shields, found his way to a Ray payday last night, scoring in Oakland to move 330 ashburns north of solvency.
Tonight, he'll try some good ol' fashioned double- dippage with the Cubs and Giants. Ten units apiece.
Mighty Quinn
Mighty split with the Hornets (-4) and Red Wings Monday night.
Today it's the Pistons. The surplus is 150 sirignanos.
Cappersaccess
Tue (NBA) Celtics
Tue (MLB) Pirates
Tue (MLB) Astros
Gamblers Data
Tampa Bay -125
PlayByPlayInc.
DETROIT at BOSTON Over 174
Tokay Sports Picks
DETROIT at BOSTON Under 174
Sharp Sports Advisors
FLORIDA MARLINS 110
ARMVIN SPORTS
CINCINNATI REDS 158
With an assist from the one and only Jimmy Shields, found his way to a Ray payday last night, scoring in Oakland to move 330 ashburns north of solvency.
Tonight, he'll try some good ol' fashioned double- dippage with the Cubs and Giants. Ten units apiece.
Mighty Quinn
Mighty split with the Hornets (-4) and Red Wings Monday night.
Today it's the Pistons. The surplus is 150 sirignanos.
Cappersaccess
Tue (NBA) Celtics
Tue (MLB) Pirates
Tue (MLB) Astros
Gamblers Data
Tampa Bay -125
PlayByPlayInc.
DETROIT at BOSTON Over 174
Tokay Sports Picks
DETROIT at BOSTON Under 174
Sharp Sports Advisors
FLORIDA MARLINS 110
ARMVIN SPORTS
CINCINNATI REDS 158
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Larry Ness
Las Vegas Insider-NBA (16-5-1 s/Ap 29) $35.00
Larry's 1st LEGEND Play of the postseason lived up to its moniker, as the Spurs (plus-4 1/2) beat the Hornets, 91-82. His playoff run is now at 16-5-1 since Apr 29. Larry and his "unmatched" have done their part during the streak, going 6-2-1 with his Las Vegas Insiders. "It pays to be on the inside with Larry." Want in?
Boston Celtics
Las Vegas Insider-NBA (16-5-1 s/Ap 29) $35.00
Larry's 1st LEGEND Play of the postseason lived up to its moniker, as the Spurs (plus-4 1/2) beat the Hornets, 91-82. His playoff run is now at 16-5-1 since Apr 29. Larry and his "unmatched" have done their part during the streak, going 6-2-1 with his Las Vegas Insiders. "It pays to be on the inside with Larry." Want in?
Boston Celtics
EZWINNERS
DAY BASEBALL
1 STAR: (931) NY METS (-$127) over Atlanta
(Listing Maine and Glavine)
(Risking $127 to win $100)
12:10PM Central Time
Game One of a Double Header
DAY BASEBALL
1 STAR: (931) NY METS (-$127) over Atlanta
(Listing Maine and Glavine)
(Risking $127 to win $100)
12:10PM Central Time
Game One of a Double Header
THE SPORTS ADVISORS
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Chicago Cubs (28-17) at Houston (25-21)
The red-hot Cubs send right-hander Ryan Dempster (5-1, 2.35 ERA) to the mound at Minute Maid Park against the National League Central rival Astros, who are set to hand the ball to right-hander Chris Sampson (2-3, 6.46) in the middle game of a three-game series.
Chicago scored a 7-2 victory in In Monday night?s opener, improving to 9-2 in its last 11 games. The Cubs have won their last three series, though those were all at home. Meanwhile, the Astros have followed up an 11-2 run by losing three of their last four. Also, Houston first baseman Lance Berkman went 0-for-4 last night, ending a 17-game hitting streak and dropping his season average from .399 to .389.
The Cubs have won three of four from the Astros this season, and they?re now 5-1 in the last six clashes dating to last season. The Cubs narrowly won the season series last year 8-7, though the Astros went 4-2 at home.
The Cubs improved to 7-2 in Dempster?s starts this season with Thursday?s 4-0 home victory over San Diego. It was Dempster?s best outing of the season, as he scattered six hits and struck out 12 over 8 1/3 scoreless innings. All five of Dempster?s wins have come at home this year, but in three road starts, he?s 0-1 despite a miniscule 0.90 ERA. In Dempster?s lone loss, a 5-3 setback at Pittsburgh on April 20, all five runs were unearned.
In his career against Houston, Dempster is 3-7 with a 4.88 ERA in 37 appearances (11 starts).
Sampson, who will make his ninth start today, is 1-0 with two no-decisions in his last three outings, but the Astros won all three games. On Thursday at San Francisco, he got roughed up for seven runs on 10 hits in six innings, but Houston rallied for five runs over the last two innings to notch an 8-7 victory. Prior to that, Sampson threw seven shutout innings, allowing three hits, in a 5-0 road win against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 10.
Sampson is 0-2 with an astounding 15.75 ERA in three starts at home this season, but he?s 2-0 with a 1.25 ERA in three career starts (five appearances) against Chicago, including a 4-3 road win April 4 in which he yielded two runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings.
The Cubs are on positive runs of 5-1 against winning teams and 5-1 when Dempster starts against the N.L. Central. However, they carry negative trends of 3-5 in roadies, 2-6 on the highway against winning teams and 1-4 in Dempster?s last five road starts.
The Astros are on tears of 8-2 at Minute Maid, 6-3 against the N.L. Central, 4-1 in Sampson?s last five outings and 8-2 with Sampson facing division rivals. On the flip side, Houston is 1-4 in Sampson?s last four home starts, 2-8 with Sampson facing a winning team and 3-7 with Sampson going on four days? rest.
The under for Chicago is 5-1 in Dempster?s last six road starts, but the over is 4-1 with Dempster on the hill against N.L. Central foes, and the ?over? trends are running hot when Sampson starts for Houston, including 8-0 at home, 8-1 with Sampson on four days? rest, 7-2 against winning teams and 12-4 in his last 16 outings overall.
In addition, for Chicago, the over is 13-7-2 in its last 22 contests inside the division, but the under is 13-3-1 on Tuesday, 7-2-1 against winning teams and a lengthy 44-17-4 in the Cubs? last 64 road matchups. For Houston, the over is 8-2 in its last 10 at home.
Finally, in this rivalry, the under is 17-5 in the last 22 games in Houston and 19-6-1 in the last 26 matchups overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO CUBS
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Los Angeles Angels (26-20) at Toronto (23-23)
Right-hander John Lackey (0-0, 1.29 ERA), just recently brought off the disabled list, will toe the slab for the Angels when they take on the Blue Jays and righty Dustin McGowan (2-3, 4.38) in the opener of a three-game series at the Rogers Centre.
Los Angeles comes into this three-game set after taking two of three at home from their neighboring rival Dodgers in interleague play. The Angels capped the series with a 10-2 shellacking on Sunday before taking Monday off. The Blue Jays, also off Monday, had similar success in their first interleague action of the season, taking two of three at Philadelphia, including Sunday?s 6-5 win. Toronto has followed a four-game slide by winning six of its last seven.
The Blue Jays are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings with the Angels in Toronto and 17-8 in the last 25 clashes overall. Toronto has narrowly won the season series the past two years, going 4-3 in 2007 and 6-4 in 2006, with a 5-2 mark at home. Los Angeles is just 1-4 in Lackey?s last four road starts against Toronto and 1-5 in Lackey?s last six overall against the Jays.
Lackey, who had been out since spring training with a strained triceps, picked up where he left off last year in his first start of the season Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox. He allowed just one run on six hits in seven innings, with one walk and four strikeouts, but he got only one run of support and the bullpen imploded by allowing five runs in the last two innings as L.A. lost 6-1. Lackey, who went 19-9 with a 3.01 ERA in 2007, is 2-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven career starts against Toronto.
McGowan is gearing up for his 10th start of the year, and the Jays are just 3-6 with the 26-year-old on the hill. On Thursday at Minnesota, he allowed two runs on two hits in five innings, getting a no-decision in Toronto?s 3-2, 11-inning win; that followed a 12-0 beatdown at Cleveland in which McGowan allowed nine runs (all earned) on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings.
McGowan is 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA at home this year, but he?s 0-2 with a 3.45 ERA in two career starts (four appearances) against the Angels.
The Angels are on an 0-7 freefall following an off day and are 0-4 in their last four on the highway, 4-11 in their last 15 on the road against teams with a winning home record and 1-4 in Lackey?s last four starts against the American League East. On the positive side, Los Angeles is on streaks of 4-1 on Tuesday, 4-0 when Lackey goes on Tuesday, 12-4 when Lackey hits the road, 17-7 with Lackey in a series opener, 19-9 in Lackey?s last 28 starts overall and 27-13 with Lackey going on five days? rest.
The Blue Jays are on rolls of 4-1 coming off a win, 5-2 at home, 25-10 at Rogers Centre against winning teams and 4-1 when McGowan works in the Rogers Centre. But Toronto is 0-4 in its last four following an off day, 1-4 in McGowan?s past five facing the A.L. West and 2-9 in its last 11 series openers.
The under is 4-0 in Lackey?s last four road starts, 6-1 in his last seven outings overall, 7-2 in his last nine against the A.L. East and 4-1 in his last five versus Toronto. Also, the under is on a bevy of runs with McGowan throwing for Toronto, including 21-5-1 overall, 13-3-1 at home, 6-0 at home against winning teams, 10-1 in series openers and 16-5 against A.L. West opponents.
Furthermore, for Los Angeles, the under is on streaks of 5-1 overall, 4-1 in series openers and 6-2-1 on the highway. For Toronto, the under is on rolls of 20-8-1 overall, 8-2 at home and 10-1-2 at home against winning road teams.
Finally, the under is 38-15-5 in the last 58 meetings between these two teams, including 19-7-3 in the last 29 clashes in Toronto.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
NBA PLAYOFFS
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(2) Detroit (8-3, 7-4 ATS) at (1) Boston (8-6, 5-9 ATS)
The Pistons, who have been resting up for a week after dispatching the third-seeded Orlando Magic in five games, travel to TD BankNorth Garden to open the Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics, who just finished their second straight seven-game series in fending off Cleveland.
Detroit, which trailed by three points after three quarters of Game 5 against Orlando, got it going in the fourth quarter in winning 91-86 a week ago tonight, though the Pistons failed to cover as a six-point home chalk. Detroit is 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS in its last eight starts, dating to a six-game, first-round series win over Philadelphia, though it has failed to cash in two of its last three.
Richard Hamilton has led the Pistons by averaging 21.5 points per game in the playoffs. Detroit, playing in its sixth straight conference finals, is allowing just 87.8 ppg, third-best in the postseason, while scoring 92.3 ppg. Star point guard Chauncey Billups (hamstring) sat out the last two games of the Orlando series but is expected to be good to go for this series.
Boston, which has lost all six of its road playoff games this year, has countered that by winning all eight of its home starts, including Sunday?s 97-92 Game 7 win over the defending Eastern Conference champion Cavaliers. Paul Pierce had 41 points, nearly keeping pace with LeBron James? 45-point outburst, but while the Celts barely held on, they failed to cover as an eight-point chalk. Boston is on an 0-5 ATS slide and went just 1-6 at the betting window against Cleveland.
Kevin Garnett has been Boston?s go-to guy in the playoffs, averaging 20.3 points and 9.9 rebounds. The Celtics have fielded the best scoring defense so far in the postseason, allowing 86.1 ppg while scoring 91.6. Additionally, opponents are shooting a playoff-worst 41.0 percent, while Boston is hitting at a 44.4 percent clip from the field.
Boston took two of three from Detroit in the regular season, including a 90-78 home victory as a four-point chalk on March 5. However, the Pistons stole an 87-85 road win as a six-point underdog in the first meeting on Dec. 19, and the road team is on a 7-1 ATS tear in the last eight head-to-head clashes. In addition, the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings, and the SU winner has cashed in the last four battles.
The Pistons are 12-3 SU and 11-4 ATS in their last 14 games going back to the regular season, and they are on additional ATS runs of 4-0 after a non-cover, 4-1 against the Atlantic Division, 5-1 after a SU win and 7-2 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. But Detroit still carries negative pointspread trends of 0-6 after three or more days off, 0-5 as a road pup of less than five points, 1-6 as a road ?dog of any price, 2-7 as a playoff ?dog of less than five and 3-7 overall catching points in the playoffs. The Pistons are also a meager 1-11 ATS in their last 12 conference finals games, including going 0-6 ATS (2-4 SU) against Cleveland in last year?s Eastern Conference finals.
The Celtics are also mired in several ATS funks, including 0-5 on one day of rest, 0-4 in the conference finals, 1-5 following a SU win, 1-4 as a playoff chalk of less than five points and a lengthy 18-38 as a home favorite of less than five points. On the positive side, though, the C?s are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 at the Garden and 6-0 ATS in their last six at home against teams with a winning road record.
The ?under? trends are heavy for both teams entering this series. For Detroit, the under is on runs of 16-7 overall, 10-2 when coming off three or more days of rest, 10-2 on the highway, 14-3-1 in the playoffs as an underdog of less than five points, 17-5-1 as a playoff ?dog of any price, 18-6 against the East and 20-8-1 in the conference finals. The under for Boston is on streaks of 4-0 overall, 4-1 as a playoff chalk of less than five points, 4-1 in the conference finals and 16-7 against the Central Division.
Finally, in this rivalry, the under has been the play in each of the last four meetings overall and each of the last five battles at the Garden.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Chicago Cubs (28-17) at Houston (25-21)
The red-hot Cubs send right-hander Ryan Dempster (5-1, 2.35 ERA) to the mound at Minute Maid Park against the National League Central rival Astros, who are set to hand the ball to right-hander Chris Sampson (2-3, 6.46) in the middle game of a three-game series.
Chicago scored a 7-2 victory in In Monday night?s opener, improving to 9-2 in its last 11 games. The Cubs have won their last three series, though those were all at home. Meanwhile, the Astros have followed up an 11-2 run by losing three of their last four. Also, Houston first baseman Lance Berkman went 0-for-4 last night, ending a 17-game hitting streak and dropping his season average from .399 to .389.
The Cubs have won three of four from the Astros this season, and they?re now 5-1 in the last six clashes dating to last season. The Cubs narrowly won the season series last year 8-7, though the Astros went 4-2 at home.
The Cubs improved to 7-2 in Dempster?s starts this season with Thursday?s 4-0 home victory over San Diego. It was Dempster?s best outing of the season, as he scattered six hits and struck out 12 over 8 1/3 scoreless innings. All five of Dempster?s wins have come at home this year, but in three road starts, he?s 0-1 despite a miniscule 0.90 ERA. In Dempster?s lone loss, a 5-3 setback at Pittsburgh on April 20, all five runs were unearned.
In his career against Houston, Dempster is 3-7 with a 4.88 ERA in 37 appearances (11 starts).
Sampson, who will make his ninth start today, is 1-0 with two no-decisions in his last three outings, but the Astros won all three games. On Thursday at San Francisco, he got roughed up for seven runs on 10 hits in six innings, but Houston rallied for five runs over the last two innings to notch an 8-7 victory. Prior to that, Sampson threw seven shutout innings, allowing three hits, in a 5-0 road win against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 10.
Sampson is 0-2 with an astounding 15.75 ERA in three starts at home this season, but he?s 2-0 with a 1.25 ERA in three career starts (five appearances) against Chicago, including a 4-3 road win April 4 in which he yielded two runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings.
The Cubs are on positive runs of 5-1 against winning teams and 5-1 when Dempster starts against the N.L. Central. However, they carry negative trends of 3-5 in roadies, 2-6 on the highway against winning teams and 1-4 in Dempster?s last five road starts.
The Astros are on tears of 8-2 at Minute Maid, 6-3 against the N.L. Central, 4-1 in Sampson?s last five outings and 8-2 with Sampson facing division rivals. On the flip side, Houston is 1-4 in Sampson?s last four home starts, 2-8 with Sampson facing a winning team and 3-7 with Sampson going on four days? rest.
The under for Chicago is 5-1 in Dempster?s last six road starts, but the over is 4-1 with Dempster on the hill against N.L. Central foes, and the ?over? trends are running hot when Sampson starts for Houston, including 8-0 at home, 8-1 with Sampson on four days? rest, 7-2 against winning teams and 12-4 in his last 16 outings overall.
In addition, for Chicago, the over is 13-7-2 in its last 22 contests inside the division, but the under is 13-3-1 on Tuesday, 7-2-1 against winning teams and a lengthy 44-17-4 in the Cubs? last 64 road matchups. For Houston, the over is 8-2 in its last 10 at home.
Finally, in this rivalry, the under is 17-5 in the last 22 games in Houston and 19-6-1 in the last 26 matchups overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO CUBS
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Los Angeles Angels (26-20) at Toronto (23-23)
Right-hander John Lackey (0-0, 1.29 ERA), just recently brought off the disabled list, will toe the slab for the Angels when they take on the Blue Jays and righty Dustin McGowan (2-3, 4.38) in the opener of a three-game series at the Rogers Centre.
Los Angeles comes into this three-game set after taking two of three at home from their neighboring rival Dodgers in interleague play. The Angels capped the series with a 10-2 shellacking on Sunday before taking Monday off. The Blue Jays, also off Monday, had similar success in their first interleague action of the season, taking two of three at Philadelphia, including Sunday?s 6-5 win. Toronto has followed a four-game slide by winning six of its last seven.
The Blue Jays are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings with the Angels in Toronto and 17-8 in the last 25 clashes overall. Toronto has narrowly won the season series the past two years, going 4-3 in 2007 and 6-4 in 2006, with a 5-2 mark at home. Los Angeles is just 1-4 in Lackey?s last four road starts against Toronto and 1-5 in Lackey?s last six overall against the Jays.
Lackey, who had been out since spring training with a strained triceps, picked up where he left off last year in his first start of the season Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox. He allowed just one run on six hits in seven innings, with one walk and four strikeouts, but he got only one run of support and the bullpen imploded by allowing five runs in the last two innings as L.A. lost 6-1. Lackey, who went 19-9 with a 3.01 ERA in 2007, is 2-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven career starts against Toronto.
McGowan is gearing up for his 10th start of the year, and the Jays are just 3-6 with the 26-year-old on the hill. On Thursday at Minnesota, he allowed two runs on two hits in five innings, getting a no-decision in Toronto?s 3-2, 11-inning win; that followed a 12-0 beatdown at Cleveland in which McGowan allowed nine runs (all earned) on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings.
McGowan is 2-0 with a 1.86 ERA at home this year, but he?s 0-2 with a 3.45 ERA in two career starts (four appearances) against the Angels.
The Angels are on an 0-7 freefall following an off day and are 0-4 in their last four on the highway, 4-11 in their last 15 on the road against teams with a winning home record and 1-4 in Lackey?s last four starts against the American League East. On the positive side, Los Angeles is on streaks of 4-1 on Tuesday, 4-0 when Lackey goes on Tuesday, 12-4 when Lackey hits the road, 17-7 with Lackey in a series opener, 19-9 in Lackey?s last 28 starts overall and 27-13 with Lackey going on five days? rest.
The Blue Jays are on rolls of 4-1 coming off a win, 5-2 at home, 25-10 at Rogers Centre against winning teams and 4-1 when McGowan works in the Rogers Centre. But Toronto is 0-4 in its last four following an off day, 1-4 in McGowan?s past five facing the A.L. West and 2-9 in its last 11 series openers.
The under is 4-0 in Lackey?s last four road starts, 6-1 in his last seven outings overall, 7-2 in his last nine against the A.L. East and 4-1 in his last five versus Toronto. Also, the under is on a bevy of runs with McGowan throwing for Toronto, including 21-5-1 overall, 13-3-1 at home, 6-0 at home against winning teams, 10-1 in series openers and 16-5 against A.L. West opponents.
Furthermore, for Los Angeles, the under is on streaks of 5-1 overall, 4-1 in series openers and 6-2-1 on the highway. For Toronto, the under is on rolls of 20-8-1 overall, 8-2 at home and 10-1-2 at home against winning road teams.
Finally, the under is 38-15-5 in the last 58 meetings between these two teams, including 19-7-3 in the last 29 clashes in Toronto.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
NBA PLAYOFFS
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(2) Detroit (8-3, 7-4 ATS) at (1) Boston (8-6, 5-9 ATS)
The Pistons, who have been resting up for a week after dispatching the third-seeded Orlando Magic in five games, travel to TD BankNorth Garden to open the Eastern Conference finals against the Celtics, who just finished their second straight seven-game series in fending off Cleveland.
Detroit, which trailed by three points after three quarters of Game 5 against Orlando, got it going in the fourth quarter in winning 91-86 a week ago tonight, though the Pistons failed to cover as a six-point home chalk. Detroit is 7-1 SU and 6-2 ATS in its last eight starts, dating to a six-game, first-round series win over Philadelphia, though it has failed to cash in two of its last three.
Richard Hamilton has led the Pistons by averaging 21.5 points per game in the playoffs. Detroit, playing in its sixth straight conference finals, is allowing just 87.8 ppg, third-best in the postseason, while scoring 92.3 ppg. Star point guard Chauncey Billups (hamstring) sat out the last two games of the Orlando series but is expected to be good to go for this series.
Boston, which has lost all six of its road playoff games this year, has countered that by winning all eight of its home starts, including Sunday?s 97-92 Game 7 win over the defending Eastern Conference champion Cavaliers. Paul Pierce had 41 points, nearly keeping pace with LeBron James? 45-point outburst, but while the Celts barely held on, they failed to cover as an eight-point chalk. Boston is on an 0-5 ATS slide and went just 1-6 at the betting window against Cleveland.
Kevin Garnett has been Boston?s go-to guy in the playoffs, averaging 20.3 points and 9.9 rebounds. The Celtics have fielded the best scoring defense so far in the postseason, allowing 86.1 ppg while scoring 91.6. Additionally, opponents are shooting a playoff-worst 41.0 percent, while Boston is hitting at a 44.4 percent clip from the field.
Boston took two of three from Detroit in the regular season, including a 90-78 home victory as a four-point chalk on March 5. However, the Pistons stole an 87-85 road win as a six-point underdog in the first meeting on Dec. 19, and the road team is on a 7-1 ATS tear in the last eight head-to-head clashes. In addition, the underdog is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings, and the SU winner has cashed in the last four battles.
The Pistons are 12-3 SU and 11-4 ATS in their last 14 games going back to the regular season, and they are on additional ATS runs of 4-0 after a non-cover, 4-1 against the Atlantic Division, 5-1 after a SU win and 7-2 against teams with a winning percentage above .600. But Detroit still carries negative pointspread trends of 0-6 after three or more days off, 0-5 as a road pup of less than five points, 1-6 as a road ?dog of any price, 2-7 as a playoff ?dog of less than five and 3-7 overall catching points in the playoffs. The Pistons are also a meager 1-11 ATS in their last 12 conference finals games, including going 0-6 ATS (2-4 SU) against Cleveland in last year?s Eastern Conference finals.
The Celtics are also mired in several ATS funks, including 0-5 on one day of rest, 0-4 in the conference finals, 1-5 following a SU win, 1-4 as a playoff chalk of less than five points and a lengthy 18-38 as a home favorite of less than five points. On the positive side, though, the C?s are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 at the Garden and 6-0 ATS in their last six at home against teams with a winning road record.
The ?under? trends are heavy for both teams entering this series. For Detroit, the under is on runs of 16-7 overall, 10-2 when coming off three or more days of rest, 10-2 on the highway, 14-3-1 in the playoffs as an underdog of less than five points, 17-5-1 as a playoff ?dog of any price, 18-6 against the East and 20-8-1 in the conference finals. The under for Boston is on streaks of 4-0 overall, 4-1 as a playoff chalk of less than five points, 4-1 in the conference finals and 16-7 against the Central Division.
Finally, in this rivalry, the under has been the play in each of the last four meetings overall and each of the last five battles at the Garden.
ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER
- Apr 7, 2008
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees (MLB) - 7:05 PM EDT Premium Pick
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Handicapper: Evan Altemus
Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB) - 10:10 PM EDT Premium Pick
Pick: Point Spread: -1.5/130 Los Angeles Dodgers Play Title: NL Top Run Line
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NL Top Run Line
- Apr 7, 2008
- 4,291
- 0
- 36
Tom Freese Blue Line Club
Tampa Bay at Oakland (10:05pm)
Tampa Bay is 11-2 when Scott Kazmir starts game two of series and they are 9-3 their last 12 games overall. The Rays are 10-2 vs. a team that allowed 5 or more runs in their last game and they are 13-6 with Kazmir vs. winning teams. Oakland is 2-6 their last 8 games vs. lefty starters and they are 2-8 on Tuesday. The A's are 0-5 after scoring 5 or more runs in their last game. PLAY ON TAMPA BAY w/Kazmir
Tampa Bay at Oakland (10:05pm)
Tampa Bay is 11-2 when Scott Kazmir starts game two of series and they are 9-3 their last 12 games overall. The Rays are 10-2 vs. a team that allowed 5 or more runs in their last game and they are 13-6 with Kazmir vs. winning teams. Oakland is 2-6 their last 8 games vs. lefty starters and they are 2-8 on Tuesday. The A's are 0-5 after scoring 5 or more runs in their last game. PLAY ON TAMPA BAY w/Kazmir
- Apr 7, 2008
- 4,291
- 0
- 36
VEGAS EXPERTS
Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros
Tuesday, May 20th, 8:05 PM ET
Huge pitching mismatch in favor of the Cubs here. Ryan Dempster has emerged as the team's #2 man in the rotation behind Zambrano by allowing just two earned runs over his last three starts (0.89 ERA). He's opposed by Chris Sampson who has an ERA over 15.00 at home, yet somehow the Astros have won each of his last three starts. Not this time as the Cubbie build off yesterday's 7-2 win in the series opener.
Play on: Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs at Houston Astros
Tuesday, May 20th, 8:05 PM ET
Huge pitching mismatch in favor of the Cubs here. Ryan Dempster has emerged as the team's #2 man in the rotation behind Zambrano by allowing just two earned runs over his last three starts (0.89 ERA). He's opposed by Chris Sampson who has an ERA over 15.00 at home, yet somehow the Astros have won each of his last three starts. Not this time as the Cubbie build off yesterday's 7-2 win in the series opener.
Play on: Chicago Cubs
- Apr 7, 2008
- 4,291
- 0
- 36
GATOR REPORT
NBA 70% Super Situations (NBA Record 20-11 ATS +790 Units)
NBA (Playoffs 3-3 -0.30) Tuesday: Play Over NBA teams where the total is between 170 and 179.5 points after a game where they failed to cover the spread, a well rested team whose playing 5 or less games in 14 days.
41-16 Over last 5 seasons (71.9%)
PLAY: Detroit / Boston OVER 174
MLB 70% Super Situations (**MLB Record 12-4 +760 units)
MLB (12-4 +760) Tuesday: Play Against MLB (NL) road underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 2.70 or better on the season against an opponent with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.250 to 1.350 on the season.
47-14 since 1997 (77%)
PLAY: Colorado Rockies -135
NBA 70% Super Situations (NBA Record 20-11 ATS +790 Units)
NBA (Playoffs 3-3 -0.30) Tuesday: Play Over NBA teams where the total is between 170 and 179.5 points after a game where they failed to cover the spread, a well rested team whose playing 5 or less games in 14 days.
41-16 Over last 5 seasons (71.9%)
PLAY: Detroit / Boston OVER 174
MLB 70% Super Situations (**MLB Record 12-4 +760 units)
MLB (12-4 +760) Tuesday: Play Against MLB (NL) road underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 2.70 or better on the season against an opponent with a starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.250 to 1.350 on the season.
47-14 since 1997 (77%)
PLAY: Colorado Rockies -135
- Apr 7, 2008
- 4,291
- 0
- 36
Ferrall
AL FREE B's FOR TUESDAY
Minnesota -125 on ML over Texas--The Twins send Glen Perkins to the hill against Doug Mathis, who's making his fist career start. TAKE THE OVER 9.5 RUNS. Perkins, the lefty, has made two starts for the Twins and allowed only two earned runs in his last outing.
CLEVELAND -125 on ML over Chicago--CC Sabathia has looked sharp lately. He's 3-2 in his last five starts after starting the season 0-3. He's allowed one run in last 16 innings. The White Sox have won five straight. Sabbathia is 14-3 in his career vs the White Sox and 7-0 in Chicago. TAKE THE UNDER 8 RUNS
RAYS -125 on ML over Oakland--Scott Kazmir las looked very sharp in his last two starts since coming off the DL and getting his huge contract extension. He's beaten the Angels and yankees back to back. He's 4-1 lifetime vs the A's. He struck out 13 against them last August.
NL FREE B's FOR TUESDAY
ROCKIES -130 on ML over Giants--Lincecum gets beat by Aaron Cook in the thin air at Coors. Colorado has won 3 straight. SF has dropped six straight games. SF has lost 12 of 15 and just got swept by the White Sox and then lost the first game of this series.. They've lost 3 of Lincecum's last four starts. He leads the NL in ERA and K's. Cook has won 6 of his last 7 starts.
Cardinals +110 on ML over Padres--Pujols is on fire and Greg Maddux will find out how hot he is tonight at Petco. Maddux is coming off a lousy start against the Cubs, losing 4-0 and lasting only in to the 5th inning. The Padres have lost three straight and are 16-30. Joel Pineiro is 3-0 in his career vs the Padres. The Cards starter is unbeaten in his last five starts, going 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA. SD is a lousy 8-11 at home and the Cards are .500 on the road.
DODGERS -180 on ML over Reds--LA is 12-9 at home and the Reds are a miserable 7-14 on the road. Chad Billingsley won his last start and gave up 1 run in 7 innings vs the Brewers. The Dodgers win 60% of the games they are favored. The Reds cash in only 34% as dogs. Matt Belisle lost to the Mets in his last outing
AL FREE B's FOR TUESDAY
Minnesota -125 on ML over Texas--The Twins send Glen Perkins to the hill against Doug Mathis, who's making his fist career start. TAKE THE OVER 9.5 RUNS. Perkins, the lefty, has made two starts for the Twins and allowed only two earned runs in his last outing.
CLEVELAND -125 on ML over Chicago--CC Sabathia has looked sharp lately. He's 3-2 in his last five starts after starting the season 0-3. He's allowed one run in last 16 innings. The White Sox have won five straight. Sabbathia is 14-3 in his career vs the White Sox and 7-0 in Chicago. TAKE THE UNDER 8 RUNS
RAYS -125 on ML over Oakland--Scott Kazmir las looked very sharp in his last two starts since coming off the DL and getting his huge contract extension. He's beaten the Angels and yankees back to back. He's 4-1 lifetime vs the A's. He struck out 13 against them last August.
NL FREE B's FOR TUESDAY
ROCKIES -130 on ML over Giants--Lincecum gets beat by Aaron Cook in the thin air at Coors. Colorado has won 3 straight. SF has dropped six straight games. SF has lost 12 of 15 and just got swept by the White Sox and then lost the first game of this series.. They've lost 3 of Lincecum's last four starts. He leads the NL in ERA and K's. Cook has won 6 of his last 7 starts.
Cardinals +110 on ML over Padres--Pujols is on fire and Greg Maddux will find out how hot he is tonight at Petco. Maddux is coming off a lousy start against the Cubs, losing 4-0 and lasting only in to the 5th inning. The Padres have lost three straight and are 16-30. Joel Pineiro is 3-0 in his career vs the Padres. The Cards starter is unbeaten in his last five starts, going 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA. SD is a lousy 8-11 at home and the Cards are .500 on the road.
DODGERS -180 on ML over Reds--LA is 12-9 at home and the Reds are a miserable 7-14 on the road. Chad Billingsley won his last start and gave up 1 run in 7 innings vs the Brewers. The Dodgers win 60% of the games they are favored. The Reds cash in only 34% as dogs. Matt Belisle lost to the Mets in his last outing
