I'm loving the Braves today. They are a different team at home (12-6 this year) and they are coming off a pretty exciting win. What more can you say about Jason Heyward that hasn't already been said? He's a monster and he's getting even more at bats now that they've moved him to the 2 spot in the lineup. Eric Hinske has been a pleasant surprise for them. And they have Tommy Hanson on the mound.
What the kid Mike Leake has done so far without one inning of minor league baseball has been nothing short of amazing. The kid is 4-0 with a sub 4 era. However, I don't expect him to be perfect every time out and this is a decent spot for him to get his first loss on the road. Also, Scott Rolen and Johnny Gomes (arguably the Reds hottest hitter right now) are out of the lineup today.
As for the Phillies, I look for them to break their modest 2 game losing streak today with a bang. J Roll is back and he gives the team a ton more balance. Phils are 13-7 their last 20 games against right handers. Cubs are without Aramis today (some may call that a blessing). Look for the Phils to bounce back at home.
Even with Mitre pitching, the Yanks have a decided advantage against the Twins at home.
Blackburn is not very good on the road, the Yanks are 8-2 their last 10 against righties, and Blackburn is 0-3 in the last three years at Yankee Stadium.
Mitre just needs to throw 5 and allow the Yanks offense to do it's thang.
Also looking for the Jays to stay hot at home (Morrow's numbers are horrible but the kid has so much potential), a small bet on the Reds (I hate Brad Penny and I think he's so overrated; Gomes is on fire as are the Reds), and I'll be riding the Pirates once again! They are playing well against the Cubbies and at +190, you just can't go wrong!
On my way to the game tonight to watch Zito dominate once again on my birthday!
Giants are coming off a decent 4-2 roadie, and they are battling the Pads for first place in the West, with memories of a three game sweep earlier in the season in San Diego. Panda just could not wait for that road trip to end as he slumped badly on the entire trip. Don't have the numbers in front of me, but I believe he's hitting like, .067 in May.
Nothing better than some home cooking for the cure!
Look for the Giants to come out with a purpose tonight on their first game of the homestand! In Zito we trust.
Also looking to take the Royals, the Marlins, and the Angels at home.
Good luck guys!
i'm liking the dodgers today. Kershaw is legit, and when he's on, there aren't many better than him. You have to remember, he's only 23 or something like that. I look for him to bounce back from his worst start of the year.
It's always hard to bet against Jimenez; he's that good. But no one is perfect, and this situation is set up for the Dodgers pretty well at home. Either is a monster and the return of Manny should help balance that lineup out.
Give me the Dodgers with plus money at home.
random thoughts:
-The Freak is amazing. He was just crusing against the Marlins. Just absolutely unhittable. I think he had 9 or 10 K's through 5. As good as he was though, Hanley was unbelievable too, taking him yard, on a pitch that was just too good to hit. Ruined an unbelievable night from Lincecum. Can't believe he struck out 13 and didn't get a win. Dude should be 6-0. And you wonder why at the end of the year, people say wins for a pitcher don't mean a DAMN thing.
-San Diego just cannot lose at home. They have this amazing ability to keep any game that they play at home close, and with that bullpen, that is just a recipe for success. I love Chase Headley. That kid is gonna be a player and one of the main reasons why they were willing to give up on Kouzmanoff. They built that team perfectly for Petco.
-Can people stop running onto the field please? These idiots deserve to be tased. I applaud the officer who did that. Actually, next time some idiot runs on the field, I say Ryan Howard has free reign to get a shot at the guy. That'll teach them a lesson. The field is for the players. Stay the fuck off.
Onto Wednesday's games:
-Giants -145. How do you not keep taking Zito here? The guy is pitching the best baseball of his life and he has great lifetime numbers against the Marlins. He's 4-0 against the Marlins, with a 2.35 era and 30 ips and only 20 hits. Give me the Giants here as they keep rolling.
-Cardinals -125. Seems like a pretty fishy line actually, as the Cards seem like an obvious choice here. Brad Penny has some nice numbers at night, 27-14, with a 3.90 era in the last 3 years. 2-0 vs. the Phils and has solid numbers against Utley and Howard. Seems like Kendrick is pitching for his life here. One caveat, Kendrick has great numbers against the Cards. 3-0, with a 2.25 era. Maybe that's why the line is so low.
-Royals +120. This line doesn't make much sense to me. How is Freddy Garcia still in the league? Nonetheless, he just has horrible numbers against the Royals. DeJesus is hitting .355 in 35 at bats, Butler .667 in limited at bats...as a team they are hitting .314 off him. Garcia, in the last three years, 0-4 with a 8.53 era against KC. I am a big fan of Brian Bannister, so I love him with plus money.
Also leaning towards Carmona and the Indians in the morning to avoid the sweep at home.
Good luck everyone.