Ouch on our Red Sox bet - I didn't see that coming under any scenario - but I suppose there's one we didn't consider - that Owens would completely regress to the one the Mariners crushed.
I guess it's "let the games begin on several levels. We've got a couple of 2* plays loaded for CFB - one we can't sell because the line moved, and the other I won't because I can't think of a really creative title. But, it will cash. Not to mention that daily buyers, which is the vast majority, aren't going to buy my package Thursday after the Boston game. That's just how it goes. Here's my MLB thoughts and I will add CFB when time permits - probably Thursday.
Atlanta-Washington: I do know the Braves are not playing well and haven't since about the middle of May. I also know that Wisler has had his struggles. However, there is no chance of laying -250 with Zimmerman - let alone in Washington's first game back from a tough series in St. Louis. If there were ever a time to take a flyer, this might be it.
Pirates-Brewers: Yes, Liriano is a very good pitcher, but Youngmann may give Milwaukee their best chance. I do like the under here if for no other reason than the Pirates bullpen has been in lock down mode. I can't ignore the fact that Jumgmann has allowed three home runs in 90+ innings, and one since June 30th. Couple that with his 1.17 WHIP which is in the elite category - and I could make the case for the Brewers RL at the very least.
Giants-Rockies: Hard to fathom Vogelsong being -135 on the road, but that's what it is. Since he (Vogelsong) came out of the bullpen to take a turn in the rotation he hasn't lasted more than six innings, and even six only once. That's tough to get behind even with the huge bullpen advantage the Giants have. It's also impossible for me to back Rusin, and not so much because of his inconsistency but the fact that he threw 113 pitches last game. There's a reason why this total is 11.5.
Dodgers-Padres: Everyone seemed to want to get behind Rea in his last outing against the Phillies, but he's really done nothing to impress after his first start against the Reds. Tough to fathom the Dodgers, even with Latos, only being -120 which is either a complete gift or a big public disaster (not unlike the Red Sox). Latos hasn't lasted through the fifth inning in three straight starts, and LA comes in after a big series against the Giants - so I suppose we could make a case for - the over?
White Sox-Twins: A day game, so let's be diligent and see what lineups come out. Gibson has been very good to us, but I don't know about -145 to a team that's seen him and might have some motivation for getting whacked by him back in May. I suppose that's something to grab on to if your Chicago. Gibson has thrown four straight 101+ pitch games - something he's not accustomed to. Chicago typically does fare better against RHP's as well. And yes, Samardzija has been crucified of late - so backing the Sox is tough as well. One could perhaps conclude that the over is the play, but Samrdzija AND Gibson are both somewhere between their recent performances. I do think it (the total) goes to 8.5 at some point, and perhaps the under. Opening at 8 is seemingly signaling a pitcher's duel, and let's face it, these teams are not the Yankees.
Tigers-Royals: Again, for as good as the Royals can be and as bad as the Tigers have been, there's no reason to make Volquez -200 against a left handed pitcher, something we know the Royals CAN struggle with at times. I'd think differently if Volquez has been pitching great, but looking beyond the wins and losses, he's allowed 13/14 flyball outs in his last two games. We of course know Detroit CAN hit the ball. They (the Tigers) have all seen him at least once. This could be a F5 under - can't take the game under with the possibility of Detroits' bullpen being overly involved. Yes, Boyd's given it up all over the place, but he's already pitched against the Royals twice.