Seeing as there is such a flap about what we can and cannot say in here, I thought I'd add Bruno's Seven Things You Shouldn't Say In a Handicapping Forum;
- Easy Money
- Lock
- Mortgage
- Kid's College Fund
- Rent
- Guarantee
- Can't Lose
Now that we have semantics out of the way, let's see what today's Gambling Gods are offering up. Just remember that it takes losers to pay the winners. If we all won, we'd have nobody to take our action. The only other sure-fire (yup, another one) way to become a winner is to become a bookie.....and to pay close attention to Red-Flag Alerts.
Stack 'em Up!
**Philadelphia Phillies (-109) ~ Not going into this one too deep at the moment, but suffice it to say that the Marlins just do not hit well in matinee games....the Phillies do. Hamels should have his way with these Fish today.
Philadelphia Phillies -1½ (+150) ~ Although I do expect a blowout, the Phils' bullpen could make it interesting late. I don't mean a blowout as in an Over, but as in a "never in it". FWIW ~ The Under is 8-0 in Cole's last eight vs Miami.
Philadelphia Phillies (-115) Mini ~ Knockin' at the door, but couldn't get in.
Texas Rangers/Detroit Tigers
Under 3½ (+105) Mini ~ I need to take the bullpens out of this one. Darvish has tamed these Tigers and Ray should have the "new-car smell" a couple times through.
Colorado Rockies (-119) Suspended ~ DLR's home dominance is well-documented and the last thing I want is my money riding on an old-timer fresh off a layoff. I don't expect another gem by De La Rosa, but I do expect another W.
First inning run;
No (+100) FWIW ~ the "No" is +330 at Coors over the last 3 games ~ As long as they keep offering Ev+ money at Coors, I'll keep biting. Hudson is crafty enough to work out of early trouble.
Tough to play against a team who gets 1-hit and still wins, but 13 walks over two games won't get it done for the Rays. I do not think that young Cobb is as charitable, though. Caveat in that he is fresh off the DL, but was almost unhittable prior to the stint.
Tampa Bay Rays (+105)/Under 7 (-110) ~ Parlayed at +290. Unreal....parlay reduced.
Toronto Blue Jays (+141) ~ So let me get this right? I am getting a pitcher in Buehrle who is 7-1 (including 4-0/1.25 on the road) at this price? I'll take it every time. Of course I know the history. Jays bats are thundering, so Lester just cannot make many mistakes. Yes, the BoSox have cleaned up their act and are hitting LHP well lately and have hammered Buehrle in the past, but the old fella also knows it. Value on this one, IMO. Perhaps wait and see how much more Boston love we can get? Expect to see Big Papi walk a couple of times intentionally and for EE to go yard.....again. Bring out the brooms......
Pittsburgh Pirates (-120) ~ Not real impressed with Volquez this season, but before getting too googly-eyed over Treinen's numbers....look a little deeper. His 0.77 ERA could easily be 7.77.
Not sure what is going on in Baltimore, but although Chen is no stud he's equipped with the best tool there is to beat the Tribe. He's a lefty. I wouldn't put too much stock in their win over Smyly.
Beware the Cardinals. There's a reason the Snakes' RL is about -165. Although the Cards have started to hit LHP, I'm not sure it can be counted on. Probably another 1 run game.
I do think that Sale is overpriced coming off of the DL and the Yankees have managed southpaws well. Yankees (+141) may be a value play, although I don't have a ton of faith in Phelps and especially in him going deep. The Stringbean was great prior to the DL, so be careful here.
Parlay added at +1750;
Philadelphia Phillies Over 3½ (-105)
Detroit Tigers +1½ (-150)
Toronto Blue Jays +1½ (-160)
Baltimore Orioles (-125)
Pittsburgh Pirates (-120)
Despite their 'tending woes there is no chance I don't try to recoup with Montreal Canadiens (+156). The Rangers have been a far better road team all season, including 4 of their 5 game streak. Why would it change now? I think management made a mistake not going with Budaj in GM 2, but agree with their choice of Tokarski here.
That's all, folks!