Slow start to the night but a great finish, so all is well in Parrotville. Let's count some more green, friends! Getting some in the thread early today......
Should probably wait on this one, but I am more than happy with this price;
New York Mets (+130) ~ Don't need to dig very deep on this one. The Cards are hitting a measly .180 vs southpaws. Not sure why I expected a change from last season? I know Wacha's on the mound, but I'd make this play vs Cy Young today. He just makes the Under 6.5 (+100) look that much more attractive. Mets hitting just over a deuce vs RHP. A carbon-copy of last night with NY the victors, perhaps? Mets' +1.5 (-135) a very likely parlay add. The Cards are 1-6 in their last 7 road games facing a lefty. They have a single HR in 150 ABs vs LHP.
Under 3½ (-125) Mini ~ I am guessing on this number, but don't really expect either team to get a sniff early. I'd wait a while as the Over money coming in will (should?) make it more reasonable. I do expect -115-120, but I'll bite at -125 if that is my only option. Thanks, jkr.
Texas Rangers (+150) ~ Ugghh....I hate fading my A's and especially with Sonny at home, but no chance I let this one slide. Oakland struggling a bit vs LHP and Perez can be a good one. Mound match-up a toss-up, but expect that an additional walk (or two) by Gray makes the difference. In any case, I do expect another 1-run game.
Cincinnati Reds (+103) Mini ~ Distinct advantage to the Reds both on the mound and at the plate. Let's leave the bullpen on the shelf, although I do expect Cinci to win this. It would be at least a double-play if I had faith in it. Wrong team favored, IMO. Perhaps not with the lopsided action they are catching early. The mini alone it is.
Kansas City Royals (+131) ~ While cherry-picking these big lines, I am starting to wonder whether the 'books and I are looking at the same games? Never thought I'd say that Vargas facing Masterson would be an advantage, but I think it is here. Another team known to hit lefties....struggling against them (.216). I do expect the Royals' LHBs get to Masterson. Just too good to pass up. Another RL for the parlay.
I'd clearly give the edge to the Yankees again, but as many know Lackey has been a nuisance to me. That said, it would be New York (+113) or nothing.....
**Colorado Rockies (-105) ~ I'm sure Troy has this one marked on his calendar. Simple really....the Rox hit RHP at a whopping 66 points higher than the Giants' .225. The Rockies have scored 88 runs (540 ABs) to SF's 43 (413 ABs) facing righties with 100 more bases. It'll add up to a win here. Alternate RL Colorado Rockies -1½ (+185) a definite consideration. I don't expect Cain to get his first W today.
To ensure that I am using my head only I will lay off the Jays' game, but there'd be no way I'd fade Tillman. It would be the Orioles mini only though, as we can not trust that bullpen nor can we overlook the Toronto bombers.
Jake Odorizzi (-180) is reason enough for me to go back to the well small with the Minnesota Twins (+170). Although they haven't seen him, their .366 OBP vs RHP makes me think that they will get to him at some point. Although he has been hurt by the long-ball and with the exception of Longoria (once), Pelfrey has been able to keep these Rays in the yard. His control has been an early issue, so I do hope he has ironed that out. Note that this play is largely predicated on value and should only be used to "pad" your bankroll.....meaning don't use it if you are in a hole. I do foresee some runs in this one.
Miami Marlins (+138) ~ In the early one, I do expect someone to open up a can of whoop-ass on Harang. It may as well be the Fish Sticks. Bravos' OBP under .300 facing RHP is alarming.
With the total set at Over 6.5 (-110) at Wrigley and no bullpens in sight, I have to play it based solely on principle.
Houston Astros/Seattle Mariners Under 4 (+100) Mini ~ Trying to lay off totals today as quite frankly, the 9 inning jobs are killing me. Stick with the mini here as both pitchers are capable and both offenses can be feeble. Makes the RL that much more appealing.
Matinee Parlay at 14/1. Yes, I do like them all outright;
Miami Marlins +1½ (-170)
Colorado Rockies (-105)
Texas Rangers +1½ (-160)
Chicago Cubs (-125) Mini
Houston Astros +1½ (-160)
Pittsburgh Penguins/Columbus Blue Jackets Under 5½ (-120) ~ I expect we see a different brand of CBJ hockey this evening?