Yesterday 4-0 +7.88 units
Y-T-D (on this site) 45-61 (+1.23 units)
MONTREAL +1.45 over Los Angeles
Kas Ishii has allowed at least five runs in eight of his starts and has failed to last five innings eight times, including four of his last six outings. He also has trouble throwing strikes and it’s finally catching up to him. In fact, he’s walked 77 batters this year while striking out 68 and was recently demoted to the pen. Last year he struggled big time in the final two months and this year he’s been even worse. In his past six appearances dating back to July 21, Ishii has pitched 26 frames and has been torched. Over that span, he’s surrendered 35 hits, 25 earned runs and nine bombs, including four in one game against the Phillies. His ERA over that stretch is 8.39. He’s proven that he just isn’t durable enough to endure a long season and in no way should he have this large a tag on him, especially on the road where he’s struggled all year with a 5.67 ERA. The Expos have been playing well for some time now and in fact, have won 24 of their past 39 games. Rocky Biddle has some ugly numbers, however, this isn’t about wagering on Biddle. This choice is all about value and wagering against a guy who usually falls behind in the count on every batter he faces. At this level, that can’t be overcome. Huge overlay. Play Montreal +1.45 (Risking 1.5 units).
Minnesota +1.15 over TEXAS
See absolutely no reason not to come right back on this intruder tonight. The Twins bats remain hot, as does the team. Minnesota has now reeled off four in a row and seven of their past eight games. The bullpen has been brilliant in the second half and there’s a good chance that the pens will decide this one, in which we like our chances even more. The Rangers have called up right-hander Chris Young to make his major league debut here in the heat of a pennant race, probably not a good idea. Young was originally a Pirates third round pick in 2000 out of Princeton and was given a $1.65 million signing bonus. As 6′10″, he’s one of the tallest players in baseball history. Young is now in the Rangers organization after getting dealt from Pittsburgh to Montreal and then from the Expos to the Rangers in April of this year. When the Expos and Pirates give up on you (especially after giving him 1.65 million) it’s not a very good sign at all. Despite his size, Young doesn’t throw very hard (87-91) and relies more on his curveball and changeup. He was recently promoted from Double AA Frisco to Triple AAA Oklahoma. At Frisco, Young went 6-5 with a 4.48 ERA. Young also has trouble finding the strike zone and he gets the call here, not because the Rangers feel he’s ready but because they have few options left. The Rangers currently have 10 pitchers on the rack and have nowhere to turn. Chris Young is not the answer. Wrong side favored. Play Minnesota +1.15 (Risking 1.5 units).
Y-T-D (on this site) 45-61 (+1.23 units)
MONTREAL +1.45 over Los Angeles
Kas Ishii has allowed at least five runs in eight of his starts and has failed to last five innings eight times, including four of his last six outings. He also has trouble throwing strikes and it’s finally catching up to him. In fact, he’s walked 77 batters this year while striking out 68 and was recently demoted to the pen. Last year he struggled big time in the final two months and this year he’s been even worse. In his past six appearances dating back to July 21, Ishii has pitched 26 frames and has been torched. Over that span, he’s surrendered 35 hits, 25 earned runs and nine bombs, including four in one game against the Phillies. His ERA over that stretch is 8.39. He’s proven that he just isn’t durable enough to endure a long season and in no way should he have this large a tag on him, especially on the road where he’s struggled all year with a 5.67 ERA. The Expos have been playing well for some time now and in fact, have won 24 of their past 39 games. Rocky Biddle has some ugly numbers, however, this isn’t about wagering on Biddle. This choice is all about value and wagering against a guy who usually falls behind in the count on every batter he faces. At this level, that can’t be overcome. Huge overlay. Play Montreal +1.45 (Risking 1.5 units).
Minnesota +1.15 over TEXAS
See absolutely no reason not to come right back on this intruder tonight. The Twins bats remain hot, as does the team. Minnesota has now reeled off four in a row and seven of their past eight games. The bullpen has been brilliant in the second half and there’s a good chance that the pens will decide this one, in which we like our chances even more. The Rangers have called up right-hander Chris Young to make his major league debut here in the heat of a pennant race, probably not a good idea. Young was originally a Pirates third round pick in 2000 out of Princeton and was given a $1.65 million signing bonus. As 6′10″, he’s one of the tallest players in baseball history. Young is now in the Rangers organization after getting dealt from Pittsburgh to Montreal and then from the Expos to the Rangers in April of this year. When the Expos and Pirates give up on you (especially after giving him 1.65 million) it’s not a very good sign at all. Despite his size, Young doesn’t throw very hard (87-91) and relies more on his curveball and changeup. He was recently promoted from Double AA Frisco to Triple AAA Oklahoma. At Frisco, Young went 6-5 with a 4.48 ERA. Young also has trouble finding the strike zone and he gets the call here, not because the Rangers feel he’s ready but because they have few options left. The Rangers currently have 10 pitchers on the rack and have nowhere to turn. Chris Young is not the answer. Wrong side favored. Play Minnesota +1.15 (Risking 1.5 units).
