to all veterans past and present, I'd like to simply say "Thank you!!!"
Houston -153 (2 units)...The "Clemens" factor negates any kind of hitting edge Cincy has in this matchup. But remember, as bad as Houston's been this season, they still are 13-9 at home and are batting .281 at home. They split their last 6 on the road, including winning the last 2, so that certainly helps their confidence heading home. Now, the talk should be about Cincy's bad road record (5-16), now that they are back on the road after a long homestand. Astros have hit Harang in the past, and -153 is still a low price on the Rocket at home vs. the Reds, regardless of Houston's past struggles. The Stros would sure like to get out of the cellar at the expense of the Reds.
Boston -1 1/2 (+139) (2 units)...Nice momentum play here. BoSox make triumphant return home after HUGE wins vs. Yanks the last 2, while Balt now has THE BIG BOYS of the East breathing down their neck after getting swept by Det at home (always tough to go out on the road after ending the homestand badly, imo). Bos also has the advantage of facing Lopez twice (pounded him in Bos the 2nd time), while Balt hasn't seen Arroyo yet. Arroyo pitches well at Fenway, while Lopez has taken his lumps away from Camden. Doesn't help matters that Balt is without Javy and Bigbie for awhile.
Florida +105 (1 unit)..Battle of lefties (Redman and Leiter). Leiter has started to show his age, has been good vs. Pittsburgh in his career, and amazingly, better away from Home (a pitcher's park). Redman has been a pleasant surprise so far, but it's a little deceiving. He's faced some of the weaker hitting teams in the NL. STL kncked him around pretty good last time out. Fla is hitting much better than Pitt vs. lefties, and Leiter has a much better defense behind him today. Leiter still has a few wins left in him, imo. The pressure is on him to keep his place in the rotation, and i believe he responds today.
LA Angels/White Sox UNDER 8 (-116) (1 unit)...I look for things to get back to normal for these two teams, after playing KC and Texas, respectively. These 2 teams have been UNDER machines. With 2 good lefties going today, i expect these teams will be looking to manufacture a run or two today. We all know about the season that Buehrle has had so far, but Washburn has also regained his form and been solid. He has been esp impressive away from Anaheim. Runs were also hard to come by when these squads met last week. Unlike most cases, i don't see a big advantage for the hitters that they seen these pitchers last week. Still think the bats struggle.
Houston -153 (2 units)...The "Clemens" factor negates any kind of hitting edge Cincy has in this matchup. But remember, as bad as Houston's been this season, they still are 13-9 at home and are batting .281 at home. They split their last 6 on the road, including winning the last 2, so that certainly helps their confidence heading home. Now, the talk should be about Cincy's bad road record (5-16), now that they are back on the road after a long homestand. Astros have hit Harang in the past, and -153 is still a low price on the Rocket at home vs. the Reds, regardless of Houston's past struggles. The Stros would sure like to get out of the cellar at the expense of the Reds.
Boston -1 1/2 (+139) (2 units)...Nice momentum play here. BoSox make triumphant return home after HUGE wins vs. Yanks the last 2, while Balt now has THE BIG BOYS of the East breathing down their neck after getting swept by Det at home (always tough to go out on the road after ending the homestand badly, imo). Bos also has the advantage of facing Lopez twice (pounded him in Bos the 2nd time), while Balt hasn't seen Arroyo yet. Arroyo pitches well at Fenway, while Lopez has taken his lumps away from Camden. Doesn't help matters that Balt is without Javy and Bigbie for awhile.
Florida +105 (1 unit)..Battle of lefties (Redman and Leiter). Leiter has started to show his age, has been good vs. Pittsburgh in his career, and amazingly, better away from Home (a pitcher's park). Redman has been a pleasant surprise so far, but it's a little deceiving. He's faced some of the weaker hitting teams in the NL. STL kncked him around pretty good last time out. Fla is hitting much better than Pitt vs. lefties, and Leiter has a much better defense behind him today. Leiter still has a few wins left in him, imo. The pressure is on him to keep his place in the rotation, and i believe he responds today.
LA Angels/White Sox UNDER 8 (-116) (1 unit)...I look for things to get back to normal for these two teams, after playing KC and Texas, respectively. These 2 teams have been UNDER machines. With 2 good lefties going today, i expect these teams will be looking to manufacture a run or two today. We all know about the season that Buehrle has had so far, but Washburn has also regained his form and been solid. He has been esp impressive away from Anaheim. Runs were also hard to come by when these squads met last week. Unlike most cases, i don't see a big advantage for the hitters that they seen these pitchers last week. Still think the bats struggle.
arty: ~RG
