Washington +1.31 over NY METS <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
John Maine was called up for the Mets to replace Brian Bannister and in 11 major league appearances Maine is 2-4 with a 6.60 ERA in nine starts over two seasons with the Orioles. He also walked more batters than he struck out and that’s a recipe for disaster. For the troubled Nats, it’ll be lefthander Michael O’Connor, a highly touted youngster who was dazzling in his major league debut against the Cardinals. He gave up three runs in six innings to St. Louis, however, none of the runs were earned and he was extremely poised out there, changing speeds and catching the hitters off guard all night. We maintain that the Nats are nowhere near as bad as their record indicates and it’s just a matter of time before this underachieving bunch wakes up. Play: Washington +1.31 (Risking 1.5 units).
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St. Louis –1½ +1.18 over CINCINNATI (12:30 PM)<o></o>
Dave Williams of the Reds is about the ugliest and worst 1-2 pitcher in four starts that we’ve ever seen. This guy should be 0-4 but he’s been the beneficiary of major run support and thus is 1-2. However, his ERA is 9.53 and he’s allowed 28 hits, six bombs, 18 earned runs and has walked 10 in just 17 innings of work. He’ll now face a Cardinals squad that needs no introduction. It doesn’t even matter who’s chucking for the Cardinals here. This is all about playing against Dave Williams, who should be throwing batting practice and even than he’d likely be yanked. Play: St. Louis –1½ +1.18 (Risking 1.5 units).
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San Diego +1.16 over SAN FRANCISCO (3:30 PM)<o></o>
Woody Williams is pitching strong, the Padres are playing much better and chances are good that Barry Bonds, after a night game, will not see much action today. Williams has pitched 20 innings over his last three starts, allowing just 15 hits and seven runs over 20 innings for an impressive 2.61 ERA. Matt Morris is starting to show why the Cardinals weren’t interested in signing him back. His ERA over his last three starts is 8.25 and he’s lasted just a combined 12 innings over that stretch. Lastly, the Padres have been producing on the road and in fact, are averaging close to six runs a game away from Petco and with a tag on their backs here, they’re most certainly worthy of a wager. Play: San Diego +1.16 (Risking 1.5 units).
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Texas –1.08 over TAMPA BAY<o></o>
Robinson Tejeda makes his season debut but is no stranger to the big leagues. The Philadelphia Phillies traded the rookie at the start of the season after an uneven 2005 major league debut. Tejeda was 4-3 last year with a 3.57 ERA in 26 games, including 13 starts. As a starter he was 3-3 with a 2.87 ERA and surrendered just 67 hits in 85 innings while striking out 72. There is no doubt in terms of his ability, he has major league stuff and the fact that he pitches behind this potent offense doesn’t hurt either. Mark Hendrickson would rather not face the Rangers as his 9.00 ERA against them would attest to. Hendrickson has some fine numbers this season but we all know that’s not going to last long. Play: Texas –1.08 (Risking 1.62 units to win 1.5).
John Maine was called up for the Mets to replace Brian Bannister and in 11 major league appearances Maine is 2-4 with a 6.60 ERA in nine starts over two seasons with the Orioles. He also walked more batters than he struck out and that’s a recipe for disaster. For the troubled Nats, it’ll be lefthander Michael O’Connor, a highly touted youngster who was dazzling in his major league debut against the Cardinals. He gave up three runs in six innings to St. Louis, however, none of the runs were earned and he was extremely poised out there, changing speeds and catching the hitters off guard all night. We maintain that the Nats are nowhere near as bad as their record indicates and it’s just a matter of time before this underachieving bunch wakes up. Play: Washington +1.31 (Risking 1.5 units).
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St. Louis –1½ +1.18 over CINCINNATI (12:30 PM)<o></o>
Dave Williams of the Reds is about the ugliest and worst 1-2 pitcher in four starts that we’ve ever seen. This guy should be 0-4 but he’s been the beneficiary of major run support and thus is 1-2. However, his ERA is 9.53 and he’s allowed 28 hits, six bombs, 18 earned runs and has walked 10 in just 17 innings of work. He’ll now face a Cardinals squad that needs no introduction. It doesn’t even matter who’s chucking for the Cardinals here. This is all about playing against Dave Williams, who should be throwing batting practice and even than he’d likely be yanked. Play: St. Louis –1½ +1.18 (Risking 1.5 units).
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San Diego +1.16 over SAN FRANCISCO (3:30 PM)<o></o>
Woody Williams is pitching strong, the Padres are playing much better and chances are good that Barry Bonds, after a night game, will not see much action today. Williams has pitched 20 innings over his last three starts, allowing just 15 hits and seven runs over 20 innings for an impressive 2.61 ERA. Matt Morris is starting to show why the Cardinals weren’t interested in signing him back. His ERA over his last three starts is 8.25 and he’s lasted just a combined 12 innings over that stretch. Lastly, the Padres have been producing on the road and in fact, are averaging close to six runs a game away from Petco and with a tag on their backs here, they’re most certainly worthy of a wager. Play: San Diego +1.16 (Risking 1.5 units).
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Texas –1.08 over TAMPA BAY<o></o>
Robinson Tejeda makes his season debut but is no stranger to the big leagues. The Philadelphia Phillies traded the rookie at the start of the season after an uneven 2005 major league debut. Tejeda was 4-3 last year with a 3.57 ERA in 26 games, including 13 starts. As a starter he was 3-3 with a 2.87 ERA and surrendered just 67 hits in 85 innings while striking out 72. There is no doubt in terms of his ability, he has major league stuff and the fact that he pitches behind this potent offense doesn’t hurt either. Mark Hendrickson would rather not face the Rangers as his 9.00 ERA against them would attest to. Hendrickson has some fine numbers this season but we all know that’s not going to last long. Play: Texas –1.08 (Risking 1.62 units to win 1.5).