OAKLAND –1 +1.22 over Texas<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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In their most crucial six-game stretch of the year vs the Angels and Mariners all the A’s did was win five of those six games. They’ve also won nine of 11 and we can’t find a single reason to lay off them here. Esteban Loaiza, you say? Perhaps so but we’re not going to concern ourselves with him. Besides, he’s coming off a decent start against the Angels in which he pitched into the sixth inning, didn’t walk a single batter and allowed just two runs. Texas comes in losers of two straight and their bats went ice cold in the final two games over the weekend. Kip Wells was supposed to start but was scratched and thus, the Rangers had to make an emergency call-up and as it turns out, they called up Edinson Volquez. Volquez was 0-4 with a 14.21 ERA in six appearances for the Rangers last season, including three starts. In 12.2 innings he was tagged for 25 hits, three jacks, he walked 10 and the opposition hit .403 off him. He pitched 120 innings for the Oklahoma Redhawks this year covering 21 starts and while his numbers are decent, they’re certainly not spectacular and the fact is, he’s won just six games in those 21 starts and he’ll be facing the leagues hottest team. Play: Oakland –1 +1.22 (Risking 1.5 units).
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TORONTO –1½ -1.05 over Baltimore (1:05 PM)<o></o>
Under very rare circumstances will you find us endorsing laying 1½ runs with juice but this one has “rocking chair” game written all over it. Why Russ Ortiz still has a job in this league is a mystery greater than Tom Arnold’s popularity. Ortiz is 0-7 with an ERA of 9.23 after allowing 57 hits, walking 30 and giving up 10 bombs in just 39 innings. For some guys that’s a whole season but Ortiz has managed to record those horrible numbers in less than 40 frames. His velocity is weak, his control is weaker and the best news is that the Jays got off the mattress yesterday with a win and scoring seven times in the process. Furthermore, the Orioles will travel to play back-to-back matinees and that’s extremely rare and something no team is ever used to doing. Than we have Ted Lilly going for the Jays, perhaps the leagues best third starter. All Lilly does is go out there every fifth game and give the Jays a chance to win by pitching consistently and efficiently. Lastly, The O’s are 4-17 on the road against southpaws, they’re coming off a three game series with the Yanks and as mentioned earlier, they’ll be traveling to play an afternoon game after playing one yesterday. Lay it. Play: Toronto –1½ -1.05 (Risking 1.57 units to win 1.5).
fficeffice" /><o></o>In their most crucial six-game stretch of the year vs the Angels and Mariners all the A’s did was win five of those six games. They’ve also won nine of 11 and we can’t find a single reason to lay off them here. Esteban Loaiza, you say? Perhaps so but we’re not going to concern ourselves with him. Besides, he’s coming off a decent start against the Angels in which he pitched into the sixth inning, didn’t walk a single batter and allowed just two runs. Texas comes in losers of two straight and their bats went ice cold in the final two games over the weekend. Kip Wells was supposed to start but was scratched and thus, the Rangers had to make an emergency call-up and as it turns out, they called up Edinson Volquez. Volquez was 0-4 with a 14.21 ERA in six appearances for the Rangers last season, including three starts. In 12.2 innings he was tagged for 25 hits, three jacks, he walked 10 and the opposition hit .403 off him. He pitched 120 innings for the Oklahoma Redhawks this year covering 21 starts and while his numbers are decent, they’re certainly not spectacular and the fact is, he’s won just six games in those 21 starts and he’ll be facing the leagues hottest team. Play: Oakland –1 +1.22 (Risking 1.5 units).
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></o>TORONTO –1½ -1.05 over Baltimore (1:05 PM)<o
></o>Under very rare circumstances will you find us endorsing laying 1½ runs with juice but this one has “rocking chair” game written all over it. Why Russ Ortiz still has a job in this league is a mystery greater than Tom Arnold’s popularity. Ortiz is 0-7 with an ERA of 9.23 after allowing 57 hits, walking 30 and giving up 10 bombs in just 39 innings. For some guys that’s a whole season but Ortiz has managed to record those horrible numbers in less than 40 frames. His velocity is weak, his control is weaker and the best news is that the Jays got off the mattress yesterday with a win and scoring seven times in the process. Furthermore, the Orioles will travel to play back-to-back matinees and that’s extremely rare and something no team is ever used to doing. Than we have Ted Lilly going for the Jays, perhaps the leagues best third starter. All Lilly does is go out there every fifth game and give the Jays a chance to win by pitching consistently and efficiently. Lastly, The O’s are 4-17 on the road against southpaws, they’re coming off a three game series with the Yanks and as mentioned earlier, they’ll be traveling to play an afternoon game after playing one yesterday. Lay it. Play: Toronto –1½ -1.05 (Risking 1.57 units to win 1.5).
