Hoping to rebound from the worst day of the season so far yesterday (I believe it was the first day in which I lost more than a “unit”). You know it is not going to be your day when the teams you bet on allow a combined 12 unearned runs.
Cardinals @ Pirates
Play: Pirates +126
Intrinsic Value: -112
Consider Betting Price: +110
Comment:
Wainwright is one of the most promising young right handers in the league. His curveball is as good as it gets, and being complimented by his fastball with sinking movement makes him incredibly hard to hit, especially against right handed hitters. However, that was more than publicized during the Cardinals playoff run last year, and is now fully reflected in the current line. Wainwright’s pitch count will also be limited, and his propensity to accumulate high pitch counts per batter may force him to leave an early in this game. With Looper complimenting him in the starting rotation, the Cardinals bullpen lacks depth and talent. In the limited action against the Pirates last year, Wainwright struggled. Relying heavily on his 12 to 6 curveball, it is no surprise that he has been much less efficient during day games so far in his young career, as that pitch is much easier to pick up. Although the Pirates do not have one of the more potent lineups in the league, they have one of the more underrated lineups at home, as should not be taken lightly in this park. The return of Sanchez adds much need balance to the lineup as well.
Maholm is also a young promising pitcher. He also happens to be a southpaw, which does not bode well for the Cardinals, as their lineup was clueless all year against them. Maholm got stronger as the season progressed last year, and replicated the pitcher he was in 05 rather than the one who struggled in early 06. He has had much more success in his career at home, and has actually quietly put up a 3.26 career home ERA. Being a hitters park, having success here is a huge plus, and he has limited the home runs allowed in this park as well. He has put up solid numbers against the Cardinals in his only two starts against them. Pitching around Pujols can now be done effectively, as the Cardinals lack and ideal bat to protect him, while Rolen and Edmonds appear to be done. The Cardinals have been known to rest a veteran starter in the past during day games following a night one. Maholm is also backed by the slightly better bullpen.
Cardinals @ Pirates
Play: Pirates +126
Intrinsic Value: -112
Consider Betting Price: +110
Comment:
Wainwright is one of the most promising young right handers in the league. His curveball is as good as it gets, and being complimented by his fastball with sinking movement makes him incredibly hard to hit, especially against right handed hitters. However, that was more than publicized during the Cardinals playoff run last year, and is now fully reflected in the current line. Wainwright’s pitch count will also be limited, and his propensity to accumulate high pitch counts per batter may force him to leave an early in this game. With Looper complimenting him in the starting rotation, the Cardinals bullpen lacks depth and talent. In the limited action against the Pirates last year, Wainwright struggled. Relying heavily on his 12 to 6 curveball, it is no surprise that he has been much less efficient during day games so far in his young career, as that pitch is much easier to pick up. Although the Pirates do not have one of the more potent lineups in the league, they have one of the more underrated lineups at home, as should not be taken lightly in this park. The return of Sanchez adds much need balance to the lineup as well.
Maholm is also a young promising pitcher. He also happens to be a southpaw, which does not bode well for the Cardinals, as their lineup was clueless all year against them. Maholm got stronger as the season progressed last year, and replicated the pitcher he was in 05 rather than the one who struggled in early 06. He has had much more success in his career at home, and has actually quietly put up a 3.26 career home ERA. Being a hitters park, having success here is a huge plus, and he has limited the home runs allowed in this park as well. He has put up solid numbers against the Cardinals in his only two starts against them. Pitching around Pujols can now be done effectively, as the Cardinals lack and ideal bat to protect him, while Rolen and Edmonds appear to be done. The Cardinals have been known to rest a veteran starter in the past during day games following a night one. Maholm is also backed by the slightly better bullpen.