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New York Yankees Send Colon To Hill Against Tampa Bay

New York Yankees fans are getting very nervous about the recent pitching of veteran Bartolo Colon. He’ll face the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night in Game 2 of this 4-game series.

First pitch from Tropicana Field will be at 4:10 p.m. (PT). Well rested Jeremy Hellickson goes for the Rays.

New York (55-37) began this series on Monday night trailing the Red Sox by 1.5 games in the AL East. Tampa (50-43) is seven back.

The Monday result was still pending with the Yanks a 130 favorite behind A.J. Burnett. The Rays were tired heading into that game, playing a 16-inning marathon with Boston on Sunday night (1-0 loss).

New York is 2-2 since the All-Star break, winning the last two at Toronto after dropping the first two. Tampa lost two of three overall hosting the Red Sox.

Colon (6-5, 3.47 ERA) pitched last Thursday in Toronto, surrendering eight runs while lasting less than an inning. Fortunately for his ERA, only three runs were earned, but it still ended in a 16-7 loss.

The 38-year-old right-hander said he’s still thinking about his hamstring, although it doesn’t hurt. That injury caused him to miss a few weeks in June.

Colon was one of the surprise stories in baseball, but has seen his ERA rise from 2.88 in his last two starts. He also allowed five runs over 5 2/3 innings against Tampa in his final start before the break. That’s his only appearance versus the Rays this year.

Colon is 3-1 with a 3.52 ERA in nine lifetime starts at Tropicana Field. However, the last one came in 2009 while with the White Sox.

Hellickson (8-7, 3.21 ERA) hasn’t made a start since July 3. He was scheduled to face the Yankees on July 8, but was rained out. The rest could be good timing with the rookie at over 103 innings on the year.

The 24-year-old did finally get some run support in his last outing, an 8-3 win over St. Louis. The team scored one total run in his prior four starts, going 0-4 despite having three quality starts.

The right-hander has pitched well everywhere, but even better at home with batters hitting .204 and his ERA 2.94. The team is 3-4 in his home starts, run support an issue again, with the ‘under’ going 6-1.

This is Hellickson’s first start against the Yankees this year. He did face them in a relief appearance at the Bronx last season, getting the win despite allowing two earned runs over 3 1/3 innings.

New York is 3-2 against Tampa Bay this year with 13 games still to play. The teams split a 2-game series in Florida in May. The Rays went 5-4 in home games versus New York last year.

Tampa Bay has a much worse record at home (22-23) than on the road (28-20). Team profits follow suit at -8.2 units at home and +10.3 away.

The ‘under’ is a whopping 31-13-1 in Tampa’s home games this year. The offense is mostly to blame, scoring 3.36 runs per game there, second-worst in the AL behind Seattle.

New York is 25-18 on the road, translating into +5.4 units. The ‘under’ is 16-5-1 in New York’s last 22 away games. Its road ERA is an impressive 3.38, ranked third in the AL.

The Yankees are playing without third baseman Alex Rodriguez (.852 OPS), going 4-2 since he went on the DL. Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce (.874 OPS) was questionable on Monday after being relegated to pinch-hitting duties on Sunday. Both players are dealing with knee injuries.

Weather is not a factor inside the domed stadium. Tampa will end this series with its two horses, David Price and James Shields. The Yanks will counter with Freddy Garcia and ace CC Sabathia.

Texas Rangers, LA Angels MLB Betting Preview

When you look up the definition of "hot," you have to look at the play of the Texas Rangers. They'll try to really pull away from the rest of the pack in MLB betting action on Tuesday night when they take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angels Stadium.

The first pitch from Anaheim is slated for 7:05 p.m. (PT), and you can catch live coverage of the game on FOX Sports Southwest and KCOP.

How on earth is anyone supposed to stop the Rangers right now? They enter this game on an 11-game winning streak, and as a result, they have opened up a lead of four games in the AL West standings. A sweep in this series could really take care of matters once and for all and send Texas back into the postseason.

The pitching staff has been absolutely phenomenal during this streak. Texas arms have allowed just two runs in the last five games and surrendered an average of just 2.18 runs per game on this 11-game spurt.

Tabbed with the job of keeping all of that going on Tuesday is Alexi Ogando. The young righty had never started a game in his career before this season, but it is clear that manager Ron Washington has found himself a diamond in the rough. Ogando is 9-3 with a stellar 2.92 ERA.

The rest of the splits for Ogando suggest that perhaps his record could be even stronger. He has a 1.01 WHIP and batters are only hitting .213 against him. He also has over three times the number of strikeouts (78) as he does walks (23).

Ogando has faced the Halos nine times in his career, but only once as a starter. He allowed just one run in 6 1/3 innings earlier this season, which lowered his ERA against LA down to a svelte 0.64.

Is there really anything that manager Mike Scioscia and company can do to stop this train? The Angels had better hope so. They dropped three out of four against the lowly Oakland Athletics over the weekend, and that might prove to be the series that was the beginning of the end for them in 2011.

Now rookie Tyler Chatwood is going to have the pressure on his shoulders to get the first game of this series right. Chatwood is 5-5 on the season in his 17 starts, and he has a 3.62 ERA.

However, this young right-hander has some tremendous problems. Youth is definitely showing in the control of the 21 year old. He has already issued 52 walks in just 99 1/3 innings. It's not like he has the strikeouts to overcome that problem either, as Chatwood has a matching 52 Ks to boot.

Still, a batting average against of .279 is respectable, and it is why Chatwood is still pitching at the MLB level. He's doing a great job of keeping the ball in the park as well, allowing just six dingers in his 17 starts, something that will be imperative to do against Texas' big time lineup.

The clubs have split their six meeting so far. Expect to see a low-scoring affair as well if history is any indicator. Over the course of the last 22 meetings, the 'under' has gone 13-5-4, including 4-2 this year.

It should be a picture perfect night in Anaheim on Tuesday with light winds and comfortable temperatures in the mid- to high-60s.

Colorado Rockies Host Brandon Beachy, Braves

The Atlanta Braves remain in hot pursuit of a playoff spot as they play the second game of a seven-game road trip on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies.

Six of the first seven opponents the Braves face in the first month after the all-star break are hovering around .500 or worse, putting even more pressure on them to win and keep their lead in the race for the National League Wild Card.

Game time is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. (PT).

The Rockies are chasing Atlanta for the Wild Card and might have a better shot at winning the National League West division because they trail the Braves by double digits. Colorado will send ace Ubaldo Jimenez to the mound hoping to win for the fifth time in his last seven starts.

Jimenez (5-8, 4.08 ERA) has been the subject of trade rumors following an 0-7 start but has pitched well recently with a 4-1 mark in his last six outings. His contract remains reasonable for perspective suitors looking for a top-flight starter, although the Rockies will likely wait until they are out of contention and make sure they get the best deal possible if they opt to move him.

The slender 6-foot-4 Dominican is 2-0 in his last three home starts after starting out 0-5 at Coors Field and still has a brutal 5.89 ERA there. Jimenez is 2-4 lifetime vs. Atlanta in seven starts with a 3.95 ERA. The ‘under’ has cashed four of the last five times he has pitched overall.

The Braves are also looking to catch the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East and will go with second-year pitcher Brandon Beachy (3-1, 3.21), who has never faced Colorado. Beachy is winless in his last two outings but pitched well in each, striking out 12 batters without issuing a walk in a pair of no-decisions that his team eventually lost.

The ‘under’ is 3-1 in his past four assignments, including that most recent matchup vs. the Phils and their ace of aces, Roy Halladay.

Atlanta had fared well in Beachy’s road starts before suffering a 3-2 setback at Philadelphia in his last time out on July 8. The Braves won his first three away from home – all as underdogs – with Beachy going 2-0, and he owns a sparkling 1.80 road ERA.

They also swept the Rockies at home in a four-game series during the first full week of July, beating Jimenez 4-1 in the opener.

The weather forecast for Tuesday in Denver calls for a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms and a game-time temperature of around 85 degrees.

Diamond Trends - Tuesday

July 19, 2011

SU TREND OF THE DAY:


The Braves are 0-13 since June 06, 2010 as a dog after a win in which they had 12+ hits for a net profit of $1300 when playing against.



OU TREND OF THE DAY:


The Mariners are 0-10-2 OU since July 18, 2010 as a dog after a loss in which they left fewer than 10 men on base for a net profit of $1000 when playing the under.


STARTER TREND OF THE DAY:


The Orioles are 0-8 since June 14, 2007 when Jeremy Guthrie starts when their team used 6+ pitchers yesterday for a net profit of $900 when playing against.


MLB BIBLE TREND OF THE DAY:


The Cubs are 1-22 since August 25, 2009 at home after a win in which they scored more than two runs and their opponent left fewer than 14 men on base.


TODAY’S TRENDS:


The Brewers are 6-0 since May 01, 2010 when Yovani Gallardo starts vs a team that has won at least their last three games for a net profit of $600.

The Pirates are 8-0 OU since June 04, 2010 at home within 20 cents of pickem after a win in which they left fewer than 10 men on base for a net profit of $800 when playing the over.

The Athletics are 7-0-1 OU since April 27, 2010 as a dog after a 5+ run win for a net profit of $700 when playing the over.

Around the Horn - Tuesday

July 18, 2011


NATIONAL LEAGUE


Cincinnati at Pittsburgh - 7:10 PM EST (Game 2/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Leake (8-4, 4.28 ERA) 4-6 L10 2-5 L7 away Game 2's
McDonald (5-4, 4.42 ERA) 7-3 L10 11-4 home Game 2's


Pirates beat Reds, 2-0 on Monday

St. Louis at N.Y. Mets - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Lohse (8-6, 3.32 ERA) 3-5 L8 OVER 5-2 away on Tuesdays
Gee (8-3, 3.76 ERA) 2-6 L8 0-4 home on Tuesdays


Cardinals lost to Reds, 3-1 on Sunday
Mets lost to Marlins, 4-1 on Monday

San Diego at Florida - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Stauffer (5-6, 2.97 ERA) 1-8 L9 5-10 away Game 1's
Sanchez (6-2, 3.54 ERA) 9-1 L10 3-8 L11 home Game 1's


Padres lost to Giants, 4-3 on Sunday
Marlins beat Mets, 4-1 on Monday

Washington at Houston - 8:05 PM EST (Game 2/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Zimmermann (6-7, 2.66 ERA) 3-5 L8 3-8 away vs LHP
Happ (3-11, 5.76 ERA) 2-8 L10 OVER 9-2 L11 home Game 2's


Nationals beat Astros, 5-2 on Monday

Philadelphia at Chicago - 8:05 PM EST (Game 2/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Lee (9-6, 2.82 ERA) 6-4 L10 OVER 5-2 away on Tuesdays
Garza (4-7, 3.97 ERA) 4-7 L11 OVER 6-1 L7 home vs LHP


Cubs beat Phillies, 6-1 on Monday

Atlanta at Colorado - 8:40 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Beachy (3-1, 3.21 ERA) 7-3 L10 7-1 L8 away Game 2's
Jimenez (5-8, 4.08 ERA) 4-7 L11 6-1 L7 home Game 2's


Braves beat Rockies, 7-4 on Monday

Milwaukee at Arizona - 9:40 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Gallardo (10-6, 4.08 ERA) 6-3 L9 UNDER 8-3 L11 away Game 2's
Enright (1-3, 6.49 ERA) 6-4 L10 5-2 home on Tuesdays


Diamondbacks beat Brewers, 3-0 on Monday

Los Angeles at San Francisco - 10:15 PM EST (Game 2/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
De La Rosa (3-4, 3.74 ERA) 5-3 L8 5-10 away Game 2's
Bumgarner (4-9, 3.74 ERA) 8-2 L10 0-4 L4 home on Tuesdays


Giants beat Dodgers, 5-0 on Monday

AMERICAN LEAGUE


Seattle at Toronto - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Pineda (8-6, 3.03 ERA) 0-9 L9 UNDER 7-1 L8 away vs LHP
Cecil (2-4, 5.66 ERA) 5-2 L7 2-6 L8 home vs RHP


Mariners lost to Rangers, 3-1 on Sunday
Blue Jays lost to Yankees, 7-2 on Sunday

Oakland at Detroit - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Moscoso (3-4, 2.16 ERA) 3-5 L8 2-9 L11 away vs RHP
Porcello (8-6, 4.78 ERA) 5-3 L8 0-4 L4 home Game 1's


Athletics beat Angels, 9-1 on Sunday
Tigers beat White Sox, 4-3 on Sunday

Boston at Baltimore - 7:05 PM EST (Game 2/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Weiland (0-0, 13.50 ERA) 9-1 L10 8-2 L10 away Game 2's
Guthrie (3-13, 4.45 ERA) 2-10 L12 5-1 home on Tuesdays


Red Sox beat Orioles, 15-10 on Monday

N.Y. Yankees at Tampa Bay - 7:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Colon (6-5, 3.47 ERA) 5-2 L7 7-1 L8 on Tuesdays
Hellickson (8-7, 3.21 ERA) 3-7 L10 OVER 5-1 L6 home Game 2's


Yankees beat Rays, 5-4 on Monday

Chicago at Kansas City - 8:10 PM EST (Game 2/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Peavy (4-3, 5.27 ERA) 4-6 L10 5-1 L6 away Game 2's
Duffy (1-4, 4.85 ERA) 2-7 L9 4-2 home on Tuesdays


White Sox beat Royals, 5-2 on Monday

Cleveland at Minnesota - 8:10 PM EST (Game 3/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Masterson (8-6, 2.80 ERA) 4-2 L6 1-5 L6 away Game 3's
Liriano (6-7, 4.76 ERA) 6-4 L10 6-1 L7 home Game 3's


Indians beat Twins, 5-2 on Monday (G1/DH)
Indians beat Twins, 6-3 on Monday (G2/DH)

Texas at Los Angeles - 10:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Trends Betcha Didn't Know
Ogando (9-3, 2.92 ERA) 11-0 L11 9-0 L9 vs division
Chatwood (5-5, 3.62 ERA) 5-3 L8 8-3 home vs division


Rangers beat Mariners, 3-1 on Sunday
Angels lost to Athletics, 9-1 on Sunday

Baseball Betting Notes

July 18, 2011


With less than two weeks left until baseball’s trade deadline, we should expect quite a few moves as teams try to best prepare themselves for a playoff push. There isn’t one team in contention that can they’re all good right where they're at.

When looking around for viable players that teams are looking at, I’m not getting excited about too many names. We don’t have that one big player that’s being dangled around for the highest bidder. What we have is a couple of good players, a few fifth starters and two prized Padres relievers who are on the block.

A game changer like Jose Reyes to somebody would be a major deal. The Red Sox would look pretty formidable with Reyes in the lineup, but it seems doubtful that the Mets would give him up.

However, Carlos Beltran (.285, 59 RBI‘s) could be up for grabs and looks to be the most attractive among available players. When the Mets dealt Francisco Rodriguez to the Brewers, it was a sign that the Mets were ready to make some big changes within their organization and Beltran is expected to be next.

Beltran has shown that he can still provide some pop and has also been relatively healthy most of the season. A few teams could find the prospect of renting Beltran attractive in the same sense Houston did with him all the way to the World Series in 2005. Beltran was the difference maker for Houston getting so far that year.

Teams that could make a run for Beltran’s services includes the Pirates, Giants or Braves. The Phillies could find themselves looking for more run scoring opportunities as well since the combination of Domonic Brown (.240), John Mayberry Jr. (.235) and Raul Ibanez (.249) aren’t panning out for this years team as expected.

The real interesting trade would be to see Pittsburgh make a run when they have forever been the team giving away players. Their farm system is stacked now to where they could make a big deal and not have it affect the team too much.

Although Alex Presley (.365) has stepped in nicely the last few weeks, the Bucs can’t be banking on him to continue his torrid pace. The right field combination of Matt Diaz (.283) and Garrett Jones (.248) could be in store for a major upgrade if being able to add Beltran. He’d look pretty nice hitting before or after Andrew McCutchen. Oakland’s Josh Willingham has also been inquired about.

The Giants' timing in the services for Beltran may now somehow be forced with Pat Burrell going down. Burrell was already finding less time in the Giants lineup, but to make that winning move for another title, Beltran may be the answer. Freddy Sanchez and Cody Ross were the keys last season.

Nate Schierholtz (.289) has been a pleasant surprise thus far for San Francisco, but Ross (.270), Burrell (.233) Aaron Rowand (.241) and Andres Torres (.224) haven’t been getting it done. Yet, amazingly, they still win.

Aramis Ramirez (.297, 15 HR’s, 51 RBI’s) has been smoking the ball for the Cubs over the last month and could be a major contributor right away for a team to achieve their goal of making the playoffs. Not only do you get the big stick, but he’s also got a pretty good glove. Right now, Ramirez has the sixth best fielding percentage (.968) among all MLB third-baseman.

Despite the Braves being in contention, they feel they might be a little better with someone else in their rotation as they are welcoming offers for Derek Lowe (5-7, 4.30 ERA). Someone looking for the old form of the former Red Sox hero may not get that exact player from seven years ago, but they’d be getting a pretty serviceable innings chewer who plays bigger in the spotlight.

Lowe is one of the few starters on the trade block to get excited about with the Tigers showing some interest. After that, there’s Edwin Jackson (6-7, 3.97 ERA) who has done just about the same as Lowe this year. But the White Sox job of moving Jackson got easier after his 5-0 complete game, shutout win at Detroit Saturday. Despite being hit or miss nightly, Jackson may have caught the eye of some GM around the league who will covet his services.

Chicago is still in the hunt for the playoffs, but they feel once they get John Danks back this week that they may be better served staying with a 5-man rotation instead of the six-man plan they had.

The Orioles are waving this years biggest loser, Jeremy Guthrie (3-13, 4.45 ERA), to see if there are any takers. I’d be hard pressed to find any team in contention that would find Guthrie’s services better than what they already have as their No. 5.

The steal of the trade season could be acquiring Dodgers right-hander Hiroki Kuroda (6-10, 3.16 ERA), who has pitched well all season, but just hasn’t gotten any run support. I can’t think of a team in the playoff hunt that Kuroda couldn’t make an impact for. The only problem in moving Kuroda is that he can veto a trade and it’s said that he doesn’t want to play for an East Coast team.

You can’t blame Kuroda for maybe being a bit picky since some of his success can be attributed to where he plays. What pitcher would want to leave the heavy aired west coast parks in a contract year?

The two Padres relievers have found all kinds of suitors. Heath Bell (26 SV’s, 2.61 ERA) was thought to have been the savior for any floundering bullpen looking to contend. Most teams likely have no intention of signing Bell for future years, so it would be a two-month rental. But some teams are thinking about the future and everyone loves Bell’s set-up man Mike Adams (19 holds, 1.29 ERA) because he is bound another year to a small contract.

The Padres thinking was that they would deal Bell and have Adams for themselves next year, but they may have to rethink it if the juicy offers from teams like the Phillies keep coming in. Philadelphia is looking ahead because they lose Ryan Madson (15 SV’s, 1.97 ERA) at the end of the year. Adams has the stuff that has all the scouts drooling and has become a hotter commodity than Bell.

Teams that could use Bell’s services include the Cardinals or Angels. Bell also could become a part-time closer/set-up man for other teams like Rodriguez has become for Milwaukee.

The Oakland A’s always have a bunch of players to offer after it’s clear they will be out of contention again. This year's offerings include reliever Andrew Bailey (9 SV‘s, 2.25 ERA), Coco Crisp (.263, 26 SB’s) and Josh Willingham (.246, 12 HR’s).

When we look back at the Giants moves from last season that led to their championship, it may serve as a notice to many teams that maybe they don’t need the big bopper, but rather for someone just to fit in without the big name, ego and baggage.

Someone like Houston’s Jeff Keppinger (.314), who can play all the infield positions, would be delighted to fit into any team’s role down the stretch after playing with Houston all year.

Rumors have spread about Ubaldo Jimenez being on the block. Reports have the Rockies at least listening to some offers, but there doesn’t appear to be anything there. Colorado would be foolish to give up on that talent this quick. Plus, he’s got three years left on a cheap contract. If it were to happen, it would have to be a Herschel Walker-type of deal. So far, the Yankees have been scouting him out and could the ones to make an offer.

Capps Relieved
After an Eric Hosmer two-run home run with two outs in the ninth inning Friday night lost the game for the Twins, manager Ron Gardenhire had seen enough. Matt Capps has officially been demoted from the Minnesota closer role after rumors of his demotion had gone on for weeks. Capps' seventh blown save of the season was the straw that broke the Twinkies back. And it couldn‘t have come at a worse possible time as the Twins needed the weekend series against the lowly Royals to help make their surge in the Al Central.

Taking over the role of closer will be Joe Nathan who hasn’t allowed a run in his last seven appearances dating back to June 28. The job was Nathan’s at the beginning of the season, but he took himself out of the role, identifying quickly that he wasn’t back to his 2009 form.

Thome Hall of Famer?
Jim Thome hit home run No. 596 on Sunday, something that only seven players before him has done, yet his accomplishments are being diminished somewhat because of the era he plays in. Three of the most recent players to hit 600 home runs -- Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez and Sammy Sosa -- all have a cloud of steroids tainting their numbers. Many baseball writers are suggesting that Thome will have a long time to wait because it's a tainted era and his achievement isn't that significant. Thome has never been accused of steroids, yet he's being already outcast because he never won an MVP or a world series title and only won the home run title once. If anything, Thome should be voted in for his integrity during the era and being able to accomplish what he did despite not joining the needle party.

Run Line & ML Standings

July 18, 2011


Team trends often become more extended and pronounced after the All-Star break. And based upon updated Money Line and Run Line standings and results, we're seeing evidence that things could be headed in a similar direction this season.

A quick check of the numbers confirms as much, especially in the American league, where on the Money Line side teams such as Boston (+730 since July 5), Texas (+668 the same span), and Minnesota (+509) are in full gallop the first half of July, with Seattle (-803) in a hasty retreat. In the NL, Florida has turned things around for new manager Jack McKeon and is on the ascent (+587 since July 5), with San Diego (-582 since July 5) in a state of collapse.

Overall this season, surprising Pittsburgh remains the Money Line leader at +1537 entering Monday's action, with fellow NL Central member Houston bringing up the rear at a whopping -2768.

Things are similarly pronounced of late on the Run Line side, where it's no surprise that streaking Texas has also been on a roll since July 5 (+1018), while skidding Seattle (-988 that span) and Baltimore (-804) have been providing no value. In the NL, again it's Florida that has displayed the best Run Line form since July 5 at +584, while a trio of NL Central teams (the Cubs at -516, Astros at -567, and Brewers at -768) are punishing the backers the past twelve days bracketing the All-Star break.

The Rangers' recent uptick has put them a top all of the MLB team in the Run line standings at +1373 for the season, with the Orioles providing the worst RL value at -2850. We also find it curious that as of the games of July 17, no NL West team has posted a winning RL mark.

Following are the complete MLB Money Line and Run Line standings through games of July 17, with the recent numbers since July 5 also included.

MONEY LINE STANDINGS

AL WEST

Texas +607
LA Angels +188
Seattle -825
Oakland -1615

AL WEST SINCE JULY 5...

Texas +668
LA Angels +161
Oakland -187
Seattle -803

AL CENTRAL

Cleveland +1012
Minnesota +299
Detroit -27
Chicago White Sox -638
Kansas City -1283

AL CENTRAL SINCE JULY 5...

Minnesota +509
Detroit -24
Kansas City -122
Cleveland -267
Chicago White Sox -432

AL EAST

Boston +609
NY Yankees +600
Tampa Bay +169
Toronto +35
Baltimore -1375

AL EAST SINCE JULY 5...

Boston +730
Toronto +54
NY Yankees -35
Tampa Bay -172
Baltimore -493

NL WEST

Arizona +1084
San Francisco +985
San Diego -892
LA Dodgers -1401
Colorado -1766

NL WEST SINCE JULY 5...

San Francisco +328
Arizona +178
LA Dodgers +51
Colorado -209
San Diego -582

NL CENTRAL

Pittsburgh +1537
Milwaukee +177
St. Louis -167
Cincinnati -657
Chicago Cubs -1899
Houston -2768

NL CENTRAL SINCE JULY 5...

Pittsburgh +199
Milwaukee +165
Cincinnati -82
St. Louis -176
Chicago Cubs -412
Houston -520

NL EAST

Philadelphia +1237
Atlanta +900
Washington +626
NY Mets +533
Florida -205

NL EAST SINCE JULY 5...

Florida +597
Atlanta +266
Philadelphia +102
NY Mets -8
Washington -166

RUN LINE STANDINGS

AL WEST

Texas +1373
LA Angels +399
Oakland -827
Seattle -1057

AL WEST SINCE JULY 5...

Texas +1018
LA Angels +272
Oakland -348
Seattle -988

AL CENTRAL

Cleveland +575
Minnesota +357
Detroit +292
Kansas City -425
Chicago White Sox -882

AL CENTRAL SINCE JULY 5...

Detroit +311
Kansas City +304
Minnesota +254
Cleveland -77
Chicago White Sox -300

AL EAST

NY Yankees +892
Boston +752
Tampa Bay +282
Toronto +182
Baltimore -2850

AL EAST SINCE JULY 5...

Tampa Bay +435
Boston +365
Toronto +140
NY Yankees -449
Baltimore -804

NL WEST

Arizona -6
Colorado -162
San Diego -183
San Francisco -960
LA Dodgers -1968

NL WEST SINCE JULY 5...

San Francisco +96
Arizona - 1
LA Dodgers -70
San Diego -148
Colorado -306

NL CENTRAL

Cincinnati +1278
Pittsburgh +1182
St. Louis -625
Chicago Cubs -1545
Milwaukee -2459
Houston -2559

NL CENTRAL SINCE JULY 5...

Pittsburgh +437
Cincinnati +302
St. Louis -61
Chicago Cubs -516
Houston -567
Milwaukee -768

NL EAST

Atlanta +670
Florida +623
NY Mets +600
Philadelphia +288
Washington -117

NL EAST SINCE JULY 5...

Florida +584
Atlanta +395
Philadelphia +367
Washington -74
NY Mets -415

MLB Series Outlook: Texas at L.A. Angels


TEXAS RANGERS (55-41, +5.2 Units)

at LOS ANGELES ANGELS (51-45, +1.3 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: Los Angeles -120, Texas -110

Texas has won 11 straight, and they can put even more room between themselves and the rest of the AL West when they visit the Angels for a three-game set starting Tuesday night.

But with a significant pitching advantage in two of the three games, along with a fighting chance in the other, plus home-field advantage, the money line is looking good for LOS ANGELES to win the series. The Rangers have dropped the past four series in Anaheim, with their last series win coming in August of 2009. The FoxSheets provide another trend siding with the Angels to win the series.

L.A. ANGELS are 56-39 (58.9%, +21.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 54% to 62%) over the last 3 seasons. The average score was L.A. ANGELS 4.8, OPPONENT 4.1 - (Rating = 1*).

Pitching Probables for Tuesday, July 19 - 10:05 ET
Tuesday line: Texas -130, Los Angeles +120, Total: 7.5
TEX: 11-6 (+3.9 Units) when Alexi Ogando starts
LAA: 8-9 (-0.30 Units) when Tyler Chatwood starts
Ogando (9-3, 2.92 ERA) seemingly got back on track in his past two starts. He pitched well against Florida on July 1 (6.2 innings, two runs, seven base runners) and followed it up with a strong start against Baltimore back on July 6 (7 innings, 3 runs, 5 base runners allowed). But the fact is, the converted reliever is in uncharted territory with his innings on the season (104.2, a professional career-high). He has a 5.79 ERA over his past five starts, and the Rangers have won just three of his seven road starts (where Ogando has a 3.51 ERA). He did pitch well against the Angels at home back in May, holding them to one run over 6.1 innings in a victory.
Chatwood (5-5, 3.62 ERA) has generally pitched well of late. Over his last four starts, the rookie is 2-1 with a 1.85 ERA. However, that mark masks an ugly 13-to-14 K-to-BB ratio. This will be his first career start against the Rangers, so he could have the element of surprise on his side.

Pitching Probables for Wednesday, July 20 - 10:05 ET
Wednesday line: TBD
TEX: 10-9 (-0.80 Units) when Derek Holland starts
LAA: 11-9 (-1.40 Units) when Dan Haren starts
Holland (8-4, 4.32 ERA) has been maddeningly inconsistent over his short big-league career, but not over his past two starts. He threw back-to-back shutouts against the division’s weaker sisters (home against Oakland, then at Seattle). And that was after a disastrous outing against Florida where he didn’t get out of the first, and a start against the Mets where he gave up 12 hits without striking out a batter. The lefty has been much better on the road this season, going 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA. Texas has lost four of his six career starts against the Angels.
Haren (10-6, 2.75 ERA) is having a great bounce-back season, but he’s coming off an ugly outing in Oakland. He allowed 10 hits and struck out only two over 6.1 innings in a loss to the A’s. He hasn’t received a lot of run support at home, but he’s been lights out at Angels Stadium, with a 1.86 ERA on the year. He shut down the Rangers in Arlington back in May (7.2 innings, one earned run), a no-decision for him, but an Angels win.

Pitching Probables for Thursday, July 21 - 3:35 ET
Thursday line: TBD
TEX: 13-7 (+4.15 Units) when C.J. Wilson starts
LAA: 13-7 (+3.65 Units) when Jered Weaver starts
Wilson (10-3, 3.11 ERA) has pitched well of late, with the Rangers winning four of his past five starts while he has posted a 3.34 ERA. The lefty has been particularly sharp on the road this season, going 5-2 with a 2.59 ERA. In his past five starts against the Angels, Wilson has posted a 1.74 ERA while the Rangers won each of those games.
Weaver (12-4, 1.90 ERA) has regained his Cy Young form. He hasn’t given up more than two runs in a start since June 8, and he’s 5-0 with a 1.16 ERA over his past six starts. L.A. has won six of his eight home starts this year. He split his two starts in Arlington this year, giving up five runs over 15 innings against the Rangers.

MLB Series Outlook: L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco


LOS ANGELES DODGERS (42-53, -14.7 Units)

at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (55-41, +9.5 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: San Francisco -170, Los Angeles +135

National League West rivals Los Angeles and San Francisco look to continue their rivalry when they begin a three-game series on Monday night at AT&T Park.After winning five straight games, Los Angeles has dropped two straight, losing its series to Arizona, 2-1, during the weekend. The Giants have won seven of their past nine games, including three of four at San Diego over the weekend. San Francisco is 5-4 versus the Dodgers this season, including a 2-1 mark at home.

Despite a lack of hitting in their home stadium (.236 BA, 2.9 runs per game), the Giants are 28-16 (.636) at AT&T Park. San Francisco should be favored in all three games of this series, which is a great thing for the Giants. They are 39-22 (.639) as a favorite, while L.A. is 16-28 (.364) as an underdog this year. San Francisco is also 40-22 (.645) in night games, while the Dodgers are 28-37 (.431) under the lights. All signs points to a big SAN FRANCISCO series win.

These two FoxSheets trends also like the Giants to win at least two out of three games.

SAN FRANCISCO is 29-13 (69.0%, +17.1 Units) against the money line vs. a bullpen that averages less than 2.75 innings per game over the last 2 seasons. The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 4.4, OPPONENT 3.7 - (Rating = 2*).

SAN FRANCISCO is 71-42 (62.8%, +27.5 Units) against the money line vs. teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was SAN FRANCISCO 4.3, OPPONENT 3.4 - (Rating = 2*).

Pitching Probables for Monday, July 18 - 10:15 ET
Monday line: San Francisco -130, Los Angeles +120, Total: 6.5
LAD: 10-9 (+0.05 Units) when Chad Billingsley starts
SF: 9-5 (+4.20 Units) when Ryan Vogelsong starts
Chad Billingsley (8-7, 3.87 ERA, 116.1 IP) is coming off one of his best starts of the season, pitching eight shutout innings and allowing just four hits in a 1-0 victory over San Diego on July 8. After surrendering 13 combined earned runs in consecutive starts, the right-hander has given up three runs or less in four straight games. He is 1-1 in three starts against the Giants this season, throwing 17 innings and allowing 10 runs total. He took the loss, 3-1, on May 19 after giving up three runs in six innings. Billingsley is 7-4 with a 3.01 ERA in 23 career games (18 starts) versus the Giants, but is just 4-4 with a 5.37 ERA in 10 road starts this season.
Ryan Vogelsong (6-1, 2.17 ERA, 91.1 IP) has not picked up a decision in his past two starts, despite pitching well enough to earn the victory in both games. He gave up two earned runs in seven innings of a 5-2 Giants loss to the Mets on July 8. And in the start prior to that, he allowed two earned runs in 6.2 innings of a 6-3 setback at Detroit. Vogelsong has surrendered more than three runs in a game just once this season, and is 3-1 at home with a miniscule 1.22 ERA in eight appearances (seven starts). He's faced the Dodgers 10 times, including one start, and is 0-1 with a 5.96 career ERA against them.

Pitching Probables for Tuesday, July 19 - 10:15 ET
Tuesday line: TBD
LAD: 3-4 (+0.02 Units) when Rubby De La Rosa starts
SF: 8-11 (-3.85 Units) when Madison Bumgarner starts
Rubby De La Rosa (3-4, 3.74, 45.2 IP) has dropped his past four decisions, but he's surrendered just four total runs in his past three trips to the mound. De La Rosa got a no-decision in a 1-0 Dodgers win over San Diego on July 9, giving up just one hit in six shutout innings with four walks and eight strikeouts. He is 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA in four road games in 2011 (three starts).
Madison Bumgarner (4-9, 3.74, 110.2 IP) has picked up three straight no-decisions, but he gave up one earned run in six innings of a 6-2 victory over the Padres on July 14. The left-hander has surrendered one run in three of his past four starts, but gave up five earned runs to San Diego on July 6. Bumgarner is 1-1 versus L.A. this season, allowing six runs in 13.2 IP. He earned the win against the Dodgers on May 19, pitching 8.2 innings and giving up one earned run. He is 2-1 in four career games (three starts) against L.A. with a 3.10 ERA, but is only 1-5 with a 5.36 ERA in nine home starts this season.

Pitching Probables for Wednesday, July 20 - 3:45 ET
Wednesday line: TBD
LAD: 12-8 (+2.25 Units) when Clayton Kershaw starts
SF: 12-8 (+0.45 Units) when Tim Lincecum starts
Clayton Kershaw (10-4, 2.88 ERA, 137.2 IP) will look to win his third straight start, and is coming off another solid effort on July 15 at Arizona. In that game, he allowed five hits and four runs (zero earned) in seven innings with eight strikeouts. Kershaw hasn't surrendered an earned run in his past two starts, spanning 15 innings. The left-hander has faced the Giants three times this season. He gave up four earned runs and seven hits in five innings in a no-decision on May 18. But in an April 11 start, he pitched 6.2 shutout innings in a 6-1 win. He also beat the Giants, 2-1, on March 31, throwing seven shutout innings and giving up just four hits. He is 3-1 with a 1.62 ERA in nine career appearances against San Francisco (eight starts).
Tim Lincecum (8-7, 2.99 ERA, 129.1 IP) has won two straight outings, and has allowed one earned run in each of those starts (12 IP). He defeated San Diego 6-1 on July 15, pitching six innings and surrendering one run and three hits with seven strikeouts. He's pitched against the Dodgers twice this season, and picked up a loss and a no-decision. Lincecum gave up three earned runs in 5.1 innings on April 12, and he lost to Kershaw on March 31 despite allowing one run (zero earned) in seven innings. He is 5-2 with a 3.22 ERA in 12 career games (11 starts) against L.A., and is 3-3 with a 3.72 ERA in nine home starts this season.

MLB Series Outlook: N.Y. Yankees at Tampa Bay

NEW YORK YANKEES (55-37, +5.9 Units)

at TAMPA BAY RAYS (50-43, +1.1 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: Tampa Bay -120, New York -110

Two teams trying to stay close in the tough AL East meet in Tampa Bay for a key four-game series when the Rays host the Yankees. Tampa Bay hasn’t won a series versus an AL opponent in over a month, dropping 2-of-3 games in four straight AL series. One of those series losses was leading up to the All-Star break when they dropped the final two contests of a three-game set against the Yankees.

This is a tight series to call with each team holding the pitching advantage in two of the four games, and these teams splitting the past 20 meetings at Tropicana Field 10-10. The Rays are just 22-23 at home this year, while New York has the third-best road record in the majors at 25-18. The winner of this series will come down to who hits better, and the Yankees are the superior offensive team. Tampa Bay also enters this series with a brutal 1-0 loss in 16 innings in Boston Sunday night, as the Rays mustered three hits (all singles), one walk and struck out 13 times in 50 at-bats before the game ended at 1:54 a.m. ET. Tampa also used eight relief pitchers in the loss to the Red Sox. The pick here is for NEW YORK to win the series.

The FoxSheets provide two more reasons to side with the Pinstripes.

JOE GIRARDI is 85-54 (61.2%, +22.0 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.2 or less runs/game on the season as the manager of NY YANKEES. The average score was NY YANKEES 4.9, OPPONENT 4.2 - (Rating = 1*).

TAMPA BAY is 19-27 (41.3%, -12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. The average score was TAMPA BAY 3.9, OPPONENT 4.3 - (Rating = 1*).

Pitching Probables for Monday, July 18 - 7:10 EDT
Monday line: New York -140, Tampa Bay +130, Total: 9
NYY: 9-10 (-4.75 Units) when A.J. Burnett starts
TB: 3-2 (+1.40 Units) when Alex Cobb starts
Burnett (8-7, 4.15 ERA) has been up-and-down all season, with his last outing including both good and bad. On July 9 versus Tampa Bay, he allowed two homers and three runs in 5.2 innings, but he only allowed one other hit and struck out nine batters. Burnett had pitched very well in his career at Tropicana Field before the Rays scored six runs in 5 2/3 innings off him on May 16. Before this poor performance, Burnett was 6-2 with a 2.09 ERA and .177 opponent’s BA in 11 career starts at Tampa Bay.
Cobb (2-0, 3.41 ERA) was recalled from Triple-A to replace injured Wade Davis in the rotation. He will take the mound Monday and try to build on what’s been a surprisingly good season. After allowing seven runs and eight walks in his first two starts, Cobb only allowed four runs and four walks in 18.1 innings spanning three outings in June (1.96 ERA). The 23-year-old rookie has never faced New York.

Pitching Probables for Tuesday, July 19 – 7:10 EDT
Tuesday line: TBD
NYY: 8-5 (+1.00 Units) when Bartolo Colon starts
TB: 8-8 (-0.85 Units) when Jeremy Hellickson starts
Colon (6-5, 3.47 ERA) allowed five runs in 5.2 innings in each of his past two starts versus Tampa Bay, which includes his July 7 performance against the Rays. But more concerning to the Yankees is his last start in Toronto where he allowed eight runs (three earned), six hits and two walks and getting chased before escaping the first inning. Colon says that his pitching is being affected by his concern over trying not to hurt his hamstring, but there is nothing physically wrong with him.
Hellickson (8-7, 3.21 ERA) has been pretty consistent all year, allowing more than 3 ER only two times in 16 starts. He has faced four straight tough lineups (Boston, Milwaukee, Cincinnati and St. Louis) and held his own (3.76 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) so he shouldn’t be too scared of the Yankees bats. Hellickson has never started against the Yankees, who went 5-for-16 with a homer in 3.2 innings versus Hellickson in relief last year.

Pitching Probables for Wednesday, July 20 - 7:10 EDT
Wednesday line: TBD
NYY: 8-8 (-2.10 Units) when Freddy Garcia starts
TB: 12-8 (+1.65 Units) when David Price starts
Garcia (7-7, 3.43 ERA) had thrown five straight quality starts (1.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP) before Toronto torched him for six runs (5 ER), seven hits and four walks in five innings his last time out. Although he has only faced Tampa Bay once since 2006 (7 IP, 2 ER in a win last year), he is 8-2 with a 3.56 ERA against the Rays in 15 career starts.
Price (9-7, 3.73 ERA) is the lone lefty for Tampa Bay this series, which isn’t necessarily a good thing based on New York’s 19-9 record (.679) against left-handed starters this year. Price’s ERA is more than a run higher than last year’s 2.72, but his strikeout rate has increased from 8.1 K/9 in 2010 to 8.8 this year. He pitched pretty well his last time out versus Boston (6 IP, 3 ER, 7 K), but in his last outing before the All-Star break, the Yankees touched him up for four runs and 10 base-runners (7 H, 3 BB) in just five innings. Price is 3-1 in nine career starts versus New York, but has allowed 12 runs on 21 hits in the past 16 innings against the Yankees.

Pitching Probables for Thursday, July 21 - 7:10 EDT
Thursday line: TBD
NYY: 16-5 (+8.20 Units) when CC Sabathia starts
TB: 12-8 (+1.35 Units) when James Shields starts
Sabathia (14-4, 2.64 ERA) has been unbelievable during a seven-start winning streak. In these seven victories, Sabathia has a 1.68 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with 59 K and 10 BB in 53.2 innings. Two outings ago, on July 10, he tossed a four-hit shutout against the Rays, striking out nine and walking only one. He is 9-5 with a 3.04 ERA in 21 career starts versus Tampa Bay, allowing a mere .233 batting average to the Rays.
Shields (8-8, 2.60 ERA) has also been excellent this season, especially with seven complete games. But largely due to a lack of run support, he is currently suffering through a four-game losing streak. He was hit hard against Boston his last time out (6 IP, 6 ER), but he only allowed a total of six earned runs (2.57 ERA) in his previous three outings. The losing streak is likely to continue against the Yankees and Sabathia, as Shields is just 3-10 (team is 4-13) with a 4.47 ERA in 17 career starts versus New York.

MLB Series Outlook: Philadelphia at Chicago Cubs

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (59-35, +11.8 Units)

at CHICAGO CUBS (38-58, -19.5 Units)


Sportsbook.com Series Line: Philadelphia -220, Chicago +170

A year ago the Philadelphia Phillies began the post All-Star break portion of the second half with a four-game series in Chicago. The Phils trailed the Atlanta Braves by 5½ games in the NL East. They lost three out of four in Wrigley, en route to dropping six of their first seven out of the break. What a difference a year makes. This season the Phils entered the break with a 3½-game lead, a cushion that remains the same size after taking a weekend series from the Mets. At 59-35 they own the best record in all of baseball, and when they take the field at the friendly confines on Monday evening, it will be with the knowledge that they are a superb second-half team. Over the last six seasons under Charlie Manuel, the team is 270-172 (.611) after the break. That is the best among all NL teams during that span. With Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee taking the hill this week against the 20-games-below-.500 Cubs, Philly stands a pretty good chance of building on that mark.

The pick here is for PHILADELPHIA to win the series, despite the steep 5-to-11 price tag. The Phillies have taken the past seven series they have played, and will make it eight straight series by outlasting the Cubs this week.

This three-star FoxSheets team trend also sides with the Phils.

PHILADELPHIA is 49-16 (75.4%, +31.1 Units) against the money line vs. teams whose hitters strike out 7 or more times/game in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 5.6, OPPONENT 3.7 - (Rating = 3*).

Pitching Probables for Monday, July 18 – 8:05 EDT
Monday line: Philadelphia -190, Chicago +180, Total: 8.5
PHI: 16-3 (+11.80 Units) when Roy Halladay starts
CHC: 1-3 (-2.35 Units) when Rodrigo Lopez starts
While there are precious few chinks in Roy Halladay’s armor, the first start after the All-Star break has been a source of imperfection for the two-time Cy Young winner. In the last four games that he has started immediately coming out of the break, he has allowed at least five runs in three of those games. Last season, his initial second-half start against the Cubs saw Halladay allow six runs and seven hits in six innings as the Phillies lost to Chicago, 11-6. Not only has Halladay (11-3, 2.45 ERA) been close to unbeatable all season, the Phillies have been even tougher, as they are 16-3 in games that he starts. In his last outing against the Cubs on June 10, Halladay pitched seven scoreless innings, striking out nine as the Phils defeated Chicago 7-5.
The Cubs will counter with Rodrigo Lopez (1-2, 4.02 ERA) on the mound. In four starts versus Philadelphia, he is 1-1 with a 6.46 ERA and 1.61 WHIP. Lopez will need to pay special attention to Ryan Howard, who has an 18-game hitting streak at Wrigley Field. Howard is batting .417 with six homers and 15 RBI in his past nine games there, and is 6-for-11 with a home run lifetime against Lopez.

Pitching Probables for Tuesday, July 19 – 8:05 EDT
Tuesday line: TBD
PHI: 11-8 (-1.15 Units) when Cliff Lee starts
CHC: 6-11 (-6.05 Units) when Matt Garza starts
When Cliff Lee takes the field in the second game of this series, it will be interesting to see if he can stay hot…with his bat! Lee is hitting .220 on the year with nine hits, six RBI, and in his last outing versus Atlanta, it was his solo HR (the first of his career) that accounted for the only scoring of the day for the Phillies. He’s not too shabby when he’s pitching either. Lee is 9-6 with a 2.82 ERA and a 4.7 K/BB ratio (137 K, 29 BB). Lee could be vulnerable on the road though, where he is 2-5 with a 4.73 ERA, a stark contrast to his gaudy home stats (7-1, 1.61 ERA). In his last road outing on July 3, Lee thought he was headed for his 10th win of the year, before being tattooed for three home runs in the eighth inning as he lost to the Blue Jays 7-4.
Matt Garza will be making his second start of the season against the Phils, and is looking for a better outcome than he had on June 11 when he and his Cubs lost to Lee and the Phils 7-1. Garza went six innings, allowing five hits, two runs (one earned) while walking three. Garza has been stingy at home, sporting a 2.88 ERA in nine home starts this year.

Pitching Probables for Wednesday, July 20 - 2:20 EDT
Wednesday line: TBD
PHI: 7-2 (+5.10 Units) when Vance Worley starts
CHC: 13-7 (+5.80 Units) when Ryan Dempster starts
While he’s not about to earn a permanent starring role in the Big Four, 23-year-old Vance Worley is doing a pretty good job as stunt double for the recuperating Roy Oswalt. After a May 29 hiccup against the Mets in which he allowed 12 hits and eight runs in three innings, Worley (5-1, 2.15 ERA) has spent the past six weeks slamming the door on opposing offenses. He has allowed just three earned runs in his past five starts, a stretch which has seen him go 3-0, and his team winning all five of those games.
Worley will be opposed by the Cubs winningest pitcher this season (small consolation when your team is 38-58) Ryan Dempster. Dempster (7-6, 4.68 ERA) will be facing the Phillies for the first time this season. His home ERA of 3.42 is nearly half his 6.70 road ERA. If Worley continues to befuddle batters the way he has since the beginning of June, Dempster will need to be a lot stingier if he is to keep his team in the game. The Cubs are 13-7 (.650) when Dempster starts, and 25-51 (.329) when anybody else takes the hill this season.