Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Giants and Rockies and Rangers, Oh My

We are going to go lite on the lead-in material today. Suffice to say, there is no moss gathering on our rolling stone. Another 3-0 night for the UMLs and a 6-3 night overall. The BATs continue to climb and we continue to smile in a smug, somewhat arrogant type of way. That's what happens when you're a wiener, I mean winner. Hot Dog!

Unpickable Master Locks:


San Francisco @ Cincinnati - It's Timmy Time. Lincecum gets to face the Reds in Cincy tonight looking to continue to strengthen his Cy Young case with his 13th win. Number 13 should have come in his last start against the Dodgers but the pen gave it away with a big assist from the umpires. We don't think this game will be close enough to place Lincecum's W at risk. The Reds, even though they knocked around Matt Cain last week, are not a good offensive team. They will be doing everything they can to scratch out 2 or 3 runs in this one. On the other hand, the Giants seem to be figuring out how to be an effective offensive club. And if there was any question if they were poisoned offensively, they receive the antidote tonight in the form of Homer Bailey. No wonder Vegas has this one sitting at the Giants -240. We'll take it a step further and back SF minus 1.5 runs (-140) to win 6-2. LOCK IT UP

Colorado @ Washington - The Rockies ride their Coors Light train into the nation's capital as they try keep pace in the increasingly exciting NL Wild Card race. While you'd expect any trip to Washington to be good news for opposing teams, the Nattys have been surprisingly tough in August. Perhaps this spoiler role suits them? On second thought, the only thing that Craig Stammen spoils is Washington's chance to win. Counter him with flame-throwing Umbaldo Jimenez and this doesn't shape up well for Washington. As long as Jimenez keeps his composure and throws strikes, this game should be a cake walk for Colorado. Take the Rocks (-173) to win 7-3. LOCK IT UP

Minnesota @ Texas - The Locks has a huge team crush on the Texas Rangers. This is just one solid baseball. Even more so now that Ian Kinsler is back and swinging a mean stick. The Rangers hit, pitch and catch the ball well. Those are pretty much the key ingredients for success in baseball. They also seem to be playing some of their best baseball at the right time of the season. This AL Wild Card race looks to be every bit as exciting as the one in the NL. The Twins are a tough team to figure out. They have some of the best hitters in the league but continue to sputter. Too many inconsistent young arms, I suppose. It is never a good sign when you go out and swing a mid-season deal for Hot Carl Pavano. The Rangers will welcome Pavano to Arlington with great levels of scorn and humiliation. Take Texas (-170) to win 8-5. LOCK IT UP


Two-For-Tuesday:

Time once again for everyone's favorite gimmick, the old two-for-Tuesday selection:

Chicago @ San Diego - The Cubs suffered an incredibly demoralizing defeat last night. That is what happens when you consistently give the ball to Kevin Gregg with the game on the line. In fact, Lou Pinella tried to take him out of that game but didn't have anyone warmed up. Just embarrassing. The Cubs need to get that taste out of their mouth in the worst kind of way. Fortunately, they get to tee off on rookie Cesar Carrillo who didn't make it out of the 3rd inning in his ML debut last week. Chicago counters with Ryan Dempster who isn't being emulated by too many little leaguers himself. Based on the pitching match up, we're a bit surprised that the U/O line sits at 8. We think this one has more offense than that. We also think the Cubs bounce back to win a game they really need. Take the over on 8 runs (-105) and the Cubs (-210) to win. You're looking at a 7-4 ballgame. LOCK IT UP


Remaining Games:


Angels (-110)
Phillies (-175)
Pirates (-102)
Mariners (-125)
Red Sox (-154)
Rays minus 1.5 runs (-135)
Braves (-177)
Marlins (-112)
Royals (+111)
Yankees minus 1.5 runs (-145)
Cardinals (+170)

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