It's already been an interesting day in the world of baseball. The BoSox have swung a deal to land a mediocre first baseman to go along with their DH/corner infielder logjam of Ortiz, Youkilis and Lowell. Not sure how this is a fit for Boston but they usually have a fairly intelligent plan in place so we'll cut them some slack at this point. We've had a total of six contest played out under the midday sun and we're 1-1 so far (the freaking Brewers can't pitch their way out of a paper bag). Now, it is time to tackle Wednesday's nine night games.
San Francisco @ Atlanta - I know the Giants have looked like the Bad News Bears and the Braves like the '27 Yankees during the first two games of this series. However, if you can get the Giants at a -107 underdog when Tim Lincecum is on the mound, you lock that up, and fast! Even more so when the opponent is Atlanta, against whom Timmy is 5-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his career. We'll take the Giants (-107) and hope the offense can push a run or two across against Jair Jurrjens. The under (7) looks pretty tasty here as well but we're not picking it. LOCK IT UP
NYM @ Washington - I'm not interested in getting into bed with the Mets. Even against the Nats. If Pelfrey wants to be anything more than a circus sideshow he better establish some semblance of consistency on the mound. He fluctuates between atrocious and very good with no discernible explanation. Perhaps he is learning by watching Ollie Perez. There are a number of key hitters on the Nats who like to face Pelfrey so tonight might fall into the atrocious camp. Craig Stammen has been pitching progressively better as the season advances. The Pets provide a nice opportunity to keep that improvement moving forward. Take Washington (-116) to win this game and the series, 5-3. LOCK IT UP
Seattle @ Detroit - I'll tell you what, this Mariners team is freaking scrappy. It's hard to get excited about them on paper but then you watch them play and they are not an easy out. And that is when King Felix isn't pitching for them, which he is tonight. Opposing Hernandez will be Armando Galarraga who might as well be on the take from the Locks with how predictable he is. This game has all the markings of a mutli-run Mariner win. Don't expect a shutout from the King as there are a few Tigers that hit him (Cabrera, Granderson and Polanco) but you can mark down a Seattle victory. Take the M's minus 1.5 runs (+125) to win 7-4. LOCK IT UP
Cleveland @ Toronto - No Cleveland, no Cliff Lee = no Chance. It really is amazing that the Indians need Clifford to throw a complete game every time in order to give them a chance to win. To his credit, he keeps finding a way to do. In the event any of you are confused, Carl Pavano is not Cliff Lee. That is simply wonderful news for the Jays. This one will not be close as Ricky Romero should handle the Indians while the Jays bats pummel Pavano. Take Toronto minus 1.5 runs (+135) in this one. Final score of 8-3. LOCK IT UP
Boston @ Texas - I'm inclined to continue to pick the Red Sox to win as that appears to have helped the Yankees climb into first place in the AL East. However, I'm finally going to concede that these bats are not interested in waking up. They simply have started their typical August swoon in July this year. They certainly could get back on track tonight against the always grumpy Vicente Padilla but I'm betting against it. I think Clay Buchholz gets exposed by a very good Rangers lineup and Beantown cries into their beers for another night. Take the Rangers (+115) to win 7-3 and sweep the series. LOCK IT UP
St. Louis @ Houston - OK, I'm finally ready to concede that the Astros are a bit better than I thought. This has definitely been an impressive showing against the NL Central leaders. That said, there is no way that Fat Albert and Chris Carpenter allow the Cards to get swept here. Plus we get the benefit of a reasonable moneyline in a Carpenter start since he is being opposed by Roy Oswalt, a real Munson. Take St. Louie (-115) to take one home on getaway day. Final score is 4-2. LOCK IT UP
LAA @ Kansas City - I'm going to push my luck here with the Halos even though I think Joe Saunders is a complete fraud. That is how piss-poor these Royals are (see yesterday's installment of Spotlight on Sucking). I even think that Brian Bannister is a solid starter. Regardless, we're going to keep making money off the broken backs of KC's finest. Take LAA minus 1.5 runs (+145) in a game that is never really close. Final score of 7-2. LOCK IT UP
Tampa Bay @ Chicago - This has quietly been a great, great series. So much so that they'll make it four games and play an afternoon affair tomorrow. Both games so far have come down to the last batter with the teams each winning once. Just because we want to channel our inner Stevie Janowski, I'm going to have to say, TAMPA BITCHES. Ride Big Game James to a victory here as the ChiSox turn to some hump named Carlos Torres in his ML debut. I know it's hump day, but it's not this humps day. The Rays see blood in the water in Boston and are going to work to continue to close the gap for a wild card spot. The play is TB to win (-137). Final score is 5-4. LOCK IT UP
Cincinnati @ LA - We'll close with an easy one. The Dodgers have awoken. Chad Billingsley is going to rebound from his last poor start with a vengeance (the Reds can't hit this guy). Bronson Arroyo's nice little run of solid starts ends at two as the Dodgers treat him with great disdain. Take LA minus 1.5 runs (+110) to cap a wildly successful day of baseball. Dodgers win 8-2. LOCK IT UP
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