Between last night's solid effort and a decent showing today, we've recovered from nearly all the damage we absorbed on that horrible, horrible Tuesday. Last night we went 8-5 with a +$41 BAT. We followed that up today with a 3-2 record in the day games and added another $10 to the BAT. Going into this evening, we proudly stand at 154-135 (53%) overall with a BAT of +$233.
While the Locks has no intention of turning this space into a soapbox or any other venue for passing judgment, we did want to make one observation. We're curious how all those Red Sox fans that took such delight in Alex Rodriguez being busted for using steroids feel today knowing that the 3-4 hitters on their two championship teams allegedly are ARod's brothers in arms. It sure is interesting how things unfold.
On to the picks for the Thursday night games:
Seattle @ Texas - Rangers at home is a very enticing gamble. We do love their offense. Then again, they have the totally hittable Derek Holland on the mound. At the same time, this "scrappy" M's team is clearly not waving the white flag on the season. They are going to fight to the end. The problem is, they don't know who is even going to start this game for them (looks like Garrett Olson). Both of these starters have ERAs north of 5.35 and we're hitting late July when the humidity helps the ball start to fly all over the Ballpark in Arlington. We're a bit reluctant to take the Rangers with the moneyline so high (-172). However, we will back the over (10.5) in this game where these teams might score 20 combined. Take the over (-115). Rangers win 9-7. LOCK IT UP
Atlanta @ Florida - Rik VandenHurk has certainly impressed the Locks with his two excellent starts so far this season. He may just prove to be a vital cog in a Fish run to the playoffs. That could start tonight with another battle against the Braves. Javy Vazquez gets the nod for the Bravos but hasn't been his usual excellent self against the Marlins this year. We think the Fish are really starting to gain confidence and believe they are a playoff team. This one will be close but we like the Marlins and VandenHurk at home (+136). Florida wins 5-4. LOCK IT UP
Colorado @ NYM - Game 2 - Locks Rule #73 - It is really, really tough to sweep a doubleheader. Locks Rule #97 - Rule #73 is especially true if you play your home games in Flushing, Queens. We just can't back the Pets and Jon Niese here. Jorge De La Rosa has been dealing lately and he'll end this recent Pet shenanigans. Take the Rockies (-145) to end their funk. They win 5-3. LOCK IT UP
NYY @ Chicago - Andy Pettite has made me incredibly uneasy for much of this season, though he's been better of late. I'm always nervous when he faces a lineup of veteran, professional hitters and the ChiSox have some of the best in the game. However, the Yanks are the best team in baseball and you better have a really good reason to pick against them at this point. I don't have one so I'll take the Bombers minus 1.5 runs (+130) to prevail 7-4 on the road. LOCK IT UP
LA @ St. Louis - Are the Dodgers really going to get swept in St. Louie. Wow, that would be quite a statement by the Holliday-enhanced Cardinals. I don't buy either of these starting pitchers but I need to get back on my Fat Albert and Professor LaRussa train. They've been killing me when I haven't been supportive. That ends tonight. I think the Cards finish off the Dodgers and establish themselves as a real World Series contender. Take St. Louis (-108) to win 7-6. LOCK IT UP
Philadelphia @ SF - This is really going to be an interesting series. The no-offense Giants at home vs. the all-offense Phils. It would be nice to have a better matchup than Rodrigo Lopez vs. Jonathan Sanchez in the opener but what can you do. The Phils need to keep pace with the Cards and I just think they'll expose the Giants here. Take Philly (-115) to win this one 6-4. LOCK IT UP
THURSDAY NIGHT BONUS:
70s Style Bush @ The Dirtbags - Defending champs, 70s Style Bush, stand at the crossroads of their summer season following some uninspired play during the opening weeks. At 1-2, the Bush faces a key challenge tonight vs. the 1-1-1 bags of dirt. 70s Style welcomes back outfielder James Charlesworth following a two-week stint on the "My Priority is Not D-League Softball" List. His big bat in the middle of the lineup should be just what the Bush needs following last week's dismal offensive performance. Outfielder Matt Scerri also returns after being AWOL for two weeks himself. The absence of his lefty stick has been felt as well. Pitching is one area the Bush has not lacked during their early season swoon as Kevin Pollock continues to be an anchor in a rocky sea. According to reports, the Bush plans some big pre- and post-game beer-related antics this evening in order to get their MoJo back. The Locks thinks it will work. Look to the Bush to come out blazing this evening behind big hits from Burt "The Dump Truck" Ritz, Sean Grech and John Gilginas. 70s Style (-105) gets back on track tonight with an 11-5 victory. LOCK IT UP
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