Baseball is certainly getting exciting. Sure only a handful of teams are playing meaningful baseball but that baseball is filled with emotion. Take for example just a few of the happenings from last evening:
Jorge Posada took exception to being thrown behind (come on Jorge, you can't have it both ways - the Yanks did plunk two Blue Jays) and initiated an ugly bench clearing brawl vs. Toronto. These brawls are particularly chaotic this time of year since the roster have expanded well beyond the 24 player limit that rules the majority of the season. That's more opportunity for guys who aren't the most experienced big leaguers to be throwing wild haymakers, punching managers and pulling on catchers' equipment. By the way, the Yanks lost 10-4.
Dice-K returned from an exile that saw his fitness regime overhauled and his mouth overstuffed with criticism for his employer to throw six stellar innings. This has got to be a huge boost to the Red Sox and their confidence heading into the playoffs. Now they don't have to rely on Paul Byrd anymore.
Barry Zito turned back the clock to 2002 and threw another high-pressure gem against the Rockies. Not that we should be surprised as Zito simply owns Colorado. The Giants have clawed their way back from the brink and now sit just 2.5 games behind the Rocks for the wild card. Tonight's final game of their series looms very, very large for both teams. De La Rosa and Cain square off. Should be neat.
Now that is high drama all the way around, from Coast to Coast. Tonight promises to deliver more of the same and here is how it will play out:
Unpickable Master Locks:
Milwaukee @ Chicago - We typically don't like Brandon Looper but have a feeling about this one and the moneyline is appealing. Rich Harden is a bit of a mess at home and throws way too many pitches which brings the Cubs bullpen into play (maybe we'll see former closer Kevin Gregg in the 5th tonight). The Brewers have some boppers who are now playing to pad stats (Braun and Fielder). We're taking the Brewers as Looper keeps the ball on the ground and in the park; Harden does not. Take Milwaukee (+150) to win 7-4. LOCK IT UP
Oakland @ Texas -What an absolutely fucking meltdown by the Rangers. They strung together 22 scoreless innings - many against the awful A's - in the heart of a playoff race. Shame on those Lone Star State Ladies. However, there is absolutely no way that they will get swept at home by the Athletic Supporters. It just ain't happening. Load up on Texas (-160) to win 6-3. LOCK IT UP
Chicago @ Seattle - Our man, Dr. Three Name, is pitching tonight for the M's. That makes this an easy pick. Ryan Roland-Smith has easy gas from the left side and we think that makes him a factor in the M's rotation for years to come. This kid is being overlooked in the Pacific Northwest. You heard it here. He's gonna be a 12-15 game winner every year. The White Sox have had a totally schizophrenic season. Up and down. Quit and battle. Blah, blah, blah. They just don't care anymore and I think Ozzie has started drinking on the bench. Ichiro is in a dog fight with Fat Albert for the highest batting average of the decade so you know he's here to play. Ride the M's at home (-110) as they win 4-3. LOCK IT UP
Colorado @ SF - We've bought into the magic hook, line and sinker. They keep teasing us with their mini-collapses and then battle back from the cliff. Tonight they look to complete their second consecutive three-game home sweep of Colorado and they have the arm of Matt Cain to make it happen. We like it. The offense has even been showing a bit of pep at just the perfect time. After tonight, only 1.5 games will separate these two. It will be a great ending to the season. Take the Giants (-122) to win a classic 5-4. LOCK IT UP
Other Games to Consider:
LA Angels of Anaheim (-124) - Paul Byrd's farewell start for the BoSox
NY Yankees (-210) - Don't make these guys angry, not with Chad Gaudin on the hill
Royals (+155) - Just because I want to cheer for Lenny Dinardo.
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