What we learned from MLB Interleague Play

As per usual, the American League once again showed their superiority over their union partners from the National League in interleague play with a 134-118 edge. This marks the seventh straight time the junior circuit has been victorious, however for those thirsting for the 16-team league to finally win this event, this year was the closest the National League has been since this rein began in 2004. (AL won that year 126-125)

One of the humorous aspects each year is the managers that end up with a tougher draw, whine like Oksana Grigorieva (Mel Gibson’s soon to be ex) about what misfortune they have encountered.

Joe Torre was lightly complaining his team had to face the Angels six times, plus the Yankees, Red Sox and Detroit, which led to 4-11 record this year. Torre might have a slight argument, since his team faced better clubs than either San Francisco or San Diego, who are ahead of them in the standings. Nonetheless, the Dodgers always play terrible against AL, thus this isn’t news and besides, who had the Padres in first place on July 1 in the NL West this season unless they were taking on Triple-A teams.

Over the course of a 162-game slate, there is going to be ups and downs and if a team is in one situation or the other, that more than anything will affect how they play and more likely determine their outcome.

The biggest benefactor of the interleague play was the Chicago White Sox, who single-handily accounted for 75 percent of the difference in the two leagues with their 15-3 record. The White Sox did have any easier draw, having to play Florida, Pittsburgh, Washington and taking on their sinking cross-town rivals the Cubs, didn’t hurt either. However, manager Ozzie Guillen’s club also swept first place Atlanta on the south side during their 11-game win streak and is right back in contention in the AL Central race with Minnesota and Detroit.

Texas and Boston were two other teams that improved their status whipping their National League counterparts. The Rangers contingent of opponents might already be out of the pennant chase, yet you have to tip your cap for franchise best 8-1 road trip, that included stops in Milwaukee, Florida and Houston. Texas returned home and swept Pittsburgh, to make win streak 11 and they start series with Los Angeles on 16-2 roll, 4.5 games ahead of the Angels.

The Red Sox were 13-5 in their interleague adventure and faced three solid clubs from the NL West and went toe to toe six times with the two-time National League champion Phillies. Their success moved them up to second place in the AL East standings, surpassing Tampa Bay and closing in on the Yankees.

With the Dodgers swimming into the interleague black hole with teams like Washington (5-13 interleague play), Pittsburgh (2-13) and Houston (3-12), somebody from the NL had to emerge victorious.

The biggest winner was the New York Mets at 13-5. Their 6-0 record over Baltimore and Cleveland could hardly be described as taxing, yet for a team that is 9-20 on the road everywhere else, that six-pack of visiting triumphs sure came in handy. The Metropolitans again had to face the Yankees six times and manager Jerry Manuel didn’t whine once, keeping his lips closed tight also facing division contenders like the Tigers and Twins.

Of the National Leaguer’s that were 9-6, division leader San Diego was most impressive with 4-2 road mark.

One final note, it would be a complete oversight not to mention the Pirates. Pittsburgh now holds the record for baseball futility with 17 consecutive losing seasons since Barry Bonds left town in 1992 as a free agent for San Francisco. Barring an unprecedented comeback, No. 18 just needs 32 more losses in the final 86 games. Their aforementioned pitiful interleague record of 2-13, saw them outscored by 2.8 runs per game, quite an accomplishment.

Step up to the dish and swing away on Thursday

With Tuesday’s plays, we stand at 85-46. Because of so many early games I couldn’t post this sooner, but we still have three solid systems to look at tonight on the diamond. The early and late Top Trends are both perfect, however we will count only the latter one for record keeping. You know who is to win the Dodgers vs. Angels battle, I think I do with Free Play. Good Luck

What I saw yesterday – I had the Yankees on the run line last night and though they won 6-5 in extra innings (I’m 4-13 past nine innings this season- OMG), I did not. Here is the stupid part. The D-Backs handed out THIRTEEN WALKS (previous MLB high this season was 11), New York had 10 hits and they still only scored six runs.

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Free Baseball System -1) See the MLB systems below

Free Baseball Trend -2) Didn’t get to post on time, but Tampa Bay is now 20-0 in home games after scoring four runs or less three straight games over the last three seasons. Instead for this evening, consider the Mets who are 8-0 vs. AL teams scoring 4.7 or less runs a game in 2010.

Free Baseball Pick -3) Our Free picks haven’t been up to usual standards of late, thus I’ll take a trip to the dish with the Halos to sweep the Dodgers.

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Big League Trendy Talk

While your parents taught you gossip is unhealthy, it is a positive when breaking down baseball betting. For those that participate in sports betting, having knowledge that can give you the edge, well it’s invaluable. Review the best information anywhere on four meaningful baseball contests tonight.

Florida at Philadelphia 7:05 E

Both these NL East clubs busted out scoring slumps last night as they totaled 18 runs on 26 hits, with Philadelphia (31-26, -5.4 units) winning 10-8. Because of tonight’s pitching matchup, they could both go right back into batting slumps. Roy Halladay (8-3, 2.03 ERA) goes for the Phillies and Josh Johnson (6-2, 2.10) for Florida (28-31, -5.5).

Sportsbooks have the Phillies as -160 money line home favorites and as good as Doc Halladay is, Johnson isn’t too shabby with the Marlins 41-18 when he starts and 13-5 when he is underdog of +150 or less. With the way the Phils have been hitting lately, Halladay probably feels like he’s back in Toronto and is 5-9 (-11.8 Units) against the ML after giving up two or less earned runs in his last two outings over the last two seasons. (Team's Record)

It’s not all doom and gloom for Philadelphia as they are 29-15 vs. an NL starting pitcher whose WHIP is 1.250 or better and the floundering Fish (four straight losses) are 1-11 versus a NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.50 or lower this season.

San Diego at N.Y. Mets 7:10 E

The Padres (34-24, +13.3) got a rare taste of their own medicine, falling 2-1 in extra innings to New York (31-27, +4.1). Even with last night’s defeat, San Diego is uncanny 9-3 when a total of four or less runs are scored this year. Mat Latos (5-4, 3.26) has the unfortunate luck of drawing another top line pitcher in tonight’s action. Latos has been matched against Halladay, Tim Hudson, Felix Hernandez, Josh Johnson, Yovani Gallardo and Jonathan Sanchez (three times) and has to look at Johan Santana (4-2, 2.76 ERA) this evening.

Santana has thrown 15 straight scoreless innings and has a 0.74 ERA over his last five starts and his teammates are thriving at Citi Field. The Mets are 23-9 at home and are riding their second nine-game winning streak in the Big Apple. New York is 7-0 at home after three or more consecutive wins this season and is a -150 ML favorite. Santana is his career is 104-33 as a favorite of -150 or more. (Team's Record) San Diego will attempt to counter and is 9-3 after four or more consecutive road games in 2010.

L.A. Angels at Oakland 10:05 E

Though it seldom gets much play nationally, the Angels (32-29, +2.2) and Athletics (31-29, +3.7) is one of the more heated division rivalries in baseball. The teams have split the first two of a four game series and Oakland will attempt to retake second place on the AL West behind Dallas Braden (4-5, 3.77), who hasn’t won since tossing a perfect game on Mother’s Day. Braden is 0-3 with a 4.45 ERA since May 9th; however oddsmakers still have the left-hander and the A’s as -128 favorites. Braden is 5-13 (-12.1 Units) against the ML as a home favorite of -110 or higher. (A's Record)

The Halos had their six-game winning stopped last night with 10-1 thumping and hand the ball to Joe Saunders (4-6, 4.78), who could be spokesperson for a yoyo company with his up and down performances. Saunders and the Angels are 13-4 in road tests vs. AL teams scoring 4.7 or less runs a game since 2008 and the port-sider is 10-4 vs. his rival. Even with last night’s loss, the Angels are 14-6 at McAfee Coliseum the past three seasons.

St. Louis at L.A. Dodgers 10:10 E

Manager Tony LaRussa tried to play the percentages, essentially giving away the first game of the series in Los Angeles with his pitching choices and coming back with Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright (8-3, 2.05 ERA) the next two games. His plan was foiled as Hiroki Kuroda and two relievers combined for a six-hitter in the Dodgers 1-0 shutout victory. St. Louis (33-26, -5) hasn’t been great this year, however they have avoided long losing streaks, but our in danger of losing four in a row for the first time since June 5-9, 2009.

Having Wainwright to pitch will be a big plus, as he is 3-1 with a 1.20 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 30 innings over his last four overall outings and has a 1.23 ERA in three starts against the Dodgers (35-24, +4.8). With the Cardinals a -105 betting option, they and Wainwright are 14-3 when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last two seasons.

The Blue Crew is in the midst of its longest homestand of the year (13 games) and have won seven of first nine and they own the finest record in the big leagues since May 9 at 22-7. Clayton Kershaw (5-3, 3.06) toes the rubber for L.A., with his club 37-15 at Dodger Stadium with a money line of -100 to -150 since last year.

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Baseball Systems that are a home run

It’s the first full week of May baseball action and on this Tuesday a number of high quality baseball systems standout. A number of underdogs are really up against solid situations that in the past have been very profitable by playing against them. Will this happen again, read on and make your own decisions.

Baltimore at N.Y. Yankees 7:05E

The Orioles swept Boston over the weekend, but reality came calling in the form of Yankee pinstripes, ending Baltimore’s brief euphoria. The O’s are 10th in the American League in batting at .246 and they will face A.J. Burnett (3-0, 2.43 ERA) as +220 money line underdogs. Here we find road underdogs of +150 or more, batting .260 or less against a good AL starting pitcher (ERA <=4.20) , with a starting hurler that gives up 0.5 or less home runs a start are unbecoming 18-84 since 1997.

N.Y. Mets at Cincinnati 7:10E

The Mets have lost three in a row after their eight game winning streak was snapped and are +130 road dogs in the Queen City. Other than last night, the starting pitchers have been roughed up forcing a top notch New York bullpen (2.60 ERA) to start piling up the innings. Surprisingly, underdogs with ML of +100 to +150, with an excellent bullpen whose ERA is 3.00 or better on the season, having worked three straight games throwing four or more innings, are 30-9.

L.A. Angels at Boston 7:10E

The Angels of Anaheim are having serious pitching problems. Among their 15 losses on the year, nine have been by four runs or more, including last night’s 17-8 pasting to the Red Sox, their fourth consecutive road loss. The Halos are +175 dogs and non-favorites being outscored by 0.5 or more runs a game on the season after allowing 15 runs or more are alarming 7-39.

Detroit at Minnesota 8:10E

Joe Mauer might be out of the line-up, yet Minnesota keeps punching the ball around the yard and is second in the AL in batting average (.279) and third in runs scored at 5.4 per contest. In game two of their series with division rival Detroit, the Twins are -135 favorites and home chalk of -125 to -175, batting .290 or better over their last 20 games in May, are sharp 43-10 since 2006.

Colorado at San Diego 10:05E

The Rockies got a much needed win last night in San Diego. Colorado’s pitching staff has been ravaged by injuries. Though the bullpen has a fine 2.48 ERA, they are three of six in save opportunities.

Colorado acquired Greg Smith to be a left-handed starter and thus far his results are atrocious with 7.33 ERA. The Rockies have lost Smith’s last three outings since he has performed even worse with 9.53 ERA and bloated WHIP of 2.471.

Colorado might be catching +135 on the ML, however road underdogs of +100 to +150 with a bad bullpen that blows 38 percent or more of their save opportunities, using a nasty starting pitcher whose WHIP is 2.250 or higher over his last three starts are 7-33, 17.5 percent the previous five seasons.

Saturday's Slate and Kentucky Derby picks

On Thursday had three more winners taking us to 21-7 in last nine posts. Steve of the Left Coast Connection has been a huge reason why, with seven straight winners here and has another winner we hope. Have an AWESOME MLB system at 53-2 up today and a Top Trend that is nearly perfect. Good Luck

What I doing today- For the Derby with all the rain, it’s really wide open. I’ve got Super Saver, Ice Box and Awesome Act in various combo bets and have Jackson Bend in a few.

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Free Baseball System -1) Play Against all underdogs with a money line of +175 to +250 like the Mets who are batting .250 or worse over their last 20 games, against opponent with a hot starting pitcher, with a WHIP under 1.000 over his last five starts. This MLB system is unthinkable 53-2, 96.4 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) King Felix Hernandez is 14-1 vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .265 or worse over the last two seasons.

Free Hockey Pick -3) Steve of the LCC is enfuego (I’m in Arizona and using Spanish word, I already have my driver’s license out) with seven straight winners and takes the Blackhawks in search of No.8.

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In a hurry on a Thursday

It has been awhile since we had back to back losing days, but were not worried, as our track record has been outstanding for months. All plays are in the afternoon starting with an 83.1 percent System in Chi-town. The Top Trend is in Crap Cake land and is 7-0 and Kyle still likes a certain from in the Big Apple even after in rains. Good Luck

What I saw yesterday - I was flipping channels last night and came across Wayne Allen Root on Sean Hannity on Fox. You won't ever here me talk politics (I prefer to make fun of both parties) but I wanted to hear what one of the better all-time handicapping scammers had to say. Root for those that don't know is part of the Libertarian party now, as a disgruntled Bush Republican. Hannity had one of his Fox cronies and a Obama apologist, along with Root on panel. It was humorous to watch Hannity and the others either ignore or dismiss anything the now gray-haired WAR had to say. Though he gave the appearance of confidence, he was looked down upon by these political pundits. I know he wants to win some political office, but it seems Root should stick to making false claims and beefing up his (handicapping) record, just like a politician.

Now on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs like Houston, with a money line of +175 to +250, after allowing 10 runs or more. Since 2005, 98 winners and only 20 losers.

Free Baseball Trend -2) Bradley Bergesen and Baltimore are 7-0 as home favorites of -150 or less.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kyle picked up two other winners last night and still likes the Mets in Game 1 with Johan Santana.

New StatFox Football Annual on Sale – A must for Every Sports Bettor

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Taken down The Man this Wednesday

Got blistered pretty good with 1-3 day. Hopefully we can climb back on the winning bandwagon, with a quality system that is 80.7 percent. This hopefully will lead to Top Trend being a winner from a top-line hurler. A new member of the LCC offers his first ever Free Play, hope it’s a winner. Good Luck and a lot of hope I’m asking for.

What I though yesterday – I’m glad Brett Favre decided to retire. I had the pleasure of watching him twice a year or more in person for much of his career and he gave me plenty of thrills. Though as adults, we don’t have many sports heroes like when we were kids, he’s probably the closest thing to one for me in my adult life. The last several years of shanigans (my opinion) have placed a foul taste in my mouth and others about No. 4 and I’ve had no trouble ripping him for what he’s done, in spite of having several publicly painful things happen to him. I now applaud him for stepping aside and instead selling for Sears and other opportunities that will come his way.

Now on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST home underdogs like Arizona, with a money line of +125 to +175, who are typical NL offensive team scoring 4.3 to 4.8 runs a game, against a capable starter (ERA of 3.70 or less), after a loss by two runs or less. This system is 21-5 since 2005, 80.7 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) There are trends today with higher win percentages, but this one caught my eye. Roy Halladay and Toronto are 41-4 vs. AL teams scoring 4.2 or less runs a game on the season, winning by 2.9 runs per game.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Kyle of the LCC is 8-3 the last three days and believes the Mets with will keep playing well, and clip Colorado.

New StatFox Football Annual on Sale – A must for Every Sports Bettor

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Super Saturday at 3DW

Another winning day has us on 13-4 run here at 3Daily Winners. I personally have been hot, hitting seven straight here and at season-high for units won on the season on my own personal plays. You can get all my plays for Free by signing up on mailing list. Today’s top trend is perfect and goes up against hot Houston pitching staff. No outstanding systems for Saturday, however did find one that is 7-1 in 2009. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday: Can things get any worse for the New York Mets? Manager Jerry Manuel's team managed only two hits in its 11-0 loss in Atlanta on Friday night. It's only the third time in Mets history that they were shut out by more than 10 runs, while producing two-or-fewer hits. The other instances were both against the Pirates at Shea Stadium - in 1966 and 1984. Thanks Elias

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Free Baseball System-1) PLAY OVER on all teams against the total who are a weak AL offensive team like Kansas City, averaging 4.2 runs or less a game, against a team with a solid bullpen (ERA of 3.75 or less), with a starting pitcher whose throws more than 6.5 innings per start. This non-qualifying system is 51-18, 73.9 percent since 2005, but 7-1 this season.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Dodgers of Mannywood are 9-0 after two or more consecutive losses this season winning by an average of 4.6 runs per game.

Free Baseball Selection -3) This is getting scary good (love the looks of wagering accounts) and I have Texas to maul Minnesota.

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Looking back at Preseason MLB Futures Wagers

Back in March, one of my assignments was to go cover the strengths and weakness of each Major League Baseball team and make a prediction on how each club would likely measure up against the season totals set by the oddsmakers. With the baseball season roughly 54 percent completed, thought I would look back and see how I preformed four months ago and how I might end up when the final results are officially in.

National League (My pick and future record based on current form)

Philadelphia (Un88 – projected 90 wins)

The Phillies finally started to play well at Citizens Bank Park and are up to 22-23 record, having won nine of last 10. If the bullpen continues to improve and National League’s best offense keeps firing, playing in mediocre division, Philly should comfortably surpass 88 wins.

Florida (Ov75 – projected 83 wins)

Though the Marlins are -12 in runs scored/runs allowed, their starting pitching is expected to continue to improve, making me look I made the right choice.

Atlanta (84.5 No Call – projected 79 wins)

All the numbers prove this is .500 club and nothing really shows Atlanta should be any different the rest of the way. Might have overestimated the Braves slightly.

N.Y. York Mets (Ov89 – projected 78 wins)

Injuries to several starters have made the Mets a pedestrian offensive club. Beyond Johan Santana, unreliable starters pitch in rotation and bullpen allows too many keys hits. New York seldom rises to the occasion, as 16-25 record acknowledges as an underdog. Missed badly.

Washington (Un72.5 – projected 48 wins)

Firing the manager doesn’t change the players. The Nationals have too many young starting pitchers, deplorable bullpen and not enough every day players that care, all leading to another Washington failure. About as easy as it gets on this call.

St. Louis (Ov83.5 – projected 87 wins)

Called for the Cardinals to compete for division crown and they have been the best team in the NL Central thus far. They are on schedule to go Over the number and if Rick Ankiel, Chris Duncan and Ryan Ludwick find batting stroke, St. Louis should win 90 games.

Milwaukee (Ov81.5 – projected 83 wins)

I thought the Brewers were barely above .500 club and they have proven me correct thus far. Milwaukee lacks enough starting pitchers that could send the team on seven or eight game winning streak or play well over extended period, taking 15 of 20 contests for example. For the most part, the Crew wins when favored (28-19) and lose when expected (17-24 as underdogs).

Chicago Cubs (Ov92.5 – projected 81 wins)

As correct as I was about Washington, like everyone, missed the Cubs by a magnificent Michigan Mile. Offense has been horrendous, ranking 14th in the National League in run production at 4.1 per game. Inconsistent starting pitching and injuries, means the Chicago would have to go 50-26 the rest of the way to surpass total. In the words of Al Borland, “I don’t think so Tim.”

Houston (O73.5 – projected 81 wins)

Despite having more retreads in starting staff than a used car lot, the Astros have overachieved thus far. Nonetheless, staring at -30 in RS/RA means this isn’t put to bed yet.

Cincinnati (78.5 No call– projected 78 wins)

Cincinnati has played as presumed and if anything could go Under in the second half. Only two NL teams have worse RS/RA allowed figures.

Pittsburgh (Ov69 – projected 70 wins)

Thought the Pirates might climb to 71 or 72 wins and gave them waffling approval months ago. Unless they remain snake-bit in one run games (5-14), could have a winner here.

L.A. Dodgers (Ov85 – projected 103 wins)

The Dodgers figured to be better than last season, but on pace to win over 100 games, nobody saw that coming. The ability to dominate division foes (30-12) makes this easy winner.

San Francisco (Un79.5 – projected 90 wins)

The Giants pitching was to be their calling card in 2009 and has it ever. The wild card leader at the moment, San Francisco is first in fewest runs allowed (3.7) and strikeouts (7.9 PG) and second in hits allowed (7.9 PG) and batting average (.239). Still weary of offense holding up in late August and September, yet have to say I blew this one.

Colorado (Ov76.5 – projected 86 wins)

The Rockies are making me look smart, in their now typical fashion, closing 28-9 before the All-Star break. One aspect nobody counted on was Jason Marquis leading the senior circuit with 11 wins at this point.

Arizona (86 No call – projected 69 wins)

Though I had no real thoughts on the Diamondbacks, misjudged how badly this team can play. This club lacks focus and true determination. Playing better the rest of the way would not be a shocker, however the only way they get 86 wins is taking whole squad to Arizona Fall Instructional League and pick up wins there.

San Diego (Un71 – projected 66 wins)

Never wavered in my belief that San Diego is the least talented team in baseball, even after 9-3 start. The Padres are proving to be what they are, awful.

American League (My pick and future record based on current form)

Boston (Un94.5 – projected 99 wins)

The Red Sox are putting together another superb season, with first-class offense, good starting pitching and a deep and varied bullpen with lots of answers. Thought this would be really solid team, but not at this pace.

N.Y. Yankees (Ov94.5 – projected 93 wins)

New York bumbled early and have bounced back to play superior baseball, if you disregard another lost trip in Anaheim. Expect this total to come down to last few days of the season.

Tampa Bay (Un88.5 – projected 87 wins)

Really believed the Rays would to come back to earth after unforeseen 2008 campaign. Tampa Bay is in wild card contention at the minimum, how they finish on the road (18-26 presently) will go a long way in determining final results. They will not have the benefit of playing the NL East any longer, whom they were 12-3 against.

Toronto (Un72 – projected 79 wins)

Though this prediction appears to be a loser, if Roy Halladay is traded soon, have to think this still could be good, with 35 of the Blue Jays remaining 62 games against Red Sox, Yankees and Rays.

Baltimore (Un78.5 – projected 73 wins)

The Orioles do have some positives, with young talent starting to emerge in spots. Nevertheless, too challenging a division has the Birds falling short.

Detroit (Ov81.5 – projected 89 wins)

Detroit made too many wise decisions in the off-season not to be better than last year. With improved defense, a potent batting order and better than presumed bullpen, this is the team to beat in AL Central.

Chic. White Sox (Ov77.5 – projected 83 wins)

The peripheral numbers suggest nothing more than a .500 team and have to agree. This is still accurate enough to project a correct prognostication for the White Sox.

Minnesota (Ov83.5 – projected 82 wins)

You never count Minnesota out until they are dead. Manager Ron Gardenhire is one of the best and the Twins +29 in runs RS/RA suggests they could well compete with Detroit (+32) down the stretch and go Over the total.

Kansas City (Un76.5 – projected 68 wins)

The Royals higher expectations have met resistance, as sorry offense that is 29th in runs scored, wastes too many good outings by starting pitchers, who feel compelled to be almost perfect to win.

Cleveland (Ov85.5 – projected 64 wins)

Having seen Cleveland a few times in spring training, I really believed the Indians had enough offense to overcome below average staff. Could not have been more wrong than Washington (past and present), believing stimulus packages are solution to fixing economy.

L.A. Angels (Ov88.5 – projected 92 wins)

Even with the preseason injuries, who would have thought journeyman Matt Palmer would have more wins as starting pitcher (7), than John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Kelvim Escobar (5) combined and the Angels would be on pace to win 92 games at break. Juan Rivera, Bobby Abreu, Chone Figgins and Torii Hunter have kept Los Angeles busy on the base paths with top hitting team and second in runs scored.

Texas (Ov74 – projected 89 wins)

The Rangers can still hit, averaging 4.9 runs per game, but it has been the pitching that has turned Texas into division and wild card contender. After years of having pathetic pitching, the Rangers are middle of the pack in runs surrendered at 4.6 per game, thanks to off-season regiment and organizational influence. Spotted preseason banter and jumped on board.

Seattle (Un73 – projected 85 wins)

Is it possible the Mariners are really fifth in runs given up? I can not see this holding up, especially with 25th ranked offense. Seattle is 21-13 in one run games, which has kept the Mariners afloat.

Oakland (Un82.5 – projected 70 wins)

“Moneyball” is about as relevant as the Stone Temple Pilots these days, with the Athletics having more “For Sale” signs than a neighborhood full of foreclosures.

On the road Monday action

What I learned yesterday – Thank God I had my trusty map book yesterday. On I-40 there was a truck or car fire in the middle of the road and reports were people were backed up 15-22 miles. Even though we had to go about 70 minutes out of our way (one way), we got to our destination. Hit the Craps tables last night, had nothing going. It was interesting to observe others play and win with a much different strategy than I’ve seen, will have to look into.

Now on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY ON All teams with a money line of -100 to -150, revenging two straight losses vs opponent, like Minnesota as a home favorite, starting a pitcher who walked one or fewer hitters each of his last two outings. This is non-qualifying system at 35-10, 77.8 percent; however it is pretty darn good.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Baltimore Orioles are 0-14 against the money line revenging a road blowout loss vs opponent of eight runs or more over the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Without any research, from a personal perspective, the Mets seem like a reasonable underdog with Nieve pitching and the Tigers as a favorite.

Monday Baseball Wagering Action

Besides a makeup game on tap today, three other games are on the baseball docket. Each has its own story to tell, here is what each looks like tonight to the sports bettor on a sleepy Monday.

Cardinals in control

St. Louis (39-31, +2.7 units) has reeled of three consecutive wins and eight of last 11, to take over first place in the NL Central. The Cards bats crushed Kansas City pitching for 29 runs on 37 hits in sweeping the Royals. The Cardinals were led by, who else, Albert Pujols, who abused K.C., with three home runs and 10 runs batted in. “It’s nothing special. I’m just seeing good pitches and hitting them,” Pujols said. That’s what Kansas City pitchers thought also.

New York (34-33, -2.3 units) has lost four series in a row, in compiling 4-8 record and will look to turn things around quickly. Mets pitching has been in the tank, conceding a hair over six runs per game and when they get a better effort like Johan Santana provided Saturday, the bats go deathly silent in 3-1 loss. The only good news comes from the fact New York is 8-0 having lost four of their last five games this season. They will send a shaky Tim Redding (0-2, 6.27) to the mound.

The Redbirds are slight -108 favorites with total Un9.5 at DiamondSportsbook.com. They are 31-19 vs. teams with a good bullpen, whose ERA is 3.75 or better. Todd Wellemeyer (6-6, 5.36) gets the call and New York is 11-17 (-17.4 Units) against the money line vs. an NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 5.20 to 5.70 over the last three seasons. ESPN2 will have the coverage at 7:10 Eastern.

Colorado is Hot Hot Hot

The 1970’s punk band, New York Dolls, have reunited recently with some of its original members, including front man David Johansen. For a time in the late 80’s, Johansen, repackaged himself as pseudonym Buster Poindexter and was part of the Saturday Night Live house band. He later recorded his one and only hit, which completely describes the Colorado Rockies at the moment - Hot Hot Hot. Colorado (36-33, +4.8 units) is on 16-1 roll to move into third place in the NL West, picking up +17.7 units of profit in the process. The Rockies are 16-4 in June and will start Aaron Cook (6-3, 4.23) against a team who had almost as hot.

The Los Angeles Angels (36-31, +5.5 units) had won seven straight before losing last two games to cross-town rival Dodgers. The Angels will start Matt Palmer (6-0, 4.13) who has won just once in last four starts. The Angels are hoping the journeyman Palmer can keep changing speeds and be effective and improve Angels record to 51-31 having lost two of their last three games.
The Halos are -113 money line favorites and Cook and Rockies are 6-0 in road games after two or more consecutive wins.

Bay Area Battle

The Oakland A’s (30-38, -5.8 units) are happy to return home after 3-6 interleague road trip, which started with three losses against tonight’s opponent San Francisco. The A’s are a tremendous 73-36 at home in interleague action and are keeping fingers crossed rookie Trevor Cahill (4-5, 3.89) can help turn around their fortunes.

San Francisco (37-31, +6.3) has shown multiple personalities of late, sweeping Oakland and Texas, while being swept by the Angels in the middle grouping of last three series, all at home. The Giants are 13-19 on the road and 18-38 after six or more consecutive home games since the start of 2007 campaign. Struggling Jonathan Sanchez 2-7, 5.43) will climb the hill for San Fran, who are +139 underdogs.

Oakland took the series over San Diego over the weekend; however is miserable 6-17 having won two of three in 2009.

Action for Thursday June 18

Paul Buck and we got taken down yesterday. I’d like to say thanks to Paul for all his fantastic plays, I hope you grabbed some winners with his plays. Yesterday’s 1-2 mark has us at 107-69-3, 60.8 percent. The Top Trend has not lost and is in afternoon action. Slick Rick is having a nice week and offers free play. The best System is 82.1 percent and is in Beantown. Good Luck.

What I learned yesterday - Milwaukee swept their series against the Cleveland by scores of 14-12, 7-5 and 9-8. The total of 55 runs was the second-highest in any three-game series this year, behind the 56 runs the Orioles and Rangers combined to score when they met in Texas in the second week of the season. It was the highest run total in a three-game interleague series since 2005, when Cincinnati and Tampa Bay combined for 55 runs in a three-game Reds sweep (9-7, 11-9, 14-5).

Now on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/3Dailywinners

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST road underdogs like Florida, with a money line of +150 or more, allowing 4.8 or more runs a game on the season, against opponent with a starting pitcher with a WHIP of 1.000 or less over his last five starts. Over the last five years this system grades out at 78-17, 82.1 percent.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The San Diego Padres have lost 13 consecutive interleague encounters.

Free Baseball Selection -3) We move ahead and Slick Rick is 7-3 this week and prefers the Metropolitans this evening.

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MLB Series Wagering - Mets at Yankees

Neither the Mets nor the Yankees return to the Big Apple in the best of moods after suffering series’ losses in what has amounted to rivalry week for both teams. The Mets lost series to Philadelphia, giving them six losses in last nine contests. The Yankees were swept in Boston and are 0-8 against the Red Sox in 2009.

Though players typically try and down play the significance of these types of interleague games, the fact is this is New York and they can’t help being caught up in the maelstrom with rabid fans and media descending on them. Both scuffling clubs will bring positives into the Subway Series, as the Metropolitans (31-27, -0.3 units) are 23-8 in road games when playing on Friday since 2007 and the Yanks are 15-3 at home after batting .240 or worse over a 10-game span.

Livan Hernandez (5-1, 3.88 ERA) has experienced a career renaissance this season, being picked up late by the Mets who needed a fifth starter. Pitching at Citi Field has helped the well-traveled veteran right-hander; however he’s performed above average on the road with 3-1 and serviceable 4.07 ERA. Hernandez has been downright awesome in his last three starts, with a 1.66 earned run average, which included complete game and seven shutout innings, thou both were against woeful Washington. He’s been moved up one day since John Maine was placed on DL Thursday, yet at least still had four days between starts. Hernandez is 18-10 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in the first half of the season over the last two seasons. (Team's Record)

The Yankees (34-26, -2.8 units) counter with Joba Chamberlain (3-1, 3.39), who will not have to face dangerous hitters like Carlos Delgado or Jose Reyes, who are both disabled. The Bronx Bombers have been anything but, losing five of last eight games and scoring 4.2 runs per game in the process. The Yanks are 18-11 in their new home and part of Chamberlain’s job will be to keep the ball in the yard. Balls have been flying over the fence at Coors Field pace. Chamberlain has been about average (which is good at the new Yankee Stadium), surrendering a total of seven homers in his 11 games pitched. New York and the big right-hander are 7-1 in last eight starts at Yankee Stadium.

DiamondSportsbook.com has the home-standing team in the pinstripes as -220 money line favorites with total Un10.5. The Yankees have the best record in baseball in interleague play at 124-89 (.582) and are 45-17 as a favorite of -201 or greater. Watch the total on this one, since the Mets are 11-1 OVER on the road after three or more consecutive home games and the Yankees are 13-2 OVER at home after a one run loss.

Game 1 Edge: Yankees

The middle encounter will be a Fox Sports afternoon affair. At this time, the presumed fill-in starter for the Mets will be Fernanado Nieve, who pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen this season for the Mets after they called him up from Triple-A Buffalo on June 6. Nieve is a hard throwing righty, who has shown proclivity to hit a lot of bats in his major league stints. Most likely, manager Jerry Manual will have to go to bullpen, which has been an issue for the Yankees who are 2-9 vs. an excellent bullpen whose ERA is 3.00 or better this season. Andy Pettitte (6-2, 4.22) will go the Yankees, who’s not found the new ballpark to his liking. More balls fly out to right field and Pettitte’s ERA is 5.40 at home compared to 2.58 on the road. The Yanks are 29-13 when the veteran lefty is a Game 2 starter and they are 8-2 versus their city rival when he takes the hill.

Game 2 Edge: Yankees

Amazingly, this won’t be the Sunday night game, probably because ESPN didn’t want to cut in on NBA Finals action. The series finale expects to be a good pitching matchup with Johan Santana (8-3, 2.39) battling A.J. Burnett (4-3, 4.89). Both pitchers are coming off less than impressive efforts, with Santana tying a career high in allowing four home runs, yet pitched well enough to pick up the win. Burnett was too amped or too strong, walking five and allowing five runs (three earned) in just 2 2/3 innings, in 7-0 loss at Boston. Day games have favored the Yankees who are 13-9 coming into the series, compared to the Mets 8-11 mark.

Game 3 Edge: Mets

Despite having the best record in interleague action, the Yankees are 19-17 against the Mets since 2003. Don’t see this as being deterrent, as Joe Girardi’s club will want to put Boston series behind them. The key game will be the opener and don’t see New York losing. (OK, I’m doing anything to improve my record, make it the Yankees) With the Bombers favored big in the first two contests, backing both and keeping fingers crossed they deliver a series win.

DiamondSportsbook.com series odds: Mets +200, Yankees -260

3DW Pick: Yankees

2009 Record – 2-6

Saturday Selections and Comment

Got clipped with 1-2 Friday, as Paul Buck saved us from complete misery with another Free Winner. He’s got a NL play going today. Because there are no ML system plays that are 80 percent or higher, thought I’d try and change recent poor stretch with run line action, that hits four out of five over last 12 years. The Top Trend is 100 percent in West Coast action. Good Luck.

Thoughts- I’m guessing only a very few of you have any interest in the WNBA. I bring this up because the Phoenix Mercury, less then two years removed from being champions, recently sold their name out literally. Though they will still be listed as such in media, their jerseys will say Life-Lock (no team name), their new sponsor. The Mercury will receive three million over three years for this deal and it shows what is going on.

This is commonly done in Europe; however this is new territory in the States. I understand why, but have to say I think it sets a bad precedent. When this deal is up, what’s next, up the ante or go out of business? I understand it’s the WNBA and I can’t imagine the Yankees, Cowboys or Lakers doing something like this, since they are brands onto themselves. Yet I never thought every home run, walk or touchdown of more than 35 yards would be sponsored either. Keep watching.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY AGAINST all teams against a run line (+1.5, -130) to (-1.5, +160), who are good NL offensive team scoring 5 or more runs a game, against a poor starting pitcher (5.70 or higher ERA), starting a pitcher who gave up two earned runs in his last two outings. This RL system is 36-9, 80 percent and suggests playing against the Dodgers.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Baltimore Orioles are 0-13 revenging a road blowout loss vs opponent of eight runs or more over the last three seasons.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Paul Buck is now on 14-3 run and playing the Metropolitans in our nation’s capital.

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Let's start June with Winners

The Pittsburgh Pirates can’t hit Mike Hampton (they are about the only ones) over his career, which gave us a 1-2 Sunday. Today will have just two official plays, with Best System just missing as qualifier, but very strong totals play. Top Trend is unbeaten and Jason looks to carry weekend success into the start of the week. Good Luck. By the way, added new feature to bottom of page.

What I learned yesterday- Adrian Gonzalez hit his 20th home run of the season in the Padres 5-2 win at Colorado. After Gonzalez led the National League with nine home runs in April, he hit an NL-high 11 homers in May. Gonzalez is the first player to lead the National League in home runs (either tied or outright) in both April and May (of the same season) since Mark McGwire in 1998.

Free Baseball System-1) PLAY UNDER the total is 7 to 8.5, with a marginal losing team like Seattle (46 to 49 win percentage) who is playing a losing team, playing on Monday. This system just falls short of qualifying at 79.5 percent, with a swell 35-9 record since 2004.

Free Baseball Trend -2) The Dodgers are 10-0 when playing against a crummy team with 38 to 46 win percentage.

Free Baseball Selection -3) Jason hit six of seven MLB plays over the weekend and taking the Mets as his best bet today.

Note- If you prefer to have this sent to you daily instead of having to visit the site, sign up for our FREE mailing list on the right. You will also receive all my personal plays for Free and your name will NEVER be given to anyone.