NL Double Dip
I would consider myself more of an American League guy, even though the Florida Marlins have by far been my most profitable team to play or fade in baseball this year. On Saturday I will be living dangerously as I double dip into the NL, with the Fish nowhere to be found. It’s time for my hot streak to be tested.
7:15 ET
Houston (+206) at St. Louis (-224)
The Astros have exceeded my wildest dreams this year. I don’t know how they’re doing it, but they’re keeping my Central Futures wager alive, and I appreciate that. Unfortunately for my Future bet, this one jumps right off the page as a St. Louis win, and I’m not going to let that slide by.
Busch Stadium will be treated to a formidable pitching matchup as Wandy Rodriguez (10-6, 2.65) will faceoff against Chris Carpenter (9-3, 2.19). Wandy has been hotter than Manny Ramirez’s artificially accelerated breasts as of late. In his last five starts, he has a microscopic ERA of 0.75, and with 34 K’s, and hasn’t lost since 6/16. Just a couple of weeks ago he held these same Cardinals to only one earned run in 7 IP.
In a game of ‘Anything you can do I can do almost as well,’ Chris Carpenter is on a bit of a five game tear himself. Without a loss since 6/30 and an impressive 1.75 ERA, Carpenter is on a great roll as well. He recently held Houston to two runs in 8 IP, so both pitchers have the opposing line ups fresh in their minds.
For Houston, Miguel Tejada has been playing like he’s back on the juice (.325, 62 rbi). Carlos Lee has been putting up some big numbers to match his big frame (.308, 17 hr, 63 rbi). The venerable one, Lance Berkman, has been, well, venerable (.273, 18 hr, 55 rbi). The speedy Michael Bourn has given his team run production (69 runs, 37 sb).
The Cardinal’s Albert Pujols has been a one man wrecking crew in what is sure to be another MVP season. He leads baseball with 34 home runs, 92 rbi and 82 runs scored. His .320 average is tied for 13th best in the league. The guy is a psychopath at the plate. But Wandy Rodriguez has shut him down whenever they’ve faced off. In 23 AB, Pujols has only managed three hits, good for a paltry .130 avg.
So you might be wondering why I’m taking St. Louis as a moderate-to-heavy favorite, when I’m rooting for Houston in my heart, and the numbers back it all up. The answer – because I can. I’m hitting over 80% these past two weeks and I can do no wrong. St. Louis for the win.
9:05 ET
Philadelphia (+141) at San Francisco (-149)
I honestly don’t get San Francisco. I had them figured for yet another doormat-type season. I was incorrect. The bottom has not, and probably will not fall out. The NL West is probably out of reach at eight games back, but they are tied with Colorado for the Wild Card spot. Who’da thunk it? Not me!
The Phillies haven’t experienced any letdown from last year’s World Series victory. They hold a comfortable lead in the NL East with a 59-42 record. Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth have all been doing their part, but it has been super-signing Raul Ibanez (.301, 26 hr, 75 rbi) who has really kept slugging the Phillies past their opponents. Somebody test that man having a career year at 37 years old!
Joe Blanton (7-4, 4.11) will get the call. Unfortunately for him, his adversary will be Tim Lincecum (11-3, 2.30). The Giant’s wiry starter is aiming for another Cy Young at this rate, and for just this one day, I am a believer in his team.
I’ll be looking for new addition Freddy Sanchez to make some contributions both at the plate and in the field. It took me over half the season to figure it out, but the Giants are for real. I don’t know how and I don’t know why, but why pretend it’s not happening any longer? They are +1028 units on the season, and I want in on the action.
Make me a believer
7:15 ET
Houston (+206) at St. Louis (-224)
The Astros have exceeded my wildest dreams this year. I don’t know how they’re doing it, but they’re keeping my Central Futures wager alive, and I appreciate that. Unfortunately for my Future bet, this one jumps right off the page as a St. Louis win, and I’m not going to let that slide by.
Busch Stadium will be treated to a formidable pitching matchup as Wandy Rodriguez (10-6, 2.65) will faceoff against Chris Carpenter (9-3, 2.19). Wandy has been hotter than Manny Ramirez’s artificially accelerated breasts as of late. In his last five starts, he has a microscopic ERA of 0.75, and with 34 K’s, and hasn’t lost since 6/16. Just a couple of weeks ago he held these same Cardinals to only one earned run in 7 IP.
In a game of ‘Anything you can do I can do almost as well,’ Chris Carpenter is on a bit of a five game tear himself. Without a loss since 6/30 and an impressive 1.75 ERA, Carpenter is on a great roll as well. He recently held Houston to two runs in 8 IP, so both pitchers have the opposing line ups fresh in their minds.
For Houston, Miguel Tejada has been playing like he’s back on the juice (.325, 62 rbi). Carlos Lee has been putting up some big numbers to match his big frame (.308, 17 hr, 63 rbi). The venerable one, Lance Berkman, has been, well, venerable (.273, 18 hr, 55 rbi). The speedy Michael Bourn has given his team run production (69 runs, 37 sb).
The Cardinal’s Albert Pujols has been a one man wrecking crew in what is sure to be another MVP season. He leads baseball with 34 home runs, 92 rbi and 82 runs scored. His .320 average is tied for 13th best in the league. The guy is a psychopath at the plate. But Wandy Rodriguez has shut him down whenever they’ve faced off. In 23 AB, Pujols has only managed three hits, good for a paltry .130 avg.
God bless Albert Pujols
9:05 ET
Philadelphia (+141) at San Francisco (-149)
I honestly don’t get San Francisco. I had them figured for yet another doormat-type season. I was incorrect. The bottom has not, and probably will not fall out. The NL West is probably out of reach at eight games back, but they are tied with Colorado for the Wild Card spot. Who’da thunk it? Not me!
The Phillies haven’t experienced any letdown from last year’s World Series victory. They hold a comfortable lead in the NL East with a 59-42 record. Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth have all been doing their part, but it has been super-signing Raul Ibanez (.301, 26 hr, 75 rbi) who has really kept slugging the Phillies past their opponents. Somebody test that man having a career year at 37 years old!
Joe Blanton (7-4, 4.11) will get the call. Unfortunately for him, his adversary will be Tim Lincecum (11-3, 2.30). The Giant’s wiry starter is aiming for another Cy Young at this rate, and for just this one day, I am a believer in his team.
I’ll be looking for new addition Freddy Sanchez to make some contributions both at the plate and in the field. It took me over half the season to figure it out, but the Giants are for real. I don’t know how and I don’t know why, but why pretend it’s not happening any longer? They are +1028 units on the season, and I want in on the action.
Make me a believer
