Tuesday's Front Page Plays (May 22)

[Willie Bee]

Pick Peavy and Padres -175 over Cubs

Game Time: 05/22/2007 10:05 PM -
By: Marc Lawrence | playbook.com

While both of these starting pitchers have great year-to-date numbers, Jake Peavy has held his form with 15 strikeouts in his last three starts, while Rich Hill was hit hard his last two outings.

This is a big price, but the Padres are sending their ace Jake Peavy to the hill.

Peavy has been extremely sharp over his last three starts, recording 25 strikeouts against just five walks. He also has a stellar 2.25 ERA in his four career starts vs. the Cubbies, with the Padres team going 3-1 in those starts.

Rich Hill is coming back down to earth after a very hot start for the Cubs, so stay at home with Peavy and the Padres here tonight.

Free Pick: Padres -175

[Willie Bee]

Johan Santana Keys Twins, Rangers Under 9

Game Time: 05/22/2007 08:05 PM -
By: Al McMordie | bigal.com


The Rangers exploded the last two games, but look for Cy Young winner Santana to quiet the Texas bats, and with Loe yet to allow a run in two starts vs. the Twins, go Under.

Texas has scored 28 runs in its past two games, but that offensive outburst will end tonight.

Cy Young Award Winner Johan Santana will get the ball from Ron Gardenhire, as Santana looks to improve on his 4-4 season record. Santana pitched very well last week against Cleveland, but lost a 2-0 pitchers' duel to Fausto Carmona.

Santana should have an easier time of it tonight vs. Texas' Kameron Loe, but Loe does have a career 0.00 ERA vs. Minnesota in two lifetime starts. With the total sitting on the key number of nine, we will play it Under.

Free Pick: Twins, Rangers Under 9 (-120)

[Willie Bee]

Bet on Hamels, Phillies at Marlins

Game Time: 05/22/2007 07:05 PM -
By: Tom Stryker | 10starpicks.com


The Phillies are heating up and left-hander Cole Hamels is a big reason why. Play Philadelphia tonight on the road in Miami when they face the Florida Marlins.

Off a three-game sweep of state rival Tampa Bay and 10 consecutive games away from South Beach, Florida returns home to face a red-hot Philadelphia team. This is going to be a tough spot for the Marlins.

On the hill for the Phillies will be sizzling southpaw Cole Hamels. All No. 35 has done in his last four starts is pick up four victories and looked darn good in the process. In wins over Milwaukee, Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta, Hamels was touched for only 11 earned runs and 26 hits in 29.1 frames. He fanned 33 batters.

Last year against the Marlins, Hamels threw effectively, too. Cole made three starts against Florida from late-July on and earned a 2-0 record. He was nicked for six earned runs and 17 hits in 18 innings of work. He struck out 20 in those three appearances.

The Marlins will counter with lefty Scott Olsen. Since a dominant performance at home versus Atlanta on April 25th, the southpaw from Kalamazoo, Michigan has been hit pretty hard in his last four starts. Olsen has been pounded for eight earned runs and 29 hits in his last 24.2 frames. Amazingly, in three of his last six trips to the hill, No. 34 has surrendered 10 hits per game!

In seven career starts versus the Phils, Olsen has registered a 2-4 record and been slapped for 20 earned runs and 39 hits in 32.2 innings. That translates into a lofty 5.51 ERA and a WHIP of 1.71! Back on April 8, Scott got the best of Philadelphia en route to a 6-4 home win. This time the Phillies will return the favor. Take Philadelphia with listed pitcher Hamels.

Free Pick: Phillies -131

[Willie Bee]

Lay it on Lackey, Angels at Tigers

Game Time: 05/22/2007 07:05 PM -
By: Alex Smart | sportspic.com


With Angels starter John Lackey in a groove and sporting solid numbers lifetime at Comerica Park in Detroit, the smart play is on the Halos tonight at the Tigers.

John Lackey, the Angels' starting pitcher for this confrontation against the Detroit Tigers, is currently in top form having won four of his last five starts.

The Angels are also in top form having won five straight games and beating their opponents by a 31-7 count during their current run. This is a big momentum play, with the Angels playing every facet of the game to near perfection.

Note: Lackey is 5-0 lifetime along with a 3.47 ERA in Comerica Park in Motown. Play on the Angels.

Free Pick: Angels -121

[Willie Bee]

Cash with Cardinals vs Pirates

Game Time: 05/22/2007 08:10 PM -
By: Jimmy the Moose | sportspic.com


No, the Cardinals haven't been playing well at all in defense of their 2006 title. But St. Louis is in a great spot for a win tonight at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Zach Duke, today's starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is 1-4 on the season with an ERA of 5.19.

This season on the road Duke is 1-2 with a 5.32 ERA. Over his last 26 road starts, the Pirates are 6-20. Pittsburgh has lost his two career starts in St. Louis. Taking the mound for the St. Louis Cardinals is Adam Wainwright who has won two of his last three starts. The Cardinals are 16-6 in the last 22 meetings between the clubs in St. Louis. Play on the Cardinals.

Free Pick: Cardinals -127

[bigboydan]

Cash with Cardinals vs Pirates

Game Time: 05/22/2007 08:10 PM -
By: Jimmy the Moose | sportspic.com


No, the Cardinals haven't been playing well at all in defense of their 2006 title. But St. Louis is in a great spot for a win tonight at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Zach Duke, today's starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is 1-4 on the season with an ERA of 5.19.

This season on the road Duke is 1-2 with a 5.32 ERA. Over his last 26 road starts, the Pirates are 6-20. Pittsburgh has lost his two career starts in St. Louis. Taking the mound for the St. Louis Cardinals is Adam Wainwright who has won two of his last three starts. The Cardinals are 16-6 in the last 22 meetings between the clubs in St. Louis. Play on the Cardinals.

Free Pick: Cardinals -127

I'm fading you on this one Mr.Moose.

I might lose this game, but I do indeed find some strong value with Pitt tonight.

[tin8shusd]

i don't like any of these plays very much, if i had to pick one it would be the phils at -131.

the line against the cubs is ridiculous. while hill has been touched a bit more in his last couple of starts, the better cub offense coming in doesn't warrant a -175 for peavy.

the rangers hot bats wont cool off completely just because santana is pitching, and neither will santana be brilliant all of this sudden against texas although he has been less than stellar so far this year. likewise, i can't see the value in the under 9 at -120.

the angels haven't played great on the road this year, especially against stiff competition, which is what's waiting for them in detroit. if the line was -110 or lower i'd understand the play, but i can't see it at -121.

the cards have been dissapointing this season, and the pirates have been a been surprising to a certain extent. i don't think the cardinals bats have heated up enough to warrant a -127 line.

that's what i have for now.