Friday the 13th's lucky front page picks

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 08:46 AM

Pick Dodgers and Billingsley at Giants

Game Time: 07/13/2007 10:15 PM -
By: Bob Harvey | bobharveysports.com

Matt Cain has suffered from a severe lack of run support, and more of the same is expected tonight with Billingsley on the hill, so take the Dodgers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants resume one baseball's best rivalries tonight with a matchup of two of the top young arms in the game.

The Giants will send Matt Cain to the mound, who has as deceptive a record as you will ever see! Cain is honestly the best 3-9 pitcher in the game, as evidenced by his fine 3.53 ERA. His problem has been lack of run support from this dismal San Francisco offense, which has scored just 365 runs overall this season, second worst in the National League ahead of only the Washington Nationals. He does not figure to get much support tonight either, and Cain has not been as effective against the Dodgers, going 0-2 with an 8.56 ERA in three starts against them.

Los Angeles will counter with Chad Billingsley, who forced his way into the starting rotation by being lights out as a reliever. Billingsley is 5-0 with a 3.62 ERA overall for the year, and he has allowed three runs or less in three of his four starts.

The only highlight of San Francisco's season thus far has been Barry Bonds' pursuit of baseball's all-time home run record. Other than that, however, this last place team has been just awful for the most part, and the Dodgers and Billingsley should handle them easily tonight.

Free Pick: Dodgers -110

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 08:51 AM

Chalk up Twins with Santana over A’s

Game Time: 07/13/2007 08:10 PM
By: Al McMordie | bigal.com

Johan Santana is the King of the Second Half, as he is 32-3 after the All-Star break the last three years, so lay the big wood with the Twins.

Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins has struggled at home this year, going just 3-4 in the first half, but he has dominated hitters as of late whether home or away, as he has compiled a 1.29 ERA over his last four starts.

Santana's also simply owns the second half of the season, as he is an eye-popping 32-3 over the last three years after the All-Star Break! Meanwhile, look for the Oakland Athletics to lose their fifth straight game, as the A's have hit just .146 over their four-game losing streak, and they have been outscored 24-6 with their starters giving up 8.05 runs per game.

Lenny DiNardo will fill in once again, and although he's had some decent outings and has an ERA of 3.74 as a starter, there is just no room for error when your mound opponent is Johan Santana. So take the Twins.

Free Pick: Twins -230 (list Santana)

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 08:54 AM

Padres, Diamondbacks to stay Under 9½ (-120)

Game Time: 07/13/2007 09:40 PM -
By: L.T. Profit Sports Group | who2beton.com

Both the Padres and Diamondbacks have struggled to score runs the last 10 games, so look for more of the same tonight with two competent pitchers.

This could only happen after the All-Star break, as Greg Maddux is starting for the second consecutive game for the San Diego Padres!

Of course, Maddux is still pitching with the customary four days rest, thanks to the Padres having an extra off day yesterday. He has not looked like a 41-year-old pitcher for the most part this year either, as Maddux still has expert control with just 18 walks in 109.2 innings, keying his 1.27 WHIP. He was unlucky while allowing five runs in five innings vs. Atlanta Sunday night, but Maddux has still allowed three runs or less in seven of his last nine starts.

Now Doug Davis has had his difficulties this year for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he has turned things around lately with two Quality Starts in his last three outings, and he pitched good enough to win in his last start, a tough-luck 3-2 loss at St. Louis. Davis has also pitched well vs. the Padres over the years with five Quality Stats in seven career appearances against them, and he is catching a San Diego lineup here that is averaging just 3.60 runs per game over the last 10 games.

In fact, the Diamondbacks have been even worse, averaging an anemic 2.90 runs over this same span, so runs should be at a premium tonight.

Free Pick: Padres, Diamondbacks Under 9½ (-120)

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 08:55 AM

Back Carlos & Cubs vs. Astros

Game Time: 07/13/2007 02:20 PM -
By: Brad Diamond | playbook.com

Lou Piniella has his Cubs on a good run as they look to catch Milwaukee in the NL Central. Bet Carlos Zambrano and Chicago today at home in Wrigley against the Houston Astros.

You always worry coming out of the break when a solid hurler like Houston's Jason Jennings (1-4, 4.07) becomes involved in a roadie against a tough opponent. However, Chicago did close out the break with a nice 21-12 record over the last 33 games.

Houston is hitting just .253 in road games, while the opposition is doing business at .322. Also note that Houston is 39-50 overall this season and -1,445 units.

Since June 6, Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano is 5-2 with a 1.75 ERA. He did not show well in his last outing before the break vs. Pittsburgh. However, this is a classic moment for the Cubs as they want to catch division-leading Milwaukee. With the next 10 games at home, Chicago's fiery manager Lou Piniella has the edges in his favor!

Free Pick: Cubs -169

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 08:57 AM

Win with Willis, Fish vs. Nats

Game Time: 07/13/2007 07:05 PM -
By: Dennis Macklin | procappers.com

Neither pitcher tonight, the Nats' Jason Bergmann and the Marlins' Dontrelle Willis, are enjoying good campaigns. But Willis and Florida have the decided edge at home vs. Washington.

This is a matchup of two pitchers desperately needing a win. Washington's Jason Bergmann deserves better than his current 1-5 marker with his 3.47 ERA. He's 0-3 3.66 on the road but roughed up some (6.80) in his last two. The guy just doesn't get any run support but, then again, none of the Nats pitchers do.

Florida's Dontrelle Willis is 0-4 with a 4.97 ERA in his last seven but has owned Washington to the tune of 10-4 with a 3.22 ERA. He beat the Nats 9-2 in his only start against them this year giving up a run on seven hits in seven innings work.

Washington has scored more than three runs in just three of their last 16 games and are an abysmal 5-23 when Vegas posts 8/8½ totals on their games. The Fish are 9-4 in their last 13 as a home fave of 25-50 cents, so they have taken care of business against this kind. Play the Florida Marlins.

Free Pick: Marlins -147

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 09:05 AM

Back Brewers with Big Ben on bump

Game Time: 07/13/2007 08:05 PM -
By: John Martin | procappers.com

The Rockies have been struggling on the road and now must face Brewers ace Ben Sheets to boot. Make your play on Milwaukee at Miller Park tonight when they host Colorado.

Ben Sheets was an All-Star for a reason and he will prove it today for the Milwaukee Brewers at home against the Rockies.

Sheets is 10-4 on the year with a 3.41 ERA. Milwaukee has won three straight over Colorado, all coming at home. Sheets won 7-1 over the Rockies in his last start against Colorado. The Brewers are 12-3 in their last 15 contests against Colorado overall and 6-0 in their last six home meetings. The Brewers are also 6-0 in Sheets' last six home starts.

The Rockies are 1-9 in their last 10 road games. Cash in with the Brewers.

Free Pick: Brewers -146

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 09:06 AM

Play the Padres on road at D-Backs

Game Time: 07/13/2007 09:40 PM -
By: Bill Young | procappers.com

Padres righty Greg Maddux gets our nod this evening against Diamondbacks lefty Doug Davis. Side with San Diego in the desert tonight when they open a 3-game set in Arizona.

Greg Maddux just keeps overachieving as a starter for San Diego. A winning record on the season has been nothing new for this proven veteran. He will take on Doug Davis today who is 5-10 on the season for Arizona.

The Padres seem to bounce back each time they endure a defeat. The Padres are 37-17 in their last 54 games following a loss. The Diamondbacks are 0-4 in their last four games following a loss. Arizona is 2-8 in Davis' last 10 starts following a team loss. You can kind of see where we are going with this. Take the Padres to bounce back today.

Free Pick: Padres -101

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 09:08 AM

Back the Tribe vs the Royals

Game Time: 07/13/2007 07:05 PM -
By: Larry Cook | touthouse.com

With the Royals' hitters woeful on the road, the Indians have the advantage this evening. Chalk this one up to Cleveland at The Jake tonight when they entertain Kansas City.

Cleveland may be a heavy favorite here, but they are worth every penny today. The Indians are hitting .289 at home this season. They will get the best of Odalis Perez and his 4-8 record with a 5.68 ERA on the season.

Royals hitters are batting just .248 on the road. They will even make Jake Westbrook look like an ace today. The Indians are 13-3 in their last 16 home games against the Royals. The Indians are 37-14 in their last 51 home games overall. Cleveland is 11-3 in Westbrook's last 14 starts as a home favorite of -151 to -200. Bet the Indians.

Free Pick: Indians -173

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 09:10 AM

Astros +165 to score big at Cubs

Game Time: 07/13/2007 02:20 PM -
By: L.T. Profit Sports Group | who2beton.com

The Cubs cannot be trusted when favored in this price range, and with the Astros known for their blazing second halves, look for an upset.

For whatever reason, the Chicago Cubs have struggled when favored in this 150-175 range, so we will gladly grab the Houston Astros at this generous price in this spot.

In fact, the Cubs are just 13-28 as home favorites of between -150 and -175 over the last three years, including an unbelievable 2-9 this season! Yes, Carlos Zambrano can be unhittable at times but he is still just 3-5 with a high 5.14 ERA here in Wrigley Field this season.

Conversely Jason Jennings has actually pitched well in three road starts for the Astros, posting a nice 3.66 ERA in 19.2 road innings. Jennings also pitched well the last time he started at Wrigley as a member of the Colorado Rockies, allowing just one run on seven hits in seven innings of a rare Colorado road win.

Remember also that Houston has had strong second halves each of the last two seasons, and although this year’s team does look weaker than past years, they are still 2-1 vs. the Cubs in 2007 and more than capable of pulling the upset here.

Free Pick: Astros +165

Willie Bee · 07-13-07, 09:11 AM

Tail Tigers to win at Mariners

Game Time: 07/13/2007 10:05 PM -
By: Jimmy the Moose | sportspic.com

Detroit has won 10 of their last 12 on the road and have the talented Jeremy Bonderman on the mound tonight. Take the Tigers to win this one in Seattle against the Mariners.

Following last night's 3-2 loss in Seattle, the Detroit Tigers have now won 10 of their last 12 on the road. Detroit has won four of their last five road games vs. a team with a winning record and are 10-3 in their last 13 road games vs. a left-handed starter such as Seattle lefty Jarrod Washburn who is going tonight.

Detroit counters with Jeremy Bonderman who is 9-1 on the season and the Tigers are 11-5 in games he's started. The Mariners are playing very well, too. But tonight Washburn is on the mound vs. a team he has struggled with in the past. In his last five starts vs. Detroit, Washburn's teams are 0-5. The Mariners have lost 10 of the last 14 meetings with Detroit. Play on the Tigers.

Free Pick: Tigers -114

onlooker · 07-13-07, 11:41 AM

I disagree with you Dennis Macklin, as I am on the Nationals in that game. The rest of you, I have no opinion.

LGBoots · 07-13-07, 01:15 PM

Capuano is pitching for Brewers not Sheets.