Wednesday's Front Page Picks (Aug 01)

Willie Bee · 08-01-07, 09:42 AM

Mets, Brewers Under 9 as Perez, Vargas square off

Game Time: 08/01/2007 08:05 PM -
By: Al McMordie | bigal.com

Oliver Perez is a Comeback Player of the Year candidate, while Claudio Vargas has been much better at home. Take the Under, as runs should be hard to come by.

Unfortunately for New York Mets fans and baseball fans in general, despite doing everything he could, Mets left-hander Tom Glavine was denied his 300th win last night in Milwaukee and will have to wait another five days or so before he can try again.

Tonight another Mets southpaw, Oliver Perez, goes against the Brewers and right-hander Claudio Vargas. Perez is a definite candidate for National League Comeback Player of the Year for 2007. After a 2004 season in which he won twelve games and had 239 strikeouts to go with an ERA of 2.84, Perez has suffered through two subsequent dismal seasons. However he has emerged in 2007 with numbers very similar to those of three seasons ago, except for the strikeouts, and he is on a first place team, as opposed to the Pirate team he suffered with earlier in his career.

The Brewers have begun a bit of a free-fall lately, having won only four of their last 11 games. Their biggest problem has been winning on the road, as they are only 21-32 away from Miller Park. Although they are a division leader, Milwaukee's road record is on on par with the worst teams in the Majors (Washington, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco).

This game is at home however, and Vargas is unbeaten at Miller Park this year, with the Brewers having won all 10 of his home starts. Take the Under with these two sharp hurlers on the mound.

Free Pick: Mets, Brewers Under 9 (-117)

Willie Bee · 08-01-07, 09:43 AM

Diamondbacks, Padres to go Over 8 (-115)

Game Time: 08/01/2007 10:05 PM -
By: Ben Burns | sportspic.com

Both Owings and Wells have some ugly numbers lately, so both the Arizona and San Diego bats could easily awaken tonight. Go Over this modest number.

Tuesday's game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres stayed beneath the number, but we should see some more offense this evening.

Owings has a poor 6.92 ERA and 1.77 WHIP his last three starts, and he has an even worse 7.23 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in eight road starts for the season. Meanwhile, Wells has an awful 10.13 ERA and 2.10 WHIP his last three starts. Wells has seen six of 10 career starts vs. Arizona finish above the number, including a 10-5 slugfest most recently.

Additionally, we find the Over at a profitable 13-6 this season when the Padres have played a game with an over/under line of either eight or 8.5. Play on the Over tonight as both hurlers continue to struggle.

Free Pick: Diamondbacks, Padres Over 8 (-115)

Willie Bee · 08-01-07, 09:44 AM

Mariners, King Felix to pound Angels

Game Time: 08/01/2007 10:05 PM -
By: Tom Freese | playbook.com

After seeing his brother Jeff clocked last night in the Mariners' 8-0 loss to the Angels, it's Jered Weaver's turn to take the loss tonight for the Halos. Back the Mariners at home.

Los Angeles Angels starter Jered Weaver is off a phony win in his last start when he allowed twice as many baserunners as innings pitched and still managed to come away with the win.

Weaver was hit hard in his only start against the Seattle Mariners this year allowing five runs in five innings of work. Seattle is 7-3 in 10 home starts made by right-hander Felix Hernandez this year. The Mariners are 11-5 in Game 3 of a home series this year. Play on Seattle (Hernandez vs. Weaver).

Free Pick: Mariners -126

Willie Bee · 08-01-07, 09:45 AM

Looper, Cards to pop Pirates

Game Time: 08/01/2007 07:05 PM -
By: Jimmy the Moose | sportspic.com

Right-hander Braden Looper gives St. Louis a big advantage on the mound tonight in Pittsburgh. Lay the small chalk on the Cardinals when they take on the Pirates at PNC Field.

The Cardinals have won seven of their last 11 games. In their last six games vs. NL Central opponents the Cardinals are 5-1.

St. Louis has won seven of their last nine games played on Wednesdays and is 5-2 in Braden Looper's last seven starts vs. a team with a losing record. The Cardinals have won his last 4 starts vs. NL Central team's.

The Pirates are 4-14 in their last 18 games. Pittsburgh has lost six of their last seven home games. In their last 11 games as an underdog they are 1-10. Tony Armas is on the mound and the Pirates are 2-5 in his last seven starts. The Cardinals are 40-16 in their last 56 meetings with the Pirates. Play on the Cardinals.

Free Pick: Cardinals -127