The Official Start
So, call it the official start of the year from me, this is when it all happens, when baseball means something, when the anticipation of football is about to start and when the rumors of basketball trades are either about to prove fact or fairy-tales worth billions of dollars.
I'm starting it all over again, new spreadsheet new year. Although I have been doing this for five consecutive seasons (I'm sure some of you may remember) Best of luck to us. Lets make some money
-Kirby
Today's Picks - In Order of Confidence
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- Chicago WS @ Minnesota - Chicago WS +120 (Featured Write-up)
- Texas @ Boston - Texas -130 (Featured Write-up)
- Cincinnati @ Colorado - Colorado +107
- Tampa Bay @ NYY - Over 8.5
- Oakland @ KC - Over 7.5
HOME FIELD DISADVANTAGE
Chicago WS @ Minnesota - Chicago WS +120This season, when I think offense I definitely think the White Sox, and when I think struggle I definitely think Minnesota. The Twins have lost seven of nine and will be without Morneau, and have been struggling harder than a fat guy stuck in the deep end of a swimming pool and can't swim. The White Sox won 11 straight from June 15-26 and are looking to take care of business tonight. Liriano has no place being the favorite here, he hasn't maintained control and has not been winning. Liriano is 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA in his last five outings. Sometimes though numbers and statistics may be misleading, this is not going to be one of those times. Liriano gave up a career high-tying seven runs and lasted just 1 2/3 innings in Friday's 7-3 loss at Detroit. That last loss was a direct reflection of his poor pitching and lack of focus. He is 0-3 with an 8.27 ERA in four starts against the White Sox. look at these figures and ask yourself.. this guy is the freaking favorite? Are you shitting me right now? YOU could be pitching for the White Sox and they'd still probably kick ass tonight... but good thing you're not pitching because the white sox would probably be +1,957,002 or something like that but I'd still be making this write up... Whatever, because the actual pitcher is Gavin Floyd (5-7, 4.20 ERA). Which granted doesn't have a winning record, but I'll say this, I bet if Chicago had better pitching in the bullpen this kid would have a winning record. Sometimes stats like this are fallacies, this is one of them, sure the kid has a losing record, but look at his latest performance: Floyd has surrendered one run or fewer in six of seven starts, and the White Sox have won the last five times he's taken the mound. Money in the Bank? most likely... and when you're at the deposit at your bank think about me, and then figure out a unique way to ask the sexy blonde teller out on a date because she probably gets "hey beautiful" 400 times a day. I perfer this one "So, should I BS you by asking you out to dinner and drinks and then end up tricking you into having the kinkiest sex you've ever had, or should we just have the kinkiest sex you've ever had?" I bet you it works...
Chi White Sox are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games on the road
CWS in July games 10-1 +10.3 Unites
Last 3 years: 37-26 +11.3 Units
CWS after 3 or more consecutive wins 15-3 +12.8
Last 3 Years 40-24 +16.2
TEXAS TO TAKE CARE OF SLUMPING RED SOX
Boston @ Texas - Texas -140
My overall rule about favorites is this very simple one. No lines greater than -150. This line should be an overwhelming favorite however has just sit nicely at around the -140 mark. Ladies and gentlemen, take advantage of this; the Boston Red Sox is a brand name, when we look a game of there's at home we automatically think they may have a little edge. This is a falicy. Tonight the Rangers wont be playing the real Red Sox, they'll be playing an injury ridden deflated Red Sox that have dropped six out of eight. Regular starters Dustin Pedroia (foot), Adrian Beltre (hamstring), Victor Martinez (thumb) and Jacoby Ellsbury (ribs) are all out of the game, and last night Boston was silenced after a 7-2 beat down by the Rangers. Everything about Texas screams consistency. Yes, We know they were swept by the Orieles, but when you're coming towards the break and your guys are tired good teams lose because they become careless and bad teams win because they have nothing to lose, just ask the Angels... Josh Hamlton has returned from a minor injury and is playing excellent. Hamilton is hitting .350 with two homers, seven doubles and 11 RBIs in 10 games at Fenway Park and in addition Lewis has a 1.59 ERA in winning his last two road starts, striking out 19 in 17 innings. Lewis, however didn't receive a decision in two starts against the Red Sox, posting a 4.09 ERA, however that was before the significant injuries. ESPN states that "Felix Doubront (1-1, 4.22), who has been called up from Triple-A Pawtucket to help make up for the absence of Clay Buchholz (hamstring) and Josh Beckett (back). The 22-year-old left-hander lost his last outing, giving up two runs and four walks in 5 2/3 innings as Boston lost 3-2 to Tampa Bay on July 6." Young pitchers usually have consistency problems, and with a loaded team like Texas he may face problems tonight.
Texas is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Texas is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Boston
Who is this clown??
