Houston Astros +230 (Norris) @ Philadelphia Phillies -270 (Hamels)
When I got on here today to take a look at the line for the game in Philly tonight, which is standard procedure before I get to writing my daily blog, I expected to find something leading me to a writeup on yet another easy win pick for the Phils. And, don’t get me wrong, I still expect the Phils to win this game tonight after (finally) that bullpen choke we’ve all been waiting for, but at this kind of line, I’m not so sure. It’s clear that the oddsmakers had the same idea that I had. That there is no way that Phils go down 2-0 in a 4 game series, at home, against the Houston Astros. But let’s be honest, it’s not like Hamels has been getting a whole lotta love from his fellow Phils.
The Houston Astros have the best winning percentage of any team in the major leagues at Citizen’s Bank Park. Today they throw Bud Norris against Hamels to take a commanding 2-zip series lead. The Astros have won 5 consecutive Norris starts, in which he has received the dubya decision in 2 straight and 4 of the 5. He has gone at least 6 innings in 6 consecutive starts, and is posting some numbers very comparable to that of the Phils’ starter in game 1, Joe Blanton. It seems like it is either 2 or 4 for Norris, who is coming off back-to-back 7 inning, 2 earned starts, right after back-to-back 4 run performances. His last two win, however, were against some lackluster offenses, both at home in Houston against the Mets (who are embarrassing on the road) and against the Pirates, who sit even further back in the standings than the ‘stros. That’s not to take anything away from Bud, though. The guy has pitched very well of late, striking out 34 in his last 32.2 IP, while only walking 9. That is going to get the job done no matter who he faces, let’s face it.
Today is no cupcake, though, as he heads into CBP to take on the wild card leading Phils who look to rectify the bullpen blow and game one loss on Monday night.
Cole Hamels gets the ball for the Phils tonight in game 2 and is coming off a pathetic performance on a day which we were all expecting something more. Clearly, the oddsmakers think he will return to his form tonight that he had in those starts leading up to that implosion last time out. Before the 5 ER in 5 IP performance on the 19th of August, at home, against the Giants, Hamels fell victim to back-to-back 1-0 losses against the hated Mets. The guy just cant buy support. And today, unless something amazing happens, will probably face that same fate. He will need his best stuff today, and probably something close to a shutout if he is to get the win tonight.
The Phils may actually field the opening day roster for the 9th time, as Ive been calling for it for 3 straight days now. It’s almost as if Charlie is messing with us. Chuts got the day off on Sunday and Polly on Monday. Hopefully they will all be fielded in a must win for the Phils who got a little love in the Mile High city last night.
Based on the current 3 game losing streak for the Phils’ offense in Hamels’ starts and -270 chalk, one would probably be a fool to play this money line. It seems like a Norris play is the most economical here.
But these kinds of outings, on the road, for a surging no name (Norris), overachieving, against a league powerhouse sometimes have implosion written all over them. If you like trends and ‘dogs and are afraid of big chalk you may throw a little coin at the Astros today. But, I just don’t see them winning.
My play on this Tuesday night is the Philadelphia Phillies, on the RunLine at -130.
Pitching studs worth a look for Tuesday:
Wainwright goes for the Cards in Pitt. This is easy money. -250 chalk, -145 against the RL. both will hit.
JJ -120 plays in the expansive, pitcher-friendly Citi Field. I like the Marlins here, but Im looking elsewhere.
Pavano is the ‘dog today, on the road in Texas. He takes on Colby. Love Pavano tonight.
Beckett -205 at Fenway against the lowly M’s. really? -205? too much for Beckett. He is awful.
Good luck on Tuesday, and as always, I apologize for all of the bad advice. ha.
When I got on here today to take a look at the line for the game in Philly tonight, which is standard procedure before I get to writing my daily blog, I expected to find something leading me to a writeup on yet another easy win pick for the Phils. And, don’t get me wrong, I still expect the Phils to win this game tonight after (finally) that bullpen choke we’ve all been waiting for, but at this kind of line, I’m not so sure. It’s clear that the oddsmakers had the same idea that I had. That there is no way that Phils go down 2-0 in a 4 game series, at home, against the Houston Astros. But let’s be honest, it’s not like Hamels has been getting a whole lotta love from his fellow Phils.
The Houston Astros have the best winning percentage of any team in the major leagues at Citizen’s Bank Park. Today they throw Bud Norris against Hamels to take a commanding 2-zip series lead. The Astros have won 5 consecutive Norris starts, in which he has received the dubya decision in 2 straight and 4 of the 5. He has gone at least 6 innings in 6 consecutive starts, and is posting some numbers very comparable to that of the Phils’ starter in game 1, Joe Blanton. It seems like it is either 2 or 4 for Norris, who is coming off back-to-back 7 inning, 2 earned starts, right after back-to-back 4 run performances. His last two win, however, were against some lackluster offenses, both at home in Houston against the Mets (who are embarrassing on the road) and against the Pirates, who sit even further back in the standings than the ‘stros. That’s not to take anything away from Bud, though. The guy has pitched very well of late, striking out 34 in his last 32.2 IP, while only walking 9. That is going to get the job done no matter who he faces, let’s face it.
Today is no cupcake, though, as he heads into CBP to take on the wild card leading Phils who look to rectify the bullpen blow and game one loss on Monday night.
Cole Hamels gets the ball for the Phils tonight in game 2 and is coming off a pathetic performance on a day which we were all expecting something more. Clearly, the oddsmakers think he will return to his form tonight that he had in those starts leading up to that implosion last time out. Before the 5 ER in 5 IP performance on the 19th of August, at home, against the Giants, Hamels fell victim to back-to-back 1-0 losses against the hated Mets. The guy just cant buy support. And today, unless something amazing happens, will probably face that same fate. He will need his best stuff today, and probably something close to a shutout if he is to get the win tonight.
The Phils may actually field the opening day roster for the 9th time, as Ive been calling for it for 3 straight days now. It’s almost as if Charlie is messing with us. Chuts got the day off on Sunday and Polly on Monday. Hopefully they will all be fielded in a must win for the Phils who got a little love in the Mile High city last night.
Based on the current 3 game losing streak for the Phils’ offense in Hamels’ starts and -270 chalk, one would probably be a fool to play this money line. It seems like a Norris play is the most economical here.
But these kinds of outings, on the road, for a surging no name (Norris), overachieving, against a league powerhouse sometimes have implosion written all over them. If you like trends and ‘dogs and are afraid of big chalk you may throw a little coin at the Astros today. But, I just don’t see them winning.
My play on this Tuesday night is the Philadelphia Phillies, on the RunLine at -130.
Pitching studs worth a look for Tuesday:
Wainwright goes for the Cards in Pitt. This is easy money. -250 chalk, -145 against the RL. both will hit.
JJ -120 plays in the expansive, pitcher-friendly Citi Field. I like the Marlins here, but Im looking elsewhere.
Pavano is the ‘dog today, on the road in Texas. He takes on Colby. Love Pavano tonight.
Beckett -205 at Fenway against the lowly M’s. really? -205? too much for Beckett. He is awful.
Good luck on Tuesday, and as always, I apologize for all of the bad advice. ha.
