1-0 so far in Cubs game predictions. Backed the Cubs with Big Z in Miller Park last time out. Cubs won pretty easily and I think that might happen again tonight. The Cubs lost pretty bad yesterday to the A's 9-5 and had a horrific 4 fielding errors in the game. Tomorrow night (Wed) is a good/beter spot in my opinion. Cubs have Dempster going who really hasn't been anything great this year with a 4-5 record but then again Gio Gonzalez isn't anything to brag about either. Plus, I like Dempster, I think he's a bulldog and will give you everything he has each game. Now back to Gio Gonzalez. He has given up a total of 10 runs in his past two starts, and the A's just don't like when Mr. Gonzalez pitches on Wednesday, ESPECIALLY if the Vegas boys make them a dog. Check this out: A's are 1-9 in their last 10 games as a dog between +110 and +150. A's are 0-4 in the last 4 starts by Gonzalez on a Wednesday, and a just brutal 17-36 record in their last 53 inter-league games as a dog. That means you get to cash your ticket 68% of the time fading the A's as dogs. And the big factor to me about this is he is a LEFTY. Cubs have hit lefties pretty good this year. They have a .275 avg overall this season against southpaws, and .287 against them in the last 10 games. They are 6-1 in their last 7 games against a left-handed starting pitcher. The Cubs have the edge in starters and bullpen against the A's in this game. Also, Oakland has problems when inter-league rolls around for some reason. They are a miserable 3-8 the last 11 inter-league games. We got Umpire Greg Gibson behind the plate today calling the balls and strikes. This man has treated the home teams particularly well this season. Home teams are a fantastic 11-3 straight up this year with him behind home plate. Home teams are also avg a winning margin of 1.5 runs. If you followed Mr. Gibson, a $100 player would be up almost $800 following the home team. To make my case even more for the home team when he is umping is, Home Favorites that are between -120 and -140 are 4-0 this season. Morning line has Cubs at -135. Makes me feel a little better about this with him behind there. If you have not figured out who I like in this one yet go get your head checked
Just for good measure here are a few other trends that caught my eye. Cubs look really strong here boys, fade or play Best Of Luck my ninjas!
- Cubs are 6-1 in their last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter.
- Cubs are 5-1 in their last 6 games as a home favorite of -110 to -150.
- Cubs are 10-3 in their last 13 games with the total set at 6.5 or lower.
- Cubs are 61-26 in their last 87 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Chicago Cubs -135