SEATTLE at CLEVELAND 
I am playing on CLEVELAND. This is a matchup featuring one pitcher who seems to be coming unraveled and another who is just finding his groove and that has me loving the Indians today. 
Seattle's Taijuan Walker isn't exactly looking at the mound like it's his favorite place these days. He's 1-4 in his last seven outings after allowing three runs in a 3-1 loss to the Yankees. He's also 1-4 on the road with a road ERA that might explode if it gets any more bloated (9.79). 
The Indians' Trevor Bauer, on the other hand, has been outstanding lately. Cleveland has won three of his last four starts while he hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in any of his last five starts. Bauer tossed at least 6 2/3 innings in each of those outings so he's giving the Indians a fantastic shot at winning every time he takes the hill and I feel he should be favored by more here today. 10* AL Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Under in Miami Marlins at Toronto Blue Jays as my 10* Blue Chip.

The Blue Jays and Marlins topped the total in the opener with Toronto taking an 11-3 win Monday. The Jays have been swinging a big bat since returning home but we see value with the Under Tuesday, with Toronto handing the ball to left hander Mark Buehrle. He’s pitched 17-innings of scoreless baseball heading into Game 2 and has gone the distance in his last two games. Buehrle has also dominated National League opponents with a MLB-best 30-10 record in interleague action. The Marlins counter with starter Dan Haren, who has won back-to-back starts and five of his last six outings heading into Tuesday. Haren is 5-1 over his last eight appearances and has given up two or fewer runs in six of those contests.

I’m playing on the Under in Miami at Toronto as my 10* Blue Chip Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Kansas City Royals as my 10* Personal Favorite.

Kansas City is playing for pride at home against the Texas Rangers Sunday, having lost the first two contests in this weekend series. The Royals are mired in a skid, with only two wins in their last eight games, but we see added motivation and value on the home side Sunday. Kansas City gives the ball to starter Jeremy Guthrie, who bounced back from a really bad outing versus the Yankees on May 25 with an impressive one-run, two-hit, 5 2-3 innings-effort against Cleveland last Tuesday. Guthrie dominates the Rangers and of the 12 teams he’s faced 10 or more times throughout his career, he’s given up 37 runs – the fewest – and owns a 3.41 ERA – the lowest – versus Texas. He recently limited the Rangers to two runs on five hits through five innings for a win on May 14. Texas counters with Colby Lewis, who has not performed well away from Arlington this season. Lewis is just 3-3 with a 5.56 ERA in six road starts and owns a 1-3 career mark and 4.26 ERA versus the Royals.

I’m playing on Kansas City as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

I’m playing on the Oakland Athletics as my 10* Best Bet.

The Oakland A’s continue their East Coast tour with Game 2 in Boston Saturday. The A’s fell 4-2 to the Red Sox Friday, coming into a tough letdown spot after sweeping a three-game road series with the Tigers in dominant fashion earlier this week. We expect Oakland to regain the focus that has helped them win six of their last eight games and provide some tremendous moneyline value after struggling for the first two months of the schedule. The Athletics have picked up their production at the plate and have scored five or more runs in five of those last eight contests. They put starter Jesse Chavez on the mound Saturday. Chavez could be one of the most undervalued pitchers in baseball right now, posting quality starts in six straight outings. He’s 1-2 with a 1.23 ERA in his last three starts, facing the big bats of Tampa Bay, Detroit and New York in the span, but hasn’t had the run support. But with the A’s bats heating up, we expect Chavez to finally get the back up he deserves.

I’m playing on Oakland as my 10* Best Bet Saturday.

I’m playing on the Kansas City Royals as my 10* American League Personal Favorite.

The Royals open a three-game weekend set with the Texas Rangers Friday, hoping to find their form after dropping seven of their last nine. Kansas City hasn’t been able to produce at the plate, scoring just one run in five of those seven losses. But it did hit the ball well against the Rangers in May, averaging 4.25 runs in its first four-game set with Texas. The Royals give the ball to Edinson Volquez for Game 1. He rolls into this series on a five-game unbeaten streak in which KC is 5-0 and he’s been much more impressive at home, with a 4-1 record and 2.19 ERA in 37 innings inside Kauffman Stadium. Texas counters with Chi Chi Gonzalez, who is making just his second big league start. The righty was solid in his debut at home but we expect some struggles as he makes his first road appearance. Kansas City has won eight of the past 11 meetings including a 4-0 record in their last four home stands versus the Rangers.

I’m playing on Kansas City as my 10* American League Personal Favorite Friday

I’m playing on the Washington Nationals as my 10* National League Personal Favorite.

The Nationals lug a three-game losing skid into Game 2 of this four-game set with the Cubs, dropping the opener 2-1 Thursday. Washington has struggled to produce at the plate and is missing opportunities to cash in base runners. They take aim at Chicago starter Tsuyoshi Wada, who has pitched well this season with two of his three starts coming at Wrigley Field. In his lone road start, Wada allowed two runs on four hits, including a home run, through just 4 2-3 innings in San Diego. His pitch counts are climbing in recent outings, throwing 83 and 96 pitches in his last two starts despite not getting past the sixth inning. The wheels are beginning to wobble and we think this road start will get to the Cubs’ southpaw. Washington goes with Tanner Roark on the mound. He’s stepped into the rotation for the injured Doug Fister and has pitched extremely well through two starts. The right hander has given up only three runs through 11 innings of work, with both starts coming on the road. As a reliever, Roark has a 0.00 ERA in 6 1-3 innings pitched at home this season.

I’m playing on Washington as my 10* National League Personal Favorite Friday.

I’m playing on the Washington Nationals as my 10* National League Personal Favorite.

The Nationals welcome the stumbling Chicago Cubs to the nation’s capital Thursday, kicking off a four-game weekend series. Washington has dropped back-to-back contests after opening its series against Toronto with a win. The Nationals have scored only five runs in the last three games but facing the Cubs should help remedy that. Chicago has allowed 12 total runs the past two games and have trouble away from the Windy City. The pitching staff has a combined 4.36 ERA on the road and hands the ball to starter Jake Arrieta, who has been beat up his last two trips to the mound. The righty has given up 10 runs on 15 hits – four home runs – through his last 13 innings of work. The Nationals go with southpaw Gio Gonzalez, who has pitched much better at home with a 3.33 ERA inside Nationals Park. He’s won three straight and the Nats are 5-1 in his last six trips to the hill. Washington has won four of its last five versus Chicago and are 10-4 in their last 14 home stands against the Cubbies.

I’m playing on Washington as my 10* National League Personal Favorite Thursday.

I’m playing on the Texas Rangers as my 10* American League Personal Favorite.

The Rangers and White Sox have traded wins and losses in the first two games of this series and face off in a rubber match in Thursday’s series finale. Texas opened the series with a 15-2 blowout win and has won four of its last six in Arlington. The Rangers have scored 34 total runs in those four wins and should have slugger Prince Fielder back in the lineup after he rested Wednesday. Texas sends Yovani Gallardo to the hill for Game 3. The right hander gave up one earned run on four hits through six innings against Boston in his last start and owns a 3.16 ERA at home this season. The White Sox counter with rookie hurler Carlos Rodon. He’s coming off an impressive start but has struggled with his command, issuing 19 walks to just 25 strikeouts. Those extra base runners will come back to bite Chicago with Texas hitting the ball the way it is.

I’m playing on Texas as my 10* American League Personal Favorite Thursday.

I’m playing on the San Diego Padres as my 10* National League Personal Favorite.

The Padres avenged a 7-0 beating at the hands of the New York Mets with a 7-2 win in Game 2 of this Coast-to-Coast series and look to take the series edge, sending ace James Shields to the mound Wednesday. Shields has given up three or fewer runs in nine of his 11 appearances this season, with 88 strikeouts and a slim WHIP of 1.21. He is coming off a solid six-inning effort versus Pittsburgh in which Shields allowed only two runs on six hits and fanned six batters with just two walks. The Padres have won six in a row with Shields toeing the rubber and are getting a great price at home Wednesday. The Mets hand the ball to Dillion Gee, who is returning to the rotation after missing time with a groin injury. He hasn’t pitched since May 3, so we expect him to be a little rusty and on a short pitch count. Gee has a 4.26 ERA in two road starts this season. New York has just one win in its last nine road games overall.

I’m playing on San Diego as my 10* NL Personal Favorite Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Chicago White Sox as my 10* American League Personal Favorite.

The ChiSox were blasted in Game 1 of this series with the Texas Rangers and look to even the score in Game 2 Wednesday. Chicago hands the ball to Chris Sale for Wednesday’s action in Arlington. Sale is beginning to find his form, coming of an impressive effort versus the Orioles last time out. The left hander went 7 2-3 scoreless innings, allowing only four hits while fanning a dozen batters. Chicago has won four of Sale’s last five trips to the bump. The Rangers go with Nick Martinez in Game 2. He’s coming off a loss in his last outing but has pitched well to start the season, adding to the value price on Chicago. However, Martinez isn’t as sharp at home this year, with a strikeout-to-walk count of 18-11 inside Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas has won just four of his last 14 home starts and Martinez was roughed up for five runs on eight hits through five innings in his lone start against Chicago last season.

I’m playing on Chicago as my 10* AL Personal Favorite Wednesday.

I’m playing on the Over in Baltimore Orioles at Houston Astros as my 10* Blue Chip.

The Orioles and Astros meet for Game 2 of this series Tuesday. Baltimore gave up runs in bulk for the second straight game Monday, and has allowed a total of 14 runs the last two contests. The Astros plated four runs in the seventh inning of Monday’s game and have poured on the runs late into games this season, making no total out of reach. Houston hands the ball to starter Collin McHugh Tuesday. The right hander stumbled against the Orioles in his most recent start, allowing four runs on nine hits – two home runs – through six innings of work on May 27. That 5-4 Baltimore win played Over the 8-run total and Houston has played Over in five of his last eight starts. The Orioles go with Mike Wright on the mound. He was knocked around a bit in his last outing, giving up three runs on six hits – two home runs – in only five innings. We expect the Astros to get at him in this home contest, with Houston launching a MLB-best 41 home runs as hosts this season.

I’m playing on the Over in Baltimore at Houston as my 10* Blue Chip Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Detroit Tigers as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Tigers are back home for a brief three-game set against the Oakland A’s, starting Tuesday. Detroit is hoping the familiar surroundings can snap a four-game losing skid. That and facing a stumbling Athletics team that is just 11-16 on the road. Oakland is actually ripe for a letdown in this tough travel spot. The A’s are coming off a series win against New York and now travel to Motown for this series opener. Oakland hands the ball to Kendall Graveman, who was away from the team this past weekend due to personal issues. The Triple-A callup hasn’t gone especially deep in his starts this season, lasting six innings only once. Detroit goes with Alfredo Simon, who was also away from his team due to the passing of his father. He’s allowed just three earned runs over his last three starts, spanning 20 2-3 innings. Simon has an ultra-slim 0.94 ERA in four home starts this season, and the Tigers have picked up wins in each of those outings. They’ve won seven of the previous eight head-to-head meetings with Oakland.

I’m playing on Detroit as my 10* Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Under in Detroit Tigers at Los Angeles Angels as my 10* Main Event.

The Tigers and Halos wrap up this series on Sunday Night Baseball. These clubs erupted for 14 runs in the series opener but settled down for a 2-0 Angels win in Game 2. Detroit and L.A. have gone 1-4 Over/Under in their last five meetings, heading into Saturday’s Game 3, and have stayed Under the number in four of their previous five games in Anaheim. The Tigers hand the ball to star David Price, who is coming off seven shutout innings, giving up just five hits in a 1-0 victory against Oakland. Price is one of the best arms in baseball right now, with a 2.97 ERA, and is 3-0 with a 1.82 ERA in the role of visitor this season. He’s also kept his club Under the total in his last three road starts. The Halos go with Matt Shoemaker on the mound. The right hander pitched seven innings of shutout ball, giving up only four runs and struck out six batters versus San Diego. He looks to be finding his form after a slow start to the year. With these two arms, and the past history between these clubs, we expect a low-scoring series finale on Sunday night.

I’m playing on the Under in Detroit at Los Angeles as my 10* Main Event Sunday.

I’m playing on the Under in Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals as my 10* Blue Chip.

These National League heavyweights continue their weekend set in St. Louis Saturday. Heading into this series, the Dodgers and Cardinals had played Under in six of their previous eight meetings and had also stayed below the number in four of their last five clashes in Busch Stadium. St. Louis is tops in the league in ERA, with its staff boasting a 2.78 ERA on the season. The Cardinals send starter Michael Wacha to the mound Saturday, riding a perfect 3-0 record and stingy 1.42 ERA in May. Wacha faced the Dodgers twice in the NLCS in 2013, and gave up just seven runs through 13 2-3 innings of shutout baseball. Los Angeles counters with Carlos Frias, who has struggled at home but flourished on the road with a respectable 3.00 ERA over 12 innings of work. We expect runs to be at a minimum with these two solid arms on the mound.

I’m playing on the Under in Los Angeles at St. Louis as my 10* Blue Chip Saturday.

MIAMI at NEW YORK METS 
I am playing on the UNDER. Playing the under in Marlins games is about as dependable as the hot sun in south Florida these days, seeing as how the under is 9-2 in the last 11 Marlins games. 
Miami's hitting seems to be getting worse since new manager Dan Jennings rolled into the clubhouse and the Marlins enter this weekend series with the Mets after scoring just five runs in three games while getting swept by the Pirates. It was the eighth time in the last 11 games where the Fish failed to score more than two runs in a game. 
I don't like the over to show up on Friday either when two decent pitchers take the mound, Dan Haren and Matt Harvey. Haren has an ERA of 3.09 and Harvey sits at 2.91 - throw in the fact the Marlins have the second-fewest home runs in the majors and sign me up for the 'under'. 10* Blue Chip

CLEVELAND at SEATTLE I am playing on CLEVELAND. It appears as though Indians hurler Corey Kluber is officially back to the Klubot form that saw him win the Cy Young last season.  Kluber has tossed at least eight innings in each of his last three starts, giving up a total of two earned runs while earning an incredible 37 strikeouts over those outings. The righty also allowed just one walk over those 25 innings and picked up two wins in the process, making him a sizzling hot play right now.  Kluber and the Indians are facing James Paxton for the M's, who has pitched pretty well himself lately. But that just means Kluber is getting some rare value and I like the Indians to pull out the win.     The Klubot has seen the M's once in his career, when he amazingly needed just 85 pitches to throw nine shutout innings in a 2-0 win last August. 10* Thursday Roast

NEW YORK YANKEES at OAKLAND 
I am playing on the OVER. The Yankees finally appear to be snapping out of their hitting woes and I believe oddsmakers' totals aren't catching up fast enough. 
The Yankees couldn't seem to find their swings and it led to a recent six-game losing streak, albeit against some tough competition. But after averaging 4.58 runs per game this season, the Yankees have busted out to average 6.33 runs over their past six contests. That has only translated to a 3-3 over/under mark during that span but totals aren't rising much and the Yankees and A's are seeing a number I feel is too low on Thursday. 
I also like that CC Sabathia is taking the mound for the Yankees. He carries a 5.47 ERA this season and combined with A's starter Kendall Graveman, the two have an ERA of 11.51 heading into Thursday's start. 
Sabathia got smacked around for six runs in 2 1/3 innings in his last start and he just doesn't seem himself this season. He has seen the over in two of his last three and I'm expecting another over on Thursday. 10* Blue Chip

DETROIT at L.A. ANGELS 
I am playing on the ANGELS. C.J. Wilson loves pitching on home soil like few others where the Angels have won 13 of the lefy's last 15 home starts. The Angels also won all three meetings in California against the Tigers last season and I believe they'll pick up another on Thursday. 
Wilson has a 3.36 ERA this season and I think it will take at least a respectable performance to give the Angels a run. I'm not so sure that's going to happen considering the Tigers need to make a call up from the minors to fill a sudden hole in the rotation. 
Buck Farmer will give the majors another try after Kyle Lobstein was placed on the 15-day DL with a shoulder problem. Farmer got rocked in his major league debut last August during his short time in the bigs when he gave up 11 earned runs in less than seven innings over two starts. He has some talent but I think he may need some time to develop and I don't think playing on the road against Wilson is going to be a major confidence builder for him. 10* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Cleveland Indians as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Indians are stinging after letting the Texas Rangers slip out with a 10-8 win in Monday’s series opener. Cleveland will be looking for its eighth win in the last 11 games Tuesday, putting that task on starter Danny Salazar. The right hander is coming off six innings of shutout baseball in his last start, limiting the White Sox to five hits while striking out eight batters. Salazar has 60 Ks to just six total walks this season and boasts a 2-0 record and 3.46 ERA in two home starts this season. Cleveland has won six of his last seven trips to the mound as well as seven of his previous 10 outings in Progressive Field. The Rangers go with lefty Wandy Rodriguez Tuesday. The veteran southpaw faces an Indians lineup that has hit .255 BA versus left handers and has taken the second most at-bats against lefties in the entire major leagues. Cleveland has won six of its last seven home stands with the Rangers and is 14-4 in its previous 18 clashes with Texas overall.

I’m playing on Cleveland as my 10* Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Tampa Bay Rays as my 10* Personal Favorite.

Tampa Bay split a home set with the Oakland Athletics this past weekend and now hosts the Seattle Mariners, starting this series on the Memorial Day Monday. The Mariners took a loss to Toronto Sunday, giving up eight runs on 10 hits. Seattle scored just two runs on eight hits and has had trouble cashing in base runners in recent games. On the season, the M’s are hitting just .222 BA with runners in scoring position and have left an average of 18 runners on base over their last three games. The Rays try to stymy that already-struggling offense further with starter Jake Odorizzi, who has recorded eight quality starts in nine appearances. The right hander is 1-1 with a 1.73 ERA in four home starts this season. Seattle hands the ball to Roenis Elias for Monday. He’s worked well since being called into the Mariners rotation. However, Tampa Bay is hitting much better off southpaws - .260 BA and a .447 slugging percentage – picking up 15 of their total team 41 home runs off lefties. The Rays have won five of their last seven inside Tropicana Field and are 15-7 in their last 22 home stands against Seattle.

I’m playing on Tampa Bay as my 10* Personal Favorite Monday.

I’m playing on the New York Yankees as my 10* Main Event.

The Yankees are playing for pride after taking two tough losses to the Texas Rangers in this Memorial Day Weekend series. New York was edged 10-9 Friday then smashed 15-4 in Saturday’s action. The Bronx Bombers hand the ball to starter Chris Capuano for Sunday night’s finale. The left hander missed spring ball due to injury and was knocked around in his first start back, lasting only three innings. He has shaken off the rust and we expect a much more solid showing from the veteran at home. Texas goes with starter Yovani Gallardo, who hasn’t been much better. The righty is coming off a brief outing against Boston, getting hit for four runs on 10 hits through just five innings of work. He lugs a 1-5 record and 4.63 ERA over his last six trips to the bump and is 1-4 with a 4.97 ERA away from Arlington on the year. And, while the Rangers have exploded for big runs in the first two games of this series, they’re hitting just .228 BA as the road team. We like the value in the Yankees at home, as they try to avoid the series sweep on the Sunday Night Baseball main stage.

I’m playing on New York as my 10* Main Event Sunday.

I’m playing on the Atlanta Braves as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Braves are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers Saturday. Atlanta was blown off the field in an 11-0 thrashing at the hands of the Brewers Friday but we like the value we’re getting with the home side and expect the Braves to respond in a big way after such an embarrassing loss. Atlanta pretty much did the same thing to Milwaukee in Game 1 of this series, winning 10-1 Thursday. It’s won five of its last seven games heading into the long weekend and sends 5-1 Shelby Miller to the mound in Game 3 of this series. Miller allowed just two hits in his last start, just missing out on a no-hitter versus Miami last weekend. The right hander has the lowest ERA in the majors – 1.33 – and has fanned 20 battered over his last 25 innings of work. Atlanta is 7-1 in the last eight starts for Miller heading into Saturday and has won 13 of its last 17 overall meetings with Milwaukee.

I’m playing on Atlanta as my 10* Personal Favorite Saturday.

I’m playing on the Under in Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals as my 10* Blue Chip.

The Phillies and Nationals march out their top-tier starters in this Saturday showdown. Philadelphia hands the ball to Cole Hamels, who has been dominant over his last six appearances. The lefty is 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA in that span and coming off a one-run, six-hit 7 1-3 inning performance in Colorado, striking out seven and walking just one batter. The Under is a dominant 16-6-4 in Hamels’ last 26 starts for Philadelphia. Washington counters with right hander Stephen Strasburg, who after some early-season stumbles looks to be finding his form. Strasburg gave up three runs on five hits through just five innings against San Diego in his last outing, but he did strikeout seven hitters. He’s been great against Philadelphia with a career 5-1 record and slim 2.00 ERA over 11 starts. The Phillies don’t pose much of a threat at the plate to begin with, hitting just .240 BA and averaging only 3.11 runs per game.

I’m playing on the Under in Philadelphia at Washington as my 10* Blue Chip Saturday.

MILWAUKEE at ATLANTA 
I am playing on ATLANTA. I'm not sure exactly why the Braves aren't seeing a bigger line here but that's good news for us. I think the Braves will take Game 1 of this weekend series with the Brewers in a matchup where they put the better pitcher on the mound. 
Milwaukee's Matt Garza is coming off the worst start of his career on Saturday when he allowed 10 runs and 10 hits in just 3 1/3 innings. Garza is especially bad away from home where he has an ERA of 7.48. 
Braves righty Julio Teheran, meanwhile, has a 3.78 ERA over his last three starts and I think he'll collect the win today. The Braves are hitting .250 compared to a Brewers squad hitting just .226. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on the DODGERS. L.A. is a great bounce back team with a winning percentage of 64.3 in games following a loss. I think they'll earn the win to finish the series off strong against the Giants after failing to score a run through the first two games.

Clayton Kershaw takes the mound for L.A. and I believe we'll finally see him round into form. He has a somewhat shocking 4.24 ERA this season and you know he's going to come around.

Kershaw had a strong outing his last time to the mound when he allowed three earned runs and just four hits over 6 2/3 innings against the Rockies. He struck out 10 batters and I believe we'll see more of that today. 10* Getaway Day Game Of The Month

I’m playing on the San Diego Padres as my 10* National League Personal Favorite.

The Padres try to get their season back on track after dropping three of four games against the Washington Nationals this past weekend. San Diego welcomes the Chicago Cubs to Petco Park and are getting solid moneyline value as the host Tuesday. The Cubs haven’t played many games away from the Friendly Confines this season, with just 16 road tilts. They hit the West Coast for this matchup with the Padres boasting a collective 5.07 ERA away from the Windy City and are coming off a loss to Pittsburgh Sunday. The Padres give the ball to new staff ace James Shields, who has started the season 5-0 with a 3.91 ERA so far this year. San Diego has given his tremendous run support, especially at home.

I’m playing on San Diego as my 10* NL Personal Favorite.

I’m playing on the Boston Red Sox as my 10* American League Personal Favorite.

The Red Sox are back in front of the Beantown faithful at Fenway Park, hosting the Texas Rangers in Game 1 of this three-game set Tuesday. Boston broke even on a 10-game road trip, with the offense falling off the pace toward the end of that extended trek. Some good ole fashion Fenway home cooking will jump start the Red Sox’s bats. Boston has played just 16 home games this season, and has had much more success at the plate as hosts. The Red Sox send Wade Miley to the mound, coming off a solid performance against Oakland. The lefty limited the A’s to just five hits through 6 2-3 innings of work. Texas counters with righty Yovani Gallardo, who won his last start but dropped the four prior outings. He hasn’t received much support from the Rangers bats. Those sluggers struggle on the road, hitting just .221 BA as visitors. Boston has won five of the previous seven clashes with Texas heading into Tuesday.

I’m playing on Boston as my 10* AL Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Washington Nationals as my 10* Annihilator.

The Washington Nationals enjoyed a day off before returning home to DC to face the New York Yankees Tuesday. The Nationals dropped Game 1 of their four-game set with San Diego last week, then promptly took the next three games – outscoring the Padres 24-6 in those contests. Washington’s offensive is blasting the cover off the ball, hitting .318 BA and averaging 8.3 runs a contests over the last seven days. The Nats give the ball to starter Gio Gonzalez, who has only made two home appearances this season with a slim 1.38 ERA inside Nationals Park. The lefty had a tough outing against Arizona in his last effort, but in the three starts prior, Gonzalez fanned 17 batters and issued only three walks. The Yankees are stumbling on this current road trip, losing five of their last seven games. 

I’m playing on Washington as my 10* Annihilator Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Under in Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox as a 10* Blue Chip.

These American League Central rivals pick up their latest grudge match Monday, with the Tribe making the trip to Chicago’s south side. These teams have played Under in 18 of their previous 23 meetings, including staying below the number in five straight meetings in Chicago. The White Sox send Chris Sale to the hill for Game 1. He looked sharp in his last start, giving up only two runs on three hits through eight innings against the Brewers. Corey Kluber counters for the Indians Monday. He struck out 18 batters through eight innings of shutout baseball last time out, giving up just one hit to the Cardinals last Wednesday. Cleveland has played Under the total in 12 of Kluber’s last 14 road starts heading into Monday’s Game 1.

I’m playing on the Under in Cleveland at Chicago as my 10* Blue Chip Monday.

I’m playing on the Miami Marlins as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Marlins put a poor outing Sunday behind them and welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks to South Beach for an East-West set starting Monday. Arizona has dropped four in a row heading into Game 1 including a three-game sweep at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies to open this East Coast road trip. Miami goes with veteran Dan Haren on the hill. He’s quickly becoming the class of this rotation, going 4-2 with a 3.70 ERA on the year. The right hander boast an impressive 1.59 ERA at home and pitched six innings of solid baseball – four hits, no runs - against the Phillies inside Marlins Park on May 2. The D-backs hand the ball to Rubby De La Rosa, who benefited from some friendly home starts recently but boasts a lousy 5.60 ERA away from Arizona.

I’m playing on Miami as my 10* Personal Favorite Monday.

I’m playing on the St. Louis Cardinals as my 10* Main Event.

St. Louis is looking to save face after dropping the first two games of this three-game interleague set with the Detroit Tigers. The Cardinals lost an extra-inning squeaker Saturday but is holding solid moneyline value at home in the series finale Sunday night. They have won 37 of their last 53 Game 3 situations and send starter Lance Lynn to the mound, who has struck out 25 batters over his last 19 innings of action. Detroit goes with Alfredo Simon on the hill. He started the season on a high but has since dropped in performance, going winless in his last three outings. He’s night and day at home and away, with a beefy 4.76 ERA on the road. In his last road start, the right hander gave up three runs on five hits and walked four batters, throwing 103 pitches through five innings.

I’m playing on St. Louis as my 10* Main Event Sunday.

I’m playing on the Houston Astros as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Astros look to complete the sweep against the Toronto Blue Jays Sunday. Houston has edged Toronto in the first three games of this series, winning by a combined seven runs, extending the Jays’ losing skid to four games. Toronto has won just once on this current road trip, still having issues at the plate in opposing ballparks. It’s hitting just .242 BA with an AL-worst 178 strikeouts as a visitor. Houston looks to keep those bats cold with starter Collin McHugh. While the righty did suffer his first loss in 12 starts last time out, only three of those seven runs allowed were earned. Houston is 14-3 in McHugh’s last 17 trips to the mound, including an 8-1 run at home. The Blue Jays give the ball to Mark Buehrle for Sunday’s finale, but be warned: he has a 6.95 ERA on the road this season. Toronto could be looking ahead to getting back over the border, where it’s played much better baseball, and leaving this dismal road trip in the past.

I’m playing on Houston as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

I’m playing on the Cincinnati Reds as my 10* Breakfast Club.

Cincinnati dropped the first two games of this series with the San Francisco Giants, losing 10-2 and 11-2 Friday and Saturday. Not only do we expect the Reds to put up a much tougher fight Sunday but we expect the Giants offense to return to its norm – averaging only 3.7 runs a game – as well. Cincinnati goes with starter Anthony DeSclafani, who looks to be turning his season around after a bumpy start. The righty is coming off a quality start against the Braves, allowing three runs through six innings while only walking three batters, which is an improvement over his past starts. Rookie Chris Heston is on the mound for San Francisco. He was stellar in his last showing, allowing just one run on two hits through nine complete innings. However, we expect a regression from that result and a lack of run production as the Giants offense returns to it weak-hitting ways.

I’m playing on Cincinnati as my 10* Breakfast Club Sunday.

I’m playing on the Under in Washington Nationals at San Diego Padres as my 10* Blue Chip.

These teams have topped the total in the first two games of this four-game set in San Diego, but we’re starting to see that offense dip. Washington managed just three runs in Game 1 but allowed eight, and they blanked the Padres in Game 2 but scored 10 runs Friday. With two solid arms taking the hill and each team getting a solid look at each others lineups, we expect Saturday's tilt to stay Under the total. Washington goes with Max Scherzer on the hill for Game 3. He’s taken to his new team, with a 1.99 ERA to start the season. He allowed just one run on five hits through seven innings against Arizona in his last outing. He’s also been superb on the road, with a 1.35 ERA away from DC this season. The Padres counter with Andrew Cashner. While his record isn’t great, with six losses, he’s pitched far better than those number would indicate. Cashner hasn’t received much in the way of run support and owns a 1.80 ERA inside Petco Park. The Under is 12-5 in his last 17 home starts and these clubs have gone 34-16-3 O/U in their last 53 meetings in San Diego.

I’m playing on Under in Washington at San Diego as my 10* Blue Chip Saturday.

I’m playing on the Under in New York Yankees at Kansas City Royals as my 10* Blue Chip.

The Yankees and Royals open a three-game set in Kansas City Friday and both clubs send their big arms to the mound. The Bronx Bombers, who have been more about precise pitching than power hitting this season, hand the ball to starter Michael Pineda. The right hander is 5-0 with a slim 2.72 ERA, and coming off a one-run, six-hit, 16-strikeout performance in a win over Baltimore. He’s tied for eighth in the majors with 54 Ks and boasts a 1.01 WHIP, going six or more innings in five of his seven starts. The Royals go with lanky veteran Chris Young Friday. He has a diminutive 0.78 ERA in 2015, splitting time between starting and the bullpen. In his last start, Young allowed only one run on three hits through six innings and in his only other home start the 6-foot-10 hurler checked the powerful Tigers for five innings of no-hit baseball. The Under has been the hot play when these teams meet in KC, going 9-20 Over/Under in their previous 29 games inside Kauffman Stadium.

I’m playing on the Under in NY Yankees at Kansas City as my 10* Blue Chip Friday.

I’m playing on the New York Mets as my 10* Personal Favorite.

We’re getting a great price on the Mets in this matchup. While the Brewers are playing better than they did in April, that isn’t much of an improvement when you consider just how bad they’ve been. New York is mired in a four-game skid but is back home facing Milwaukee, owning a 13-3 record at Citi Field this season. The Mets give the ball to right-handed veteran Bartolo Colon, who has been a big surprise to start the year. He’s 3-0 with a 2.18 ERA at home this season and owns a career 3-1 record with a 3.97 ERA against Milwaukee. The Brewers counter with Kyle Lohse, who lugs an ERA north of 7.00 into this series opener. The righty picked up a win in his last start but still allowed four runs on seven hits through just five innings.

I’m playing on the New York Mets as my 10* Personal Favorite Friday.

ST. LOUIS at CLEVELAND 
I am playing on CLEVELAND. This game comes down to home field and an umpire that I think will take away any pitching advantage that the Cardinals might have otherwise had. 
John Lackey has the far better ERA on the season than his counterpart Corey Kluber, but not when it comes to pitching on the road. Lackey is 2-1 with a 3.20 ERA this season but he’s been smashed around for a 6.94 ERA away from St. Louis. Lackey gave up nine earned runs in 11 2/3 innings in two road outings and he gave up his only two home runs on the season in Cincinnati. 
The Indians are hitting .307 against righties this year and I think they’ll be able to get to the Cards’ hurler today. Mike Everitt will be calling the balls and strikes and he calls things tight with a strike percentage of 63.9. That’s on the lower side in MLB this season and as a result, four of his five games have gone over the total this season. 
I think the umpiring and home field will take away any pitching edge the Cardinals hoped to have today and Cleveland picks up its first win for Kluber. 10* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Baltimore Orioles as my 10* American League Personal Favorite.

Baltimore is back home and looking to get its season back on track after dropping five of its last six away from Camden Yards. The Orioles are 8-5 as hosts this season, hitting an MLB-best .327 BA and averaging 7.1 runs over 10 home stands. Baltimore uses that rejuvenated offense to backup starter Ubaldo Jimenez, who toes the rubber against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday. The right hander has also been impressive at home, not allowing a single run in two home outings so far this season. Jimenez has given up only four hits with 14 strikeouts through 14 innings of action inside Oriole Park. He debuted with a seven-inning, one-hit shutout against Toronto on April 11 but followed that with a four-run, six-hit effort through six innings in Toronto on April 22. We expect a return to Baltimore to not only spark Jimenez but the Orioles' bats as well. The O's have won six straight home games with Jimenez on the hill, going back to last season.

I’m playing on Baltimore as my 10* AL Personal Favorites Monday.

I’m playing on the New York Yankees as my 10* Personal Favorite.

New York closes a four-game series with the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, taking the first two game of this American League East rivalry before dropping Game 3 Saturday. The Yankees hand the ball to surprise star Michael Pineda, who has been stellar to open the 2015 campaign. Pineda posted eight scoreless innings, giving up just five hits and striking out six for a win against Toronto last time out. The right hander has won six straight starts going back to last season and has allowed more than three earned runs only once this year. Baltimore goes with righty Bud Norris Sunday. He gave up three runs to New York on April 15, with those coming late in that start. The Yankees have been hitting the ball well in recent outings, scoring four or more runs in five of their last eight games. Baltimore hasn’t had that same production this month, hitting just .230 BA and averaging just three runs per game.

I’m playing on the NY Yankees as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

TEXAS at TAMPA BAY 
I am playing on TAMPA BAY. The Rays are dealing with a dealing pile of injuries and illnesses but sometimes good teams just seem to rise to the occasion the worse things get. 
I see Tampa Bay as being in that spot a little bit here today when they send Triple-A call-up Matt Andriese to the mound to replace Jake Odorizzi, who has the flu. The Rays also have a few key position players nursing injuries too but that didn't stop them from hammering Texas 8-2 Friday night. 
Evan Longoria, who needed a day off on Thursday because of illness himself, rides a four-game hitting streak into today and is 6-for-15 with four RBIs, six runs and three walks in those games. 
I think Longoria and the remaining crew continue to elevate their games today on home field for the Rays. 10* Personal Favorite

MIAMI at SAN FRANCISCO 
I am playing on SAN FRANCISCO. I think we'll see the Giants bounce back after losing Game 1 of this series with home field and an improved Tim Lincecum as the biggest reasons. 
The Giants are 8-2 in their last 10 home games and 16-5 in Lincecum's last 21 starts at AT&T Park. The Super Freak also carries a 2-1 home record and a 1.89 home ERA into this game, compared to his 2.40 ERA overall this season. 
Jared Cosart is his counterpart for Miami and although Cosart has been solid this season, the Marlins just can't seem to win games for him. Miami has lost four of his five starts this season despite a respectable 2.97 ERA. 10* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Los Angeles Angels as my 10* American League Personal Favorite.

The Halos are presenting major value today against the Houston Astros, sending ace Jered Weaver to the bump at a discounted price. Houston did win Game 1 of this series Thursday but was swept in three games by Texas the series before. We see the wheels wobbling on their hot start and Los Angeles will take full advantage of that Friday. Weaver is coming off a disastrous start in which he was hit for five runs on 10 hits in just five innings. The righty hasn’t pitched up to standards this season but this home stand should help him shake off that poor start. Weaver was 10-4 with a 2.68 ERA in Anaheim last season. Houston counters with Roberto Hernandez in Game 2 Thursday. In his last performance against the Angels, he was hit for three runs on three hits through six innings on April 17. He gave up five runs on eight hits in his last start, earning a no-decision against the Mariners. Houston has provided solid run support in his starts this season but that offense has gone flat the past four games, with the Astros totaling just eight runs in that span.

I’m playing on L.A. Angels as my 10* AL Personal Favorite Friday.

CHICAGO CUBS at ST. LOUIS 
I am playing on the UNDER. When you put the ERA's of today's starters - John Lester and Lance Lynn - together over their past three games, you get a number that falls just under today's opening total of 7 runs. 
That's enough to make me lean to the under but I also like the fact that the Cubs don't hit as well against righties this season and the Cards don't hit as well against lefties. Today's umpire D.J. Reyburn also offers a fairly generous strike zone of 65 percent, and he's seeing an average of just seven runs and almost 13 strikeouts in his games. 
Umpire stats are a common element that's overlooked when betting baseball and in today's game I think he helps these two teams play under the number. 10* Total of the Week

I’m playing on the Los Angeles Angeles as my 10* American League Personal Favorite.

The Halos’ losing skid was extended to four games with a loss to the Seattle Mariners in the opener of this AL West showdown Monday. Los Angeles, however, is providing great value at home in Game 2 of this series and we love the pitching mismatch between these rivals. The Angels go with Garrett Richards, who has been shaky at times this season, but some home cooking should settle the right hander down. Richards has allowed just three runs on seven hits over his last two starts, spanning 13 innings, and has a solid 3-2 career record and 2.63 ERA in 13 appearances against the Mariners. Seattle goes with James Paxton on the hill Tuesday. He’s 0-2 with a 5.74 ERA and while he’s looking a little better in recent starts, Paxton is noticeably worse on the road during his brief MLB career.

I’m playing on L.A. Angels as my 10* AL Personal Favorite.

I’m playing on the Atlanta Braves as my 10* National League Personal Favorite.

Atlanta dropped the opening game of this NL East series with the Philadelphia Phillies but is getting solid moneyline value to return serve Tuesday. Shelby Miller toes the runner for the Braves, bringing a slim 2.17 ERA into this matchup. Miller took a loss in his last start but only allowed two earned runs on six hits and fanned nine batters through seven innings. The right hander has 1.29 WHIP and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 23 to 12. The Phillies go with callup Chad Billingsley, who hasn’t started a MLB games since 2013. He’s been up and down in Triple-A action while recovering from another elbow surgery. We like this pitching matchup and the value on the home side.

I’m playing on Atlanta as my 10* NL Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I’m playing on the Toronto Blue Jays as my 10* American League Personal Favorite.

The Blue Jays return home after a forgettable road trip. Toronto did, however, figure out its hitting woes on the road and bring those bats back to the Rogers Centre. The Jays plated 27 runs in their four-game set with the Cleveland Indians and are hitting .271 BA and averaging 5.6 runs over their 10 home games so far this season. Toronto sends knuckleballer R.A. Dickey to the mound to face the New York Yankees. Dickey went seven-innings deep into his last start and has looked much better at home than on the road. The Yankees, set up for a letdown after an always-emotional matchup with the Red Sox, counter with Chase Whitley, who is filling in for the injured Masahiro Tanaka. His ERA climbed to 5.83 on the road last year, and he was rocked in nine innings of action versus Toronto, allowing 13 runs on 19 hits including two home runs.

I’m playing on Toronto as my 10* AL Personal Favorite Monday.

I’m playing on the Washington Nationals as my 10* National League Personal Favorite.

The Nationals are beginning to play like the club we thought they were, winning five of their last six games after struggling to start the schedule. Washington just sent a message through the National League with a series victory over the New York Mets and we like the Nats to role that momentum into this series opener with Miami Monday. The Nationals offense wasn’t all that impressive during that four-game set with the Mets but we expect a return to DC to jumpstart the bats. Washington sends righty Jordan Zimmermann to the hill. He’s coming off a solid seven-inning, three-run, four-hit effort in a win against the Braves. Zimmermann allowed just two runs on six hits through six innings at Miami the start before that. The Nationals are a dominant 9-3 in his last 12 starts versus Miami.

I’m playing on Washington as my 10* NL Personal Favorite Monday.

NEW YORK YANKEES at BOSTON

I am playing on the YANKEES. The Yankees are simply on fire right now after winning 12 of their last 15 games and I think they complete the sweep of this three-game weekend series against the Red Sox Sunday night.

New York is pitching the lights out lately, allowing a stingy average of just 2.6 runs over the last 15 games. The Yankees ranked fifth in the majors in ERA (3.13) and first in strikeouts (221) heading into Saturday's contest and they are getting clutch hitting when they need it, too.

Adam Warren, who takes the hill for the Yanks Sunday, is coming off his best start of the season. He struck out six and gave up just one earned run and no walks against Tampa Bay in a 4-1 win early in the week, which was New York's third straight win with him on the mound. I think we'll see a fourth straight victory in this matchup. 10* Main Event 

I’m playing on the San Diego Padres as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Padres gave the Colorado Rockies a little bit of their own high-scoring medicine Friday, winning in blowout fashion 14-3. San Diego takes that momentum into the weekend, looking to give the Rockies their fourth loss in the row. The Padres hand the ball to veteran Brandon Morrow, who has started 2015 with a slim 1.29 ERA inside Petco Park. The right hander is just 1-0 on the season but has limited batters to a .237 BA over those four starts. San Diego takes aim at a familiar foe on the mound, after blasting Colorado starter Jorge De La Rosa for nine runs on nine hits over two innings on April 20. The Padres are hitting a MLB-best .309 BA off left-handed pitchers and look to light up the scoreboard for the second straight night Saturday.

I’m playing on San Diego as my 10* Personal Favorite Saturday.

I’m playing on the Under in Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins as my 10* Early Blue Chip.

These National League East rivals stayed Under the total with a 4-3 Miami win Friday and continue to hold that Under value as the series rolls into the weekend. Philadelphia is the worst offensive club in the majors, averaging only 2.75 runs per game while hitting just .221 BA at the plate. The Phillies are leaning on ace Cole Hamels to carry the team in this start – and also boost his trade value. Hamels picked up his first win of the season with a one-run, four-hit, seven-inning effort versus St. Louis. He has a 3.19 ERA with 32 strikeouts but hasn’t gotten much in the way of run support – the perfect blend for Under bettors. Philadelphia and Miami have gone Under in eight of Hamels’ last nine starts versus the Marlins.

I’m playing on the Under in Philadelphia at Miami as my 10* Early Blue Chip Saturday.

COLORADO at SAN DIEGO 
I am playing on SAN DIEGO. The Rockies came out smoking on the road with six straight wins as the visitor to start the year. Since that time, they can hardly stand the site of a hotel and have now lost five of their last six on the road. 
Colorado is coming off back-to-back road losses in Arizona where the club was slaughtered 21-6 combined in those defeats. The amount of runs given up highlights a serious pitching problem for the Rockies, who rank 14th in the NL in ERA (4.62) and are allowing the opposition to beat them around for a .299 average. 
The Padres have dropped three straight at home so I think we'll see them playing with some fight to grind out a much needed win for the home fans today. Center fielder Wil Myers is 5-for-13 with five runs over his past three games and I think he'll be producing more offense against this struggling Rockies squad. 10* NL Personal Favorite

TORONTO at CLEVELAND
I am playing on CLEVELAND. The Blue Jays may have beaten the Indians on Thursday 5-1, but they've still lost five of their last seven games just like the Indians. 
The Jays are just 2-6 following a win this season and I think Cleveland gets the win on Friday to even this weekend series up. 
Toronto may look to have the slight starting pitching advantage with Mark Buehrle on the mound against Carlos Carrasco. But umpire Bill Welke is behind home plate and I think he'll negate any pitching advantage here. Welke has a tight strike zone of just 63.5 percent this season and the over is 4-1 in his games. 
Both pitchers are going to need to get the ball across the plate, taking Toronto's pitching edge away. With Cleveland at home and knowing they need to get some wins going, I like the Indians to bounce back here. 10* AL Personal Favorite

Do not make this selection.... wrong entry

I’m playing on the New York Yankees as my 10* Personal Favorite.

The Yankees took one on the chin from their Big Apple neighbors, the New York Mets Saturday. The Mets dealt the Bronx Bombers an 8-2 defeat at Yankee Stadium. After the Yankees won Game 1 in this Subway Series 6-1 on Friday, this showdown on Sunday Night Baseball stands as the rubber match.

The Yankees rarely come this cheap at home, but due to the Mets’ hot start to the season we’re getting tremendous moneyline value on the Pinstripes Sunday night. The Bronx Bombers have won seven of their last nine overall, holding opponents to three or fewer runs in six of those contests. Known more for their power over the years, this 2015 Yankees squad has a solid staff and reliable bullpen, boasting a 3.46 ERA to start the season.

The Yankees hand the ball to Nathan Eovaldi for Sunday’s start. The right hander has pitched much better than his 1-2 record indicates and picked up his first victory of the season with a one-run, eight-hit, seven-inning effort versus the hard-hitting Detroit Tigers Tuesday. He owns a 3.12 ERA with 14 strikeouts through three starts.

The Yankees getting solid value at home and an underrated Eovaldi on the mound are why I’m playing on the New York Yankees as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

CLEVELAND at DETROIT 
I am playing on DETROIT. It's tough to pick from the many, many reasons which is the very best to take the Tigers over the Indians this evening at Comerica Park. 
The Tigers have the second best record in baseball. The Indians have the second worst record. 
The Tigers are averaging 7.7 runs over the last seven meetings with Cleveland. The Indians are averaging an MLB worst 3.14 runs per game. 
The Tigers have won seven straight games against Cleveland. Indians starter Danny Salazar has one win in his last five starts against Detroit. 
When you look at it all, it's hard to believe Detroit isn't favored by more coming into this game. But the Tigers are coming off three straight losses to the Yankees and that is what's keeping the odds in check here. 
That's fortunate for us because I see the Tigers getting right back on track tonight with Shane Greene on the mound. Greene has an amazing 0.39 ERA this season and is looking to become the first Tigers pitcher since Frank Tanana in 1998 to win his first four starts of the season.  
Greene has only given up 12 hits combined in his first three starts through 23 innings and I don’t see the Indians getting to him tonight. The Tribe are hitting a lowly .215 this season compared to the Tigers, who are hitting .283 – another reason to like the Tigers tonight. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on WASHINGTON. There's not a whole lot to overthink for this game. Max Scherzer is on the mound for the Nationals seeing great value and anytime he is strolling out to the bump, you have to like Washington's chances of winning. 
It's not often you can say a guy was worth the $210 million, but it's tough to argue with Washington's signing so far. The Nats are 2-1 in his starts but his lone loss may have actually been his best start when he allowed only four hits and no earned runs in a 3-1 loss to the Mets to start the season. 
Scherzer owns a shiny 0.83 ERA this season while going at least six innings in every start so far and striking out at least eight batters in each outing. Going back to last year in Detroit, Scherzer's teams have won seven of his last nine starts. 
"I feel like I'm pounding the zone," Scherzer said after his most recent start. "As long as you pound the zone and don't allow any free passes, it's usually a good sign of what you're doing."   
The Nationals have also been hitting much better since manager Matt Williams changed the batting order on last week's road trip. The Nats are 5-3 since making the moves and are averaging 5.4 runs compared to a pathetic 2.4 runs through their first seven games. 
Shortstop Ian Desmond is on an eight game hitting streak since being moved from sixth to second in the order and is 15-for-34 during that stretch. 
With incredible pitching and some respectable hitting, I’m not sure how long we'll see value like this in Scherzer's games this season. I'll take the Nats all day here. 10* Getaway Day Best of Best

I am playing on PHILADELPHIA. The Phillies could use a series against a team that seems to be struggling even worse than they are right now and I like them to take Game 2 against the Marlins on Wednesday. 
Philadelphia took the opener of this series on Tuesday, 7-3, which handed the Marlins their fifth straight loss after they got beaten up in a four-game set in New York. It was the Phillies' best offensive outburst of the season by two runs. 
Ryan Howard belted his first home run of the year, which is a good sign, as did Freddy Galvis, who has been one of the bright spots for the Phillies. Galvis is hitting .319 with eight RBIs and is consistently finding ways to get on base. 
I think Tuesday's game was just what the Phillies needed to get some momentum going and I think we'll see some more runs on Wednesday against the Marlins' Jarred Cosart. Cosart has lost his last four starts and his 4.76 ERA isn't exactly sparkling this season. The righty also seems to be one of those pitchers who just doesn't get much run support and he hasn't gotten more than two runs of backup in four of his last six starts.  
Another reason I like the Phillies is they actually have a decent bullpen. They own the seventh best bullpen in the majors with a respectable 2.45 ERA and they are one of only five teams left who haven't blown a save yet. 10* Personal Favorite

I’m playing on the Arizona Diamondbacks as my 10* Personal Favorite.

Arizona rides the momentum of a series victory over the San Francisco Giants into this interleague matchup with the Texas Rangers Tuesday. The Diamondbacks are also home for the first time in the past seven games as we like the value they’re showing in Game 1 of this series.

Arizona got its bats going against the Giants and, outside of a 4-1 loss in Game 3, scored 21 total runs in its three wins against San Francisco. The Diamondbacks started the season with a strong showing at the plate in six home games, averaging 4.5 runs in that season-opening home stand.

Texas backs into this series off two straight losses to the Seattle Mariners, including an 11-10 loss in the series finale Sunday. The Rangers lug a 4.70 team ERA into this game, which ranks 27th in the majors.

The D-backs send Chase Anderson to the mound Tuesday. The righty worked six innings and allowed just two earned runs on eight hits against the Padres in his last start. Anderson went 7-3 with a 3.42 ERA in 12 home starts last season, with Arizona winning five of his last six starts as a home favorite.

The Diamondbacks’ hot bats and Anderson at home are why I’m playing on Arizona as my 10* Personal Favorite Tuesday.

I am playing on SAN FRANCISCO. Even though the Giants are struggling this season, they hold a clear advantage in the pitching matchup on Sunday and I think they'll get a much needed win on home field against the Diamondbacks. 
San Francisco is 0-2 in Tim Hudson's first two starts despite the fact he has given them a great shot to win in both games by tossing his way to a 2.02 ERA. He has just five strikeouts through those first two games but more importantly, he's held the opposition to just three runs combined through 13 1/3 innings. 
Hudson is never going to blow you away with strikeouts but he keeps the ball in play and consistently gets outs, which is shown by the fact he hasn't given up a home run in four starts going back to last season. 
I think Hudson will outperform D-backs counterpart Jeremy Hellickson, who has tripped his way to a pair of losses and a 6.75 ERA to open the season. The righty gave up a combined eight earned runs in those games and he's grinding to get his outs after tossing 201 pitches in just 11 innings. 
Before this series, the Diamondbacks haven't had a great recent track record against the Giants (3-11 last 14 meetings entering the series) and they especially haven't liked facing Hudson. The righty has won eight of his last nine starts against the D-backs going back to his days with Atlanta. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on TAMPA BAY. The Rays are sending the far better pitcher to the mound today and are getting great value on the road so I'm taking them to beat the Jays in the final outing of this four-game set. 
The Rays’ Chris Archer struck out five batters and gave up just one hit over seven scoreless innings on Saturday against Miami to drop his ERA to 2.13 through two starts. He couldn't be more comfortable on the road and with that win he tied a franchise record by allowing three or fewer runs in 13 consecutive road starts. 
I believe he'll set the franchise record today because he also has a history of silencing Toronto's biggest bats. Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion are a combined 6-for-42 against Archer with six strikeouts. Encarnacion is 0-for-12 in the series while Bautista is just 1-for-7 (four walks) and I'm just not sure Toronto is going to be able to put enough runs on the board today. Archer is 1-0 with a 1.84 ERA in five starts in Toronto.
Aaron Sanchez is making just his second start of his career tonight and it's looking like he might need some more time to get comfortable. Sanchez gave up seven hits, three earned runs, two walks and two home runs in just 3 1/2 innings against Baltimore in his career starting debut. 
Sanchez is only in the starting rotation because of an injury to Marcus Stroman and I don't think he'll have much fun against the Rays tonight. Josh Donaldson is 5 for 9 with three RBIs in his last two games and Steven Souza Jr. is 6 for 13 in this series for Tampa Bay. 10* Personal Favorite

10* AL PF analysis to come shortly.

I’m playing on the San Diego Padres as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

San Diego has shown it can hang with the National League West elite so far this season, taking wins against the Los Angeles Dodgers and defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants this past week, most recently a 1-0 victory against San Francisco in Game 2 of this series.

Tyson Ross toes the rubber for the Padres, coming off a solid debut against the Dodgers. The right hander allowed two runs in the sixth inning – his only two runs – after going five scoreless innings, and limited L.A. to only six hits. His slider was inducing plenty of groundballs and he should be able to sucker the Giants' soft-hitting lineup into more than a few easy outs Sunday.

San Francisco counters with veteran Jake Peavy, who makes his home coming to Petco Park. Peavy was a star in San Diego and should get a warm welcome from the Padres faithful. He’s been battling through a back ailment in recent weeks and may not last too long if it flares up in his Giants debut. He won’t have the same pop on his pitches and the nerves of a San Diego return could lead to a quick exit for the right hander.

The Padres getting good stuff from Ross and Peavy’s less-than-stable back are why I’m playing on San Diego as my 10* Personal Favorite Sunday.

I am playing on TEXAS. The Rangers disappointed the home crowd in their season opener and I think they'll bounce back with a win tonight against state rival Houston. 
I believe we'll see a much different Yovani Gallardo for Texas, who fought nerves as the opening day starter after moving over from Milwaukee during the offseason. 
"There is always extra excitement and energy going through you because you know it's the first game," Gallardo said after the loss. I think he'll shake it off today against the team he loves playing more than any other. 
Gallardo has 13 wins against the Astros - his most against any team - and a 2.39 ERA. I think he'll get some run support also with the Astros' Roberto Hernandez taking the hill. 
The 34-year-old Hernandez hasn't seen a sub 4.00 ERA season since 2010 and I believe his best stuff is behind him. He takes the mound for his fifth team since 2012 and he crept into the starting rotation because Houston just doesn't really have anything else.  
Texas DH Prince Fielder is 8-for-19 on the season and I think he'll help propel Texas to its first home win of the year against an aging starter who might have some nerves of his own in his first start with his new club. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on SAN DIEGO. The Giants come into this matchup with some key injuries and an inconsistent starter and I think it will catch up to them in San Diego tonight.

The Giants have started the season 3-1 despite injuries to Brandon Belt, Matt Cain and Hunter Pence and I'm not sure how much longer they can keep that up. I'm not expecting lefty Tim Lincecum to save the day, who snuck into the Giants' rotation as the fifth starter to begin the year.

Lincecum was demoted to the bullpen during the second half of last season after getting beaten up for an ERA of 9.49 ERA during six starts after the All-Star break. His spring didn't go much better where he posted a 6.27 ERA in 18 2/3 innings and I think San Francisco knows it will probably lose some games to the fifth starter spot this season. 

Brandon Morrow gets the start for San Diego after being named late as the fifth starter for the Padres. The National League doesn’t quite know what it has in store with Morrow and I think the Giants will be surprised at how hard this guy can throw and how nasty his curve can be. Inconsistency is his biggest problem but he looked good in spring training and I think he’ll start the season off strong with a win over the Giants tonight. 10* Personal Favorite

I am playing on the UNDER. We have a pair of pitchers in this matchup who tend to keep the runs down when facing today's opponents and I believe this contest will fall under the number.   
The Padres' Andrew Cashner is 1-2 with a tiny 1.53 ERA in 17 appearances against Los Angeles. That includes a 1-1 record with a 1.32 ERA in six starts against the Dodgers. Cashner is also coming off a great spring training where he gave up only five runs and struck out 14 in 18 1/3 innings over five appearances and I think he'll start the year in nice form. 
L.A.'s Brandon McCarthy, meanwhile, is 4-1 with a 2.43 ERA in six starts against San Diego and I think he'll keep Padres scoring down also. 
Dodger Stadium wasn't exactly a hitter's ballpark last year, which will also help the under here in my opinion. The park saw a combined batting average of just .243 last year and was one of only four stadiums in the majors with an OBP of lower than .300. 10* Blue Chip 

I’m playing on the Oakland A’s as my 10* Personal Favorite Monday.

Oakland is not only playing to give the Bay Area faithful something to cheer about on Opening Day but also trying to snap a 10-season Opening Day winless skid, going all the way back to 2005. Now, in the Athletics' defense, they did face Seattle ace Felix Hernandez in five of those games and have a favorable pitching matchup in this Game 1 of the 2015 MLB season, hosting the Texas Rangers Monday night.

The Rangers bring Yovani Gallardo to the bump for Opening Day. Gallarado is coming over from the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central and making the adjustment to life in the heavy-hitting American League. He struggled in spring ball and was used in relief toward the end of the exhibition slate, getting hit hard for an 11.32 ERA through 10 innings of spring work.

Oakland gives its Opening Day honors to budding ace Sonny Gray, who is coming off a 14-win season and started strong in April last season. The right hander picked up some massive experience points during the AL postseason and is one pitcher many pundits are watching for a breakout in Oakland this season. The A’s have gone 4-1 in his last five starts versus Texas.

Texas trotting out shaky starter Gallarado and the Athletics motivated to snap their Open Day losing skid are why I’m playing on Oakland as my 10* Personal Favorite Monday.

I am playing on the UNDER. San Francisco held off from putting its ace on the mound until Game 5 and I feel that makes tonight’s World Series contest a great ‘under’ opportunity. 

Bumgarner has given up just one run in 22 innings in three career World Series starts and the Royals found out just how good he is in October in Game 1. The Giants lefty gave up just three hits and one run in seven innings in a 3-1 win. 

Bumgarner is 4-1 this postseason and has gone at least seven innings in each start. He has 33 Ks against just six walks and he’s given up just 22 hits in his five playoff starts in 2014. 

The wind won’t be as helpful for hitters as it was Saturday night in Game 4 when the Giants put an 11-4 beating on the Royals. Gusts were blowing hard to left field in Game 4 but will blow across the field from third base to first base to start the game Sunday and then move out toward the right field post. 

I’m expecting the Royals to be squeezing their bats a little tighter tonight too. This inexperienced club just saw a huge momentum shift after they won Games 2 and 3 and I don’t see them getting the upper hand back through hits and runs tonight against the Giants’ ace. 10* Main Event

I am playing on the GIANTS. Some teams might panic after going down 2-1 in the World Series and after losing their first game at home but I believe San Francisco’s experience will pay off and the NL club will even things up on Saturday.

The Giants are sticking with their planned rotation and sending Ryan Vogelsong to the mound. Vogelsong is a proven posteason performer and won his only World Series start in 2012 against the Detroit Tigers. Prior to the righty’s last game against St. Louis in the NLCS, he’d surrendered just one run in his first five playoff games, the only pitcher ever to accomplish that feat.

Vogelsong’s fastball goes from the low 90s to the mid-90s in the postseason, which he attributes to added adrenaline and it will help that he enters Saturday’s game on nine days of rest.

There is a greater than 70 percent chance of showers for tonight’s game, which I also like working in the Giants’ favor. They’re used to wind, chilly temperatures and changing skies in San Francisco, which should give them even more of a home edge tonight. 10* MAIN EVENT

I’m playing on Under in Kansas City Royals at San Francisco Giants as my 10* Best Bet Friday. These World Series contenders have traded haymakers in the first two games of the Fall Classic, but now that the feeling-out process is done these clubs will tighten their belts and limit those scoring chances.

The Royals hand the ball to Jeremy Guthrie in Game 3. The veteran hurler has been stellar in recent starts, including a one-run, three-hit no-decision through five innings versus the Orioles in the ALCS. The righty has allowed just two earned runs over his last 25 1/3 innings of work, with Kansas City staying below the total in three of the four starts in that span.

San Francisco counters with their staff veteran. Tim Hudson is on the bump for his World Series debut Friday, coming off some less-than-impressive outings. However, Hudson’s late-season struggles were due to a hip injury, which Giants manager Bruce Bochy says he’s fought through and is confident Hudson will perform well in Game 3. 

A huge switch up in the series is the lack of the designated hitter for the Royals. Kansas City won’t have an extra power bat in the lineup, relying on pitchers at the plate. Compound that with the familiarity of the lineups after two games and pitcher-friendly AT&T Park – ranked sixth-best pitcher park in the bigs – and runs could be scarce in Game 3 of the World Series.

That’s why I’m playing on Under in Kansas City at San Francisco as my 10* Best Bet Friday.

I’m playing Under in San Francisco Giants at St. Louis Cardinals as my 10* Best of the Best Saturday. These two teams have made their way to the National League Championship Series based on solid pitching, and send two postseason veterans to the hill in Game 1 Saturday.

The Giants hand the ball to playoff-seasoned left hander Madison Bumgarner in Game 1. He’s been lights out in the postseason, allowing just two runs on 10 hits with 16 strikeouts in 16 innings of playoff baseball. Pitching in front of a hostile crowd won’t rattle the southpaw, who boasts a 2.22 ERA on the road this season.

St. Louis counters with ace Adam Wainwright, who is eager to put a rough outing against the Dodgers in the NLDS behind him in this series opener. Wainwright was knocked around for six runs on 11 hits in just four innings of work. But in the two starts prior, he pitched 16 innings of shutout ball, giving up only 10 hits and striking out 15 batters. The Cardinals righty stymied the Giants for only one run on four hits through seven innings in the 2012 NLCS.

Neither team has been ripping the cover off the ball, with San Francisco hitting just .236 BA and averaging only 3.4 runs per game while St. Louis has done a touch better at the plate, hitting .238 BA. The Cardinals and Giants went a combined 1-7 Over/Under in their league divisional series.

Runs are going to be hard to come by in Game 1 of the NLCS, which is why I’m playing Under in San Francisco at St. Louis as my 10* NL O/U TOTAL OF THE YEAR.

I’m playing Under in St. Louis as my 10* Main Event Monday. The first game of the National League Divisional Series was an offensive explosion, but Game 2 saw both clubs settle down in a close-fought 3-2 Dodgers win that played Under the total. I expect this to continue as the series swings to St. Louis Monday night.

This is the third go-around in the NLDS for the Dodgers and Cardinals, so both clubs have plenty of tape on each other’s lineup. This is also the 10th time these NL heavyweights have played each other this season, with six of those previous nine games going Under the number. St. Louis hit just .214 BA in the seven regular season games versus L.A. while the Dodgers were held to one run twice in their four games inside Busch Stadium.

The Cardinals hand the ball to a seasoned playoff veteran in John Lackey, whose nerves won’t be rattled by the October stage. Lackey had his ups and downs this year but closed the regular season with two strong showings, giving up only three runs on 11 hits while striking out 13 in his last 14 1/3 innings – both of those games finishing Under the total. As mentioned, Lackey has plenty of postseason experience with two World Series rings and an impressive 3.03 ERA in 19 playoff games, 13 of those as starts.

Los Angeles goes with left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu Monday. While he’s been dealing with some shoulder ailments recently, Ryu is ready to roll for Game 3 after sitting out the home stretch of the schedule. He was hit for four runs on five hits in just one inning in his final regular season outing, with the shoulder injury hampering his performance. However, before getting hurt, he went eight straight starts allowing no more than three runs and posted a 2.24 ERA in that stretch. He’s rested and ready to pick up where he left off. Ryu also has two postseason starts on his resume, including a seven-inning shutout effort versus the Cardinals last October.

Those strong starters and the familiarity between the Cardinals and Dodgers will keep runs at a premium in Game 3 of the NLDS, which is why I’m playing Under in St. Louis as my 10* Main Event Monday.

I am playing on the UNDER. Don’t be shocked to see the Orioles up 2-0 in this series. They are one of the most balanced teams in baseball and they carry a youthful confidence that now has the veteran Tigers on their heels.

What is a little surprising is the fact we’ve seen a combined 28 runs through two games in this series. That’s a stray from the Orioles’ propensity to fly under the oddsmakers’ totals this season when they finished the regular campaign as the third biggest ‘under’ team in MLB behind only the Yankees and Padres.

I’m anticipating Game 3 to return to a run total we’re more familiar with in Baltimore games and there’s a big reason for that. The Tigers send David Price to the mound coming off two sparkling starts. He tossed a combined 16 innings and gave up only three earned runs while striking out 16 hitters in those outings.

More importantly than that, Price loves to pitch deep into games which is clear by the fact he led the majors in innings pitched with 248 1/3 this season. That’s crucial for the under play here because Baltimore has been beating up on Detroit’s dismal bullpen without mercy.

The O’s scored seven of their 12 runs against the pen in Game 1 and four of their seven runs against relievers in Game 2. It’s been the sore spot for the Tigers all season and I fully anticipate them to leave Price in as long as humanly possible in Game 3 because of that. That makes for a great opportunity to cash in on the under.

10* O/U Opening Round GAME OF THE YEAR

I’m playing on the LA ANGELS. The Angels lost a tough one last night but I like their chances of bouncing back here.

If you haven’t followed this team, Shoemaker has been outstanding all year. He’s 14-3 with a 2.89 ERA and 1.071 WHIP. The Angels are 16-4 (+12) when he takes the mound. Shoemaker has been particularly dominant at home. He’s 7-2 with a 2.06 ERA and 1.043 WHIP in 11 starts here. He won his last two starts by identical 8-1 scores; he didm’t allow a home run OR walk a batter in either game.

While his numbers aren’t as dominant, Ventura has also been very solid this season. He may be a little out of rhythm here though - and his confidence could have taken a hit - after giving up a huge 3-run HR in relief on Tuesday. He was also shaky in his last start. He lasted only four innings in that one, giving up eight hits, one of them a 2-run HR, and four runs. 

While they’ve thrown a very similar number of innings, Ventura has walked 69 batters (40 on the road and 5 his L2 games) this season compared to just 21 for Shoemaker. 

Given the Angels also scored considerably more runs than the Royals this season, I expect them to even the series. 10* personal favorite

I am playing on the UNDER when K.C. visits Los Angeles Thursday night. The Angels send a solid Jered Weaver to the mound to face a weary Royals squad against an over/under number that is the highest opening total of these young playoffs.

Weaver went 3-2 with a 3.66 ERA in the month of September, which isn’t bad, but those numbers are skewed higher by the fact he gave up three home runs and four earned runs in his final outing, a meaningless game for Los Angeles. Weaver is also 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in six postseason appearances (three starts) and loves pitching at home where he’s 10-4 this year with a 2.68 ERA.

He’ll face the fatigued Royals who arrived to their hotel in California at 5:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday after an emotional 12-inning win over the A’s in their playoff-opening wild-card game Tuesday night. With that in mind, I don’t expect to see their best bats on Thursday.

To make the under even more enticing, the Angels have scored just 12 runs over their last 5 games. 10* Best Bet

I'm playing on KANSAS CITY.   I expect emotions to be high at Kauffman Stadium Tuesday night as the Royals host their first playoff game in nearly 30 years. While emotion alone can't carry the home team to victory in the American League Wild Card matchup, I believe James Shields can and will.

Oakland was among the worst teams in baseball over the last month of the season.  That's certainly not the way you want to go into the postseason.  Lately, they struggled to even beat the bad teams.  They lost five of seven games to the last place Rangers in the last two weeks.

The A's are not a great, or even good, road team.  They are the only American League team in the playoffs that doesn't have a winning road record.  That makes going into a hostile environment even more difficult.

They (Oakland) have also been terrible as underdogs this season.  They were 3-18 when not favored on the money line.  The Royals are 19-7 as a home favorite of -125 or less.

Kansas City went 5-2 this year against the A's, all of those games coming in the second half of the season.  Much will be made of the fact that Jon Lester was the starter in both Oakland wins and will be the starter in this winner take all matchup as well.  But it's not like Lester was lights out in either of those outings. He allowed three runs both times, in 12.2 innings, and 15 hits.

Given the lack of hitting for Oakland down the stretch, three runs here might be too much to overcome.  In order to get Lester, the team had to give up Yeonis Cespedes.  Ever since then, the lineup has suffered.  The team has hit only .233 since the All Star Break and has just 48 home runs.

Two years ago, the Royals traded for James Shields so that they could have a front line ace.  He hasn't disappointed.  He finished 2014 with a 14-8 record in 34 outings. He had a 3.21 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 180 strikeouts in 227 innings.  He had a 2-0 team start record vs. Oakland.

Defense and the bullpen are two big advantages for Kansas City.  They have a number of Gold Glove-caliber players in the field and catcher Salvador Perez may be the best defensive catcher in baseball.  If the Royals have the lead going into the late innings, then its probably over as setup men Kelvin Herrera and Wade Davis have each posted scoreless streaks of more than 30 innings. Closer Greg Holland is the reason the team lead the AL in converting 82 percent of all save opportunities.  

But if Oakland has the lead going into the late innings, the Royals are not out of it.  The A's bullpen blew 21 saves this year.   10* main event. 

I'm playing on SAN FRANCISCO.  The Giants very nearly went from "sure winner" to "painful loser" last night.  I had them and was feeling pretty good when they took a 6-0 lead after five innings of play.  But then, inexplicably, San Diego would score eight times over the next two innings.  Fortunately for me and my clients, San Francisco responded with three of their own in the bottom of the seventh and would hold on for a 9-8 victory.

Though they actually went into last night's game already having clinched a playoff spot, that obviously didn't lessen the Giants motivation one bit. There's still work to be done, namely earning homefield advantage for the NL Wild Card game of which they are guaranteed to be a part of.  Coming into Friday, the Giants are one game back of the Pirates, who right now would be their Wild Card opponent. Pittsburgh plays in Cincinnati this weekend.

San Francisco's offense had been in a slump going into yesterday.  But knocking around the Padres best pitcher, Andrew Cashner, has to be a confidence boost.  You'd have to figure that after handling Cashner, it should be more of the same tonight against Ian Kennedy.

Kennedy did beat the Giants last weekend.  For a second straight start, he will go opposite Ryan Vogelsong.  Now that Vogelsong gets to pitch in his home park, I'd say the advantage lies with him and his team.  Vogelsong has a 2.76 ERA and 1.05 WHIP at AT&T Park. Kennedy has a 3.57 ERA and 1.32 WHIP on the road.

The Padres simply are not a good road team either.  They have the second worst road record in baseball at 28-50 and have lost 20 of their last 28 outside of Petco Park with the starting rotation posting a 5.12 ERA.   That's a far cry from the kind of pitching we see from San Diego at home.

The Giants are 16-5 their last 21 games as a home favorite and won seven in a row here over teams that come in sporting a losing record.  10* GAME OF THE YEAR.

I'm playing on MIAMI.    The Marlins took the opener of this series, beating Cole Hamels 2-0.  It's reasonable to think that if they can beat the Phillies best pitcher, then they certainly shouldn't have much trouble following up with a win against Kyle Kendrick tonight.  At least that's the way I see it.

Though Kendrick has had some success in the past against Miami, his 2014 season has not gone well overall.  He has a 3-7 record on the road (6-9 TSR) thanks to a 5.12 ERA and 1.36 WHIP.  He made it only five innings the last time we saw him and gave up three runs in a loss at San Diego.

Yesterday's loss marked the 15th time this season that Philadelphia has been shut out.  That puts them among the top seven in all of baseball for number of times being blanked.  They've failed to average even three runs per game while losing 11 of their last 16 and are hitting just .214 during this time.

Miami still sports a winning record at home, even though they were swept over the weekend by Washington.  They are 5-2 vs. the Phillies in their home ballpark this season, shutting them out twice in the last three games played here.

The two starting pitchers we'll see tonight faced off against one another not too long ago.  In Philadelphia, Kendrick outdueled Brad Hand in a 2-1 victory.  I'll call for Hand to get revenge though as he allowed just two runs in six innings 11 days ago.  

There are numerous trends going against the Phillies here, but one that sticks out to me is that they are 0-6 after allowing 2 runs or less in their last game.  Miami is 4-0 its last four in the same situation.  10* personal favorite.

Two teams that are out of it, playing a pretty meaningless interleague series, isn't going to attract a lot of attention. But I feel this Tuesday night matchup between Arizona and Minnesota offers significant value.  I just can't see the visiting Diamonbacks coming in and winning two in a row, even if Twins starter Kyle Gibson has struggled of late.

Arizona had lost six straight before last night.  They had been swept in Colorado over the weekend and outscored 35-13.   They bring in the worst run differential in the entire National League at -124.  

It was basically one big inning last night for the Diamondbacks as they scored five in the top of the fifth.  That was more than enough as Minnesota just couldn't seem to figure out Josh Collmenter, who was unfamiliar to them.  Also unfamiliar will be tonight's starter Andrew Chafin.  But again, I go back to the notion that I can't see Arizona winning back to back road games.

Gibson actually got the win against David Price in his most recent start.  Since then, the team has dropped three of four.  But Gibson will be starting on five days rest in this spot and that's key because the team is 7-3 when he does so.

The Diamondbacks have lost 25 of their previous 35 games and are just 4-13 their last 17.  They haven't won consecutive games on the road since the 3rd and 4th of this month, almost three weeks ago.  Look for Minnesota to give the fans something to cheer about.  10* personal favorite.

I'm playing on MINNESOTA.   Cleveland continues to keep its faint playoff hopes alive as they just took three of four in Houston, including a come from behind 2-1 win last night that took 13 innings.  But I don't like their chances so much tonight and will back the Twins in this spot.

Playing a 13-inning game is always tough when you have to play again the next day, but in this instance the Indians are at a real disadvantage.  Not only do they have to travel, but Minnesota was off Thursday.

The Twins have been reduced to playing the spoiler role at this point and just took two of three from the first place Tigers.  When you have a last place team favored on the money line against a playoff contender this time of year, that speaks volumes.

Of course, the main reason Minnesota is favored to win tonight's game is because of who they have on the mound.  Phil Hughes leads all of baseball with an 11-1 KW ratio and comes in with a 2.45 ERA and 0.84 WHIP his last three starts.  Hughes has owned the Indians with a 1.67 ERA his last four starts against them, including a 4-1 win here at Target Field just last month.

True to form, Hughes struck out eight and didn't walk anybody in the win.  

Cleveland has been living and dying with its pitching of late.  They have hit just .196 with runners in scoring position the last eight games while scoring only 21 runs.  That doesn't bode well for facing Hughes.

Meanwhile, Indians starter Trevor Bauer has struggled on the road with a 5.22 ERA and 1.53 WHIP.  He owns a 1-5 record pitching away from home and the team has lost each of his last three starts overall.

Even after winning their last three games in Houston, Cleveland is still only 34-43 on the road this season. This game just does not set up well for them.  10* personal favorite.

I'm playing the White Sox and Royals to finish UNDER the total.  Chris Sale vs. Yordano Ventura just has the sound of a pitcher's duel and looking at the way recent starts for both have gone, an Under seems likely here.  

The last two times Sale has pitched, the final scores for the games have ended up being 1-0 and 2-1, one in the White Sox favor and the other not. 

The 1-0 game was the last time we saw him as he delivered eight shutout innings of two-hit ball in a win against Oakland.

The last two times Ventura has pitched, the final scores for the games have ended up being 2-0 and 4-2, again one in his team's favor and the other not.   He did allow all four runs vs. Boston on Friday, but the Under remains 6-0-1 his last seven starts.

For the year, Sale has an ERA just below 2.00 (1.99) and he's certainly had Kansas City's number through the years.  In 12 career starts, his ERA is 2.36 against them and he's allowed a total of only one run the two times he's faced them in 2014.

Ventura has a 2.47 ERA his previous eight starts.  He has faced Chicago just one time this year and it was back in May.  He did allow four runs, but there have been only two instances of him allowing more in a start this season.

Both pitchers have 20 quality starts to their credit.  Ventura has made 27 starts total while Sale has 24 under his belt.

While Sale has the better overall numbers, including a 0.86 WHIP his last three turns, Ventura has seen the Under go 17-9-1 in his 27 starts.  

The Under is 21-4-2 in the Royals last 27 games following a loss.  10* blue chip. 

I'm playing Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to finish UNDER the total.    Final meeting of a four-game set here and so far it's been the Pirates winning two of three.  Last night, they held the Phillies to just four hits total for the entire game and with a strong starting pitching matchup all around, I believe the value is on the Under for tonight.  

Francisco Liriano gets the nod for Pittsburgh in this one.  He's been outstanding in his last three starts with a 0.95 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, particularly the last time we saw him as he threw six shutout innings of three-hit ball.  He finished with nine strikeouts as well.  Interestingly enough, the Phillies have never faced him.  

Liriano has consistently pitched well on the road this year with a 2.08 ERA his last nine starts there.   Each of those last three starts have seen the Under cash, and in fact the Under is now 9-1 in his last 10 starts overall!   That's even though only one time did the O/U line close higher than 7.5 runs.   He's allowed two runs or fewer nine times during that stretch.  Opponents are now batting just .225 against him.

Liriano will be opposed by his former teammate AJ Burnett, who also looked good the last time we saw him.   It was last Friday and there he threw seven strong innings, giving up just one run.   Burnett has generally not been that successful this year (12-18 TSR), but his numbers show that maybe he's been a bit unlucky.  At home, he's got a 3.41 ERA and 1.274 WHIP.  

Burnett has faced Pittsburgh just one time this year and was effective, allowing only three runs and five hits over 7 innings.

In the six games these teams have played this year, Philadelphia has scored only 17 runs total.   That's an average of less than three per game.  With the Pirates also 11-5 to the Under their last 16 overall, the play here is on the Under.  10* blue chip.

I'm playing the Cardinals and Reds UNDER the total.   Cincinnati was a nice winner for me last night as I took them on the run line and they beat St. Louis 9-5.   Still though, with an offense that hadn't done much previously, I'd be worried about taking them again, run line or otherwise.  Therefore, I'll be playing this one Under the total.  

We actually have two of the worst offenses in MLB facing off here.   Cincinnati is 28th in runs scored and ranks in the bottom five in pretty much every other offensive category.   St. Louis now ranks 20th in runs scored, but it wasn't too long ago that they were even lower than the Reds, in 29th place only ahead of the Padres.

It's been a recent surge that has elevated the Cardinals up the offensive rankings (they're now 20th), but keep in mind that there's only 17 runs difference between them and Cincinnati in total # of runs scored for the season.

The Reds have actually given up the fewest number of runs in the division.  The Cardinals are second in that department.  Even though both of tonight's starters are off poor performances, I don't see many runs being scored tonight.

Cincinnati was shutout on Monday and the nine runs they scored yesterday were only one less than what they pushed across the plate in the previous four games combined.

Since coming over from Boston, John Lackey has delivered five quality starts in seven tries for St. Louis.   He and Alfredo Simon faced off back on August 19th and while the final score was 5-4 (in favor of the Cardinals), two of the runs Lackey allowed were unearned.  

Keeping an eye on umpires is always a good idea.  Tom Hallion will be behind home plate for this game.  The Under is 6-1 his last seven behind the plate.  10* blue chip. 

I'm playing on BOSTON.  It was a back and forth game and took an extra inning, but I was able to get my win on the Red Sox last night. For the team itself, it had to be a relief.  Previously, they had lost eight straight games at Fenway Park.  I see another win coming their win Saturday.

These teams have played some wild games recently with three of the last four going into extra innings.  Three different times last night the Red Sox had to rally from a multi-run deficit. That includes the 10th inning itself as Toronto scored twice in the top half of the inning before Boston struck for three and the win.  The Sox also trailed 2-0 after the top of the 1st inning and 6-3 entering the bottom of the eighth.

Losing the game was bad enough if you're the Blue Jays, but the loss of Melky Cabrera to a season-ending pinkie injury may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.   They are now 10 full games back of Baltimore in the AL East and a once promising season is all but over.

I like Boston's chances with Clay Buchholz starting Saturday.  Buchholz's 10 career wins vs. Toronto are his most versus any team and it was only two starts ago that he threw 8.1 innings against them.  That was another of those wild Red Sox-Blue Jays games as Buchholz entered the bottom of the ninth with a 3-0 lead, but was charged with three runs after reliever Koji Uehara could not protect the lead. Boston wound up winning anyway 4-3 in 10 innings.

Buchholz ended up finishing the deal in his last start, going the distance and allowing only three hits in a 3-0 win over Tampa Bay.  So basically he hasn't allowed in 17 of the past 18 innings he's worked.

Toronto is just 1-5 in starter JA Happ's previous six road outings.  10* GOM. 

I'm playing on BOSTON.    After losing two of three to the Yankees, Boston continues its tour through the division when it faces Toronto for a second time in 2.5 weeks.   Their previous series with the Blue Jays saw them take two of three and I feel they will be able to "steal" tonight's opening game as well.  

The Blue Jays just swept the Rays in Tampa.  But last night's game clearly could have gone either way as they prevailed 1-0 in 10 innings.  They had only five hits total for the game, but were bailed out by an excellent pitching performance from Mark Buehrle.  I should mention that Tampa Bay had runners at the corners with no one out in the bottom of the ninth, but failed to win the game.

Somehow Toronto has managed to go 6-0 at Fenway Park this season.  That about typifies the Red Sox recent struggles at home as well.  They have lost eight straight games at Fenway going back to  August 17th.  Call me crazy, but I don't see this run continuing.  The team should be fired up to snap the losing streak after playing its last three series all on the road.

You also have to remember that before the Tampa Bay series, Toronto had been struggling for wins themselves.  They lost 11 of their last 17 games in August.

Boston will be starting Allen Webster, who is admittedly coming off a pair of rough showings.  But the Red Sox get a break in that they are facingDrew Hutchinson, who is just 1-5 with a 7.65 ERA his last seven road starts.

Another lift for the Red Sox tonight is the probable return of Dustin Pedroia to the lineup.  10* best bet. 

I'm playing on TAMPA BAY.   The Rays have lost back to back games to Toronto and will be looking to avoid the sweep here.  To be honest, neither of the two previous games have been that competitive.   Tuesday it was an 8-2 game, then yesterday 7-4.  The key so far has been the Blue Jays hitting five home runs.  But coming off a strong performance in his previous start, I'll look for Jake Odorizzi to keep them in check tonight.

On Saturday, Odorizzi threw seven shutout innings of one-hit ball as the Rays beat the Red Sox 7-0.  I was on him.  As I said there, Odorizzi has pitched much better at home this season, posting a 2.92 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.   He has not faced Toronto since July when he picked up an easy 10-3 victory after allowing just two earned runs in 6.2 innings.  That's actually his only start against them all season.

One important trend to keep an eye on here is that the Rays have won four straight times after dropping the first two games of a series.  So sweeping them has not been easy.

Remember when Mark Buehrle was off to that great start for Toronto?  The veteran southpaw has tailed off considerably since then and his ERA and WHIP over his last three starts are 5.10 and 1.36 respectively.  Tampa Bay is 9-4 its last 13 games vs. a LH starter, including 4-1 at home.

Buerhle has just one win to his credit since June 1st.  At the same time, he's taken eight losses since then.  His durability has been a slight question mark as he has failed to make it through the seventh inning the last 10 times he's taken the mound.

Success at Tropicana Field is not something the Blue Jays are used to. They'd actually failed to win any of the 21 previous series they played here dating back to '07.  10* personal favorite.

I'm playing on SEATTLE.   The Mariners have lost the first two games of this Interleague series with Washington.  But pitching today will be Hisashi Iwakuma, who is having a wonderful year.  Iwakuma will lead his team to victory here and thus Seattle avoids the sweep.

Iwakuma didn't pitch well the last time we saw him.  But that was against Boston, who he always seems to struggle against.   Also consider that the Mariners still won that game, their fourth straight win overall with Iwakuma on the mound.  Iwakuma had previously allowed two runs or less in 9 of 10 starts, so his chances of bouncing back are good.  

In fact, he was actually working on a 17.2 inning scoreless streak going into the Boston start and was 3-0 with a 0.42 ERA his previous three starts.  

Iwakuma has not allowed a run in 22 innings when facing a NL opponent.  Just two starts ago he threw eight scoreless innings of four-hit ball vs. Philadelphia.   His last five starts at home, he's 4-1 with a 1.73.  

I don't see the middle of Seattle's order (#3-6) going 2 for 16 at the plate again today.  They also combined for nine strikeouts yesterday. The team is a strong 10-1 after scoring two runs or less in its last game.  

Washington has a big series with the Dodgers on deck, starting tomorrow.  Do not be surprised if they are looking ahead to that one.  The Nationals are 18-39 their last 57 Interleague games in which they were they underdog.  They were favored Saturday.  

Overall, the Nats aren't very good as dogs.  They are 19-41 last 60 in that role on the road.  They have lost four of five as road dogs with today's starter Tanner Roark pitching.

The Mariners have one of the better records in baseball in day games, going 26-17.   I'll go with them today.  10* personal favorite.  

I'm playing Colorado and San Francisco to finish OVER the total.   Last night's game featured only three runs, all from the Giants.  For the Rockies, it featured only one hit - and it didn't come until the eighth inning.   But Madison Bumgarner can't pitch two night in a row and considering that, I feel this game goes Over.

San Francisco didn't exactly have a strong night at the plate either.  They had just five hits and were held scoreless through five innings themselves.  But tonight they have should have their chances against Franklin Morales.  

Morales hasn't had a very good season to begin with; he has an ERA of 5.49 and WHIP of 1.648.  Those numbers, which are obviously poor, stay pretty constant on the road.  Lately though, no matter where he's pitched, he's been slightly worse.  He allowed six runs in just four innings the last time we saw him, which was at home vs. Miami.   The Rockies lost that game 13-5.

Tim Hudson had a great start to the season for the Giants, but has since regressed.  Before a decent showing the last time we saw him, he had a 4.71 ERA over eight starts.  He's actually pitched worse at home (3.60 ERA) than on the road (2.37) this season.  His 4.35 career ERA vs. Colorado is his second highest vs. any National League opponent.

How do the Rockies typically perform offensively after being shutout in  their previous game?  Well, they hadn't been blanked since August 3rd. Their next game they scored five runs.  Twice they've scored 10 runs in this situation this year.  Overall, they are averaging 7.0 runs per game after being shutout this season.

What about the Giants after they shut their opponent out?  Well, the results aren't actually as favorable.  But this total is low.  Consider that for Rockies' home games, the number is often 10.5.  Take advantage. 10* blue chip. 

I'm playing on SAN DIEGO.  The Padres really got it handed to them in yesterday's opener, losing 10-1 to the Brewers.  It was their 8th loss in the last 11 games.  But tonight, I'll look for them to bounce back behind All Star Tyson Ross, who is working on a franchise record 12 consecutive starts.

While ultimately it may not have mattered given the final score, San Diego did blow numerous chances in Monday's game.  They had two runners that were either picked off or caught stealing.  They also managed only one hit in eight at-bats with runners in scoring position.  

With Ross, they should absolutely expect better pitching tonight than what they got last night from Eric Stults.  Ross has gone at least six innings in 21 of his previous 25 starts.  He's lasted seven in 13 of those.   At home is where he's done his finest work.  His 1.94 ERA is the fifth best at home among all starting pitchers.  In his last four starts at Petco Park, he is 3-0 with 0.96 ERA.   The Padres have won all four games.

Despite going eight innings and allowing just two runs on four hits in his last start, both he and the Padres were unable to win.  But that had as much to do with facing Clayton Kershaw as anything else (lost 2-1).  The starter that opposes Ross tonight is not nearly as formidable.

That would be Jimmy Nelson, who regardless of what happens tonight is likely to find his way out of the Brewers starting rotation, once Matt Garza comes back.  Nelson wasn't particularly sharp in his last start, giving up four runs on nine hits against Toronto.  He lasted only 5.1 innings.  

San Diego was not favored on the money line last night.  They are tonight. That's notable because they have won seven in a row in home favorites. 10* personal favorite.

I'm playing on PHILADELPHIA.  There's typically one reason I like to play the Phillies.  That reason is named Cole Hamels.  I've used him in each of his last two starts. Both were wins.

It also helps that the Phillies have some momentum right now.  They might be out of the pennant race, but they're making life difficult for contending teams. After taking two of three games against both Seattle and St. Louis last week (also at home), they just beat Washington Monday.  

That's no small feat.  The Nationals came into this series on a 12-1 run.

Hamels has been excellent ever since the start of June. In his last 16 starts, he has not allowed more than three runs.  The Phillies, despite not being a very good team, are still a respectable 10-6 in those games.

While winning 12 of 13 games is very impressive, the truth is the Nationals had a lot of good fortune during that win streak.  Seven of those wins were by one run.  Five came in walk-off fashion.  Usually, when you see a team experience good fortune like that, things will then turn the other way for them.

Wouldn't you know that last night saw the Phillies win by one run?  It was Philadelphia starter AJ Burnett's first win since the All Star Break.  The one run margin is a bit misleading as Washington scored one of its two runs in the top of the ninth.  They had just two hits through six innings.

Countering Hamels for the Nationals will be Gio Gonzalez.  He has a 0-2 TSR vs. Philadelphia this year and allowed five runs to them in just 3.2 innings the last time he faced them. 10* best bet.

I'm playing on PITTSBURGH.  Though the Pirates lost Sunday, I think they find themselves in an excellent situation to hopefully make up some ground in the NL Central on Monday. If not on first place Milwaukee, then at least second place St. Louis, who comes to town for this three-game series.

The Cardinals also lost Sunday.  They are 1.5 games back of the Brewers and 3.5 games ahead of Pittsburgh.  A 97-win team in 2013, this year's team is not nearly as good due in part to injuries and the fact there was no way they could match last year's numbers with runners in scoring position.  They dropped 2 of 3 games over the weekend against the Phillies, a last place team. Yesterday's result was a 7-1 loss.

Pittsburgh had lost seven in a row and then responded by winning three straight before yesterday's loss.  Going into the series with Milwaukee, if you told them they'd go 2-1, they'd probably take that.

The Pirates definitely need Francisco Liriano to bounce back here from a rough outing last Tuesday vs. Atlanta.  He gave up 9 runs, 7 of those earned.  But prior to that he'd delivered a 2.43 ERA over 10 starts. Tuesday was certainly his worst outing of the year, so I'm counting on him being better tonight.

The Cardinals bullpen was taxed Sunday because starter Justin Masterson only went three innings.  So the team will need something from John Lackey Monday. But the problem is that he's got a 6.50 ERA and 1.56 WHIP his last three starts.

Only four teams in MLB have 40 wins at home this year.  One of those is the Pirates. They are 20-8 their last 28 games at PNC Park.   10* personal favorite.

I'm playing the Angels and A's to finish UNDER the total.   I played this one early to ensure that I could get the best possible number (7.5) and would highly recommend that you shop around before placing your wager.

I also played Oakland last night as they won for a second night in a row at the Angels expense.  They won 2-1 with the deciding run being scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the eighth.  That victory put these two teams in a dead heat a top the AL West. The A's are now 8-3 vs. the Angels in 2014.

But rather than bet Oakland again, I'm instead going with the Under as I'm envisioning these teams playing another low-scoring game.  We have what looks to be a solid starting pitching matchup of Jered Weaver vs. Scott Kazmir.

The Under has cashed in each of Weaver's previous three starts and also seven of his past nine.  Division games with Weaver on the hill seem to equal an automatic Under play with those contests going 32-13-6 in favor of the Under.   Weaver has a solid 2.53 ERA in 28 career starts vs. Oakland.

Kazmir allowed just one run and four hits in his most recent start.  The lefty has been pretty outstanding when pitching at O.co Coliseum this year.  In 12 starts, his ERA is 2.28 and his WHIP is 0.92.  As a result, the Under is 9-3.  The Angels are 4-1 Under the last five times facing a LH Starter.  

Furthermore, the Angels have gone Under in 8 of their last 10 games. They have scored only four runs this series.  10* blue chip.

I'm playing the LA DODGERS.  The Dodgers have taken care of business so far in this series, winning by scores of 6-2 and 7-4.  I like their chances at finishing a sweep of the Mets, who are floundering with losses in five of their last six games.  At the same time, the Dodgers have matched their high-water mark for the season at 17 games over .500.

Already having scored 13 runs in the series, Los Angeles should be even better offensively today as both Yasiel Puig and Justin Turner return to the lineup after an off-day while Hanley Ramirez is also expected to be back after two week stint on the disabled list. That's potentially   a lot of extra offense that the Dodgers probably didn't even need to beat the Mets.

Starting for the Dodgers will be Kevin Correia, who has won both of his starts with the team.  He wasn't as good against San Diego as he was at Atlanta, but facing a Mets lineup that's batting just .208 its last seven games is favorable.

Meanwhile, Mets starter Bartolo Colon is dealing with numerous distractions.  He missed his last start to fly home to be  with his mother, who since passed away.  He also could be moved at any time as reports are the team has placed him on revocable waivers.   Colon has been mostly subpar on the road this year with a 4.59 ERA.

The Dodgers are 13-2 their last 15 games vs. the Mets and have beaten them six straight times here at Chavez Ravine.   The Mets have also lost seven of eight as underdogs.    10* personal favorite.

I'm playing Arizona and Washington to finish UNDER the total.  I was willing to lay the juice on the Nationals Tuesday and got rewarded with an easy 8-1 win.  Right now the Diamondbacks have the look of a team that just wants the season to be over.  They've lost four in a row (1-6 last 7). But rather than lay the juice again, I'll instead look at the total where I feel there is some good value on the Under.

Coming into last night's game, Arizona was batting just .198 over the last week. They certainly didn't improve those numbers by scoring just one run on three hits Tuesday.

Like Jordan Zimmerman and Stephen Strasburg before him, I don't see any reason why Tanner Roark can't shut this Diamondbacks lineup down.  Roark comes in with a 2.93 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.  He'd allowed exactly one earned run in five of six starts before giving up three in a win over Pittsburgh on Friday.

The key to this Under play is likely Washington scoring fewer runs than you might expect. Fortunately they can still turn to Trevor Cahill who has  a 2.18 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in his last three starts.  The team has gone 3-0 and Cahill has given up only five earned runs (six total) in 20.2 innings.  

Both starters have been good to Under bettors when working on four days rest.  Roark is 8-3 Under in that situation and Cahill is 12-5-1 his last 18.   

Look for Arizona to continue to struggle at the plate while Washington's bats get a little quieter.  10* blue chip.

I'm playing on PITTSBURGH.  The Pirates are in a lot of trouble right now. Not only have they lost the first two games of this series, but also seven in a row overall.  They were dominated by Atlanta last night, losing 11-3. This despite the return of MVP Andrew McCutchen.  But they get another key contributor back tonight and I see the series swinging back in favor of the home team for the final game.

You have to figure that Pittsburgh's offense will start to improve with their best hitter back at the top of the order.  McCutchen was 0 for 4 in his return last night, but I'll attribute that to rust.  He won't be down for long.  After all, this is a .308/.408/.531 hitter.  

But perhaps it's pitching the Pirates are in a more dire need of right now.  If so, having Gerrit Cole back on the mound should help as well.  Cole, who has spent the last month on the disabled list, starts tonight.  This is a pitcher that has allowed three earned runs or less in 11 of his 14 starts in 2014.  In three of his four starts at Triple A Indianapolis while rehabbing, he didn't allow a single run.

Pittsburgh should be playing better than this at home.  They have 39 wins this season at PNC Park.  Washington is the only other National League team with that many. Atlanta still has a losing record in road games.

Cole has a 5-2 team start record at home, including 4-1 his last five.  10* personal favorite.

I'm playing the Reds and Cardinals to finish UNDER the total.  Cincinnati will be happy to escape the confines of Coors Field after giving up 20 runs Sunday in a doubleheader (10 each game).  I expect the games to be a lot lower scoring this week at Busch Stadium, this one in particular.  Both of these NL Central teams have gone Under more than Over YTD.  

The Reds fell to two games under .500 after getting swept Sunday.  It's now becoming a three-team, rather than a four-team, race in the National League Central.  This series could be the final nail in Cincinnati's coffin as they have not had much success recently against St. Louis.

Justin Masterson finally pitched well for the Cardinals in his last start.  Much of the credit should go to catcher AJ Pierzynski.  Masterson threw seven shutout innings at Miami on Wednesday and didn't walk any batters.   Even when he hadn't been pitching as well, Masterson seemed to have the support of manager Mike Matheny, so don't be surprised to see him make it back to back quality outings.

On the other hand, Mike Leake had a rough time in his last start for the Reds.  But before that he had allowed just three runs his previous three starts, which spanned more than 20 innings.  Leake was outdueled by Adam Wainwright the last time he faced St. Louis, but gave up only two runs in six innings.  

St. Louis has surprisingly been one of the worst offensive teams in baseball this year. Only San Diego has scored fewer runs.  The Under is 6-2 their last eight home games.  10* blue chip. 

I'm playing Seattle and Detroit to finish UNDER the total.   Talk about a pitcher's duel. We have one Saturday with Felix Hernandez taking on David Price.  The Mariners took the series opener last night by a score of 7-2, but I don't expect a score anywhere near that high tonight.

Hernandez is having maybe his best season yet, which is saying something.  He has a 1.95 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 25 starts so far.  As you probably know, he has made 16 consecutive starts allowing two earned runs or less while pitching at least seven innings.  That's a major league record.

Seattle's starters have all allowed one run or less in seven consecutive games.  Opponents have not scored more than three runs against them in the last 13 games.

If that's not impressive in its own right, King Felix is 9-0 with a 2.68 ERA in 11 career starts vs. the Tigers.

The Mariners are one of the top Under teams in all of baseball.  They are 69-47-5 Under in all games this season.   They are 40-19-2 Under in their last 61 games.

While Hernandez leads the American League in both ERA and WHIP, Price has the most strikeouts with 205.   He too is having a great season.  His last start was his first since before Memorial Day where he allowed more than three earned runs.

If you're scared by this low total, don't be.  Seattle is 6-0 Under its last six road games when the total is set at 6.5 runs.  10* blue chip.

I'm playing the Cubs and Mets to finish UNDER the total.   The Mets didn't scored very much this week in Washington.  I know this because I played both the Under and against them yesterday where they lost 4-1 to the Nationals.   The Cubs haven't been any better at the plate of late. They've scored three runs or less in 6 of their last 7 games.  Therefore, I'll take the Under in this one.

The Mets scored a total of four runs in three games vs. Washington.  Yesterday saw them finish with just one and they had only three hits. They drew only two walks for the series, both of them coming Thursday. That's a pretty wretched job of getting on base for a team that already ranked 22nd in on base percentage to begin with.  They are also 29th in both batting average and slugging percentage.

The Cubs have scored just 16 runs total their last seven games, or an average of 2.3 per game.  Prior to Thursday, their last five games had all gone Under the total with none of those seeing more than six total runs scored.  As is the case with the Mets, this has been a long-term trend for the Cubs.  They rank near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories.

It's surprising then to see that the majority of starter Travis Wood's recent starts have finished Over the total.   But then in his most recent start, he gave the Cubs six strong innings where all he allowed was an unearned run and four hits.

Mets starter Zack Wheeler has pitched well of late himself.  His ERA is 2.79 his last three starts.

The Under is 38-13-3 in the Mets last 54 games vs. the National League Central. 10* blue chip.

I'm playing Washington and the Mets to finish UNDER the total.   There are no guarantees in life.  But I'm pretty much willing to guarantee that Stephen Strasburg will pitch better today than he did in his last start.  That last start came last Friday against Atlanta.  He allowed seven runs in just five innings.  In his two prior starts, Strasburg allowed just one run in 14 innings.  So, yeah, he'll be better tonight.

The Mets will start Dillon Gee.  Unlike Strasburg, he pitched well in his last start, very well in fact. He threw seven innings while allowing just one run and three hits.  This after allowing just two runs in his previous start before that.

The Under is 6-0 in the Nats last six games vs. a starter whose WHIP is below 1.15.  Gee enters this game with a WHIP of 1.10. 

For the Mets, the Under is 5-1 when Gee is coming off a quality start.  As I talked about before, he went seven innings and allowed just one run. 

That would be a quality start.  The Under is 8-2-1 in Gee's last 11 starts overall. 

Washington has really had the Mets number at Citi Field.  With another win yesterday, they are now 24-4 their last 28 games here.  The Mets managed only one run in Tuesday's opener and scored only two runs yesterday. 

The Under is also 8-3-1 in the Nationals last 12 road games.   10* blue chip. 

I'm playing on DETROIT.  Well, the good news for the Tigers is that Kansas City finally lost a game last night.  But the bad news is that they themselves lost again.  It was their fourth straight loss and sixth in seven games for now second place Detroit.  But back to the good news.  After losing twice in Pittsburgh, this interleague series now shifts to Comerica Park.

The return home will be welcome for the Tigers went 2-7 overall on the road trip.  Offensively, they need to get things going.  The good news (sense a trend?) is that Detroit swept the last series it played at home, outscoring another National League team (Rockies) 19-7.  

Not good or bad, but the biggest news is that this game will mark the major league debut of Buck Farmer.  In a rotation full of former Cy Young winners, it's somewhat ironic that the Tigers would be leaning so heavily on a pitcher who has not started a game above the Double A level.  But all the reports on Farmer have been very positive.  He was 11-5 in all minor league starts this season.

The Pirates have a losing road record this season including a 3-5 record in American League parks.  They have not played an interleague game on the road since late June.  

Vance Worley has been a surprise for Pittsburgh, but this will be his first time starting against a non-NL West foe since the All Star Break.  It's a limited sample size we're working with when it comes to Worley, so I'm unconvinced.

All things considered, this is a very low price on the Tigers at home.  They are 62-19 their last 81 home games against a National League opponent.    10* personal favorite.

I'm playing on KANSAS CITY.  The Royals are the hottest team in baseball right now.  Winners of seven straight, they trail Detroit by only a half game in the American League Central.   Oakland is a formidable opponent to start the week, but one that KC just beat twice in three tries last week. This is a very attractive price on a team that's red hot and playing at home.

Also encouraging here is that when these teams played last, the series was in Oakland.  Though their road record is actually better than their home record, the Royals did just sweep a series here at Kauffman Stadium against the San Francisco Giants.  It's been a very long time since there was enthusiasm this late in the season for Royals baseball.  When playing a big series, it helps to have the home field edge.

Kansas City won't be intimidated by facing Sonny Gray either.  Yesterday's win against Tim Lincecum was their 5th against a former Cy Young winner this season.  Though Gray himself has never won a Cy Young, at times he's pitched like one. Though not in his last start, which was arguably the worst of his career.  He gave up seven runs and 10 hits (both career highs) and lasted just 4.1 innings in a 7-3 loss to the Rays.

The Royals beat Gray back on August 1st, 1-0, thanks to a Raul Ibanez home run.

The Royals will send out Yordano Ventura, who has a 3-0 team start record his last three starts.  In them, he's produced a 2.79 ERA.  Over the last two starts, he's allowed just three runs total.

Oakland lost yesterday at home to the Twins 6-1.   They are just 2-6 their last eight road games against teams with a winning record.

Kansas City, winners of 15 of 18 overall, have won five of Ventura's last six starts. 10* best bet