St. Louis at New York Mets 7:10 ET

 

Mets over Cardinals- The Mets who are now at .500 will try to improve on their home record (3-6) as the host St. Louis on Monday night. New York will be starting their most pleasant surprise to date in Jenrry Mejia (2-0, 2.81 ERA) who has allowed only 12 hits in 16 innings of work. Tyler Lyons makes his season debut as he was just called up from Triple-A Memphis. Tough spot in New York. Take the METS!

 

 

Seattle at Miami 1:10 ET

 

Marlins over Mariners- The Seattle Mariners are on a five game slide and are looking for Brandon Maurer (0-0, 0.00) making his first start of the year to help them out of their funk. The Marlins who have yet to win a road (0-6) but are an impressive 8-4 at home and are looking to complete the 3-games sweep of Seattle. Kevin Slowey (0-0, 4.38 ERA) in also making his first start of the season but he will receive more support. Take MIAMI!

 

 

 

 

Atlanta at N.Y. Mets 1:10 ET

 

Mets over Braves- The history between these two clubs is so one sided it becomes difficult to play against the trends. To start Atlanta is 10-4 in their last 14 meetings in New York and they are 8-2 on the road to date, while the lowly Mets are 1-10 in their last 13 home games. But, it's a 'new day darling' as New York will start fire-baller Zach Wheeler (1-2, 4.67) who has A.J. Burnett type of stuff. Wheelers has only 20 career starts but four of them have come against the Braves and he is 3-1 striking out 23 in 23 innings. Take the METS!

 

 

Seattle at Miami 7:10 ET

 

Marlins over Mariners- The Miami Marlins may be winless on the road (0-6) but with Giancarlo Stanton pounding the ball at home they are a respectable 7-4 as hosts. Seattle has now dropped four straight on the road after getting swept in Texas and now last night's loss in Miami. The Marlins will start Henderson Alzerez (0-2, 4.30 ERA) and is 2-0 with a 4.00 ERA in three starts again st Seattle. Take MIAMI!

 

 

 

 

St. Louis at Washington 1:05 ET

 

Nationals over Cardinals- The St. Louis Cardinals had previously defeated the Nationals eight straight times before yesterday's Megabucks win by Washington. Today's starters for both clubs have thrown better at times then their start for this season but still have winning records. Lance Lynn is 3-0 but has a not so impressive ERA of 4.0 while Jordan Zimmermann (1-0, 5.27 ERA) has surrendered 17 hits in less then 14 innings pitched. Lynn is 1-1 lifetime against the Nats but has a 9.82 ERA while Zimmermann isn't any better a 0-3 with an 8.27 ERA lifetime against the Cardinals. Still, it's WASHINGTON!

 

 

Toronto at Cleveland 1:05 ET

 

Indians over Blue Jays- Talk about two starters that have totally different results for the season so far the Blue Jays will send Mark Buehrle (3-0, 0.86 ERA) to the mound while Cleveland will send the struggling Corey Kluber (1-1, 5.40 ERA). The 'numbers' seem stacked against the Indians as they have dropped seven of their last 10 at home versus the Blue Jays. But the Indians are 9-1 in Kluber's last 10 home starts and he is off a no-decision against the White Sox limiting them to two runs in 7 1/3 innings. Take CLEVELAND!

 

 

Atlanta at New York Mets 7:10 ET

 

Mets over Braves- The weak hitting New York Mets who have won their last three games have managed to win six of nine road games while losing four of six at home. The Braves have had difficulties scoring runs early this season and have scored only one run in their last two games Philadelphia. Braves starter Aaron Harang (2-1, 0.96 ERA) is off to the best start of his career and made no appearances against the Mets last year while Mets starter Jon Niese (0-1, 3.46) was 0-1 with an ERA of 6.49. This is his third start since coming off the DL and I expect him to be sharper then his first two outings. Take METS!

 

 

Seattle at Miami 7:10 ET

 

Marlins over Mariners- The Marlins have yet to win on the road (0-6) but have been very respectable at home winning six of 10 as hosts but are still just 1-9 in their last 10. Chris Young the Mariners starter (0-0, 0.00 ERA) is back in baseball after sitting out last season and has allowed only four hits in eight innings of work. The problem for Seattle is Giancarlo Stanton who leads the Majors in RBI. Nathan Eovaldi (1-1, 4.19) has one career start against the Mariners in 2012 pitching six scoreless innings. Take MIAMI!

 

 

St. Louis at Washington 7:05 ET

 

Nationals over Cardinals- A great pitching match-up in the4 Nations Capital as the beat-up Washington Nationals hosts the NL most professional team the St. Louis Cardinals. Michael Wacha (2-1, 1.89 ERA) who shut down Washington in his last start of the 2013 season in September while the Nats are starting Gio Gonzalez (2-1, 3.50) who has recorded a total of 16 innings work against the Cardinals allowing two runs in 16 innings. After getting only two hits yesterday Washington's bats will come alive tonight. Take the NATIONALS!

 

 

Milwaukee at Pittsburgh 7:05

 

Pirates over Brewers- After a quick start the Pirates dropped five of six which includes a three game sweep by the Brewers in Milwaukee last weekend. Edinson Volquez (0-0, 1.29 ERA) is looking for his first win for Pittsburgh and has allowed only eight hits in 14 innings this season posting a WHIP of 0.79. Although I look for the Pirates to come out strong here I am aware that Milwaukee is 16-4 in Yovani Gallardo's last 20 straights against the Buccs. Take PITTSBURGH!

 

 

L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco 10:15 ET

 

Giants over Dodgers- The National League's greatest rivalry continues with the Giants having won three of the first four meetings including our Megabucks winner last night in extra-innings. The Dodgers activated Brian Wilson before last night's contest and Mattingly chose not to use him in their loss last night as the bullpen collapsed. Ryan Vogelsong (0-0, 8.00 ERA) who is 4-3 with a 4.15 ERA in six career starts against Los Angeles starts for San Francisco while Dodgers starter Paul Maholm (0-1, 8.10) is 0-3 with a 5.79 ERA in six career starts at AT&T Park. Take the GIANTS!

 

 

Los Angeles at San Francisco 10:15 ET

 

Giants over Dodgers- LA is off to a quick start to the season and are an impressive 7-1 on the road. The Giants did manage to take two-of-three from the Dodgers in Los Angeles the opening week of play. The Dodgers are off a three game sweep of Arizona while San Francisco just took two-of-three from the Rockies. Both starters Josh Beckett (0-0, 9.00 ERA) and Tim Linecum (0-1, 9.90) have struggled but Lincecum is 9-6 with a 2.92 ERS in 23 career games against the Dodgers. Take the GIANTS!

 

Colorado at San Diego 10:10 ET
Padres over Rockies- After starting the season 2-6 the Padres have recovered nicely winning three of their last four including two of three over the Detroit Tigers. Tonight's starter for Colorado Jordan Lyles (2-0, 3.86 ERA) will face San Diego's Eric Stults (0-2, 5.59) and the two have had different kinds of support this year. Lyles has received seven runs support per start while Stults has had only one run per game to work with. The Padres are 8-3 as favorites and win tonight. Take PADRES!

Oakland at L.A. Angels 10:05 ET
Angels over Athletics- Something will have to give here as the Oakland A's pitching has held its opponents to three of fewer runs in nine of 12 games and hasn't allowed a run in the last 17 innings. This is juxtaposed by the Angels who are starting to pound the baseball hitting scored 25 runs in their three game series with the Mets. The Angles bats stay hot and picks up the win here. Take LOS ANGELES!

Tampa Bay at Baltimore 7:05 ET
Rays over Orioles- The last time this two clubs squared off in September last season the Rays swept Baltimore in four straight games and the last time they met both of tonight's starters were on the mound. This time around the pitching edge goes to the Rays as Chris Archer (1-0, 1.38 ERA) faces Baltimore's Wei-Yin Chen (1-1,6.75) who has surrendered 21 hits in 10.2 innings. Archer has given up only 10 hits and 13 innings. Tampa is a bully that is 20-7 in their last 27 games as a favorite. Take TAMPA BAY!

Tampa Bay at Cincinnati 1:10 ET
Reds over Rays- The last two days 'we' have managed wins with a Tampa Bay over the Reds and we laid a small price each time. Today the 3-8 Reds who are just 1-4 at home this season are the favorite and with Tony Cingrani (0-1, 2.45 ERA) on the hill. Cingrani has allowed just five hits in 11 innings but Cincinnati has to score some runs. They got only one run scored in the first two games of this series and only nine runs in their last six games. This time they score enough to win. Take CINCINNATI!

Washington at Atlanta 7:10 ET
Braves over Nationals- The Atlanta Braves have had a strangle hold on the NL East for years and part of it was the domination of the division as they are 20-7 over Washington in the last 27 meetings including last night's 7-6 victory. Although the Nationals are 39-19 many of the win were in meaningless contest at the end of last season. Alex Wood (1-1, 1.93 ERA) has allowed only nine hits in 14 innings and gets the nod tonight. Take ATLANTA!

Miami at Philadelphia 7:05 ET
Marlins over Phillies- The 5-6 Marlins have yet to win a game on the road (0-4) and they have dropped five straight games overall. Both teams entered last night's contest with four straight losses before the Phillies 6-3 win. Miami's Nathan Eovaldi (1-1, 3.46 ERA)came within one pitch of throwing seven scoreless innings against the Padres last time out but ended with a bitter loss. This time he finishes what he started. Take MIAMI!

Tampa Bay at Cincinnati 1:10 ET
Rays over Reds- Yesterday the Rays behind David Price won for 'us' as our top play against the Reds, bringing Tampa Bay's record as a favorite to 19-7 in their last 26 contests. Meanwhile, Cincinnati has lost eight of their last nine home games and 13 of their last 16 overall. The Rays will be starting hard throwing Alex Cobb (0-1, 3.00 ERA) who has only allowed eight hits in two starts covering 12 innings. Tampa Bay is 0-2 in his starts and that changes today. Take the RAYS!

Detroit at San Diego 10:10 ET
Padres over Tigers- Both of tonight's starters are off to quick starts as the Tigers Rick Porcello (1-0, 1.35 ERA) faces the Padres Andrew Cashner (1-1, 2.25). Porcello has allowed just three hits in his first start going 6 2/3 innings in posting a win while Cashner has split a pair of decisions giving up only nine hits in 12 innings. Cashner has posted nine straight quality starts dating back to last August. Take SAN DIEGO!

L.A. Dodgers at Arizona 9:40 ET
Diamondbacks over Dodgers- The last time the Dodgers were in Arizona the baseball world saw them celebrating in the stadium pool. The Diamondbacks haven't done much to protect their home field advantage as they have dropped five of six so far this season while the Dodgers are 4-1 on the road. Brandon McCarthy (0-1, 7.82 ERA) has struggled but is 2-0 against the Dodgers last beating them the day before they clinched the NL West title. Bounce-back for Arizona. Take DIAMONDBACKS!

Tampa Bay at Cincinnati 7:10 ET
Rays over Reds- If you look to compare the two aces starting on the mound tonight you would have to give the edge to the Reds Johnny Cueto (0-1, 1.93 ERA) over the Rays David Price (1-0, 4.05 ERA). Cincinnati has dropped 2-of-3 in each of their three series so far while Tampa Bay has had problems scoring runs. Price has given up 15 hits in 13.1 innings while Cueto has surrendered only eight hits in 14 innings. There are a pair of conflicting trends as the Reds have won eight of the last nine in this series but Cincinnati is just 3-12 in their last 15 overall. This time around it's the RAYS!

Boston at New York Yankees 7:05 ET
Yankees over Red Sox- America's greatest rivalry (bar none!) picks up once again at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and with being Jeter's final go round I expect the atmosphere to be electric even this early in the season. The Red Sox who took 13 of 19 in this series last year will get their first look at Michael Pineda who was outstanding in his first outing. Clay Buchholz will be better this time as here started by giving up 13 hits and six runs in 4 1/3 innings, he was 3-0 against New York last season. Still, it's Jeter-time...take NEW YORK!

Milwaukee at Philadelphia 7:05 ET
Phillies over Brewers- The Phillies have now lost three straight and have been pounded by the Brewers the last two days by a combined 19-8. Philadelphia's ace Cliff Lee goes to the hill with a 2-0 record despite surrendering 21 hits in 12 innings with a 6.00 ERA. Lee allowed eight runs in the Opener and came back to shut down the Cubs over seven inning. The Phillies have not been playing well as they are 5-14 in their last 19 overall. But, after being blown out the last games I expect a big effort behind their 'stopper.' Take PHILADELPHIA!

Detroit at L.A. Dodgers 10:10 ET
Tigers over Dodgers- The Dodgers managed a 3-2 win against Detroit's in 10 innings as they got by Cy Young award winner Mac Scherzer. Tonight the Dodgers start veteran Josh Beckett who because of injuries was winless in 2013 and had difficulties during the spring. This is his first start in the 'Bigs' since last May. LA has been effective in inter-league play winning 10 of their last 13 but that all ends tonight. Take the TIGERS!

L.A. Angels at Seattle 10:10 ET
Angels over Mariners- Seattle has won five straight in this series including the four meeting that they have had this season and are 9-4 over the Angles in their last 13 meetings at home. Garrett Rochards (1-0, 1.80 ERA) has had some success against the Mariners winning 2-0 at Seattle last August surrendering only four hits in 7 2/3 innings. Hamilton may be out but Albert Pujols is swinging the bat well again. Take the ANGELS!

Milwaukee at Philadelphia 7:50 ET
Brewers over Phillies- After opening the season winning just one of their three game set at home the Brewers have reeled off four straight road wins while the Phillies opened at home with yesterday's mauling by Milwaukee. Philadelphia off a terrible 2013 has now lost 13 of their last 18 games overall and will be facing Matt Garza (0-1, 1.12 ERA) who took at 1-0 loss at the hands of Atlanta in his first start despite allowing only one and two hits in eight innings. He has a 1.30 ERA in five career starts against the Phillies and has allowed only one run in 13 innings all-time at Philadelphia. Take MILWAUKEE.

Tampa Bay at Kansas City 8:10 ET
Rays over Royals- Trends conflict here as the Royals host the Rays in this early season clash. Kansas City has won eight of their last 11 home games while the Rays are 7-2 in their last nine games as a favorite and they are 8-3 in their last 11 following a loss. Matt Moore the Rays starter had a rough outing in his opener allowing six hits in 5.2 innings while Royals Jason Vargas had a non-decision in a 2-1 team loss where he went seven innings allowing only five hits and one run against the Tigers. This time it's the Visitors. Take TAMPA BAY!

San Francisco at Los Angeles Dodgers 8:05 ET
Giants over Dodgers- It may not rain often in Los Angeles but there sure seem to be plenty of clouds over Dodger Stadium where hated rival San Francisco has won five straight times. During that span the Dodgers haven't been close being outscored 42-14. LA has two huge trends in their corner as they are 13-2 in Greinke's last 15 home starts and are 20-6 in Greinkes last 26 starts and have beaten Cain in 10 of 15 decisions. Still, the highest paid team in baseball has other troubles on and off the field. Once again it's the GIANTS!

St. Louis at Pittsburgh 7:05 ET
Pirates over Cardinals- The Pittsburgh Pirates are trying to build off last season their first winning year since Barry Bonds was a Pirate. Off to a respectable start the Pirates have now won nine of their last 13 games. Pittsburgh has now beaten St. Louis in nine of the last 12 meetings at home and have Francisco Liraino on the hill and he won all three of his starts against the Cardinals last season posting a 0.75 ERA and is 4-0 lifetime with a 1.16 ERA. Take PITTSBURGH!

San Francisco at Los Angeles Dodgers 4:10 ET
Giants over Dodgers- So, the club with the highest payroll in baseball is beginning to feel the effects of a bulls-eye being place on their backs. Between pitchers coming up lame after signing huge contract extensions to over-paid youth not respecting their place in the major Leagues. The bully Dodgers have lost seven of 10 when placed in an underdog roll and here they are at home an underdog to their bitter rivals the San Francisco Giants. Madison Bumgarner is 8-3 lifetime against Los Angeles including a5-2 record at Dodgers Stadium including a 1.86 ERA in 11 career starts. Take GIANTS!

Cincinnati at New York Mets 1:10 ET
Mets over Reds- “Break-up the Mets!” AH how I used to hear that as a kid...no hey wait that was 'break-up the Yankees' boy how times have changed. New York finally broke into the win column after opening the season with three straight losses to Washington as they bounced back yesterday with a win (Power Play) over the Reds. Cincinnati who is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings will send Johnny Cueto against the Mets Dillion Gee who retired 15 straight on opening day before falling. Mets are hot...take NEW YORK!

Cincinnati at New York 7:00 ET
Mets over Reds- there are a number of trends that surround this contest that may have nothing to do with the out-come but it makes for good fodder. The Reds who have lost eight of their last nine dating back to last season are 9-3 against the Mets in the last 12 meetings. Mike Leake gets the start for Cincinnati and brings a 2-2, 2.25 ERA lifetime against the Mets while Jenrry Megia has no record against the Reds. Mets 0-3 at home after Nationals sweep get much needed win. Take METS!

St. Louis at Pittsburgh 7:05 ET
Pirates over Cardinals- These two met in the NL playoffs last season with St. Louis winning the series three games to two although the Pirates won 10 of 19 games against the Cardinals in the regular season. Shelby Miller (15-9, 3.06 ERA) of St. Louis has struggled against the Bucs going 0-4 with a 5.32 career ERA, last season allowing Pittsburgh 13 earned runs in 22 innings. Gerrit Cole (10-7, 3.22) finished 4-0 in September with a 1.69 ERA and allow the Cardinals just three runs in 11 playoff innings. Take PITTSBURGH!

Philadelphia at Chicago Cubs 2:20 ET
Cubs over Phillies- The Cubs allowing only seven runs in 35 innings of baseball in Pittsburgh managed to win just one of three games even with Emilio Bonifacio going 11-of-16 with four stolen bases. Travis Wood gets the honor of starting the opening of the Cubs 100th season at Wrigley Field. Chicago brings back Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg who played 15 years with the Cubs. Wood allowed three runs or less in 18 of 19 starts and he has a career 2.11 ERA against the Phillies. Roberto Hernandez (6-13, 4.89 ERA) gave up 10 runs in 17 innings during the spring. Take CUBS!

San Francisco at Arizona 9:40 ET
Diamondbacks over Giants- Tim Hudson signed a $23 million contract in the off season and will get his first start of the year against Arizona after suffering a season ending injury last July while with the Braves. Hudson is 4-1 with a 1.87 ERA at Arizona while the Diamondbacks start Trevor Cahill who was pushed around by the Dodgers in Australia giving up eight hits and four walks in only four innings. Look for a better outing this time. Take ARIZONA!

San Francisco at Arizona 9:40 ET
Diamondbacks over Giants- Well, Arizona opened their season in Australia and suffered a pair of losses to the Dodgers and returned home and a week later were defeated by the Giants 9-8 and are now 0-3. D'backs starter Wade Miley (0-1,5.40 ERA) had eight strike-outs against the Dodgers while surrendering three earned runs in five innings but took the loss. This time at home Arizona gets their first win. Take DIAMONDBACKS!

Atlanta at Milwaukee 8:10 ET
Brewers over Braves- Sometimes teams come out of spring training and are just not ready to [lpay baseball. It's a 162 game schedule and many veteran clubs know it's a long haul and come out of the gate slowly. Ryan Braun after a 65 game suspension returned and Milwaukee and they are off to a quick start after a disappointing 2013. Kyle Lohse gets the nod for the Brewers and threw to a 2.97 home ERA in his last 16 starts. Take MILWAUKEE!

Philadelphia at Texas 8:05 ET
Phillies over Rangers- The Philadelphia Phillies provided have a healthy attitude this year after a beleaguered 2013 where they just couldn't score any runs. Yesterday as 'our' Megabucks Winner they scored 14 runs and pounded out 17 hits. The Phillies have won seven of 10 games all-time against the Rangers and will be sending veteran A.J. Burnett to the hill. Last season he averaged 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Take PHILLIES!

Philadelphia at Texas 2:05 ET
Phillies over Rangers- Last year was a bust for both these clubs as the Phillies ended under .500 and the Rangers who failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Texas made a splash in the free agent market getting Prince Fielder and Shin-Soo Choo but have been hit with injuries during the spring. Philadelphia is much healthier this season as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Ben Revere are all back in action. Cliff Lee (14-8, 2.87 ERA) gets the Opening Day start for the Phillies and is 7-3 lifetime against the Rangers while Tanner Scheppers (6-2, 1.88) gets his first career start after 115 relief appearances. Take PHILADELPHIA!

Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego 8:05 ET
Padres over Dodgers- The Dodgers are the favorite to win the World Series as their 235 million dollar payroll have exceeded all other teams including the Yankees and Red Sox. Already 2-0 they will send Jin Ryu (1-0, 0.00 ERA) against Andrew Cashner making his first Opening Day start who closed 2013 with a 2.25 ERA in August and 0.76 ERA in September. Cashner has 1.32 ERA in 14 career appearances against the Dodgers. Take SAN DIEGO!

St. Louis at Boston 8:05 ET
Cardinals (+) over Red Sox- So what it has come down to for the St. Louis Cardinals is are you going to pitch to David Ortiz...bad choice so far. Tonight they have their rookie sensation in Micheal Wacha (8-1, 2.26 ERA) who is 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA in the post season. The Red Sox seem to have destiny on their side but we have heard that story before from them. It's been 95 years since the Red Sox won the World Series in Boston an after Wednesday's contest it will still not have happened. Lackey gets the nod for the Sox and that hurts Boston. Take ST. LOUIS!

Boston at St. Louis 8:07 ET
Red Sox over Cardinals- Jake Peavy at one time was good enough for the Cy Young has had a horrible post-season career going 0-3 with a 10.31 ERA in four starts. His mound opponent Joe Kelly has had problems of his own in his first post-season work going 0-1 with a 4.41 ERA all against the Dodgers. The Red Sox because of the National League rules will be without either David Ortiz or Mike Napoli and most likely Napoli will sit. Cardinals first baseman Allen Craig will go to the bench for St. Louis. Look for the powerful Red Sox bats and a big effort for Peavy to be the difference. Take BOSTON!

St. Louis at Boston 8:00 Game 2
Cardinals over Red Sox- My goodness, I don't believe that I have ever seen a team in the World Series play as poorly as St. Louis played in Game 1. I don't think it was nerves as the Cardinals have been there often enough, it was just bad baseball, I mean really bad baseball. Now, the Cards must respond as true professionals and come back with a better effort. I don't care who's pitching or playing in the field...I want ST. LOUIS!

St. Louis at Boston 8:07 ET
Cardinals over Red Sox- For the first time in recent or distant memory the two best teams in baseball (most wins) are facing each other in the World Series. Both the Cardinals and Red Sox won 97 games and have won a pair of World Series in the past 10 years. St. Louis is making their fourth trip in the last decade and are looking for revenge for the four game Series sweep they suffered in 2004. Each side has their ace starting in Game 1 as Adam Wainwright (2-1, 1.57 ERA) and Jon Lester (2-1, 2.33) oppose each other. Both have been great in the post season but the hard-nosed Cardinals get the edge. Take ST. LOUIS!

Detroit at Boston 8:00 ET
Tigers over Red Sox- It's due or die for the Tigers and they have already shown that they can score of Buchholz while they have yet to score off Scherzer. Four of the five games have been decided by one run and both these clubs are capable of scoring in bunches. Buchholz has an ERA of 6.17 in the post season giving up three home runs in 11 2/3 innings. Take the club with their backs to the wall...take DETROIT!

L.A. Dodgers at St. Louis 8:30 ET
Cardinals over Dodgers- It was the St. Louis Cardinals that blew a 3-1 Championship series lead over the Giants last season and they once again held a 3-1 in the championship series and dropped Game 5 on Wednesday. The Dodgers will use Clayton Kershaw who did not surrender an earned run in his last start but was saddled with a 1-0 loss. Michael Wacha the Cardinals rookie has only allowed one earned run in his last three starts covering 23 innings. At home it's ST. LOUIS!

Boston at Detroit 8:00 ET
Tigers over Red Sox- Most people will look at this pitching match-up of Jon Lester of Boston and Anibal Sanchez of Detroit and think that Lester has the edge...but they would be wrong. Sanchez who struck out 12 Red Sox in Game 1 and has had a better year with wins and ERA. The Tigers realize that going back to Boston and winning two games on the road is a difficult task and tonight's game is crucial for them. Take DETROIT!

St. Louis at L.A. Dodgers 4:00 ET
Dodgers over Cardinals- A rematch of Game 1 will send Joe Kelly (10-5, 2.69 ERA) of the Cardinals against for Cy Young winner Zack Greinke (15-4, 2.63) of the Dodgers head-to-head once again. Both starters allowed only two runs each in Game 1 as neither got a decision. For Los Angeles down 3-1 in the series this is an elimination game and Greinke takes his 8-2 home record and 2.11 ERA with him in 14 Dodgers Stadium starts. The Dodgers will most likely be without Hanley Ramirez who mat take a pain-killing shot before this contest. They need it more and Greinke in that good. Take LOS ANGELES

St. Louis at L.A. Dodgers 8:00 ET
Cardinals over Dodgers- Too bad the Dodgers didn't have a pool to jump into after their first two games in St. Louis as they could have used it to wash off the 'stink.' The St. Louis Cardinals are in dominating position as the took the first two from Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw scoring only two runs. Tonight they face Adam Wainwright (19-9, 2.94 ERA) who is 6-0 over his last seven starts. The Dodgers are scoreless in their last 19 innings and are starting Hyun-Jin Ryu (14-3, 3.00) who has lost three of his last four starts. Take ST. LOUIS!

Detroit at Boston 8:00 ET
Tigers over Red Sox- 'I don't care, I don't care', I want against the Red Sox. It's not just because the Yankees failed to make the playoff for the second time in 19 years and I fine it amusing that half the country finds that a reason to celebrate and I agree...it is a tribute to the Yankees. These classless 'Bean Towners' should shave and take a bath. I must admit without the chicken & beer they can play ball but in Game 2 the are over matched. Take DETROIT!

Detroit at Boston 8:00 ET
Tigers over Red Sox- Hard to believe that this is the first time these two have ever met in the post season but wild card playoffs are rather recent in MLB lore. The 'numbers' say that the Tigers are in trouble as Boston has won 36 of the last 51 meeting at Fenway, and they are 49-19 in their last 69 games as a favorite. The Tigers will counter with Anibal Sanchez (15-8, 2.57 ERA) who led the AL in ERA and is coming off a poor outing against Oakland. Look for Anibal to bounce back and Detroit to shock the Red Sox. Take TIGERS!

Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis 8:30 ET
Cardinals over Dodgers- The Dodgers won the season series winning four of seven during the regular season winning three of four in St. Louis. It appears slightly 'off' to me that Los Angeles would be the favorite here when you think about the Cards being at home and the fact that they won more games (100/95). Then we look at the starting pitching and with Zack Greinke (15-4, 2.63 ERA) leading the charge for the Dodgers and he's facing Joe Kelly (10-5, 2.69 ERA) who is 5-1 in eight starts at home. Look for Matt Carpenter to rebound from a 1-for-19 streak in the NLDS. Take ST. LOUIS!

Detroit at Oakland 8:00 ET
Tigers over A's- Talk about a pic-em situation this is it if you have ever seen one. Factors continue to set up both sides of the equation. To start with the A's are the Division winner with a better record, they have Bartolo Colon (18-7, 2.70 ERA) and a 53-30 home field advantage. The A's are up 19 units on the season while the Tigers are a minus 12 units. The equalizer to the entire puzzle comes from Jason Verlander (13-12, 3.36) who hasn't had his best of years and will look to atone for past playoff failure. Why are the Tigers the favorite...because they are the WINNER. Take DETROIT!

Pittsburgh at St. Louis 8:00 ET
Pirates over Cardinals- Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle is making a move that could make or break the series for the Pirates as he bypassing his Game 1 starter in A.J. Burnett and starting rookie Gerrit Cole.Burnett was bombed in Game 1 by St. Louis and Cole who allowed only one run and two hits in his six innings of work won his fifth in-a-row in Game 2. He is 4-2 with a 2.38 ERA on the road in seven starts. The Cardinals will send ace Adam Wainwright a winner of four straight to the hill and he is 9-6 with a 2.53 ERA at home. In what should be low scoring affair I'll take PITTSBURGH!

Boston at Tampa Bay 8:30 ET
Rays over Red Sox- Tampa Bay has managed to win four straight elimination games going back to a week from Sunday and will be facing Boston's 'weak link' of the staff in Jake Peavy (12-5, 4.17 ERA) tonight. Peavy has a 5.40 ERA in four September starts and is making his first post season appearance since 2006. The Rays' are going with Jeremy Hellickson (12-10, 5.17) who is 1-0 with a 3.44 ERA in three starts this season against Boston. Even though the Red Sox have won six of the last eight meetings Tampa is still 52-30 at home. Take the RAYS!

Boston at Tampa Bay 9:00 ET
Rays over Red Sox- The Tampa Bay Rays are happy to return to Tropicana Field after getting slaughtered in Boston in the first two playoff games in Boston. Alex Cobb who shut down the Indians last Wednesday will be facing the Red Sox Clay Buchholz (12-1, 1.74 ERA) who is 3-1 with a 1.88 ERA since his return from three months on the disabled list. With their 'backs-against-the-wall the Rays will enjoy the home support and post their first win of the series. Take TAMPA BAY!

Tampa Bay at Boston 5:30 ET
Rays over Red Sox- The Rays outfield had their share of problems yesterday as both left and right fielders made serious blunders. After will easy 12-2 the Red Sox find themselves underdogs at home to Cy Young Award winner David Price (10-8, 3.33 ERA) who has allowed only two runs in each of his last five starts. John Lacky (10-13, 3.52) gets the nod for Boston and he's struggled of late getting knocked around for 19 hits in 10 innings. Look for the Rays to rebound here. Take TAMPA BAY!

Tampa Bay at Boston 3:00 ET
Rays over Red Sox- The Tampa Bay Rays have been on the road and playing elimination games all week and will feel little pressure enter this round against the Red Sox. Boston has had to play intrasquad games to keep sharp but, there is nothing like live 'game' action. Pitching is the key to playoff wins and the Rays have had it going winning 10 of their last 12 with their pitching holding opponents to 2.83 runs per game. The Red Sox won 12 of the 19 meetings this season and will start Jon Lester (15-8, 3.75 ERA) is 2-3 with a 2.57 ERA in eight post season games and is 0-2 against the Rays. Matt Moore (17-4, 3.29 ERA) has pitched 10 playoff innings and allowed only one runs on three huts. Take TAMPA BAY!

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta 8:30 ET
Braves over Dodgers- There is no denying the Dodgers have been the best team in baseball the last three month going 62-28 in their last 90 games and they are 40-17 as the favorite. Los Angeles will have Clayton Kershaw (16-9, 1.83 ERA) starting who may win his second straight Cy Young Award this season but have yet nto win a playoff game in five starts. Atalanta is 56-25 at home this season and they were 19-14 against the west. Starting for the Braves is Kris Medlen (15-12, 3.11) who beat LA 3-1 in May as Atlanta won five of seven meetings this season. Melden is 5-0 in his last six starts and has only allowed nine earned runs in his last nine starts. Take ATLANTA!

Tampa Bay at Cleveland 8:00 ET
Rays over Indians- So, here we have the Cleveland Indians who were 21 games over .500 during the regular season an underdog in the opening round of Wild Card play against Tampa Bay who was just .500 on the road. The Indians has the best record in baseball in the month of September including a 10-game winning streak to close the season and yet they a dog at home. (and they are the higher seeded team) I think the advantage for the Rays comes from their starting pitching and today they are going with Alex Cobb (11-3, 2.76 ERA) who closed the year with three straight wins in each of his last three starts. The Tribe is throwing Danny Salazar to the wolves and leaving Justin Masterson in the bullpen. 'Big Mistake!' Take TAMPA BAY

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh 8:07 ET
Reds over Pirates- The Pittsburgh Pirates return to the post season for the first time in 21 years and have just secured home field advantage for this game with a three-game sweep in Cincinnati. The winner here will face the Cardinals in round 2. The Reds were to start Mat Lotos but elbow problems have them turning to Johnny Cueto (5-2, 2.82 ERA) who himself has had only two starts off his injury. The Pirates will start Francisco Liriano (16-8, 3.02) who has a 8-1 record at home with a 1.47 ERA. Impressive numbers but they are balanced by Cueto lifetime 13-4 with a 2.37 ERA in 21 career starts against Pittsburgh. Take CINCINNATI!

Tampa Bay at Texas 8:07 ET
Rays over Rangers- Well, this is a first for MLB as this game is a one-game playoff for a one0game playoff. The pitching match-up might suggest that Texas may have the advantage even though they are facing Tampa Bay's Cy Young Award winner David Price (9-8, 3.39 ERA) while the Rangers will start against rookie Martin Perez (10-5, 3.55) who has allowed three of fewer runs in nine of his 11 starts. Price has struggled against the Rangers posting a 1-4 career mark with an ERA of 5.98. Texas has defeated the Rays twice in 2010 and 2011 en route to the World Series but this team is different now. Take the experienced hurler...Take TAMPA BAY!

Tampa Bay at New York Yankees 7:05 ET
Yankees over Rays- I know...Here I have the Rays in a six game winning streak and the Yankees moving backwards as the season closes out and I see New York winning this game. This is more then a shot-in-the-dark as Ivan Nova (9-5, 3.13 ERA) has once again proven to be one of the Yankees more solid and consistent performers. New York seems to play well behind him as they have won 12 of his 19 starts. The fact of the matter is that if you 'played' the Yankees everyday you would be ahead of the bookies and if you 'played' on the Rays you'd be in the hole. Take NEW YORK!

L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco 10:15 ET
Giants over Dodgers- The L.A. Dodgers who have now won three straight still trail the Atlanta Braves for the overall best record in the National League for home field advantage in the playoffs. The Dodgers will start Ricky Nolasco (8-2, 3.14 ERA) who after winning seven in-a-row has surrendered 11 earned runs in his last two outings in only 6 1/3 innings. One of those outings came against the Giants when he allowed seven runs (five earned) in 1 1/3 innings. Barry Zito (4-11, 5.91) gets the nod and the win tonight. Take SAN FRANCISCO

Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees 7:05 ET
Rays over Yankees- The Tampa Bay Rays are on a five game winning streak and the Yankees are one game away from elimination for the A.L. Playoffs. New York has now dropped seven of it's last 10 and know the end is near. Davis Price (8-8, 3.43 ERA) has struggled of late last posted a win August 24th against these same Yankees but his troubles can't compare to Phillip Hughes (4-13, 5.07) who hasn't lasted five innings since August 20th. His last appearance against the Rays in July he gave up five runs in four innings. Take TAMPA BAY!

L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco 10:15 ET
Giants over Dodgers- Well, the defending World Series champions are 12 games under .500 and will sufferer their first losing season since 2008. The Dodgers meanwhile have clinch the West and are gearing-up for the playoffs and are just looking to remain healthy the rest of the way. The Giants Matt Cain (8-9, 4.06 ERA) has struggled against LA but this Dodgers line-up should be just a shell of itself.
Take the GIANTS!

Philadelphia at Miami 7:10 ET
Marlins over Phillies- Yesterday we posted The Marlins as out lone release and were rewarded with a 4-0 victory as Philadelphia has now dropped their last five. The Phillies could dropped to 20 games under .500 (28-47) with a loss here. Ryan Sandberg just signed as manager and it's players the Phillies need. Both teams stink but one team hasn't quit...Take MIAMI!

Tampa Bay at New York Yankees 7:05 ET
Rays over Yankees- The Yankees have played the entire season on the disabled list as 57 different players have made the line-up. They have made a great effort and managed to give the good fight but they just don't have enough. New York has six of their last nine while the Rays have won nine of their last 12. Matt Moore (15-4, 3.34 ERA) lost for the first time in more then three months his last time out (we had Texas) but is 2-0 against the Yankees this year. After a great start for New York Hiroki Kuroda (11-12, 3.17) is 0-5 with a 6.37 ERA in his last seven starts. Take TAMPA BAY!

Philadelphia at Miami 7:10 ET
Dolphins over Phillies- The Florida Marlins may have one of the worst home records in baseball as they are just 31-44 at home and a miserable 27-47 in their division but are facing a club that is even worse on the road. The Phillies are is 28-46 on the road but have managed to go 18-17 since firing Charlie Manuel. Roy Halladay (4-4, 6.71 ERA) gets the start for Philadelphia and he is 2-1 with a 6.06 ERA against Miami this season. This time out he won't be so lucky...Take the MARLINS!

Texas at Kansas City 2:10 ET
Royals over Rangers- We have been lucky enough to win the first two games of the series switching teams and I'll be happy to do it again. Kansas City will start James Shields (12-9, 3.33 ERA) who is 8-2 in his last 11 outings since July and has a 1.59 ERA in those starts. He is also 7-3 lifetime against the Rangers with a 2.66 ERA. The Royals lead the AL in bullpen ERA at 2.55 and will finish off Texas today. Take KANSAS CITY!

Texas at Kansas City 7:10 ET
Rangers over Royals- Two teams headed in opposite directions and the Rangers have now dropped 12 of their last 15 games and Kansas City has won eight of their last 12. The Royals are assured of a better then .500 season for the first time in 10 years while Texas has slipped a half game back in the wild card hunt. Matt Garza (3-5, 4.94 ERA) is 0-4 in his last five starts and needs a strong outing to aid the Rangers cause tonight. Last night we had the Royals in the series opener a 2-1 win today we switch sides. Take TEXAS!

Arizona at Colorado 8:10 ET
Rockies over Diamondbacks- The Diamondbacks should be a little flat after being eliminated from the post season yesterday by the Dodgers. To a man Arizona players were upset with the way Los Angeles celebrated their clinching and they should be more concerned with their 'play' then the fact that the Dodgers were 'playing' after their win. The Rockies have the pitching advantage tonight and the home field is a big aid as they are 10 games over .500 at home while Arizona is eight games under on the road. Take COLORADO!

Texas at Kansas City 8:10 ET
Royals over Rangers- Yesterday we posted and won with the Rangers as they were the favorite at Tampa Bay and crushed the Rays 8-2 hitting four home runs. The Royals just beat the Indians 2 of 3 and trail both the Rangers and the Rays by three games in the wild card hunt. Young Martin Perez (9-5, 3.64 ERA) has dropped his last two decisions after having won six straight starts and has never faced the Royals. Kansas City will start Ervin Santana (9-9, 3.23) who held Texas to one run in seven innings back in June. Take KANSAS CITY!

Texas at Tampa Bay 7:10 ET
Rangers over Rays- This is a tough one to figure as the Rays lead the Rangers by one full game in the Wild Card chase as two of the league's best pitchers go at it in Tampa Bay. Texas will start Yu Darish (12-9, 2.79 ERA) who has had a great season but has lost four times by a 1-0 score. He leads the Majors in strikeouts but has not had a win in his last six starts. Matt Moore (15-3, 3.11) has been outstanding but is an underdog at home and that is a telling tale. Vegas likes the Rangers here and so do I. Take TEXAS