Fridays Baseball Picks

[Tinfish]

3-3 last nite for a loss of -$55

running total of +$160

fridays plays from wire are:

Baltimore ML

I'm not sure this game will even be played because it's raining in the cleveland area. But if it is I will take Ponson to right his ship against the Indians. Lee has walked at least 4 batters in 3 of his last 4 starts. That's very bad. I'm not crazy about the O's offense but they have enough to take advantage of the gifts. That heartbreaking loss by the Tribe must have taken a toll on them if nothing else because having given up 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th they will be looking over their shoulder for a few games even if they get the lead. Nice road price for this pitcher.

Yankees ML

The Yankees have finally reached the .500 win plateau for the season. Jeter cranked one last night and all is getting better in the Bronx. Throw in Anderson doesn't have the stuff to shut down their lumber tonight and this is looking pretty good. When you add in that Vasquez is a quality pitcher most haven't heard of because he threw for the Expos last year and I think the chalk won't be seen by the books tonight. Vasquez will vie for the strikeout leader in the AL this year. He is that good. The books and I both know the Yanks will win this tonight. That's why they put these high chalks on these games. So you will do two things. Either foolishly increase the books odds of winning by giving -1 1/2 runs or by passing because "The chalk is too high!" I am not a proponent of betting ALL the high chalk because in the long run you will lose money if you do. But there comes a time when you have to lay it because it's worth it. They have tricked people off winners like this for years. If you listen closely, you can hear them laughing now.

Philadelphia ML

Dessens is going to go 5 or less very poor innings and then the Snakes bring in the pen which is shaky at best. Wolf has been pitching very well. But most of this bet is based on two very large gentlemen, Jim Thome and Richie Sexson. When Thome starts to hit, and he is now, he will tear the cover off the ball for several games and actually carry his team by himself. He is hot right now so look for that. Sexson is out and that means the Phils pitchers can work around the better remaining hitters in the lineup. I thought the AZ General Manager was going to throw up when he saw Sexson drop after checking his swing the other night. His worst fears have come true as his star hurt himself so he probably is sick today. Something else to look for is the Phillies to win every game RJ doesn't pitch in. I don't know if he's scheduled to pitch or not but if he doesn't bet the Phils. Thome heating up and Richie Sexson on the 15 DL means trouble for the visitors this weekend in Philly.

Houston ML

Pitt got to Acevedo in his last and I think Houston will continue this trend. Clemens on the other hand is 4-0 despite having Colo rough him up at Coors field in his last. But is that he is pitching at home tonight not at Coors. This bet has a secret too that most will miss. A nice young man named LaRue was just placed on the DL by the Reds. He is their starting catcher. Most catchers call the game for the pitcher and he does. When you lose your #1 guy the game is called by the manager and the pitchers don't like it. At the very least, they are uncomfortable. That is always a good thing when you bet the home team and the visitors starting pitcher is not too good and not too comfortable. Houston won't have a problem here with the Rocket on the mound.

San Diego ML

San Diego has won 4 in a row and they are still at home tonight. The Mets.................well.............are the Mets. I can't think of anything else that needs to be said about this one.

Florida ML

Correia is just average. He has started and he has relieved in hjis career. Willis on the other hand is still pitching very well and has the potential to be a great one. The Fish are 9-4 on the road and that is very good. The interesting thing I noticed about SF was that despite all the hoopla surrounding Barry Bonds, they don't score very much. Score 4 runs and you will most likely beat them as Fla demonstrated yesterday. I think Fla wins again here.

[hitmansb]

I like Yanks and Astros as well.