Picks And Parlays

*3 Star MLB Runline Value* Justin Verlander is the best pitcher in baseball right now. Verlander should mow down this Pirates offense that struggles against ordinary pitchers on a nightly basis. Charlie Morton is a mediocre pitcher and I think the Tigers offense is due for a breakout. Look for them to get to him in this game. The Pirates are 0-12 in their last 12 Interleague games when they are +200 or greater on the moneyline. The Tigers are 4-0 in Verlander's last 4 Interleague starts. This one is a mismatch. Take the Tigers -1.5.

*3 Star MLB Dog of the Day* The Houston Astros aren't a good team, and the Texas Rangers are a very good team. It might seem strange that I am siding with the Astros here, but that shows just how much I think of Wandy Rodriguez. Rodriguez is dominating at home, and Neftali Feliz is still unproven as a starter. The Astros are 12-8 at home this season. Texas is a big favorite here, so we don't have to pay much juice at all to get Houston +1.5. Rodriguez has a 1.99 ERA this year, so I expect this game to stay close. Take Houston +1.5.

*3 Star MLB Total Domination* Joe Saunders is a very streaky pitcher. He looked great at the beginning of the year, but he has been shelled in his last two outings. He is a fly ball pitcher, and the wind is expected to be blowing out at 15 mph in this game. Luis Mendoza doesn't have great stuff, and I don't expect him to be able to shut down Arizona. Both of these guys put too many people on base, and I expect that to bite them in this game. The over is 10-1 in the Royals last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing record. The over is 8-3-2 in the last 13 meetings between these teams. Take the over.

*3 Star MLB Moneyline Value* Scott Diamond was terrific in AAA this year, and the Twins called him up a couple weeks ago. Diamond is 2-0 and has yet to allow a run at all in his two starts. Marco Estrada starts for the Brewers, and he has never had much success at all as a starting pitcher. Estrada has a 4.20 ERA this year. The Twins have won two straight, and they are healthier than they have been all year. With Willingham, Mauer, and Morneau in the middle of the order they can do some damage. At this price, I like the Twins.

*5 Star MLB Moneyline Top Play* The St. Louis Cardinals haven't been playing quite as well lately, but they are still one of the best teams in the National League. The Dodgers have a great record, but without Matt Kemp in the middle of the order they aren't the same team. St. Louis has a very good lineup with Beltran, Holliday, Berkman, and Freese. The Dodgers are left with just Ethier right now. Lance Lynn has a quality start in all seven of his starts this year. Ted Lilly has been good this year, but the Cardinals hit lefties well. The Cardinals are 6-0 in their last 6 road games vs. a lefty. The Cardinals are 5-0 in Lynn's last 5 road starts. The Dodgers are 1-7 in Lilly's last 8 home starts against a team with a winning record. This 18-1 angle backs this play. Take St. Louis big.

*3 Star MLB Free Pick* The Boston Red Sox are averaging 6.64 runs off left-handed pitchers this year. Cole Hamels has struggled in the past against Boston. Daniel Bard has been pitching better in his last couple starts. The Red Sox offense may well outscore the Phillies here. The price is too attractive to pass up. Take Boston. *The #1 Ranked MLB Handicapper in the World. Coming off a very disappointing day, but all geared up with a HUGE Interleague opener card for Friday. Get the TGIF All Access Pass for a great LOW price today!*