20* MLB DOG OF THE WEEK on Texas Rangers +124

After losing the first two games of this series. the Texas Rangers are going to be highly motivated for a victory in Game 3 tonight to avoid the sweep.  I believe they salvage the series with a win due to their edge on the mound in this one.

A.J. Griffin has had a great year for Texas, going 4-1 with a 3.99 ERA and 1.256 WHIP in 13 starts.  He is coming off two straight solid starts in which he gave up only three earned runs over 10 2/3 innings against the Royals both times.

Wade Miley is 7-8 with a 4.98 ERA and 1.348 WHIP in 19 starts with Seattle before getting traded to Baltimore and making his Orioles' debut tonight.  He can't figure out the Rangers, going 1-4 with a 5.55 ERA in six career starts against them.  In three starts against Texas in 2016, Miley is 0-2 with a 7.41 ERA, allowing 14 earned runs in 17 innings.

Griffin is 15-4 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against AL East opponents in his career.  Griffin is 7-1 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.  Griffin is 16-3 (+13.1 Units) against the money line vs teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game in the second half of the season in his career.  Bet the Rangers Thursday.

25* MLB Bounce-Back GAME OF THE YEAR on St. Louis Cardinals -137

The St. Louis Cardinals have lost three straight and are highly motivated for a victory tonight to end the skid.  That's especially the case after blowing a 9th inning lead last night to the Reds and losing in walk off fashion.

The Cards have a huge edge on the mound tonight behind Michael Wacha, who is 6-7 with a 4.38 ERA in 21 starts this season, including 4-3 with a 4.07 ERA in 10 road starts.  But what really stands out is that Wacha is 5-1 with a 1.96 ERA and 1.089 WHIP in 10 career starts against Cincinnati.

Cody Reed is still in search of his first victory for the Reds.  Reed is 0-5 with a 7.06 ERA and 1.794 WHIP in seven starts this season.  The Reds are 0-7 in those starts, and they won't be giving him his first victory tonight against Wacha, either.

St. Louis is 15-2 (+14.6 Units) against the money line after two straight losses by 2 runs or less over the last three seasons.  Wacha is 8-1 (+8.6 Units) against the money line when working on 5 or 6 days rest this season.  The Cardinals are 9-1 in their last 10 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.  Bet the Cardinals Wednesday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on San Francisco Giants -1.5 (-127)

The San Francisco Giants got off to an awful start after the All-Star Break.  But they are finally getting healthy with the recent returns of key players, plus the addition of Eduardo Nunez.  They have won two straight and I look for them to beat the Phillies by multiple runs tonight.

Ace Madison Bumgarner gets the ball for the Giants.  The left-hander has gone 10-6 with a 2.15 ERA and 0.982 WHIP in 22 starts this season with 170 K's in 150 2/3 innings.  Bumgarner is 4-3 with a 3.47 ERA and 1.073 WHIP in nine career starts against Philadelphia.

At 48-59 on the season, the Phillies have played themselves out of postseason contention.  They are hitting .219 and scoring 2.9 runs per game at home this year.  Zach Eflin is 3-4 with a 4.23 ERA in nine starts this season.  He gave up 7 runs and 13 base runners over 5 innings in his last start against Miami on July 27.

Bumgarner is 22-4 (+16.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5 over the last two seasons.  The Giants are winning by 2.8 runs per game in this spot.  Bumgarner is 20-3 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in road games vs. NL teams scoring 4.3 or less runs/game on the season over the last three seasons.  San Francisco is winning these games by 3.3 runs per game.  Bet the Giants on the Run Line Tuesday.

20* MLB Monday No-Brainer on Milwaukee Brewers -108

The Milwaukee Brewers have won four straight and six of their last seven for one of their best stretches of the season. I look for them to continue their momentum against the lowly San Diego Padres, who have been big-time sellers prior to the trade deadline.

The Brewers have the clear edge on the mound behind Jimmy Nelson, who is 6-9 with a 3.64 ERA in 21 starts this season.  Nelson has owned the Padres, going 1-2 with a 1.83 ERA and 0.864 WHIP in three career starts against them. He has given up just 4 earned runs over 19 2/3 innings in those four starts.

The Padres will be one of the worst teams in baseball going forward with all that they have lost.  Jarred Cosart has recently entered the rotation, and he's been terrible, going 0-1 with a 5.95 ERA and 1.779 WHIP in four starts this season.

The Brewers are 8-0 (+9.2 Units) against the money line off two straight home wins against division rivals over the last two seasons.  Milwaukee is 12-2 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games after three or more consecutive wins over the last three seasons.  Bet the Brewers Monday.

20* AL Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -140

The Houston Astros are highly motivated for a victory after losing four of their last five games overall, including the first two games of this series to the Detroit Tigers.  They desperately want to avoid the sweep and get back on track, and they should with their edge on the mound today.

Dallas Keuchel hasn't had his best season, but he is starting to show his former Cy Young form of late.  The left-hander is 0-1 with a 2.14 ERA and 0.952 WHIP in his last three starts.  Keuchel has never lost to the Tigers, going 3-0 (4-0 money line) with a 2.22 ERA and 0.988 WHIP in four career starts against them.

Mike Pelfrey is one of the worst starters in the majors.  The right-hander is 3-9 with a 5.52 ERA and 1.802 WHIP in 20 starts, 2-3 with a 7.86 ERA and 1.925 WHIP in nine home starts, and 1-1 with an 8.25 ERA and 2.083 WHIP in his last three starts.  Pelfrey is also 3-5 with a 4.56 ERA and 1.559 WHIP in nine career starts against Houston.

Houston is 5-1 in its last six games after losing the first two games of a series.  The Astros are 17-4 in Keuchel's last 21 starts with 5 days of rest.  Houston is 4-0 in Keuchel's last four starts vs. Detroit.  Bet the Astros Sunday.

20* NL Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Pittsburgh Pirates -139

The Pittsburgh Pirates are chasing down a playoff spot and really need to kick it into high gear here soon if they want to be going to the postseason again.  After losing to the Brewers in Game 1 Friday, I look for them to bounce back with a victory in Game 2 tonight.

The Pirates clearly have the edge on the mound behind rookie phenom Jameson Taillon, who is 2-1 with a 3.82 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in seven starts this season, including 2-1 with a 2.50 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in three road starts.  One of those starts came against Milwaukee on July 19 as Taillon allowed just one earned run in six innings of a 3-2 victory.

Chase Anderson has had a forgetful season for the Brewers, going 5-10 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.453 WHIP in 19 starts.  He hasn't fared well against the Pirates, going 0-1 with a 5.89 ERA and 1.963 WHIP in four career starts against them.

Milwaukee is 5-20 (-13.2 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last two seasons.  The Pirates are 4-0 in Taillon's last four starts.  The Brewers are 1-6 in Anderson's last seven starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Milwaukee is 0-5 in Anderson's last five Saturday starts.  Bet the Pirates Saturday.

20* AL East GAME OF THE MONTH on Toronto Blue Jays -128

The Toronto Blue Jays trail the Baltimore Orioles by 1.5 games for the AL East lead.  By the end of this series, they could overtake the Orioles.  It starts with getting Game 1 tonight at home as I look for the Blue Jays to stay red hot.

I certainly give Toronto the edge on the mound behind Marco Estrada, who is 5-4 with a 2.94 ERA and 1.006 WHIP in 17 starts, including 2-3 with a 2.50 ERA and 0.936 WHIP in nine home starts.  Estrada is 2-1 with a 3.31 ERA and 1.160 WHIP in six career starts against Baltimore as well.

Kevin Gausman has been a pretty hard-luck starter for the Orioles as he's 2-7 with a 3.77 ERA and 1.266 WHIP in 17 starts.  While he has been solid at home, Guasman is 0-6 with a 4.94 ERA and 1.463 WHIP in 10 road starts.

The Orioles are 5-17 in Gausman's last 22 road starts.  Baltimore is 0-6 in Gausman's last six road starts.  The Orioles are 0-5 in their last five road games vs. a right-handed starter.  The Blue Jays are 14-6 in their last 20 games overall.  Toronto is 50-23 in its last 73 home games vs. a right-handed starter.  The Blue Jays are 4-1 in Estrada's last five starts vs. Baltimore.  The Orioles are 22-53 in their last 75 meetings in Toronto.  Bet the Blue Jays Friday.

20* MLB Thursday Late-Night BAILOUT on San Francisco Giants -140

The San Francisco Giants are going through their worst stretch of the season.  They are 2-9 since the All-Star Break and are now highly motivated for a victory in Game 1 of this series against the Washington Nationals to bust out of the slump.

The Giants clearly have the edge on the mound tonight behind Johnny Cueto, who is 13-2 with a 2.53 ERA and 1.033 WHIP in 20 starts this season.  Cueto is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in his last two starts against Washington, pitching 16 shutout innings while striking out 20 and allowing only 10 base runners.

Tanner Roark is having a fine season overall at 9-6 with a 3.11 ERA and 1.194 WHIP in 20 starts.  However, Roark has allowed 9 earned runs in 12 innings in two of his last three starts.  He's not used to this kind of workload and may be wearing down here late in the year.

Cueto is 8-0 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when the money line is -100 to -150 this season.  The Giants are 17-3 in Cueto's 20 starts this season, including 11-1 in his 12 night starts.  The Nationals are 0-5 in their last five meetings in San Francisco.  Bet the Giants Thursday.

20* MLB Wednesday Bounce-Back BLOWOUT on Houston Astros -132

The Houston Astros aren't about to get swept at home by the New York Yankees tonight.  They have lost the first two games of this series and will be highly motivated for a victory in Game 3.

I expect them to get it behind Lance McCullers, who has shined at home in his career.  The right-hander is 8-3 with a 2.08 ERA and 1.148 WHIP over 18 home starts with 129 K's in 112 1/3 innings.  McCullers is 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA in eight home starts this season alone.

Masahiro Tanaka is having a fine season for the Yankees as well at 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 20 starts.  However, he has never beaten the Astros, going 0-1 with a 5.74 ERA in three career starts against them.  In his only start in Houston he gave up 6 earned runs on 3 homers in 5 innings.  He has allowed 6 homers in 15 2/3 innings against the Astros.

The Astros are a perfect 12-0 in their last 12 Wednesday games.  Houston is 37-18 in its last 55 games overall, including 21-8 in its last 29 home games.  Bet the Astros Wednesday.

25* AL Non-Divisional GAME OF THE YEAR on Houston Astros -139

After losing Game 1 of this series to end a 4-game winning streak, I look for the Houston Astros to bounce back in Game 2 against the New York Yankees tonight.  They have a massive edge on the mound in this one that will be key to victory.

Doug Fister is having a tremendous season.  He is 10-6 with a 3.42 ERA and 1.225 WHIP in 19 starts, including 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA and 0.950 WHIP in his last three outings.  Fister is also 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA in seven career starts against New York.

C.C. Sabathia started the season strong, but he's come back down to reality of late.  He is now 5-8 with a 4.04 ERA and 1.375 WHIP in 17 starts this season after going 0-4 with a 7.46 ERA in his last six starts, allowing a whopping 29 earned runs in 35 innings.  Sabathia is also 1-1 with a 4.80 ERA and 1.467 WHIP in two career starts against Houston.

The Astros are 13-3 in their last 16 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.  Houston is 21-7 in its last 28 home games.  The Astros are 12-3 in Fister's last 15 starts.  Houston is 10-1 in Fister's last 11 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.  Bet the Astros Tuesday.

20* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -138

The Houston Astros are rolling right now having won four straight while going 37-16 in their last 53 games overall.  Look for them to take Game 1 of this series with the New York Yankees thanks to their huge edge on the mound.

Dallas Keuchel has been at his best at home this season, going 2-3 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.188 WHIP in eight starts.  he is 1-0 with a 2.33 ERA and 1.035 WHIP in his last three starts coming in.  Keuchel owns the Yankees, going 4-1 with a 1.22 ERA and 0.757 WHIP in five career starts against them.

Michael Pineda has had a disappointing season to say the least.  The right-hander is 4-9 with a 5.25 ERA and 1.354 WHIP in 19 starts, including 1-5 with a 5.69 ERA and 1.476 WHIP in eight road starts.  Pineda is also 1-2 with a 5.79 ERA in four career starts against Houston.

Keuchel is 14-1 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in home games vs. an AL team with an on base percentage .330 or worse in the second half of the season over the last three seasons.  The Astros are 24-6 in Keuchel's last 30 home starts.  Bet the Astros Monday.

20* MLB Sunday Undervalued Underdog on San Francisco Giants +125

The San Francisco Giants have lost six of their last seven games overall.  It's almost unheard of considering they are 58-39 on the season and among the best teams in baseball.  They end this skid Sunday.

Jeff Samardzija is having a very good year, going 9-5 with a 4.05 EA and 1.210 WHIP in 19 starts this season.  He'll be opposed by Nathan Eovaldi, who is 7-6 with a 5.33 ERA and 1.391 WHIP in 17 starts.

Eovaldi has never fared well against the Giants, going 1-4 with a monstrous 13.30 ERA and 2.284 WHIP in five career starts against them.  Bet the Giants Sunday.

20* MLB Saturday Undervalued Underdog on St. Louis Cardinals +121

The St. Louis Cardinals are on a roll right now.  They have won five straight games and figure to make it six in a row today against the Dodgers.  They should not be home underdogs here with the way they are playing right now.

This line would indicate the Dodgers have the edge on the mound, but that's not the case.  Mike Leake is 7-7 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.188 WHIP in 19 starts this season, including 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in his last two.  He has allowed just two earned runs over 13 innings while striking out 21 in his last two.

Leake is also 2-0 with a minuscule 0.60 ERA in his last two starts against Los Angeles, giving up just one earned run in 15 innings.  He'll be opposed by Kenta Maeda, who has struggled of late going 1-2 with a 5.87 ERA over his last three starts.

St. Louis is 35-11 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a one run win over the last three seasons. The Cardinals are 7-0 in their last seven vs. NL West opponents.  The Dodgers are 14-37 in their last 51 meetings in St. Louis.  Bet the Cardinals Saturday.

20* MLB DOG OF THE MONTH on San Francisco Giants +102

The San Francisco Giants (57-38) have dropped a season high-tying five straight games heading into Friday's showdown with the New York Yankees.  It's safe to say that they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight to avoid a 6th straight defeat.

The good news is that ace Madison Bumgarner takes the mound tonight to stop the bleeding.  The left-hander has been brilliant this season, going 10-5 with a 2.19 ERA and 0.980 WHIP in 20 starts, including 1-1 with a 1.71 ERA and 0.762 WHIP in his last three.

Masahiro Tanaka has been good at 7-2 with a 3.15 ERA and 1.089 WHIP in 19 starts, but he hasn't been as dominant as Bumgarner.  Tanaka has also struggled at home this season to the tune of a 4.71 ERA over 10 starts.

Situationally, I like this spot for the Giants.  Not only will they be motivated, but they had yesterday off to recoup.  The Yankees played yesterday and had their four-game winning streak come to an end against the Orioles.  Also, the Yankees are only hitting .254 and scoring 3.8 runs per game against left-handed starters this season.

Bumgarner is 18-2 (+15.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 to 7.5 over the last two seasons.  The Giants are 8-0 in Bumgarner's last eight starts following a loss in their previous game.  The Yankees are 0-4 in their last four interleague games vs. a left-handed starter.  Bet the Giants Friday.

20* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-103)

The Boston Red Sox are rolling right now in going 8-1 in their last nine games overall.  They have won seven of those games by two runs or more.  I believe they cover the Run Line with ease today against the lowly Minnesota Twins.

Steven Wright has earned All-Star status this season in going 11-5 with a 2.77 ERA and 1.183 WHIP in 18 starts.  Wright is 1-0 with a 2.03 ERA and 1.125 WHIP in two career starts against Minnesota.  He faces the Twins on June 10 this season, not allowing a single earned run in 7 1/3 innings of an 8-1 victory.

Tyler Duffey is 5-6 with a 5.23 ERA and 1.384 WHIP in 15 starts this season for the Twins.  Duffey faced Wright and the Red Sox on June 10, giving up 6 earned runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings of that 1-8 defeat.

Minnesota is 4-22 (-16.5 Units) against the money line after three or more consecutive road games this season.  It is losing by 1.7 runs per game in this spot.  The Red Sox are 6-0 in their last six home games.  Boston is 8-2 in Wright's last 10 starts and 5-1 in his last six home starts.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line.

20* MLB Wednesday Early Afternoon ANNIHILATOR on Houston Astros -125

The Houston Astros are highly motivated for a victory after losing two straight games to the Oakland A's.  They even blew a save in the 9th inning yesterday and eventually lost in the 10th frame.  Look for them to get back on track with a victory here.

Doug Fister is 9-6 with a 3.64 ERA and 1.248 WHIP in 18 starts this season, including 6-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 10 road starts.  The veteran right-hander is 7-7 with a 3.14 ERA and 1.266 WHIP in 18 career starts against Oakland.  In three starts against the A's in 2016, Fister is 2-1 with a 1.31 ERA while allowing only 3 earned runs in 20 2/3 innings.

Daniel Mengden is 1-4 with a 5.54 ERA and 1.487 WHIP in seven starts this year.  He has really struggled of late, going 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA and 2.101 WHIP in his last three starts.  One of those starts came against Houston on July 8 as Mengden gave up 6 earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of a 9-10 loss.

The Astros are a perfect 11-0 in their last 11 Wednesday games.  Houston is 8-2 in its last 10 games following a loss.  The Astros are 11-3 in Fister's last 14 starts overall and 7-1 in his last eight starts vs. AL West opponents.  Bet the Astros Wednesday.

20* NL GAME OF THE MONTH on Chicago Cubs -136

The Chicago Cubs want serious revenge on the New York Mets.  They were swept in four games in New York earlier this month, and they also lost to the Mets in the NLCS.  They want to return the favor and sweep them in Chicago this time around after taking Game 1 of this series 5-1.

Jake Arrieta also wants to exact some revenge after losing his last two starts against New York.  Arrieta is 12-4 with a 2.68 ERA and 1.093 WHIP in 18 starts this season, including 4-2 with a 1.65 ERA and 1.163 WHIP in eight home starts.  Arrieta is still 2-3 with a 3.00 ERA and 1.044 WHIP in seven career starts against the Mets.

There's no question that Noah Syndergaard is one of the best young talents in the game.  But he has struggled quite a bit of late, going 1-2 with a 5.52 ERA and 1.636 WHIP in his last three starts.  I look for Arrieta to get the best of him today given the spot.

The Mets are 0-6 in Syndergaard's last six starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.  The Cubs are 72-32 in their last 104 games following a win.  Chicago is 42-14 in Arrieta's last 56 starts.  The Cubs are 11-3 in Arrieta's last 14 home starts.  Bet the Cubs Tuesday.

20* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -170

The St. Louis Cardinals need to kick it into high gear soon if they want to remain in the NL Central race.  After losing two out of three to the Marlins over the weekend, look for the Cardinals to take Game 1 of this series with the lowly San Diego Padres.

Mike Leake is 6-7 with a 4.14 ERA and 1.198 WHIP in 18 starts this season for St. Louis.  The right-hander is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA and 1.050 WHIP in his last three starts.  Leake is also 1-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven career starts against San Diego.

This is a huge letdown spot for the Padres, who just swept the NL West-leading Giants over the weekend.  Christian Friedrich is 4-5 with a 4.50 ERA and 1.517 WHIP in 11 starts this season, including 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA and 1.400 WHIP in his last three.  Friedrich is also 0-1 with a 12.47 ERA in his lone career start against St. Louis.

The Cardinals are 60-20 (+24.8 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -150 or more over the last two seasons.   San Diego is 11-35 (-21.3 Units) against the money line off an upset win over a division rival as an underdog over the last three seasons.  St. Louis is 48-16 in its last 64 home meetings with San Diego.  Bet the Cardinals Monday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on San Francisco Giants -1.5 (-130)

The San Francisco Giants are highly motivated for a victory today.  They have lost their first two games back from the All-Star Break to the Padres, including a blown save yesterday in the 9th inning.  Look for them to avoid the sweep and win by multiple runs Sunday.

Johnny  Cueto has been awesome this season, going 13-1 with a 2.47 ERA and 0.997 WHIP in 18 starts.  Cueto is 8-0 with a 2.51 ERA and 1.066 WHIP in nine road starts.  The right-hander is 7-3 with a 2.70 ERA and 1.013 WHIP in 11 career starts against the Padres.

Cueto has been untouchable against the Padres in 2016, going 3-0 with a 0.33 ERA while allowing only one earned run in 27 innings.  He'll be opposed by the washed-up Edwin Jackson, who is 2-4 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.500 WHIP in eight career starts against San Francisco.

Cueto is 9-0 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.  The Giants are winning by 3.3 runs per game in this spot.  Cueto is 15-1 (+13.4 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -110 or higher this season.  The Giants are winning by 2.8 runs per game in this spot.  Bet the Giants on the Run Line Sunday.

20* AL West GAME OF THE WEEK on Houston Astros -111

The Houston Astros are the hottest team in baseball right now.  They have gone 32-13 in their last 45 games overall to pull within 4.5 games of the Texas Rangers for the AL West lead.  Look for them to continue their surge with another victory over the Seattle Mariners Saturday.

The Astros are glad to have a healthy Lance McCullers back.  The right-hander is 4-3 with a 3.79 ERA over 10 starts this season with 72 strikeouts in 57 innings.  McCullers has owned the Mariners, going 3-1 with a 2.42 ERA and 1.120 WHIP in four career starts against them.

Hisashi Iwakuma has struggled for most of the season.  In spite of his 9-6 record, he has posted a 4.25 ERA and 1.338 WHIP in 18 starts, including a 4.94 ERA in eight home starts.  Houston has had his number, too.  Iwakuma is 0-4 with a 7.50 ERA in his last five starts against the Astros, giving up 20 earned runs in 24 innings.

The Astros are 5-0 in the last five meetings.  The Mariners are 0-5 in Iwakuma's last five starts against the Astros.  Houston is 4-0 in its last four road games.  These three trends combine for a 14-0 system backing Houston.  Plus, the Mariners are 3-14 in their last 17 vs. AL West opponents.  Bet the Astros Saturday.

20* NL Friday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -128

The St. Louis Cardinals haven't played up to their usual standards in the first half.  However, at 46-42, they are still within striking distance of the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.  They are in second place and on the fringe of a wild-card berth right now as well.  They want to start the 2nd half on a winning note here.

I like their chances with Jaime Garcia on the mound tonight.  The left-hander is 3-5 with a 3.67 ERA and 1.148 WHIP in nine home starts this season.  He has owned the Marlins, going 2-0 with a 1.07 ERA and 1.184 WHIP in four career starts against them.

Miami counters with Wei-Yin Chen, who has been a bit of a disappointment since coming over in the offseason.  The left-hander is 5-3 with a 4.83 ERA and 1.267 WHIP In 17 starts this season.  He has never faced the Cardinals.

Miami is 3-20 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in road games after having won three of its last four games over the last two seasons.  The Cardinals are 17-5 in Garcia's last 22 Friday starts.  St. Louis is 6-1 in its last seven meetings with Miami.  Bet the Cardinals Friday.

20* NL Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Cubs -149

The Chicago Cubs are more hungry for a win today than they have been all season.  They have lost nine of their last 10 overall and desperately want to go into the All-Star Break with a victory today.  I believe they get that win due to their edge on the mound.

John Lackey is 7-5 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.084 WHIP in 17 starts this season.  The right-hander has fared pretty well against the Pirates, posting a 3.00 ERA in five career starts against them.

Jon Niese is 7-6 with a 4.87 ERA and 1.520 WHIP in 17 starts this season, including 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA and 1.714 WHIP in his last three starts.  Niese is 3-8 with a 5.35 ERA and 1.667 WHIP in 12 career starts against the Cubs.

Chicago is 61-27 (+21.4 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -125 to -175 over the last two seasons.  The Cubs are 60-25 in their last 85 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.  The Pirates are 1-4 in Niese's last five starts.  Bet the Cubs Sunday.

25* NL Bounce-Back GAME OF THE YEAR on Chicago Cubs -155

The Chicago Cubs are going through their worst stretch of the season.  They have lost eight of their last nine games overall.  It's safe to say they are highly motivated for a victory Saturday, and I look for them to get one due to their edge on the mound.

Jon Lester is an All-Star this year thanks to his 9-4 record, 2.67 ERA and 1.050 WHIP over 17 starts.  The left-hander owns the Pirates as well, going 4-3 with a 1.90 ERA and 1.141 WHIP in seven career starts against them.

Chad Kuhl will be making just his third start of the season.  He hasn't fared well in his first two, going 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA and 1.364 WHIP while lasting only 11 innings.  He is outclassed here by Lester.

Chicago is 30-10 (+15.5 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last two seasons.  The Cubs are 43-17 in their last 60 vs. National League Central.  Chicago is 8-2 in Lester's last 10 starts on 5 days of rest.  The Pirates are 5-16 in their last 21 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  The Cubs are 10-2 in the last 12 meetings and 7-1 in the last eight meetings in Pittsburgh.  Bet the Cubs Saturday.

20* MLB Friday No-Brainer on St. Louis Cardinals -124

After losing three out of four to the Pirates in their previous series, the St. Louis Cardinals (44-41) come into this series with the Milwaukee Brewers highly motivated.  They certainly want to close out the All-Star Break on a high note.

Michael Wacha isn't having his best season, but he has still been solid this year.  Wacha has never lost to the Brewers, going 3-0 with a 3.20 ERA in five career starts against them.  Look for the domination to continue today.

Jimmy Nelson is having a decent season for the Brewers at 5-7 with a 3.56 ERA and 1.357 WHIP in 17 starts.  However, Nelson has never beaten the Cardinals, going 0-5 with a 7.98 ERA and 1.637 WHIP in six career starts against them.  Don't expect him to be picking up his first victory today, either.

The Cardinals are 7-1 in Wacha's last eight starts vs. a team with a losing record.  St. Louis is 10-3 in its last 13 road games.  The Cardinals are 12-3 in their last 15 vs. NL Central opponents.  The Brewers are 18-39 in their last 57 vs. a team with a winning record.  Milwaukee is 3-13 in Nelson's last 16 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  The Brewers are 0-6 in Nelson's last six starts overall.  Bet the Cardinals Friday.

20* NL Thursday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -136

The St. Louis Cardinals have lost the first three games of this series to the Pittsburgh Pirates.  They even blew a 5-1 lead yesterday.  It's safe to say they are going to be highly motivated for a victory in Game 4 to avoid the sweep today.

Ace Adam Wainwright will get the job done and not allow his team to get swept.  Wainwright has been at his best at home this season, going 3-2 with a 3.16 ERA and 1.227 WHIP in eight starts.  The right-hander is 13-7 with a 3.85 ERA and 1.283 WHIP in 27 career starts against Pittsburgh.

Tyler Glasnow will be making his major league debut here Thursday.  While he is one of the top prospects in Pittsburgh's organization, this is a tough spot for him to make his debut against a hungry Cardinals team here on the road.

Wainwright is 79-36 (+30.4 Units) against the money line after a loss in his career.  The Cardinals are 38-17 in Wainwright's last 55 home starts.  St. Louis is 83-40 in Wainwright's last 123 starts on 4 days of rest.  The Cardinals are 10-1 in Wainwright's last 11 home starts vs. Pirates.  Bet the Cardinals Thursday.

20* NL Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -147

The St. Louis Cardinals are highly motivated for a victory Wednesday after losing the first two games of this series to the Pittsburgh Pirates.  I believe they take Game 3 tonight behind the massive edge they have on the mound in this one.

Jaime Garcia is 6-6 with a 3.84 ERA and 1.344 WHIP in 16 starts this season, including 3-5 with a 3.31 ERA and 1.123 WHIP in eight home starts.  But what really sticks out to me is that Garcia owns the Pirates, going 2-1 with a minuscule 0.64 ERA and 0.988 WHIP in four career starts against them.

Jeff Locke is 8-5 with a 5.13 ERA and 1.363 WHIP in 16 starts this season.  He has really struggled on the road, going 3-4 with a 7.16 ERA and 1.592 WHIP in nine starts away from home.  Locke is also 2-4 with a 4.04 ERA and 1.449 WHIP in nine career starts against St. Louis.

The Pirates are 2-8 in their last 10 during game 3 of a series.  Pittsburgh is 2-8 in Locke's last 10 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.  The Pirates are 0-5 in Locke's last five starts vs. NL Central foes.  The Cardinals are 36-17 in their last 53 games after losing the first 2 games of a series.  St. Louis is 11-2 in its last 13 vs. NL Central opponents.  The Pirates are 0-4 in Locke's last four road starts vs. St. Louis.  Bet the Cardinals Wednesday.

20* AL West GAME OF THE WEEK on Houston Astros -133

The Houston Astros are one of the hottest teams in baseball.  They have gone 27-11 in their last 38 games overall to get to 44-39 on the season and back in the AL West race.  I like the price we are getting with them at home tonight against the Seattle Mariners.

Dallas Keuchel, the former AL Cy Young winner, is undervalued right now due to a shockingly slow start this season.  But he is coming around of late, going 2-0 with a 3.72 ERA in his last three starts.  Keuchel is 4-5 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.059 WHIP in 10 career starts against Seattle.  The Mariners are a primary left-handed lineup, so he should match up well with them again.

Taijuan Walker has been battling right posterior tibial tendinitis for weeks, a condition that grew so severe in June that he departed starts at Tampa Bay on June 14 and at Boston five days later.  The right-hander has struggled on the road this season, going 1-3 with a 4.44 ERA and 1.367 WHIP in six starts.

The Mariners are 0-5 in Walker's last five road starts.  Seattle is 3-13 in its last 16 road games.  The Astros are 22-6 in Keuchel's last 28 home starts.  Houston is 12-2 in Keuchel's last 14 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.  The Mariners are 5-12 in their last 17 meetings in Houston.  Bet the Astros Tuesday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-105)

The Chicago Cubs have lost four straight for the second time in two weeks.  It's safe to say they are going to be highly motivated for a victory when they return home from an 11-game road trip today in Game 1 of this series against the Cincinnati Reds.

I look for the Cubs to win by multiple runs due to their edge on the mound.  Kyle Hendricks is 6-6 with a 2.66 ERA and 1.040 WHIP in 15 starts this season, including 4-1 with a 1.74 ERA and 0.793 WHIP in in seven home starts.  Hendricks is 2-1 with a 4.04 ERA in six career starts against the Reds.

Cody Reed has not fared well in limited action this season.  He's 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA and 1.812 WHIP in three starts.  One of those starts was against the Cubs on June 29.  Reed allowed 7 earned runs and 3 homers over 4 innings of a 2-9 loss to Hendricks and the Cubs.

Cincinnati is 1-12 (-10.9 Units) against the money line revenging a home loss vs opponent of 6 runs or more over the last two seasons.  It is losing by 3.0 runs per game in this spot.  The Reds are 2-16 (-14.2 Units) against the money line revenging a 3 game sweep at the hands of their opponents over the last three seasons.  They are losing by 3.4 runs per game in this spot.  Chicago is 11-0 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss by 6 runs or more over the last three seasons.  It is winning by 2.0 runs per game in this spot.  Bet the Cubs on the Run Line Monday.

20* NL Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Cubs -114

The Chicago Cubs are highly motivated for a victory Sunday to avoid the sweep after losing the first three games of this series to the New York Mets.  They also lost to the Mets in the NLCS, so they are playing with double-revenge here essentially.

Jon Lester has actually been the Cubs' best starter in 2016.  He's 9-3 with a 2.03 ERA and 0.969 WHIP in 16 starts, including 5-1 with a 1.73 ERA and 0.961 WHIP in his eight road starts.  Lester is also 2-1 with a 3.28 ERA in four career starts against New York.

There's no question that Noah Syndergaard is one of the better starters in baseball.  However, he has struggled of late, going 2-1 with a 4.67 ERA and 1.327 WHIP in his last three starts.  He gave up five earned runs in three innings of a 4-11 loss to the Nationals last time out.

Lester is a sensational 14-1 (+13.0 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .245 or worse over the last two seasons.  Bet the Cubs Sunday.

20* AL Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago White Sox -102

Any time you can get Chris Sale at even money you should probably take advantage.  That's the case today as the Chicago White Sox look to bounce back from a loss yesterday in Game 2 of this series with the Houston Astros.

Sale is 13-2 with a 2.79 ERA and 0.982 WHIP in 16 starts this season, including 6-1 with a 1.99 ERA and 0.955 WHIP in eight road starts.  The left-hander has owned the Astros, going 4-1 with a minuscule 0.66 ERA and 0.659 WHIP in five career starts against them.

Doug Fister is having a solid season at 8-4 with a 3.36 ERA in 15 starts this season, but he's not on Sale's level.  Fister is 3-4 with a 3.77 ERA and 1.387 WHIP in 10 career starts against the White Sox.

Sale is 10-1 (+9.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last two seasons.  Fister is 4-19 (-16.7 Units) against the money line against AL Central opponents in his career.  Chicago is 14-3 in Sale's last 17 starts.  Bet the White Sox Saturday.

20* NL East GAME OF THE WEEK on Miami Marlins +106

Any time the NL-worst Atlanta Braves (27-52) are favored, I'm going to be looking to fade them.  That's the case today as they are favored over the Miami Marlins (41-38), who have been the much more competent team this season.

Justin Nicolino hasn't put up the greatest numbers this year, but he's up against an Atlanta team that is hitting .238 and scoring 3.3 runs per game this season.  Nicolino owns the Braves, going 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA and 0.929 WHIP in two career starts against them.

Julio Teheran has put up solid numbers this season, but he has gotten zero run support.  That's why the Braves are 4-12 in his 16 starts overall, including 0-9 in his nine home starts.  With a trend like that, there's no way the Braves should be favored here.

Miami is 12-2 (+12.8 Units) against the money line vs. an NL starting pitcher whose ERA is 2.70 or better this season.  The Marlins are 6-1 in Nicolino's last seven road starts vs. a team with a losing record.  The Braves are 16-37 in their last 53 games vs. a left-handed starter.  Atlanta is 21-47 in its last 68 home games.  Bet the Marlins Friday.

20* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on San Francisco Giants -140

The San Francisco Giants are highly motivated for a victory Thursday.  They have lost three straight to their Bay Area rival Oakland A's to open this series.  They will be hoping to avoid the sweep with a win in Game 4 here tonight.

I certainly like their chances with ace Madison Bumgarner on the mound.  The left-hander has gone 8-4 with a 2.08 ERA and 1.015 WHIP in 16 starts this season, including 4-2 with a 1.93 ERA in seven road starts.  He's a very prideful starter, and he doesn't want to see his team get swept here.

Dillon Overton will be making just his second start of the season for the A's.  His first was a disaster as he gave up 3 homers and 9 base runners over 5 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels.  Look for the Giants to jump on him early and often.

Bumgarner is 21-2 (+19.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5 over the last two seasons.  The Giants are 11-1 in their last 12 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.  Bet the Giants Thursday.

20* AL Central GAME OF THE WEEK on Chicago White Sox -110

The Chicago White Sox are showing great value today at nearly even money at home against the Minnesota Twins.  We'll take advantage and back Chicago (38-39) over Minnesota (25-51) in this contest as it looks to bounce back from a loss in Game 1 yesterday.

The reason the White Sox are such small favorites is because James Shields has struggled since joining them.  But he's better than he has shown, and he's actually coming off a decent start against Boston last time out that will give him some confidence against the league-worst Twins.

Ricky Nolasco certainly doesn't deserve this kind of respect from oddsmakers.  He's 3-5 with a 4.94 ERA and 1.351 WHIP in 15 starts this season.  Nolasco has always struggled against the White Sox, going 1-3 with a 6.29 ERA and 1.689 WHIP in six career starts against them.

Minnesota is 3-18 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive road games this season.  The Twins are 3-19 (-15.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +150 this season.  Minnesota is 0-5 in Nolasco's last five starts vs. AL Central opponents.  The Twins are 1-6 in the last seven meetings.  Bet the White Sox Wednesday.

15* Interleague PLAY OF THE DAY on Toronto Blue Jays -129

I look for the Toronto Blue Jays to bounce back today in a big way after blowing a 4-0 lead to the Colorado Rockies yesterday.  They certainly have the edge on the mound in this one, and that should help lead them to victory.

J.A. Happ has been steady all season for the Blue Jays.  The left-hander is 9-3 with a 3.42 ERA and 1.194 WHIP in 15 starts, including 4-2 with a 2.63 ERA and 1.024 WHIP in eight road starts.  Happ is 3-0 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in six career starts against Colorado as well.

It's amazing that Eddie Butler still maintains a spot in the Rockies' rotation with how awful he has been.  Butler is 2-3 with a 6.54 ERA and 1.547 WHIP in eight starts, including 1-1 with a 10.42 ERA and 2.105 WHIP in four home starts.  Expect the Blue Jays to tee off on him tonight.

The Blue Jays are 6-1 in their last seven interleague road games vs. a right-handed starter.  Toronto is 10-3 in its last 13 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.  The Blue Jays are 5-1 in Happ's last six starts.  The Rockies are 0-5 in Butler's last five starts.  Colorado is 2-11 in Butler's last 13 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the Blue Jays Tuesday.

20* AL East GAME OF THE WEEK on Boston Red Sox -105

The Boston Red Sox are highly motivated for a victory after losing three straight and six of their last eight coming into this game.  That includes a 13-7 loss to the Rays in Game 1 of this series last night.  I expect them to get much better starting pitching tonight than they have been.

Rick Porcello has been a steady starter for them all season.  The right-hander is 8-2 with a 3.93 ERA and 1.128 WHIP in 15 starts.  Porcello has also had plenty of success against the Rays, going 6-4 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.163 WHIP in 12 career starts against them.

Chris Archer is 4-10 with a 4.70 ERA and 1.435 WHIP in 16 starts this season thanks to giving up 16 homers in 92 innings.  The right-hander has really struggled against the Red Sox, going 1-7 with a 5.67 ERA and 1.690 WHIP in 12 career starts against them.  He gave up 6 earned runs in 4 1/3 innings in his only start against them in 2016.

The Red Sox are 7-2 in Porcello's last nine starts when working on 4 days of rest.  The Rays are 1-11 in their last 12 games overall.  Tampa Bay is 1-6 in Archer's last seven starts.  The Rays are 16-35 in their last 51 vs. a team with a winning record.  Bet the Red Sox Tuesday.

20* Interleague GAME OF THE WEEK on Toronto Blue Jays -107

After losing five of their last seven games overall, the Toronto Blue Jayss come into this series with the Colorado Rockies motivated for a victory.  I look for them to win Game 1 tonight behind the advantage they have on the mound in this one.

Marco Estrada is one of the most underrated starters in baseball.  The right-hander is 5-3 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.975 WHIP in 14 starts this season.  He has only allowed 54 hits in 93 1/3 innings, which is remarkable to say the least.

Jon Gray has posted a 4.93 ERA and 1.240 WHIP in 12 starts this season for the Rockies.  He is 2-0 with a 5.34 ERA and 1.291 WHIP in five home starts as well.  Now he'll be up against one of the best lineups in baseball in the Blue Jays.

Colorado is 19-55 (-31.1 Units) against the money line vs. AL teams allowing 4.2 or less runs/game on the season since 1997.  The Blue Jays are 6-0 in their last six interleague road games vs. a right-handed starter.  Toronto is 6-1 in Estrada's last seven starts overall, including 4-0 in his last four road starts.  The Rockies are 13-29 in their last 42 interleague home games.  Colorado is 6-15 in Gray's last 21 starts.  Bet the Blue Jays Monday.

20* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Detroit Tigers -125

The Detroit Tigers are showing great value today as small home favorites over the Cleveland Indians.  Rarely will you get the opportunity to back Justin Verlander as this small of a home favorite, so we'll take advantage Sunday.

Verlander has certainly been on his game this year, going 7-5 with a 3.78 ERA and 1.070 WHIP in 15 starts.  He has been at his best on the road, going 4-2 with a 3.17 ERA and 1.056 WHIP in eight starts.  He's also 2-0 with a 3.05 ERA in his last three outings.

Josh Tomlin is having a fine season as well for the Indians.  But he's 4-4 with a 4.72 ERA in eight career starts against Detroit.  The Tigers are 10-1 (+8.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.  Bet the Tigers Sunday.

20* NL Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Cubs -173

The Chicago Cubs had lost four straight for the first time this season before winning by a single run yesterday.  Look for them to put together back-to-back victories here of the Miami Marlins Saturday.

John Lackey continues to get it done.  He's 7-3 with a 2.78 ERA and 0.979 WHIP in 14 starts this season.  More impressive yet is the fact that Lackey is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in two career starts against Miami.

Paul Clemens makes just his 2nd start of the season today.  His first wasn't so hot as he posted a 5.40 ERA and 2.000 WHIP while allowing 3 earned runs, 3 homers and 10 base runners in 5 innings of a 3-5 home loss to the Rockies.

Chicago is 50-23 (+17.2 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -110 or higher over the last two seasons.  The Cubs are 68-28 in their last 96 games following a win.  Chicago is 4-1 in Lackey's last five starts.  The Marlins are 15-31 in their last 46 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Bet the Cubs Saturday.

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Washington Nationals -154

I'm completely comfortable laying this number with Max Scherzer on the mound, even on the road.  He is one of the top five starters in the game and one of the hottest arms in the league right now.  Over his last three starts, Scherzer is 2-0 with a 0.90 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts over 20 innings pitched.

Milwaukee is already second in all of MLB in team strikeouts (684) and are likely to pass the Astros (692) after facing Mad Max.  The Brewers do return for their first home game after a nine-game road trip, but Milwaukee hasn't been especially profitable for the Brewers, who are just two games over .500 at Miller Park.  Bet the Nationals Friday.

20* National League GAME OF THE MONTH on Chicago Cubs -162

After getting swept by the St. Louis Cardinals last series and losing three straight for the first time all season, it's safe to say that the Chicago Cubs are going to be highly motivated for a victory tonight in Game 1 in Miami.

Jon Lester will lead them to victory as he continues his brilliant start to the season.  The left-hander is 9-3 with a 2.06 ERA and 0.993 WHIP in 14 starts this season, including 5-1 with a 1.69 ERA and 1.018 WHIP in six road starts.

Wei-Yin Chen hasn't had the kind of success the Marlins hoped for when they signed him this offseason.  Chen is 4-2 with a 5.22 ERA and 1.336 WHIP in 14 starts, and 1-1 with a 5.98 ERA and 1.535 WHIP in eight home starts.  He has really struggled of late, posting a 9.88 ERA and 1.903 WHIP in his last three outings.

Chicago is 59-28 in its last 87 games overall.  The Cubs are 5-0 in Lester's last five starts.  Chicago is 17-4 in its last 21 Thursday games.  The Cubs are 11-2 in their last 13 road games vs. a left-handed starter.  Bet the Cubs Thursday.

20* MLB Wednesday Night Line Mistake on Chicago White Sox +112

The wrong team is favored here tonight between the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox.  I backed the White Sox and Chris Sale to victory yesterday, and now I'll back Jose Quintana and Chicago once again tonight due to their edge on the mound.

Quintana is 5-7 with a 2.63 ERA and 1.083 WHIP in 14 starts this season.  While that is impressive to say the least, his numbers against the Red Sox are even more eye-opening.  Quintana has never lost to the Red Sox, going 3-0 with a 1.94 ERA and 0.768 WHIP in six career starts against them.

Eduardo Rodriquez is certainly one of the weak links in Boston's rotation.  Rodriquez has gone 1-2 with a 6.97 ERA and 1.597 WHIP in four starts this season, including 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA and 1.700 WHIP in two home starts.

The White Sox are 5-1 in their last six after allowing 2 runs or fewer in their previous game.  The Red Sox are 1-5 in their last six home games vs. a team with a losing road record.  Chicago is 5-1 in its last six meetings in Boston.  The White Sox are 4-1 in Quintana's last five starts vs. the Red Sox.  Bet the White Sox Wednesday.

20* MLB DOG OF THE WEEK on Chicago White Sox +105

The Chicago White Sox should not be underdogs to the Boston Red Sox tonight.  They are coming off a huge 3-1 victory in extra innings last night, and now they have a massive advantage on the mound tonight.

Ace Chris Sale goes for Chicago tonight.  He's 11-2 with a 2.94 ERA and 1.010 WHIP in 14 starts, including 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA and 0.987 WHIP in seven road starts.  Sale has posted a 3.04 ERA and 1.050 WHIP in four career starts against Boston as well.

Clay Buchholz continues to struggle this season.  He's 2-5 with a 6.35 ERA and 1.465 WHIP in 10 starts, 1-4 with a 6.30 ERA and 1.550 WHIP in seven home starts, and 0-2 with a 7.41 ERA and 1.529 WHIP in his last three starts.  Buchholz is also 3-3 with a 4.04 ERA in nine career starts against Chicago.

Sale is 9-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last two seasons.  The White Sox are 12-3 in Sale's last 15 starts overall.  The Red Sox are 8-20 in Buchholz's last 28 home starts.  Bet the White Sox Tuesday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE WEEK on Boston Red Sox -1.5 (-106)

Steven Wright has been the best starter for the Boston Red Sox all season.  I look for him to dominate the struggling Chicago White Sox today and for the Red Sox to win by multiple runs as a result.

Wright has been nothing short of brilliant all season, going 8-4 with a 2.22 ERA and 1.119 WHIP in 13 starts.  He is 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA and 1.221 WHIP in his last three starts as well.  Wright is also 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA and 1.154 WHIP in two career starts against Chicago.

Miguel Gonzalez hasn't been able to provide the White Sox with the lift they had hoped for in their rotation.  He's 1-2 with a 4.89 ERA and 1.559 WHIP in eight starts this season.  Gonzalez has allowed at least 3 earned runs in four of his last five starts against Boston while not once pitching past the 6th inning.

Chicago is 0-8 (-8.9 Units) against the money line after six consecutive games versus division rivals this season.  It is losing by 2.4 runs per game on average in this spot.  The White Sox are 4-15 against the run line (-13.3 Units) after having lost six or seven of its last eight games this season.  Bet the Red Sox on the Run Line Monday.

20* Cavs/Warriors Game 7 No-Brainer on Golden State -4.5

Only 10 teams in NBA history have come back from a 3-1 deficit to win a playoff series.  No team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the NBA Finals.  I expect that to hold up tonight as the Warriors win Game 7 and cap off a historic season.

The Warriors are 50-4 at home this season.  Yes, they lost their last home game to the Cavs, but that was a rarity and everything went Cleveland's way.  The Warriors were without Draymond Green for that game, otherwise this series would probably be over.

The Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games.  Cleveland is 0-4 ATS in its last four Sunday games.  The Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.  Golden State is 5-1 ATS in its last six Sunday games.  The Warriors are 35-14-2 ATS in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  Golden State is 34-15-2 ATS in its last 51 games when playing on 2 days' rest.  Bet the Warriors Sunday.

15* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Tampa Bay Rays -131

The Tampa Bay Rays are showing good value as small home favorites over the San Francisco Giants today.  If there's one starting pitcher in the big leagues that I like to fade the most, it's certainly Jake Peavy of the Giants.

Peavy is washed up and far past his prime.  He is struggling again in 2016, going 3-6 with a 5.83 ERA and 1.492 WHIP in 13 starts.  Peavy is 1-4 with a 7.20 ERA and 1.433 WHIP in six road starts as well.  He's also 3-2 with a 4.61 ERA in nine career starts against Tampa Bay.

Jake Odorizzi is consistently undervalued.  He's 3-3 with a 3.79 ERA and 1.225 WHIP in 14 starts this year.  He's also posted a 3.27 ERA and 1.089 WHIP in seven home starts this season.

Peavy is 3-14 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.  The Giants are 20-43 in their last 63 interleague road games vs. a right-handed starter.  San Francisco is 3-8 in Peavy's last 11 road starts.  Tampa Bay is 5-1 on Odorizzi's last 6 starts.  Bet the Rays Sunday.

20* MLB TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Blue Jays/Orioles OVER 9.5

The Toronto Blue Jays are hitting the cover off the ball right now.  They scored 13 runs yesterday and they've scored at least 7 runs in six of their last seven games overall. . They are scoring in bunches right now.

The Blue Jays will stay hot at the plate tonight against the Orioles.  Yovani Gallardo pitches for Baltimore, and he's 1-1 with a 7.00 ERA and 1.667 WHIP in four starts this season.

R. A. Dickey is 4-7 with a 4.15 ERA ands 1.316 WHIP in 14 starts this year.  Dickey is 2-5 with a 3.72 ERA in 12 career starts against Baltimore.  He gave up 3 earned runs in 6 innings in his last start against Baltimore.

Baltimore is 19-2 OVER (+17.8 Units) when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.   This is my favorite total on the board tonight.  Let's bet the OVER 9.5 runs here.

20* AL TOTAL OF THE MONTH on Blue Jays/Orioles OVER 9

Look for some offensive fireworks tonight between two of the best lineups in baseball in the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles.  The Blue Jays put up 4.6 runs per game overall and 4.9 against right-handed starters.  The Orioles average 4.8 runs per game overall and 4.9 at home.  Toronto comes in on a tear at the plate, scoring at least 7 runs in five of its last six games overall.

The Blue Jays' bats should stay red hot tonight against Mike Wright, who is 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.483 WHIP in 11 starts this season.  Wright has never beaten the Blue Jays, going 0-3 with a 7.72 ERA and 2.143 WHIP in four career starts against them.

Aaron Sanchez is having a fine season at 6-1 with a 3.37 ERA and 1.230 WHIP in 13 starts.  However, the Orioles have had his number to say the least.  Sanchez is 2-2 with a 7.45 ERA and 2.173 WHIP in four career starts against them.  In his only start against Baltimore in 2016, Sanchez gave up 6 earned runs, 4 homers and 13 base runners over 5 innings of a 10-9 victory on June 12.

Baltimore is an incredible 18-2 OVER when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.  The OVER is 5-0-1 in Blue Jays last six road games vs. a right-handed starter.  The OVER is 11-2-1 in Orioles last 14 games vs. a right-handed starter.  The OVER is 6-1-1 in Wright's last eight starts overall.  Bet the OVER in this game Friday.

20* Warriors/Cavs Game 6 ANNIHILATOR on Golden State +2

The Golden State Warriors will close out this series in six games just as they did last year.  They come in highly motivated to get the job done, especially now that they have their leader in Draymond Green back in the lineup.

Everything had to go right for the Cavs to steal Game 5 in Golden State.  It started with the unwarranted suspension of Green, who may be the Warriors' most important player.  Then Andrew Bogut went out with an injury in the 3rd quarter.  Plus, Kyrie Irving and LeBron James became the first duo to top 41 points on the same team in NBA Finals history.

With Green back, the Warriors will not only be better defensively in stopping James and company, they'll also be better offensively.  In fact, the Warriors have outscored the Cavaliers by 50 points when Green has played center in this series.  Golden State will be forced to use their "Death Lineup", which has been the best lineup in the NBA all season, and it will lead them to victory.

Plays against all teams where the line is +3 to -3 (CLEVELAND) - off an upset win as an underdog against opponent off a upset loss as a favorite are 72-35 (67.3%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Golden State is a sensational 14-1 straight up following a loss this season, including playoffs.  It simply does not lose consecutive games.  Bet the Warriors in Game 6 Thursday.

15* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Toronto Blue Jays -124

The Toronto Blue Jays come into this game red-hot tonight against the Philadelphia Phillies.  They have won five of their last six games overall while scoring 7 or more runs in four of their last five contests.  Look for their bats to stay hot here and lead them to victory over the Phillies, who have lost six of their last seven coming in.

J.A. Happ is in a groove to start the season.  He's 7-3 with a 3.70 ERA and 1.185 WHIP in 13 starts, including 3-2 with a 3.02 ERA and 1.070 WHIP in seven road starts.  Happ has never lost to the Phillies, going 3-0 with a 1.56 ERA and 1.269 WHIP in three career starts against them.

Aaron Nola is having a fine season himself, going 5-5 with a 3.20 ERA in 13 starts.  But he's 2-4 with a 3.79 ERA in six home starts, and he clearly doesn't get the run support that Happ does because the Phillies are only scoring 3.2 runs per game overall and 2.9 at home.  Nola gave up 3 earned runs in 5 innings of a 5-8 loss to the Blue Jays in his only career start against them last year.

Toronto is 15-3 (+11.8 Units) against the money line after three consecutive games versus an interleague opponent over the last three seasons.  Philadelphia is 4-23 (-17.2 Units) against the money line vs. a bullpen that averages less than 2.75 innings per game over the last two seasons.  The Phillies are 3-13 in their last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.  Philadelphia is 0-4 in Nola's last four home starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the Blue Jays Thursday.

20* American League GAME OF THE MONTH on Boston Red Sox -135

The Boston Red Sox have lost two straight to fall behind the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the AL East.  There's no question they will be highly motivated for a victory tonight as a result, and I like their chances of getting one due to their edge on the mound.

Steven Wright has been one of the most underrated starters in baseball this season.  He's 7-4 with a 2.09 ERA and 1.134 WHIP in 12 starts, including 3-0 with a 0.84 ERA in his last three.  Wright is also 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA in one career start against Baltimore, pitching a complete game 4-hitter in a 7-2 victory on May 30 this year.

Kevin Gausman is still in search of his first victory this season despite posting a 3.45 ERA over 10 starts.  He's 0-3 on the year, and 0-1 with a 3.93 ERA and 1.418 WHIP in his last three starts.  Guasman is 1-2 with a 4.13 ERA in six career starts against Boston.  In his last two starts against the Red Sox, he has given up 10 earned runs in 11 innings.

The Orioles are 2-10 in Gausman's last 12 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Baltimore is 3-10 in Gausman's last 13 road starts.  Boston is 4-0 in Wright's last four starts overall.  Bet the Red Sox Wednesday.

20* NL Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Cubs -114

After losing Game 1 of this series to the Washington Nationals, the Chicago Cubs will be highly motivated for a victory in Game 2.  After all, they are 14-4 following a loss this season, including a perfect 5-0 in their last five in this situation.

John Lackey has been dominant in his first season in Chicago.  He's 7-2 with a 2.63 ERA and 0.927 WHIP in 12 starts this year, including 3-0 with a 0.44 ERA and 0.871 WHIP in his last three.  Lackey is also 2-0 with a 3.58 ERA and 1.224 WHIP in five career starts against Washington.

Gio Gonzalez is 3-5 with a 3.94 ERA and 1.254 WHIP in 12 starts this season, including 1-3 with a 4.36 ERA and 1.424 WHIP in six home starts.  Gonzalez has really struggled of late, going 0-3 with a 7.13 ERA in his last three starts.  He allowed five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings of a 5-8 loss to the Cubs on May 7 in his only start against them this year.

The Cubs are 10-2 in their last 12 road games vs. a left-handed starter.  Chicago is 55-24 in its last 79 games overall.  The Cubs are 4-1 in Lackey's last five starts.  The Nationals are 0-4 in Gonzalez's last four starts.  Washington is 0-5 in Gonzalez's last five starts vs. NL Central opponents.  Chicago is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.  Bet the Cubs Tuesday.

15* National League PLAY OF THE DAY on Miami Marlins -119

The Miami Marlins (32-31) are having a fine season up to this point.  But they are coming off consecutive losses and want to get back in the win column tonight.  That shouldn't be a problem considering the edge they have on the mound over the lowly San Diego Padres (26-38).

Wei-Yin Chen has proven to be an excellent addition to the rotation this year.  He's 3-2 with a 4.56 ERA and 1.254 WHIP in 12 starts, including 2-1 with a 3.94 ERA and 1.045 WHIP in five road starts.

Colin Rea wouldn't start in most rotations in the majors.  He's 3-2 with a 4.67 ERA and 1.330 WHIP in 11 starts this year.  He's 2-1 with a 4.46 ERA at home, and 0-0 with a 5.71 ERA in his last three starts.

Miami is 21-9 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after a game without an extra base hit over the last three seasons.  The Marlins are 9-2 in their last 11 vs. National League West.  Miami is 6-1 in its last seven Monday games.  The Padres are 1-9 in their last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the Marlins Monday.

20* Cavs/Warriors Game 5 No-Brainer on Cleveland +6

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in must-win mode now with their season on the line.  They caught a huge break with the suspension of Draymond Green in Game 5, and I look for them to take advantage and give the Warriors a run for their money.

The Cavaliers have been outscored by 51 points when Green has played center in this series.  That is known as their "Death Lineup", which is the most effective lineup in the NBA.  Without it the Warriors are extremely vulnerable.  They have a deep bench, but nobody can replace what Green brings to this team.

Cleveland is 21-12 ATS versus good teams outscoring opponents by 3-plus points per game this season.  The Cavs are 17-8 ATS vs. explosive offensive teams who score 103-plus points per game this year.  Cleveland is 19-9 ATS when playing just its 2nd game in 5 days this season.  Bet the Cavaliers in Game 5 Monday.

25* NL Central GAME OF THE YEAR on Pittsburgh Pirates -109

I've been on the Pirates and lost the last two days.  So, essentially they've lost the first two games of this series, and now they will be highly motivated to avoid the sweep at home today.  I'm going to back them as small favorites here given this great situation and bet them for more today.

Jon Niese has been at his best at home this season.  He's 3-1 with a 3.16 ERA and 1.189 WHIP in six home starts.  Niese has really turned it on of late, going 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his last three starts.  Niese is also 4-3 with a 3.45 ERA in 10 career starts against St. Louis, and his teams are 7-3 in those contests.

Mike Leake has just been an average pitcher this season for the Cardinals.  He is 4-4 with a 4.22 ERA in 12 starts this season, including 1-1 with a 4.66 ERA in his last three starts.  Leake is 8-4 with a 3.49 ERA in 25 lifetime starts vs. Pittsburgh, so the Pirates are clearly very familiar with him.

The Pirates are 37-18 in their last 55 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.  Pittsburgh is 14-6 in its last 20 Sunday games.  The Cardinals are 1-4 in Leake's last 5 starts vs. National League Central.  Bet the Pirates Sunday.

20* NL Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Pittsburgh Pirates +102

The Pittsburgh Pirates are highly motivated for a victory tonight after losing three straight games coming in.  They should not be home underdogs to the St. Louis Cardinals when I believe they have the edge on the mound here.

Francisco Liriano has been a beast at home since he arrived in Pittsburgh.  He's 3-2 with a 3.14 ERA in five home starts this season.  Liriano owns the Cardinals, going 7-2 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.066 WHIP in 15 career starts against them.

Carlos Martinez is having a solid season at 6-5 with a 3.76 ERA, but he's 2-1 with a 4.26 ERA in his last three starts.  Plus, Martinez does not enjoy facing the Pirates, going 2-3 with a 4.89 ERA and 1.486 WHIP in six career starts against them.

The Pirates are 40-19 in their last 59 home games vs. a right-handed starter.  Pittsburgh is 22-6 in Liriano's last 28 starts overall.  The Pirates are 14-2 in Liriano's last 16 home starts.  Pittsburgh is 8-0 in Liriano's last eight starts during Game 2 of a series.  Bet the Pirates Saturday.

20* Warriors/Cavs Game 4 No-Brainer on Cleveland -2

The Cleveland Cavaliers proved their naysayers wrong with an emphatic 30-point victory in Game 3.  Now they have the belief that they can beat the Warriors, and they will ride that wave into a Game 4 victory again tonight to even the series.

Home-court advantage has been huge for the Cavaliers all season.  They are now 41-8 at home on the year and a perfect 8-0 at home in the playoffs.  They have won seven of their eight playoff home games by 11 points or more, and they are winning at home in the postseason by an average of over 21 points per game.

The Warriors have certainly been vulnerable on the road in these playoffs, especially here of late.  They are just 2-4 in their last six playoff road games with their two wins only coming by 7 points apiece.  They have actually been outscored by an average of 13.3 points per game in their last six playoff road games.

Cleveland is 9-1 ATS in home games versus good teams - outscoring their opponents by 3+ points/game - 2nd half of the season this season.  The Cavaliers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven home games overall.  Bet the Cavaliers in Game 4 Friday.

15* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Pittsburgh Pirates -134

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a massive edge on the mound today over the St. Louis Cardinals.  They should certainly be bigger favorites as a result, so we'll take advantage and back them at this nice -134 price.

Gerrit Cole is the ace of this staff, going 5-4 with a 2.85 ERA in 11 starts this season.  He certainly has enjoyed his fair share of success against the Cardinals, going 6-4 with a 2.84 ERA and 1.091 WHIP in 11 career starts.
 
St. Louis starter Michael Wacha hasn't won a game since April 23 in San Diego.  He's  2-6 with a 5.16 ERA and 1.508 WHIP in 12 starts this season, including 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in his last three.  Wacha has gone 0-2 with an 8.79 ERA in his last three starts against Pittsburgh, yielding 14 earned runs in 14 1/3 innings.

The Pirates are 40-18 in Cole's last 58 starts, 25-9 in his last 34 home starts, and 14-2 in his last 16 Friday starts.  Pittsburgh is 40-16 in its last 56 Friday games overall.  The Cardinals are 0-7 in Wacha's last 7 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.  St. Louis is 1-7 in Wacha's last eight starts overall.  Take the Pirates Friday.

20* National League GAME OF THE WEEK on Milwaukee Brewers -111

The Milwaukee Brewers are showing great value as small home favorites over the New York Mets tonight.  They are playing well coming in having won five of their last seven.  Plus, they certainly have the edge on the mound in this one.

Jimmy Nelson has been one of their best starters this season.  Nelson is 5-4 with a 3.43 ERA and 1.237 WHIP in 12 starts, including 4-2 with a 2.54 ERA and 1.087 WHIP in seven home starts.  Nelson is also 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA and 0.700 WHIP in three career starts against New York.

Bartolo Colon is having a solid season for the Mets as well at 4-3 with a 3.34 ERA in 11 starts, including 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA in six road starts.  But Colon certainly has struggled against the Brewers, going 3-3 with a 4.80 ERA and 1.733 WHIP in eight career starts against them.  He has given up 9 earned runs in 11 innings in his last two starts against Milwaukee.

The Mets are 2-8 in their last 10 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.  New York is 1-6 in Colon's last seven starts vs. NL Central opponents.  The Brewers are 5-0 in Nelson's last five starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.  Bet the Brewers Thursday.

25* NBA Playoffs GAME OF THE YEAR on Cleveland Cavaliers +1.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers represent my favorite bet of the entire postseason in Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight.  This is a must-win for them if they want to make a series out of it, and they certainly won't be lacking any motivation after the showing they put forth in Oakland.

The media has counted the Cavaliers out and left them for dead.  But they aren't going to go out this way, and you can bet they will be playing with a chip on their shoulders tonight.  They will win the 50/50 balls in this one behind the energy from their home crowd and pick up a win that will get them back in this series.

After all, Cleveland has been one of the best home teams in the NBA this season.  They are 40-8 at home, including a perfect 7-0 in the playoffs.  The Cavaliers have rarely even been tested at home in these playoffs as six of their seven victories have come by 11 points or more with an average margin of victory of 20.9 points per game.

The Warriors haven't exactly played great on the road here of late.  They are 2-3 in their last five road games in these playoffs with their two wins coming by 7 and 7 points.  They have been outscored by an average of 10.0 points per game in their last five road games.

Cleveland is 21-10 ATS in home game revenging a road loss vs. opponent over the last two seasons.  The Cavaliers are 8-1 ATS in home games versus good teams outscoring opponents by 3-plus points per game in the second half of the season this season.  Cleveland is 6-0 ATS in its last six home games.  Bet the Cavaliers in Game 3 Wednesday.

15* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Miami Marlins -101

The Miami Marlins have the decided advantage on the mound today and should be favored because of it.  Instead, we are getting them at basically even money tonight against the Minnesota Twins, who are just 17-40 on the season.

Wei-Yin Chen has proven to be an excellent addition to the Marlins' rotation this year.  He's 3-2 with a 4.25 ERA and 1.218 WHIP in 11 starts, including 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA and 0.904 WHIP in four road starts.  Chen is also 3-1 with a 2.95 ERA and 1.173 WHIP in six career starts against Minnesota.

Ricky Nolasco is a former Marlin who just hasn't had any success since he left Miami.  he's 2-4 with a 4.93 ERA in 11 starts this season, including 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in five home starts.  Nolasco is also 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA over his last three starts.

The Marlins are 8-3 in their last 11 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.  Miami is 6-2 in Chen's last eight starts overall.  The Twins are 17-43 in their last 60 overall.  Minnesota is 1-6 in Nolasco's last seven starts.  The Twins are 1-9 in their last 10 Wednesday games.  Minnesota is 4-14 in its last 18 home games.  Take the Marlins Wednesday.

20* MLB TOTAL OF THE WEEK on Angels/Yankees OVER 9

This game between the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees tonight should see plenty of offensive fireworks to push the final combined score OVER 9 runs.  These are two awful starting pitchers going at it, plus the wind is expected to be blowing out to right-center field at 11 miles per hour tonight.

Michael Pineda has lost it this season for the Yankees.  he's 2-6 with a 6.41 ERA and 1.610 WHIP in 11 starts this year, including 1-2 with a 7.48 ERA and 1.662 WHIP in five home starts.  Pineda is also 0-1 with a 12.60 ERA and 1.600 WHIP in his lone career start against Los Angeles.

David Huff will be making his first start of the season for the Angels, who are in dire straights in terms of their lack of starting pitching.  Huff has posted an 11.59 ERA and 2.575 WHIP in his lone career start against the Yankees.  He went 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in three starts at Triple-A Salt Lake this season.

The OVER is 14-5 in Angels last 19 games vs. a right-hander starter.  The OVER is 6-1 in Angels last seven games following a loss.  The OVER is 6-1 in Yankees last seven when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.  The OVER is 5-0-1 in Pineda's last six starts when working on 4 days or rest.  Bet the OVER in this game Tuesday.

20* MLB Run Line GAME OF THE MONTH on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-141)

The Cubs have gone 10-2 in their last 12 games overall to improve to 39-16 on the season for the MLB's best record.  But they are coming off a loss yesterday, which will have them motivated in Game 1 of this series against the lowly Philadelphia Phillies.

The Cubs have a massive advantage on the mound today that will lead them to victory by multiple runs.  Jon Lester is 6-3 with a 2.29 ERA and 1.019 WHIP in 11 starts this season.  Lester has never lost to the Phillies, going 5-0 with a 1.71 ERA and 0.972 WHIP in seven career starts against them.

Adam Morgan is clearly the worst starter in the Phillies' rotation.  He's 1-4 with a 7.06 ERA and 1.514 WHIP in seven starts this season.  Morgan has never beaten the Cubs, going 0-2 with a 10.00 ERA and 1.989 WHIP in two career starts against them.

Chicago is 16-5 against the run line (+11.5 Units) after having won 4 of their last 5 games this season.  The Cubs are a very profitable 34-21 against the run line (+13.1 Units) in all games this season.  Bet the Cubs on the Run Line Monday.

20* Cavs/Warriors Game 2 No-Brainer on Cleveland +6.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers had the Golden State Warriors on the ropes with a lead late in the 3rd quarter.  But the Warriors got an unbelievable 45 points from their bench to pull away, which isn't going to happen again in Game 2.

I've spoke about the zig-zag-theory, which means taking the team that lost the previous game.  While it's only .500 this entire postseason, it is very profitable in Game 2's over time.  Indeed, the loser of Game 1 is 204-159-13 (56.2%) ATS in Game 2 since 1991.

The Cavaliers will make the necessary adjustments in Game 2.  Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for only 20 points in Game 1, and if they do anything near that again, the Cavaliers will pounce.  J.R. Smith and Channing Frye, two key members of the Cavs, will certainly do more than they did in Game 1.

Plays against home favorites (GOLDEN STATE) - when leading in a playoff series, a top-level team (>= 75%) playing a good team (60% to 75%) are 30-8 (78.9%) ATS since 1996.  Golden State is 4-12 ATS in home games in non-conference games this season.  Bet the Cavaliers in Game 2 Sunday.

15* MLB Sunday No-Doubt Rout on Baltimore Orioles -126

The Baltimore Orioles are showing solid value as small home favorites over the New York Yankees Sunday.  They lost yesterday, which will have them motivated to get Game 3 here and take this series.

Kevin Gausman is 0-3 with a 3.78 ERA and 1.133 WHIP in eight starts this season.  He's obviously motivated to get his first win of the year, and it's only a matter of bad luck for the reason he doesn't have on yet.  Guasman is 1-1 with a 2.00 ERA and 0.972 WHIP in six career starts against New York.

C.C. Sabathia is actually pitching pretty well this season, but the fact of the matter is that this guy is far past his prime, and he'll be going downhill sooner rather than later.  He's 3-4 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.204 WHIP in eight starts this season.  But he's only averaging 5.9 innings/start, which shows that he hasn't been very efficient at all.

The Yankees are 0-4 in their last 4 games following a win.  New York is 2-9 in its last 11 road games vs. a team with a winning record.  The Orioles are 50-20 in their last 70 home games vs. a team with a losing record.  The Yankees are 2-8 in the last 10 meetings.  New York is 1-4 in Sabathia's last 5 starts vs. Baltimore.  Take the Orioles Sunday.

20* AL Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago White Sox -158

The Chicago White Sox are going through their worst stretch of the season to fall to 29-26 on the year.  Look for ace Chris Sale to get the White Sox back on track today with a win over the Detroit Tigers.

Sale is 9-1 with a 2.29 ERA and 0.877 WHIP in 11 starts this season, including 5-0 with a 1.59 ERA and 0.882 WHIP in six road starts.  The left-hander has gone 6-5 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.171 WHIP in 14 career starts against Detroit as well.

The Tigers will be sending out their worst starter in Mike Pelfrey today.  Pelfrey is 0-5 with a 5.64 ERA and 1.785 WHIP in 10 starts, including 0-2 with a 7.42 ERA and 1.650 WHIP in five home starts.  Pelfrey has never beaten the White Sox, going 0-4 with a 6.20 ERA and 1.845 WHIP in eight career starts against them.

The White Sox are 7-0 in Sale's last seven starts vs. a team with a losing record.  Chicago is 9-1 in Sale's last 10 starts following a quality start in his last appearance.  The White Sox are 4-0 in Sale's last four Saturday starts.  Chicago is 4-1 in Sale's last five starts vs. Detroit.  Bet the White Sox Saturday.

20* American League GAME OF THE MONTH on Cleveland Indians -167

This is the ultimate mound mismatch tonight when the Cleveland Indians host the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of this series.  I'll gladly lay this price with Danny Salazar over Edinson Volquez of the Royals.

Salazar is having a Cy Young-caliber season.  He's 5-3 with a 2.39 ERA and 1.144 WHIP with 72 K's in 60 1/3 innings.  He's 3-1 with a 1.61 ERA and 0.893 WHIP in four home starts.  Salazar is also 2-1 with a 1.35 ERA in his last three starts against Kansas City, giving up only 3 earned runs in 20 innings.

Edinson Volquez has been solid at home, but he's 2-2 with a 6.95 ERA and 1.909 WHIP in four road starts this season.  Volquez hates facing the Indians, going 2-5 with an 8.31 ERA and 2.106 WHIP in eight career starts against them.  He has given up at least 3 earned runs in seven of those eight starts.

The Royals are 7-15 in their last 22 road games.  Kansas City is 1-5 in Volquez's last six road starts vs. a team with a winning record.  The Indians are 10-1 in Salazar's last 11 Friday starts.  Cleveland is 7-1 in Salazar's last eight home starts.  Bet the Indians Friday.

20* Cavs/Warriors Game 1 No-Brainer on Cleveland +6

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a lot going for them heading into Game 1 of this series tonight.  For starters, they've had three extra days of rest after beating the Raptors in six games.  We've seen them thrive with extra rest in these playoffs.

Indeed, the Cavaliers made easy work of the Hawks in a 104-93 home victory as 8-point favorites in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.  After sweeping the Hawks, they crushed Toronto 115-84 at home in Game 1 as 11-point favorites last series.

There's no question that the Cavaliers are the more motivated team heading into this series, too.  This is a rematch from last year's NBA Finals.  The Cavs took the Warriors to six games even without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.  Now they have both healthy, want revenge, and are hitting on all cylinders right now as they've been the most impressive team in these playoffs.

Cleveland is 12-2 ATS when playing only its 2nd game in 7 days over the last three seasons.  The Cavaliers are 11-3 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points this season.  Golden State is 3-12 ATS in non-conference home games this season.  This is actually a hangover spot for the Warriors after fighting back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Thunder last series.  I look for them to come out flat compared to the Cavs in Game 1.  Bet the Cavaliers Thursday.

15* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (+111)

The Rockies have lost two of the first three games of this series to the Reds and four of their last five overall.  They'll be hungry to square the series in Game 4 here tonight and to get back in the win column.  I like their chances of doing so by multiple runs due to their edge on the mound and at the plate.

Eddie Butler has certainly held his own this season, going 2-2 with a 4.55 ERA and 1.156 WHIP in five starts.  He has only given up 32 base runners in 27 2/3 innings and has been unfortunate to give up 14 earned runs with those results.

Alfredo Simon has been one of the worst starters in baseball.  He's 1-5 with a 9.15 ERA and 2.008 WHIP in nine starts, including 0-3 with a monstrous 13.85 ERA and 2.846 WHIP in four road starts.  Simon is also 0-2 with an 11.25 ERA and 2.375 WHIP in two career starts against Colorado.

Cincinnati is 12-24 against the run line (-16.5 Units) in night games this season.  The Reds are 5-15 against the run line (-12.1 Units) as an underdog when the run line price is +165 to -135 this season.  Cincinnati is 2-9 in Simon's last 11 road starts.  The Reds are 19-49 in their last 68 overall.  Take the Rockies on the Run Line Thursday.

20* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Colorado Rockies -1.5 (-109)

The Colorado Rockies exploded for 17 runs in a 17-4 beat down of the Cincinnati Reds yesterday to put an end to a 3-game losing streak.  Look for their bats to stay red hot today and for them to win by multiple runs thanks to their massive advantage on the mound.

Tyler Chatwood has been nothing short of brilliant for the Rockies, going 6-3 with a 2.69 ERA and 1.147 WHIP in 10 starts, including 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in his last three.  He has given up just one earned run over 13 innings in his last two starts.

John Lamb is still looking for his first win of the season for the Reds.  Lamb is 0-3 with a 6.84 ERA and 1.817 WHIP in five starts this season, including 0-2 with a 15.25 ERA and 2.868 WHIP in two road starts.

The Reds are 0-5 in Lamb's five starts this season and 0-8 in his last eight starts overall.  Plays against all underdogs against a 1.5 run line. (Money Line =+110 to +155) (CINCINNATI) - with a team batting average of .255 or worse on the season (NL), after a loss by 6 runs or more are 46-12 (79.3%, +32.8 units) over the last five seasons.

Colorado is 19-4 against the run line (+16.5 Units) vs. a starting pitcher who gives up 1 or more HR's/start over the last two seasons.  Cincinnati is 0-10 against the run line (-11.4 Units) as an underdog when the run line price is +110 to +155 this season.  Bet the Rockies on the Run Line Wednesday.

20* NL East GAME OF THE WEEK on Washington Nationals -114

We are getting the Washington Nationals at a great price here today as small road favorites over the Philadelphia Phillies.  The Phillies are clearly overvalued because they have overachieved this season, but they have lost four straight and eight of 10 overall, which is only a sign of things to come for them.

Aaron Nola is having a nice season for the Phillies at 4-3 with a 3.14 ERA.  But Nola has struggled at home, going 1-3 with a 4.85 ERA in four starts.  He has never beaten the Nationals, going 0-1 with a 5.32 ERA in four career starts against them.

Joe Ross is the most underrated starter in the Nationals' rotation.  He has gone 4-4 with a 2.68 ERA and 1.211 WHIP in nine starts this season, including 2-2 with a 1.93 ERA and 1.142 WHIP in five road starts.  Ross is also 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 0.652 WHIP in his lone career start against Philadelphia.  He pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings in a 9-1 win at Philadelphia on April 15 earlier this season.

Philadelphia is 18-43 (-24.6 Units) against the money line revenging a one run loss to opponent over the last three seasons.  The Nationals are 5-1 in their last six road games.  The Phillies are 1-4 in Nola's last five home starts.  Washington is 6-1 in its last seven trips to Philadelphia.  Bet the Nationals Tuesday.

20* Thunder/Warriors Game 7 No-Brainer on Golden State -7

The Golden State Warriors have all the momentum right now.  After coming back from a 3-1 deficit in this series, they have forced a Game 7 by winning the last two games, including Game 6 on the road by 7.  I like them to win by double-digits now in Game 7 so we'll back them laying 7 points here.

The Warriors have made some nice adjustments these last two games by going bigger.  They have only been outrebounded by a combined 2 boards these last two games.  Playing the Thunder pretty much even on the glass has been the difference, and I expect them to continue to battle on the boards with everything on the line in Game 7.

The Warriors are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games.  Golden State is 31-15 ATS in its last 46 Monday games.  The Warriors are 33-16-2 ATS in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  The home team is 15-5-1 ATS in the last 21 meetings.  The Thunder are 1-6 ATS in their last seven visits to Golden State.  Bet the Warriors in Game 7 Monday.

15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on St. Louis Cardinals -118

Pretty generous price here with the Cardinals as small road favorites over the Milwaukee Brewers today.  Carlos Martinez has struggled of late, but he's still the better starter here and worth the price of admission.

Martinez is 0-3 with an 8.40 ERA in his last three starts, which is why he's undervalued here.  But he's been dominant away from home, going 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in three road starts.  Martinez is 1-1 with a 2.33 ERA and 1.190 WHIP in four career starts against Milwaukee as well.

Junior Guerra is overvalued right now because he hasn't lost yet.  He's 3-0 with a 3.30 ERA and 1.133 WHIP in five starts.  While impressive, he's about to suffer his first loss of the season today against the Cardinals, whom he has never faced.

Martinez is 16-4 (+12.3 Units) against the money line vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .250 or worse over the last two seasons.  The Cardinals are 7-0 in their last 7 after scoring two runs or less in their previous game. St. Louis is 5-1 in Martinez's last six road starts.  Bet the Cardinals Monday.

20* American League GAME OF THE MONTH on Boston Red Sox -135

The Boston Red Sox have lost the first two games of this series with the Toronto Blue Jays.  That includes a blown save last night as they were leading by one going into the 9th.  They'll be highly motivated to avoid the sweep in Game 3 Sunday.

I like their chances of getting a win here with ace David Price on the mound.  He's undervalued right now because he's off to a sub-par start this season.  But getting him as only a -135 favorite here is a huge discount.  Price is 3-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his last three starts.  He's also 17-2 with a 2.42 ERA and 1.054 WHIP in 22 career starts against Toronto.

R.A. Dickey is 41 years old and washed up.  He's 2-6 with a 4.60 ERA and 1.319 WHIP in 10 starts this season, including 0-4 with a 5.64 ERA and 1.451 WHIP in five home starts.  Dickey is 5-8 with a 4.37 ERA and 1.311 WHIP in 18 career starts against Boston as well.

Toronto is 0-7 (-8.1 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.  Price is 18-4 (+10.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.  His 17-2 record against the Blue Jays alone is enough to warrant a bet on the Red Sox this afternoon.  Bet the Red Sox Sunday.

15* MLB Run Line PLAY OF THE DAY on Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5 (+108)

The Arizona Diamondbacks are highly motivated for a victory tonight after losing four straight games coming in.  I look for them to get back in the win column tonight against the lowly San Diego Padres by multiple runs thanks to the edge they have on the mound.

Ace Zack Greinke gets the ball to stop the bleeding.  Greinke is coming around, going 2-1 with a 3.43 ERA and 1.048 WHIP in his last three starts.  He has owned the Padres, going 6-1 with a 1.64 ERA and 0.807 WHIP in 13 career starts against them.

Cesar Vargas wouldn't start on most teams in the majors.  He's 0-2 with a 3.34 ERA and 1.485 WHIP in six starts this season, including 0-1 with a 5.02 ERA and 1.954 WHIP in three road starts.  Look for the Diamondbacks to get on him early and often in this one.

Greinke is 25-3 (+18.5 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -200 or more in his career.  His teams are winning by an average of 3.2 runs per game in this spot.  Enough said.  Take the Diamondbacks on the Run Line Saturday.

20* Warriors/Thunder Game 6 ANNIHILATOR on Golden State +2.5

The Golden State Warriors showed their championship resolve by winning Game 5 120-111 over the Thunder.  Now they are ready to take the show on the road and finally play up to their potential after a disastrous two games in Oklahoma City earlier this series.

You can ask any NBA player and they'll tell you that a close-out game is the hardest.  That's especially the case for the Thunder, who haven't been to the NBA Finals in a while.  It's also tough to close out the defending champions, especially one with the mental fortitude of the Warriors.

There were some adjustments in Game 5 that I really liked from the Warriors.  They played Andrew Bogut big minutes to counter the big lineup of the Thunder, and it worked.  Bogut had 15 points and 14 rebounds in nearly 30 minutes of action.  He was a big reason the Warriors actually outrebounded the Thunder 54-50 for the game.

Golden State is 13-4 ATS after having lost two of its last three games over the past two seasons.  The Warriors are 60-43 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record over the last two seasons.  OKC is 11-20 ATS versus teams who average 53 or more rebounds per game this season.  Bet the Warriors in Game 6 Saturday.

15* Cavs/Raptors Game 6 No-Brainer on Cleveland -6

I realize that the home team has dominated this series all season long.  In fact, the home team is 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in all meetings between the Cavs and Raptors this season.  I've even been on the home team in four of the first five games in this series.

But I'm reversing course in Game 6.  The Cavaliers will really buckle down heading into Game 6 to try and get a signature road win and beat the West to the NBA Finals, which will give them the advantage in rest going in.  Lebron James and company will make a big point of finishing this series out on the road and not going back home for a Game 7.  It will be the emphasis today.

After all, that 116-78 beat down the Cavs put on the Raptors in Game 5 had to be extremely deflating for Toronto players.  Even though they've won two games this series, they know they stand no chance of winning it if they have to go back to Cleveland.  The season has already been a success for the Raptors, while anything short of a championship would be a disappointment for Cleveland.  That's why I like the mindset of the Cavs a lot more coming in to Game 6.

Plays against home underdogs (TORONTO) - revenging a loss where team scored less than 85 points against opponent off a home blowout win by 20 points or more are 83-46 (64.3%) ATS since 1996.  Toronto is 0-8 ATS after scoring 85 points or less over the last two seasons.  The Raptors are 1-10 ATS after a game with 5 or less offensive rebounds over the last two years.  Bet the Cavaliers in Game 6 Friday.

20* MLB GAME OF THE MONTH on Toronto Blue Jays -125

The Toronto Blue Jays are really starting to play good baseball coming into this series with the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox.  They have won five of their last seven games overall, all of which have come on the road.  Now they return home motivated to gain some ground on the Red Sox in the division, starting with Game 1 tonight.

And Game 1 is certainly in their favor on the mound.  Aaron Sanchez is 4-1 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.220 WHIP in nine starts this season.  Sanchez has owned the Red Sox, going 2-0 with a 1.83 ERA and 1.017 WHIP in three career starts against them.  He has given up 1 earned run over 14 innings in his last two starts against Boston.

Joe Kelly wouldn't start for most teams in the majors.  He has gone 2-0 with a 5.28 ERA and 1.825 WHIP in four starts this season.  Kelly certainly doesn't enjoy facing the Blue Jays, going 1-1 with a 6.96 ERA and 1.577 WHIP in six career starts against them.  He gave up 7 earned runs in 3 innings against Toronto on April 8 this season.

Boston is 3-14 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in road games after having won 4 of their last 5 games over the last three seasons.  Toronto is 20-6 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after batting .200 or worse over a 3-game span over the last two seasons.  Take the Blue Jays Friday.

20* Thunder/Warriors Game 5 ANNIHILATOR on Golden State -7.5

The Golden State Warriors must go 3-0 the rest of this series if they want to have a chance at winning back-to-back titles and end their amazing season the right way.  I like their chances of a big performance in Game 5 tonight considering it's at home.

After all, the Warriors are 46-3 at home this season and outscoring opponents by 14.4 points per game.  They throttled the Thunder in Game 2 118-91 and a similar result can be expected tonight.  That was their best game of the series, and they will get back to moving the basketball and being more aggressive on 50/50 balls at home tonight, especially on the boards with everything at stake.

Home-court advantage has been huge in this rivalry as the home team is 10-1-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings.  The Warriors are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.  Golden State is 27-11-1 ATS in its last 39 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  The Warriors are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games.

Plays on any team (GOLDEN STATE) - revenging a road blowout loss vs opponent of 20 points or more, off an upset loss by 15 points or more as a favorite are 42-17 (71.2%) ATS since 1996.  Plays on home teams (GOLDEN STATE) - revenging a road loss vs opponent of 10 points or more, off an upset loss by 15 points or more as a favorite are 72-35 (67.3%) ATS since 1996.  Bet the Warriors in Game 5 Thursday.

15* MLB Thursday No-Doubt Rout on Houston Astros -115

The Houston Astros are clearly undervalued right now because they have underachieved with a 19-28 record to this point.  The Baltimore Orioles are overvalued right now because they have overachieved with a 26-18 record.  But after winning the first two games of this series, the Astros are gaining confidence and will pull off the sweep tonight.

Lance McCullers opened the season on the disabled list, but he recently returned.  He gave up only two earned runs in six innings with seven strikeouts in a 1-2 loss to Texas last time out.  In his lone career start against Baltimore, McCullers pitched 9 innings of one run, four-hit ball with 11 strikeouts in a 3-1 victory last year.

Kevin Gausman got off to a fantastic start this season for the Orioles, but he has cooled off here recently.  Gausman is 0-0 with a 4.07 ERA and 1.585 WHIP in his last three starts.  He has allowed 28 base runners over 17 2/3 innings in those three outings.

Houston is 22-5 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in home games vs. a starting pitcher whose gives up 0.5 or less HR's/start over the last two seasons.  The Orioles are 4-11 in Gausman's last 15 road starts.  Houston is 5-1 in the last six meetings with Baltimore, and 5-1 in the last six home meetings as well.  Take the Astros Thursday.

20* Raptors/Cavs Game 5 No-Brainer on Cleveland -10.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers certainly did not want to lose both games in Toronto to have this series evened up at 2-2.  However, it will only have them more motivated than ever to make a statement in Game 5 at home and regain control of this series.

After all, home-court advantage has been enormous when these teams have gotten together recently.  Indeed, the home team is a perfect 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings.  And the games in Cleveland haven't even been close.

Cleveland is 3-0 at home against Toronto this season.  It won by 22 points in the regular season, by 31 in Game 1, and by 19 in Game 2.  That's an average margin of victory of 24.0 points per game.  That's why I'm not concerned at all about laying 10.5 points with the Cavs in Game 5 here tonight.

Cleveland is 8-1 ATS in home games when playing against a good team with a winning percentage from 60% to 70% this season.  The Raptors are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.  The Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games.  Bet the Cavaliers in Game 5 Wednesday.

15* MLB Wednesday Undervalued Underdog on Arizona Diamondbacks +109

The oddsmakers have the wrong team favored here between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates.  That's evident when you look at the starting pitching matchup in this one tonight.  I like the Diamondbacks to bounce back after losing Game 1 as a result.

Rubby De La Rosa has been the best starter for the Diamondbacks this season, going 3-3 with a 3.32 ERA and 1.057 WHIP in seven starts.  He has owned the Pirates, too, going 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA and 0.615 WHIP in two career starts against them.  He gave up one run and four base runners in 6 innings of a 7-1 home victory over the Pirates on April 23 earlier this season.

Jeff Locke is the biggest weak link in the Pirates' rotation.  The left-hander has gone 2-3 with a 5.00 ERA and 1.578 WHIP in eight starts this season.  Locke has never beaten the Diamondbacks, going 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA and 2.063 WHIP in three career starts against them.

De La Rosa is a perfect 6-0 (+7.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last two seasons.  Arizona is 11-3 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games after three or more consecutive road games this season.  Take the Diamondbacks Wednesday.

25* Western Conference Finals GAME OF THE YEAR on Golden State -1.5

The Golden State Warriors are in must-win mode tonight to avoid falling behind 3-1 in this series to the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Look for them to come through just as they have all season in these spots with tremendous resiliency.

In fact, the Warriors haven't lost back-to-back games all season.  They are 12-0 straight up in games following a loss this year.  Their 28-point blowout loss to the Thunder in Game 3 certainly is not sitting well with them, and I fully expect them to go out and do something about it tonight in Oklahoma City.

Plays against home teams where the line is +3 to -3 (OKLAHOMA CITY) - off an upset win as an underdog against opponent off a road loss are 63-26 (70.8%) ATS over the last five seasons.  Plays against home underdogs (OKLAHOMA CITY) - after leading in their previous game by 20 or more points at the half are 71-33 (68.3%) ATS since 1996.

Golden State is 10-2 ATS revenging a loss vs. opponent this season.  The Warriors are 21-7 ATS revenging a loss where opponent scored 100 or more points over the last two years.  Golden State is 35-16 ATS in its last 51 games following a loss.  The Warriors are 25-10 ATS in their last 35 games following a ATS loss.  Bet the Warriors in Game 4 Tuesday.

15* MLB Tuesday Bounce-Back BLOWOUT on Chicago Cubs -104

After losing three straight and six of their last eight games overall, the Chicago Cubs are clearly in their worst stretch of the season.  But that will only light a fire under them and have them bouncing back in a big way tonight to end this skid against the hated St. Louis Cardinals.

Jason Hammel might be the most underrated starter on this staff, and one of the most underrated in all of baseball.  He has gone 5-1 with a 2.31 ERA and 1.200 WHIP in eight starts this season.  Hammel has given up 1, 2, 3 and 0 earned runs in his last four starts against St. Louis, respectively.

Michael Wacha has lost it this season.  He is 2-4 with a 4.03 ERA and 1.461 WHIP in nine starts, including 0-2 with a 7.71 ERA and 2.000 WHIP in his last three.  Wacha has really struggled against the Cubs, going 3-4 with a 5.26 ERA and 1.470 WHIP in nine career starts against them.  He's 0-3 with an 8.85 ERA in his last four starts against Chicago, giving up 19 earned runs in 19 1/3 innings.

The Cubs are 46-14 in their last 60 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.  Chicago is 62-27 in its last 89 games vs. a right-handed starter.  The Cubs are 7-1 in Hammel's last eight starts vs. NL Central opponents.  The Cardinals are 2-9 in Wacha's last 11 starts vs. a team with a winning record.  Take the Cubs Tuesday.

20* Cavs/Raptors Game 4 No-Brainer on Toronto +6.5

The Toronto Raptors proved to themselves that they could play with the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3.  Not only did they win, they dominated in a 99-84 victory while limiting the Cavaliers to 35.4% shooting and outrebounding them 57-43 for the game.

Bismack Biyombo was a one-man wrecking crew on the glass, finishing with a playoff-record 26 rebounds and four blocked shots.  It was an inspirational performance from him and the Raptors that will give them the confidence to win Game 4 again tonight.

Toronto was one of the best home teams in the NBA all season.  It has gone 39-11 at home this season.  In fact, the Raptors are now a perfect 3-0 straight up at home against Cleveland this year, winning all three games outright as underdogs.  Now they are being undervalued once again in Game 4 as 6.5-point home dogs.

Cleveland is 2-10 ATS after covering five or six of its last seven games against the spread this season.  The Cavaliers are 2-11 ATS after scoring 85 points or less over the last two years.  Cleveland is 14-23 ATS as a road favorite this season.  The Cavaliers are 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.  The Raptors are 8-1 ATS in their last nine home games vs. a team with a winning road record.  The home team is 6-0 ATS in the last six meetings.  The underdog is 17-6 ATS in the last 23 meetings.  Bet the Raptors Monday.

15* Cubs/Cardinals NL Central ANNIHILATOR on Chicago -113

The Chicago Cubs are going through their toughest stretch of the season, and now it's time for them to show their resiliency.  Chicago has lost five of its last seven games overall to 'fall' to 29-13 on the season.

Look for John Lackey to get them right back on track tonight.  The right-hander is 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA and 0.975 WHIP in eight starts this season, including 1-1 with a 1.71 ERA and 0.762 WHIP in his last three.  Lackey is 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA and 1.100 WHIP in three career starts against the Cardinals, which are now his former team.

Adam Wainwright is clearly washed up and struggling to return to form after surgery.  The right-hander is 4-3 with a 5.92 ERA and 1.529 WHIP in nine starts this season.  A sign that his stuff just isn't good anymore is the fact that he has struck out only 31 batters in 51 2/3 innings.

The Cubs are 33-13 (+17.3 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -150 over the last two seasons.  Chicago is 11-1 (+10.4 Units) against the money line vs. teams outscoring opponents by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season this season.  The Cubs are 46-13 in their last 59 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.  Chicago is 46-15 in its last 61 vs. NL Central opponents.  Take the Cubs Monday.

15* Cubs/Giants ESPN Sunday Night BAILOUT on San Francisco -122

The San Francisco Giants are highly motivated to win this series against the league-best Chicago Cubs.  They took Game 2 yesterday to square the series, and now I look for them to win Game 3 tonight due to the massive edge they have on the mound.

Ace Madison Bumgarner will get the ball for the Giants.  He is 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA and 1.176 WHIP in nine starts this season, including 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA and 0.870 WHIP in his last three.  Bumgarner is 6-2 with a 2.44 ERA and 1.085 WHIP in 10 career starts against Chicago as well.

Kyle Hendricks has been great at home for the Cubs this season, but he's 1-2 with a 5.19 ERA in three road starts.  Hendricks has also had no success against San Francisco, going 1-1 with a 5.56 ERA in two career starts against the Giants.

Bumgarner is a perfect 14-0 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 to 8.5 over the last two seasons.  San Francisco is 24-6 (+20.2 Units) against the money line vs. teams who strand 7.5 or more runners on base per game over the last three seasons.  The Giants are 9-1 in their last 10 games overall.  San Francisco is 10-1 in Bumgarner's last 11 starts vs. NL Central opponents.  Take the Giants Sunday.

20* Warriors/Thunder Game 3 No-Doubt Rout on Golden State -2.5

The Golden State Warriors played their game in Game 2 and ran away with a 27-point victory.  That was after playing too much one-on-one ball in Game 1 and losing by 4.  Look for them to stick to their roots again in Game 3 tonight, share the basketball, and beat the predictable Thunder.

The Warriors went 36-9 on the road this season, so winning in hostile environments hasn't been a problem for them all season.  They clearly figured out the Thunder in Game 2, and even though Kevin Durant had a big game, they rolled to victory with a huge second half.

Let's just look at the Warriors' 121-118 overtime victory in Oklahoma City earlier this season.  The Thunder outrebounded the Warriors 62-32 in that contest, yet they still didn't win.  I don't ever remember seeing a rebounding advantage that large in which a team lost.  The Warriors responded in Game 2 of this series by outrebounding the Thunder 54-45.  So they clearly know they can compete with them on the boards.

The Warriors are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.  The Thunder are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 Sunday games.  Golden State is 25-10 ATS in its last 35 games in the second half of the season against teams who outrebound their opponents by 5-plus boards per game.  Oklahoma City is 11-22 ATS after having won four of its last five games this season.  Bet the Warriors in Game 3 Sunday.

20* Cavs/Raptors Game 3 ANNIHILATOR on Toronto +6.5

The Toronto Raptors will be laying it all on the line in Game 3 tonight to get a victory and get back in this series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.  I believe they are showing tremendous value as 6.5-point underdogs here after getting blown out in both games in Cleveland to fall behind 2-0.

The Raptors have been one of the best home teams in the NBA all season.  They are 38-11 at home and outscoring opponents by 6.4 points per game in Toronto.  The Cavs are just 28-17 on the road compared to 39-8 at home.

Toronto is 9-1 ATS in home games versus good teams who outscore their opponents by 3-plus points per game this season.  The Raptors went 2-0 at home against Cleveland this season, winning outright as underdogs both times.

Cleveland is 0-7 ATS in road games after covering at least five of their last seven games against the spread this season.  The Cavaliers are 3-11 ATS off two straight wins by 10 points or more this year.  Cleveland is 11-26 ATS in its last 37 road games after scoring 100 points or more in four straight.  Bet the Raptors in Game 3 Saturday.

15* MLB Saturday No-Doubt Rout on Miami Marlins -143

I will look to back Jose Fernandez every chance I get.  He is already one of the best young pitchers in the game.  He's 5-2 with a 3.21 ERA in eight starts this season with 69 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings.  Fernandez is 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA in his last three starts as well.

Joe Ross got off to a good start for the Nationals this season, but he has cooled off considerably here of late.  Ross is 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA and 1.418 WHIP over his last three starts, giving up 10 earned runs and 26 base runners in 18 1/3 innings.

It's clear that Fernandez loves facing the Nationals.  After all, he has never lost to them, going 5-0 with a 1.09 ERA and 0.926 WHIP in eight career starts against them.  If that's not domination then I don't know what is.

Fernandez is 26-4 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in home games in his career.  Fernandez is 14-0 (+14.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -150 in his career.  Take the Marlins Saturday.

20* MLB Friday No-Doubt Rout on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-109)

After losing three of their last four games overall, the Chicago Cubs come into this series with the San Francisco Giants highly motivated for a victory.  I look for them to take Game 1 by two runs or more thanks to the massive edge they have on the mound tonight.

Jake Arrieta has been the best starter in baseball since midseason last year.  He has opened the 2016 campaign 7-0 with a 1.29 ERA and 0.839 WHIP in eight starts, including 4-0 with a 0.90 ERA and 0.633 WHIP in four road starts.  Arrieta is also 3-1 with a 1.69 ERA and 0.900 WHIP in four career starts against San Francisco.  In two starts against the Giants last season, Arrieta went 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA, pitching 13 2/3 shutout innings.

There may not be a starter in baseball that I like fading more than Jake Peavy.  The guy is simply done for.  Peavy is 1-4 with a 7.42 ERA and 1.750 WHIP in eight starts this season for the Giants, giving up 33 runs in 40 innings.  He won't last long today against one of the best lineups in baseball in the Cubs.

Arrieta is 21-3 against the run line (+19.4 Units) in road games over the last two seasons.  Arrieta is 7-0 against the run line (+7.7 Units) against NL West opponents over the last two seasons.  Arrieta is 21-4 against the run line (+19.6 Units) in night games over the last two seasons.  Peavy is 7-20 against the run line (-15.8 Units) in the first half of the season over the last three seasons.  Bet the Cubs on the Run Line Friday.

20* Raptors/Cavs Game 2 No-Brainer on Toronto +13

The Cavs opened as 10.5-point favorites in Game 1.  After blowing out the Raptors 115-84, oddsmakers have set them as anywhere from 12 to 13-point favorites in Game 2.  This is clearly an overreaction, and as a result I believe the value is with the Raptors in Game 2 catching a ton of points.

I was on Cleveland in Game 1 because it was simply a bad spot for Toronto.  The Raptors were on one day of rest, while the Cavaliers had nine days off coming in.  But Game 2 is a much more level playing field now, and I look for the Raptors to come out with a much better effort tonight.

The Raptors have proven to be extremely resilient in these playoffs.  In fact, they have not lost two games in a row all postseason.  They are a perfect 6-0 straight up following a loss in the playoffs.  I'm not saying they're going to win today, but they will certainly stay within this 13-point spread.

Toronto is 33-17 ATS in its last 50 games as a road underdog of 12.5 or more points.  Cleveland is 1-9 ATS after covering five or six of their last seven against the spread this season.  The Raptors are 13-5 ATS in their last 18 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  The underdog is 16-5 ATS in the last 21 meetings.  Bet the Raptors in Game 2 Thursday.

15* MLB Run Line PLAY OF THE DAY on Chicago White Sox -1.5 (+130)

The Chicago White Sox are highly motivated for a victory tonight.  They have lost six of their last seven games coming in with those six losses coming by a combined 8 runs.  Their lone win during this stretch was a 7-1 victory over the Yankees with Chris Sale tossing a complete game.

Sale is arguably the best starter in baseball this season.  He has gone 8-0 with a 1.67 ERA and 0.758 WHIP in eight starts.  The left-hander has owned the Astros, going 3-1 with a 0.56 ERA and 0.719 WHIP in four career starts against them.  He has given up just 2 earned runs in 32 innings with 47 strikeouts.

Collin McHugh has been awful for the Astros.  He is 4-3 with a 5.58 ERA and 1.711 WHIP in eight starts, including 1-1 with an 8.74 ERA and 2.118 WHIP in three road starts.  McHugh is also 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in his lone career start against Chicago.

Sale is 17-2 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in May games in his career with the Sox winning by 2.4 runs per game.  Chicago is 17-3 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 straight losses by 2 runs or less since 1997, winning by 2.3 runs per game.  Instead of laying the big juice on the money line, we'll back the White Sox on the run line today.  Take Chicago on the Run Line Thursday.

20* Thunder/Warriors Game 2 No-Brainer on Golden State -8.5

After blowing Game 1 by getting outscored by 19 points in the 2nd half, the Golden State Warriors are going to come back highly motivated for a victory in Game 2 tonight to even this series.  At the same time, I expect the Thunder to relax a little after stealing away home court with their Game 1 victory.

To say that was a rare home loss for the Warriors would be a massive understatement.  They are now 45-3 at home this season and outscoring teams by 14.1 points per game.  They outscored the Thunder by 11.5 points per game while going 2-0 at home in the regular season series.

Golden State is 25-10 ATS revenging a loss vs. opponent over the last two seasons.  The Warriors are 30-15 ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points over the last two years.  Golden State is 7-2 ATS in its last nine home games.  The Warriors are 51-25-2 ATS in their last 78 games following a straight up loss.  Bet the Warriors in Game 2 Wednesday.

15* MLB Wednesday No-Doubt Rout on Baltimore Orioles -106

Getting the Baltimore Orioles at nearly even money at home today is an absolute gift from oddsmakers.  After losing Game 1 of this series to the Mariners, I look for them to bounce back in a big way in Game 2.

Chris Tillman is having a great season for the Orioles, going 5-1 with a 2.58 ERA and 1.169 WHIP in eight starts.  Tillman is 4-0 with a 1.89 ERA and 1.170 WHIP in six home starts.  He has never lost to the Mariners, going 6-0 with a 2.98 ERA and 1.015 WHIP in eight career starts against them.

Taijuan Walker got off to a great start this season, but he's struggled of late, going 0-2 with a 4.97 ERA in his last three starts.  Walker is also 0-0 with a 5.58 ERA and 1.758 WHIP in two career starts against Baltimore.

Baltimore is 14-3 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when the money line is -100 to -150 this season.  The Orioles are 11-2 in their last 13 during game 2 of a series.  Baltimore is 21-7 in its last 28 home games.  The Orioles are 75-33 in their last 108 home games vs. a right-handed starter.  Baltimore is 37-18 in Tillman's last 55 home starts, including a perfect 6-0 this season.  Take the Orioles Wednesday.

20* Raptors/Cavs Game 1 No-Brainer on Cleveland -10.5

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a huge advantage in rest and preparation heading into Game 1 of this series.  The Cavs are recharged following a nine-day break between playoff series after sweeping the Atlanta Hawks last series.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors are running on fumes right now after playing back-to-back 7-game series.  They have only had one day off to rest and prepare for the Cavaliers, and that simply isn't going to be enough here tonight.

I also think that not having Jonas Valanciunas is going to pose a big problem for the Raptors.  The Cavaliers also made 77 3-pointers in their sweep of the Hawks and are hitting on all cylinders right now with an 8-0 record in these playoffs.  They certainly look like the team to beat right now.

Cleveland won its lone home meeting with Toronto 122-100 this season.  The Raptors are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games overall, including 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.  The Cavaliers are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.  Bet the Cavs in Game 1 Tuesday.

15* NL PLAY OF THE DAY on Chicago Cubs -1.5 (-115)

Taking the Chicago Cubs on the Run Line has been a very profitable move all season considering they are scoring 5.9 runs per game and giving up 2.9 runs per game for the best run differential in baseball.  We'll back them on the Run Line Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Kyle Hendricks is having a fine season just like the rest of the Cubs' starting staff.  He is 2-2 with a 2.78 ERA and 0.981 WHIP in six starts, including 1-0 with a 1.53 ERA and 0.792 WHIP in his last three.  Hendricks has owned the Brewers, going 4-1 with a 1.49 ERA and 0.874 WHIP in his last seven starts against them.

I'll gladly bet against Chase Anderson today.  The right-hander is 1-5 with a 6.11 ERA and 1.642 WHIP in seven starts this season, including 1-2 with a 7.43 ERA and 2.176 WHIP in three home starts.  Anderson is also 0-3 with an 8.22 ERA and 1.631 WHIP in his last three outings.

The Cubs are 13-3 against the run line (+9.9 Units) in road games this season.  Chicago is 14-4 against the run line (+10.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.  The Cubs are 7-0 against the run line (+8.2 Units) after a loss this season.  Chicago is 10-0 against the run line (+11.0 Units) vs. teams whose hitters draw 4 walks or more/game over the last three seasons.  Take the Cubs on the Run Line Tuesday.

15* MLB Tuesday No-Doubt Rout on Cleveland Indians -1.5 (-114)

I'm going to back the Cleveland Indians on the run line today due to the massive edge they have on the mound.  It also doesn't hurt that they come in with a lot of confidence at the plate after throttling the Cincinnati Reds 15-6 Monday.

Look for Danny Salazar to continue his torrid start to 2016.  The right-hander is 3-2 with a 1.90 ERA and 1.031 WHIP in seven starts this season, including 1-1 with a 1.23 ERA and 0.750 WHIP in two home starts.  Salazar has struck out 53 batters in 42 2/3 innings.

Alfredo Simon has been one of the worst starters in the majors this season.  He is 1-3 with a 7.96 ERA and 1.807 WHIP in six starts, including 0-2 with a 15.42 ERA and 3.640 WHIP in two road starts.  Simon gave up 5 earned runs and 12 base runners over 6 2/3 innings in his lone start at Cleveland last season.

Plays against all underdogs against a 1.5 run line. (Money Line =+110 to +155) (CINCINNATI) - with a team batting average of .255 or worse on the season (NL), after a loss by 6 runs or more are 42-12 (77.8%, +28.7 units) over the last five seasons.  Cincinnati is 0-7 against the run line (-8.1 Units) as an underdog when the run line price is +110 to +155 this season.  Roll with the Indians on the Run Line Tuesday.

20* Thunder/Warriors Game 1 ANNIHILATOR on Golden State -7.5

The Golden State Warriors are the most difficult team to prepare for in the NBA.  The Oklahoma City Thunder won't be ready for the challenges they'll face in Game 1.  They may do better as the series goes on, but I give the Warriors a big advantage in Game 1.

Look at what the Warriors have done in Game 1's so far.  They beat the Rockets 104-78 in Game 1 of their opening round series, and then throttled the Blazers 118-106 in Game 1 of the second round.  That contest was a bigger blowout than the final score even indicated as the Blazers made a big run in the 4th quarter with the game already decided.

The Warriors have won all three meetings with the Thunder this season.  They won by 15 and 8 points at home, and in overtime on the road.  I believe their small ball approach will shine through in Game 1, and the Thunder will be the team that has to adjust as this series goes on, not Golden State.

Golden State is 11-1 ATS off two straight games where it was called for 25 or more fouls over the last three seasons.  The Warriors are 7-1 ATS in their last eight home games.  Golden State is 24-9 ATS in its last 33 games following an ATS loss.  Bet the Warriors in Game 1 Monday.

15* MLB Monday No-Doubt Rout on Detroit Tigers -147

The Detroit Tigers have gone 2-11 in their last 13 games overall.  Most of those have come on the road with just three home games during that stretch.  It's safe to say they'll be motivated to get back on track as they face the league-worst Minnesota Twins (10-26) at home this series.

I like their chances of taking Game 1 tonight with ace Jordan Zimmerman on the mound.  He has been the one consistent starter in their rotation, going 5-2 with a 1.50 ERA and 1.104 WHIP in seven starts.  Zimmerman is also 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA and 0.714 WHIP in two career starts against Minnesota.

Jose Berrios may have a bright future for Minnesota, but he has struggled in his rookie season thus far.  Berrios is 1-1 with a 6.28 ERA and 1.745 WHIP in three starts while allowing 10 earned runs and 4 homers in 14 1/3 innings.

Minnesota is 0-13 (-14.0 Units) against the money line after two straight games without giving up a stolen base this season.  Zimmerman is 48-12 (+25.8 Units) against the money line as a favorite of -150 or more in his career.  The Twins are 1-13 (-11.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +150 this season.  Bet the Tigers Monday.

20* NL GAME OF THE MONTH on New York Mets -124

The New York Mets have lost the first two games of this series to the Colorado Rockies.  They certainly want to avoid the sweep with a win in Game 3 today, and I look for them to get the job done with the edge they have on the mound this afternoon.

Jacob DeGrom is 3-1 with a 2.12 ERA and 1.213 WHIP in five starts this season.  Tyler Chatwood has been good on the road for the Rockies, but he's 0-3 with a 7.87 ERA and 1.875 WHIP in three starts at Coors Field this season.  Degrom has faced the Rockies twice, going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA while pitching 15 shutout innings and striking out 19.

New York is 15-4 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after having lost 4 of their last 5 games over the last 2 seasons.  DeGrom is 9-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.

DeGrom is 17-3 (+14.3 Units) against the money line vs. poor baserunning teams - averaging 0.5 or less SB's/game over the last 2 seasons.  The Mets are 8-0 in DeGrom's last 8 Sunday starts.  New York is 12-4 in DeGrom's last 16 road starts.  Bet the Mets Sunday.