MLB Odds – Enright and AZ are Underdogs Against the Cubs Tonight

Barry Enright, the 24-year-old pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who won his first MLB start, will take the mound for the D’Backs on Tuesday night.  Enright allowed only 4 hits and 1 run in 5 innings pitched against the St. Louis Cardinals in his first start.  He ended the game with a 1.80 ERA.  Enright faces the Cubs’ best pitcher in Carlos Silva on Tuesday night.

Silva has fallen on hard times.  The Cubs have lost the last 4 games that Silva has started.  2 of those 4 losses were no-decisions for Silva.  That’s why Carlos’s record remains at 8 and 2.  Silva has a 2.96 ERA and a brilliant 1.08 WHIP on the season.

Will Silva do well enough to help Chicago beat AZ in the desert or will Enright make it 2 in a row in the “Bigs”?

Chicago Cubs at Arizona Diamondbacks

Where:  Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
When:  July 6th, 2010 at 9:40 pm EST
TV:  Cubs – CSN
        D’Backs – FS-A
Radio:  Cubs – WGN 720
            D’Backs – KTAR 620, KSUN 1400

MLB Betting Odds

Chicago Cubs
Carlos Silva – R                      -1 ½ +140        -115

Arizona Diamondbacks
Barry Enright – R                   +1 ½ -160        -105

The baseball wagering trends favor neither team in this game.

• The Chicago Cubs are 0 and 4 in Carlos Silva’s last 4 starts over grass.
• The Chicago Cubs are 3 and 12 in Carlos Silva’s last 15 games on the road versus a right-handed starter.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks are 1 and 5 in their last 6 games at home.
• The Arizona Diamondbacks are 2 and 12 in their last 14 games at home versus a team with a losing record.

Some of the most important stats in this game have nothing to do with pitching.  Poor Carlos Silva’s ERA has been a respectable 3.04 in his last 4 games yet he’s received only 4 runs of total support in those 4 games.  The problem for the Cubs is their offense.

The Cubs are batting .254 as a team.  They score only 3.96 runs per game.  They were terrific when putting up 9 runs against AZ in their last game to win 9 to 4, but they usually don’t score that many runs in any single game.

On June 30th they lost 0 to 2 to Pittsburgh.  On July 1st, they lost 2 to 3 to Cincinnati.  On July 2nd they lost 0 to 12 to Cincinnati.  Going back further, after beating the Chicago White Sox 8 to 6, the Cubs responded in their next 5 games with a total of 6 runs.

They’ve been even worse for Silva lately with those 4 runs in the last 4 games he’s started.  Silva, by the way, had his worst outing of the year, allowing 5 runs over 5 innings, in his last start against Arizona.

The Cubs just aren’t going to put together two very good offensive games in a row and Silva faces a team that averages 4.58 runs per game.

I’m siding with the Arizona Diamondbacks in this game.  I’m going to bet them on the MLB moneyline to beat the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night.

MLB Sportsbook Pick:  Arizona Diamondbacks -105

MLB Betting – Marlins Struggle When Volstad Throws

After dropping the opener against Florida, the Dodgers are now four games back of San Diego for first in the NL West. Florida, eight and a half games back of Atlanta, have to start winning now and finish the first half of the year on the high note if they want to return to the postseason.

MLB Betting Odds:

Florida Marlins +150
Chris Volstad – (R)

Los Angeles Dodgers -170
Vincente Padilla – (R)

Run Line:
Marlins +1.5 -140
Dodgers -1.5 +120

Total:
8.5 O -105
8.5 U -115

Location: Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
Game Time: Tuesday, July 6th, 2010 – 10:10 PM EST
TV: KCAL, FSFL

The Week That Was: Marlins

The Marlins had a three-game set against the Mets last week in Puerto Rico, and didn’t disappoint their vast Latin fan-base. Florida was able to take two of three from their division rivals, including a huge 10-3 win in the series opener. Even in the loss Florida played well; the Fish outhit New York 17-10 in the final game of the set, a 6-5 Mets win.

Back in the continental US, the Fish went north to Georgia and lost two of three against the Braves. Florida blew the lead in the series opener, as closer Leo Nunez allowed two runs in the bottom of the 11th to lose 4-3. Florida would lose the next game as well, but were able to avoid the sweep with a 3-2 win on Sunday. Dan Uggla had all three Florida RBI’s in the game.

Florida kept winning in the first game against Los Angeles, taking the opener 6-5. Nate Robertson had a quality start, allowing three runs in six innings and striking out two.

The Week That Was: Dodgers

The Dodgers week started out well with a three-game sweep over division-rival San Francisco. Los Angeles’ pitching was outstanding, not allowing the Giants to score more than two runs in any game. Starters Chad Billingsley, John Ely and Vincente Padilla all recorded quality starts.

The next series against Arizona yielded a pair of blowouts for both teams. Arizona won the opener, crushing the Dodgers 12-5 to break L.A.’s three-game win streak. However Los Angeles would return the favour the next day, hammering the D-Backs 14-1. L.A. took advantage of six Arizona errors and hit three home runs off of starter Rodrigo Lopez. Every Dodger in the starting lineup crossed the plate to score at least once, including pitcher Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers won the series with a 3-1 victory in the rubber match on Sunday.

L.A. couldn’t keep their win streak going against Florida, dropping the opener 6-5.

The Matchup

Vincente Padilla hasn’t been the solid veteran this season the Dodgers need to anchor a young rotation. When he’s good he’s been good, as evident with his seven-inning, one run performance against San Fran last week. However, his overall numbers (2-2, 5.05 ERA) show he’s had more rough starts than solid ones, and will need to be a more consistent arm if L.A. wants to catch the Padres in the division.

Recently Chris Volstad has been bad luck for the Marlins. Florida has a 1-9 record in the last ten games Volstad has started. He hasn’t been horrible in all of those games, but the Marlins just seem to find a way to lose every time the right-hander steps out on the mound. His overall numbers this year (4-7, 4.55 ERA) are around partof his career numbers; this is seemingly as good as Chris Volstad will get.

MLB Betting Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers

Tuesday Baseball Odds – Marlins Take On Dodgers

With the All-Star break just days away, everyone in baseball is jockeying for position to make a strong second half run.

That’ll certainly be the case out Tuesday, when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Florida Marlins in some exciting baseball betting action.

The Dodgers enter Tuesday four full games behind San Diego in the NL West, and can’t afford losses to inferior teams, like their 6-5 defeat in the series opener with Florida on Monday.

Looking to reverse this team’s fortunes is righty Vincente Padilla, who’ll be on the mound Tuesday. Padilla certainly would like to forget his early part of this season, but has been much improved his last few outings.

Florida Marlins (39-43 SU, 39-43 R/L, 42-36-4 O/U) at

Los Angeles Dodgers (45-47 SU, 41-41 R/L, 45-36-1 O/U)

Tuesday, July 6: 10:10 p.m. EST

Baseball Betting Odds:

Florida Marlins: +1 ½, -145, +145
(Chris Volstad-R)

Los Angeles Dodgers: – 1 ½, +125, -165
(Vincente Padilla-R)

Total Runs:

Over 8 ½: -120

Under 8 ½: EV  

Despite his 2-2 record and 5.05 ERA, Padilla has allowed just three earned runs in his last two outings, winning one and losing the other. The run total has gone UNDER in two of his last three outings.

Padilla will be opposed on the mound by big, hard throwing righty Chris Volstad. Like Padilla, the 6’8 Volstad’s numbers don’t tell the whole story of how he’s been pitching lately.

Yes, his 4-7 record leaves a lot to be desired for baseball bettors, but at the same time, he’s been excellent since the middle of May.

Dating back to May 17, Volstad has made nine starts, and allowed more than three earned runs just twice. However, despite strong pitching, he has received only one win during that stretch.

Offensively, the team with the advantage coming into this one has to be Los Angeles. The Dodgers feature one of the deepest lineups in baseball, headed by one of the best all-around hitters in the National League, Andre Ethier.

While Ethier has struggled a bit lately, he’s still having an excellent year, batting .324 with 13 home runs and 49 RBI. James Loney (.305 batting average) and Matt Kemp (15 home runs) provide depth.

Don’t be fooled though, Florida has a talented lineup as well, including maybe the most powerful middle infield in baseball. That’d be shortstop Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla, who’ve combined to hit 29 home runs and drive in 102 runs.

Utility man Gaby Sanchez leads this team with a .306 batting average.

With everything relatively equal, it won’t be an easy decision when you make your baseball bet Tuesday. Still, the Marlins are the play here.

For all of Florida’s offense (They’re ranked 10th in runs per game and 9th in home runs in all of baseball), they just don’t seem to give Volstad very much offensive support.

In his last four defeats, he’s allowed just 11 earned runs, and has been a bit of hard luck loser.

Expect that to change Tuesday. Florida’s offense should be able to explode against Vincente Padilla, and get the Volstad the run support he deserves and needs.

Make the Marlins your Tuesday night bet, as they take the second game of this series against Los Angeles.

Aaron’s Pick: Marlins Money Line (+145)

MLB Parlay Picks – Mediocre Mariners Host Semi-Hot Royals, Greinke

The Seattle Mariners will be looking to snap out of their doldrums and get back in the win column when they play host to the semi-hot Kansas City Royals and 2009 AL Cy Young winner Zack Greinke at Safeco Field tonight at 10 PM ET.

Tuesday, July 6, 10:10 PM ET

MLB Odds
Kansas City Royals -1½ +110 -150
Zack Greinke -R
Seattle Mariners +1½ -130 +130
Ryan Roland-Smith -L
Over 7½ -105
Under 7½ -115

TV: FSKC-HD, FSN
Radio: Sirius 176 XM

Kansas City (37-46 SU, 40-39-3 O/U, 49-33 RL)
Seattle (34-48 SU, 33-41-7 O/U, 39-42 RL)

Scott Podsednik and Yuniesky Betancourt both drove in runs in the top of the 10th inning to lift the Royals to a 6-4 win over the on Monday night.

Kansas City cashed in for MLB betting backers as a +190 road underdog while the game’s final score played Over the 7-run O/U total.

Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and MLB Free Picks.

• Under is 5-1 in Greinke’s last 6 starts vs. Mariners.
• Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Seattle.
• Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
• Royals are 6-15 in the last 20 meetings in Seattle.

Kansas City 411

• Royals are 5-13 in Greinke’s last 18 starts.
• Royals are 1-5 in Greinke’s last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
• Royals are 0-4 in Greinke’s last 4 starts vs. American League West.

Alberto Callaspo went 2-for-3 with two RBI for the Royals as Kyle Farnsworth got the win in relief of Brian Bannister for Kansas City.

Seattle 411

• Mariners are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.
• Mariners are 1-8 in Rowland-Smiths last 9 starts.

Russell Branyan smacked a two-run homer for Seattle in a losing effort while Chad Cordero took the loss after allowing the go-ahead runs in the top of the 10th.

The Starters: Tonight the Royals will turn to staff ace right-hander Zack Greinke (4-8, 3.94 ERA) while the Mariners counter with left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith (1-7, 6.08 ERA).

Greinke has won two straight starts and picked up a win despite getting pounded for six runs on 10 hits in eight innings of a 7-6 win over the White Sox on Wednesday. Greinke gave up five straight hits and five runs in the eighth inning.

Rowland-Smith was solid in his last outing, limiting the New York Yankees to just two earned runs on five hits in six innings of a 4-2 loss on Thursday.

Analysis: I know the Kansas City Royals are one of the worst teams in all of baseball, but they still have a better record than the Seattle Mariners who have been one of the biggest disappointments in the league this season – and Ryan Roland-Smith isn’t close to being in the same category of pitchers that Zack Greinke is, not matter how pitiful Greinke’s teammates are.

The Mariners are averaging just 3.48 runs per game, ranking 28th overall while K.C. is putting up 4.42 runs per contest (18th).

Kansas City has also compiled a better road record this season than at home and have gone 4-1 in their last five road games.

In addition to playing the Royals to cash in with the outright road win and MLB Run Line cover, I also like the Under to play out for MLB gamblers as it has gone 5-1 in Greinke’s last six starts versus Seattle and 4-0 in the Mariners’ last four games as an underdog.

MLB Free Picks: Royals -1½ Runs/Under 7½ Total Runs

NBA Betting – Knicks Finally Have Their Star In Stoudemire

Since Isiah Thomas made a mess of the New York Knicks salary cap, their faithful fans have been patiently waiting for the 2010 free agency in hopes of a new era.

On Tuesday, that era began as the Knicks signed free agent power forward Amare Stoudemire to a five-year, $100 million contract to build upon as the centerpiece of their future.

As of now, that Knicks future isn’t much besides Stoudemire, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Toney Douglas, Bill Walker and Eddy Curry’s expiring contract. But at the same time, the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step and today, it started with one big one.

Stoudemire is coming off of major knee and eye surgeries in recent years but he’s coming off of a season where he averaged 23.1 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game. Without a doubt, he immediately becomes one of the best power forwards in the Eastern Conference. And just like the Suns did many years ago, the Knicks plan to build around him.

In the NBA, the general perception is that big men bring championships. Time and time again, we see this ring true.

The Lakers were not contenders until they acquired Pau Gasol and the current Celtics didn’t have a championship until Kevin Garnett arrived on the scene. Now the Knicks have their big man and can build around him.

While their odds weren’t great to win the NBA Championship before, they will improve significantly with Stoudemire. The Knicks finished 12 games out of a playoff spot last season but Stoudemire will help make up a big part of that difference.

Beyond that, the Knicks aren’t done quite yet. There are rumors that they are eyeing Golden State Warriors point guard Monta Ellis, which would put them in decent shape to make the players and be an intriguing contender.

While everyone is eyeing the first move of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, the Knicks did their part and decided to move forward with what they believed to be the next available free agent.

They still hope to court either of those megastars but they aren’t going to succeed or fail this offseason based on their moves.

Stoudemire is one of the most fluid power forwards in the NBA and he’ll be right at home in Mike D’Antoni’s run-and-gun system. Stoudemire enjoyed some of his best seasons when D’Antoni coached in Phoenix and the two should thrive once again in New York.

With just six players on the roster, the Knicks are clearly a few bricks short of a load but they have some good pieces in Stoudemire, Chandler and Gallinari, they have the expiring contract of Curry and they have an owner willing to spend. NBA Betting fans should be encouraged that this is now a franchise heading in the right direction.

Semifinal World Cup Betting Expert Pick: Uruguay vs. Netherlands – Uruguay Lucky, Netherlands Scary

All a soccer bettor needed to get a heart attack was to watch the last ten minutes of extra time in the World Cup betting quarterfinal matchup between Uruguay and Ghana.

After Ghana nearly scored three rebound shots in the 120th minute off a corner kick, their last desperate attempt was destined for the back of the net until is was denied by the hand of Uruguayan Luis Suarez.

Unfortunately for Uruguay (but ending up being much worse for Ghana), Suarez is a field player and not the goalie, and the Uruguayan forward was dealt a straight red card for an intentional handball.

World Cup Semifinal Betting Matchups

Uruguay vs. Netherlands 2:30pm EST July 6, 2010

World Cup Betting Odds

Netherlands -1 (125) -165 Over 2 (135)

Uruguay +1 (-145) +500 Under 2 (115)

Ghana was awarded a penalty, which would be the last play of the quarterfinal game if Ghana’s Golden Boy, Asamoah Gyan, could put the penalty away for the winning goal.

Gyan approached the ball with confidence and stroked a strong right-footed shot that beat Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Unfortunately, before Ghana and the African Vuvuzelas could celebrate, the ball did not beat the goalpost as it careened off the crossbar and catapulted out of bounds.

A distraught Gyan could only bite his shirt and walk towards his teammates, seemingly aware of the fate that was awaiting the last African nation left in the 2010 World Cup betting campaign.

Ghana and Uruguay went to penalty kicks to decide a winner, but the lingering effect of Gyan’s miss seemed to be felt by Ghana’s penalty takers.

Ghana’s John Mensah and Dominic Adiyiah would miss from the spot and Uruguay advanced to the semifinal 4-2 on penalty kicks.

Although Uruguay hasn’t been the most consistent or dominant team in this 2010 World Cup, they have managed a way a to make it to the final four teams.

Uruguay, however, will be without Luis Suarez against the Netherlands due to his ‘heroic’ handball, leaving fellow striker Diego Forlan to fend for himself against the number ranked defense in the World, the Netherlands.

The Dutch effectively shut down a Brazilian attack that housed many of the world’s best international footballers. Aside from his deadly set pieces, Uruguayan forward Diego Forlan could have a lot of trouble getting space against the Netherlands.

The Netherlands have yet to lose or tie a match in this 2010 World Cup betting campaign, proving to be the most consistent and dominant team.

In addition, the Dutch have only conceded three goals in the tournament, further indicating the difficulty that Uruguay may have in putting the ball in the back of the net.

World Cup Semifinal Betting Expert Pick:

Uruguay’s 2010 World Cup betting run ends against the Netherlands. Take the Netherlands moneyline (-165).

World Cup Semifinals Betting – Uruguay Attempts To Keep South America’s Hopes Alive

It may be the semi final match that few predicted, however when the Netherlands meets Uruguay this Tuesday afternoon at Green Point Stadium, it will be a clash of the two teams that have yet to suffer defeat in the 2010 World Cup. It has been 12 years since the Dutch reached the final four in soccer’s most prestigious international tournament, when they were knocked out by favorite’s Brazil in penalty kicks after drawing 1-1 through 120 minutes. Now, this year’s edition of the Oranje is aiming for redemption for their nation, which still carries the memories of consecutive World Cup finals losses in 1974 and 1978. In order to achieve their goal however they will have to find a way to subdue an underrated South American opponent that few projected would have made it this far.

Netherlands vs Uruguay – 2010 World Cup Semifinals
July 6, 2010 – 14:30 PM ET
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
World Cup Semifinals Betting Odds: Netherlands -165, Uruguay +500, Draw +265

How They Got Here: Netherlands

Even without star striker Arjen Robben fit to play early on, Bert Van Marwijk’s side dominated the group stage, easily dismissing Denmark, Japan, and Cameroon to secure the top seed in Group E. Leading scorer Wesley Sneijder and company picked up the offensive slack through the first three games, but it wasn’t until Robben returned that the Netherlands full potential was on display. Robben scored once in the Oranje’s 2-1 win over Slovakia in the first elimination stage, then played a pivotal role keeping the Brazilian defenders attention while Sneijder scored a pair in their 2-1 quarterfinal comeback victory. With Robben and Sneijder leading the attack up front, and Mark Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong patrolling the central midfield, the Netherlands will enter this final four match the heavy favorite.

How They Got Here: Uruguay

Despite playing against opponents that truly did self-destruct in the opening round, Uruguay’s performances were still impressive en route to clinching the top seed out of a Group A featuring France, South Africa, and Mexico. After not conceding a goal in the round robin stage, Uruguay seemed to let its foot off the gas pedal after scoring the opening goal against South Korea, allowing the Asian side back in to it before raising their game again to score a second marker, and advance with a 2-1 win. Their quarterfinal match with Ghana, the only African team remaining in the tournament, was epic. A missed penalty kick by Asamoah Gyan allowed Uruguay to remain alive all the way to the shootout, where Oscar Tabarez’s squad made little error with a 4-2 decision.

Match Up: Netherlands vs Uruguay

It will be difficult for Uruguay to match the all-around talent and depth the Netherlands boasts, especially considering that star striker and leading scorer Luis Suarez will be watching this one from the bench following his red card booking for his “Hand of God” against Ghana. It has been 13 contests since the South American side have secured a win against a European opponent, a trend that should continue against their toughest test of the tournament.

World Cup Semifinals Betting Pick: Netherlands

Germany vs Spain – Get Set for World Cup Betting!

Spain, the ultimate favorite, will look to advance to a World Cup final for the first time in their history this Wednesday when they take the red-hot German squad at 2:30 PM ET at Durban Stadium, in what could be a clash for the ages.

World Cup Odds:
Spain +160
Draw +220
Germany +170
O/U 2.5

For all soccer betting fans, there is no question that Germany is hottest team left at the World Cup, as they arrive at this game after scoring eight goals in the last two games, including four against Argentina.

One problem for the Germans will be that they won´t have Thomas Muller, one of their best players up-front for this game, due to a silly FIFA rule that says that after getting two yellow cards in five games, the players must miss one match. Ridiculous!

Germany’s real intentions in this game will be the same as in the other games played so far.  The will try to attack early in the first ten minutes, applying some pressure to the Spanish midfield.  If they are able to score at least once, they will then be in counter-attack mode, where they are so dangerous.

The midfield is where Khedira and Bastian S. get together, and they create one of the strongest midfields I have ever seen.  And don´t forget about Mesut Ozil!  He is the playmaker of this team, and his movements without the ball are amazing, as he creates many spaces for his teammates that it is incredible.

Spain, on the other side, will look to control both the ball possession and the tempo of the game.  World Cup bettors should know by now that stealing the ball from the Spanish is a real problem for any team, as their playing style allows few mistakes.

The problem for Spain at this World Cup has been up front. If David Villa doesn´t score, nobody does.

Fernando Torres is cold and is now receiving a lot of criticism from Spain’s press, so I don´t expect him to wake against the Germans.

Due to the style of this Spanish squad and the way that Germany likes to play, I don´t believe that the Spanish will win.  The momentum is with the Germans, and that plays a big factor in a World Cup game.

Simmons’ pick:  Bet Germany.