All posts by JoeDuffy.net Administrator

Cardinals-Nationals Odds Preview

A winning streak will be on the line for the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday when they battle the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park.
The Cardinals will trot Todd Wellemeyer out to the mound in this one. Righthander Wellemeyer has a 1-2 record and a 6.14 ERA this season.
It’ll be Jordan Zimmermann toeing the rubber for the Nationals in this contest. Righthander Zimmermann is 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Nationals listed as 110-moneyline favorites versus the Cardinals, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Cardinals scored five runs in the top of the ninth inning and defeated the Nationals 9-4 in Thursday’s series opener, as -115 favorites. That game’s 13 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (10).
Albert Pujols cracked a two-run homer, and Rick Ankiel drove in two runs for the Cardinals. Chris Perez tossed under an inning in relief, but was credited with the victory.
Ryan Zimmerman belted a two-run dinger for the Nationals, who were +105 underdogs. Julian Tavarez surrendered five runs off two hits in the loss.
Current streak:
St. Louis has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
St. Louis: 16-7
SU
Washington
: 5-16 SU
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Washington are 6-4
After playing Washington are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

Washington most recently:
When playing on Friday are 8-2
Before playing St. Louis are 4-6
After playing St. Louis are 3-7
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
St. Louis is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Washington is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games at home
Washington is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
Next up:
Washington home to St. Louis, Saturday, May 2

 

Mets-Phillies Odds Preview

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Friday when the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies meet at Citizens Bank Park.
Michael Pelfrey will be the starting pitcher for the Mets on this day. Righthander Pelfrey is 2-0 this season with a 6.32 ERA.
Starting this game for the Phillies will be Chan Ho Park. The righthander has a 7.63 ERA to go along with a 0-0 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 117-moneyline favorites versus the Mets, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Mets lost the rubber match 4-3 to the Marlins last time out, as -185 favorites at home. That game’s seven runs went UNDER the posted over/under (7.5).
Fernando Tatis went 3-for-4 at the plate with one RBI for the Mets. J.J. Putz gave up the winning run in taking the loss.
The Phillies lost 4-1 to the lowly Nationals last time out, as -185 favorites at home. That game’s five runs went UNDER the posted over/under (10.5).
Shane Victorino homered for the Phillies, and Brett Myers was tagged for eight hits and three runs over six innings of work.
Current streak:
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 9-12 SU
Philadelphia: 11-9 SU
New York most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Philadelphia are 6-4
After playing Florida are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing NY Mets are 5-5
After playing Washington are 6-4
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets’s last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets’s last 6 games
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Philadelphia is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home
Next up:
Philadelphia home to NY Mets, Saturday, May 2

 

Reds-Pirates Odds Preview

The division rival Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to renew hostilities on Friday when they meet at PNC Park.
The Reds will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Bronson Arroyo in this game. Arroyo has a 3-1 record and a 6.48 ERA this season.
The Pirates will counter Arroyo with Zach Duke. Lefthander Duke has a 2.43 ERA to go along with a 3-1 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Pirates listed as 133-moneyline favorites versus the Reds, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Edinson Volquez combined on a one-hit shutout on Wednesday, leading the Reds to a 3-0 win over the Astros. The Reds won the game as -150 favorites, while the team’s played UNDER the posted over/under (9).
Laynce Nix had two hits and drove in one run. Volquez whiffed six batters in that win, and Francisco Cordero notched his seventh save of the year.
The Pirates fell 1-0 to the Brewers as a +180 underdog last time out. The team’s played UNDER the posted over/under (8.5).
Ian Snell surrendered the only run and was tagged with the loss.
Current streak:
Pittsburgh has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Cincinnati: 11-10 SU
Pittsburgh: 11-10 SU
Cincinnati most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Pittsburgh are 4-6
After playing Houston are 4-6
After a win are 4-6

Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Cincinnati are 6-4
After playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cincinnati’s last 9 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati’s last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cincinnati’s last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh’s last 9 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh’s last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Next up:
Pittsburgh home to Cincinnati, Saturday, May 2

 

Marlins-Cubs Lines Preview

The Florida Marlins will be trying to extend a winning streak on Friday when they take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Lefthander Graham Taylor will take the mound for the Marlins to start this game. Taylor is 0-1 this season with a 9.81 ERA.
It’ll be Rich Harden toeing the rubber for the Cubs in this contest. Righthander Harden is 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA so far this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 270-moneyline favorites versus the Marlins, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Marlins scored six runs in the top of the 10th inning, and went on to defeat the Cubs 8-2 on Thursday. The Marlins won the game as +105 underdogs, while the 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5).
Jorge Cantu homered and finished with four RBIs for the Marlins. Renyel Pinto notched his second win of the season in relief.
Milton Bradley and Mike Fontenot hit solo home runs for the Cubs, who were -115 favorites. Aaron Heilman gave up six runs and was tagged with the loss.
Current streak:
Florida has won 3 straight games.
Chicago has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 14-8
SU
Chicago
: 10-11 SU
Florida most recently:
When playing on Friday are 5-5
Before playing Chi Cubs are 6-4
After playing Chi Cubs are 8-2
After a win are 8-2

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
Before playing Florida are 4-6
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Florida is 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Florida is 14-4 SU in their last 18 games when playing Chi Cubs
Florida is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Florida is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
Chi Cubs are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Florida
Chi Cubs are 4-14 SU in their last 18 games when playing Florida
Chi Cubs are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games
Next up:
Chi Cubs home to Florida, Saturday, May 2

 

Hawks-Heat Lines Preview

The Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat will meet on the court at AmericanAirlines Arena on Friday night in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.
Oddsmakers currently have the Heat listed as 5-point favorites versus the Hawks, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Hawks built up a 23-point lead at the half and went on to defeat the Heat 106-91 on Wednesday for a 3-2 series lead.
The Hawks covered the 6.5-point spread, while the 197 points sailed OVER the posted total of 180.
Joe Johnson netted 25 points with six rebounds and six assists for the Hawks. Flip Murray added 23 points with five rebounds in that win.
Dwyane Wade led the Heat with a game-high 29 points with four rebounds and four assists.
Team records:
Atlanta: 47-35 SU, 43-37-2 ATS
Miami: 43-39 SU, 41-40-1 ATS
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Friday are 3-7
After playing Miami are 3-7
After a win are 5-5

Miami most recently:
When playing on Friday are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta’s last 9 games when playing Miami
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 7 games
Miami is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami’s last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami’s last 9 games when playing Atlanta
Miami is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home

 

Kentucky Derby Odds – Who Can Challenge I Want Revenge?

The Kentucky Derby odds are just two days away and there are still tough decisions to make at the racebook. Some horse race fans betting online see the field as I Want Revenge versus the rest whereas other bettors see a tightly contested race with a least half a dozen legit contenders. Let’s look at some of the more intriguing horses entering the Race for the Roses.

Three-year-old I Want Revenge, the clear Kentucky Derby odds favorite at +325, is the class of the field, boasting a great Tomlinson Distance rating and Beyer Speed Figure. He also made a successful transition to dirt tracks on April 4, winning the Wood Memorial. There’s an off chance his lack of experience at Churchill Downs will throw him off, but it’s his race to lose. It will take a phenomenal performance to top him on Saturday.

Friesan Fire seems to be in his own class as the No. 2 racebook contender with +485 horse race betting line. He’s looked strong this season, winning the Louisiana Derby, and he has that special pedigree as his daddy, A.P. Indy, was a dominant horse in the early 1990s. His main caveat is a long layoff; he hasn’t raced in seven weeks. The last time a horse won the Kentucky Derby odds after a seven-week layoff: 1956.

Dunkirk is next at +545 and has no glaring problems, but Pioneerof the Nile jumps out at me way more in this tier at +625. He has the great trainer Bob Baffert on his side and has generated a lot of buzz in drills this week, so he could be a nice racebook steal.

In boxing betting, part of what makes the Pacquiao odds so enticing this weekend is the momentum he carries into the fight. The same principle applies to Chocolate Candy (+1215) and Papa Clem (+1815) for the Derby, as they carry as much steam as any horses entering the big race. Candy has won four of six races and Clem not only captured the Arkansas Derby, but also recently posted a pair of second-place finishes against top-notch competition.

General Quarters is a major long shot at +2550, but it’s tempting to bet with your heart on this guy, as his Trainer, Tom McCarthy, is a former high-school principal from Louisville. Seeing a win for the local product would be horse race betting magic.

Padres-Dodgers Odds Preview

The San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Dodger Stadium.
The Padres will trot Josh Geer out to the mound in this one. Righthander Geer has a 0-0 record and a 1.29 ERA this season.
The Dodgers will counter Geer with James McDonald. Righthander McDonald has a 7.72 ERA to go along with a 1-1 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Dodgers listed as 152-moneyline favorites versus the Padres, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Padres were defeated 7-5 by the Rockies last time out, as +125 underdogs. That game’s 12 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (10.5).
Adrian Gonzalez belted two home runs and drove in three runs in a losing effort, while Kevin Correia allowed six hits and three runs and fell to 0-2.
The Dodgers were defeated 9-4 by the Giants last time out, as +130 road underdogs. That game’s 13 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (7.5).
Orlando Hudson went 2-for-5 with one RBI for the Dodgers, while Eric Stults gave up five runs over 2 2-3 innings in the loss.
Team records:
San Diego: 11-10 SU
Los Angeles: 14-8 SU
San Diego most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing LA Dodgers are 4-6
After playing Colorado are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing San Diego are 7-3
After playing San Francisco are 7-3
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego’s last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego’s last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers’s last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers’s last 5 games when playing San Diego
Next up:
LA Dodgers home to San Diego, Friday, May 1

 

Marlins-Cubs Odds Preview

The Florida Marlins will be trying to extend a winning streak on Thursday when they take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
The Marlins will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Chris Volstad in this game. Volstad has a 2-0 record and a 2.70 ERA this season.
Volstad’s opponent in this one will be Sean Marshall. The Cubs lefthander has a 4.91 ERA to go along with a 0-1 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 117-moneyline favorites versus the Marlins, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
The Marlins rallied with two runs in the eighth inning and edged the Mets 4-3 in Wednesday afternoon’s series finale, as +165 underdogs. That game’s seven runs went UNDER the posted over/under (7.5).
Cody Ross drove in two runs to lead the Marlins, and Leo Nunez picked up the win in relief.
The Cubs were blown away 10-0 by the Diamondbacks last time out, as -115 favorites. That game’s 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5).
Ryan Dempster was tagged for six hits and five runs over six innings in the loss.
Current streak:
Florida has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Florida: 13-8
SU
Chicago
: 10-10 SU
Florida most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Chi Cubs are 5-5
After playing NY Mets are 7-3
After a win are 8-2

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 5-5
After playing Arizona are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
Florida is 13-4 SU in their last 17 games when playing Chi Cubs
Florida is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Florida is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Florida’s last 24 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Chi Cubs’s last 24 games when playing at home against Florida
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs’s last 6 games at home
Chi Cubs are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games
Chi Cubs are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Florida
Next up:
Chi Cubs home to Florida, Friday, May 1

 

Diamondbacks-Brewers Odds Preview

The Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Miller Park.
Max Scherzer will be the starting pitcher for the Diamondbacks on this day. Righthander Scherzer is 0-2 this season with a 4.91 ERA.
The Brewers will counter Scherzer with Jeff Suppan. Righthander Suppan has a 7.32 ERA to go along with a 1-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Brewers listed as 115-moneyline favorites versus the Diamondbacks, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Doug Davis combined on a two-hit shutout Wednesday, as the Diamondbacks cruised to a 10-0 win over the Cubs. The Diamondbacks won the game as +105 underdogs, while the 10 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5).
Chad Tracy homered and drove in three runs to lead the way, and Davis whiffed seven batters over the seven-innings on the mound.
Yovani Gallardo fanned 11 batters and homered for the only run on Wednesday, as the Brewers defeated the Pirates 1-0 for a sweep of the three-game set. The Brewers won the game as -200 favorites, while the team’s played UNDER the posted over/under (8.5).
Current streak:
Milwaukee has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Arizona: 9-12 SU
Milwaukee: 11-10 SU
Arizona most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After playing Chi Cubs are 5-5
After a win are 3-7

Milwaukee most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Arizona are 7-3
After playing Pittsburgh are 9-1
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona’s last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona’s last 8 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Arizona is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing Milwaukee
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee’s last 8 games when playing at home against Arizona
Next up:
Milwaukee home to Arizona, Friday, May 1

 

Red Sox-Rays Odds Preview

The fans at Tropicana Field will be treated to a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays when they take their seats on Thursday.
Ace righthander Josh Beckett will take the mound for the Red Sox to start this game. Beckett is 2-1 this season with a 6.00 ERA.
The Rays will counter Beckett with Matt Garza. Righthander Garza has a 4.97 ERA to go along with a 1-2 record this season.
Oddsmakers currently have the Rays listed as 105-moneyline favorites versus the Red Sox, while the game’s total has not yet been posted.
Jonathan Van Every belted a game-winning home run to give the Red Sox a 6-5 victory over the Indians on Wednesday, as -130 favorites. The game’s 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (9.5).
Jacoby Ellsbury went 3-for-5 at the plate and drove in one run for the Red Sox. Hideki Okajima tossed an inning of relief for the win, and Jonathan Papelbon collected his sixth save.
The Rays were defeated 8-3 by the Twins as a -115 favorite last time out. That game’s 11 runs made it OVER the posted over/under (8).
Evan Longoria drove in two runs, while Scott Kazmir gave up nine hits and eight runs over four innings in suffering the loss.
Current streak:
Tampa Bay has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Boston: 14-7 SU
Tampa Bay: 8-14 SU
Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a win are 9-1

Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 9-1
Before playing Boston are 6-4
After playing Minnesota are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
Boston is 12-1 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Boston is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay’s last 5 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay’s last 7 games at home
Tampa Bay is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Boston
Next up:
Tampa Bay home to Boston, Friday, May 1