пятница, 20 апреля 2012 г.

Friday's best MLB bets

Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs (109, 9)

While the Reds' offense woke up in St. Louis on Thursday with three home runs, the Cubs continue to flounder. They totaled six runs in being swept by the Marlins this week.

As weak as the bats have been, the bigger problem for Chicago is the pitching, which has seen every member of the rotation except for Ryan Dempster struggle the last time through. Friday's starter, Chris Volstad, got hit hard by the Cardinals last weekend and is 1-2 with a 4.34 ERA against the Reds in his career. 

Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto are a combined 6 for 14 with six RBIs against Volstad.

The Reds' lineup is too good not to start producing regularly. Thursday's outburst, featuring homers by Phillips, Ryan Ludwick and Drew Stubbs, could be the start.

Cincy is 4-1 in Homer Bailey's last five road starts against losing teams.

Pick: Reds +++

St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates (120, 8)

Injuries continue to mount for the Cardinals, but they remain atop the NL Central at 9-4. St. Louis just called up infielder/outfielder Skip Schumaker to replace first baseman Lance Berkman, who is headed to the DL after aggravating his left calf injury. Despite Thursday's 6-3 setback to the Reds, the Cards lead MLB in a slew of offensive categories. Leadoff hitter Rafael Furcal has provided the spark with a .353 average and .510 slugging percentage.

The Pirates appear to have righted themselves after a shaky start, but their offense remains putrid. Pittsburgh ranks 30th in MLB in runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. 

Cards starter Lance Lynn has been dominant in place of the injured Chris Carpenter, striking out 13 and walking three in 12 innings of work. He has a microscopic WHIP of 0.75.

Pittsburgh's Charlie Morton, making his second start this season after returning from hip surgery, has struggled against St. Louis. In nine career starts against the Redbirds, Morton is 2-5 with a 6.25 ERA. Yadier Molina is 5 for 13 against him, Matt Holliday 4 for 12.

Pick: 
Cardinals +++




                                         

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