Marquis Struggles, Nationals Lose, Down $10

There's not much to say about that game other than it wasn't even close.

Portfolio: $649 (-29.5% return)

S&P 500: $1340 (45.5% return)

Today's Games

None

Phillies Win, Angels Lose, Break Even

After my recent losing stretch I'll definitely take breaking even.

Portfolio: $659 (-28.4% return)

S&P 500: $1346 (46.1% return)

Today's Games

Washington (+140) @ Philadelphia (-150)

In the only game Jason Marquis is matched up against Vance Worley. Marquis has been a big surprise this year going 3-0 with a 2.62 ERA and is fresh off a 5 hit, complete game shutout. His improvement doesn't look to be a fluke as he has gains in strikeouts, walks, and has developed a pretty good change up. The only thing helping him out from a luck standpoint is his lack of home runs, but all signs point to him being a solid starter this year with an ERA in the 3's, something he hasn't done since 2004. Worley is a rookie with some upside. He had pretty good success in the minors, but his stuff is not that great. I'm guessing that he'll have some growing pains early on and I'm also not sure if he's ready to be a starter in the majors (he's starting due to injuries). I like the Nationals with a new and improved Jason Marquis.

Bets

$10 WAS +140

Oakland Wins In Extras, Up $10

It had to go into extra innings, but I'll take it. It's about time a close game went my way.

Portfolio: $659 (-28.4% return)

S&P 500: $1356 (47.2% return)

Today's Games

Washington (+190) @ Philadelphia (-230)

Los Angeles Angels (+130) @ Boston (-150)

In the first game Livan Hernandez is matched up against Cole Hamels. Both pitchers have fared well this season, but Hamels is head and shoulders above Hernandez. Hernandez is right in line with his last couple of years, and generally gives his team a chance to win. Hamels is probably throwing better than he ever has during the regular season and I look for him to continue tonight against a weak hitting Nationals lineup. I don't think this game will be close.

In the second game, ace's Dan Haren and Jon Lester will be facing off. Both pitchers are off to great starts, and some luck has factored into both of their hot starts. the Angels have been playing well and the Red Sox are starting to put things together, so it will be an interesting series. I think this game is pretty evenly matched so that is why I am going to go with the value in the Angels here. If the line was flipped I would have Boston. This is a pure value play.

Bets

$23 PHI -230

$10 LAA +130

0-2, Down $69

Wow, that was my biggest loss of all time. Both teams lost by 1 run and my string of bad luck (or just horrible picks) continues. If anything, you can just go the opposite of what I pick, but I seem to think I am just in a streak of bad luck.

Portfolio: $649 (-29.5% return)

S&P 500: $1364 (48.1% return)

Today's Games

Texas (-110) @ Oakland (+100)

In the only game I like today Derek Holland is matched up against Brandon McCarthy. The Rangers got off to a hot start but have since cooled down and the A's have been average all year long. Both pitchers are in somewhat similar situations. Both were top prospects and both have pitched better than what their numbers show. Both pitchers are giving up a higher percentage of hits on balls in play than normal. McCarthy is trying to res erect his career after a string of injuries over the last 5 years. Other than his last start, where he was rocked for 14 hits and 7 runs, he has pitched really well. Holland had 2 good starts to start off the season, but has since given up 5 runs in each of his last 3 starts. With the line being even, I'm going to go with Oakland because I think McCarthy will have an edge pitching against the team that let him go last year.

Bets

$10 OAK +100

Two Easy Games on Sunday

Portfolio: $718 (-22% return)

S&P 500: $1364 (48.1% return)

Today's Games

San Francisco (-120) @ Washington (+110)

Seattle (-110) @ Boston (+100)

In the first game Matt Cain is matched up against Jordan Zimmerman. Cain has gotten off to a pretty good start, except for a little hiccup two starts ago against the Rockies. All of his peripheral numbers are right in line with his career numbers and his walks and ground ball rate are significantly better this year. If that holds up he might be competing with teammate Tim Lincecum for the CY Young. Zimmerman has been pretty inconsistent this year and has struggled in his last two starts. His strikeouts are down and he seems to struggle when he gets guys on base. He'll eventually work those things out, but I'm not betting on it happening overnight. Both teams are right around .500, and I'll take the team with the better starter at the moment. I think there's pretty good value in the Giants here.

In the second game Felix Hernandez is matched up against knuckle baller Tim Wakefield. Hernandez is his usual self, and that means a top 5 pitcher in all of baseball. Wakefield is his usual self, and that means you never know what you're going to get, although he has a knack for keeping his team in the game. The Mariners are riding a 5 game winning streak and going for the sweep against the wanna be 'evil empire' Red Sox. Hernandez will defiantly be up for this game and I'm really liking the -110 line with the reigning CY Young winner on the mound.

I rarely do this, but I am maxing out both bets.

Bets

$36 SF -120

$33 SEA -110