Cardinals Win

The Cardinals took the 3 game series against the Dodgers in what was a great series if anyone stayed up to watch. This could very well be a playoff matchup if the Dodgers can hold on to the division.

Portfolio: $1059 (15% return)
S&P 500: $996 (8.1% return)

Today’s Games

Arizona (+170) @ Philadelphia (-190)
Florida (-130) @ Houston (+110)

In the first game Doug Davis is matched up against Joe Blanton. Davis has an ERA of 3.59 but it is due to rise as he as stranded a very high percentage of runners, which is mostly luck. He does not strikeout many and walks a little too many to have a mid 3 ERA. The Phillies should not have any problems leaving runners on base against this soft tossing lefty. Blanton is pretty average at 7-6 with a 3.88 ERA. His K/BB ratio of 3.14 is really good, but the long ball is what has hurt him this year. I just think the Phillies will score enough runs that it won’t matter if he gives up a couple bombs.

In the second game Josh Johnson is matched up against Wandy Rodriguez. Johnson is having a great season at 12-2 with a 2.85 ERA, and he’s even better in his last 3 starts going 2-0 with a 2.66 ERA. His stats look pretty legit. His hit rate has been a little low lately, but he has really stepped up his strikeouts and lowered his walks, so that tells me his stuff is there. Rodriguez is having a solid season, but has struggled lately going 1-1 with a 6.60 ERA over his last 3. He’s been giving away a ton of free passes and his strikeouts have declined, so that tells me his stuff is not what is was earlier in the season. I like the Marlins with their Cy Young candidate on the mound to keep pace with the division leading Phillies.

Bets

$19 PHI -190
$13 FLA -130