Inside the Chalk

I’m taking four plays today. First off, look for San Fran to snap its 5 game skid with Lincicum on the hill. Giants are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings with the Phillies. Giants have the edge in starter pitching, bullpen, hitting power, speed and defense. Giants are 8-2 in their last 10 road games. Phillies are 2-8 in their last 10 games.

I like the Twins at home with Gibson against the Brew crew. Gibson in his last 3 games has an ERA of 2.41 and a WHIP of 1.39. Loshe over his last 3 games has an ERA of 8.59 and a WHIP of 1.98. Minnesota is 21-7 in their last 28 home games. The Brewers are 2-8 in their last 10 Friday games.

I’m taking Toronto with Sanchez pitching at home against Houston. Over his last 3 outings, Sanchez has an ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 1.40. Hernandez for Houston has an ERA of 7.02 and a WHIP of 1.80 for his last 3 games. Houston is 3-10 in their last 13 games on astroturf.

Finally, I like KC at home over the Rangers. They are 5-1 with Volquez pitching.

Today’s picks:

San Francisco Giants
Minnesota Twins
Toronto Blue Jays
Kansas City Royals

Baltimore stumbles into Houston after losing five straight and it doesn’t get any easier because they have to face Keuchel. Keuchel is so dominant. He’s 7-1 on the season with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of .79 in his last 3 starts. Chen for Baltimore is 1-4 on the season and has an ERA of 4.74 and a WHIP of 1.37 in his last 3 starts. Houston has the edge in starters, bullpen, power, speed, bench and are at home.

Today’s pick:

Houston Astros

I’m taking the Cards in the early game with Lackey on the bump. Since joining the Cards, he has been dominant. In his last 3 starts, his ERA is 1.89 with a WHIP of 0.89. The Cards are 40-12 in last 52 at home.

Today’s pick:

Saint Louis Cardinals

Tonight I’m rolling with the Detroit Tigers who host the Athletics at home. Detroit should end their 4 game skid with Simon on the hill. Simon loves pitching at Comerica Park. In his last 3 outings, Simon’s ERA is 1.31 with a WHIP of 1.11. On the flip side, Graveman has an ERA of 4.96 with a WHIP of 1.47. Detroit has won each of their four starts Comerica this season with Simon pitching. Oakland is 3-9 in their last 12 road games. The Tigers have the edge in starting pitching, bullpen, power, speed, hitting and defense.

Tonight’s pick:

Detroit Tigers

Cash in with Cashner. Mets had a long flight from Kennedy and Padres didn’t. Also, Yankees’ Pineda is going home to Seattle.

Today’s picks:

San Diego Padres
New York Yankees

I’m rolling the dice on four teams today. I like the Mets. They’ve already swept the Marlins this year. They lost 2 straight and should get the win today.

When Hutchison pitches, Blue Jays score. Phillies and Brewers are due.

Today’s picks:

New York Mets
Toronto Blue Jays
Philadelphia Phillies
Milwaukee Brewers

Good win yesterday with the Royals. Let’s keep it rolling today with the Phillies and Harang. Harang has an ERA of .090 and a WHIP of 1.05 in his last 3 outings. Colorado is 16-38 in the last 54 games against the Broad Street Bullies. Also, let’s take Houston and Keuchel. He’s 7-1 in his last 8 home games and 14-3 in his last 17 starts.

Today’s picks:

Philadelphia Phillies
Houston Astros