MLB 27/09/08

[nescientprole]

Today's prices are really confusing me. You've got 3 great teams, all locked for the playoffs, posting good starting pitchers and 2 of them are underdogs and 1 is rated a coinflip. They're all playing away games, but I don't think home advantage deserves *that* much respect. Is the prediction that now they're in the playoffs they'll slack off? Well hopefully I'm right and just get to collect on good odds

TAMPA BAY RAYS @ Detroit
Sonnanstine hasn't been in great form recently, but then neither has Verlander; neither of them have a win yet in September, but Sonnanstine did get a win against the Tigers in August. Puzzled to see the Rays as the bookie's underdog *shrug* take the >$2 and be happy.

CHICAGO CUBS @ Milwaukee
The Brewers are still fighting for the Wild Card while the Cubs can rest safely on their laurels, but I think the Brewers will need more than motivation to get past Dempster - who pitched a great game and got a win against the Brewers just 11 days ago. This should be a close game and the Brewers want it bad, but at >$2 I don't think Dempster and the Cubs are getting the respect they have earned.

LA DODGERS @ San Fran
Derek Lowe is 4-0 in his last 5 starts and 6-2 in his last 10. So far in September he's pitched 27 innings and given up 2 earned runs. The guy pitches well and usually pitches deep into a game. Brad Hennesey mostly pitches as a reliever, doesn't have a win in his last 10 outings, and gave up 5 runs in 3 innings to the Dodgers less than a week ago.

Kansas City @ MINNESOTA TWINS
The Twins seem to have hit some good form right when it matters and they are fighting for the playoffs so they want this. Liriano had wins against the Royals earlier this month and in August while Kyle Davies lost both of his starts in the same 2 series. Not a lot of value here in a short price is the only downside I see here.