August 2, 2014 Sports Picks

Here are my picks for today.  Nothing really stood out initially but that is why you do research :)

A's ML -165 $330 to win $200
- Jon Lester makes his first start for Oakland and you know he will want to make a good first impression.  Lester is 10-7 with a 2.52 ERA.  And that is pitching in hitter friendly Fenway Park.  He is now pitching in pitcher friendly Oakland Coliseum.  Over the last 30 days Lester is 1-0 with a 0.93 ERA in 29 innings.  He has 34 strike outs over that span so he has been pretty dominant.  For Kansas City, Jason Vargas has had a good season going 8-4 with a 3.31 ERA but he hasn't pitched since July 8th so he could be a bit rusty.  Also, Oakland has a 34-18 record at home.

O's ML -110 $330 to win $300
- I like that Baltimore is only a -110 favorite at home.  The Orioles are in first place in the East and have won seven of their last ten games.  The Mariners have only won three of their last ten games.  Miguel Gonzalez is 1-0 with a 1.82 ERA over the last 30 days.  For Seattle, James Paxton was having a very good start (2.25 ERA) but he hasn't pitched since April 8th.  He is likely to have some rust and/or only pitch five innings max.  I think the O's have a big edge in this one. 

Indians RL +115 $100 tow in $115
- I'm staying with the Indians after they won 12-1 last night.  Texas has not played well of late and they have a pitcher going who has a 8.54 ERA.  Mikolas has had one good start this year but for the most part he has struggled.  For Cleveland, House is nothing special but Texas just can't hit right now. 

White Sox ML -115 $115 to win $100
- Carroll hasn't pitched great this year (4.29 ERA) but over the last 30 days he has a 2.38 ERA.  He also pitched very well against the Twins in his last start against them giving up just four hits and one run in six strong innings. 

I may add a game or two shortly.

Jonny