[LUCKYME1]

Freddy Wills

The Bottom Line:
Take Yankees -1.5 +100 4-DIME POD
I'm loving this play and I'm looking forward to a rebound from last nights POD loss we have gone into a little bit of a drought but are still 13-5 in our last 18 POD's. This will be an interesting series and if the Red Sox don't show up it could be them missing the playoffs because I have to tell you the Rays have really impressed me.

Yankees have lost 9 straight and everyone gets a little excited over that. Tonight I do not see them losing 10 straight with Joba on the mound against Smoltz who has struggled in 7 starts this year. Note that in the 9 straight losses 7 of them have come in Boston so the Yankees will look forward to hosting the Red Sox here this weekend. Also 5 of the 9 losses came in the hands of the Red Sox aces Lester and Becket. John Smoltz will go for the Red Sox tonight and he has a 1-2 record with a 9.18 ERA over his last three starts giving up a whopping 6 HR. That is not a good stat considering where the Yankees are with hitting HR and the ball park they are playing in. I think Smoltz who has not faced the Yankees since 2006 will struggle here while his counterpart is learning how to pitch at Yankee stadium.

Joba has really turned the corner this year and it is unfortunate that he has an inning limit on his right arm. I could go on and on about my frustrations with how they baby players these days, but that's for another forum. Joba's last 2 home starts he's gone 13.2IP gave up 5H 6BB 2ER and 14K's. He has been very impressive and he does not have to go deep into the game the way the Yankees bullpen has been pitching. He should be a bit relieved knowing he won't have to face Jason Bay (hamstring) who is out of the lineup tonight. This is a huge loss for the Sox as he is 4-7 vs. Joba. Chamberlin is coming off a 12 strikeout performance against the Red Sox in May although he got the loss it just goes to show you how dominating he can be even with the pressure on as it is always vs. Boston. The Yankees are 14-3 in Joba's last 17 home starts as a favorite. 70% of the Red Sox road losses including 7 in a row have come by more than 1 run!

[19th Hole]

Freddie remains hot.