Randall the Handle

Cincinnati +1.65 over ATLANTA PINNACLE
Bronson Arroyo has thrown seven full innings or more in six straight starts and he seems to be doing it with relative ease. Since July 10 he’s been one of the best pitchers in the game, as he’s thrown three shutouts over that span and has eight quality starts in nine attempts. Arroyo has not had success against Atlanta but that was then and this is now. Something has clicked with this guy, as he’s completed dialed in and feeling it. Over his last three starts covering 22 frames, Arroyo has an ERA of 1.61. It also doesn’t hurt that the Reds have won nine of 11 and are currently one of the hotter team’s in the league. Atlanta is coming off a huge series against the Fish and had a chance to bury them after winning the first two. However, they lost the final two games and their bullpen was brutally awful. Not only were they battered in the final two but a little mental and physical fatigue could set in as well. Derek Lowe can be tough as shoe leather when he’s on but when he’s not he becomes extremely hittable. Lowe is pretty much a one-pitch pitcher ands he’s only lasted 14.1 innings over his last three starts. The Mets ripped him apart three starts ago and he wasn’t sharp against the Marlins two starts back. So, at this price and with both the Reds and Arroyo very warm at the moment, this pup looks to be a solid investment. Play: Cincinnati +1.65 (Risking 2 units).

Boston/CHICAGO over 9½ -1.05 PINNACLE
Two broken down old dogs will face one another here, as Paul Byrd will oppose Freddy Garcia. It’s hard to imagine that this game could possibly stay under this total, as both these starters are complete and utter stiffs. Garcia has pitched in just 17 games over the last three years and in his only start at home this year the Royals tagged him for five runs in four innings. He did pitch decent against the Yanks and Red Sox but don’t put much into that. The Red Sox have seen him already this year and he won’t catch them off guard again. Paul Byrd was a stiff when he was healthy and now he’s making his second start of the year. Byrd actually retired this year and was throwing batting practice to a 13 and under team when the Red Sox called and said they needed help. So, Byrd starting throwing on Aug 5 and the Red Sox purchased his contract and here he is. He threw a seven-inning shutout in his first game back against the Jays but that was an aberration only. This guy is making a bigger comeback than Rocky and even Chris Angel would have a hard time making this illusion work. Play Chicago/Boston over 9½ (Risking 2.1 units to win 2).

Seattle +1.02 over OAKLAND PINNACLE
For the second time in two days the A’s are favored over the M’s and that is all you need to know about this game. The Mariners have beaten the A’s five straight and 10 of 13 this season and this one should not be any different. Vin Mazzaro has started six games at home and has one win and four losses. His ERA at home is 5.46 and his BAA is .333. That’s in a pitcher’s park and his numbers on the road are about the same. In other words, Mazzaro is a consistent stiff. Ryan Rowland-Smith pitched eight strong innings, but lost to Kansas City 3-0 on Sunday. Rowland-Smith only allowed five hits, one walk and three earned runs. He struck out seven on 113 pitches and now has a 3.95 ERA. So, what we get here is the better pitcher, the better team, a big psychological edge and a small tag. Get in line. Play: Seattle +1.02 (Risking 2 units).