Just take the kid and call it a day

I have a ton of research today, but alas I am low on time, and slightly lower on confidence (on the Blog picks recently, not in myself or gambling ability). Therefore, I will leave you with one pick for now. I introduce, "The Franchise".

SF +105 @ HOU -120

The Astros HAVE won 13 of 17 games, are coming a win vs. these Giants, and send their ace to the mound at home. All good things that the Stros have in their favor, but they are generously taken into account in the price. No way a potential Cy Young Winner should be an underdog vs. a team that just lost the league's leading RBI man, Carlos Lee.

"Lincecum has squared off against Oswalt twice in his three career starts against Houston. The aces met in Lincecum's third and fourth career starts May 17 and 22, 2007, and Lincecum went 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 15 innings in those games -- both Giants victories. Oswalt, who's 3-5 with a 3.99 ERA in 11 career starts against San Francisco, went 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA when matched up with Lincecum."

I have more stats, but honestly they don't make a difference to me. I know the Giants struggle to score runs, but Timmy Lincecum should pitch well enough to keep them in any game.

I'll try to get to some more late, but no promises....

Games I'm feeling though - Chicago White Sox, Bal/Cle over 10.5, Philadelphia, and the Phi/LAD over 7.0.

Underdog gambles - Texas +145, Minnesota +125

pj20