Yesterday was a sweep of the board as both the Padres and Braves both win on the road. Tonight the match ups look very difficult. Lots of fourth and fifth starters of teams rotation going at it tonight. On nights like these, I like to play the home "CHALK." Chalk is a gambling term for favorite. I will be talking two heavy favorites, playing at home against teams with very bad records.


Kansas City Royals @ Detroit Tigers(-160)

Miguel Cabrera, 5 for 8 (.378, 2HR's and 2B) vs Chen

Detroit is very hot. The are coming off a three game sweep of the Indians. They try to continue that streak tonight against a very bad Kansas City team. Detroit starts the day 11 games behind the AL Central leading Minnesota Twins. Beating the two teams below you in the standings is a good strategy to get back into the race.

Tonight the starter for Kansas City is Bruce Chen (8-6, 4.61 era) and the Tigers send Jeremy Bonderman (6-9, 5.37 era) to the hill. Bonderman has been shelled in his last 3 starts going 0-3 with a 9.39 era but the Royals might be what the doctor ordered. Chen is a veteran left hander who will struggle against the hot hitting Tiger lineup.
With Minnesota starting a tough series in Arlington with the AL West leading Texas Rangers. The Tigers need to sweep the Royals at home to have any chance of getting back into the AL Central race. It is time to put up or shut up for the 2010 Detroit Tigers.

Seattle Mariners @ Boston Red Sox(-200)

Lackey (7-1, 1.89 era) in last 9 vs Mariners

It's all about the starting pitchers in this game. I usually don't play this type of heavy chalk but the starting pitcher for Boston OWNS the Mariners. This is a rare  -200 favorite for me.

A pair of right handers hit the mound as Seattle sends Doug Fister (4-8, 3.92 era) to battle against John Lackey (11-7, 4.62 era). In Lackey's last 9 starts against Seattle he is an incredible 7-1 with a 1.89 era. Boston is sitting at third, 6.5 behind the AL East leading New York Yankees and 5.5 behind Tampa Bay in the AL Wildcard race. The Sox need to get moving now while the AL West cellar dwelling Mariners are in town.