Daily Bet - NFL Sunday

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Well ladies and gents, needless to say, I'm back! I'm going to offer up a few picks for today's NFL games. It's up to you if you want to parlay my picks and get a better payout. Here we go!

1. Buffalo Bills (-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (+3)

     The over/under is set for 44 points in this match up. I gave this match up about 5 seconds of my time before I unanimously decided that the Buffalo Bills would win this game easily. Therefore, I pick the Bills to cover the spread.

MY PICK: Buffalo Bills to cover spread of -3

2. Atlanta Falcons (-5) at Seattle Seahawks (+5)

     Today I am looking to see if the Seahawks will once again test out a new offensive line combination. They have yet to find one that gives their QB enough time to hit his receivers without getting happy feet (Jay Cutler knows how that feels!). While we are still on the Seahawks and their offensive struggles, it's only a matter of time until Tavaris Jackson gets replaced by Charlie Whitehurst. I continue to see struggles by the Seahawks.

MY PICK: Atlanta Falcons to cover spread of -5
    
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (+3.5) at Houston Texans (-3.5)

     The over/under is set for 45.5 points in this match up. This was a 15 minutes thinker and I finally decided on the high flying Texans to take this game. Playing at home and having Andre Johnson as your star player with no one on the Steelers D that can cover him, look out!

MY PICK: Houston Texans to cover spread of -3.5

So there are my picks for Week 4 in the NFL. Remember, bet at your own risk but know that if you parlay my 3 picks I have just given, then you will be receiving a nice little deposit from your bookie! Good luck and GO LIONS!

Daily Bet - San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Spread: San Diego Padres +1.5/Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5

Over/Under: 6

Tonight we have an inner division battle between the Padres and the Dodgers. The Padres will send Mat Latos (6-12, 3.74 ERA) while the Dodgers will counter with Clayton Kershaw (16-5, 2.51 ERA. Instantly I am drawn to the over/under for this game. Although Kershaw is lights out and is trying to make his case to win the NL Cy Young, I still believe he will give up at least 2 runs. Orlando Hudson has been on an absolute tear this month and the Padres like seeing the production they paid for. In the other dugout, Latos has been pitching better than his record indicates but I still see the Dodgers putting up at least 4 to 5 runs. Therefore, I am absolutely loving the over in this matchup.

MY PICK: OVER of 6

Daily Bet - Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Spread: Chicago Cubs +1.5/Milwaukee Brewers -1.5

Over/Under: 8.5

In today's early Sunday match up, the Cubs will throw Casey Coleman (7.25 ERA) into the pit with Brewers Zack Greinke (4.22 ERA). The Cubs are 1-7 against the Brewers this season. The brew crew are on an absolute tear at home this year putting up a 49-16 record at Miller Park. Today I look for Greinke to also continue is home dominance and add to his 9-0 record at home this season. Mix the Brewers bats and their former Cy Young winner (Greinke 2009 AL winner) together and you can count on the Brewers covering the spread against the Cubs today.

MY PICK: Milwaukee Brewers to cover the spread of -1.5

Daily Bet - Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets



Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

MLB Pick for August 26, 2011:

Spread: Atlanta Braves -1.5/New York Mets +1.5
Over/Under: 7.5

In tonight's match up in Flushing, NY, we have Tim Hudson (13-7, 3.01 ERA) rolling against Chris Capuano (9-11, 4.68 ERA). Any time the Braves send Tim Hudson out to the mound you can expect a gem to be tossed. Also, the Mets have only won 6 times in the month of August so I expect Hudson to shut them down tonight and not allow them to reach 7 wins on the month. The Braves have only lost a series to the Mets once since 1998.

MY PICK: Atlanta Braves to cover the spread of -1.5

Daily Bet - Royals vs. Blue Jays

Written by: Andrew McLean, The Reserve Clause

Well, Josh is still on vacation touring his Top 10 Lighthouses of the East Coast, so it's my turn to take a crack at this whole degenerate betting column he has going.

Before I hit you with my pick, let me preface this by saying I don't bet. Never have and never will. It's not that I don't know sports, I'm just a cheap bastard, which fellow Reserve Clause contributor Zach Hammer can fully attest to. So with that little disclaimer aside, let's get to what the three of you clicked here for.

Spread: Over/Under 8
 
Both the Royals and Blue Jays boast some real hitters in their lineups, so an Over/Under of just 8 almost seemed insulting. Either team can do that on their own any given night. While the Jays trot out their ace, lefty Ricky Romero (2.73 ERA), the Royals are counting on Luke Hochevar, owner of a bloated 4.93 ERA, to shut down the likes of Jose Bautista, Adam Lind and Edwin Encarnacion. And with both teams also sporting shaky bullpens, I like the over on this one.

MY PICK: OVER 8

There it is, my first, and possibly only, Daily Bet. Best of luck, and Josh will be back soon, with a full slideshow of gorgeous lighthouses to share.

Daily Bet - Braves vs Cubs

Written by: Zach Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Spread: Over/Under 11.5

While Josh is golfing on one of the Top 5 courses in America, I'm going to try to fill in for him. It's been almost a week since he gave everyone any insight into how to lose your money. I thought that I'd throw a curveball and actually win all of you some dough. I know...it's a crazy thought, right?

Here we go. If there is one team in all of baseball that I love betting against, it's the Chicago Cubs. This is one of the worst offenses in baseball and they continue to put money in my pocket by betting against them. So why change my philosophy today?

The Braves are a flat-out buzzsaw right now. They hit, catch and pitch as well as any team in the MLB. The easiest way to predict wins is by looking at a team's bullpen (most notably the back end). The Braves have perhaps the best 7, 8 and 9th inning guys in the business. That may not mean much to you, but to betters, having a good bullpen means no runs. Aside from the bullpen, Atlanta has the shut down SP to bridge the gap.

MY PICK: UNDER of 11.5

Daily Bet - New York Mets vs San Diego Padres

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Spread: New York Mets +1.5/San Diego Padres -1.5
Over/Under: 6.5

In tonight's contest at Petco Park in San Diego, you will see a match up of the Met's Dillon Gee (10-4, 3.90 ERA) verse the Padres Mat Latos (6-11, 3.80 ERA). This season has been completely opposite for Gee and Latos. Gee started the season strong but has since faded while Latos started the season with 4 losses but has since turned it around and has shined. Tonight I look to see a victory from the Padres while hitting the over of 6.5.

Note - The total has gone over in 10 of San Diego's 12 games.

MY PICK: OVER of 6.5

Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Spread: Tampa Bay Rays +1.5/Boston Red Sox -1.5
Over/Under: 9

In the 2nd game of the doubleheader, the Rays are leading out with Jeff Niemann (7-4, 3.43 ERA) while the Red Sox look to match up with Erik Bedard (4-7, 3.55 ERA). Game 2 won't be as much of a pitchers duel as the 1st game so I look for some runs to be scored. Bedard is still looking for his first win as a Red Sox in 3 starts. I am predicting a final score of 7-4 in favor of the Red Sox tonight.

MY PICK: OVER of 9

Daily Bet - Minnesota Twins vs Detroit Tigers

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Spread: Minnesota Twins +1.5/Detroit Tigers -1.5
Over/Under: 8.5

Tonight we have a great match up between Detroit's Rick Porcello (11-7, 4.93 ERA) and Minnesota's Francisco Liriano (7-9, 5.00 ERA). The Tigers have a 2.5 game lead in the AL Central so they know that they can't take this series lightly. While the Tigers and the Twins will be battling, the Indiands and the White Sox will be involved in a series of their own. These next few games could be an early example of how important wins will be in the division. The Tigers are going to hope they can extend their lead so they don't have a repeat of their previous collapse. I look for the Tigers to put up 6 runs tonight. At the same time, I see the Twins getting to Porcello early for 3 runs but then Porcello to go into shut down mode.

Note - The over has hit in the last 9 of 13 games between the Tigers and the Twins.

MY PICK: OVER of 8.5

Daily Bet - Houston Astros vs Arizona Diamondbacks

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Spread: Houston Astros +1.5/Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5
Over/Under: 9.5

Tonight the Astros will be sending Henry Sosa (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to make his MLB debut while the Diamondbacks will counter with Josh Collmenter (5-7, 3.96 ERA). Arizona is 4-1 in their last 5 games against the Astros. With Justin Upton heating up down the stretch I would look for the Diamondbacks to run away with this and deal the Astros rookie pitcher his first loss. With the lead, the D'Backs will hand the ball off to J.J. Putz who has recorded 6 straight saves since returning from the disabled list. While the Diamondbacks will be scoring runs, Collmenter has been very unstable this season so I look for the Astros to tally some runs also. I will be looking for this game to hit the over.

MY PICK: OVER of 9.5

Daily Bet - Boston Red Sox vs Minnesota Twins

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

First things first, I highly doubt there were many daring people in the sports betting world who would have had the guts to pick the over for the Phillies/Dodgers game last night. But don't worry all, I had the courage to lay it all out on the line even with the intimidating match up between Roy Halladay and Hiroki Kuroda. No big deal!

MLB Pick for August 9, 2011:

Spread: Boston Red Sox -1.5/Minnesota Twins +1.5
Over/Under: 8.5

The Red Sox will be trying to extend their 3 game winning streak to 4 games tonight in their match up against the Minnesota Twins. The Sox will be sending Erik Bedard (4-7, 3.55 ERA) out to the mound while the Twins will counter with Francisco Liriano (7-9, 5.03 ERA). I look for a continuation of last night's game and the runs to tally up. I am predicting, at minimum, a score of 5-4 in this ballgame. Liriano has been having an up and down year and I look for him to be giving up quite a bit of runs. His counterpart, Erik Bedard, should be giving up some runs also to run up the total.

MY PICK: OVER of 8.5

Daily Bet - Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

MLB Pick for August 6, 2011:

Spread: Detroit Tigers -1.5/Kansas City Royals +1.5
Over/Under: 7.5

I am going against my #1 rule and giving out a pick that involves my favorite MLB team, the Detroit Tigers. But why wouldn't I put up a pick that had them winning when they are throwing their ace Justin Verlander (15-5, 2.24 ERA)?! Exactly, you wouldn't! The Kansas City Royals will try to keep pace with Verlander by matching him up against Danny Duffy (3-5, 5.05 ERA). Although last night's match up went in to extra innings in which the Tigers won because of Boesch, I look for the Royals to not even be close in this match up against the potent Verlander. Detroit Tigers are also 6-1 in their last 7 games against the Royals.

MY PICK: Detroit Tigers to cover the spread of -1.5

Daily Bet - St. Louis Cardinals vs Florida Marlins

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

I hope all of you took my advice on the over for the Yankees vs White Sox game last night. It hit the over in the 3rd inning! Look for tonight's match up to bring us home another win.

MLB Pick for August 4, 2011:

Spread: St. Louis Cardinals -1.5/Florida Marlins +1.5
Over/Under: 8.5

The newest acquisition of the Cardinals, Rafael Furcal, has been absolutely on fire in his first 4 games with his new team. The Cardinals will need Albert Pujols to finally show up this season and hit the ball (currently hitting .283) better in the month of August which is his best month stats wise. With that said, the Cardinals will be pitching righthander Kyle Lohse (9.7, 3.33 ERA) while the Marlins will be pitching Clay Hensley (1-1, 2.65 ERA). I look for the big 3 from the Cardinals to light up Hensley and outscore the Marlins in tonight's match up.

MY PICK: St. Louis Cardinals to cover the spread of -1.5

Daily Bet - New York Yankees vs Chicago White Sox

(Photo above is in reference to Alex Rodriguez's newest accusations to illegal gambling. LOL!)

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

The only thing I am going to say about last night's pick, the rain delayed hurt Josh Beckett and cooled the hot bats of the Boston Red Sox.

MLB Pick For August 3, 2011:

Spread: New York Yankees -1.5/Chicago White Sox +1.5
Over/Under: 8.5

Tonight's game is on ESPN's Wednesday Night Baseball so I look for each player from both teams dig extra deep to build up their stock. The Yankees will be throwing A.J. Burnett (8-9, 4.23 ERA) while the White Sox will be throwing Gavin Floyd (9-8, 3.92). Like I said before, since this game is on ESPN tonight I expect the runs to flow. A few days ago I said I would never put up a pick for the Yankees to win when A.J. Burnett is their starting pitcher so tonight I am leaning towards the over of 8.5. The over has hit 9 out of 13 of the White Sox's last 13 home games against the Yankees. With this match up, I expect runs to be scored and to exceed the over/under line.

MY PICK: OVER of 8.5

Daily Bet - Cleveland Indians vs Boston Red Sox

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

My underdog pick of having the Dodgers win straight up last night showed to be true with a 6-2 victory over the San Diego Padres. I look to continue my streak tonight with a game in bean town.

MLB Pick For August 2, 2011:

Spread: Cleveland Indians +1.5/Boston Red Sox -1.5
Over/Under: 9

In tonight's match up we will have the Indians pitching David Huff (1-1, 0.71 ERA) and the Red Sox will be pitching Josh Beckett (9-4, 2.17 ERA). The Indians come in to tonight's game winning just 2 of their last 10 games. Although they beat the Red Sox last night, I look for Josh Beckett to return to form tonight. The Red Sox are 10-4 straight up in their last 14 games against the Indians played at home. I look for the always flashy bats of Boston to get a lead early and give Beckett run support. Beckett will follow up his loss in his previous outting with a stellar performance tonight.

MY PICK: Boston Red Sox to cover the spread -1.5

Daily Pick - Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Diego Padres

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Well it looks like C.J. Wilson couldn't hold his own yesterday. A matter of fact, there probably wasn't anything that he could hold! Let's shoot our pick back to the west coast for some better luck!

MLB Pick for August 1, 2011:

Spread: Los Angeles Dodgers +1.5/San Diego Padres -1.5
Over/Under: 5.5

Tonight, the Dodgers are pitching their stud Clayton Kershaw (12-4, 2.72 ERA) and the Padres are pitching Cory Luebke (2-3, 2.57 ERA). The Padres have been sturggling this past week and with Kershaw coming to town, I look for the Padres struggles to continue tonight. San Diego ranks in the bottom 5 in runs scored and team batting average in the Majors. The Dodgers lead the season series 6-3. The Padres do lead the Majors in stolen bases this season but I look for Kershaw to minimize allowed baserunners. Look for Clayton Kershaw's dominant pitching to bring home a W for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

MY PICK: Los Angeles Dodgers To Win Straight Up

Daily Bet - Rangers vs Blue Jays

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Last night was more like it! I got back in the W column with my pick of the OVER for the Rockies v Padres game. They hit it in the 1st inning. Now that's what I am talking about. Continue reading to see my daily pick for today.

MLB Pick for July 31, 2011:

Spread: Texas Rangers -1.5/Toronto Blue Jays +1.5
Over/Under: 8.5

I expect to see the Rangers southpaw C.J. Wilson (10-4, 3.16 ERA) dominance against the Blue Jays who are throwing Brandon Morrow (7-5, 4.71 ERA). Wilson's last outing was a rough one but I look for him to bounce back and get quite a bit of run support from his supporting cast. Also Josh Hamilton will be coming back to the lineup from his off-day yesterday. The Blue Jays will be giving Adam Lind the day off which will hurt their run productivity and power. Look for the Rangers to slowly tally up some runs and cover the spread.

MY PICK: Texas Rangers to cover the spread -1.5

Daily Bet - Rockies vs Padres

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

I guess I should have known that A.J. Burnett would blow my streak. I will forever stay away from any game he is pitching in. Enjoy not being on the Yankees rotation come postseason! Let's get things back on track and pick a winner!

MLB Pick for July 30, 2011:

Spread: Colorado Rockies v San Diego Padres
Over/Under: 6

Tonight's pitching match up is Colorado Rockies Umbaldo Jimenez (6-9, 4.20 ERA) verse the San Diego Padres Aaron Harang (9-2, 3.45 ERA). This is very important match up for each individual pitcher because they both are hot commodities with the trade deadline approaching fast. With a good outing for either one of the pitchers could result in their last start for their respective team. The over has hit 6 of the last 8 games played at Petco Park in San Diego. I look for this game to continue hitting the over.

MY PICK: OVER of 6

Daily Bet - Orioles vs Yankees

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Looks like I have been on a hot streak lately with 3 in a row! I continue to maintain my dominance with another win tonight. I am leaning towards covering a spread for tonight.

MLB Pick for July 29, 2011:

Spread: Baltimore Orioles +1.5/New York Yankees -1.5
Over/Under: 9.5

Just to get started, Yankee Stadium has been a living hell for the Orioles and beyond pleasant for the Yankees. The Yankees will be starting A.J. Burnett (8-8, 4.21 ERA) and the Orioles will be starting Jeremy Guthrie (4-13, 4.40 ERA). I like betting against Jeremy Guthrie just because he gives up a lot of runs. With the potent Yankees lineup, I look for this to be a no-brainer slug fest for them. Balitmore has lost their last 2 games and with Gutherie pitching, I look to add another loss to that streak. The Yankees have won straight up in their last 10 of 12 games against the Orioles. I see tonight's game as a complete blowout in favor of the Yankees.

MY PICK: New York Yankees to cover the spread -1.5 

Daily Bet - Rays vs Athletics

Written by: Josh Hammer, The Reserve Clause

Just to remind everybody, I'm on a 2 game pick streak! I have just the pick to extend that streak to 3 in a row. I am going to place my pick for an early game (3:35 PM ET start). We are also going to stick to the west coast and hope for another win.

Spread: Tampa Bay +1.5/Oakland Athletics -1.5
Over/Under: 7.5

In today's matinee game we have the Tampa Bay Rays throwing Wade Davis (7-7, 4.46 ERA) against the Oakland Athletics Rich Harden (2-1, 4.63 ERA). The Rays have been dropping games like crazy but have been allowing the opposing team to post a significant amount of runs in those losses. This is fine because I am looking to pick the over of 7.5 for today's match up. The A's bats have been on a hot tear scoring on an average of just over 8 runs a game against the Rays in the series. I look for the Rays bats to wake up and join in on the scoring today. The total has hit the over in 5 out of the last 6 of the Rays while playing the A's. Look for that stat to increase to 6 out of 7 today.

MY PICK: OVER of 7.5