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Moving Today's Market There were nine afternoon baseball games scheduled today, but two intriguing matchups are being played under the lights. The Cardinals have already lost the first two games to the Brewers in the series, and they face C...

MLB Daily Wrap UP: July 23

by Dan Fabrizio (Columnist)

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Preview/Prediction

July 23, 2008

MLB, NL Central, Alfonso Soriano, Preview/Prediction

Moving Today's Market

There were nine afternoon baseball games scheduled today, but two intriguing matchups are being played under the lights. The Cardinals have already lost the first two games to the Brewers in the series, and they face C.C. Sabathia tonight and Ben Sheets Thursday.

Sabathia is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA and opponents are batting .205 since the Brewers traded for him on Jul. 7. The Brewers have won six straight games so the Cardinals send Braden Looper to the mound to try and cool down Milwaukee.

In Looper's last start he was roughed up early, allowing six runs on eight hits in only three-plus innings of work. Most of the afternoon the line has stayed around the upper -140s in favor of Milwaukee.

According to books monitored by Sports Insights, Pinnacle has the best line at -138. The public opinion shows a slight favor towards the Brewers, as 55 percent of the money is with Milwaukee.

The other intriguing game involves the Cubs and Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks look to sweep the Cubs to stay in first place in the NL West. CRIS opened with Arizona favored at -126 but has since moved to favor the Cubs at -122.

This might have something to do with the return of Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano. He is expected to be back in the lineup after being hit by a pitch in the hand on Jun. 11. The Cubs are 16-18 without Soriano, and the team has combined to hit .251 this month. 

  • B/R Ticket Guide

Key Injury Updates

Player Team Injury Status Comments
Alfonso Soriano Cubs Hand Expected to be activated from DL Expected to be activated for tonight's game vs D-backs
Miguel Tejada Astros Rest Doubtful for Wed Not expected in lineup tonight vs Padres
Russell Martin Dodgers Rest Doubtful for Wed Not expected in lineup at Rockies
Jason Bartlett Rays Knee activated from DL Thursday Expected to be activated for Thursday's game at Royals

 

Key Market Moves

Mets opened at -117 against the Phillies but has since increased to -135. A Smart Money was triggered by WagerWeb, a positive unit, in favor of the Phillies. Another game that has shown movement is the Marlins and Braves.

The Marlines opened at +117 but has since dropped to -102, despite starter Ricky Nolasco's lack of success against the Braves this season. He is 0-2 and has allowed 13 runs in 10-plus innings pitched. 

 

Today's Best Bets

Check out today’s Best Bets! 

Tomorrow's Market Movers

There are only seven games scheduled tomorrow but that includes series finales against the Brewers/Cardinals and Phillies/Mets.

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About the Author Dan Fabrizio (columnist)

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