Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres Odds & Pick: August 19th 2010

Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres
Pick: San Diego Padres -147 odds
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With its fourth straight win on Wednesday, San Diego has increased its lead to six games in the National League West and it is now definitely the team to beat. The pitching for the Padres remains absolutely outstanding as the team ERA sits at 3.18 which is the best in baseball by a decent amount. The Padres have allowed two runs or fewer in nine of their last 13 games as they continue to mow down the opposing bats.

With the trade of Derrek Lee, the Cubs have pretty much gotten rid of every offensive player that was supposed to contribute for a playoff run this season. The team is a shell of what it was at the start of the season and playing at home is no longer a big edge for Chicago. The Cubs are 27-35 at Wrigley Field this season and they are on a dismal 4-17 run over their last 21 games including losses in six straight games at home.

Chicago has been outscored 15-6 in the first three games of this series and that disparity continues today.

The Padres send Mat Latos to the hill and he remains an under the radar pitcher with the season he is having. He has posted an incredible 2.32 ERA and 0.99 WHIP on the season over 22 starts, fifth and second in the National League respectively and he is a viable Cy Young candidate. He has allowed two runs or fewer in 11 straight starts as well as 17 of his last 18 trips to the hill. Take away one bad start against the Marlins and his ERA goes from 2.32 to 1.89.

The Cubs counter with Carlos Zambrano who has been a mess this season. He got off to a horrible start this year and then was suspended from the team because of repeated outbursts. He has been better since his return but it has been far from efficient as he has labored. Still, he picked up his first win since June 20th in his last game against the Cardinals but don’t expect the run to continue.

San Diego is 15-2 in its 17 games in the season half of the season against National League teams allowing 4.8 rpg or more while the Cubs are 9-19 this season against starters who allow 5.5 or fewer hits per start. The Padres are 10-1 in Latos’ last 11 starts against teams with a losing record. 3* San Diego Padres