MLB Picks: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres

Written May 23, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz

cubs-padres-preview-052309 The Cubs are 21-19 on the season. They are in the midst of a five game losing streak. Their hitting has been poor and their pitching has been inconsistent. This current slide has dropped them to fourth place in their division. With Aramis Ramirez hurt they are lacking power. Alfonso Soriano is the only batter in this lineup that can provide consistent pop, he has 12 home runs and 25 RBIs on the season.. Kosuke Fukudome has been solid but that’s about it. Derrek Lee and Geovany Soto have been putrid this year. Those are two players that “Sweet” Lou was counting on this year to provide solid production. It’s still early so we’ll give them some more time. Tonight, rookie Randy Wells gets the start. He has been great for this team. In his first two starts he has not allowed an earned run in 11 total innings of work. Those two starts came against the Brewers and Astros which are both much better hitting teams then San Diego. Look for Soriano to play a big role in this game tonight not only at the plate but on the base paths. Derrek Lee will be counted on even more with the absence of Aramis. This could be a break out game for him. The baseball lines for Saturday show the Cubs -107 against the Padres and a total set at 7.5 runs.

San Diego is 20-22 on the season. They are also one of the hottest teams in baseball as their seven game winning streak proves that. While the hitting is poor as always with this team, the pitching has been their to pick up the slack. Adrian Gonzalez is the only hitter on this team worth noting as he is tied for the league lead in home runs with 16 while adding 30 RBIs. Tonight’s starter is Josh Geer who is 0-1 with a 5.61 ERA. He is a very hittable pitcher that does not have much movement on his pitches. He will look to help his team to an eighth victory in a row. I see that being a very tough task tonight as he faces a team that’s begging for a win. The key for him will be to keep the Cubbies off the base paths, the more runners that reach off him will provide extra opportunities for Chicago to drive in runs. Considering the Pads lack of offense on an every night basis, that will be crucial. The x-factor for this team tonight will be the bullpen. I expect Geer to go no more then five to six innings. That will ensure the Cubs plenty of chances to hit this bullpen. We’ll see how they do.

Haimo’s Hot Notes: The Cubs are 10-2 in their last 12 games as a favorite. Chicago is 7-3 in their last 10 Saturday games. The Padres are a perfect 8-0 in their last eight home games. However, San Diego is 5-12 in their last 17 games as an underdog. The Cubs are 7-2 in their last nine games against the Padres and I see that improving tonight. Expect a high scoring affair as well. Medium plays on both

Jordan’s Picks: Cubs -107 & OVER 7.5

Last night is just how a weekend is supposed to start, with an UNDERDOG SPECIAL/BEST BET victory as the Halos come through for us once again. The record keeps climbing fellas so lets not back off now. I included two other NON DOCUMENTED games below. I apologize for the lack of info on them due to the fact I am feeling very under the weather. Money making time, good luck.

Detroit Tigers -136

They are the much better hitting team and have balance as opposed to Colorado. The power differential is enormous and the home cooking here will be very clear.

Diamondbacks/A’s OVER 7.5 Runs

While Dan Haren is on the mound and has been spectacular. He travels home to face his old team who is quite familiar with him. Arizona has also been hot lately as Reynolds and Upton are swinging great bats. This is a very respectable line to take as 5-3 either way gets it done.

Documented MLB Record:

58-32 OVERALL

22-12 BEST BET

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