MLB Picks: San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs

Written May 12, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz

padres-cubs-picks-051209 The Padres are 13-19 on the season and have seem to come completely back down to earth. Over their past 10 games they have went 2-8. San Diego has scored more then five runs only once in their last 13 games. Adrian Gonzalez has hit 10 homers, 22 RBIs and has a .294 batting average. The problem is the hitting ends there. No other every day player is hitting near .300. This team relies on low scoring games to be competitive. In tonight’s game, that is well within reach. The Padres ace Jake Peavy takes the mound in attempt to end their three game losing streak. He has had a career worst start to his season going 2-4 with a 4.27 ERA through his first seven starts. Last season Peavy had one start against Chicago and got rocked as he lasted four innings giving up seven hits and four runs. Hold the phone though, this game Peavy will face a Cubs team with no Aramis Ramirez and a Derrek lee that is playing hurt. This is a different Cubs team, expect Peavy to have a nice coming out party tonight. An x-factor for the Pads at the plate tonight will be Brian Giles. San Diego will need him to step up and get going in a big way. Today’s baseball lines show the Cubs -140 over the Padres with the total set for 8.5 runs.

The Chicago Cubs are 17-14 on the year. They come off a 4-2 victory against Milwaukee which salvaged a game in their recent three game series. Alfonso Soriano once again is the star of this team as he has 10 home runs along with 20 RBIs while hitting a .267 from the plate.. First baseman Derrek Lee has struggled this year with injuries and with his game. He is hitting a low .209 from the plate with three homers and 15 RBIs. Mike Fontenot and Kosuke Fukudome have pinched in to combine for nine home runs and 34 RBIs to pick up some slack. Geovany Soto has been invisible. The place where they are going to struggle is at third base. The loss of slugger Aramis Ramirez is irreplaceable. They will need players to step up and come through with clutch hits as that was Aramis’ specialty. Along with his counter part, ace Rich Harden has been bad to start the year. While his record shows 3-1, he has a 4.83 ERA which is way to high for him. We will see which of the two big time pitchers can come through for their team. Risk-reward, who gives you the best bang for your buck? Look below.

Haimo’s Hot Notes: The Padres are 2-9 in their last 11 games as an underdog. San Diego is 2-7 in their last nine games following a loss. The Cubs are 5-2 in their last seven games against the Padres. The OVER is 7-2-1 in Chicago over the last 10 games when the Cubs are the favorite. Well, none of that means a darn thing to me. The Cubs without Ramirez are a different caliber of animal. Derrek Lee (if he plays tonight) has played awful showing real signs of age. Chicago’s bullpen has been poor as well. Now keep in mind, The Padres are no super team, their hitting is atrocious which is a polite way to describe it. Peavy will have his chance tonight to show every one that he still is a top MLB pitcher. 85% if not more is on the Cubs, not me. Like I have explained to everybody numerous times. Imply the risk-reward strategy. Padres is the play tonight.

Betting Line: Chicago Cubs -140/San Diego Padres +130

Jordan’s Pick: Padres +130 (UNDERDOG SPECIAL)

Ugh, that darn Mets bullpen along with the despicable managing decisions of Jerry Manuel cost us a sweep last night as the Braves put on an offensive flurry late in the game. A very unfortunate break as we were sitting real pretty. It is a long season though and those things happen. We hit the Braves +1.5 runs with ease to keep the pain very minimal. Tonight we have a healthy card of games, I’m ready to cash in. Who’s with me?

Documented MLB Record:
46-24 OVERALL
17-9 BEST BETS

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