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Tuesday, April 25, 2006 

Wow, it’s one of our biggest cards relative to the number of games EVER—14 winners Tuesday!  We have two NBA and NHL playoff winners. We also have five MLB Wise Guy plays and five Majors. Let’s just say it’s a good night for Dandy Dogs. Dandy dogs are dogs of 140 or more in MLB.

One of the many things we love about systems is that there is no question there are discernable patterns to when good and/or hot teams (and/or pitchers) will falter.  Some super systems with ROIs above 80 units say that will happen tonight. An underdog tonight has in eight lifetime starts an outstanding ERA and WHIP to tonight’s foe.  Go at least 10-4 tonight.

The ENTIRE card  is just $17 at www.godspicks.com.  Alternate forms of payment are available. Godspicks is proud to be part of the Handicapper’s Sampler rundown of which sports services are hot and who has the big play at JoeDuffy.net

MLB

 

Here are news and notes from Godspicks.com private clipboard.  They are compiled from hometown newspapers and the team’s own press releases. Get advanced news and notes ready for opening lines at blog on our home page. 

 

Reds-Nationals

 

MLB.com

Left-hander Billy Traber will get the start for Washington, with left-hander Dave Williams getting the nod for Cincinnati. Traber will face the Reds for the second time in his career. The last time he faced them was in 2003, and he pitched seven shutout innings and picked up his first win as a starter. Last Thursday, Traber, replacing the injured Ryan Drese, made his Nationals debut and pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up four runs -- three earned. He picked up his first win since Aug. 7, 2003, when he was with the Indians. Since then he has battled elbow problems. He had elbow reconstruction surgery that same year and didn't pitch in another game until he was in Cleveland's Minor League system. Entering Monday's action, the Nationals have scored 40 runs in the eight games in which Alfonso Soriano was in the top of the lineup.

 

Rockies-Phillies

 

Philly Burbs

Floyd has had one decent start and two bad ones.  The Rockies recalled Asencio from Triple-A to replace Zach Day, who was designated for assignment. Asencio, 25, was a Phillies' farmhand from 1998-2001, then acquired by Kansas City in the 2001 Rule 5 Draft. He pitched in 39 games, 29 starts, with the Royals from 2002-03, going 6-8 with a 5.14 ERA.

 

Brewers-Braves

 

MLB.com

Milwaukee skipper Ned Yost elected to shake up his starting lineup, putting second baseman Rickie Weeks in the leadoff spot and bumping center fielder Brady Clark, the first batter in 17 of the team's 19 games this year, down to No. 8. With ailments plaguing more familiar names, such as Chipper Jones (expected to return from the disabled list on Tuesday) and Edgar Renteria (questionable for the series), the left side of Atlanta's infield included rookie Martin Prado at third base and Wilson Betemit at shortstop. Including left fielder Matt Diaz, right fielder Jeff Francoeur and starting pitcher Kyle Davies, more than half of the starters boasted fewer than two years service time. Tomo Ohka (1-1, 4.09 ERA) will hope to emulate his performance from two starts ago, when he allowed one run over seven innings in New York, rather than his Thursday showing against Cincinnati when he gave up six runs in four innings.

 

Marlins-Cubs

 

Sun Sentinel

Willis is undefeated in 14 April starts, going 9-0 with a 2.28 ERA in 86 innings. This is his fifth start at Wrigley Field, where he is 2-0 with a 1.01 ERA, no homers, seven walks and 23 strikeouts in 262/3 innings all-time. Three of Willis' four starts have come on the road. He has held opponents to a .203 average in those games. Marshall is making his fourth career start after spending last season at Double-A West Tennessee. In 141/3 innings he has given up 11 hits (three homers), five walks and eight strikeouts. No current Cubs batter has hit a homer off Willis. INF Todd Walker, C Michael Barrett and INF Jerry Hairston Jr. are a combined 10 for 27 (.370) against him. OF Matt Murton ranks among the league's top 10 hitters against left-handed pitching (.462).