July 22 - Starting Pitching is most important in handicapping baseball

Well we learned a lesson yesterday. When a starting pitcher is hot, DO NOT go against him. Wandy Rodriguez held the powerful St. Louis cardinals offense to 1 measly run as his Astros cruised to victory. It was an underdog value play for us so it does not hurt too bad. Today we will go back to focusing on the main part of handicapping MLB baseball. Starting Pitching!

Tampa Bay Rays @ Chicago White Sox

Tampa Bay (52-42), has been a motivated team lately and will try to improve to 5-1 on its 10-game trip following another come-from-behind victory last night. After rallying in all three games in a sweep at Kansas City, the Rays won for the eighth time in 11 games Tuesday as they got to White Sox closer Bobby Jenks in the 9th inning. Motivation and energy go a long way in baseball. Teams on a roll tend to play better and have the ability to come from behind and get you a win.

Tonight the Rays send out right-hander James Shields (6-6, 3.75 ERA). He is a good strikeout pitcher. We told you recently how this type of pitcher performs even better than normal in night games.

The White Sox on the other hand send out Carlos Torres in his major league debut due to John Danks having to miss his start with an injury. Rookie call ups do not perform well usually when called up in this type of situation.

Pure Profets Play Of The Day:

Tampa Bay Rays -130