7월17일 MLB 자료

Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs (-105)

Despite winning the first two games after the All-Star break, it appears the Cubs will remain in the seller’s market before the trade deadline.

Starting pitcher Ted Lilly met with general manager Jim Hendry on Thursday to discuss his future with the team. Lilly said that he could not divulge what was talked about in the meeting but his start Friday against the Phillies was more than likely an audition for suitors. Lilly went seven strong innings where he surrendered three earned runs and recorded 10 strikeouts.

"He wants to stay here and we'd like for him to stay here,” manager Lou Piniella said. “At the same time, you never know what's going to happen, and for a veteran pitcher like Teddy or a veteran player, just go do your job and whatever happens, happens.”

Every member of the Cubs club is looking over his shoulder right now, wondering if he will be the next trade candidate in the headlines. And when players are spooked by their own shadow, it’s difficult to find success on the field.

"I like it quiet anyway so if stuff leaks out, it doesn't come from me," Piniella said of discussing trades with Hendry. "There are always leaks, but if I don't know anything about it, it can't come from me."

While Sweet Lou pleads the fifth, there is no way Chicago is going to steal a full series from the Phillies. Cole Hamels is coming off a stellar performance against Cincinnati and a price this low (-115) is just too good to pass up.

Pick: Phillies

Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles (+115, 9)

How about a fresh start on your betting account? A clean slate can do worlds for some people and Yunel Escobar is hoping for that type of result.

Escobar was dealt from the Braves to Toronto during the All-Star break in a five-player deal. The 27-year-old shortstop had fallen out of favor with manager Bobby Cox in Atlanta because the skipper believed Escobar gave a lackadaisical effort in the field.

"There was a problem (in Atlanta)," Escobar said. "I feel bad that I was getting a label I don't think I deserved. I was giving it my all when I was in Atlanta, so I can't say I would have played any different.

“I welcome the opportunity to play for a new team and get a fresh start for the second half. I'm really happy to get the opportunity to prove myself once again.”

Escobar joins a powerful, home run hitting lineup in Toronto. Through 75 games this season, Escobar was hitting just .238 with no homers and 19 RBIs. He hit .299 and .288 in his first two full seasons in the big leagues with a total of 24 jacks and 136 RBIs.

Look for Escobar to rebound in the second half and the Jays to rally around their newest member Saturday while cooling off the Orange Birds.

Pick: Blue Jays

Streaking

Mark Buehrle (8-7, 4.24 ERA), Chicago White Sox

The long-time White Sox ace is rounding into form. The southpaw hurler has guided the Chi-Sox to a 6-1 record in his last seven trips to the bump. Buehrle’s delivered quality starts in each of his last six outings and the under is 4-2 over the same stretch.

Better yet, he hasn’t been priced higher than -156 in any of his last 10 starts even though the Sox are 8-2 in those games.

Trevor Cahill (9-3, 2.94 ERA), Oakland Athletics

This young righty has been money in the bank for A’s backers all season. Oakland is 9-2 in Cahill’s last 11 starts while the under is 10-3-2 in his 15 starts this season. One more mouthwatering note: The A’s are 5-0 in his last five road outings.

Slumping

Matt Cain (6-8, 3.34 ERA), San Francisco Giants

This hard-throwing righty’s stock is dropping. Sure, he can bring the heat, but San Fran never gives him any run support. The Giants are 0-5 in his last five trips to the mound and he carries a hefty 8.73 ERA over the five-game stretch.

Returning/slumping

Rick Porcello (4-7, 6.14 ERA), Detroit Tigers

Porcello ran into a major sophomore slump following his memorable 2009 campaign. His performance was so dreadful that the Tigers sent him down to the minors in June. He’s scheduled to pitch on Saturday because the team’s in a tough spot with the doubleheader.

"It's one start," manager Jim Leyland told the Detroit Free Press. "It doesn't mean he's back in the rotation. It's just one start. We'll play it by ear from that point on. As it stands right now, he's coming up to pitch a game against the Indians, and that's all it means.”

Porcello has made four starts in the minors, with two gems and two duds.