Preview/Prediction

Entering the second half of the 2013 season, the Oakland A's sit at a very respectable 47-34, good for second place in the American League West. The A's are on pace to match 2012's 94-win total in spite of some very key components either being injured (Brett Anderson) or flat out underwhelming (Josh Reddick). 

Mike Adams was the most recent member of the Philadelphia Phillies to hit the DL after tearing his shoulder in three places.

As you look at the next 10 slides, think about how much value each of these players have to their respective teams. Not just salary, but value. Even just the names tell you a lot—Bryce Harper, Alex Rodriguez, Jose Reyes and more. Teams can overcome injuries, but they cannot replace value in most cases and if you add in the value of time lost, it's pretty clear that teams need to be doing more. 

The Toronto Blue Jays are 15-5 in June, which can't be ignored when making your MLB picks Tuesday. They continue a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

Courtesy of SBR Forum, the Blue Jays are plus-121 road underdogs in the pro baseball odds, while the betting total sits at eight in the market.

The 2013 Boston Red Sox have risen to the top of the AL East not because of superlative superstar performances, but rather due to the contributions of many.

They have taken a step back from their stars-first approach and have instead looked to piece together a team filled with capable veterans and young players determined to make an impact.

The results, thus far, have been beyond what most experts could have expected.

Just like many fans and analysts anticipated, the 2013 Chicago Cubs are struggling to stay relevant. If they have indeed decided to start shopping veteran players, as ESPN Insider Buster Olney reports, we must wonder which potential contenders will pursue their expendable talent.

The Cincinnati Reds (44-30, second in NL Central) have headed out west on an eight-game road trip and are set to take on the NL West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks (39-33) in a three-game series starting on Friday night at Chase Field in Phoenix.

The Reds are playing well overall, but they need to improve offensively to complement the solid work of their pitching staff.

That’s nasty.

Really, there is nothing more satisfying than watching sluggers leave the batter’s box completely flummoxed and mystified by what they just saw.  In a sense, fans and hitters alike are shaking their heads in bewilderment.

These few pitchers have that one amazing pitch that can render a big league batter completely hopeless at the plate.    

The St. Louis Cardinals are 8-2 as home favorites of -175 to -225 during the 2013 season, which is important to consider when making your MLB picks Tuesday, as they continue their four-game series against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium.

Tonight's game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees has been postponed due to weather. 

Join us for the split doubleheader tomorrow with games at 1:05 PM and 7:10 PM. 

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