Ben Burns Available Picks

July, 19 2008 7:05pm EST
MONEYLINE: Chicago White Sox -151
LOSS for -3 unit(s)

Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox

I'm laying the price with the CHICAGO WHITE SOX. The White Sox have dominated the Royals here in recent seasons. In fact, yesterday's 9-5 win brought them to a perfect 6-0 the last six series meetings here and 17-6 the last 23 meetings here. With Gavin Floyd on the mound, the Chisox should have a significant advantage again this evening.

Floyd is 10-5 with a solid 3.63 ERA and 1.20 WHIP on the season. It's been here in the Windy City where he has really excelled though. Indeed, he's 7-1 in 10 home starts (Sox are 9-1!) recording an outstanding 2.57 ERA and 0.952 WHIP. In his most recent start here, Floyd limited Oakland to just three hits through 7 1/3 shutout innings, en route to a 6-1 Chicago win. Floyd has faced the Royals once this season. In that start, which was here at Chicago six weeks ago, he allowed two earned runs through seven complete innings. Floyd would earn the victory as the Sox eventually won by a score of 9-5.

Floyd will be opposed by Gil Meche. While he's capable of pitching well, Meche hasn't been very consistent, as evidenced by his 6 -9 record and 4.64 ERA. Meche has been very hittable lately, too. Over his last three starts, he has a 5.00 ERA and an ugly 1.833 WHIP. Meche has faced the Sox once this season. In that start, he allowed seven hits, four walks and five runs (4 earned) through just 5 2/3 innings. Meche would take the loss, as the Royals fell by a score of 6-2. Since he came to KC, the Royals are 1-3 in Meche's four starts vs. the Sox, including 0-2 here at Chicago.

The Royals bullpen has been solid. Entering the series, the KC relievers had a respectable 3.91 ERA and 1.265 WHIP. However, the Chicago relievers have been even better. In fact, they've allowed a full run less per nine innings. Entering the series, the Sox bullpen had a stellar combined 2.92 ERA and 1.219 WHIP. The White Sox also have a significant advantage in the hitting department. Even before yesterday's nine run outburst, the Sox were averaging 5.7 runs per game at home. Conversely, the Royals entered the series averaging just four runs per game on the road.

Considering that the White Sox are 33-13 at home while the Royals are 21-30 on the road, I feel the current price is very reasonable. Look for Floyd to continue his strong pitching in this park and for the Sox to continue their dominance in this series. *main event