The White Sox are dreadful with an 8-18 record and minus 42-run differential. I don't understand why James Shields is part of the White Sox's starting rotation. Shields is an over-the-hill innings-eater who I regard as one of the worst starting pitchers in the majors. He had a 5.23 ERA last year and is even worse this year with a 6.14 ERA. Chicago has lost in 14 of Shields' past 19 road starts.

Chicago is 1-4 in Shields' five starts this season giving up 35 runs in those four defeats.

The Cardinals have won six of their last eight home games. The White Sox have dropped 11 of their last 13 interleague road matchups.

MIchael Wacha is two levels higher than Shields. So I have no problem laying 1 1/2 runs in order to reduce the high juice associated with fading Shields.