MLB Odds and Picks
By: Micah Roberts
Sportingnews
LAS VEGAS -- Things have gotten very interesting in the NL Central, as the team at the top for most of the season – the Milwaukee Brewers – has lost a season-high five straight and nine of its last 10, allowing the three teams below them – all of which made the playoffs last season – to close the gap considerably. Should the St. Louis Cardinals sweep the Brewers at Miller Park this weekend, the Cardinals would be in first place heading into the All-Star break.
When July began, the Brewers had a comfortable 6.5-game lead over the Cardinals, a seven-game lead over the Reds and eight on the Pirates. Heading into this weekend, the three teams chasing them are all within 3.5 games, with St. Louis only two games out.
The Brewers are -130 favorites tonight behind Yovani Gallardo (5-5, 3.45 ERA) against Joe Kelly (1-1, 0.59). Kelly last pitched on April 16 at Milwaukee, when he strained a hamstring trying to beat out a bunt and ended up on the disabled list.
For the series, the Brewers are -115 favorites to win at least two of three games, one of which involves Adam Wainwright on Saturday against the Brewers’ top prospect Jimmy Nelson. Nelson was just called up from Triple-A to take over in the rotation for the struggling Marco Estrada, who has been moved to the bullpen.
STL/MIL Weekend Rotation (Series Price: Brewers -115)
Friday: Gallardo (5-5,) vs. Joe Kelly
Saturday: Jimmy Nelson (1-0) vs. Adam Wainwright (11-4)
Sunday: Wily Peralta (9-6) vs. Carlos Martinez (2-3)
With the way the Brewers have been reeling – and with Wainwright starting one of the games – the Cardinals (-105) are the play in the series.
As for tonight’s game, it’s tough to side with a pitcher coming off an injury. Kelly made three rehab starts in the minors, including throwing 72 pitches Sunday for Triple-A Nashville. But the good news is his injury wasn’t an arm issue, and Gallardo has been awful against St. Louis over his career, a solid reason to side with the Cards.
Gallardo is 1-12 with a 6.38 ERA in 19 career starts against the Cardinals, and 0-6 with a 6.75 ERA at home. That is about as bad as it gets, and that’s not just a figure of speech. Gallardo’s terrible record against St. Louis is the worst by any one pitcher against one opponent, worse than Mark Buehrle’s 1-11 mark against the Yankees.
As if the Cardinals needed any extra incentive to beat the first-place team in their division, they got some bulletin board stuff – video in this age – when the Brewers made a mock political ad campaign to boost votes for catcher Jonathan Lucroy over Yadier Molina. “Do you want another St. Louis Cardinal in the All-Star Game? Isn’t there a better way?,” the narrator asked rhetorically.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny didn’t take too kindly to the continued jabs at the organization. It was playful for the Brewers fan base, but perceived in St. Louis as a little disrespectful.
Sometimes a little thing like that is all a team needs to fire them up, and for a struggling team like the Brewers, the timing couldn’t have been worse. They just got swept four games by the last-place Phillies, and doubt about whether they are good enough to hang on is entering their minds. A sweep by the Cardinals in the series wouldn’t be a surprise.
Friday’s selections:
Cardinals (Kelly) +128 at Brewers, 8:10 p.m. ET
Nationals/Phillies UNDER 7.5 (-115), 7:05 p.m. ET
Dodgers (Haren) -130 vs. Padres, 10:10 p.m. ET
Twins (Johnson) +151 at Rockies, 8:40 p.m. ET
Mariners (Hernandez) -125 vs. A’s, 10:10 p.m. ET
By: Micah Roberts
Sportingnews
LAS VEGAS -- Things have gotten very interesting in the NL Central, as the team at the top for most of the season – the Milwaukee Brewers – has lost a season-high five straight and nine of its last 10, allowing the three teams below them – all of which made the playoffs last season – to close the gap considerably. Should the St. Louis Cardinals sweep the Brewers at Miller Park this weekend, the Cardinals would be in first place heading into the All-Star break.
When July began, the Brewers had a comfortable 6.5-game lead over the Cardinals, a seven-game lead over the Reds and eight on the Pirates. Heading into this weekend, the three teams chasing them are all within 3.5 games, with St. Louis only two games out.
The Brewers are -130 favorites tonight behind Yovani Gallardo (5-5, 3.45 ERA) against Joe Kelly (1-1, 0.59). Kelly last pitched on April 16 at Milwaukee, when he strained a hamstring trying to beat out a bunt and ended up on the disabled list.
For the series, the Brewers are -115 favorites to win at least two of three games, one of which involves Adam Wainwright on Saturday against the Brewers’ top prospect Jimmy Nelson. Nelson was just called up from Triple-A to take over in the rotation for the struggling Marco Estrada, who has been moved to the bullpen.
STL/MIL Weekend Rotation (Series Price: Brewers -115)
Friday: Gallardo (5-5,) vs. Joe Kelly
Saturday: Jimmy Nelson (1-0) vs. Adam Wainwright (11-4)
Sunday: Wily Peralta (9-6) vs. Carlos Martinez (2-3)
With the way the Brewers have been reeling – and with Wainwright starting one of the games – the Cardinals (-105) are the play in the series.
As for tonight’s game, it’s tough to side with a pitcher coming off an injury. Kelly made three rehab starts in the minors, including throwing 72 pitches Sunday for Triple-A Nashville. But the good news is his injury wasn’t an arm issue, and Gallardo has been awful against St. Louis over his career, a solid reason to side with the Cards.
Gallardo is 1-12 with a 6.38 ERA in 19 career starts against the Cardinals, and 0-6 with a 6.75 ERA at home. That is about as bad as it gets, and that’s not just a figure of speech. Gallardo’s terrible record against St. Louis is the worst by any one pitcher against one opponent, worse than Mark Buehrle’s 1-11 mark against the Yankees.
As if the Cardinals needed any extra incentive to beat the first-place team in their division, they got some bulletin board stuff – video in this age – when the Brewers made a mock political ad campaign to boost votes for catcher Jonathan Lucroy over Yadier Molina. “Do you want another St. Louis Cardinal in the All-Star Game? Isn’t there a better way?,” the narrator asked rhetorically.
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny didn’t take too kindly to the continued jabs at the organization. It was playful for the Brewers fan base, but perceived in St. Louis as a little disrespectful.
Sometimes a little thing like that is all a team needs to fire them up, and for a struggling team like the Brewers, the timing couldn’t have been worse. They just got swept four games by the last-place Phillies, and doubt about whether they are good enough to hang on is entering their minds. A sweep by the Cardinals in the series wouldn’t be a surprise.
Friday’s selections:
Cardinals (Kelly) +128 at Brewers, 8:10 p.m. ET
Nationals/Phillies UNDER 7.5 (-115), 7:05 p.m. ET
Dodgers (Haren) -130 vs. Padres, 10:10 p.m. ET
Twins (Johnson) +151 at Rockies, 8:40 p.m. ET
Mariners (Hernandez) -125 vs. A’s, 10:10 p.m. ET
Andy Iskoe
Under Reds
Andy is a bit surprised that the total was bet up after opening at 7, considering the fact that Votto is out and Phillips is out and Marte will be missing for Pittsburgh. Both offenses are both weaker and will be going up against a couple of pitchers that are in good from current form.
Under Reds
Andy is a bit surprised that the total was bet up after opening at 7, considering the fact that Votto is out and Phillips is out and Marte will be missing for Pittsburgh. Both offenses are both weaker and will be going up against a couple of pitchers that are in good from current form.
SPORTSWAGERS
CFL
Ottawa @ EDMONTON
EDMONTON -4½ -103 over Ottawa
(Risking 2.06 units - To Win: 2.00)
Give Ottawa credit for an outstanding effort in Winnipeg in their inaugural CFL game. This was an extremely determined football team that played with purpose and intensity throughout and that was in a position to win. In the end, Ottawa couldn’t make that one big stop when they needed it most but the overall product was good and they looked like anything but an expansion team. Ottawa will win some games, no question about that, but it’s not likely to come this week. For one, there is the emotional letdown after being so charged up in Week 1. Secondly, the Redblacks had an edge over Winnipeg in that they had not played a game yet and the Bombers had no film to watch to prepare for them. Nobody knew what the Redblacks were going to do and nobody had the ability to prepare for them. When Winnipeg took to the half and had something to work with, the coaching staff made the adjustments and Winnipeg came out in the second half and buried the Redblacks, holding them to just two FG’s and a single point. Ottawa does not figure to be as emotionally charged for this game, especially with their home opener against Toronto on deck next week. There is so much excitement in Ottawa that the Redblacks had over 10,000 fans at their “get-together” this past Wednesday to allow season ticket holders to see the new team and new stadium. Now it’s back-to-back road games to the West Coast for Ottawa but this one does not have that same feel for them. The excitement of being a new team with a chip on its shoulders is gone.
Edmonton is 2-0 but it’s an ugly 2-0 after the team defeated a lethargic B.C. team in their opener and needed a fourth quarter miracle to defeat the Tiger-cats in Week 2. The Eskies have not looked impressive in their two games and they are very aware of their issues. The offense has averaged just over 300 yards per game, which is well below the league average of 357 yards per game. Edmonton’s running game has been weak and they are also the most banged up team in the CFL with as many 11 players out, doubtful or questionable for this game. That said, Edmonton is still 2-0 and have found ways to win when they weren’t at their best. Injury replacements often play better than the players they are replacing because it’s a window of opportunity. Additionally, Mike Reilly is an outstanding QB for Edmonton that is as tough as shoe leather and he figures to be able to pick apart an Ottawa defense that he has been viewing on film for the past week. Anyone that follows this league closely could make an easy case for taking the points because on paper it certainly looks like the Redblacks can win outright. However, this choice is based solely on the situation. Edmonton has not looked sharp, so there is no complacency or letdown factor. They know they have to be better. Meanwhile, for the Redblacks, this game is sandwiched between their home opener against Toronto next week and last week’s emotionally charged first CFL game for the new franchise. We’re suggesting that Ottawa won’t be nearly as sharp as they were a week ago and Edmonton will seize the opportunity.
Winnipeg @ MONTREAL
Winnipeg +137 over MONTREAL
(Risking 2 units - To Win: 2.74)
As a 3-point pooch at home, the Alouettes buried the B.C. Lions 24-9 while Winnipeg fell behind the expansion Redblacks, 14-0 before rallying and taking the lead late in the fourth quarter. In fact, Montreal led 24-3 with less than 90 seconds left in the game when the Lions scored their only TD and it was a meaningless one. Montreal is now home again while the Blue Bombers will play their first road game in three weeks. This number is a gross overreaction/under-reaction to last week’s results and it works in our favor. The Als are the CFL’s worst offense and it’s not close. Despite having the ball for almost 10 minutes more than the Lions last week, Montreal only had one more first down. Three turnovers by the Lions combined with an ugly game again by Kevin Glenn, his second in two weeks, was the reason the Als won. In week 1, Montreal lost 29-8 in Calgary and they were outgained by more than 200 yards. In two games, Als QB Troy Smith has completed just 35 passes and has looked very uncomfortable in just about all of them. The Als defense has looked fairly decent but this is not a defensive league and without an offense and without the ability to come back when falling behind, it’s an uphill battle from the get go.
The Blue Bombers were undervalued in Week 1 when they buried the Argos 45-21 as a 6-point dog. The oddsmakers and or public wasn’t buying their dominance over Toronto because the next week Winnipeg opened as a 5½-point favorite over the expansion Redblacks and by game time that number was down to -4. Winnipeg won and covered and although it was a fortunate cover, the thing to note is that Winnipeg rallied when they were down and they kept on coming. Last year’s Bombers, after falling behind 14-0 would have panicked, made mistake after mistake and probably go on to get hammered. This year’s team kept their poise, dug down deep against an emotionally charged opponent and got the job done in impressive fashion under the guidance of their very capable and exciting new QB, Drew Willy. In two games, Willy has competed 66% of his passes and has thrown for 615 yards and four TD’s. We love the fact that the Bombers are on the road for the first time as well. Winnipeg has responded extremely well twice in two very different situations. First, as a home dog in their season opener in a game they weren’t supposed to win and secondly, rallying in Week 2 after falling behind by two TD’s early. This is another test and one the Bombers are determined to prove that they are not just a difficult team to beat in their own barn. Winnipeg plays an aggressive brand of defense, which is a huge problem for Troy Smith, they are vastly superior offensively and when you are winning, you can’t wait for the next game. A focused Blue Bombers squad now gets its easiest test to date and once again they figure to pass with flying colors. Bombers outright.
CFL
Ottawa @ EDMONTON
EDMONTON -4½ -103 over Ottawa
(Risking 2.06 units - To Win: 2.00)
Give Ottawa credit for an outstanding effort in Winnipeg in their inaugural CFL game. This was an extremely determined football team that played with purpose and intensity throughout and that was in a position to win. In the end, Ottawa couldn’t make that one big stop when they needed it most but the overall product was good and they looked like anything but an expansion team. Ottawa will win some games, no question about that, but it’s not likely to come this week. For one, there is the emotional letdown after being so charged up in Week 1. Secondly, the Redblacks had an edge over Winnipeg in that they had not played a game yet and the Bombers had no film to watch to prepare for them. Nobody knew what the Redblacks were going to do and nobody had the ability to prepare for them. When Winnipeg took to the half and had something to work with, the coaching staff made the adjustments and Winnipeg came out in the second half and buried the Redblacks, holding them to just two FG’s and a single point. Ottawa does not figure to be as emotionally charged for this game, especially with their home opener against Toronto on deck next week. There is so much excitement in Ottawa that the Redblacks had over 10,000 fans at their “get-together” this past Wednesday to allow season ticket holders to see the new team and new stadium. Now it’s back-to-back road games to the West Coast for Ottawa but this one does not have that same feel for them. The excitement of being a new team with a chip on its shoulders is gone.
Edmonton is 2-0 but it’s an ugly 2-0 after the team defeated a lethargic B.C. team in their opener and needed a fourth quarter miracle to defeat the Tiger-cats in Week 2. The Eskies have not looked impressive in their two games and they are very aware of their issues. The offense has averaged just over 300 yards per game, which is well below the league average of 357 yards per game. Edmonton’s running game has been weak and they are also the most banged up team in the CFL with as many 11 players out, doubtful or questionable for this game. That said, Edmonton is still 2-0 and have found ways to win when they weren’t at their best. Injury replacements often play better than the players they are replacing because it’s a window of opportunity. Additionally, Mike Reilly is an outstanding QB for Edmonton that is as tough as shoe leather and he figures to be able to pick apart an Ottawa defense that he has been viewing on film for the past week. Anyone that follows this league closely could make an easy case for taking the points because on paper it certainly looks like the Redblacks can win outright. However, this choice is based solely on the situation. Edmonton has not looked sharp, so there is no complacency or letdown factor. They know they have to be better. Meanwhile, for the Redblacks, this game is sandwiched between their home opener against Toronto next week and last week’s emotionally charged first CFL game for the new franchise. We’re suggesting that Ottawa won’t be nearly as sharp as they were a week ago and Edmonton will seize the opportunity.
Winnipeg @ MONTREAL
Winnipeg +137 over MONTREAL
(Risking 2 units - To Win: 2.74)
As a 3-point pooch at home, the Alouettes buried the B.C. Lions 24-9 while Winnipeg fell behind the expansion Redblacks, 14-0 before rallying and taking the lead late in the fourth quarter. In fact, Montreal led 24-3 with less than 90 seconds left in the game when the Lions scored their only TD and it was a meaningless one. Montreal is now home again while the Blue Bombers will play their first road game in three weeks. This number is a gross overreaction/under-reaction to last week’s results and it works in our favor. The Als are the CFL’s worst offense and it’s not close. Despite having the ball for almost 10 minutes more than the Lions last week, Montreal only had one more first down. Three turnovers by the Lions combined with an ugly game again by Kevin Glenn, his second in two weeks, was the reason the Als won. In week 1, Montreal lost 29-8 in Calgary and they were outgained by more than 200 yards. In two games, Als QB Troy Smith has completed just 35 passes and has looked very uncomfortable in just about all of them. The Als defense has looked fairly decent but this is not a defensive league and without an offense and without the ability to come back when falling behind, it’s an uphill battle from the get go.
The Blue Bombers were undervalued in Week 1 when they buried the Argos 45-21 as a 6-point dog. The oddsmakers and or public wasn’t buying their dominance over Toronto because the next week Winnipeg opened as a 5½-point favorite over the expansion Redblacks and by game time that number was down to -4. Winnipeg won and covered and although it was a fortunate cover, the thing to note is that Winnipeg rallied when they were down and they kept on coming. Last year’s Bombers, after falling behind 14-0 would have panicked, made mistake after mistake and probably go on to get hammered. This year’s team kept their poise, dug down deep against an emotionally charged opponent and got the job done in impressive fashion under the guidance of their very capable and exciting new QB, Drew Willy. In two games, Willy has competed 66% of his passes and has thrown for 615 yards and four TD’s. We love the fact that the Bombers are on the road for the first time as well. Winnipeg has responded extremely well twice in two very different situations. First, as a home dog in their season opener in a game they weren’t supposed to win and secondly, rallying in Week 2 after falling behind by two TD’s early. This is another test and one the Bombers are determined to prove that they are not just a difficult team to beat in their own barn. Winnipeg plays an aggressive brand of defense, which is a huge problem for Troy Smith, they are vastly superior offensively and when you are winning, you can’t wait for the next game. A focused Blue Bombers squad now gets its easiest test to date and once again they figure to pass with flying colors. Bombers outright.
SPORTSWAGERS
MLB
Pittsburgh @ CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh +104 over CINCINNATI
(Risking 2 units - To Win: 2.08)
The Pirates went into St. Louis as the hottest team in the NL but lost the first three games of that series to get cooled out. However, the Pirates really got unlucky in the opener of that series and they buried the Cards in the series finale last night, 9-1. The Bucs now take the momentum from last night’s win into Cincinnati to face the most overvalued team in the NL right now. Jeff Locke was a command artist in June with 5.7 K’s/9 and just 1.3 BB/9. His 12% swing and miss rate gives hope for more strikeouts and it’s also worth noting Locke’s elite 52% groundball rate and 0.92 WHIP. Locke has six pure quality starts in seven games and now faces a Reds’ lineup that can easily be dominated.
Cinci took four of five from the Cubbies over the past four days but pretty it was not. The Reds have been the beneficiary of running into every team they have played recently at precisely the right time. They caught the Brewers and Giants when both suddenly went ice cold and they caught the Cubbies after Chicago traded their two best pitchers. The same fate does not await them here. Pittsburgh is still swinging some hot bats and the Pirates should have little trouble getting to Mat Latos. Latos is also a control artist, as he has walked just five batters all season in 34 innings. However, Latos’ strikeout rate is way down, which is supported by a weak swing and miss rate of 4% over his last two starts. With a groundball/line-drive/fly-ball profile of 38%/23%/40% and few strikeouts, Latos is walking a tightrope that figures to come crashing down at any minute. His 2.41 ERA is a complete mirage that is 1½-runs lower than his xERA of 3.91. Offensively and in the bullpen the Pirates are so much better than the Reds and will likely prove so over the next three days and beyond.
MLB
Pittsburgh @ CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh +104 over CINCINNATI
(Risking 2 units - To Win: 2.08)
The Pirates went into St. Louis as the hottest team in the NL but lost the first three games of that series to get cooled out. However, the Pirates really got unlucky in the opener of that series and they buried the Cards in the series finale last night, 9-1. The Bucs now take the momentum from last night’s win into Cincinnati to face the most overvalued team in the NL right now. Jeff Locke was a command artist in June with 5.7 K’s/9 and just 1.3 BB/9. His 12% swing and miss rate gives hope for more strikeouts and it’s also worth noting Locke’s elite 52% groundball rate and 0.92 WHIP. Locke has six pure quality starts in seven games and now faces a Reds’ lineup that can easily be dominated.
Cinci took four of five from the Cubbies over the past four days but pretty it was not. The Reds have been the beneficiary of running into every team they have played recently at precisely the right time. They caught the Brewers and Giants when both suddenly went ice cold and they caught the Cubbies after Chicago traded their two best pitchers. The same fate does not await them here. Pittsburgh is still swinging some hot bats and the Pirates should have little trouble getting to Mat Latos. Latos is also a control artist, as he has walked just five batters all season in 34 innings. However, Latos’ strikeout rate is way down, which is supported by a weak swing and miss rate of 4% over his last two starts. With a groundball/line-drive/fly-ball profile of 38%/23%/40% and few strikeouts, Latos is walking a tightrope that figures to come crashing down at any minute. His 2.41 ERA is a complete mirage that is 1½-runs lower than his xERA of 3.91. Offensively and in the bullpen the Pirates are so much better than the Reds and will likely prove so over the next three days and beyond.
NonStopSportsPicks
2* Rockies/Twins Under 10.5
Weather in Denver is rainy, humid, and wind blowing in a bit (at the moment). Not that it won't change by gametime. But we have De La Rosa on the mound for the Rockies and he's a stud at home. The Rockies will face a kid in Johnson who they haven't faced before and he has pretty decent stuff. Similar to the write-up yesterday, I DO like pitchers who the hitters haven't seen before to have an advantage the first time through the line-up. We're needing De la Rosa to do his thing tonight for the Rockies, and we're needing Johnson to go through the line-up once without huge issues. This line probably drops before first pitch, so we'll take a 2* shot now.
2* Rockies/Twins Under 10.5
Weather in Denver is rainy, humid, and wind blowing in a bit (at the moment). Not that it won't change by gametime. But we have De La Rosa on the mound for the Rockies and he's a stud at home. The Rockies will face a kid in Johnson who they haven't faced before and he has pretty decent stuff. Similar to the write-up yesterday, I DO like pitchers who the hitters haven't seen before to have an advantage the first time through the line-up. We're needing De la Rosa to do his thing tonight for the Rockies, and we're needing Johnson to go through the line-up once without huge issues. This line probably drops before first pitch, so we'll take a 2* shot now.
Dave Essler - Friday Night MLB Thoughts
I like the Phillies RL a fair bit. The total coming down, Washington off a tough series and worse against RHP, Burnett hasn't looked bad, and the Phillies clearly know Zimmerman.
Looks like Locke and the Pirates might go off the listed favorite in Cincinnati against Latos. I can't say I disagree, but with that in mind I would look hard at the under.
Miami is back to playing poorly and the Mets have been. Tough to put actual money on either side, IMO.
Another enigma is that Brewers game. I do hate laying -140 on them against the Cardinals, with or without Molina. Tough to take STL either, with Kelly not in a routine yet, but if that total is coming down or at least staying stable I COULD see taking the STL RL.
I would do nothing but take the Padres over the Dodgers. Haren over rated and Hahn under rated. Worth a marble.
I do think people are over rating Timmy this time. Arizona knows him well and it's not like the Giants have been tearing the cover off the ball. D-Backs RL or nothing.
Because the White Sox are hot and hitting, they don't need to be +190 or whatever here by any means. Indians playing pretty sloppy, actually. White Sox or RL could be the public disaster of the night.
I want no part of Buerhle or Archer, really. That total of only 7 looks fairly doable, even in the Trop. Both teams know the opposing pitchers well enough, and it's not like either bullpen is that stout.
Not laying -170 on the road in a division game, but I could see taking the Angels RL simply because they're gonna get 27 outs no matter what happens.
Because Feldman keeps the ball in the park (usually) I like the Astros, again, or at least the RL. I watched Lackey pitch against them earlier when they were "younger and less confident" so Boston could well be another disaster, IMO.
It's hard to bet against Fernandez, especially at home, but the one thing the A's gave going for them is they've seen him and Seattle has not seen Samardzija. Simply under or nothing here.
I'm not sure the Rockies really need to be -165 here even though the Twins don't get the DH. In fact, the Twins RL is the only play I can make, and the square over if I can get 10.
I like the Phillies RL a fair bit. The total coming down, Washington off a tough series and worse against RHP, Burnett hasn't looked bad, and the Phillies clearly know Zimmerman.
Looks like Locke and the Pirates might go off the listed favorite in Cincinnati against Latos. I can't say I disagree, but with that in mind I would look hard at the under.
Miami is back to playing poorly and the Mets have been. Tough to put actual money on either side, IMO.
Another enigma is that Brewers game. I do hate laying -140 on them against the Cardinals, with or without Molina. Tough to take STL either, with Kelly not in a routine yet, but if that total is coming down or at least staying stable I COULD see taking the STL RL.
I would do nothing but take the Padres over the Dodgers. Haren over rated and Hahn under rated. Worth a marble.
I do think people are over rating Timmy this time. Arizona knows him well and it's not like the Giants have been tearing the cover off the ball. D-Backs RL or nothing.
Because the White Sox are hot and hitting, they don't need to be +190 or whatever here by any means. Indians playing pretty sloppy, actually. White Sox or RL could be the public disaster of the night.
I want no part of Buerhle or Archer, really. That total of only 7 looks fairly doable, even in the Trop. Both teams know the opposing pitchers well enough, and it's not like either bullpen is that stout.
Not laying -170 on the road in a division game, but I could see taking the Angels RL simply because they're gonna get 27 outs no matter what happens.
Because Feldman keeps the ball in the park (usually) I like the Astros, again, or at least the RL. I watched Lackey pitch against them earlier when they were "younger and less confident" so Boston could well be another disaster, IMO.
It's hard to bet against Fernandez, especially at home, but the one thing the A's gave going for them is they've seen him and Seattle has not seen Samardzija. Simply under or nothing here.
I'm not sure the Rockies really need to be -165 here even though the Twins don't get the DH. In fact, the Twins RL is the only play I can make, and the square over if I can get 10.
AngelsSimon Green
MLB Free Winner
Oakland Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners
Oakland Athletics +119
Oakland Athletics Bonus Play Winner Jeff Samardzija makes his second start for the A’s. He was awesome in his first start and will continue to be tonight. He faces King Felix and the M’s so it won’t be easy but I like the A’s to get the job done. A big advantage will be that the Mariners are not familiar with Samardzija. As the National League knows he has nasty stuff. The A’s will score just enough to get Samardzija a hard fought win.
MLB Free Winner
Oakland Athletics vs. Seattle Mariners
Oakland Athletics +119
Oakland Athletics Bonus Play Winner Jeff Samardzija makes his second start for the A’s. He was awesome in his first start and will continue to be tonight. He faces King Felix and the M’s so it won’t be easy but I like the A’s to get the job done. A big advantage will be that the Mariners are not familiar with Samardzija. As the National League knows he has nasty stuff. The A’s will score just enough to get Samardzija a hard fought win.
