Play: Oklahoma City -2.5 -107
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Memphis was fortunate to win Game 5 as it blew a 20-point third-quarter lead. This series would be over if Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook would just perform at their normal levels. I have a sneaking suspicion that they will each snap out of their funk starting Thursday. They are too good not to do so, right? I mean, Durant shooting 40% from the field, 28.6% from behind the arc and missing a tying free-throw in the waning seconds of the last contest? Really? How about Westbrook shooting 34.4% overall and only 18.4% on threes? The Grizzlies will not get 21 points off the bench from Mike Miller like they did in Game 5. Zach Randolph doesn't have another double-double in him. Memphis' point differential on the season is just +1.4. At home it's only slightly better (+2.5), and it's worse than the Thunder's +3.3 road number. The Grizzlies are just average in perimeter defense and are below average in defensive rebounding. And in free-throw shooting, they don't get to the line much and are below average in that statistic anyway. Oklahoma City also has advantages in the steals and blocks categories. This should be a fairly-easy regulation win for the Thunder.
Record: 60-39-3 (60.6%)
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Wednesday's MLB plays
Play: Arizona -120 (action vs. Collmenter)
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Colorado is playing over its head on the road. It's 8-8 away from home right now, but it was 29-52 there in each of the last two years. Likewise, Rockies starter Jordan Lyles should start regressing to the mean performance-wise very soon. He wasn't supposed to be in the rotation this season. And in three lifetime starts against the Diamondbacks he is 0-2 with a 10.43 ERA and a .411 BAA. He'll be opposed by Josh Collmenter, who pitched six shutout innings in his last start. He is 2-1 with a 0.99 WHIP in 15 games (five starts) lifetime against Colorado. The Rockies are hitting 31 points lower vs. RH and their bullpen has a 4.15 ERA over the last 10 games.
Play: San Diego/San Francisco over 7 +105 (Erlin vs. Hudson)
Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Giants are scoring 5.10 runs per game overall vs. LH and, in their last 10 contests against southpaws, they are scoring an unbelievable 10.80 rpg. Tonight they will face Robbie Erlin, who has a 6.35 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. Erlin has a 4.76 ERA in two lifetime starts against San Francisco. I also think that Tim Hudson is overdue for a clunker. Hudson, who will turn 39 on July 14, suffered his only loss of the season on April 19 when the Padres tagged him for eight hits. San Diego should have Jedd Gyorko (paternity leave) and Seth Smith (groin) back for this one. The Giants bullpen has allowed about one run more per game than normal over the last 10 games. Mark Ripperger is an "over" umpire for his career and his games averaged 9.33 runs in each of the last two seasons.
Record: 59-38-3 (60.8%)
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Colorado is playing over its head on the road. It's 8-8 away from home right now, but it was 29-52 there in each of the last two years. Likewise, Rockies starter Jordan Lyles should start regressing to the mean performance-wise very soon. He wasn't supposed to be in the rotation this season. And in three lifetime starts against the Diamondbacks he is 0-2 with a 10.43 ERA and a .411 BAA. He'll be opposed by Josh Collmenter, who pitched six shutout innings in his last start. He is 2-1 with a 0.99 WHIP in 15 games (five starts) lifetime against Colorado. The Rockies are hitting 31 points lower vs. RH and their bullpen has a 4.15 ERA over the last 10 games.
Play: San Diego/San Francisco over 7 +105 (Erlin vs. Hudson)
Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Giants are scoring 5.10 runs per game overall vs. LH and, in their last 10 contests against southpaws, they are scoring an unbelievable 10.80 rpg. Tonight they will face Robbie Erlin, who has a 6.35 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. Erlin has a 4.76 ERA in two lifetime starts against San Francisco. I also think that Tim Hudson is overdue for a clunker. Hudson, who will turn 39 on July 14, suffered his only loss of the season on April 19 when the Padres tagged him for eight hits. San Diego should have Jedd Gyorko (paternity leave) and Seth Smith (groin) back for this one. The Giants bullpen has allowed about one run more per game than normal over the last 10 games. Mark Ripperger is an "over" umpire for his career and his games averaged 9.33 runs in each of the last two seasons.
Record: 59-38-3 (60.8%)
Monday, April 28, 2014
Second ppd of the season
ChC-Cin --Postponed. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains...
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Monday's MLB play
Play: Chi. Cubs +1.5 -165 (Samardzija vs. Simon)
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Reds are scoring 1.34 less runs per game vs. RH and they are facing a tough one on Monday night in Jeff Samardzija. The Cubs ace has a 1.53 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP and has recorded eight straight quality starts. On the other side Alfredo Simon might not be as focused, given the fact that he was sued the other day by a woman accusing him of rape. So his mind might be elsewhere... Cincinnati's bullpen has a 4.86 ERA. Chicago would be 12-12 if given 1.5 runs per game. The Reds would be 8-17 if they gave 1.5 runs per game.
Record: 59-38-3 (60.8%)
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Reds are scoring 1.34 less runs per game vs. RH and they are facing a tough one on Monday night in Jeff Samardzija. The Cubs ace has a 1.53 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP and has recorded eight straight quality starts. On the other side Alfredo Simon might not be as focused, given the fact that he was sued the other day by a woman accusing him of rape. So his mind might be elsewhere... Cincinnati's bullpen has a 4.86 ERA. Chicago would be 12-12 if given 1.5 runs per game. The Reds would be 8-17 if they gave 1.5 runs per game.
Record: 59-38-3 (60.8%)
Sunday's MLB plays
Play: Kansas City/Baltimore over 7.5 -105 (Shields vs. Gonzalez)
Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Royals are hitting 33 points higher and scoring 2.25 more runs per game vs. RH. The Orioles are hitting 48 points higher against RH and are wearing out both types of pitchers, averaging 4.57 rpg overall. In its last 10 games, Baltimore is averaging 5.24 rpg. Its bullpen has been giving up runs too, amassing a 5.52 ERA over the last five games. O's starter Miguel Gonzalez is 1-1 in two lifetime starts, with a 4.97 ERA and a .304 BAA. Jim Reynolds is a fairly neutral and remarkably consistent umpire. His games have averaged between 8.25 and 8.58 runs over the past several years.
Play: Cincinnati/Atlanta over 6.5 -109 (Cueto vs. Teheran)
Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I might be playing with fire with these pitchers on the hill, but this total for these two teams is too low to pass up. In their last outings against these respective clubs, each of these starters gave up five earned runs. At home the Braves average 4.52 runs per game. Through 11 games, Justin Upton is hitting .486 with six homers and 12 RBI at Turner Field. And Atlanta's bullpen hasn't been that great this season, producing a 3.41 ERA. Meanwhile, the Reds relievers have been even worse. They have a 4.85 ERA overall and a 5.17 ERA on the road. Cincinnati has averaged 4.24 rpg over its last 10 contests.
Play: Colorado +1.5 -155 (De La Rosa vs. Ryu)
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Against LH, the Rockies are hitting .299 and are scoring 4.57 runs per game and Los Angeles is hitting .206 and scoring 2.84 rpg. Over the last 10 games the Dodgers bullpen has a 4.55 ERA. Los Angeles, who may be without Hanley Ramirez (thumb) today, would be 11-14 if giving 1.5 runs per game. The Rockies would be 18-7 if given 1.5 rpg. Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa has a 2.45 ERA over his last two starts.
Record: 57-37-3 (60.6%)
Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Royals are hitting 33 points higher and scoring 2.25 more runs per game vs. RH. The Orioles are hitting 48 points higher against RH and are wearing out both types of pitchers, averaging 4.57 rpg overall. In its last 10 games, Baltimore is averaging 5.24 rpg. Its bullpen has been giving up runs too, amassing a 5.52 ERA over the last five games. O's starter Miguel Gonzalez is 1-1 in two lifetime starts, with a 4.97 ERA and a .304 BAA. Jim Reynolds is a fairly neutral and remarkably consistent umpire. His games have averaged between 8.25 and 8.58 runs over the past several years.
Play: Cincinnati/Atlanta over 6.5 -109 (Cueto vs. Teheran)
Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I might be playing with fire with these pitchers on the hill, but this total for these two teams is too low to pass up. In their last outings against these respective clubs, each of these starters gave up five earned runs. At home the Braves average 4.52 runs per game. Through 11 games, Justin Upton is hitting .486 with six homers and 12 RBI at Turner Field. And Atlanta's bullpen hasn't been that great this season, producing a 3.41 ERA. Meanwhile, the Reds relievers have been even worse. They have a 4.85 ERA overall and a 5.17 ERA on the road. Cincinnati has averaged 4.24 rpg over its last 10 contests.
Play: Colorado +1.5 -155 (De La Rosa vs. Ryu)
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Against LH, the Rockies are hitting .299 and are scoring 4.57 runs per game and Los Angeles is hitting .206 and scoring 2.84 rpg. Over the last 10 games the Dodgers bullpen has a 4.55 ERA. Los Angeles, who may be without Hanley Ramirez (thumb) today, would be 11-14 if giving 1.5 runs per game. The Rockies would be 18-7 if given 1.5 rpg. Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa has a 2.45 ERA over his last two starts.
Record: 57-37-3 (60.6%)
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Thursday's MLB plays
Play: Houston +1.5 -115 and Oak/Hou over 8 -115 (Kazmir vs. Oberholtzer)
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Astros come into this one having scored 15 runs over their last three games and winning a series at Seattle. The Athletics were swept by Texas over the same time period and they managed just three hits yesterday. Oakland would be 9-12 if it was giving 1.5 runs per game. Houston would be 10-12 if it was given 1.5 runs per game. The Astros are hitting 20 points higher against LH. The A's are hitting 47 points lower and scoring an astonishing 2.75 less runs per game vs. LH. Oakland starter Scott Kazmir has a 4.13 ERA lifetime against Houston. His counterpart, Brett Oberholtzer of the Aztros, has a 1.54 ERA in his career vs. the A's.
Play: Philadelphia +1.5 -140 (Kendrick vs. Haren)
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Phillies have taken two of the first three games of this series and they likely won't have to face Los Angeles closer Kenley Jansen tonight because he has pitched four of the last five days.The Dodgers would be 10-12 if they were giving 1.5 runs per game. Philadelphia would be 13-8 if it was given 1.5 rpg. Los Angeles starter Dan Haren is 1-4 with a 5.09 ERA in eight career starts against the Phillies. The Dodgers are hitting just .217 and scoring just 3.88 rpg vs. RH over their last 10 games. And tonight they will face another right-hander in Kyle Kendrick, who sports a 3.60 ERA.
Record: 55-36-3 (60.4%)
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Astros come into this one having scored 15 runs over their last three games and winning a series at Seattle. The Athletics were swept by Texas over the same time period and they managed just three hits yesterday. Oakland would be 9-12 if it was giving 1.5 runs per game. Houston would be 10-12 if it was given 1.5 runs per game. The Astros are hitting 20 points higher against LH. The A's are hitting 47 points lower and scoring an astonishing 2.75 less runs per game vs. LH. Oakland starter Scott Kazmir has a 4.13 ERA lifetime against Houston. His counterpart, Brett Oberholtzer of the Aztros, has a 1.54 ERA in his career vs. the A's.
Play: Philadelphia +1.5 -140 (Kendrick vs. Haren)
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Phillies have taken two of the first three games of this series and they likely won't have to face Los Angeles closer Kenley Jansen tonight because he has pitched four of the last five days.The Dodgers would be 10-12 if they were giving 1.5 runs per game. Philadelphia would be 13-8 if it was given 1.5 rpg. Los Angeles starter Dan Haren is 1-4 with a 5.09 ERA in eight career starts against the Phillies. The Dodgers are hitting just .217 and scoring just 3.88 rpg vs. RH over their last 10 games. And tonight they will face another right-hander in Kyle Kendrick, who sports a 3.60 ERA.
Record: 55-36-3 (60.4%)
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Wednesday's NBA play
Play: Portland/Houston under 215 -110
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The last two contests would have gone under had they not both gone to overtime. This is just too many points. Games for neither team average more than 211.1 in the overall and the home/away splits. In Game 1 the starters for both squads had to do the heavy lifting. Houston's sixth man, Jeremy Lin (illness), is questionable for this one. He missed practice on Tuesday after scoring 14 points in Game 1. The rest of Houston's bench had seven points. The Blazers' bench? They had seven points total on 2-of-14 shooting. Houston's James Harden and Dwight Howard were a combined 17-of-48 shooting in the first game. Both teams are above average in overall field-goal percentage defense as well as on threes. And the Rockets can't shoot free throws.
Record: 55-35-3 (61.1%)
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The last two contests would have gone under had they not both gone to overtime. This is just too many points. Games for neither team average more than 211.1 in the overall and the home/away splits. In Game 1 the starters for both squads had to do the heavy lifting. Houston's sixth man, Jeremy Lin (illness), is questionable for this one. He missed practice on Tuesday after scoring 14 points in Game 1. The rest of Houston's bench had seven points. The Blazers' bench? They had seven points total on 2-of-14 shooting. Houston's James Harden and Dwight Howard were a combined 17-of-48 shooting in the first game. Both teams are above average in overall field-goal percentage defense as well as on threes. And the Rockets can't shoot free throws.
Record: 55-35-3 (61.1%)
Tuesday's MLB play
Play: Arizona +101 (McCarthy vs. action)
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This one should be ugly just because of the teams participating, but the Cubs look uglier today. They haven't seen Brandon McCarthy in a start since 2005. McCarthy pitched well in his last start. The Diamondbacks' bullpen has a 1.59 ERA in the last 10 games. Chicago's 'pen over that time period: 4.34 ERA. The Cubs are hitting 43 points lower vs. RH and are scoring about one less run per game against them. Chicago starter Jason Hammel is lucky no one was on base when he allowed four homers over his last two games.
Record: 55-34-3 (61.8%)
Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This one should be ugly just because of the teams participating, but the Cubs look uglier today. They haven't seen Brandon McCarthy in a start since 2005. McCarthy pitched well in his last start. The Diamondbacks' bullpen has a 1.59 ERA in the last 10 games. Chicago's 'pen over that time period: 4.34 ERA. The Cubs are hitting 43 points lower vs. RH and are scoring about one less run per game against them. Chicago starter Jason Hammel is lucky no one was on base when he allowed four homers over his last two games.
Record: 55-34-3 (61.8%)
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Monday's NBA plays
Play: Memphis +7 -103
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Grizzlies nearly came back all the way against Oklahoma City in Game 1, and they cut the Thunder's lead to just two in the fourth quarter after being down by 25 at one point. Memphis fell behind by so much early because it shot just 25 percent from the field in the first half. That usually doesn't happen to the Grizzlies, who normally shoot 46.3 percent from the field. Memphis is not intimidated by Oklahoma City, as the Grizzlies knocked the Thunder out of the playoffs last season in five games. Memphis can hang with Oklahoma City in the rebounding department and it is better on offensive boards. The Grizzlies should have Tayshaun Prince (stomach virus) back for this one. The veteran was limited to just four minutes in Game 1 and he usually averages close to 26 mpg. The Thunder's average margin of victory is 6.4 points. Memphis allows just 94.6 ppg.
Plays: L.A. Clippers -7.5 -110 and GS/LAC under 212.5 -110
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I like Los Angeles to exact some revenge after it barely lost Game 1 despite getting only 19 minutes from Blake Griffin who was in foul trouble. He still scored 16 in his limited time and, had he got his usual 36 minutes, there is no telling how Game 1 would have turned out. The Clippers held Stephen Curry to just 14 points and the Warriors committed 23 turnovers. Golden State is without leading rebounder Andrew Bogut (broken rib) for this series, so I expect DeAndre Jordan to have another good game (14 rebounds and five blocks in the first game). Los Angeles allows just 33.3 percent shooting from behind the arc. It has the deeper bench and causes more turnovers than the Warriors. I expect the Clips to get a good-sized lead and coast, thus helping the under. This total is about eight points too high for a Golden State road game and the under was 47-34-2 in Warriors games. Los Angeles went 28-18 this season vs. Top 16 teams and Golden State went just 22-24 against those squads.
Record: 53-33-3 (61.6%)
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Grizzlies nearly came back all the way against Oklahoma City in Game 1, and they cut the Thunder's lead to just two in the fourth quarter after being down by 25 at one point. Memphis fell behind by so much early because it shot just 25 percent from the field in the first half. That usually doesn't happen to the Grizzlies, who normally shoot 46.3 percent from the field. Memphis is not intimidated by Oklahoma City, as the Grizzlies knocked the Thunder out of the playoffs last season in five games. Memphis can hang with Oklahoma City in the rebounding department and it is better on offensive boards. The Grizzlies should have Tayshaun Prince (stomach virus) back for this one. The veteran was limited to just four minutes in Game 1 and he usually averages close to 26 mpg. The Thunder's average margin of victory is 6.4 points. Memphis allows just 94.6 ppg.
Plays: L.A. Clippers -7.5 -110 and GS/LAC under 212.5 -110
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I like Los Angeles to exact some revenge after it barely lost Game 1 despite getting only 19 minutes from Blake Griffin who was in foul trouble. He still scored 16 in his limited time and, had he got his usual 36 minutes, there is no telling how Game 1 would have turned out. The Clippers held Stephen Curry to just 14 points and the Warriors committed 23 turnovers. Golden State is without leading rebounder Andrew Bogut (broken rib) for this series, so I expect DeAndre Jordan to have another good game (14 rebounds and five blocks in the first game). Los Angeles allows just 33.3 percent shooting from behind the arc. It has the deeper bench and causes more turnovers than the Warriors. I expect the Clips to get a good-sized lead and coast, thus helping the under. This total is about eight points too high for a Golden State road game and the under was 47-34-2 in Warriors games. Los Angeles went 28-18 this season vs. Top 16 teams and Golden State went just 22-24 against those squads.
Record: 53-33-3 (61.6%)
Sunday's MLB plays
Play: Cleveland -107 (action vs. Carrasco) and Tor/Cle under 8.5 -103
Time: 1:07 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Carlos Carrasco has had eight days off and I think that time will be beneficial in turning things around for him starting today. He'll be matched against another pitcher in Brandon Morrow that likely could've benefited from eight days off after he threw 98 pitches in just 3.2 IP in his last start. Today, he'll face an Indians team that is hitting 31 points higher and scoring 2.21 more runs per game vs. RH. Cleveland's bullpen also has been impressive, posting a 2.93 ERA. The big kicker for the under today is the umpire Ron Kulpa. His games averaged 6.85 rpg last season and the under is 34-16-2 in his last 52 games.
Play: Seattle -102 (Maurer vs. action)
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Mariners should get right offensively today since they will face Kevin Slowey. He is a failed starter getting his first turn of the season because Brad Hand pitched terribly in his last two starts. Seattle starter Brandon Maurer will make his 2014 debut, and he would've already made had it not been for an injured back in spring training. He is alright now, having struck out 17 in 8.1 IP in four appearances for Tacoma this season. The Mariners also have an advantage in the bullpen (3.21 ERA vs. 4.02 ERA).
Play: N.Y. Mets -114 (action vs. Wheeler)
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Atlanta is hitting 43 points lower against RH and it will have to face Zack Wheeler who is 3-1 with a 3.80 ERA against the Braves. In his last start (at Arizona) Wheeler allowed just two runs in 6.1 IP. Atlanta pitcher David Hale is only in there because of an injury to Mike Minor. Hale was skipped in his last start and prior to that, on April 10, he walked five Mets and allowed four runs in 4.1 IP. The Braves bullpen has been a mess, registering a 7.71 ERA in the last five games.
Play: Chi. White Sox +1.5 -125
Time: 3:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Texas has never seen Erik Johnson (in fact only six teams have seen him) and the 24-year-old is coming off a game against Boston in which he struck out nine and allowed just one run on three hits in 6.2 IP. For the Rangers, they will go with converted reliever Robbie Ross. He has been impressive, but how long can he keep that up? Texas is hitting 28 points lower and scoring 2.27 less runs per game vs. RH.
Record: 50-31-3 (61.7%)
Time: 1:07 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Carlos Carrasco has had eight days off and I think that time will be beneficial in turning things around for him starting today. He'll be matched against another pitcher in Brandon Morrow that likely could've benefited from eight days off after he threw 98 pitches in just 3.2 IP in his last start. Today, he'll face an Indians team that is hitting 31 points higher and scoring 2.21 more runs per game vs. RH. Cleveland's bullpen also has been impressive, posting a 2.93 ERA. The big kicker for the under today is the umpire Ron Kulpa. His games averaged 6.85 rpg last season and the under is 34-16-2 in his last 52 games.
Play: Seattle -102 (Maurer vs. action)
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Mariners should get right offensively today since they will face Kevin Slowey. He is a failed starter getting his first turn of the season because Brad Hand pitched terribly in his last two starts. Seattle starter Brandon Maurer will make his 2014 debut, and he would've already made had it not been for an injured back in spring training. He is alright now, having struck out 17 in 8.1 IP in four appearances for Tacoma this season. The Mariners also have an advantage in the bullpen (3.21 ERA vs. 4.02 ERA).
Play: N.Y. Mets -114 (action vs. Wheeler)
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Atlanta is hitting 43 points lower against RH and it will have to face Zack Wheeler who is 3-1 with a 3.80 ERA against the Braves. In his last start (at Arizona) Wheeler allowed just two runs in 6.1 IP. Atlanta pitcher David Hale is only in there because of an injury to Mike Minor. Hale was skipped in his last start and prior to that, on April 10, he walked five Mets and allowed four runs in 4.1 IP. The Braves bullpen has been a mess, registering a 7.71 ERA in the last five games.
Play: Chi. White Sox +1.5 -125
Time: 3:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Texas has never seen Erik Johnson (in fact only six teams have seen him) and the 24-year-old is coming off a game against Boston in which he struck out nine and allowed just one run on three hits in 6.2 IP. For the Rangers, they will go with converted reliever Robbie Ross. He has been impressive, but how long can he keep that up? Texas is hitting 28 points lower and scoring 2.27 less runs per game vs. RH.
Record: 50-31-3 (61.7%)
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Saturday's MLB play
Play: N.Y. Yankees +123 (Nova vs. action)
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Tampa Bay scored 11 on Friday, but that is an anomaly for this team. It was ranked second-to-last in runs scored in the American League before that offensive onslaught. Even with those 11 runs the Rays have averaged just 2.86 runs per game in their last 10 contests. Before suffering Friday's loss New York had reeled off five straight wins. It also could have Carlos Beltran back tonight after he missed last night's game following a crash in foul territory during Thursday's game. Yankees starter Ivan Nova is coming off of a nice performance against Boston in which he allowed just two runs over 7.1 IP. For his career Nova is 6-4 with a 2.86 ERA against Tampa Bay. Current Rays are hitting just .223 against him. And Tampa Bay starter Chris Archer allowed seven runs on 12 hits in five innings in his last start Monday against Baltimore.
Record: 50-30-3 (62.5%)
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Tampa Bay scored 11 on Friday, but that is an anomaly for this team. It was ranked second-to-last in runs scored in the American League before that offensive onslaught. Even with those 11 runs the Rays have averaged just 2.86 runs per game in their last 10 contests. Before suffering Friday's loss New York had reeled off five straight wins. It also could have Carlos Beltran back tonight after he missed last night's game following a crash in foul territory during Thursday's game. Yankees starter Ivan Nova is coming off of a nice performance against Boston in which he allowed just two runs over 7.1 IP. For his career Nova is 6-4 with a 2.86 ERA against Tampa Bay. Current Rays are hitting just .223 against him. And Tampa Bay starter Chris Archer allowed seven runs on 12 hits in five innings in his last start Monday against Baltimore.
Record: 50-30-3 (62.5%)
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Wednesday's MLB plays
Play: L.A Angels -110 (action vs. Skaggs)
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Los Angeles fell short by a run after blowing late leads in each of the first two games against Oakland, but it has a really good shot today of blowing the A's out of the water. Tom Milone was rocked in his first start at Seattle and he should be thankful that he only allowed just three earned runs after giving up 10 hits over five innings. Milone has a 4.35 ERA lifetime against the Angels. Oakland is tied for the majors' best record, but half of those victories were of the come-from-behind variety. How long can the A's keep that going, especially against a Los Angeles team that leads the majors in homers and that is second in runs scored? The Angels also have scored a major-league best 18 runs in the first inning this season. Oakland is hitting .174 and is scoring just 2.36 runs per game vs. LH.
Play: San Diego -142 (action vs. Cashner)
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Jorge De La Rosa has pitched well (at least record-wise) against the Padres in his career but 2014 has been a different story. He has a 9.69 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. In his last game he allowed a grand slam to San Francisco pitcher Madison Bumgarner. Padres 2B Jedd Gyorko went 6-for-7 against De La Rosa last year. Actually, ERA-wise he has a 4.92 career mark against San Diego. This year Colorado's bullpen hasn't been great either, and has a collective 3.81 ERA. The Rockies, who are hitting just .214 on the road vs. RH this season, will have to face Andrew Cashner, who tossed a one-hitter with 11 punchouts in his last turn. The Padres' bullpen has a 2.40 ERA.
Record: 48-29-3 (62.3%)
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Los Angeles fell short by a run after blowing late leads in each of the first two games against Oakland, but it has a really good shot today of blowing the A's out of the water. Tom Milone was rocked in his first start at Seattle and he should be thankful that he only allowed just three earned runs after giving up 10 hits over five innings. Milone has a 4.35 ERA lifetime against the Angels. Oakland is tied for the majors' best record, but half of those victories were of the come-from-behind variety. How long can the A's keep that going, especially against a Los Angeles team that leads the majors in homers and that is second in runs scored? The Angels also have scored a major-league best 18 runs in the first inning this season. Oakland is hitting .174 and is scoring just 2.36 runs per game vs. LH.
Play: San Diego -142 (action vs. Cashner)
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Jorge De La Rosa has pitched well (at least record-wise) against the Padres in his career but 2014 has been a different story. He has a 9.69 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. In his last game he allowed a grand slam to San Francisco pitcher Madison Bumgarner. Padres 2B Jedd Gyorko went 6-for-7 against De La Rosa last year. Actually, ERA-wise he has a 4.92 career mark against San Diego. This year Colorado's bullpen hasn't been great either, and has a collective 3.81 ERA. The Rockies, who are hitting just .214 on the road vs. RH this season, will have to face Andrew Cashner, who tossed a one-hitter with 11 punchouts in his last turn. The Padres' bullpen has a 2.40 ERA.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Wednesday's NHL play
Play: Columbus +162
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is a fairly good-sized upset that I'm predicting here but I think I have good reasons to like the Blue Jackets. First of all its goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, who won the Vezina Trophy last season, played in just one of the five meetings in 2013-14. Columbus also is likely to have back Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Murray, R.J. Umberger and Nick Foligno for this one. The Blue Jackets went 21-17-3-0 on the road this season. They have won four of their last five overall and four of their last five and seven of their last nine on the road. Pittsburgh could be without Evgeni Malkin (foot) and Joe Vitale (mid-body). Penguins G Marc-Andre Fleury is 14-16 with a 3.18 GAA in the playoffs since 2008-09.
Record: 48-29-3 (62.3%)
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is a fairly good-sized upset that I'm predicting here but I think I have good reasons to like the Blue Jackets. First of all its goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, who won the Vezina Trophy last season, played in just one of the five meetings in 2013-14. Columbus also is likely to have back Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Murray, R.J. Umberger and Nick Foligno for this one. The Blue Jackets went 21-17-3-0 on the road this season. They have won four of their last five overall and four of their last five and seven of their last nine on the road. Pittsburgh could be without Evgeni Malkin (foot) and Joe Vitale (mid-body). Penguins G Marc-Andre Fleury is 14-16 with a 3.18 GAA in the playoffs since 2008-09.
Record: 48-29-3 (62.3%)
Monday, April 14, 2014
Late Monday MLB plays
Play: N.Y. Mets/Arizona under 9 -110 (Wheeler vs. Collmenter)
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Mets are hitting .190 against RH and scoring just 3.74 runs per game overall. David Wright (.228, 1 HR), Curtis Granderson (.159, 1 HR) and Daniel Murphy (hitless in 11 straight AB) are not producing. Tonight they will face Josh Collmenter, who has worked his way back into the Arizona rotation after spending most of 2012 and all of '13 and '14 in the bullpen. He has a 2.25 ERA in four appearances this season and he posted a 3.13 ERA last season. The Mets will run out Zack Wheeler, who, as a rookie last year, went 7-5 with a 3.42 ERA. Against the Diamondbacks last Aug. 10 he allowed just one run over 6.1 IP. In the last five games, the bullpens for both of these clubs have been vastly improved (Arizona: 1.66 ERA, New York: 3.98 ERA).
Play: Oakland/L.A. Angels under 8.5 -101 (Chavez vs. Santiago)
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Athletics have held opponents to three or fewer runs in nine of 12 games and they haven't allowed a run in their last 17 innings. Oakland will start Jesse Chavez tonight and he struck out nine over seven innings in his last start. He has a 1.38 ERA. Bullpen-wise the A's have a collective 2.61 ERA overall and a 2.12 ERA on the road. Los Angeles goes with Hector Santiago and I expect a command performance from him because the A's are hitting just .156 against LH. Oakland also should be without OF Coco Crisp (hamstring).
Play: Colorado/San Diego over 7.5 -107 (action vs. action)
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Padres starters have allowed two or fewer runs in seven of their last eight games, but I like that to change with Eric Stults on the mound against the Rockies. Stults, who has a 4.00 ERA in 11 career games against Colorado, has a 5.59 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP so far this season. He will face a Rockies club that is hitting .302 vs. LH. Troy Tulowitzki has a .550 OBP in 20 appearances against Stults. Colorado is led by Charlie Blackmon who is batting .488. The Rockies will counter with pitcher Jordan Lyles, who is only in the majors because of an injury to Tyler Chatwood. Lyles is 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA in three career starts against San Diego. The Padres are hitting 53 points higher and scoring 2.46 more runs per game vs. RH.
Record: 44-28-3 (61.1%)
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Mets are hitting .190 against RH and scoring just 3.74 runs per game overall. David Wright (.228, 1 HR), Curtis Granderson (.159, 1 HR) and Daniel Murphy (hitless in 11 straight AB) are not producing. Tonight they will face Josh Collmenter, who has worked his way back into the Arizona rotation after spending most of 2012 and all of '13 and '14 in the bullpen. He has a 2.25 ERA in four appearances this season and he posted a 3.13 ERA last season. The Mets will run out Zack Wheeler, who, as a rookie last year, went 7-5 with a 3.42 ERA. Against the Diamondbacks last Aug. 10 he allowed just one run over 6.1 IP. In the last five games, the bullpens for both of these clubs have been vastly improved (Arizona: 1.66 ERA, New York: 3.98 ERA).
Play: Oakland/L.A. Angels under 8.5 -101 (Chavez vs. Santiago)
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: The Athletics have held opponents to three or fewer runs in nine of 12 games and they haven't allowed a run in their last 17 innings. Oakland will start Jesse Chavez tonight and he struck out nine over seven innings in his last start. He has a 1.38 ERA. Bullpen-wise the A's have a collective 2.61 ERA overall and a 2.12 ERA on the road. Los Angeles goes with Hector Santiago and I expect a command performance from him because the A's are hitting just .156 against LH. Oakland also should be without OF Coco Crisp (hamstring).
Play: Colorado/San Diego over 7.5 -107 (action vs. action)
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Padres starters have allowed two or fewer runs in seven of their last eight games, but I like that to change with Eric Stults on the mound against the Rockies. Stults, who has a 4.00 ERA in 11 career games against Colorado, has a 5.59 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP so far this season. He will face a Rockies club that is hitting .302 vs. LH. Troy Tulowitzki has a .550 OBP in 20 appearances against Stults. Colorado is led by Charlie Blackmon who is batting .488. The Rockies will counter with pitcher Jordan Lyles, who is only in the majors because of an injury to Tyler Chatwood. Lyles is 1-2 with a 5.51 ERA in three career starts against San Diego. The Padres are hitting 53 points higher and scoring 2.46 more runs per game vs. RH.
Record: 44-28-3 (61.1%)
Early Monday MLB plays
Play: Pittsburgh/Cincinnati over 7.5 +100 (action vs. action)
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is not enough runs in this bandbox of a ballpark and for each of these teams' hurlers. Pirates starter Wandy Rodriguez is 8-12 with a 4.26 ERA in 30 career starts against the Reds. He is 0-2 this season with a 5.73 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP. Homer Bailey, who received a $105 million contract before the season, has a 7.71 ERA and a 2.25 WHIP in two starts. Pittsburgh hits 39 points higher and is scoring about a half-run more per game vs. RH while the Reds are scoring 1.09 more rpg vs. LH. The Pirates have committed multiple errors in three of the last four games.
Play: St. Louis -103 (Lynn vs. action)
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Milwaukee is running into a buzzsaw tonight having to face Lance Lynn, who should revert to normal after two tough starts to begin the season. Lynn has a 2.53 ERA lifetime (six starts, 10 appearances) against the Brewers. He is 10-0 in 11 career starts in March or April and has a 2.33 ERA at Miller Park. Matt Garza meanwhile has a 3.96 ERA in seven starts against the Cardinals. St. Louis owned Milwaukee last season, going 14-5 against them overall and 8-2 in Wisconsin. The Cardinals are scoring 2.1 more runs per game vs. RH.
Record: 44-28-3 (61.1%)
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is not enough runs in this bandbox of a ballpark and for each of these teams' hurlers. Pirates starter Wandy Rodriguez is 8-12 with a 4.26 ERA in 30 career starts against the Reds. He is 0-2 this season with a 5.73 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP. Homer Bailey, who received a $105 million contract before the season, has a 7.71 ERA and a 2.25 WHIP in two starts. Pittsburgh hits 39 points higher and is scoring about a half-run more per game vs. RH while the Reds are scoring 1.09 more rpg vs. LH. The Pirates have committed multiple errors in three of the last four games.
Play: St. Louis -103 (Lynn vs. action)
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Milwaukee is running into a buzzsaw tonight having to face Lance Lynn, who should revert to normal after two tough starts to begin the season. Lynn has a 2.53 ERA lifetime (six starts, 10 appearances) against the Brewers. He is 10-0 in 11 career starts in March or April and has a 2.33 ERA at Miller Park. Matt Garza meanwhile has a 3.96 ERA in seven starts against the Cardinals. St. Louis owned Milwaukee last season, going 14-5 against them overall and 8-2 in Wisconsin. The Cardinals are scoring 2.1 more runs per game vs. RH.
Record: 44-28-3 (61.1%)
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Sunday's NBA play
Play: Golden State +4.5 -105
Time: 9 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This contest is meaningful to both teams for playoff-seeding purposes, so you don't have to worry about one squad wanting it more than the other. According to my power rankings, Portland should be favored by just 1.5 points. The Trail Blazers are just 10-19 straight up this season against Top 10 teams. Portland has won seven of its last eight games, but the last three wins have come against New Orleans, Sacramento and Utah. The Warriors have won five of the last six meetings and two straight in Oregon. Golden State erased an 18-point dificit to eke out a 113-112 victory at Moda Center on March 16. The Warriors also got David Lee back on Friday after a seven-game absence and they likely will have Andre Iguodala back tonight after he missed Friday's game. Golden State also has advantages in overall shooting, three-point shooting, defensive rebounding, steals and blocks.
Record: 43-28-3 (60.6%)
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Saturday's MLB play
Play: Colorado/San Francisco under 8 -110 (Anderson vs. Cain)
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I expect a pitchers' duel between the left-hander Brett Anderson and the right-hander Matt Cain. The Giants haven't seen Anderson in nearly three years, and in that outing, also at AT&T Park, he allowed just one run in five innings. San Francisco is 7-1 in Cain's last eight starts against the Rockies and he has a 3.21 ERA in 31 career starts against them. Colorado also isn't at 100% offensively, with Troy Tulowitzki (quad) and Wilin Rosario (wrist) hurting. The under is 7-1-2 in the last 10 meetings over the last four series (since 06/28/13). Last season games umpired by C.B. Bucknor averaged just 7.44 runs.
Record: 42-28-3 (60.0%)
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I expect a pitchers' duel between the left-hander Brett Anderson and the right-hander Matt Cain. The Giants haven't seen Anderson in nearly three years, and in that outing, also at AT&T Park, he allowed just one run in five innings. San Francisco is 7-1 in Cain's last eight starts against the Rockies and he has a 3.21 ERA in 31 career starts against them. Colorado also isn't at 100% offensively, with Troy Tulowitzki (quad) and Wilin Rosario (wrist) hurting. The under is 7-1-2 in the last 10 meetings over the last four series (since 06/28/13). Last season games umpired by C.B. Bucknor averaged just 7.44 runs.
Record: 42-28-3 (60.0%)
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Late Thursday MLB
Play: Arizona/San Francisco under 8 +105 (Delgado vs. Vogelsong)
Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
Reasoning: How big does AT&T Park play? Yesterday Paul Goldschmidt hit an opposite-field homer to right field and that was just the 22nd time that feat had been accomplished by a right-handed batter in that ballyard. AT&T Park opened in 2000... Tonight you have underrated pitchers facing off in Randall Delgado and Ryan Vogelsong. Delgado has an 0.96 ERA in three starts against the Giants and he's held them to a .121 batting average. San Francisco, which has a bullpen ERA of 2.57, is hitting just .228 vs. RH.
Record: 42-27-3 (60.9%)
Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
Reasoning: How big does AT&T Park play? Yesterday Paul Goldschmidt hit an opposite-field homer to right field and that was just the 22nd time that feat had been accomplished by a right-handed batter in that ballyard. AT&T Park opened in 2000... Tonight you have underrated pitchers facing off in Randall Delgado and Ryan Vogelsong. Delgado has an 0.96 ERA in three starts against the Giants and he's held them to a .121 batting average. San Francisco, which has a bullpen ERA of 2.57, is hitting just .228 vs. RH.
Record: 42-27-3 (60.9%)
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Thursday's MLB plays
Play: Minnesota +1.5 -130 and Oak/Min under 8.5 -110 (Straily vs. Pelfrey)
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is a small price to pay to get the Twins with a run and a hook in a game that I think will be low-scoring anyway. The starting pitchers have WHIPs of 1.12 and 1.17, respectively. Dan Straily allowed Minnesota just three hits in 5.2 IP when he faced them last season (Sept. 19). The A's are averaging just 4.0 runs per game. Plus, the plate umpire will be Adam Hamari. His games averaged just 7.45 runs last season as his strike percentage is extremely high (65.4%).
Record: 41-26-3 (61.2%)
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is a small price to pay to get the Twins with a run and a hook in a game that I think will be low-scoring anyway. The starting pitchers have WHIPs of 1.12 and 1.17, respectively. Dan Straily allowed Minnesota just three hits in 5.2 IP when he faced them last season (Sept. 19). The A's are averaging just 4.0 runs per game. Plus, the plate umpire will be Adam Hamari. His games averaged just 7.45 runs last season as his strike percentage is extremely high (65.4%).
Record: 41-26-3 (61.2%)
Wednesday's MLB play
Play: L.A. Angels/Seattle under 8 +112 (Richards vs. Elias)
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Angels star Josh Hamilton is doubtful for this one after leaving last night's contest with a thumb injury. On the season Hamilton is 12-for-27 at the plate. Even with Hamilton Los Angeles has scored just 11 runs in four games this season vs. the Mariners. Tonight the Angels will trot out Garrett Richards, who owns a 1.80 ERA in 2014. His counterpart, Seattle's Roenis Elias, also has a 1.80 ERA. Richards has a 3.55 career ERA vs. the Mariners (11 appearances, three starts). Elias, a rookie, was 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA in the Cactus League. Seattle is hitting just .242 vs. RH and Los Angeles is hitting just .221 vs. LH.
Record: 40-26-3 (60.6%)
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Angels star Josh Hamilton is doubtful for this one after leaving last night's contest with a thumb injury. On the season Hamilton is 12-for-27 at the plate. Even with Hamilton Los Angeles has scored just 11 runs in four games this season vs. the Mariners. Tonight the Angels will trot out Garrett Richards, who owns a 1.80 ERA in 2014. His counterpart, Seattle's Roenis Elias, also has a 1.80 ERA. Richards has a 3.55 career ERA vs. the Mariners (11 appearances, three starts). Elias, a rookie, was 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA in the Cactus League. Seattle is hitting just .242 vs. RH and Los Angeles is hitting just .221 vs. LH.
Record: 40-26-3 (60.6%)
Monday, April 7, 2014
Monday's MLB play
Play: Chi. White Sox/Colorado under 10 -110 (Paulino vs. Lyles)
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is a low total for a game involving Chicago. And although it will be played at Coors Field, it also will be very cold there, which I think will limit the travel of the baseball and then help the "under" to cash. There was a chance for snow this weekend and the high for Monday is 54 degrees. The low for the day is predicted to be 31 degrees. The starters for this one will also have something to say about this score, as neither team faced Felipe Paulino or Jordan Lyles last season. The White Sox score one less run per game against RH. And the Rockies will face a pitcher in Paulino that gave up just one earned run in 5.1 innings pitched in his 2014 debut.
Record: 39-26-3 (60.0%)
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
Reasoning: This is a low total for a game involving Chicago. And although it will be played at Coors Field, it also will be very cold there, which I think will limit the travel of the baseball and then help the "under" to cash. There was a chance for snow this weekend and the high for Monday is 54 degrees. The low for the day is predicted to be 31 degrees. The starters for this one will also have something to say about this score, as neither team faced Felipe Paulino or Jordan Lyles last season. The White Sox score one less run per game against RH. And the Rockies will face a pitcher in Paulino that gave up just one earned run in 5.1 innings pitched in his 2014 debut.
Record: 39-26-3 (60.0%)
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Friday, April 4, 2014
Late Friday MLB play
Play: Seattle +1.5 -150 (Young vs. action)
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I like the SeaMen to keep it close or pull out a victory. No one has seen Chris Young for two years, so I think he'll have an advantage. The Mariners scored 26 runs in three games before yesterday's defeat, and I like them to hit some more tonight against Dan Straily. Against Seattle, Straily is 0-1 in three starts with an 8.25 ERA and has allowed 15 hits, four homers and 11 walks in 12 innings.
Record: 38-25-3 (60.3%)
Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I like the SeaMen to keep it close or pull out a victory. No one has seen Chris Young for two years, so I think he'll have an advantage. The Mariners scored 26 runs in three games before yesterday's defeat, and I like them to hit some more tonight against Dan Straily. Against Seattle, Straily is 0-1 in three starts with an 8.25 ERA and has allowed 15 hits, four homers and 11 walks in 12 innings.
Record: 38-25-3 (60.3%)
Friday's MLB play
Play: Milwaukee/Boston over 8.5 -110 (action vs. action)
Time: 2:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Two powerful offenses will square off in a hitters' ballyard, Fenway Park, and they will see each others fourth starter. Really, you could make the case that each guy (Marco Estrada and Jake Peavy) is a fifth starter. The Brewers have six players capable of hitting 20 or more home runs. And though they've been shut down through three games, I like them to get well against Peavy, who had a 4.17 ERA in 2013. Peavy hasn't had much success since leaving the Padres in 2009. The Red Sox always hit well at home. Pitching at Fenway is different and this will be Estrada's first go-around. Estrada is 1-5 with a 5.84 ERA in interleague play. The Brewers have allowed four homers so far.
Record: 38-24-3 (61.3%)
Time: 2:05 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Two powerful offenses will square off in a hitters' ballyard, Fenway Park, and they will see each others fourth starter. Really, you could make the case that each guy (Marco Estrada and Jake Peavy) is a fifth starter. The Brewers have six players capable of hitting 20 or more home runs. And though they've been shut down through three games, I like them to get well against Peavy, who had a 4.17 ERA in 2013. Peavy hasn't had much success since leaving the Padres in 2009. The Red Sox always hit well at home. Pitching at Fenway is different and this will be Estrada's first go-around. Estrada is 1-5 with a 5.84 ERA in interleague play. The Brewers have allowed four homers so far.
Record: 38-24-3 (61.3%)
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Thursday's MLB play
Play: N.Y. Yankees/Houston over 8 -115
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: It's a miracle that the Astros are 2-0 and a miracle that neither of the first two games went "over" in the bandbox known as Minute Maid Park. Today is a new day, however. I like the Yankees to produce more than two extra-base hits (their total in the first two contests) against Brett Oberholtzer. The left-hander tops out at 91 mph. Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Alfonso Soriano didn't do anything in the first two games and I like them to do some damage in the series finale. Houston, meanwhile, has seen four players homer and will go against Ivan Nova, who had a 6.48 ERA through his first four games last season.
Record: 38-23-3 (62.3%)
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: It's a miracle that the Astros are 2-0 and a miracle that neither of the first two games went "over" in the bandbox known as Minute Maid Park. Today is a new day, however. I like the Yankees to produce more than two extra-base hits (their total in the first two contests) against Brett Oberholtzer. The left-hander tops out at 91 mph. Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Alfonso Soriano didn't do anything in the first two games and I like them to do some damage in the series finale. Houston, meanwhile, has seen four players homer and will go against Ivan Nova, who had a 6.48 ERA through his first four games last season.
Record: 38-23-3 (62.3%)
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Wednesday's MLB play
Play: L.A. Dodgers/San Diego over 7 -120
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Both squads are primed for an offensive onslaught. This total should be at least 8. I expect one or all of these Dodgers (Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez, Andre Ethier and A.J. Ellis) to have their bats awaken from four-game slumbers. I expect one or all of these Padres (Everth Cabrera, Chase Headley, Yonder Alonso, Jedd Gyorko and Yasmani Grandal) to get some hits too, just because of the law of averages. San Diego will face Dan Haren, he of a 4.67 ERA in 2013. In his last appearance against the Padres, Haren gave up seven earned runs in five innings. He also allowed six runs in two innings in his final Spring Training game. Los Angeles' bullpen has a 5.56 ERA and a 2.03 WHIP. And Jim Reynolds, a notorious "over" umpire, will call his first game of 2014. Over the past seven seasons, Reynolds has 127 overs and 97 unders and his games have averaged between 8.25 and 10.50 runs per contest.
Record: 38-22-3 (63.3%)
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Reasoning: Both squads are primed for an offensive onslaught. This total should be at least 8. I expect one or all of these Dodgers (Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez, Andre Ethier and A.J. Ellis) to have their bats awaken from four-game slumbers. I expect one or all of these Padres (Everth Cabrera, Chase Headley, Yonder Alonso, Jedd Gyorko and Yasmani Grandal) to get some hits too, just because of the law of averages. San Diego will face Dan Haren, he of a 4.67 ERA in 2013. In his last appearance against the Padres, Haren gave up seven earned runs in five innings. He also allowed six runs in two innings in his final Spring Training game. Los Angeles' bullpen has a 5.56 ERA and a 2.03 WHIP. And Jim Reynolds, a notorious "over" umpire, will call his first game of 2014. Over the past seven seasons, Reynolds has 127 overs and 97 unders and his games have averaged between 8.25 and 10.50 runs per contest.
Record: 38-22-3 (63.3%)
Tuesday's MLB play
Play: Los Angeles/San Diego over 6.5 -117 (action vs. action)
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I think the big boppers for the Dodgers will wake up now that they are facing Ian Kennedy. Last season he had a 6.62 ERA against the Bums in three starts. The Padres should score a few runs, because if they can't get to Greinke but get into the bullpen they will a relief corps that is sporting an 8.59 ERA. Games for umpire Manny Gonzalez have averaged 8.8 runs over the past two seasons.
Record: 38-21-3 (64.4%)
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
Reasoning: I think the big boppers for the Dodgers will wake up now that they are facing Ian Kennedy. Last season he had a 6.62 ERA against the Bums in three starts. The Padres should score a few runs, because if they can't get to Greinke but get into the bullpen they will a relief corps that is sporting an 8.59 ERA. Games for umpire Manny Gonzalez have averaged 8.8 runs over the past two seasons.
Record: 38-21-3 (64.4%)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)