Betting Talk

Running thread of my MLB Plays, good luck to all

Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
edited June 2018 in Sports Betting
Record: 0-0

Red Sox -130

Porcello is a stud, Rays can't hit, Red Sox have great bullpen. Rays will struggle to put anything on the board here. Rays starting some career minor league reliever who won't go deep. Rays have a solid pen and Red Sox's bats aren't in peak form but at only -130 and the opposing team struggling to score I have to play it.

Mariners +106

Indians have a scary offense and a great bullpen but the starting pitcher matchup makes this a play for me. Paxton is one of the better pitchers in baseball. Carrasco is a week off a foot injury and couldn't get outs to save his life in spring training. He doesn't seem to be regular season ready quite yet. This seems like a tossup game on a neutral field, so I'll take +106 in Seattle.

Orioles +107
Orioles/Twins o9 -115


My lines are way off on this one. Gibson hasn't been a good starter in years and you can't trust the Twins' bullpen either. Cashner is hit or miss as a pitcher but is good more often than bad. Twins have a nice lineup but this seems like a game that the Orioles could tee off in. The way I'm seeing it, Baltimore has a shot to cover this total by themselves.

White Sox/Royals u8.5 -120

I don't trust either of these offenses. Giolito is a future stud for the White Sox and should put in a great effort. Kennedy seems back to normal after his rough season last year. The bullpens aren't great but neither is awful. Both pens got rocked in the opener but it's tough to see that happening again. I'll look for both starters to put in nice outings and the bullpens aren't awful enough to scare me away here. This total has already been bet down half a run but there is still plenty of value.

Diamondbacks -141

DBacks are hitting well to start the year and should do well enough vs. Marquez. Marquez had some good starts early in the year vs. Arizona last season but was hit pretty hard once they figured him out. Marquez also had a rough spring and the DBacks routinely crush right-handed pitching at home. Greinke is a stud, had a great spring, and the Rockies aren't hitting right now at all. Have to figure Arizona wins comfortably. I do worry about an iffy Arizona bullpen but the Rockies haven't been able to touch them thus far.

Giants/Dodgers u8 -105

Seems like the play to make when neither team can get a hit to save their lives. Maeda is off a great spring. I have less faith in Holland but the Dodgers are just not seeing the ball right now. Just two teams completely lost offensively and I felt 8 was a bit high in this park considering neither team can connect.
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Comments

  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 3-4 -1.56

    Yankees -103

    It's tough to know where Stroman is at considering he's only pitched like 6 innings in spring ball because of the shoulder injury. If he were healthy I'd probably look to play the under here but since he hasn't had much prep I think the play is on the Yankees. Toronto's offense is struggling badly and they don't have much chance to hit Sonny Gray today who has dominated them routinely in the past. Stroman has a solid enough history against the Yankees but New York has all that power and it seems likely that Stroman won't be able to go his normal amount of pitches as he's still getting into the swing of things. The Yankees also have the bullpen edge. At -103 with the worst case scenario being a tossup if Stroman is somehow in regular season form, I think this is a play worth making.

    Tigers -121 Game 1

    Both bullpens are scary here but I'll back the Tigers. They have the stronger lineup and the superior starting pitcher. The Tigers' bullpen always has a shot to come in and give up 20 runs but the Pirates' bullpen is also shaky and Fulmer is usually good for 6+ innings which should make it easier on the relievers.

    Heavy lean on Miami at close to +190 but going to pass. This Peters kid will be a good MLB pitcher before too long but he's struggled with his command in spring and it's caused him to get yanked early. If I thought he could go 6 innings I'd be all over Miami but since he has a chance to walk every 3rd batter I don't think I can trust the poor Marlins bullpen to cover a bunch of innings.

    Indians -125

    Bauer has a nice history of pitching in Seattle and the Mariners seem highly unlikely to have Nelson Cruz in the lineup after the HR specialist badly sprained his ankle in the dugout last night. The wind is blasting out in Seattle today and Cruz would have been able to take advantage of that, but without him the Mariners' lineup isn't as threatening. Opposing Bauer is Mike Leake who has been an absolute garbage heap in spring training. Leake at his best is only average and if he's at anything but his best, which seems likely, this Indians lineup has the potential to knock him out very early.

    Nationals -135

    This feels as square as can be but I can't lay off. The Reds' offense seems unlikely to get much against Gio here and then they face a solid Nats bullpen after that. I just don't see how Cincinnati scores much. The Nationals' offense is much stronger, their bullpen is much stronger, and they have the better starting pitcher. Romano for the Reds seems solid enough but even if he does well the Cincy bullpen is a nightmare and will probably blow the game. I know full well something seems fishy about this line but can't help myself.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 4-7 -4.05

    Orioles/Astros u9.5 -115
    2-Unit Play


    The Orioles aren't hitting anything and now have to go against a quality pitcher in Charlie Morton who is potentially better than any of the 3 guys they've been unable to hit thus far. On top of that Houston has a great bullpen. I had this total an 8 pick so think there's a ton of value. Tillman for the Orioles is an interesting case study as he fell apart last year but has usually been a solid starting option. Houston just got done facing 3 of 4 lefties in a series and hit them but had issues with the right-hander. Tillman is off a very nice spring start and I'm hoping Houston takes a bit to adjust back to facing a righty. Tillman is obviously tough to trust but he should be better than he was last year and it's tough to see Baltimore getting any runs across so you have to go under here.

    Miami Marlins +125

    The wrong team is favored here. Miami is hitting well and Boston isn't. This bet really boils down to that. Boston's bats have looked lost thus far. Miami's bats have looked surprisingly competent and they've been hurting lefties. Boston can't hit anyone right now. Boston's starter seems average at best and he's probably not MLB ready. Miami's starter is being rushed to the majors and hasn't pitched above AA yet but he's had great results at every level and has been baffling teams in spring training. A Boston offense figuring out how to score runs probably won't do that well against a talented youngster who no one really knows. Miami's bullpen is always capable of blowing games but everything else lines up for the dog

    Braves +110

    Roark wasn't sharp in spring and wasn't sharp last year. Atlanta's offense seems up from last year and they hit well in their first series. Seems like they could get a few runs here. Nats hit lefties well last year but Newcomb has a chance to do well here. Newcomb has a ton of talent but also has control issues and this patient Nats lineup could give him trouble with walks... which is a bit scary because Atlanta's bullpen was sketchy last season and might have to put in more innings if Newcomb's pitch count gets high. All that being said, Newcomb is also absolutely brilliant at times and Atlanta's pen held up well in the opener. At home I'll take a shot on the Brave as underdogs.

    Diamondbacks +104

    Arizona's bats are better right now and they have an edge in the starting pitching matchup. Until Los Angeles proves they can hit a starter I have to fade them. Ryu hasn't been sharp in spring. LA has the better bullpen but everything else favors the home team so the underdog bet is a no-brainer.

    Rockies -104

    This wouldn't have been a horrible spot to pass but Colorado has all the advantages minus home field. They have the better starting pitcher, the better bullpen, and the better offense. Bettis will give up a few runs here and there but he's a vastly better bet than Mitchell for San Diego who seems likely to allow a bunch of runs every game. Maybe the over would have been smarter here but I'm always scared to take overs at Petco.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Just for record keeping purposes the 2-unit play from above is just counted as a 1-unit play per the forum rules. I'll still post the rare plays that I double up on as 2-unit plays, but will only officially count them as 1.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 7-9 -3.01

    Cubs -1.5 -110
    Cubs/Reds o8.5 -120


    This one is a little scary with the Cubs' offense not sharp lately but at the end of the day Cody Reed is very hittable and not capable of going long into the game. He was trying out for a bullpen spot before being demoted and then brought back up due to injury. Even a Cubs offense still figuring things out should be able to knock him out early and after that you'll have a lot of the game against a trash heap of a bullpen. I'm confident the Cubs will score here. Cincinnati isn't hitting particularly well either and I fully expect Lester to rebound from his opening day struggles, but even with a good effort he's still not the pitcher he used to be and has been hit fairly hard his last 2 trips to Cincinnati. With the Cubs getting an early lead we might see lesser relievers from Chicago as well. Thinking the Cubs win 7-3 or so.

    Chicago White Sox +165

    The Blue Jays simply aren't hitting starting pitcher this year, they've looked really regressed offensively from last season. They have been putting the hurt on bullpens with the long ball with regularity but the White Sox have a solid enough bullpen and Toronto can't keep hitting long balls in the final innings to bail themselves out. Gonzalez is a sturdy pitcher that should have success against an offense that is struggling a bit. JA Happ is another solid pitcher but Chicago has some good lefty-hitting batters in their lineup. The White Sox should be able to get a few runs off of him which is potentially all they need. Both teams are relying on the long ball a bit and neither starter gives up a ton of them. Toronto should be favored as they have the superior bullpen but they shouldn't be favored by this amount so I'll take the underdog.

    Brewers -135
    Brewers/Cards u9.5 -115


    This Flaherty kid for the Cards has a ton of potential but not much in the way of proven MLB success. He dominated the minors but struggled in the majors last season and his spring ERA was close to 5. He's been a bit HR prone and just doesn't seem to have it all together quite yet. I think he'll have a solid enough game but nothing special. The Cards' offense is relying on the timely hit so far and I think that turns around today. They have striking out too much and not drawing enough walks. They are scoring way above what they should be considering the men they are putting on base. Chase Anderson isn't as good as his stats last year but he's a vet that doesn't give up the long ball or a slew of timely hits. I think he has what it takes to put this Cardinals offense back in their place. The Brewers also have the bullpen edge here. Brewers win 5-3.

    Astros -1.5 -115

    Just a total mismatch. Verlander is on cruise control and Baltimore can't hit anything. Houston has a strong bullpen. Mike Wright isn't capable of pitching at the MLB level and should get rocked by one of the best offenses in baseball. Eventually this Houston -1.5 train is going to come crashing to a halt but it's tough to see today being that day. The Orioles aren't hitting lesser pitchers and I just can't see them scoring here. If Wright wasn't likely to get crushed I'd look at the under again but I don't see him lasting long.

    Diamondbacks +160

    I absolutely think Kershaw will pitch a great game here but the DBacks are crushing lefties so far and hitting well in general so I think they can do enough get a run or 2 across against him. That might honestly be enough... The Dodgers finally hit decently for the first time last year but I still don't think their offense is right just yet. Godley was very good last year and was looking dominant for most of spring. He has ace potential and if the Dodgers' offense doesn't have it together this game is going to be closer to a tossup than people expect. I probably should hit the under too but I can't pull the trigger. This is an over park and both bullpens went super deep last night so I talked myself out of it.

    Rangers/Athletics u9 -110

    Figured this total would be a bit lower. Hamels isn't the man he once was but is still a quality pitcher. Graveman had a poor 1st outing but is generally capable of throwing good innings. Texas' bullpen scares me a bit but I think both starters should have success. The Rangers are not hitting anything and striking out a bunch thus far. Oakland's offense should eventually hit lefties well but they were completely lost against Skaggs earlier this year and haven't shown much punch. 9 just seems too high of a total.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 12-10 +1.59

    Orioles/Astros u8.5 -118

    Baltimore isn't hitting and this will be the first lefty they've seen all year. Houston has a nice pen behind Keuchel and it's tough to see the Orioles scoring much today. Bundy is a solid righty and Houston didn't hit that well against the only decent righty they've faced this season. Correa is out for Houston as well which takes some punch out of the lineup. Orioles have a decent enough pen despite the Astros teeing off on them last night. 8.5 just seems a little high with 2 quality starters on the mound, one team not hitting well, and the other missing a key piece. Chris Davis also helping the under by taking a rest day for the O's.

    Diamondbacks +125

    Corbin has control issues lately and isn't particularly sharp but he's facing a Dodgers offense that's a bit lost and probably not patient enough to take advantage of Corbin's inaccuracy. LAD simply isn't hitting well. Arizona is hitting well and have done very nicely against lefties this season. Wood is solid but I have this game with a slight edge to Arizona so I'll gladly take the underdog at home.

    Twins/Pirates o7.5 -120

    If the wind wasn't blasting out at nearly 25 MPH I would lay off or potentially be on the under but I can't resist that HR helper. The Pirates have hit 5 HRs in 4 games and the Twins have hit 8 HRs in 4 games. I like both pitchers today but with the wind blasting out and both teams capable of power shots I just can't lay off a total set at only 7.5. On top of that both starters have had HR issues at times and both bullpens are on the stinkier side.

    White Sox/Blue Jays u5 -105 1st 5 innings

    I just can't trust the White Sox bullpen right now. They shouldn't be this bad but they've been a mess thus far and Toronto is murdering bullpens after not doing much against starters. Feel more comfortable taking the first 5. Both of these offenses struggled with right-handers last year and both are relying on the long ball to put runs across... but both starters don't give up HRs. Neither offense is in top form. Fulmer has control issues but also has top-end potential, and Sanchez seems to be over is blister issues. Both pitchers should be in good form here.

    Mariners +116

    Both starting pitchers here are nice but Seattle has the bullpen edge and the Giants simply are not hitting anything. San Francisco's offense looks completely lost. Seattle doesn't have Nelson Cruz but they surprisingly haven't missed a beat without him. Until the Giants prove they can hit the ball at all I'll probably continue fading them.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 16-11 +4.84

    Lean Rays as massive underdogs but the wind is blasting out and probably favors the better long ball hitting team in Boston. Price should be excellent but Boston isn't hitting that well thus far. Really wanted to pull the trigger but that wind scared me off. Without it I'd almost definitely be on the Rays and the under.

    Marlins +134

    Miami has the better starting pitcher here as Pivetta has talent but hasn't put it all together. Caleb Smith, meanwhile, is more trustworthy for sturdy innings. The Marlins' bullpen scares me like usual but Miami's offense is hitting better than I figured. Philly didn't hit lefties last season and this is the first lefty they'll see all year. Seems like the underdog has legs in what is pretty close to a tossup.

    Rockies -110
    Rockies/Padres o7.5 -115


    The Padres are throwing this Luchessi kid to the wolves. He's never pitched above AA and gave up runs in the spring. Colorado crushes lefties and even if this guy manages a few quality innings then you still have the poor Padres' bullpen coming in the 2nd half of the game. Luchessi isn't trash by any means but he's not MLB ready yet and I don't think he has much success in this matchup. Anderson for Colorado has some road struggles but is generally sturdy and the Padres aren't a good lefty-hitting team. Colorado has the edge in starting pitcher, bullpen, and offense. I'm not usually a fan of taking overs at Petco due to it's spacious confines but I can't see the SD starter lasting long and think this one is doable. Seems like the worst case is both starters get hit since I don't completely trust Anderson. 6-3 Rockies.

    Lean Mariners -110 but I need to see Paxton return to form before backing him. He's been a little shaky in spring and in his debut. Should do well here but I want to see it.

    Lean DBacks/Cards o7.5 -115. Don't particularly trust either starter and both offenses are hitting well. Going to pass for now, first home game for Cards in good under park, first road game for DBacks who have played every game in good over park. Close one but I'll just watch for now.


    Cubs/Brewers u9 -110

    Lean Brewers here but they might miss Yelich in the lineup. Lester had a rough start to the year but was dominant in spring training. The Brewers are relying on the HR a bit too much lately and Lester doesn't give them up. Lester should put in solid innings against this Yelich-less lineup. Suter dominated the Cubs twice last year and is a solid pitcher, while Chicago has looked helpless against the 2 lefties they have faced so far. The Cubs' offense honestly has only looked good all year against 2 poor righty starters for the Marlins, they've looked lost in every other game. I don't think either offense is particularly good right now, 2 solid starters on the mound, and neither bullpen is a trash bin. The total of 9 is higher than I figured so I'll go under.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 18-13 +4.69

    Lean Royals +200 only because both starters have issues right now and the wind is blasting in. Could even things out a bit. Ultimately talked myself out of pulling the trigger as Cleveland has big lineup and bullpen advantages.

    Yankees -1.5 +105

    Gausman spent spring ball working on a new pitch and his velocity was down. He got rocked in the opener and has a bad history against the Yankees. NYY can crush the long ball and the wind is blowing out which doesn't bode well for opposing pitching. Sabathia is as healthy as he has been in years and the Orioles' offense isn't impressing me at all. NYY also has the bullpen advantage and should win comfortably. The only worry here is CC gave up a lot of HRs to the Orioles last season but Baltimore simply isn't hitting well enough for that to scare me off.

    Reds/Pirates o7.5 -120

    Wind is blowing out really well and both of these bullpens are stinky. The Reds aren't doing any hitting which nearly scared me off but Trevor Williams is hittable and the total is set so low that I couldn't say no. Luis Castillo has talent but he also struggled badly in his last few spring starts and then got rocked in the opener. He doesn't seem to be right and the Pirates are hitting pretty well to start the season. Ultimately the wind and the stinky bullpens sold me on this over. Lean Pirates here too but passed.

    Blue Jays -122

    Blue Jays have the better starter, the better offense, and the better bullpen. Matt Moore simply cannot be trusted to get outs and this year he's in a hitter's park with a bad bullpen behind him. The wind is blowing out and Estrada has some HR issues which is a bit scary but too many other things favor the Blue Jays for me to pass on this one.

    Padres/Astros u8.5 -115

    Thought about taking a shot on the Padres but just couldn't pull the trigger. I don't particularly trust the Padres' starter but Houston hasn't hit all that well against right-handers this year and San Diego's bullpen has been a pleasant surprise. San Diego doesn't hit much and McCullers seems dialed in after a dominant spring and opener. Houston's bullpen is sharp. Even if the Astros score against Perdomo I think this bet still has legs at 8.5. Thinking Astros take it 4-1 or so unless San Diego's bullpen reverts to last year's skill level. Wil Myers being out for San Diego helps this one even more.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 21-14 +6.69

    Yankees -1.5 -120

    Trying this one again after CC pitched hurt last night and got pulled early. Tillman has been a mess for a while now. Not sure what has happened to him but he gives up a ton of HRs and doesn't miss bats any more. Yankees are not hitting great lately but it doesn't take much to knock Tillman out early as he's pretty much pitching BP most of the time. Gray is an excellent starter and I don't think the Orioles are capable of hitting him. New York is at home, attempting not to drop 3 in a row against this team, and I like the spot for them to win big.

    Rays/Red Sox u8.5 +105

    Kicking myself for not hitting the Rays earlier. Line move has taken away a bit of the underdog value and I'll pass at this time. Neither one of these teams is hitting at all right now which should keep the game close. Both of these starting pitchers had success against the opponent earlier this year. Both bullpens are solid. 8.5 at plus money seems like enough of an incentive for me to try this. Red Sox win 3-2 but a Rays win wouldn't surprise me either.

    Will send out the rest of the plays after breakfast. Just getting the early stuff out of the way now.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Royals +1.5 -115

    Just feel that Cleveland is too heavy of a favorite. On the surface they have nice lineup and bullpen advantages but they aren't hitting as well as they are capable of. The Indians are relying on the long ball quite a bit and have now gone 3 games in a row without putting many people on base. Ian Kennedy has had issues with the Indians in the past and has HR problems but the wind is blowing in nicely which should help mitigate some of the negatives. Bauer is solid but generally gives up a few runs in his starts. KC isn't hitting well and I don't expect them to score more than a few runs but that seems like it should be enough. Both of these teams are playing a bunch of low-scoring 1-run games lately and this just feels like a close one. I had the Indians around -160 instead of the -215 that bookies are showing but felt more comfortable with the run line.

    Lean Giants but value has been sucked out. Dodgers' offense is just a huge mess right now and I don't think Rich Hill is as good as he's been in the past, but LAD does have the pen advantage and I'm not sure the Giants are capable of hitting a lefty. Meh, would have bet it before move but passing now.

    Marlins +145
    Marlins/Phillies u8 -110


    I'm a big fan of Dillon Peters and he was filthy in the opener for Miami. Philly didn't hit lefties last season and they don't seem like they'll be any better this time around. Miami has no power in their lineup but they are getting guys on base. Velazquez wasn't sharp at all in the opener and is generally good to give up a few runs. I don't particularly like the recent form of either offense. Miami's bullpen is always scary but this seems like a spot where both pitchers will do well but Miami has a kid who might be a legit ace in this league and Vegas hasn't adjusted to his skill level just yet.

    Reds/Pirates o8.5 +100

    Easily hit this total over yesterday and will try to do so again here. Both of these bullpens are so stinky that the total is still in play even if the starters surprisingly dominate. This Kuhl kid for the Pirates has potential but he's an absolute mess right now. His WHIP was close to 1.50 last season and that was when he was pitching halfway decent. He was crushed throughout spring and then crushed in the opener. Something isn't clicking for him and it would seem he's due for a rough outing. Romano for the Reds isn't an ace and is usually good to give up a few runs. Pittsburgh is hitting really well to start the year. I originally planned to post the Reds +116 here but have convinced myself to just play the total. Heavy lean on Reds though but their bullpen is as bad as it gets.

    Cubs/Brewers u8.5 -110

    Wind is blowing out but the roof is closed today so that doesn't matter. Both starters had rough starts to the year but Darvish had a dominant spring and Davies dominated the Cubs numerous times last season. The Cubs don't have Rizzo and the Brewers don't have Yelich which takes pop out of both lineups. Both bullpens are solid. 8.5 is too high as both starters should rebound with quality performances.

    Anyone know why the total in TEX/TOR went from 10 to 8.5? That's scary. Enough to scare me entirely off the game. Was thinking Jays and over before I saw that line move. Minor does have really good stuff at times but this is a hitter's park and he's tough to trust after not starting for 3 seasons with all the injuries. Stroman is coming off an injury and wasn't particularly sharp in the opener. Rangers' bullpen is a mess. There is zero reason for this game to be lined at 8.5 unless someone out there with a lot of money thinks that Minor is going to have one of his strong starts. I'm not touching this one.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Justtttttt missed on my Marlins play.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 25-17 +7.59

    Lean Rays but not entirely sure how Rodriguez will look in his first game back off the surgery. Going to lay off. Boston's offense might be coming around and the Rays can't hit lefties so need to see Rodriguez first before gauging his rustiness.

    Yankees -1.5 -105

    Yankees are down a few guys in their lineup but like yesterday I don't think it matters against a far-too-hittable starter. Wright had a rough spring and he hasn't gotten outs the last few years. NYY should do well against him. Baltimore meanwhile isn't hitting well to start the year and have to go against a tough lefty in Jordan Montgomery that they struggled with last season. Just seems like New York has the much better chance to succeed here.

    Padres/Astros u8.5 -110

    Thought long and hard about a play on the Padres but ended up just sticking with the total. Neither of these teams is hitting at all right now and this is a nice under park. At the end of the day Houston's offense is still superior and their bullpen is a million times better. Let's say the Astros win 3-1 or so. Like the last 2 games, a Padres win wouldn't really surprise me but I couldn't pull the trigger. I had this total closer to 7 FWIW.

    Giants +1.5 +105

    I really don't have a good reason to pass on the under now that it's been bet up to 8... honestly the line move from 7 to 8 just scared me off a bit and made me want to reduce my exposure on this game. I don't understand that move at all... the wind is blowing out but it's always blowing out in SF and rarely makes a difference... anyway I'll stick with my +1.5. Kershaw should have a great outing even though SF has finally started to hit. He dominates everyone. LAD hasn't started to hit yet and Blach has done really well against them in his career. This looks like a game where someone wins 3-2... but that total has baffled me to the point where I'm questioning everything about this game. We'll see how it goes.

    Still need to cap the late game, will do so shortly.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Pass on late game but tiny lean to Mets.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Still finishing up the card, figured I'd post the early game stuff now. Stay tuned for the rest.

    Record: 27-18 +8.59

    White Sox +122

    Archer hasn't been sharp this season and had a rough spring while battling an injury. Until he shows he's back to normal it makes sense to fade him. Gonzalez for the White Sox is a solid pitcher and Tampa Bay doesn't hit much. At worst this is a tossup game so I'll take the home dog and make Archer prove he's back to normal. Kiermaier being out for the Rays helps a bit too.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Phillies -125
    2-Unit Play (which doesn't count for the official record, just noting I'm heavier than normal on this)

    I might catch slack for this but I had the Phillies close to -250. Cincinnati wasn't hitting before and just lost one of their premier hitters in Suarez last game. Lively is a legit MLB starter and I've liked him for a while. I do worry the Phillies will regress against lefties at some point after not hitting them well last year but so far they've done very well against southpaws. Cody Reed is not a legit MLB starter and nothing he did in the minors makes me thinks he's ready for this start. Worst case scenario is that he does well and then the horrible Cincy bullpen comes in and gives up a ton of runs. The Phillies only being -125 seems like a joke. Am I missing something here?

    Slight lean to the over 9 in Angels/Rangers.

    Twins +151

    Under 8 -110 here is a borderline play but my main worry with this Twins bet is that their bullpen blows it and I don't want to risk losing 2 bets if the bullpen has a rough one. I had the Twins favored here. Verlander is obviously an excellent pitcher but the Twins' offense is consistently getting hits and they probably only need a few runs to win here. The Astros' offense is not hitting at all to start the year and Lynn is a very good pitcher. Lynn has control issues at times but doesn't give up home runs and doesn't give up many hits... while the Astros offense has been drawing walks decently but striking out and not getting hits. There is value on the home squad here as long as the Astros' offense remains stagnant. Twins win 3-2 if their bullpen doesn't blow it.

    Mariners/Royals u7.5 -110

    Should probably pass here as there isn't a ton of value left after the line was already bet down from 8.5 but I'm going to take a shot. I had this one at u7 -115 so there's still some value left. On most days I'd probably pass here but I have a good feeling I guess. Both teams are throwing excellent young pitchers today. The Royals can't hit anything but they are even worse against lefties. This Junis kid looks really impressive for the Royals. Mariners are hitting pretty well but Junis should be able to put in quality innings. Neither bullpen scares me and this is a pretty decent under park. Seems like some team will win 3-2ish.

    Lean DBacks -115 but going to pass for now.
  • danshandanshan Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    I had the phillies much higher as well but I was confused so I looked closer and seen the game between Arrieta and Reed line 170 and compared Arrieta to Lively and I think Arrieta is about 60-70 cents better than Lively and and Lively is home so I guessed -130ish
    so 170 verse arrieta subtract say 70 for arrieta better than lively and add 30ish for home so I got -130ish and that made it a dont play for me! Yes I know my thinking is retarded but I was just agreeing way higher and then a closer look made me think -130ish
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 28-21 +6.49

    Lean Cubs but going to pass. A bit worried about their offense with Rizzo out but also think Nova might be slanting downward in his career. Meh, big card, better bets to find.

    Detroit Tigers +175

    Neither team here is hitting much of anything right now which makes the big dog more appealing. Tomlin wasn't that good last year, wasn't that good in spring, and then got rocked in his opener. He's getting older and simply put is a bit tough to trust right now. All the Tigers need is a few runs here to have a decent shot at the win. Boyd for the Tigers is coming off a great spring and looked excellent in his opener. He's always had potential to be a really good MLB pitcher and it seems like he might finally be putting it together. The Indians have 3 or fewer hits in 3 of their last 5 games and are striking out a good amount lately. Obviously the Tigers' bullpen is capable of giving up a million runs late but at close to 2/1 I'll roll the dice.

    Lean Mets/Marlins u8 but not sure I trust Smith just yet.

    Texas Rangers +125

    The Angels didn't hit lefties last year and haven't faced one since the 2nd game of the season where they didn't hit Manea at all. The Angels could be improved against lefties this year but they still have gone about 10 straight games against right-handed pitching and some rust is to be expected. Perez had good starts against LAA last year. The Rangers have done well enough against the 3 talented lefties they've faced this season and I think their offense is coming around. I don't trust Skaggs much. LAA has a decent bullpen edge but I have Texas as a small favorite here so will take them as dogs at home. Skaggs was hit hard in 3 of 4 starts last year against Texas and in 2 of his 3 career road trips against the Rangers. Perez isn't anything special but this just seems like a tossup at best.

    Minnesota Twins +142
    Twins/Astros u8 -105


    My fade of the Astros continues. They keep barely winning and costing me money but I'm not off of it yet. Houston simply isn't hitting right now and Odorizzi is a capable pitcher. Houston has the bullpen advantage and I'll probably lose my MLB bet in the later innings which seems to be the norm when I fade the Astros, but I'm still going to try it. Keuchel is a very good pitcher and I doubt the Twins will hit him much but until Houston proves they can score runs it makes sense to fade them. Someone wins 3-2.

    Mariners -113

    Felix isn't the pitcher he once was but how can you not hammer this line? The scary part is that the money has been on KC despite the public being on SEA... which usually is a spot I avoid but I can't hold off. This Skoglund guy for the Royals has no business starting. He got rocked in his spot start earlier this year, has been rocked about every time he's pitching in the Majors, and honestly has been hit pretty hard in the lower leagues as well. Does KC not have anyone better? Worst case scenario is Felix gets rocked but even then it's still a tossup since Skoglund almost never makes it past an inning or 2. This might be the square play of the day but I'm on it.

    Oakland Athletics +111
    Athletics/Dodgers u8.5 -120


    I'm a massive Manaea fan and he's been filthy so far. The Dodgers can't hit anyone right now and are unlikely to get it going against a potentially elite starting pitcher. Oakland's offense isn't sharp either but Ryu had control issues in spring and in his first start. He'll still probably find a way to put together solid innings against an Oakland squad that doesn't hit lefties that well but he's not 100% either. Seems like a game the A's win 4-2 or so.

    Arizona Diamondbacks -112

    I had this one closer to -135. Corbin is looking great to start this season and the Giants don't hit lefties (or much of anything really... at least right now). The DBacks' have the much stronger offense, the better bullpen, and the better start. This kid the Giants are starting is being rushed to the majors in a major way. It's not unheard of for these guys to come up and baffle opponents for 1 or 2 starts because no one has seen them but this seems super early for Beede. The guy wasn't even a good AAA pitcher last year and is making a massive jump. Even if he pulls one of those rabbit-out-of-the-hat starts due to limited tape I still feel Arizona has a good shot with a quality starter and the better pen.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Dragging a bit behind today but didn't like anything in the early games. First one I'll play is Arizona which doesn't start for a few hours. Will post the full card shortly.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 32-25 +6.79

    Lean Rays/White Sox o8.5 but decided to pass. If the White Sox were hitting a tick better I'd take a shot.

    Diamondbacks -115

    The Giants aren't hitting, didn't hit lefties last year, and I don't trust their bullpen. Ray is an excellent pitcher and looked back to normal in his last start. He should do really well. Arizona's offense hasn't been particularly sharp lately but at only -115 when they have the better starter, better offense, and better bullpen... I feel like I have to play this. The youngster for SF is making his MLB debut, he's not awful but doesn't seem capable of dominating teams either. Seems like a guy that will put in 5 or 6 good innings and give up 2 or 3 runs regularly. Guy should do well enough but will give up some runs which should get the job done for Arizona.

    Lean to the Orioles and the over 9 but going to pass. Both pitchers have HR issues but Morales is out for the Jays which ultimately made me pass on the total. Passed on Orioles because Gausman had an iffy spring while messing around with a new pitch and I'm not sure where he's at. Neither offense is hitting well but this seems like a game where the teams hit a bunch of long balls. Ultimately I'll pass.

    Reds/Phillies o8 -105

    Neither offense is hitting and I'm questioning why I'm taking the over knowing that... but 8 is just too low for these teams. Cincy doesn't have Suarez in the lineup but Pivetta is almost never sharp and generally gives up runs while only lasting about 5 innings. Castillo for the Reds is a future stud but he's been really shaky to start the year and had a rough spring. Makes me think he's not 100% just yet. The Reds' bullpen is trash and always good to give up a few late runs. 8 is just too low for this matchup, but it wouldn't surprise me if someone won 1-0 either I guess.

    Marlins +132
    Mets/Marlins o8.5 -115


    Neither starting pitcher can be trusted here and neither bullpen is good. Both offenses are hitting well enough. Wheeler seems destined to give up runs here like he does in most starts. The kid the Marlins are starting has potential and if the over doesn't hit it's because he throws a nice game and I hit the ML play, but more likely is that he gives up some runs. The game seems like a tossup where the only starter I have much hope of trusting is starting for the Marlins. Garcia has been a stud out of pen this year but his minor league ERA is nothing to write home about. His minor league WHIP shows promise though... ultimately both starters and both bullpens are capable of giving up runs so I'll take the home dog and the over.

    Angels -107

    Figured I'd hammer the over here but the total is set really high and I couldn't pull the trigger. Matt Moore is not an MLB pitcher any more. He's just not good, his bullpen is not any good, the Angels are mashing on offense, and this park plays to the over. The Angels should score a bunch of runs. The one negative is that they didn't hit lefties well last year and have only faced 2 lefties all year but that didn't stop them from crushing Perez last night who is a far superior lefty to Moore. The Angels are starting an unknown in Barria due to all the pitcher injuries they have but he's been solid enough in the minors and looks the part of a decent pitcher. This is a big jump for him in a good park for hitters but the worst case scenario is he gets bombed along with Moore and then the Angels have a nice bullpen advantage for the later innings. I think he'll put in 5 decent innings, give up a few runs but it won't matter with Moore and the Texas bullpen getting beat up. After typing all that I'm kicking myself more for not taking the over but I'm just not sure I can touch a total at 11.5 that isn't in Coors... probably goes over though.

    Small lean on Pirates. Their offense has been really impressive. Going to pass though.

    Athletics/Dodgers u7.5 +100

    The A's aren't hitting well and aren't good against lefties. Wood should dominate and he has a nice pen behind him. The Dodgers haven't done much hitting this year and Mengden is better than his ERA indicates. He got nickel and dimed with lucky hits against the Angels in his opener and then was pitching well last game before taking a comebacker off his leg and committing an error that made his line look worse. He's a capable pitcher and against this somewhat lifeless Dodgers offense he should do well. I had this as u7.5 -120 or so.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 34-29 +4.59

    Rough day yesterday, hoping to rebound.

    Cubs/Pirates o8.5 -105

    A play on the Pirates wouldn't be awful here but the total was stronger. The wind is a bit deceiving today as it's blasting out early but then might be coming in a bit later. Still worth a try on the over IMO. Trevor Williams is a solid enough pitcher but he's been a bit lucky this season and is facing a Cubs lineup that is hitting pretty well considering Rizzo has been out. On top of that the Pirates have a poor bullpen that Chicago is knocking around. Williams isn't the type of guy to go deep into games so even if he puts together a decent start you should get 3 or 4 innings against this struggling pen. I really like Hendricks for the Cubs and think he's a nice starter but the fact of the matter is that Pittsburgh's offense might be the hottest in baseball. Hendricks has some HR issues (has given up 2 HRs in 3 of last 4 starts) and the Pirates are hitting for power (2 HRs in 3 straight games). With the wind blowing out early it makes sense for the Pirates to get a couple easy runs. 8.5 is just too low.

    Tigers +180

    This would be a slam dunk under if the wind wasn't blasting out early today. It'll die down but I think the wind is enough to scare me off. Wind looks close to out at 20 MPH early and 10 MPH for the 2nd half of the game. If it was at 10 the whole way I'd try the under but I'll pass. Both of these teams are struggling badly to hit right now. 2 of the least in-form offenses in baseball. Both starters are in great form. Enjoy these prices on Fulmer while they last because he's an ace right now and should be one of the better pitchers over the next 5 seasons. I like him a lot. Bauer has put together 2 nice starts as well. Bauer is more HR-prone which helps the Tigers bet, although it's not overly significant. Detroit's awful pen has a chance to kill our hopes here but at nearly 2/1 with a stud pitcher facing a team that can't hit you have to try it. On top of that Detroit that rocked Bauer in like 6 straight starts.

    Can't cap the Rockies/Nats game yet as Blackmon and Arenado are both iffy. Wind is blasting out in that one and the ball will fly but need to figure out if those 2 studs are playing before doing anything. Will circle back around later if time permits.

    Twins/White Sox u8.5 +100

    I'm a big fan of Berrios and I don't think the White Sox are hitting well enough to get much done against him. They've failed to score a run against 3 of the last 4 right-handed starters they've seen and Berrios is as talented as any of them (other than maybe Fulmer who I love as well). The White Sox just aren't hitting much lately. Minnesota's bullpen is an issue but I think Berrios can go deep in this one to mitigate that. Giolito is less trustworthy but he's still a solid enough pitcher who shouldn't get rocked. Minnesota's offense has been hit or miss lately. They have the power to score some runs but under 8.5 at even money makes sense with Berrios set to dominate. Minnesota hit 3 HRs against Giolito last year and only got 4 runs over 6 which is doable for this total IMO, and that was when Minnesota was hitting better. I figure this game will have the White Sox up 3-1 or so after 6 innings which will hopefully be enough to get the job done.

    What the heck do I do in the Angels/Royals game? Tropeano making his return from Tommy John, wind is blasting out, Tropeano gives up a ton of HRs but KC is hitting for zero power this year and doesn't have Gordon... Ian Kennedy is throwing like an ace again after a poor 2017 but also has big HR issues and LAA is mashing. Value has been sucked out of Angels and the over so I'll pass. Really interesting game but just not seeing line value anywhere.

    Figured I'd like the Giants/Padres under but can't pull the trigger. Slight lean under (I had it around 8 at pk). Neither team can hit at all, the game is in Petco which is great for pitchers,and the wind is coming in really nicely. All that being said, these are 2 very tough-to-trust starters with 2 awful bullpens behind them. Just couldn't do anything with the game.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Votto out for Reds today.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 34-29 +3.54

    Going to start handicapping and sending out plays the night prior to games from here on out. Wrigley Field games will have to wait until morning since the totals are so dependent on the wind report being accurate but the rest will be out the night before.

    Lean Rockies +159. Don't particularly trust either starter or either offense right now. Wind is blasting out and Roark seems like the pitcher that struggles more with the long ball. Pass for now. If Blackmon ends up playing I'll take another look.

    Orioles/Red Sox o10 -105

    Was thinking about a play on the Orioles here but think I'm going to pass for the time being. Tillman is just a mess and not capable of getting outs. The Red Sox are without Bogaerts and probably without Hanley but I don't think it will matter here as Tillman just can't get outs any more and the entire Red Sox lineup is mashing lately. Rodriguez for the Red Sox seems very hittable right now. He had knee surgery, had a short spring trying to rehab, and then came out and looked like had no command in his opener against the weak-hitting Rays who got to him really nicely. Baltimore has done well against left-handers and even at his best Rodriguez is HR-prone. Seems like this total might be over around the time the starters are run from the game.

    Cleveland Indians -128

    Price seems pretty low. Clevinger is pitching very well and the Blue Jays' offense hasn't hit that well lately. The wind is blowing out pretty well and Toronto has been a bit reliant on the long ball... but Clevinger doesn't give up many HRs. Stroman has a chance to do well here as the Indians aren't hitting particularly well either but I can't trust him just yet. He had an injury in spring and has struggled with his command through 2 starts as he tries to make up for lost time. The Indians are a bit reliant on the long ball lately too but Stroman is more likely to give them up and Cleveland has the better bullpen. At home this price seems short.

    Tampa Bay Rays -105

    I have the Rays at -130 so will take them at this cheaper price. Neither offense is particularly trustworthy. Philly gets a HR here or there and draw walks pretty well but they don't get many hits each game and in this under park where it's tough to hit a long ball I feel like their strategy will fail them. Faria is a quality starter and I think he's a tick better than Velasquez. Velasquez is decent enough but the Marlins seem like they are starting to hit a bit lately and TB has a small bullpen advantage. With HRs largely out of the equation I think the Marlins' offense is going to be the better bet to manufacture runs. Combine all of that and it makes sense to take the home team here.

    Lean Marlins +120. I like Peters a lot and don't like Kuhl at all... but the Pirates are mashing and the Marlins aren't hitting much. Peters was rushed to the majors and seems like the type of guy that will either dominate or get rocked... he has the stuff to succeed but probably won't be consistent for a little while. I wanted to play the under in this under park with the wind coming in but both of these bullpens are bad so I got scared off.

    Detroit Tigers +161
    Yankees/Tigers o9 -125 (2-unit play, doesn't count on record as 2-units, just noting)


    The total is the play of the day IMO. The Tigers aren't hitting that well lately but have somehow not faced a single lefty all year. Last season they couldn't hit righties but absolutely murdered left-handed pitching. Montgomery put together solid stats last year but faced a really weak lineup of opponents that could hit southpaws. Fiers for the Tigers is going to give up runs too. Ultimately I think both starters struggle which keeps the dog in play. As much as I'm scared of this Detroit bullpen, they are actually doing about as well as New York's pen thus far. Have to hit the dog and the over.

    Houston Astros -1.5 -125
    Rangers/Astros u8.5 +100


    Total just seems a tick too high. Hamels was decent enough against the Astros earlier this year and Texas' bullpen is doing well enough. Getting the impression that Houston's offense is heating up but thus far they've struggled to score. That being said, Cole is pitching incredibly while Texas isn't hitting much and will be without Odor and Andrus today. This just seems like a game where the Rangers might put up a goose egg. Let's say Houston wins 6-1.

    Los Angeles Angels -1.5 +105

    Scary one here but I can't resist. Last night the Royals faced a quality guy at home coming off a major injury who gives up a ton of HRs with the wind blasting out and they couldn't touch him. Same situation today, wind blasting out, quality pitcher coming off injury who has HR issues... you just can't expect the Royals to take advantage of that wind blasting out with the little amount of pop they have. With Gordon out they just aren't a threat to do much scoring. The Angels, meanwhile, are mashing. Hammel is very hittable and the Royals' bullpen has been a mess. Have to try the -1.5 even with all potential issues surrounding Heaney. I'm not sure the Royals could hit off a tee right now.

    Lean Diamondbacks but worried the Dodgers' offense is finally coming around. Tough to say, how they do against Greinke will show me a lot.

    Lean Mariners +100 but wind is blasting out and Oakland has more power.

    San Diego Padres -102

    Not that these pitchers need much help considering the spacious confines of Petco but the wind is coming in today. I have Ross as a slightly better starter than Blach and neither team is doing much hitting. Both bullpens were awful last year but are performing well this season. -102 seems cheap with the pitcher and home field advantages.
  • Old-TimerOld-Timer Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Enjoy reading your thoughts and just a suggestion I believe you can keep a separate record for your 2 unit plays. GL
  • bluejakebluejake Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Jake, you forgot to add the plays in for thursday were 34-29 going in and you went 1-2 makes the record 35-31. Thank You for sharing & just like OT I enjoy the writeups.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Old-Timer wrote: »
    Enjoy reading your thoughts and just a suggestion I believe you can keep a separate record for your 2 unit plays. GL

    Will probably just leave it be and those that want to double those bets can do so. Appreciate the suggestion though. Good to know that's possible.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Record: 38-37 -.9

    Rockies +180

    Neither of these teams are doing any hitting lately and both starters are very good. The Rockies might have a small edge in the bullpen but both sets of relievers are trustworthy. This isn't the blowout that the ML suggests. I fiddle around with playing the under here but the wind is supposed to be blowing out pretty nicely (neither starter is HR-prone FWIW) and there is the possibility that Charlie Blackmon could be back for the Rockies which helps the over. Maybe I'll take another look at the under tomorrow if the wind drives the total up.

    Twins -1.5 +115
    White Sox/Twins u8.5 -105


    Both bets are due to the fact that I think Lance Lynn will dominate this White Sox lineup. CHW isn't hitting at all and Lynn is a quality starter with a solid enough bullpen behind him. Gonzalez is a hittable starter and facing a Twins lineup that is putting a ton of guys on base every game while scoring runs well. The wind is blasting in which helps the under quite a bit, although the Twins don't really need the long ball to score (they've been scoring without it lately). I just don't see the White Sox scoring here.

    Braves +170

    No total on this one yet since it's Wrigley but FWIW the wind is expected to be absolutely blasting in tomorrow... which honestly doesn't help either pitcher as much as you'd think since neither gives up any HRs. Quintana is the more consistent of the 2 starters but Newcomb is the more talented starter. He battles control issues at times but when he's on he's usually getting through innings quickly. I rate both bullpens at about even. Atlanta maybe hitting a tick better than Chicago, at least since they lost Rizzo from the lineup. I only had the Cubs as -150 favorites.



    Going to cap the 4 PM ET and later games in the morning. Only made it halfway through the card. FWIW, there are 2 games off the board that I capped, my lines are:

    Cards -125, o9.5 -112
    Yankees -130, o10.5 -125
  • crazyivan24crazyivan24 Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    GL Jake. I've read and followed some of your MLB picks for many years now!

    I rarely post,but wishing you best of luck dude.

    - Ivan
  • bluejakebluejake Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Jake, again not trying to bust balls just trying to figure why our totals don't add up. I have -2.58 units and 3-5 yesterday which puts my total at 38-36 +.96. I counted the Detroit total as a 1 unit play. Thank You a decent size play for me I like how you acknowledge the play of the day. If and when you get a chance between handicapping the card could you let me know what I did wrong. Thanks again for sharing.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    bluejake wrote: »
    Jake, again not trying to bust balls just trying to figure why our totals don't add up. I have -2.58 units and 3-5 yesterday which puts my total at 38-36 +.96. I counted the Detroit total as a 1 unit play. Thank You a decent size play for me I like how you acknowledge the play of the day. If and when you get a chance between handicapping the card could you let me know what I did wrong. Thanks again for sharing.

    You're right once again. Trying to sink my own record apparently. For some reason was thinking I had the Boston total at 10.5 when the bet at 10 was a push. Nice catch.

    Record: 38-36 +.96
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Twins/White Sox game is postpone so that bet for today is off.
  • Jake T.Jake T. Senior Member
    edited April 2018
    Hanley Ramirez back for Boston today.
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