Welcome back to a preview of some MLB action to close out your weekend. Been on a decent run of late, so hopefully can continue that throughout the coming week of action. As we pass the quarter mark of the season, we really are starting to see what teams are going to be around for the long haul. Trade rumours may start sprouting up so that’s something to keep an eye on as well. The Giants and Pirates have been on a hot streak of late and look to be heading where we thought they would be. The Yankees have been cooling off and also look to be heading where projected. The AL East is still a tough division to pick and it may take a trade too really give a team a jump they need. Any of those 5 could win it. Value around, will keep an eye on that over the coming weeks while division markets are still available. On to the games.
Sunday 31st
Best Bet – Nationals at $1.75
Next Best – Phillies at $1.92
Multi – Giants/Astros at $2.62 (Could add/swap Cardinals also)
Toronto Blue Jays vs Minnesota Twins (4.10am AEST)
Blue Jays ($2.05) – Sanchez
Twins ($1.80) – Gibson
Prediction
Twins. Two teams that have been scoring runs rather often of late. Twins light it up when at home and we all know the Jays potent batting lineup. Not exactly a pitching duel even both Sanchez and Gibson both have at times been pretty impressive. Run line sits at 8.5 and that the play i’d be happy to take
Suggested Bet
Over 8.5 runs at $1.86
Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies (5.05am AEST)
Rockies ($1.92) – De La Rosa
Phillies ($1.92) – Harang
Prediction
Phillies. With the Rockies going only a few outs from a no hitter on Saturday the Phillies bats will be desperate to get something going. Plus they have a decent pitcher behind them today. Phillies to win and the price is pretty solid.
Suggested Bet
Phillies at $1.92
Tampa Bay Rays vs Baltimore Orioles (6.05am AEST)
Rays ($2.16) – Ramirez
Orioles ($1.73) – Chen
Prediction
Orioles. Walk of win on Saturday for the O’s in a low scoring match. Looks likely to be another tight affair. The Orioles pitching staff has not been as expected so far this season and Chen is the prime example of that. Inconsistent to say the least but I feel he probably starts to get it together soon. With Ramirez failing to pitch deep into games since becoming a starter I have to sense Orioles just score too many here.
Suggested Bet
Orioles at $1.73
Washington Nationals vs Cincinnati Reds (6.10am AEST)
Nationals ($1.75) – Gonzalez
Reds ($2.12) – Iglesias
Prediction
Nationals. After a loss on Saturday the Nats will have Gio Gonzalez on the mound on Sunday. He was solid in his last start after previously being roughed up. Iglesias is a spot starter and he comes up against an in form Nats team. Harper to hit a home run in the Great American Small park ? Practice for the Home Run Derby. Perhaps. Nats have the advantage in the pitching, should get enough runs to win this
Suggested Bet
Nationals at $1.75
Chicago White Sox vs Houston Astros (12.05pm AEST)
White Sox ($2.45) – Quintana
Astros ($1.58) – Keuchel
Prediction
Astros. Houston have slowed down of late however are still grinding out results. The Sox have been on the improve yet still have a pretty ordinary road record and still find themselves under .500. Keuchel is arguably the front runner for the AL Cy Young at the moment and he should be able to get the job done here. After an extra inning loss on Saturday, look for the Astros to bounce back.
Suggested Bet
Astros at $1.58
Los Angeles Dodgers vs St Louis Cardinals (9.15am AEST)
Dodgers ($2.26) – Frias
Cardinals ($1.67) – Wacha
Prediction
Cardinals. MLB best St Louis Cardinals, MLB best home record of 19-5. Their new Ace Michael Wacha is 7-0 with an ERA of 1.70. Dodgers have not been at their best of late. Having said all that i’ve probably jinxed it, but Cardinals should get this W. $1.67 may be a bit dangerous to dabble at but happy to take it with Wacha.
Suggested Bet
Cardinals at $1.67
Atlanta Braves vs San Francisco Giants (12.05pm AEST)
Braves ($2.28) – Perez
Giants ($1.66) – Lincecum
Prediction
Giants. San Fran starting make noise in the National League. A very impressive run of late losing only 2 times in their last 15 games and now a top the NL West. With a freakish batting lineup with no one in their starting line up hitting below .290 they are managing to win when they pitch bad. Also managing to win when they hit bad due to solid pitching. I don’t think it lasts for them but have to ride the wave at the moment.
Lincecum has been solid aswell.
Suggested Bet
Giants at $1.66
Pittsburgh Pirates vs San Diego Padres (12.10pm AEST)
Pirates ($2.02) – Morton
Padres ($1.83) – Ross
Prediction
Pirates. Finding it hard to separate these two teams. The Padres broke the Pirates win streak with a walk off Grand Slam on Saturday afternoon after the Pirates took the first game of the series with ease. Morton is making only his 2nd start of the season, and this match up may favour him. He will generate a lot of groundballs and PetCo Park may suit him. Ross has been solid but has given up way too many walks and Pittsburgh bats are in decent form. I expect a few runs from both teams but think the Pirates nudge it and at $2.02 its worth the play.
Suggested Bet
Pirates at $2.02
All Prices Quoted via Sportsbet at time of writing.
For records. Best Bet 2 Units, Next Best 1 Unit, Multi 0.5 Units (unless stated otherwise)
Home Run Charity Update
Current Home Runs for our Charity (http://www.makeawish.org.au/)
Stanton – 13
Trout –11
Total – $240
Hope you all have a good week with your MLB betting. Hopefully your thoughts on the games match up with mine. As always these are only a select few games I was interested in, feel free to share your opinions on any games at @MLB_TheProfits on Twitter. Happy Punting.
