Jim Feist
MLB Comp Pick for Monday June 9, 2014: 7:05 PM ET
MLB (901) CHICAGO CUBS VS (902) PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Take: (902) PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Reason: The Pittsburgh Pirates have climbed out of the NL Central cellar and are now looking to pass Cincinnati for third in the division. They still trail first place Milwaukee by eight games, but they have been playing much better of late, winning six of their last 10 games. Meanwhile the Cubbies are 25-34 on the season and sit last in the NL Central. The Cubs are tied with Miami for the fewest road wins in baseball (10). Now the Cubs must go on the road where they 16-35 in their last 51 as an away dog. It doesn't get much better for the Cubs when today's starter, Edwin Jackson is on the mound. Jackson is 4-5 on the season with a 4.59 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. In addition the Cubs are just 5-17 in his last 22 starts. Moreover, when installed as a dog, the Cubs are just 4-14 in his last 18 starts. Charlie Morton starts for the Bucs and while Morton is just 2-7 on the season, he has a 3.31 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Moreover, both Morton's wins have come in his last three starts. Morton also has had many quality starts, evidenced by his three runs or less allowed in eight of his last 10 starts. The Bucs are the better team and Morton is much better than his record indicates. Your Bonus Play for Monday is on the Pittsburgh Pirates.