Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Saturday
SAN JOSE SHARKS vs. ST. LOUIS BLUES
Take: SHARKS +115 (Series Play)
I don’t see a great deal to choose between the Sharks and Blues. They’re neck and neck on my power ratings chart. I make the goaltending, a critical element on the Cup playoffs, a virtual dead heat between Martin Jones and Brian Elliot. San Jose has the more explosive offense in my view, while I would give an edge on the blueline to the Blues.
But I do see a few subtle edges for San Jose overall. As solid as the Blues special teams were in the win against Dallas, the Sharks power play comes into this series in ultra-high gear. San Jose lit the lamp eight times with the man advantage against Nashville, and I think it’s fair to say the Blues had better avoid taking any silly penalties in this series or they could find themselves in trouble.
Both teams have big stars who appear to be in top form. Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture are rolling for the Sharks and Brent Burns would probably be my Conn Smythe pick if the award was based on just the action to date. Vladimir Tarasenko continues to be a magician with the puck for St. Louis, David Backes has been superb and Patrik Berglund has been very impressive.
I think this has a chance to be a great series, and I’d be very surprised if it’s a short set. But I do have a very slight edge for the Sharks on my numbers, and perhaps what I like the most about San Jose is that they finally appear to be shedding their image as a bad post-season team. Maybe not having the pressure of high expectations did the trick this time, but whatever the reason, I think this is a go with team right now.
The price is not spectacular in terms of value as the Blues do have the home ice advantage and they therefore pretty much have to be favored. But as I like the San Jose side just a bit better i also naturally like the idea of getting them at plus money. I’ll take the small dog odds with the Sharks to win this series and get to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Bonus Play Saturday
SAN JOSE SHARKS vs. ST. LOUIS BLUES
Take: SHARKS +115 (Series Play)
I don’t see a great deal to choose between the Sharks and Blues. They’re neck and neck on my power ratings chart. I make the goaltending, a critical element on the Cup playoffs, a virtual dead heat between Martin Jones and Brian Elliot. San Jose has the more explosive offense in my view, while I would give an edge on the blueline to the Blues.
But I do see a few subtle edges for San Jose overall. As solid as the Blues special teams were in the win against Dallas, the Sharks power play comes into this series in ultra-high gear. San Jose lit the lamp eight times with the man advantage against Nashville, and I think it’s fair to say the Blues had better avoid taking any silly penalties in this series or they could find themselves in trouble.
Both teams have big stars who appear to be in top form. Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture are rolling for the Sharks and Brent Burns would probably be my Conn Smythe pick if the award was based on just the action to date. Vladimir Tarasenko continues to be a magician with the puck for St. Louis, David Backes has been superb and Patrik Berglund has been very impressive.
I think this has a chance to be a great series, and I’d be very surprised if it’s a short set. But I do have a very slight edge for the Sharks on my numbers, and perhaps what I like the most about San Jose is that they finally appear to be shedding their image as a bad post-season team. Maybe not having the pressure of high expectations did the trick this time, but whatever the reason, I think this is a go with team right now.
The price is not spectacular in terms of value as the Blues do have the home ice advantage and they therefore pretty much have to be favored. But as I like the San Jose side just a bit better i also naturally like the idea of getting them at plus money. I’ll take the small dog odds with the Sharks to win this series and get to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp MLB Pick, Saturday, May 14, 2016 8:10 PM
(961) SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS VS (962) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Take: UNDER THE TOTAL
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Saturday, May 14, 2016 is in baseball as the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks. San Francisco heads out on the road on a 5-1 run under the total. Starter Jake Peavy is on the hill and the team is 13-6 under the total when he starts with 4 days of rest. Arizona has lefty Patrick Corbin going, getting it together allowing 3 runs his last 12 innings with 2 walks and 9 strikeouts. Corbin came away with a no-decision Sunday despite tossing seven scoreless innings, allowing five hits and a walk while striking out five. The Under is 15-6-1 in Corbin's last 22 starts vs. a team with a winning record. And the under is 10-2 when these teams clash. Play the Giants/Arizona Under the total.
Jim Feist's Comp MLB Pick, Saturday, May 14, 2016 8:10 PM
(961) SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS VS (962) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Take: UNDER THE TOTAL
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Saturday, May 14, 2016 is in baseball as the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks. San Francisco heads out on the road on a 5-1 run under the total. Starter Jake Peavy is on the hill and the team is 13-6 under the total when he starts with 4 days of rest. Arizona has lefty Patrick Corbin going, getting it together allowing 3 runs his last 12 innings with 2 walks and 9 strikeouts. Corbin came away with a no-decision Sunday despite tossing seven scoreless innings, allowing five hits and a walk while striking out five. The Under is 15-6-1 in Corbin's last 22 starts vs. a team with a winning record. And the under is 10-2 when these teams clash. Play the Giants/Arizona Under the total.
Matt Josephs
HOU vs BOS
Bonus Play OVER 9.5
The Red Sox have put up double digit hits in five straight and eight of their last 10 entering Saturday. Charged with slowing them down is Collin McHugh who is 4-3 with a 5.51 ERA and a WHIP of 1.631 in seven starts with four of them going over. He struggled against the Red Sox at home on April 22nd when he allowed five runs and 10 hits in four innings. McHugh's last start in Fenway Park came last July when he allowed four runs and seven hits in just over five innings. Boston has gone over in six of their last eight and are hitting .261 in day games. The Astros bullpen has an ERA over six on the road. Clay Buchholz is 2-3 with a 5.90 ERA and a WHIP of 1.437 in seven starts for Boston with four going over the total. Buchholz was shelled in Houston earlier this year giving up five runs in an 8-3 loss. Houston has the capability to hit the ball well and showed it on Friday night. They have gone over in 12 of their 17 road games. This one should go over too with two vulnerable starters.
HOU vs BOS
Bonus Play OVER 9.5
The Red Sox have put up double digit hits in five straight and eight of their last 10 entering Saturday. Charged with slowing them down is Collin McHugh who is 4-3 with a 5.51 ERA and a WHIP of 1.631 in seven starts with four of them going over. He struggled against the Red Sox at home on April 22nd when he allowed five runs and 10 hits in four innings. McHugh's last start in Fenway Park came last July when he allowed four runs and seven hits in just over five innings. Boston has gone over in six of their last eight and are hitting .261 in day games. The Astros bullpen has an ERA over six on the road. Clay Buchholz is 2-3 with a 5.90 ERA and a WHIP of 1.437 in seven starts for Boston with four going over the total. Buchholz was shelled in Houston earlier this year giving up five runs in an 8-3 loss. Houston has the capability to hit the ball well and showed it on Friday night. They have gone over in 12 of their 17 road games. This one should go over too with two vulnerable starters.
Martin Griffiths
Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo
Bonus Play Atletico Madrid
Atletico can no longer win the title following their loss last week against Levante and have absolutely nothing to play for in this game, their focus will be on the Champions League final and they are playing against a strong Celta Vigo side.
There is not much at stake for the respective sides and you cannot avoid the fact that Atletico are a superior side to Celta Vigo, they have lost just once at home this season and that was against Barcelona, they will not want to lose in front of their home fans, that you can take to the bank.
Celta obviously have a chance and will be competitive, but they are just not good enough to beat this Atletico side.
The odds on a Atletico win are quite high for them, which is a huge surprise, the odds makers obviously believe that Atletico will not be at their best, that is a mistake in my opinion, this is a very proud team who will want to finish the season in front of their fans with a win, they are too professional not to.
Take Atletico to win this game
Atletico Madrid vs Celta Vigo
Bonus Play Atletico Madrid
Atletico can no longer win the title following their loss last week against Levante and have absolutely nothing to play for in this game, their focus will be on the Champions League final and they are playing against a strong Celta Vigo side.
There is not much at stake for the respective sides and you cannot avoid the fact that Atletico are a superior side to Celta Vigo, they have lost just once at home this season and that was against Barcelona, they will not want to lose in front of their home fans, that you can take to the bank.
Celta obviously have a chance and will be competitive, but they are just not good enough to beat this Atletico side.
The odds on a Atletico win are quite high for them, which is a huge surprise, the odds makers obviously believe that Atletico will not be at their best, that is a mistake in my opinion, this is a very proud team who will want to finish the season in front of their fans with a win, they are too professional not to.
Take Atletico to win this game
Mike Lundin
Twins vs Indians
5* MLB Free Pick Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins 7-6 last night, the reeling Twins' eighth consecutive loss. The Tribe are now 6-1 in their last seven home games, and I like the odds of their success home at Progressive Field to continue today with Corey Kluber on the mound.
Kluber (2-4, 4.14) has had a rough start to the year, but his last outing home in Cleveland was an excellent one when he tossed nine scoreless innings of five-hit ball against Detroit. Kluber has a .220 batting average against over 218 at bats versus the current Minnesota team.
The Twins turn to Ervin Santana (0-2, 3.86 ERA) who owns a 4-10 record and 4.47 ERA in 19 starts versus the Indians. Mike Napoli is 7-for-19 with three homers and 10 RBIs against the right-hander who lasted just 3 1/3 innings of a 7-2 loss at Chicago White Sox his last time out. Santana has allowed a total of 11 runs (eight earned) on 19 hits and seven walks through 15 innings in his last three starts.
Twins are 2-8 in Santana's last 10 starts when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game.
Twins vs Indians
5* MLB Free Pick Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins 7-6 last night, the reeling Twins' eighth consecutive loss. The Tribe are now 6-1 in their last seven home games, and I like the odds of their success home at Progressive Field to continue today with Corey Kluber on the mound.
Kluber (2-4, 4.14) has had a rough start to the year, but his last outing home in Cleveland was an excellent one when he tossed nine scoreless innings of five-hit ball against Detroit. Kluber has a .220 batting average against over 218 at bats versus the current Minnesota team.
The Twins turn to Ervin Santana (0-2, 3.86 ERA) who owns a 4-10 record and 4.47 ERA in 19 starts versus the Indians. Mike Napoli is 7-for-19 with three homers and 10 RBIs against the right-hander who lasted just 3 1/3 innings of a 7-2 loss at Chicago White Sox his last time out. Santana has allowed a total of 11 runs (eight earned) on 19 hits and seven walks through 15 innings in his last three starts.
Twins are 2-8 in Santana's last 10 starts when their opponent scores five runs or more in their previous game.
Ray Monohan
Mets vs Rockies
Saturday 5* MLB ML Bonus Play New York Mets ML
The Mets continue their series with the Rockies and New York has solid value here. The Mets have dominated on the road this year going 12-7 SU while holding the opposition to just 3 runs per game.
They'll send out Logan Verrett, who will be coming out of the bullpen to make a start here. Verrett has been stellar on the year as he sits with an ERA of just 1.27. He'll be opposed by Eddie Butler, who will making his first start on the year inside Coors Field. He's had one relief appearance this season there, but that still isn't the same. He'll endure a lot of tough challenges here as he struggles to keep his pitches down, which could result in Mets hitters hitting some balls deep with the thin air.
Some trends to consider. Mets are 6-1 in their last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Mets are 16-5 in their last 21 games vs. a right-handed starter.
With the Mets success against RH pitchers, combined with the Rockies just simply struggling at home, New York holds solid value.
Back the Mets.
Good Luck, Razor Ray.
Mets vs Rockies
Saturday 5* MLB ML Bonus Play New York Mets ML
The Mets continue their series with the Rockies and New York has solid value here. The Mets have dominated on the road this year going 12-7 SU while holding the opposition to just 3 runs per game.
They'll send out Logan Verrett, who will be coming out of the bullpen to make a start here. Verrett has been stellar on the year as he sits with an ERA of just 1.27. He'll be opposed by Eddie Butler, who will making his first start on the year inside Coors Field. He's had one relief appearance this season there, but that still isn't the same. He'll endure a lot of tough challenges here as he struggles to keep his pitches down, which could result in Mets hitters hitting some balls deep with the thin air.
Some trends to consider. Mets are 6-1 in their last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Mets are 16-5 in their last 21 games vs. a right-handed starter.
With the Mets success against RH pitchers, combined with the Rockies just simply struggling at home, New York holds solid value.
Back the Mets.
Good Luck, Razor Ray.
Marc Lawrence
Giants vs Diamondbacks
Play On - Arizona Diamondbacks w/Corbin vs Peavy
Edges - Diamondbacks: Patrick Corbin 2-0 with 0.00 ERA last two team starts in this series; and 6-1 last seven team starts during May. Giants: Jake Peavy 3-12 last fifteen away team starts, including 1-7 the last eight; and 0-5 his last five away team starts during May. With Peavy 0-3 with a 14.25 ERA and a 2.50 WHIP in his away starts this season, we recommend a 1* play on Arizona. Thank you and good luck as always.
Giants vs Diamondbacks
Play On - Arizona Diamondbacks w/Corbin vs Peavy
Edges - Diamondbacks: Patrick Corbin 2-0 with 0.00 ERA last two team starts in this series; and 6-1 last seven team starts during May. Giants: Jake Peavy 3-12 last fifteen away team starts, including 1-7 the last eight; and 0-5 his last five away team starts during May. With Peavy 0-3 with a 14.25 ERA and a 2.50 WHIP in his away starts this season, we recommend a 1* play on Arizona. Thank you and good luck as always.
WNBA
Long Sheet
Saturday, May 14
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DALLAS (18 - 18) at INDIANA (26 - 19) - 5/14/2016, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 2-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 2-2 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NEW YORK (26 - 14) at WASHINGTON (19 - 18) - 5/14/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 279-334 ATS (-88.4 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) in home games on Saturday games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 176-220 ATS (-66.0 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-6 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-6 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHOENIX (22 - 16) at MINNESOTA (29 - 15) - 5/14/2016, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) in May games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-7 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-6 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
11 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ATLANTA (15 - 19) at SAN ANTONIO (8 - 26) - 5/14/2016, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 3-1 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CONNECTICUT (15 - 19) at CHICAGO (22 - 15) - 5/14/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 5-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-4 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Long Sheet
Saturday, May 14
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DALLAS (18 - 18) at INDIANA (26 - 19) - 5/14/2016, 6:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 2-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 2-2 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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NEW YORK (26 - 14) at WASHINGTON (19 - 18) - 5/14/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 25-14 ATS (+9.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 279-334 ATS (-88.4 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 16-31 ATS (-18.1 Units) in home games on Saturday games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 176-220 ATS (-66.0 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-6 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 6-6 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHOENIX (22 - 16) at MINNESOTA (29 - 15) - 5/14/2016, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) in May games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-7 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-6 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
11 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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ATLANTA (15 - 19) at SAN ANTONIO (8 - 26) - 5/14/2016, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-0 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 3-1 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CONNECTICUT (15 - 19) at CHICAGO (22 - 15) - 5/14/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 5-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-4 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
