Sunday 4/2/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's Tip Sheet
April 2, 2017

Game of the Night – Wizards at Warriors – 8:05 PM EST

Washington (46-30 SU, 39-36-1 ATS) closes out its final extended road trip of the season as the Wizards try to snap a two-game skid at Oracle Arena against Golden State. The Wizards won the first two contests against the Cavaliers and Lakers to wrap up their first division title since 1979. However, Scott Brooks’ team has suffered defeats in the last two games to the Clippers and Jazz as the Wizards try to avoid their first three-game losing streak since mid-November.

The Warriors (62-14 SU, 36-38-2 ATS) are in the midst of their second winning streak of at least 10 games this season after knocking off the Rockets on Friday, 107-98. Golden State’s defense stepped up in the final quarter by limiting Houston to 13 points over the final 12 minutes as the Rockets shot just 37% from the floor. After cashing 11 consecutive UNDERS, the Warriors barely hit the OVER in their massive rally against San Antonio on Wednesday, but got back on the UNDER track Friday as the 232 total was never threatened.

The last time these teams hooked up in D.C. on February 28, Kevin Durant suffered a knee injury in the opening minute of play as the future looked bleak for Golden State. Durant is still sidelined as the Warriors lost that night to the Wizards, 112-108, in spite of erasing a 19-point deficit and taking the lead in the fourth quarter. By the way, Golden State has won 13 of 17 games with Durant not in the lineup, while beating Washington in seven of the nine matchups at Oracle Arena.

Putrid Pacers

Indiana is going backwards at the wrong time as the Pacers have lost five of their last six games. The task doesn’t get easier as Indiana travels to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers. The Pacers have allowed at least 110 points during each contest of a current three-game losing streak, while coming off a 111-100 defeat at Toronto on Friday. Nate McMillan’s team is in a three-way tie with Chicago and Miami at 37-39 for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, but the Pacers split with the Bulls and lost the regular season series with the Heat.

The Cavaliers bounced back from a three-game slide by blowing out the 76ers on Friday, 122-105 as 12 ½-point favorites. Cleveland enters Sunday’s action one-half game behind Boston for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, while seeking back-to-back wins for only the second time since late February. Indiana captured the first matchup with Cleveland in November as LeBron James sat out, but the Cavaliers have won each of the past two meetings with the Pacers.

Grounded Rockets

Houston closes out a three-game road swing tonight in Phoenix looking to snap a three-game skid. During this losing streak, the Rockets have lost twice to the Warriors and also fallen to the Blazers, but Mike D’Antoni’s squad is still firmly in the third playoff position in the Western Conference with six games remaining. The Rockets have owned the Suns this season by winning all three matchups by 14 points or more, while all three contests sailed OVER the total.

The Suns are taking the court for the third time in four nights, coming off a 130-117 defeat at Portland on Saturday to suffer their 11th consecutive setback. Phoenix has dropped six consecutive games at Talking Stick Resort Arena, but the Suns have posted a solid 6-1 ATS record in its last seven opportunities as a home underdog.

Bulling Back

Chicago rallied late to stun Atlanta, 106-104 on Saturday to capture its third consecutive victory to remain in the mix for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bulls travel to the Big Easy to face New Orleans as Chicago has been terrific in the underdog role recently by cashing six straight when receiving points. Since getting blown out at Boston on March 12, the Bulls have covered four consecutive contests away from the United Center.

The Pelicans have cleaned up at home of late by winning six straight games at Smoothie King Center, while coming off a 117-89 blowout of the Kings on Friday as 11-point favorites. In five of the six wins during this home hot streak, New Orleans has won by double-digits, while compiling a 5-1 ATS mark. The Pelicans have dropped five meetings in a row to the Bulls, including a 107-99 setback at Chicago in mid-January.

No Sunday Funday

The Heat have turned into the best story in the NBA this season following an 11-30 start by winning 26 of their last 35 games. Miami is firmly in the playoff hunt in the East in spite of suffering a tough loss to a short-handed New York squad on Friday, 98-94 as 10 ½-point home favorites. The Heat host the Nuggets this evening as Miami has been awful on Sundays this season by failing to win in seven tries on the first day of the week.

Denver continues a five-game road swing after squandering a 12-point third quarter lead in Friday’s 122-114 defeat at Charlotte. Things are slipping away fast for the Nuggets, who are in a 2 ½-game hole to Portland for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with seven games remaining. Denver has failed to beat Miami in the last four matchups, including a 106-98 home loss in late November.

Head-to-Head Trends

-- Philadelphia snapped a 14-game losing streak to Toronto in mid-January as the 76ers battle the Raptors for the final time this season. The Sixers have lost in their last seven visits to the Air Canada Center, while Toronto has covered in its last three home victories as a double-digit favorite against Philadelphia.

-- Atlanta plays with immediate revenge against Brooklyn after the Nets tripped up the Hawks, 92-86 last Sunday. The Hawks own a solid 10-5 SU/ATS record with no rest following Saturday’s loss to the Bulls, while winning two of three meetings with Brooklyn this season. Brooklyn looks to capitalize off Saturday’s victory over Orlando as the Nets seek their first win on no rest in 14 tries this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's six-pack

— If I’m an NFL team interested in drafting Deshaun Watson, I’d want to know why the Clemson QB was in a bar in Alabama. His choice, but I’d just like to know why.

— Bill Self, Tracy McGrady and George McGinnis were among 11 basketball greats elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame Saturday.

— Bruins 5, Florida 2— Boston has a 4-point lead for the last Wild Card spot in the East.

— Clippers 115, Lakers 104— Clippers ran out to a 17-0 lead, then trailed 32-31.

— Portland 130, Phoenix 117— Trailblazers even their record at 38-38.

— At some point, Phil Mickelson paid off a $2M gambling debt. I’d seriously be curious to see how that debt was accumulated; what games over what period of time? I’m a curious guy.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Dunkel

Sunday, April 2


Arizona @ Los Angeles

Game 21-22
April 2, 2017 @ 10:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
9.979
Los Angeles
11.888
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
-260
5
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(-260); Under

Anaheim @ Calgary

Game 19-20
April 2, 2017 @ 9:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Anaheim
10.224
Calgary
11.248
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Calgary
by 1
3
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Calgary
-125
5
Dunkel Pick:
Calgary
(-125); Under

Philadelphia @ NY Rangers

Game 17-18
April 2, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
12.057
NY Rangers
8.248
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 4
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Rangers
-165
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+145); Over

San Jose @ Vancouver

Game 15-16
April 2, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Jose
10.687
Vancouver
9.219
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Jose
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Jose
-200
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Jose
(-200); Over

Nashville @ St. Louis

Game 13-14
April 2, 2017 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Nashville
13.361
St. Louis
11.493
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Nashville
by 2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-140
5
Dunkel Pick:
Nashville
(+120); Under

Colorado @ Minnesota

Game 11-12
April 2, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
11.496
Minnesota
9.996
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
N/A

Dallas @ Tampa Bay

Game 9-10
April 2, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
9.496
Tampa Bay
12.420
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3
3
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-190
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-190); Under

Washington @ Columbus

Game 7-8
April 2, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
11.693
Columbus
9.203
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-120
5
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-120); Under

Carolina @ Pittsburgh

Game 5-6
April 2, 2017 @ 5:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Carolina
12.984
Pittsburgh
11.203
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Carolina
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-185
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Carolina
(+165); Over

NY Islanders @ Buffalo

Game 3-4
April 2, 2017 @ 3:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Islanders
11.502
Buffalo
9.984
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Islanders
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Buffalo
-130
5
Dunkel Pick:
NY Islanders
(+110); Over

Boston @ Chicago

Game 1-2
April 2, 2017 @ 12:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
11.773
Chicago
12.984
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1
3
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
N/A

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Long Sheet

Sunday, April 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOSTON (42-30-0-6, 90 pts.) at CHICAGO (50-21-0-7, 107 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 12:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-2 (+0.8 Units) against the spread versus BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 3-2-0 straight up against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.2 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY ISLANDERS (36-29-0-12, 84 pts.) at BUFFALO (32-33-0-12, 76 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 221-214 ATS (+472.7 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 16-11 ATS (+27.9 Units) after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 4-4 (+2.0 Units) against the spread versus NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 4-4-0 straight up against NY ISLANDERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CAROLINA (35-28-0-14, 84 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (47-19-0-11, 105 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 5:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 20-33 ATS (+54.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 3-16 ATS (+25.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 44-23 ATS (+6.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-4 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 8-4-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.8 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (51-18-0-8, 110 pts.) at COLUMBUS (49-20-0-8, 106 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
COLUMBUS is 49-28 ATS (+8.6 Units) in all games this season.
COLUMBUS is 20-6 ATS (+12.3 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
COLUMBUS is 22-10 ATS (+9.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
COLUMBUS is 152-163 ATS (+382.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 113-58 ATS (+25.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 44-35 ATS (+85.7 Units) in road games in April games since 1996.
COLUMBUS is 10-21 ATS (-13.3 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-5 (+0.1 Units) against the spread versus COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 8-5-0 straight up against COLUMBUS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.6 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DALLAS (32-35-0-11, 75 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (38-29-0-10, 86 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DALLAS is 32-46 ATS (-14.3 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 7-23 ATS (+35.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
DALLAS is 2-14 ATS (+16.1 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
DALLAS is 30-23 ATS (+57.6 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 10-15 ATS (-8.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
TAMPA BAY is 0-5 ATS (-7.6 Units) in home games when playing on back-to-back days over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 359-408 ATS (+786.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 3-2 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 3-2-0 straight up against TAMPA BAY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.1 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORADO (21-53-0-3, 45 pts.) at MINNESOTA (45-25-0-8, 98 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 6:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-4 (+2.5 Units) against the spread versus COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 9-4-0 straight up against COLORADO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+7.3 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NASHVILLE (40-27-0-11, 91 pts.) at ST LOUIS (42-28-0-7, 91 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 88-86 ATS (-24.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 9-16 ATS (-11.3 Units) after a division game this season.
NASHVILLE is 10-15 ATS (-9.8 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
ST LOUIS is 52-41 ATS (-1.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 21-14 ATS (+6.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NASHVILLE is 13-7 ATS (+20.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ST LOUIS is 21-34 ATS (-32.6 Units) in home games on Sunday games since 1996.
ST LOUIS is 17-24 ATS (-16.2 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NASHVILLE is 7-7 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 7-7-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.0 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN JOSE (43-28-0-7, 93 pts.) at VANCOUVER (30-38-0-9, 69 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 20-21 ATS (-12.2 Units) second half of the season this season.
SAN JOSE is 7-15 ATS (-12.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 67-59 ATS (-30.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 200-163 ATS (-74.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1996.
SAN JOSE is 37-22 ATS (+13.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 5-0 ATS (+5.0 Units) in road games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 26-12 ATS (+11.0 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 232-234 ATS (-128.8 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
VANCOUVER is 9-26 ATS (-19.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VANCOUVER is 99-122 ATS (-51.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
VANCOUVER is 5-8 (+0.2 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
SAN JOSE is 8-5-0 straight up against VANCOUVER over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.7 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (38-32-0-8, 84 pts.) at NY RANGERS (46-26-0-6, 98 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-50 ATS (+83.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 241-253 ATS (-89.1 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 11-3 ATS (+6.3 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 21-10 ATS (+9.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 8-3 ATS (+11.5 Units) on Sunday games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 34-26 ATS (+60.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-40 ATS (+91.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-30 ATS (+72.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 6-13 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 138-134 ATS (-73.5 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1996.
NY RANGERS are 10-16 ATS (-9.8 Units) after a division game this season.
NY RANGERS are 8-14 ATS (-13.4 Units) in home games after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 3 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 97-134 ATS (-101.8 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 8-4 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 8-4-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.2 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANAHEIM (42-23-0-13, 97 pts.) at CALGARY (44-30-0-4, 92 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 9:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 1-7 ATS (-6.2 Units) in road games after a division game this season.
CALGARY is 44-34 ATS (+81.1 Units) in all games this season.
CALGARY is 31-15 ATS (+46.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 3 seasons.
CALGARY is 11-5 ATS (+4.9 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
CALGARY is 24-12 ATS (+39.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
CALGARY is 15-8 ATS (+23.2 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games over the last 2 seasons.
ANAHEIM is 517-418 ATS (+32.7 Units) second half of the season since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 51-37 ATS (+93.1 Units) in road games on Sunday games since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 407-410 ATS (+842.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 248-224 ATS (+486.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
CALGARY is 3-8 ATS (-6.9 Units) in home games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 14-4 (+9.1 Units) against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
ANAHEIM is 14-4-0 straight up against CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
12 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+7.0 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARIZONA (28-41-0-9, 65 pts.) at LOS ANGELES (37-33-0-7, 81 pts.) - 4/2/2017, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 27-68 ATS (+130.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 40-40 ATS (+90.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 37-40 ATS (+98.9 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 14-16 ATS (-7.4 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
LOS ANGELES is 19-21 ATS (+19.0 Units) second half of the season this season.
LOS ANGELES is 13-16 ATS (-13.1 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-7 ATS (-10.4 Units) in home games after shutting out their opponent in their previous game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 6-7 (+4.9 Units) against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 7-6-0 straight up against ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.8 Units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ultra sports

904 3 units St Louis Cardinals +115 List Martinez vs. Lester

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Trend Report

SAN FRANCISCO (89 - 78) at ARIZONA (69 - 93) - 4:10 PM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 23-31 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 117-66 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 117-66 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 600-585 (+53.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
ARIZONA is 16-32 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 33-48 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 8-19 (-14.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 33-48 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BUMGARNER is 9-7 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.56 and a WHIP of 1.099.
His team's record is 15-10 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-10. (+3.7 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
GREINKE is 9-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.49 and a WHIP of 1.129.
His team's record is 11-3 (+7.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.0 units)

CHICAGO CUBS (114 - 64) at ST LOUIS (86 - 76) - 8:35 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. CARLOS MARTINEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1602-1687 (-258.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1545-1600 (-233.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1179-1252 (-194.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 28-12 (+14.1 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 31-9 (+19.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
LESTER is 20-3 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 38-43 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 38-43 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 25-29 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 7-14 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JON LESTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LESTER is 5-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.87 and a WHIP of 0.915.
His team's record is 7-5 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-9. (-7.4 units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MARTINEZ is 3-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.08 and a WHIP of 1.539.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.1 units)

NY YANKEES (84 - 78) at TAMPA BAY (68 - 94) - 1:10 PM
MASAHIRO TANAKA (R) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TANAKA is 23-8 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TANAKA is 10-1 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 68-94 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 7-17 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 36-45 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 28-39 (-17.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 36-45 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 36-45 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 50-68 (-22.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARCHER is 10-23 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 4-12 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 3-13 (-10.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 4-12 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 5-12 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
TANAKA is 6-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.82 and a WHIP of 0.810.
His team's record is 8-0 (+8.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+2.0 units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ARCHER is 5-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.63 and a WHIP of 0.921.
His team's record is 7-6 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.3 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis - Sunday April 2, 2017
The Cubs open up defense of their title Sunday night in St. Louis and come into the contest with a 14-3 record in Jon Lester’s last 17 starts in Game 1 of a series. Chicago is the pick (-125) according to Dunkel, which has the Cubs favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-125).


SUNDAY APRIL 2, 2017

NY Yankees
@
Tampa Bay
Game 905-906
April 2, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 14.400
Tampa Bay
(Archer) 15.856
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: NY Yankees
-115
7
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay
(-105); Under

Chicago Cubs
@
St. Louis
Game 903-904
April 2, 2017 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating: Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 18.124
St. Louis
(Mrtinez) 15.987
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Chicago Cubs
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Chicago Cubs
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs
(-125); Over

San Francisco
@
Arizona
Game 901-902
April 2, 2017 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: San Francisco
(Bmgrner) 15.291
Arizona
(Greinke) 16.745
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Arizona
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: San Francisco
-135
8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona
(+115); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cardinals host Cubs
By: Zach Cohen
StatFox

Chicago’s quest to repeat as World Series champs begins with the first game of a three-game set in St. Louis on Sunday.

The Cubs are fresh off of their first World Series victory in 108 years, and they open up their season with a matchup with the rival Cardinals this weekend. Chicago is mostly bringing back the same team that won the championship last year, but the team did lose both OF Dexter Fowler (.276, 13 HR, 48 RBI in 2016) and LHP Aroldis Chapman (1.01 ERA, 16 SV in 2016). The Cubs will use an in-house replacement for Fowler this season, but they brought in former Royal RHP Wade Davis (1.87 ERA, 27 SV in 2016) to fill the spot at closer. The Cardinals are also bringing back a large majority of their lineup, but they actually signed Fowler away from the Cubs. That will make for an interesting dynamic on Sunday, but there isn’t expected to be any bad blood between Fowler and his former team. The starters in this game are set to be LHP Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44 ERA, 197 K in 2016) for the Cubs and RHP Carlos Martinez (16-9, 3.04 ERA, 174 K in 2016) for the Cardinals. Last season, Chicago was 10-9 in 19 meetings with St. Louis and 10 of those games went Under the total. Both teams are going to be close to full strength, so injuries likely won’t factor into the outcome of this one.

Last year, Jon Lester absolutely dominated the Cardinals in three starts against the team. Lester pitched a total of 20.2 innings in those games, and he had a 2-0 record with a 0.87 ERA. He averaged 7.0 strikeouts per game in those three meetings with St. Louis, and he’ll be hoping to get his team off to a 1-0 start on Sunday. Offensively, this Chicago team is as explosive as any team in baseball and there are a few guys that should be more than capable of giving Carlos Martinez trouble on Sunday. Three of those players would be 1B Anthony Rizzo (.292 BA, 32 HR, 109 RBI in 2016), 2B Ben Zobrist (.272 BA, 18 HR, 76 RBI in 2016) and OF Jason Heyward (.230 BA, 7 HR, 49 RBI in 2016). Rizzo is 7-for-26 with three homers and seven RBI against Martinez in his career, and he is coming off of a career year in 2016. Look for him to do his best to get his season off to a good start on Sunday. Zobrist and Heyward, meanwhile, are a combined 12-for-30 with two doubles and three RBI against Martinez. Zobrist is working his way back from a neck injury, but he should be fine on Sunday. Heyward, meanwhile, is coming off of the worst season of his life, and he’ll be hoping to turn things around in 2017. A matchup with a pitcher he has done well against in his career should give him some early confidence.

The Cardinals struggled to hit Jon Lester last season, but there are a lot of quality bats in this lineup that should be able to figure him out on Sunday. One guy that does have some personal success against the lefty is C Yadier Molina (.307 BA, 8 HR, 58 RBI in 2016). In his career versus Lester, Molina is 8-for-22 with three doubles and four RBI. He’ll be looking to get right back to those successful ways on Sunday. Two other guys to watch out for in the lineup are SS Aledmys Diaz (.300 BA, 17 HR, 65 RBI in 2016) and OF Stephen Piscotty (.273 BA, 22 HR, 85 RBI in 2016). Both are expected to make huge jumps in 2017, and they’d love to help the Cardinals earn a big win over their rivals on Sunday. The team will, however, need Carlos Martinez to pitch well in order to earn a victory in this one. He struggled against Chicago last season, going just 1-3 with a 4.80 ERA in five starts against the team.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

AL Win Total - Best Bets
By Bruce Marshall

AL EAST: BEST BET...Fans at Camden Yards are advised to enjoy 3B Manny Machado while they can; with free agency looming after 2018, this could be Machado's last full season for the Baltimore Orioles (80.5). The same applies to closer extraordinaire Zach Britton, who posted some of the best relief numbers in history (47-for-47 saves, 0.54 ERA) a year ago. For the time being, however, both are still in the Oriole fold, as is last year's MLB homer leader, DH Mark Trumbo, who socked 47 dingers in 2016 and re-signed in the offseason. As usual, for the Birds to make a playoff run depends upon consistency in a so-so rotation, though righties Kevin Gausman and Chris Tillman are dependable options. Mostly, however, we expect the O's to keep playing hard for Buck Showalter, who has been able to get his troops to regularly punch above their weight in recent seasons. We have a hard time envisioning a 9-loss drop from last year's 89 wins. It's an "over" for us at Camden Yards, still worth the visit if you can quickly get in and out of downtown Baltimore and allow enough time to enjoy some of Boog Powell's BBQ and Eutaw Street, or some of the sinful sausages at the Polock Johnny's stand on the concourse.

OTHERS: Sacrilege? So some might accuse us for not jumping on the bandwagon of the Boston Red Sox (92.5), expected by many to post 2016 Cubs-like numbers after adding fireball lefty Chris Sale in a deal that required Dave Dombrowksi to part with many prized prospects to the Chisox, including touted Cuban 3B Yoan Moncada. The thought is that adding Sale to a rotation that already included 2016 AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello, plus David Price, makes Boston an automatic favorite in the AL. We're not so sure, because Price disappointed in his first full season at Fenway Park a year ago, and Sale was a bit erratic in 2016, too. Meanwhile there is a Big Papi void after David Ortiz retired; we'll see if FA addition Mitch Moreland can fill those large shoes. And with expected new set-up man Tyler Thornburg (acquired from Milwaukee) sidelined for much of March in Fort Myers, the bullpen still has a few questions. Plenty still to like in Boston, especially with RF Mookie Betts now at an elite level, but we're not sure the Bosox are ready to justify the hype, which is even more amped-up than usual. It's an "under" for us at Fenway.

Is losing Edwin Encarnacion and his 42 homers to the Indians in free agency enough to keep the Toronto Blue Jays (84.5) out of the playoffs for the first time since 2014? Well, maybe, especially if DH Kendry Morales, signed from the Royals to be Encarnacion's effective replacement, can't post somewhat-similar numbers. But this is still a solid lineup featuring dangerous power, with 3B Josh Donaldson, SS Troy Tulowitzki, RB Jose Bautista, and Morales all potential 30+ homer guys, and C Russell Martin remains a steadying influence behind the plate and a very productive offensive force for a backstop. Meanwhile, Kevin Pillar is almost non-pariel on defense in CF. The staff remains more than serviceable with Aaron Sanchez and Marco Estrada a solid 1-2 at the top of the rotation, and Roberto Osuna (36 saves) an effective closer. More reasons to look "over" at Rogers Centre, with the locals perhaps happily distracted the first few weeks of the season if the Leafs actually make the Stanley Cup playoffs.

In the past, the Tampa Bay Rays (77.5) have proven they can compete with the big spenders in this division. But not last season, and we wonder how the current collection at the Trop can bump up ten wins for manager Kevin Cash from last year's 68-94 debacle. Simply, Tampa Bay does not score enough runs, and we doubt adding OF Colby Rasmus from the Astros is enough to jump-start the attack, especially with former All-Star 3B Evan Longoria becoming more injury-prone in recent years. There is some hope with a pitching staff full of live arms, though the Rays have had annual injury problems in their rotation, and the much-maligned Chris Archer pitched in some terrible luck last season while recording an MLB-worst 19 losses. Though Ex-Nats C Wilson Ramos, who might not be available until May as he continues to recover from last year's knee injury, might be a worthwhile addition. If all goes well, Tampa Bay might make a push toward .500. But lack of depth, and the unlikelihood the Rays will (or can) be a buyer at the trade deadline just in case they are still in the playoff hunt into August, is further discouragement. We're expecting an "under" at the Trop but looking forward to entertaining play-by-play work as always on Fox Sports Sun from one of our favorites, Dewayne Staats.

We're not used to seeing the once-proud New York Yankees (82.5) as sellers at the trade deadline, as they were last July, though Joe Girardi righted the ship down the stretch to at least get the Bronx Bombers to the edge of the AL Wild Card mix. Part of the late surge was due to rookie C Gary Sanchez, who posted some Ruthian-like numbers late in the season when accounting for 20 homers in just 53 games. Now, with promising 1B Greg Bird back in the fold after missing last season with shoulder surgery, and raw RF Aaron Judge possessing enormous power, the Yanks are relying more on young talent than usual. Where New York eventually lands this season, however, largely depends upon a rotation full of uncertainties. Righty Masahiro Tanaka remains the presumptive ace and has enjoyed a solid Grapefruit League in Tampa. But none of the others in the projected rotation (including a past-his-prime CC Sabathia and erratic Michael Pineda as the 2-3 starters) recorded a winning record last season. It is fair to ask how many leads will be turned over to closer Aroldis Chapman, who returns in a high-priced FA deal after being effectively loaned to the Cubs for the stretch drive last season. Lots of variables to consider in The Bronx, where we will simply pass and see what transpires.

AL CENTRAL: BEST BET...Even before unexpected developments in the offseason, it was fair to ask if the championship window had closed for the Kansas City Royals (76.5), who dropped from back-to-back World Series visits and the crown in 2015 to a mere .500 last season. Then young fireballer Yordano Ventura tragically perished in a winter auto accident, adding a pall around Kauffman Stadium. There are some other less-sobering reasons for concern, with the likes of 1B Eric Hosmer, CF Lorenzo Cain, 3B Mike Moustakas, and SS Alcides Escobar all in contract years, which creates the possibility of a fire sale at the trade deadline. Moreover, last year's homer leader Kendrys Morales moved to the Blue Jays in free agency, and relief ace Wade Davis, one of the cornerstones of the lights-out bullpens of the World Series years, was traded to the Cubs in a deal that brought OF Jorge Soler. So why aren't we bearish on the Royals? Because, if there's no midseason dispersal, the core of the roster is still similar to recent playoff years, the team generally doesn't beat itself in the field, C Salvador Perez is now a perennial All-Star, and the rotation appears a bit underrated, especially staff ace Danny Duffy (12-3 last season). Kelvin Herrera also remains a functional, and at times dominant, closer. Mostly, however, it's that low win total that gets us thinking "over" at the Big K when we're not dreaming of the burnt ends at nearby Arthur Bryant's, adjacent to where the old KC Municipal Stadium once stood.

OTHERS: The Detroit Tigers (82.5) appear a couple of injuries away from falling out of contention. Unfortunately, with an aging lineup, that's a significant concern, especially with key cogs like SP Jordan Zimmerman, 3B Nick Castellanos, and RF J.D. Martinez (hurt again this spring) all missing significant time a year ago, and the likes of 1B Miguel Cabrera and DH Victor Martinez also acknowledged injury risks. If Zimmerman can't bounce back from last year's oblique problems, the rotation will have to be stabilized by youngsters around 1-2 starters Justin Verlander (who enjoyed a nice bounce-back campaign in 2016) and last year's AL Rookie of the Year, Michael Fulmer, while the days of Francisco Rodriguez (along with the Cubs' John Lackey the last two active players from the Angels' 2002 World Series champs) as a top-end closer are way back in the rear-view mirror. True, this is still a scary-looking lineup, but a key injury or two could cause everything to unravel in a hurry. That's a risk we don't want to take as we project "under" at Comerica Park while looking forward to our next visit and the camaraderie with the pleasant fans across the street at Hockeytown before the games.

The Minnesota Twins (74.5) dropped off of the radar a season ago after a surprising 83-win trip in 2015 under then first-year skipper Paul Molitor. But last year was a 103-loss mess exacerbated by an injury-devastated pitching staff that posted an AL-worst 5.08 ERA (ouch!). Is a quick recovery in order? Perhaps, though it's hard to get too excited about a rotation in which Ervin Santana and Hector Santiago are the closest things to aces. But if healthy, the starters might be serviceable, as could be the bullpen if closer Glen Perkins, who has not pitched much this spring in the Grapefruit League, can stay off the DL. We suspect, however, that touted youngsters like OFs Bryan Buxton, Eddie Rosario, and Max Kepler could be ready to flourish, and that power-laden Miguel Sano and his 270 pounds can make the transition to 3B. Keeping 2B Brian Dozier, off of a career year when hitting 42 homers, in the fold was a plus, and 1B Joe Mauer, a onetime annual MVP candidate, is a veteran presence in the lineup. We're sticking out our necks a bit, but will be paying attention to the entertaining Fox Sports North announcing combo of Dick Bremer and Bert Blyleven to describe an "over" for us at Target Field.

Looking for the most-likely seller at the trade deadline? That would probably be the Chicago White Sox (69.5), who confirmed they were in full rebuild mode in the offseason when trading away SP Chris Sale and CF Adam Eaton for prospects. It would stand to reason, then, that the likes of OF Melky Cabrera, 3B Todd Frazier, and 2B Brett Lawrie, all of whom are likely to have some midseason suitors, plus a number of other vets, are probably the next to go. Now presiding over this re-boot is new manager Rick Renteria, who can't seem to catch a break, moved aside a few miles north at Wrigley Field after one season with the before-they-blossomed Cubs in 2014, replaced by Joe Maddon. Oh, what could have been for Renteria. For the time being, South Side fans have to be satisfied with watching youngsters such as SS Tim Anderson, 3B Yoan Moncada (from the Bosox in the Sale deal), and RHPs Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez (both from the Nats in the Eaton trade) mature collectively. We hope they're patient at whatever they're calling The Cell these days (for the record, it's now Guaranteed Rate Field). It's an "under" for us with the Chisox, though we remain entertained by the play-by-play combo of Hawk Harrelson and Steve Stone, who make homer-ism almost tolerable.

After coming oh-so-close to their first World Series crown since 1948, the Cleveland Indians (92.5) appear poised to do what their AL Central rival Royals did in 2014-15 when going to the Fall Classic back-to-back in 2014 & '15. The Tribe added even more pop to their already-formidable lineup in the offseason when signing Edwin Encarnacion (42 HRs in 2016) from the Blue Jays; he'll now rotate between 1B and DH with Carlos Santana, who belted 34 round-trippers himself last season. And CF Michael Brantley is now healthy after missing almost all of last season. Still, Terry Francona has to fit a few new pieces into the puzzle after supporting-cast characters such as Rajai Davis, Mike Napoli, and Coco Crisp exited after playing key roles down the stretch and into the playoffs. And the Tribe's rotation is full of up-and-down components, though Corey Kluber (18-9 last season) is a past Cy Young winner. Still a lot to like at Progressive Field, especially the dynamite young left side of the infield (SS Francisco Lindor & 3B Jose Ramirez), plus a bullpen anchored by untouchable set-up man Andrew Miller and reliable closer Cody Allen. We think Cleveland gets back to the playoffs and maybe the World Series...we're just not sure the Indians get to 93 wins. So we'll take a pass on the Tribe.

AL WEST: BEST BET...We feel we have to offer a bit of a disclaimer on the Oakland A's (73.5), who we inadvertently saw three times in as many days last week in our annual whirlwind trip to the Cactus League in Phoenix. The A's never trailed in any of the games we saw while looking like the 1927 Yankees at the plate, lashing out 28 runs in that 3-game span! We're relatively sure that won't translate into the regular season But the everyday lineup has a functional look about it, with CF Rajai Davis, 3B Trevor Plouffe, and OF Matt Joyce all more-than-serviceable offseason additions, LF Khris Davis off of an unexpected 42-homer campaign, and promising Ryon Healy ready to barge into the lineup, either at 3B, 1B, or DH. An unexpected run at .500 will require one-time staff ace Sonny Gray to recover quickly from last year's back and forearm injuries that contributed to an alarming dip in form. But Billy Beane is nothing if not resourceful, and his farm system continues to produce MLB-quality pitching options for manager Bob Melvin. Flying well beneath the radar, the A's appear a good "over" to us at that modest total, as we look forward to our next visit to the Coliseum, not as bad to watch a ballgame as its detractors suggest (unless the crowd hits 20,000 or so and you have to navigate the too-small and too-crowded one and only concourse at the stadium).

OTHERS: No matter having MLB's best player (CF Mike Trout) on the roster, the LA Angels of Anaheim (79.5) couldn't get out of their way last season as they dipped to 14 games below .500, which for a time had the rumor mill whirring that either longtime skipper Mike Scioscia was ready to move elsewhere of his own accord, or that owner Arte Moreno might himself hit the eject button on his longtime skipper. Fortunately for Halo fans, neither of those happened, though the on-field product continues to be hamstrung by some of Moreno's dubious personnel decisions of recent seasons (the wasted Josh Hamilton deal comes immediately to mind). Adding 2B Danny Espinosa from the Nats and LF Cameron Maybin from the Tigers should provide some needed upgrades to the lineup, but how much more Scioscia can squeeze out of aging DH Albert Pujols (another Moreno special) remains to be seen. And we haven't even gotten to the real concern, pitching, as Scioscia crosses his fingers that Garrett Richards, the only potential ace on the staff, can return all of the way from torn elbow ligaments, while the bullpen is a question mark after closer Huston Street (6.45 ERA in 2016) imploded last season and deals with back strain this March in Tempe. Trout or not, too many questions on this pitching staff to get overly excited about the Halos, so it's an "under" for us at the Big A.

If the Texas Rangers (84.5) get back to the playoffs, they'll want to avoid the Blue Jays, who have KO'd them in the postseason the past two years. Between those playoff exits, the only KO for Texas against Toronto was 2B Rougned Odor landing a straight right to the jaw of the Blue Jays' Jose Bautista in a brawl last May. But the Rangers would rather punch their way to a postseason series win than rely on Odor's fists, and we frankly don't see why they ought to drop 11 wins from last year's 95-67 mark that was good enough to run away with the West. There was some outflow in free agency (Ian Desmond, Mitch Moreland, Carlos Beltran) from the everyday lineup, but Mike Napoli returns for another tour of duty at 1B and DH, and Texas now gets a full season from last year's trade additions CF Carlos Gomez and C Jonathan Lucroy. There are questions in the rotation beyond Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish, though ex-Padre and Marlin Andrew Cashner has flashed some upside in the past. It looks like an "over" for us in Arlington as we contemplate having the nerve to order a "Boomstick" (check it out online) the next time we get to Globe Life Park.

Something has been missing from the Seattle Mariners (85.5) in recent years, as everything has seemed in place for a playoff visit (which hasn't happened at Safeco Field since the 116-win season of 2001), only to fall short. This year, there will be no excuses, as offseason additions SS Jean Segura (trade with D-backs), 1B/DH Danny Valencia (trade with A's), and LF Jerrod Dyson (trade with Royals) could add some electricity to the offense, and, in the case of Dyson, contribute to potential elite defensive outfield alignment that also includes fleet CF Leonys Martin & promising RF Mitch Haniger. But there is not much power at the plate in those outfielders, and we are unconvinced that adding Drew Smyly (trade with Rays) and Yovani Gallardo (trade with O's) has really bolstered a pitching rotation whose parts seem always greater than its sum, especially with the performance of "King Felix" Hernandez having dropped off considerably last season. The potential is there to break the 16-year playoff drought. But we've seen Seattle underachieve too much in the past to jump on the bandwagon...at least not yet. It's a no-play for us at Safeco Field.

Nearly a half-century ago, after the Houston Astros (89.5) reached the .500 level for the first time in 1969, the hype for 1970 was off the charts. "Doing the Houston Pennant Bounce" was one of the headlines into '70, but the Astros flopped, and would not reach their first playoffs for another ten years. Last year was another sobering development for the "Astro-nomicals" (as the one and only Reds play-by-play man Marty Brennaman refers to them) as they dipped to 84-78 after qualifying unexpectedly for the playoffs the year before. Did Houston simply arrive a year or two too soon in 2015, and might 2017 have always been the proper target year for the breakout? Maybe, but we need a bit more evidence that one-time ace lefty Dallas Keuchel, the AL Cy Young Award winner two years ago, has recovered from last season's shoulder injury that contributed to him being a liability as his ERA dipped to 4.55. Keuchel was still in recovery mode in March at West Palm Beach. The rotation thus threatens more work on an often over-taxed bullpen, though manager A.J. Hinch had an effective closer-by-committee (Ken Giles, Luke Gregorson, and Will Harris) last season. The Astros are solid up the middle, especially after adding C Brian McCann in a trade with the Yankees, to go along with 2B Jose Altuve (last year's AL batting champ), SS Carlos Correa, and CF George Springer, while ex-A's and Dodgers RF Josh Reddick looks like a useful FA addition. Pitching questions, however, have us not ready to make a call in Houston, so we pass instead.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NL Win Total - Best Bets
By Bruce Marshall

NL EAST: BEST BET...Here's a shocker for those who tuned out the Atlanta Braves (73.5) after their painfully slow start last April. In their play following the All-Star break, the Brav-os were above .500 (really!), which earned interim manager Brian Snitker the job on a full-time basis after Fredi Gonzalez had been humanely relieved of duties early last season. Now things are looking up considerably in the Showcase City of the South as the Braves move into their new SunTrust Park out on the I-285 perimeter, with a new adjacent retail/dining/entertainment area (The Battery) and much better access and convenience for their majority of fans who reside north of downtown, no longer having to make the awkward trek to Turner Field (soon to become the new home of Georgia State's football team) in a less-desirable part of town. For the first time in a while, there is now some real protection in the lineup for 1B Freddie Freeman, with ex-Reds vet 2B Brandon Phillips a handy addition to the batting order and one-time near MVP Matt Kemp still with enough fuel in his tank to be a force. How much progress the Braves make will also depend on 23-year-old SS Dansby Swanson, the top draft pick by the D-backs two years ago, and a veteran staff with several new stop-gaps (40-somethings R.A. Dickey & Bartolo Colon, plus ex-Cardinal Jaime Garcia). Whatever, Atlanta no longer has the look of a pushover, and should avoid a third straight 90-loss season. It's an "over" for us at the sparkling new SunTrust Park.

OTHERS: Sadly, the Miami Marlins (76.5) might take a while longer to recover from the shocking passing last September of star pitcher Jose Fernandez, who perished in a late-night boating accident after having become the face of the franchise and an iconic presence, especially with his ties to the local Cuban community. Now void of a true ace on the staff, the Marlins scrambled in the offseason to add journeymen arms such as Edinson Volquez, Jeff Locke, and Dan Straily, who might be able to fill rotation spots, but none being close to what Fernandez once provided. On the plus side, getting catalyst 2B Dee Gordon for a full season after he was suspended for 80 games a year ago figures to be a plus, while the outfield of Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich, and Giancarlo Stanton is All-Star caliber. Stanton and his enormous power, however, have been prone to injury, and neither he nor Gordon were particularly productive last season. We almost feel bad to be projecting an "under" with the Marlins, but that's how we see it in Miami.

Last year, the Philadelphia Phillies (73.5) made the jump to 71 wins, good enough for an easy "over" in 2016 and perhaps a sign of better things to come at Citizens Bank Park after the bottom had dropped out of the operation in the previous few seasons. It took a while, but the Phils have finally moved on from the World Series years, letting go of 1B Ryan Howard, the last link after Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins had similarly departed. There are still questions about the offense, which scored the fewest runs (610) in the bigs last season, not being near playoff-caliber. But it should be more productive this season after adding vet Howie Kendrick (penciled into LF) from the Dodgers and All-Star RF Michael Saunders from the Blue Jays. With up-and-comers such as CF Odubel Herrera, 3B Makiel Franco, and 1B Tommy Joseph all posting career-best numbers a year ago, the arrow still points upward in Philly. How close the Phils might get to .500 this season probably relies on a pitching staff that will need new addition Clay Buchholz to resemble his best days in Boston and not his rather ineffective form (4.63 ERA) of last season. We'll also see if manager Pete Mackanin can squeeze a few more innings out of potential dominator Vince Velasquez (likely on another innings count). The NL East is a tough neighborhood, but we expect the Phils to continue their recent upward trajectory and get "over" while we plot our next visit to CBP and debate whether we go for the "Schmitter" down the left-field line or a spicy turkey leg from Greg Luzinski's "Bulls BBQ" in Ashburn Alley.

The New York Mets (88.5) scrambled their way back into the playoffs last season after looking hopelessly out of contention into August, sparking new speculation over manager Terry Collins' future. Unfortunately, after that whirlwind run down the stretch, New York ran into the Giants and Madison Bumgarner in the Wild Card game, but the optimism remains. Collins has a nice problem with a potential logjam of outfielders due in part to re-signing Yoenis Cespedes after adding Jay Bruce from the Reds midway thru last season. While there are plenty of options in the outfield, the infield is a concern if 1B Lucas Duda, 2B Neil Walker, and 3B David Wright once again succumb to injuries, as a year ago. Injuries were also a factor with a pitching staff full of live arms but with Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, and Steven Matz all finishing 2016 on the shelf with season-ending surgeries. They're penciled into the rotation for the new season, but there are durability concerns, and who knows when hard-throwing Noah "Thor" Syndergaard and his violent delivery might be the next to experience similar arm problems. With all hands (and arms) on deck, the Mets can get back to the playoffs. But there are a lot of trip wires by La Guardia, and winning 89 gets very iffy if more injuries arise. We're reluctantly looking "under" at Citi Field, though planning a visit (and a trip to the Shake Shack in right field) sometime this summer.

Fans of the Washington Nationals (90.5) are still mostly happy just to have a team and a nice ballpark in D.C., and have not yet gotten to the point where they are furious over a playoff exit. That might change soon, however, as the Nats have yet to win a postseason series after a bitter loss to the Dodgers in last October's NLDS, the third such playoff whiff by Washington since 2012. Hellbent to finally take the next step while the core of the team remains together, the Nats added some interesting pieces in the offseason, getting CF Adam Eaton in a trade with the Chisox (allowing last year's discovery Trae Turner to move to his more-normal SS position) and signing FA C Matt Wieters, who, if healthy, gives Dusty Baker a potential All-Star behind the plate. There is so much depth in the rotation featuring Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg that GM Mike Rizzo could afford to offload top pitching prospect Lucas Giolito in the Eaton trade, though there are some concerns about 1B Ryan Zimmerman and RF Bryce Harper, who both endured down seasons a year ago. If the East is tougher, as we expect, with the Braves and Phils continuing to improve, getting over 90 wins might be a struggle. The Nats can do it, but we'd rather take a pass in D.C. and get ready for our annual visit in June, where we can look forward to a chili half-smoke from the famous Ben's Chili Bowl down the third base line.

NL CENTRAL: BEST BET... We usually don't like to stick our necks out too far and go "under" with teams that appear undervalued and "over" with overvalued teams. We make an exception, however, with the Cincinnati Reds (69.5), whose Big Red Machine days must seem like ancient history to any longtime fans in the tri-state area. While there are things to like in the everyday lineup, where CF Billy Hamilton is the most devastating base-stealer in the game and the consistent excellence of 1B Joey Votto was complemented by the emergence of LF Adam Duvall (and his 33 homers) last season, there are serious concerns elsewhere. Especially a pitching staff that looks better suited to AAA (AA?), more so with ace Anthony DeSclafani, perhaps the only legit MLB rotation piece on the team, hurting this March in Goodyear and possibly opening the season on the DL. Curiously, manager Brian Price, 70 games under .500 the past three seasons, remains on the job despite not being able to get the team to punch above its weight. Expect vet play-by-play man Marty Brennaman to become even more acerbic than usual this summer as the Reds endure another "under" at Great American Ballpark, where the food (and the Skyline Chili coneys) at least remains good.

OTHERS: For the first time in a while, the St. Louis Cardinals (84.5) missed the playoffs last season. Indeed, the dropoff of the Redbirds and Pirates effectively cleared the way for the Cubs to run away with the Central. But the Cards stole a valuable piece from the Cubbies when signing CF Dexter Fowler away from Wrigley Field in free agency, giving St. Louis the legit leadoff man it lacked a season ago. Hurting the Cubs while helping themselves in one single deal appears a good bit of business for the Cards. To contend again, Mike Matheny will need a bounce-back season from 2B Kolten Wong, and for LF Randall Grichuk to develop a bit more consistency after twice being demoted to AAA a year ago. It will also help if SS Aledmys Diaz proves his early success last season (.433 batting his first month) was no mirage. Meanwhile, with Alex Reyes already on the shelf for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the rotation desperately needs more durability from Michael Wacha, who looked to be a budding star when first called up in 2013 but has been limited by recurring shoulder problems the past few years. The addition of Fowler, however, should be enough in itself to at least help match last year's 86 wins, and, with a few breaks, the Redbirds do a bit better and perhaps get back to the playoffs. It's an "over" for us at Busch Stadium.

The Milwaukee Brewers (69.5) have endured a painful descent into irrelevance the past couple of years, and we're not sure the decline has bottomed out. Not enough pitching at the disposal of skipper Craig Counsell, who will be hoping for no regression from starters Junior Guerra and Zach Davies, who became staff aces as rookies a year ago. We've seen the sophomore slump before from many pitchers, and the back end of the rotation is filled with a lot of mediocrity (Wily Peralta, Matt Garza, Jimmy Nelson). The Brewers are also gambling that 1B Eric Thames, signed to a significant FA deal after blasting the pitchers in the South Korean league the past couple of years, translates some of those power numbers to MLB, but we're not convinced. There is hope in the pipeline of the farm system, though most project the best of those to be a year or two away from making any significant contributions (keep an eye on OFs Lewis Brinson an Brett Phillips). Another long year at Miller Park, so we're looking "under" with the Brew Crew, while advising fans everywhere to get Sirius radio to at least listen to vet play-by-play man Bob Uecker while we still can.

We admit to missing the mark by a wide margin last season with the Chicago Cubs (95.5), who broke fast and galloped all the way to their first World Series win in over 100 years. Though we like to remind their fans, many of whom apparently believing that baseball time began in 2016, that World Series winners are crowned every year. It will again help the Cubs to play a full load of division games vs. the Brewers and Reds, though to get to 100 wins again might be tougher if the Pirates, who played a pigeon for Joe Maddon's team a year ago, and Cardinals bounce back with more-respectable seasons, as many expect. We admit to nit-picking a bit, but the exchange of Dexter Fowler (to St. Louis as a FA) for Jon Jay in CF might be a net minus, RF Jason Heyward looks like he could continue to be a bust (especially at the plate), and putting the barreling Kyle Schwarber in LF is a potential danger to other outfielders and any infielders who venture too far out onto the grass. We don't think the bullpen suffers from Aroldis Chapman's FA move back to the Yankees with Koji Uehara over as a FA from the Bosox and fireballer Wade Davis acquired from the Royals via trade. And the rotation remains deep with three legit Cy Young candidates (Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, and Kyle Hendricks). If the Central is a bit tougher this season, however, the Cubs will likely drop from last year's 103 wins, but not enough to get us to project another "under" at Wrigley Field. This time, we're just going to pass with the Cubs and their MLB-highest win hurdle.

It was a big letdown in 2016 for the Pittsburgh Pirates (82.5), who fell hard from playoff berths the previous three seasons. A dropoff in the production of Andrew McCutchen was one reason; Clint Hurdle is hoping a move from CF to RF will reduce a bit of the wear-and-tear on McCutch, whose defense suffered last year. But McCutchen is only 30, so we're willing to give him a mulligan for 2016, especially as he dealt with nagging injuries that might have also caused some of the dramatic decline in his offensive numbers. More of a concern are the off-field problems for 3B Jung Ho Kang, recently denied a Visa due to legal troubles in native South Korea, which could potentially keep him out the entirety of 2017. The latter is a blow the Bucs might not be able to afford, as it potentially stretches their depth from the outset. There is also going to be a close watch on staff ace Gerrit Cole, limited to 21 starts because of elbow problems last season, while young arms like Chad Kuhl and Tyler Glasnow are being counted upon to fill back-of-the-rotation slots. If McCutchen bounces back, he is part of an OF that still might be the NL's best with Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco, but the Kang situation and pitching questions create a lot of ifs at PNC Park. We'd rather pass on the Bucs and simply sit back and wait for Steve Blass and Bob Walk to analyze the action in the TV booth alongside Greg Brown to keep abreast of developments.

NL WEST: BEST BET... We have watched a lot of baseball over the past half-century and can say that any team that could hit like last year's Arizona Diamondbacks (78.5) should not have endured such a difficult slog to reach a mere 69 wins. Losing slugging 1B Paul Goldschmidt late in the season to injury didn't help, but the rot had already set in by that point in one of the most complete and absolute fundamental MLB breakdowns we can recall. Which is staining the rep of team supremo Tony LaRussa, who has made changes with his GM (Mike Hazen in from the Bosox, and Dave Stewart out) and manager (Torey Lovullo in from Boston along with Hazen, replacing Chip Hale). All after a major remake of the pitching rotation backfired last season, partly because high-priced Zack Greinke failed to justify such a big-bucks expenditure, with other starters also failing to plug leaks in the dike as the rotation ERA was an NL-worst 5.19. The bullpen wasn't much better, and we doubt 40-year-old Fernando Rodney, a high-wire act throughout his career and expected to be the closer after being signed from the Marlins as a FA, is an answer to relief corps woes, either. The apparent culture change is a plus, and Arizona still has some very live bats (Goldschmidt, 3B Jake Lamb, LF Yasmany Tomas, and a now-healthy CF A.J. Pollock), but the D-backs did so much wrong last season that a jump of nine wins seems a bit much. It's an "under" for us at Chase Field.

OTHERS: Is any team among the "little three" of the NL West about to rise and challenge the Dodgers and Giants? Obviously, we don't think it is going to be the D-backs, but it might be the Colorado Rockies (80.5), who are even dreaming about making their first playoff run since 2009. This might be the breakout year in Denver, as the long-time Colorado staple of offense appears to finally be complemented by a serviceable pitching staff. Young starters Jon Gray, Chad Bettis, Tyler Chatwood, and Tyler Anderson could be anchors of the rotation well into the next decade, and bullpen depth ought to be improved if ex-Royals closer Greg Holland has recovered from a recent series of injuries. If the pitching falters, the Rocks can still take their chances in slugfests with a loaded lineup that has added Ian Desmond (penciled in at 1B once beyond the hand injury that has limited him this March at Talking Stick) to go along with boppers like 3B Nolan Arenado (41 HR in 2016, and not all of those in the Denver altitude) and OFs Charlie Blackman and Carlos Gonzalez. Expect Colorado to leave the D-backs and Padres in the dust and instead keep company with the Dodgers and Giants in the top half of the NL West, so we look "over" at Coors Field.

With the Chargers abandoning town for L.A. (or Carson, to be more exact, for the next two years), the San Diego Padres (65.5) remain as the lone big-league team in America's Finest City. But that big-league label is being stretched a bit, as a long slide into mediocrity and even worse shows no sign of abating at Petco Park. To address the myriad of problems from last year's 68-94 mess, San Diego went out and signed a collection of past-sell-by-date pitchers such as Jered Weaver, Jhoulys Chacin, and Trevor Cahill, all of whom expected to be featured in a rotation that lists well-traveled Clayton Richard as its ace after one half-season of effective work. Meanwhile, the offense is excited about rookie RF Hunter Renfroe, being promoted like he's a budding All-Star after impressing in a short 11-game MLB stint last September. Renfroe is a vet, however, compared to touted new CF Manuel Margot, who played all of 10 games last season. Though the future looks bright for each, expecting them to carry an offensive load so early in their careers could easily backfire. This looks like the NL team most likely to lose 100 games, so we look "under" at Petco, saddened that we no longer get to hear vet play-by-play man Dick Enberg, who retired after last season.

The San Francisco Giants (87.5) seemed poised to make a dramatic rally in the NLDS vs. the Cubs before their bullpen, a season-long issue, imploded in the 9th inning of Game Four, allowing Chicago to steal a win and the series. In response, GM Brian Sabean predictably went shopping for the best-available closer in the FA market and found Mark Melancon, recently of the Nats and previously the Bucs, who should be an upgrade after the relief corps blew a staggering 30 of 73 save opportunities last season. Youngsters, however, are initially being tasked with set-up roles, which also often betrayed Bruce Bochy's bullpen last season. What the Giants lacked in their relievers they made up on defense in 2016, leading the bigs with a near-perfect .988 fielding percentage. And the rotation, potentially dominant at the top with "Mad Bum" and Johnny Cueto, and functional in the 3 and 4 spots with Matt Moore and Jeff Samardzija, can match the Dodgers, Cubs, or any NL team. To wrest the NL West away from the Dodgers for the first time since 2012 might require RF Hunter Pence to stay healthy for something approaching a full season. Keeping vet CF Denard Span off of the DL is key as well, but SF does have perhaps the best DP combo in the NL with Joe Panik and Brandon Crawford, while C Buster Posey, though off a down 2016, is still a four-time All-Star. As long as key injuries are avoided, there is still enough juice on this roster to make another title run, so we look "over" at AT&T Park, as we get ready to enjoy another season of the incomparable play-by-play work of Jon Miller on blowtorch flagship KNBR 680, and the entertaining Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow on the Giants' CSN Bay Area telecasts.

Referring back to the Padres and Dick Enberg's retirement, the sounds out of Chavez Ravine aren't going to be the same anymore, either, with forever play-by-play man Vin Scully finally hanging 'em up after last season for the Los Angeles Dodgers (93.5). You've probably heard replacement Joe Davis on Fox Sports telecasts in a variety of sports the past few years. Talk about big shoes to fill! On the field, the Blue pattern of regular-season dominance (four straight NL West titles) and playoff failures could easily continue this season. After all, even if Colorado improves, as we envision, the Dodgers still have a load of games vs. NL West lightweights Arizona and San Diego to pad their win totals. Last season the Dodgers got to 91 wins even with Clayton Kershaw limited to just 21 starts due to injuries. A full season from Kershaw should add a few more wins, and there is plenty of depth in the rotation that will nonetheless have to deal with an innings limit for promising Julio Urias, who flashed lots of upside a year ago. Importantly, GM Andrew Friedman was able to re-sign key cogs 3B Justin Turner and closer Kenley Jansen, while it is hoped that FA addition 2B Logan Forsythe adds important right-handed power against lefties, an area in which the Blue continued to struggle last season, with mercurial RF Yasiel Puig still dogged by inconsistency. Still, getting to 94 wins will be a bit of a chore, and, while LA could do it, it could also fall short, too. We'd rather pass at Dodger Stadium, while we urge fans of the Blue to give new team voice Joe Davis a chance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Larry Ness

San Francisco vs. Arizona
Pick: San Francisco

Opening on the road is nothing new for the Giants, as this marks the eighth consecutive season in which they've done just that (how about 26 of the team's last 33 openers have come on the road). The Giants visit Chase Field to take on the Arizona D'backs, who are coming off a 69-83 year, the team's third consecutive losing season and its fifth in a row of staying home in October.

The D'backs have a new manager in Torey Lovullo, who was hired away from Boston by new general manager Mike Hazen. Will changes at the top allow Arizona to turn around the team's recent poor starts? The Diamondbacks have not started particularly well this decade, even when they won the NL West in 2011. That team opened 15-22 before tiurning it around and finsihing with 94 wins. However, Arizona lost seven of its first eight and were 5-18 in 2014 when left fielder Mark Trumbo suffered a foot injury in Wrigley Field that sidelined him for several months. That team was within 10 games of .500 only twice thereafter. It finished 64-98. Arizona opened 10-14 in 2015 and never broke .500 over the final five months while finishing 79-83. It started 3-7 and 13-18 last year, before the pitching issues became acute. I'm not sure 2017 will offer something different. The Diamondbacks' first two weeks include seven games against the Giants (18 games better than Arizona last year), four vs the Los Angeles Dodgers (22 games better and NL West champs) and three against defending American League champion Cleveland.

While Arizona hasn't been in the postseaon since 2011, the Giants have won World Series titles in 2010, 2012 and 1014 this decade. They were on the verge of taking the Cubs to a deciding Game 5 in the NLDS last season but the bullpen imploded late in Game 4. The Giants had 32 blown saves last season but signed free agent closer Mark Melancon in hopes of settling a bullpen that doesn't need to be great (but needs to be good) behind the Giants' first-rate starting rotation.

Speaking of pitching, this is a terrific opening day showdown. Madison Bumgarner was 15-9, with a 2.74 ERA in 2016, setting career highs in innings (226.2) and strikeouts (251. He is one of only two pitchers to make at least 30 starts and pitch 200 innings in each of the past six regular seasons and no one forgets his postseason exploits, especially his memorable 2014 World Series performance against the Royals. Zach Greinke signed a six-year, $206 million contract with Arizona prior to last season but oblique and shoulder injuries.limited him to 26 starts, going 13-7 with a 4.37 ERA (team was 16-10 in his starts). Greinke's had excellent success vs. the Giants in his career, posting a 9-2 (2.49) record with his teams going 11-3. Bumgarner is 9-7 with a 2.53 ERA in 26 appearances vs. Arizona, including 25 starts (Giants are 15-10).

If the Giants must open a season on the road (again!), Chase Field is as good a place as any. The Giants were 13-6 against the D'backs in 2016, winning nine of 10 games in the desert! Bumgarner had a solid spring (2.52 ERA in seven starts) and is 6-2 with a 2.80 ERA in 15 appearances (14 starts) at Chase Field. He is making his fourth consecutive Opening Day start, going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his previous three.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jack Jones
Apr 02 '17, 1:10 PM in 49m
MLB | Yankees vs Rays
Play on: Yankees -106 at BMaker

Jack's Free Pick Sunday: New York Yankees -106

The New York Yankees have done an excellent job of stockpiling talent in their minor league system. That talent is going to come to fruition this year behind one of the best young rosters in baseball.

Masahiro Tanaka is the clear ace of this staff. He went 14-4 with a 3.07 ERA last year and dominated the Rays, going 4-0 with a 2.88 ERA against them. In fact, Tanaka has never lost to the Rays, going 6-0 with a 2.82 ERA and 0.810 WHIP in eight career starts against them. The Yankees are 8-0 in those eight starts.

Chris Archer had a rough season last year, going 9-19 while leading the majors in losses. He went 0-3 with a 3.86 ERA in three starts against the Yankees last season.

Tanaka is 10-1 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last two seasons. Archer is 6-20 (-15.9 Units) against the money line when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last two seasons. The Yankees are 6-0 in Tanaka's last six Sunday starts. Bet the Yankees Sunday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sal Michaels
Apr 02 '17, 4:10 PM in 3h
MLB | SFO vs ARI
Play on: UNDER 8 -105

Giants vs Diamondbacks under 8 -105

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bobby Wing
Apr 02 '17, 8:35 PM in 8h
MLB | CHC vs STL
Play on: UNDER 7 -105

1 Unit Free Pick: Cubs vs Cardinals under 7 -105

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Teddy Davis
Apr 02 '17, 1:10 PM in 49m
MLB | Yankees vs Rays
Play on: Rays +105 at GTBets

No doubt the Yankees will be an exciting team to watch this year, but they are simply getting way to much respect against Archer and the Rays. Tampa is coming off a brutal season fro them and Archer the young gun quite frankly was just pathetic. I see him bouncing back in a big way this season. Archer has had success against the Yankees with a 2.63 ERA in 13 games. Yankees are going to have to prove it first with this talent before I start backing them

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jimmy Boyd
Apr 02 '17, 6:05 PM in 5h
NBA | Bulls vs Pelicans
Play on: Pelicans -6½ -107 at 5Dimes

Free Pick on Pelicans -

I was on the Bulls yesterday as they won but failed to cover at home against the Hawks. It was a fortunate win for Chicago, as they went on a 15-4 run to close the game and won by 1-point. Keep in mind this was on the heels of their 99-93 win over the Cavs on Wednesday. Now the Bulls are faced with playing on the road on no rest and their 3rd game in the last 4 days overall. I look for Chicago to come out flat. New Orleans on the other hand is hanging onto their playoff hopes by a thread. They know their chances are slim to none of sneaking in, but I don't see them giving up until they are officially eliminated. The Pelicans just needed more time, as they are 8-3 in their last 11 and have won 6 straight at home. Bulls aren't a great road team and are just 3-7 ATS in their last 10 against the Western Conference. Pelicans are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 when playing a team with a losing record and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 against a team that's won fewer than 40% of their road games. Take New Orleans!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Williams
Apr 02 '17, 8:35 PM in 8h
MLB | CHC vs STL
Play on: UNDER 7 +100

1* on Cubs vs Cardinals under 7 +100

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brad Diamond
Apr 02 '17, 6:05 PM in 5h
NBA | Bulls vs Pelicans
Play on: OVER 208½ -110

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Andrew Gold
Apr 02 '17, 8:05 PM in 7h
NBA | Wizards vs Warriors
Play on: Wizards +9 -110 at BMaker

While the Wizards have dropped back to back road games they now close out their west coast road trip I see being extra hungry here as they are tied for the 3 seed with the Raptors. The Warriors have all but locked up the #1 seed and with coming off 2 rockets wins and a big Spurs win I see them being a little flat here tonight. While the Warriors probably win this game, I see the hungry Wizards keeping it close

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brandon Lee
Apr 02 '17, 1:10 PM in 49m
MLB | Yankees vs Rays
Play on: Rays -101 at 5Dimes

10* Free MLB Pick (Rays -101)

I'll gladly back Tampa Bay at home with their ace Chris Archer on the mound against the Yankees. Simply too good a price here to pass up. New York is a huge public team and are getting a ton of love going into the season after their strong finish last year. The Rays on the other hand are a team that is getting zero respect. Tampa Bay could be a lot better than expected. Archer didn't have the breakout season most expected last year, but this kid has elite stuff and has been throwing the ball extremely well in spring training. Let's also not forget Archer had a 2.65 ERA at home last year and owns a 2.63 ERA and 0.921 WHIP over 13 career starts against the Yankees. Give me Tampa Bay -101!