Art Aronson
San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals
1* Bonus Play on the Washington Nationals
The visiting San Francisco Giants will send Ryan Vogelsong (7-9, 3.73 ERA) to the hill; Vogelsong is coming off a rain shortened start where he allowed two runs over four innings. The right-hander is 1-2 with rough 6.39 ERA in eight outings versus the Nationals where he has allowed them to hit .292 in 25 innings of work. Note that Vogelsong has gone 1-2 with an 8.83 ERA in his last four games against Washington after giving up a season-high six runs over six-plus innings against it in June. The Nationals will counter with Stephen Strasburg (10-10, 3.41 ERA) who is coming off his best start of the season; Strasburg would give up one run on three hits over eight innings to get the victory over the Diamondbacks last week. Note that Strasburg is 3-0 with a very respectable 1.80 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in four careers starts versus the Giants (also keep in mind that Strasburg has had his best performances at home this season, going 8-2 with a 2.30 ERA at Nationals Park). The Nationals are 45-25 in front of the home town crowd and have won 11 of their last 12 games overall coming into this contest, while also having won six of the last eight meetings against the Giants in Washington. I think the Nats are worth the price of admission here, do you?
AAA Sports
San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals
1* Bonus Play on the Washington Nationals
The visiting San Francisco Giants will send Ryan Vogelsong (7-9, 3.73 ERA) to the hill; Vogelsong is coming off a rain shortened start where he allowed two runs over four innings. The right-hander is 1-2 with rough 6.39 ERA in eight outings versus the Nationals where he has allowed them to hit .292 in 25 innings of work. Note that Vogelsong has gone 1-2 with an 8.83 ERA in his last four games against Washington after giving up a season-high six runs over six-plus innings against it in June. The Nationals will counter with Stephen Strasburg (10-10, 3.41 ERA) who is coming off his best start of the season; Strasburg would give up one run on three hits over eight innings to get the victory over the Diamondbacks last week. Note that Strasburg is 3-0 with a very respectable 1.80 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in four careers starts versus the Giants (also keep in mind that Strasburg has had his best performances at home this season, going 8-2 with a 2.30 ERA at Nationals Park). The Nationals are 45-25 in front of the home town crowd and have won 11 of their last 12 games overall coming into this contest, while also having won six of the last eight meetings against the Giants in Washington. I think the Nats are worth the price of admission here, do you?
AAA Sports
Ben Burns
Baltimore Orioles vs. Chicago Cubs
Bonus Play Chicago Cubs
Though we long ago declared the Cubs out of contention, this has been a nice series for them so far. Not so much for Baltimore, however, who has lost by scores of 4-1 and 7-2. Going up against Tsuyoshi Wada in the series finale is not likely to cure the Orioles' woes at the plate. With a pretty huge lead in the American League East entering the day, there isn't a real sense of urgency for Baltimore right now. Look for the Cubs to finish of the sweep.
Save for one start, Wada has been as good as advertised. The last time we saw him he was throwing five scoreless innings in a win against the Giants. He's allowed two runs or less in six of his seven starts overall. In his last five starts, his ERA is 2.08. His WHIP in his last three is 0.96. In his last four starts at Wrigley, his ERA is 1.82.
It's tough to like Baltimore's chances in the postseason (assuming they get there) now that it's known they will be without third baseman Manny Machado for the rest of the year. Losing the gold glover makes them significantly weaker in the field. Meanwhile, the Cubs have the best fielding percentage in the majors since August 2nd.
Chalk this up as just "one of those series" where the better team doesn't play up to par. 1* Bonus Play
Baltimore Orioles vs. Chicago Cubs
Bonus Play Chicago Cubs
Though we long ago declared the Cubs out of contention, this has been a nice series for them so far. Not so much for Baltimore, however, who has lost by scores of 4-1 and 7-2. Going up against Tsuyoshi Wada in the series finale is not likely to cure the Orioles' woes at the plate. With a pretty huge lead in the American League East entering the day, there isn't a real sense of urgency for Baltimore right now. Look for the Cubs to finish of the sweep.
Save for one start, Wada has been as good as advertised. The last time we saw him he was throwing five scoreless innings in a win against the Giants. He's allowed two runs or less in six of his seven starts overall. In his last five starts, his ERA is 2.08. His WHIP in his last three is 0.96. In his last four starts at Wrigley, his ERA is 1.82.
It's tough to like Baltimore's chances in the postseason (assuming they get there) now that it's known they will be without third baseman Manny Machado for the rest of the year. Losing the gold glover makes them significantly weaker in the field. Meanwhile, the Cubs have the best fielding percentage in the majors since August 2nd.
Chalk this up as just "one of those series" where the better team doesn't play up to par. 1* Bonus Play
Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Sunday 4:10 PM MLB
(913) SAN DIEGO PADRES at (914) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Take: (913) SAN DIEGO PADRES -118
Ian Kennedy vs. Chase Anderson as the Padres and Diamondbacks wrap up their weekend set at the Chase. One of my late season theories comes into play here, and we’ll see how it works out this time around.
That thought process applies to Anderson, who has been one of the few good stories in an otherwise brutal campaign for the Diamondbacks. He has surpassed expectations by a very wide margin. Anderson has never been regarded as anything close to an elite prospect. He was a ninth round draft pick who signed for a high five figures after pitching in relief at Oklahoma, and the profile on him was as a guy who might fit as a middle reliever. Scrap that, as Anderson has done a terrific job on a staff that has struggled and he’ll be heading to 2015 camp with a rotation spot virtually locked up.
But…Anderson is now breaking new ground in terms of innings pitched. He will establish a new career high with today’s start, and one of my preferred angles late in the season is to monitor and often play against young pitchers where fatigue could absolutely come into play. This is not a hard and fast rule, it’s just one key variable to monitor. As it applies to Anderson, there is at least some evidence that he could be wearing down. His last two starts have not been good, and his most recent outing was really ugly, especially from a command standpoint. Based on that, I would say that Anderson is at least a candidate to see a reduction in effectiveness at this point. I would also suggest that if the trend continues, the Diamondbacks should strongly consider shutting him down or at least strictly limiting him the rest of the way. It’s not like they’re contending, so why gamble on a fatigue-related injury?
As for Kennedy, he’s just hoping his Padres teammates do a little better job of having his back than they did on Tuesday at Chavez Ravine. The Friars made some horrific plays and decisions in that game, and what was a nice early lead for the Padres ended up with them being on the wrong side of a 8-6 decision. Kennedy will be returning to his former home digs here, and he has generally pitched very well at Chase.
I don’t see a whole lot as far as the team data is concerned that can get me off the Padres here. They’ve gone back into a bit of an offensive funk the last couple of games, but it’s not like the Snakes are crushing the baseball. So I’m going to bank on Anderson being more vulnerable than he has at previous points this season, and I’ll go ahead and spot the reasonable price with the Padres.
Bonus Play Sunday 4:10 PM MLB
(913) SAN DIEGO PADRES at (914) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Take: (913) SAN DIEGO PADRES -118
Ian Kennedy vs. Chase Anderson as the Padres and Diamondbacks wrap up their weekend set at the Chase. One of my late season theories comes into play here, and we’ll see how it works out this time around.
That thought process applies to Anderson, who has been one of the few good stories in an otherwise brutal campaign for the Diamondbacks. He has surpassed expectations by a very wide margin. Anderson has never been regarded as anything close to an elite prospect. He was a ninth round draft pick who signed for a high five figures after pitching in relief at Oklahoma, and the profile on him was as a guy who might fit as a middle reliever. Scrap that, as Anderson has done a terrific job on a staff that has struggled and he’ll be heading to 2015 camp with a rotation spot virtually locked up.
But…Anderson is now breaking new ground in terms of innings pitched. He will establish a new career high with today’s start, and one of my preferred angles late in the season is to monitor and often play against young pitchers where fatigue could absolutely come into play. This is not a hard and fast rule, it’s just one key variable to monitor. As it applies to Anderson, there is at least some evidence that he could be wearing down. His last two starts have not been good, and his most recent outing was really ugly, especially from a command standpoint. Based on that, I would say that Anderson is at least a candidate to see a reduction in effectiveness at this point. I would also suggest that if the trend continues, the Diamondbacks should strongly consider shutting him down or at least strictly limiting him the rest of the way. It’s not like they’re contending, so why gamble on a fatigue-related injury?
As for Kennedy, he’s just hoping his Padres teammates do a little better job of having his back than they did on Tuesday at Chavez Ravine. The Friars made some horrific plays and decisions in that game, and what was a nice early lead for the Padres ended up with them being on the wrong side of a 8-6 decision. Kennedy will be returning to his former home digs here, and he has generally pitched very well at Chase.
I don’t see a whole lot as far as the team data is concerned that can get me off the Padres here. They’ve gone back into a bit of an offensive funk the last couple of games, but it’s not like the Snakes are crushing the baseball. So I’m going to bank on Anderson being more vulnerable than he has at previous points this season, and I’ll go ahead and spot the reasonable price with the Padres.
Jim Feist
Comp MLB Pick for Sunday, August 24, 2014: 2:10 PM ET
(907) PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS (908) MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Take: (907) PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Sunday, August 24, 2014 is in the National League between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers. This might be the week that breaks or makes the Pirates. The Bucs have lost seven of their last 10 games as they head into the weekend series against division leading Milwaukee. Though they Bucs had won two straight, they almost need a sweep or at least 2 of three from the Brewers to assure they stay in the race. Plus, St Louis is still ahead of them also. Vance Worley will go to the hill for the Bucs. Worley has a nice 5-3 record, 2.92 ERA and 1.19 WHIp this season. However, Worley has been hit hard his last two outings, both losses. The 26-year old righthander has allowed eight earned runs over his last 11 1/3 innings including four home runs. The four round-trippers are more than he's allowed in his previous eight starts. Mike Fiers will start for the Brewers. Fiers has just seven appearances and three starts this season for a fine 1.29 ERA and 3-1 record. Opponents are hitting just .149 against him in 28 innings and he's struck out 30 and walked just six. Since Fiers rejoined the rotation in August, he's 3-0 and allowed just two earned runs over 21 innings. The Pirates have not fared well in Milwaukee, going 13-51 in their last 64 trips to Wisconsin. Too much of a pitching and matchup edge here on Sunday with the Brewers. Don't like laying the near buck-fifty price, but I'll do it in this case. Your Bonus Play is on the Milwaukee Brewers.
Comp MLB Pick for Sunday, August 24, 2014: 2:10 PM ET
(907) PITTSBURGH PIRATES VS (908) MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Take: (907) PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Sunday, August 24, 2014 is in the National League between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers. This might be the week that breaks or makes the Pirates. The Bucs have lost seven of their last 10 games as they head into the weekend series against division leading Milwaukee. Though they Bucs had won two straight, they almost need a sweep or at least 2 of three from the Brewers to assure they stay in the race. Plus, St Louis is still ahead of them also. Vance Worley will go to the hill for the Bucs. Worley has a nice 5-3 record, 2.92 ERA and 1.19 WHIp this season. However, Worley has been hit hard his last two outings, both losses. The 26-year old righthander has allowed eight earned runs over his last 11 1/3 innings including four home runs. The four round-trippers are more than he's allowed in his previous eight starts. Mike Fiers will start for the Brewers. Fiers has just seven appearances and three starts this season for a fine 1.29 ERA and 3-1 record. Opponents are hitting just .149 against him in 28 innings and he's struck out 30 and walked just six. Since Fiers rejoined the rotation in August, he's 3-0 and allowed just two earned runs over 21 innings. The Pirates have not fared well in Milwaukee, going 13-51 in their last 64 trips to Wisconsin. Too much of a pitching and matchup edge here on Sunday with the Brewers. Don't like laying the near buck-fifty price, but I'll do it in this case. Your Bonus Play is on the Milwaukee Brewers.
Doc's Sports
NFLX Cincinnati Bengals vs. Arizona Cardinals
Bonus Play Cincinnati Bengals over Arizona Cardinals (8 pm NBC)
We faded the Cardinals at home in Week 3 of the 2013 and won easily and will take the points with the better team in 2014. Cincinnati has a ton of talent on both sides of the football and Arizona just suffered some key injuries on defense. QB Dalton looked impressive last week going 8 for 8 with a touchdown pass. Cincinnati is 0-2 this preseason and with a pair of new coordinators and just believe Cincinnati will give a little extra effort to win this game. I have never been a big fan of former Bengal QB Carson Palmer and feel this is bad blood with the way he forced his way out of Cincinnati. Take the points with the better team on Sunday Night Football.
NFLX Cincinnati Bengals vs. Arizona Cardinals
Bonus Play Cincinnati Bengals over Arizona Cardinals (8 pm NBC)
We faded the Cardinals at home in Week 3 of the 2013 and won easily and will take the points with the better team in 2014. Cincinnati has a ton of talent on both sides of the football and Arizona just suffered some key injuries on defense. QB Dalton looked impressive last week going 8 for 8 with a touchdown pass. Cincinnati is 0-2 this preseason and with a pair of new coordinators and just believe Cincinnati will give a little extra effort to win this game. I have never been a big fan of former Bengal QB Carson Palmer and feel this is bad blood with the way he forced his way out of Cincinnati. Take the points with the better team on Sunday Night Football.
Tony George
NFLX San Diego Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers
Bonus Play San Diego Chargers +6
The Niners offense has been woeful. A lot of that can be contributed the lack of a quality backup at QB behind Kappernick. You have Gabbert (who looked like Gabbert at Jax in his first two appearances which is not good) and 2 other guys that are scout team QB's at best. Averaging only 208 yards on offense through their first 2 preseason games is a big concern, and while the starters get a full half here, I still think the Chargers are getting too many points here. San Fran has given up 57 points and scored 3 in the preseason. I cannot see backing them laying 6 even though they have a "circle the wagons" type scenario here in Week 3 at home.
The Chargers new offense looks decent, and out of the 2 teams to date, San Diego looks to be more in sync and have a better chemistry going headed into this game. They also have Dwight Freeney running around wreaking havoc. The Chargers are coming off an butt kicking loss at Seattle and will also want to make amends, especially on defense this week, so I expect a hard fought game on Sunday and an outcome when the final score is closer than a 6 point spread.
Bonus Play on San Diego +6
NFLX San Diego Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers
Bonus Play San Diego Chargers +6
The Niners offense has been woeful. A lot of that can be contributed the lack of a quality backup at QB behind Kappernick. You have Gabbert (who looked like Gabbert at Jax in his first two appearances which is not good) and 2 other guys that are scout team QB's at best. Averaging only 208 yards on offense through their first 2 preseason games is a big concern, and while the starters get a full half here, I still think the Chargers are getting too many points here. San Fran has given up 57 points and scored 3 in the preseason. I cannot see backing them laying 6 even though they have a "circle the wagons" type scenario here in Week 3 at home.
The Chargers new offense looks decent, and out of the 2 teams to date, San Diego looks to be more in sync and have a better chemistry going headed into this game. They also have Dwight Freeney running around wreaking havoc. The Chargers are coming off an butt kicking loss at Seattle and will also want to make amends, especially on defense this week, so I expect a hard fought game on Sunday and an outcome when the final score is closer than a 6 point spread.
Bonus Play on San Diego +6
Marc Lawrence
MLB
New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers 4:10PM
New York Mets w/Colon vs Correia
Edges - Mets: Colon 43 strikeouts and 7 walks last seven starts, and 7-2 last nine away team starts. Dodgers: Corriea 4-9 with 6.65 ERA hem team starts, and 4-9 day team starts this season. With Correia a pitiful 3-14 in his last seventeen team starts during August we?ll bite with this value dog. We recommend a 1-unit play on the Mets. Thank you and good luck as always.
MLB
New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers 4:10PM
New York Mets w/Colon vs Correia
Edges - Mets: Colon 43 strikeouts and 7 walks last seven starts, and 7-2 last nine away team starts. Dodgers: Corriea 4-9 with 6.65 ERA hem team starts, and 4-9 day team starts this season. With Correia a pitiful 3-14 in his last seventeen team starts during August we?ll bite with this value dog. We recommend a 1-unit play on the Mets. Thank you and good luck as always.
