Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Thursday
ROCKIES (Bettis) @ RANGERS (Harrell) 2:05 PM
Take: ROCKIES F5 (no overnight line, figure +125 neighborhood)
The first three games of the Rockies-Rangers series have been a nightmore for the team from Colorado. The Rockies have held a late lead in each game, but weren’t able to close any of them out. Charge that to some bad bullpen work and the relentless determination on the Texas side. The Rangers are not built at all the same way, but they’re showing those same late game tendencies we all kept seeing from the eventual champion Royals last season. I’m not saying Texas will win it all, but there’s a bit of deja vu taking place here.
As for today’s series windup, I’ll play the edge on paper that’s owned by Chad Bettis against Lucas Harrell. There’s a clear advantage on the numbers for Bettis. He’s not by any stretch a top of the rotation starting pitcher. But the fact remains Bettis has been doing a reasonably good job lately. Harrell is strictly a barrel scraper. His true ERA, which I base on an average of three key metrics, is 4.99, and that’s bascially a guy who shouldn’t be serious chalk unles he’s matched up with someone even worse.
There’s likely to be plenty of sweat here as the Colorado bullpen is very untrustworthy right now and the Rangers refuse to believe they’re ever out of a game. At the current tag, I can make the case the Rockies are worth backing on value. However, with the key being the Bettis-Harrell comparison and the two bullpens sure to be involved for what figures to be multiple innings, I’ll just go with the first half play on the Rockies.
Bonus Play Thursday
ROCKIES (Bettis) @ RANGERS (Harrell) 2:05 PM
Take: ROCKIES F5 (no overnight line, figure +125 neighborhood)
The first three games of the Rockies-Rangers series have been a nightmore for the team from Colorado. The Rockies have held a late lead in each game, but weren’t able to close any of them out. Charge that to some bad bullpen work and the relentless determination on the Texas side. The Rangers are not built at all the same way, but they’re showing those same late game tendencies we all kept seeing from the eventual champion Royals last season. I’m not saying Texas will win it all, but there’s a bit of deja vu taking place here.
As for today’s series windup, I’ll play the edge on paper that’s owned by Chad Bettis against Lucas Harrell. There’s a clear advantage on the numbers for Bettis. He’s not by any stretch a top of the rotation starting pitcher. But the fact remains Bettis has been doing a reasonably good job lately. Harrell is strictly a barrel scraper. His true ERA, which I base on an average of three key metrics, is 4.99, and that’s bascially a guy who shouldn’t be serious chalk unles he’s matched up with someone even worse.
There’s likely to be plenty of sweat here as the Colorado bullpen is very untrustworthy right now and the Rangers refuse to believe they’re ever out of a game. At the current tag, I can make the case the Rockies are worth backing on value. However, with the key being the Bettis-Harrell comparison and the two bullpens sure to be involved for what figures to be multiple innings, I’ll just go with the first half play on the Rockies.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Thursday, August 11, 2016 7:10 PM
(915) LOS ANGELES ANGELS VS (916) CLEVELAND INDIANS
Take: over. Reason: Your Bonus Play for Thursday, August 11, 2016 is in the baseball contest between the LA Angels and the Indians in Cleveland. A pair of strong offensive teams clash in Cleveland, a good offensive park. The Angels are in town ranked No. 13 in runs scored, No. 9 in on base percentage. Jhoulys Chacin has been a reliever but is forced into the starting rotation with a 3-7 record and a 5.27 ERA. The Over is 4-1-1 in Chacins last 6 starts overall. Cleveland is No. 5 in runs scored, No. 6 in slugging. The Over is 37-15-4 in the Indians last 56 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, plus 52-24-4 over the total at home. And the Over is 40-12-3 in their last 55 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Play the Angels/Indians Over the total.
Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Thursday, August 11, 2016 7:10 PM
(915) LOS ANGELES ANGELS VS (916) CLEVELAND INDIANS
Take: over. Reason: Your Bonus Play for Thursday, August 11, 2016 is in the baseball contest between the LA Angels and the Indians in Cleveland. A pair of strong offensive teams clash in Cleveland, a good offensive park. The Angels are in town ranked No. 13 in runs scored, No. 9 in on base percentage. Jhoulys Chacin has been a reliever but is forced into the starting rotation with a 3-7 record and a 5.27 ERA. The Over is 4-1-1 in Chacins last 6 starts overall. Cleveland is No. 5 in runs scored, No. 6 in slugging. The Over is 37-15-4 in the Indians last 56 home games vs. a team with a losing road record, plus 52-24-4 over the total at home. And the Over is 40-12-3 in their last 55 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Play the Angels/Indians Over the total.
Lee Williams
Broncos vs Bears
Bonus Play Under 35
Denver has plenty of depth defensively and has controlled scrimmages against offense in early camp,so points will be difficult for a Bear team that is beaten up offensively. Denver is searching for QB from a very average roster and it is simply hard to project either of these offenses moving football with fluidity on Thursday. We like Under here.
Broncos vs Bears
Bonus Play Under 35
Denver has plenty of depth defensively and has controlled scrimmages against offense in early camp,so points will be difficult for a Bear team that is beaten up offensively. Denver is searching for QB from a very average roster and it is simply hard to project either of these offenses moving football with fluidity on Thursday. We like Under here.
Scott Spreitzer
Astros vs Twins
Bonus Play Houston Astros Game 1
I'm backing the Houston Astros in early Thursday action. Houston dodged a bullet last night when the game was postponed with the Astros trailing 5-0 in the third inning. The Astros will have Doug Fister on the mound to face Jose Berrios in the first game of today's day-night doubleheader. Fister has had just one bad start his last six appearances and he has allowed just one earned run his last two starts in 12 innings. Houston has won seven of Fister's last eight road starts and 13 of his last 18 dating to last season. Minnesota has lost 25 of its last 34 home games against right-handed starters. Jose Berrios is 2-2 with an 8.31 ERA and has allowed 24 runs and 31 hits in 26 innings. Houston's a short favorite at the time of this post and we'll back them in this early affair. I'm backing the Houston Astros in the pitching matchup between Fister & Berrios. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Astros vs Twins
Bonus Play Houston Astros Game 1
I'm backing the Houston Astros in early Thursday action. Houston dodged a bullet last night when the game was postponed with the Astros trailing 5-0 in the third inning. The Astros will have Doug Fister on the mound to face Jose Berrios in the first game of today's day-night doubleheader. Fister has had just one bad start his last six appearances and he has allowed just one earned run his last two starts in 12 innings. Houston has won seven of Fister's last eight road starts and 13 of his last 18 dating to last season. Minnesota has lost 25 of its last 34 home games against right-handed starters. Jose Berrios is 2-2 with an 8.31 ERA and has allowed 24 runs and 31 hits in 26 innings. Houston's a short favorite at the time of this post and we'll back them in this early affair. I'm backing the Houston Astros in the pitching matchup between Fister & Berrios. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Marc Lawrence
Redskins vs Falcons
Washington Redskins
Edges - Redskins: 8-1 SU and 7-2 SUATS Game One of the preseason. Falcons: 2-10 SUATS preseason games on Thursdays. With the Skins looking to avenge a 6-point loss suffered on this field to Atlanta during the regular season last year, we recommend a 1* play on Washington. Thank you and good luck as always.
Redskins vs Falcons
Washington Redskins
Edges - Redskins: 8-1 SU and 7-2 SUATS Game One of the preseason. Falcons: 2-10 SUATS preseason games on Thursdays. With the Skins looking to avenge a 6-point loss suffered on this field to Atlanta during the regular season last year, we recommend a 1* play on Washington. Thank you and good luck as always.
Bob Harvey
Angels vs. Indians
Play: Over 8
The Cleveland Indians look to strengthen their division lead when they host the faltering Anaheim Angels. Corey Kluber and the Tribe are a huge favorite over the Angels and Jhoulys Chacin. The total is eight.
The Angels (49-64, 23-34 road) are coming off a four-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. They managed just four hits and two walks against Jason Hammel and remain in last place in the Western Division.
The Indians (63-48, 31-20 home) have beaten the Angels in five of the past six meetings. They continue to set the pace in the American League Central Division and begin play with a three-game lead over the second-place Tigers. If Cleveland is going to extend its lead over Detroit, it’s likely to happen during its 11-game homestand which begins today.
Chacin (2-5, 5.22 ERA) has rejoined the starting rotation replacing Tim Linecum in the rotation, after the former Cy Young winner was designated for assignment on Saturday. Today’s start will be Chacin's first since July 1.
Kluber (11-8, 3.22 ERA)is coming off a solid start on Sunday in New York, when he held the Yankees to two runs and five hits in eight innings of a 5-2 Indians victory. In his last five starts, Kluber is 3-0 with a 1.46 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .202 batting average. In his last start vs. the Angels on June 10, he twirled a three-hit complete game 6-2 victory.
The Angels are 7-1 in their last eight vs. the Central Division but are 0-5 in their past five road games. The Halos are 1-5 in Chacin’s past six outings.
The Indians are 4-0 in their last four vs. the AL West and 19-8 in their last 27 home games. The Tribe is 4-0 in Kluber’s last five starts.
Angels vs. Indians
Play: Over 8
The Cleveland Indians look to strengthen their division lead when they host the faltering Anaheim Angels. Corey Kluber and the Tribe are a huge favorite over the Angels and Jhoulys Chacin. The total is eight.
The Angels (49-64, 23-34 road) are coming off a four-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs. They managed just four hits and two walks against Jason Hammel and remain in last place in the Western Division.
The Indians (63-48, 31-20 home) have beaten the Angels in five of the past six meetings. They continue to set the pace in the American League Central Division and begin play with a three-game lead over the second-place Tigers. If Cleveland is going to extend its lead over Detroit, it’s likely to happen during its 11-game homestand which begins today.
Chacin (2-5, 5.22 ERA) has rejoined the starting rotation replacing Tim Linecum in the rotation, after the former Cy Young winner was designated for assignment on Saturday. Today’s start will be Chacin's first since July 1.
Kluber (11-8, 3.22 ERA)is coming off a solid start on Sunday in New York, when he held the Yankees to two runs and five hits in eight innings of a 5-2 Indians victory. In his last five starts, Kluber is 3-0 with a 1.46 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .202 batting average. In his last start vs. the Angels on June 10, he twirled a three-hit complete game 6-2 victory.
The Angels are 7-1 in their last eight vs. the Central Division but are 0-5 in their past five road games. The Halos are 1-5 in Chacin’s past six outings.
The Indians are 4-0 in their last four vs. the AL West and 19-8 in their last 27 home games. The Tribe is 4-0 in Kluber’s last five starts.
Robert Ferringo
Jacksonville at New York
Play: Jacksonville +2½
The Jets have one of the oldest rosters in the NFL. They don't have anything to prove in these games, and I can see them resting most of their aging players. Why wouldn't they? The Jaguars are on the opposite end of the spectrum. This team is young and hungry and they have had a lot of buzz coming into the season. I think they are pretty excited about getting on the field for this game, and they will be excited for a trip up near New York City and the press that will come with it. I like the Jets' quarterback situation a little better. But the Jags have a big edge in motivation, and I think they will win this one outright.
Jacksonville at New York
Play: Jacksonville +2½
The Jets have one of the oldest rosters in the NFL. They don't have anything to prove in these games, and I can see them resting most of their aging players. Why wouldn't they? The Jaguars are on the opposite end of the spectrum. This team is young and hungry and they have had a lot of buzz coming into the season. I think they are pretty excited about getting on the field for this game, and they will be excited for a trip up near New York City and the press that will come with it. I like the Jets' quarterback situation a little better. But the Jags have a big edge in motivation, and I think they will win this one outright.
Allen East man
New York at Boston
Play: Boston
I like the Red Sox to get the job done in this game. This is Alex Rodriguez's last series in Boston. You know the Red Sox want to send him out a loser because of their long history with A-Rod. But these two teams are going in opposite directions. The Red Sox are fighting for the playoffs. The Yankees traded off a lot of important players at the deadline. They are starting to rebuild. The aging players on the roster know it. This team won't have a lot of fight down the stretch. Boston is younger and more talented. New York is going with Michael Pineda. He has a 5.17 ERA, and he has been a poor starter over the last month. Pineda has given up at least four runs in four of his last six starts. He has given up five home runs in those starts. That includes giving up three home runs in his last start against the Red Sox, who pounded him on July 15. The Yankees have lost two of his three starts against the Sox this year. I like Boston to win this one and win it big.
New York at Boston
Play: Boston
I like the Red Sox to get the job done in this game. This is Alex Rodriguez's last series in Boston. You know the Red Sox want to send him out a loser because of their long history with A-Rod. But these two teams are going in opposite directions. The Red Sox are fighting for the playoffs. The Yankees traded off a lot of important players at the deadline. They are starting to rebuild. The aging players on the roster know it. This team won't have a lot of fight down the stretch. Boston is younger and more talented. New York is going with Michael Pineda. He has a 5.17 ERA, and he has been a poor starter over the last month. Pineda has given up at least four runs in four of his last six starts. He has given up five home runs in those starts. That includes giving up three home runs in his last start against the Red Sox, who pounded him on July 15. The Yankees have lost two of his three starts against the Sox this year. I like Boston to win this one and win it big.
Vernon Croy
Chicago at Kansas City
Play: Under 8
This pick falls into one of my top MLB systems, and I really like the Under Thursday night given the pitching matchup in this pitcher-friendly ballpark. Gonzalez has an ERA of just 3.39 on the road this season, with opponents hitting just .232 against him, and he had an ERA of just 2.50 during the month of July, with opponents hitting just .204 against him. Duffy has an ERA of 3.40 in night games this season, with opponents hitting just .225 against him, and he has pitched lights-out during his two starts this month with an ERA of just 1.23 and opponents hitting just .120 against him.
Chicago at Kansas City
Play: Under 8
This pick falls into one of my top MLB systems, and I really like the Under Thursday night given the pitching matchup in this pitcher-friendly ballpark. Gonzalez has an ERA of just 3.39 on the road this season, with opponents hitting just .232 against him, and he had an ERA of just 2.50 during the month of July, with opponents hitting just .204 against him. Duffy has an ERA of 3.40 in night games this season, with opponents hitting just .225 against him, and he has pitched lights-out during his two starts this month with an ERA of just 1.23 and opponents hitting just .120 against him.
