Tuesday 4/7/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Preview: Spurs (51-26) at Thunder (42-35)

Date: April 07, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

Although the San Antonio Spurs continue to surge, they're still battling for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the undermanned Oklahoma City Thunder are scrapping to merely reach the postseason.

San Antonio looks for a season high-matching eighth straight win Tuesday night when it visits Oklahoma City.

The Spurs (51-26) are 17-3 since Feb. 27, pulling within one half-game of the fifth-place Los Angeles Clippers. They could still earn home-court in the first round with a fifth-place finish if their record bests that of Northwest Division-leading Portland.

Though the Spurs are third in the Southwest, a fifth straight division title is still possible with Houston only two games ahead. They haven't finished worse than second in the division since a sixth-place finish in 1996-97.

San Antonio, which also won eight in a row Nov. 17-Dec. 1, has allowed 87.6 points per game on 41.9 percent shooting during its streak. The Spurs ended Golden State's 12-game run with a 107-92 home win Sunday - the first time the Warriors failed to reach at least 100 points in 14 games.

Kawhi Leonard matched his career high with 26 points and recorded a personal-best seven steals. He has averaged 19.4 points and 2.8 steals while shooting 54.2 percent over his last 19 games. He and Russell Westbrook are the only players averaging at least 16.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals.

"He is really playing confidently, but he hasn't forgotten to predicate his game on defense and on the boards," coach Gregg Popovich said. "It kind of fuels him offensively."

Oklahoma City (42-35) is hoping to reach the playoffs for a sixth straight year but faces a barrage of injuries.

Playing without starters Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka and Andre Roberson, the Thunder lead ninth-place New Orleans by one half-game, but have lost five of six and three in a row for the first time since a season-worst six-game skid Nov. 14-23. They've also dropped two of three at home after winning 20 of their previous 22 there.

The Pelicans had won four straight before losing Saturday at Portland.

Oklahoma City's attrition has left a heavy burden on Westbrook, who is averaging 30.6 points, 10.6 assists and 9.1 rebounds with nine triple-doubles in 22 games since Durant last played. He has averaged 40.2 minutes over his last five.

"He understands that the rest is important to come back with a full tank every night, and he has done that," coach Scott Brooks said. "He's a special player, and he's at a high level in that regard. He has the energy that can fill an entire arena, and he's done a good job of recharging his batteries night in and night out."

While Durant is done for the season, Roberson is day to day.

These teams split two earlier meetings with San Antonio winning 130-91 at home on March 25 to end a six-game series slide. The Spurs shot 58.0 percent with seven players scoring 10 or more. Westbrook was 5 of 16 for 16 points after scoring 34 in a 114-106 win at San Antonio on Christmas Day.

Spurs center Tiago Splitter sat out against the Warriors with a tight right calf and is expected to miss at least the next three games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Western Conference betting road map: Be careful backing the Mavs
By STEVE MERRIL

The NBA's regular season is reaching its late stages and the playoffs are on the horizon. Steve Merril takes a look at four Western Conference teams to keep an eye on this week.

Spread Watch

Minnesota’s dreadful season only has six games left. The Timberwolves begin this week with an ugly 16-60 SU record, including a 7-30 mark on the road. Minnesota plays four road games in five nights this week against Sacramento, Portland, Los Angeles (Lakers), and Golden State. The Timberwolves have packed their season in as they’ve lost five consecutive games by 10 points or more with their average loss coming by a whopping 15.8 points per game.

Total Watch

The Houston Rockets are all offense and no defense. Houston is 3-0 in their last three games despite giving up 112, 101, and 111 points in those games. The Rockets’ offense scored 115, 108, and 115 points in those three games. Their scoring ways will continue this week as they play two games against the Spurs, and one game against the Pelicans. Both of those teams will be willing to run with the Rockets, so Houston should play in some high-scoring games this week.

Injury impact

The Memphis Grizzlies have had players go in and out of the lineup all season, but now they’ll be without Tony Allen for at least this week. Allen has a hamstring injury, and his absence hurts the Grizzlies because he is their best defender. Memphis has had trouble winning games this season when missing one of their key contributors, so Allen’s absence will likely alter the Grizzlies’ record this week, especially since they have to play three games in four nights.

Playbook

Dallas is currently the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, and the Mavericks have little chance of moving up or down regardless of how they finish the remainder of the season. Dallas has three players on the sidelines right now with injuries: Rajon Rondo (knee), Chandler Parsons (knee), and Richard Jefferson (toe). Head coach Rick Carlisle’s main concern is being healthy for the playoffs: “We’ve got 10 days or so or whatever it is until we’re looking right at the playoffs. Big picture-wise, health is of the utmost importance.” Be careful backing the Mavericks right now.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Eastern Conference betting road map: Value fading the Hawks
By SEAN MURPHY

With a little over a week remaining in the NBA regular season the race for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference is on.

Sean Murphy presents four angles to consider when mapping out this week's NBA calendar.

Spread watch

The Atlanta Hawks have been uneven both SU and ATS lately and I don't see much improvement on the horizon with top spot in the East all but locked up.

This week Atlanta will alternate home and road games, playing four in total. Note that the Hawks have hit the skids away from home, dropping four of their last five contests.

At 47-28-1 ATS on the campaign, there's no question the Hawks have been good to their backers but I'm expecting that number to settle out at around 15 games over .500 before the regular season wraps up, meaning there's value fading the ATL down the stretch.

Total watch

The 'over' has cashed in each of Miami's last three games but that's not a trend I see continuing this week.

The Heat remain an excellent 'under' bet on the season, having posted a 33-44 o/u mark. Their offense continues to struggle, scoring more than 98 points just once in their last nine contests.

This week is manageable, with only three games on the schedule - all coming at home. However, two of those games come against playoff bound opponents (Toronto and Chicago) and the other versus a Hornets squad that is fighting to get into the picture. I'm expecting three tightly-contested affairs with the 'under' hitting in at least two of them.

Injury impact

The big news over the weekend surrounded Derrick Rose and his expected return to the Bulls lineup this week.

Needless to say, Rose's return comes at the right time, as Chicago continues to ramp up for the postseason but also aims to improve its offensive production after being held to 91, 88 and 94 points over its last three games.

Don't count on Rose making an immediate impact, however. Chicago's schedule this week doesn't look all that daunting on paper but it will include a pair of road games in Florida and a clear look-ahead spot against the lowly 76ers.

Playbook

The Boston Celtics have gotten back to what worked for them earlier in the season, pushing the pace to score at least 100 points in each of their last five games while posting a 3-1 ATS mark over their last four.

It's not going to be easy for the C's to keep it up this week, as they play two of three games on the road, including a home-and-home set with the Cavs. With that being said, I do still feel there's value backing the 'over' with Boston the short-term picture. It has seen the 'over' cash at a 4-1 clip over its last five contests.

Currently sitting in the eighth spot in the East, I don't expect the Celtics to back down from the challenges at hand this week. Consider grabbing the points when you can while also taking a look at the 'over'.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Lakers, Clippers heading in different directions ATS
Stephen Campbell

It's a Tinsel Town showdown in the Association Tuesday as the Los Angeles Lakers and the L.A. Clippers are set to collide, but both teams have been heading in different directions at the betting window as of late.

The Clips are a sizzling 9-1 straight-up and 8-2 against the spread in their last 10 games, while the Lakers are just 3-7 SU and 3-6-1 ATS during that span.

Doc Rivers' squad are currently a healthy 17-point favorite for the tilt. Total-wise, books opened the clash at 207 but have since dropped that number down to 205.5 at the time of publication.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

April Good Month, Bad Month Pitchers
By Marc Lawrence

Major League Baseball trades places with March Madness as the sports flavor of the month in April. And as we usher in America’s favorite pastime, let’s open the season with one of our favorite handicapping angles – good month pitchers.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of April. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in April, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each April over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s April list.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Buchholz, Clay • 10-5 (6-3 H)

Boston decided to maximize Buchholz’s early season value by making him their opening day starter. Long on talent and inconsistency, the BoSox right-hander needs to focus and eliminate distractions, which is something he’s struggled with his whole career, except for mostly in April.

Bumgarner, Madison • 11-5 (6-1 A)

When looking at baseball from the start of the season until Halloween, Clayton Kershaw has somebody who can steal his thunder as the game’s best pitcher. His World Series performance was for the ages and he’s never been too bad the start the season either with his array of fastballs, cutters and changeups.

Gonzalez, Gio • 13-4 (8-1 H)

Throughout his career, Gonzalez has started fast and been able to mix and match pitches effectively. Though his velocity was off a little in the second half of last season, his command improved and walks dropped. He’s now arguably the worst starting pitcher in Washington which tells you about their staff. Gonzalez has been money at home throughout his career.

Greinke, Zack • 11-2 (6-1 H)

To borrow from Dos Equis beer, when on the mound, Zack Greinke might be the most interesting man in the world – or at least baseball. The fact is Greinke is just really good at throwing a baseball, has a creative mind and taught himself variations of arm angles and grip pressure and takes great pride in his hitting. Whatever team he has been on, he’s made it almost impossible to bet against him at home.

Guthrie, Jeremy • 10-4 (5-1 H)

Since becoming a starter in 2007, this durable right-hander has thrown at least 175 innings each season (five of the last six 200 or more). For almost any team in baseball Guthrie is the ideal No.4 or 5 starter and his pitch to contact is a perfect match in Kansas City when the defenders are like vacuum cleaners and clean everything up.

*Hammel, Jason • 13-5 (5-1 H)

Middle of the rotation starter who actually wanted to return and pitch for the Cubs, after starting last season at Wrigley before being traded to Oakland. Hammel is not going to overpower hitters, but if he keeps the ball in the yard, he can be effective. In his major league career the 32-year has been a fast starter.

Hudson, Tim • 10-3 (8-0 H)

Hudson will be 40 years old this season, but still throws strikes and coaxes ground balls to get batters out. It would make sense this juncture of his career he would be more effective early in the season compared to later in the year.

Lincecum, Tim • 10-5 (5-2 H)

Lincecum is back in the starting rotation for San Francisco and will remain there as long as he does his job. He spent the off-season working with his dad, who helped design his unusual throwing style. The spring results were mixed, so let’s see if Tiny Tim can hang on to his slot in the rotation with a strong start.

*Lohse, Kyle • 12-4 (6-2 H)

Lohse is yet another hurler who is at his best when at full strength. Milwaukee’s opening day pitcher successfully made the transition from thrower to pitcher and has complete command of the strike zone with his tight mechanics.

Lynn, Lance • 12-3 (8-2 A)

The 6’5 right-hander last season decided to use less of his spotty off-speed pitches and instead focused on getting more movement on his two or four-seam fastballs and lowered his ERA by more than a run to 2.74. Lynn is part of the reason St. Louis seldom gets off to rocky starts.

Miley, Wade • 9-4 (5-2 A)

Miley pitched for a bad Arizona outfit last year and his focus suffered, with career-highs in ERA, hits allowed and balls over the fence. The lefty has a fresh start in Boston with a renovated squad in search of a division pennant.

Nicasio, Juan • 10-5 (6-2 H)

Will start the season in the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen.

Nova, Ivan • 8-4 (5-1 H)

In the midst of returning from Tommy John surgery, no exact timetable is set for Nova’s return.

Peavy, Jake • 10-5 (6-3 H)

Not the hard thrower he used to be, Peavy has to keep the ball down and change speeds more frequently to get batters out. When he settles in groove, can string together a number of quality starts.

*Shields, James • 11-5 (8-3 A)

As reliable and consistent as they come, Shields is an ideal No. 2 or 3 pitcher. Though his famous changeup was not as good as prior years, he found the cutter to be his out pitch in 2014. Should flourish in San Fran.

Zimmermann, Jordan • 10-5 (6-3 H)

Among the finest starters in the National League, Zimmermann in unyielding to opposing hitters in working the strike zone and seldom helps them out in averaging less than two walks per nine innings.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Bedard, Eric • 3-9 (1-4 H)

The Dodgers non-roster pitcher is expected to miss four to six weeks with a strain of the same back muscle that shelved Clayton Kershaw for five weeks last season.

Cahill, Trevor • 4-9 (2-7 A)

Cahill was traded from Arizona to Atlanta on April 3rd. Though only 27 years old, this former 18-game winner has recently been in the minors and a big league starter and reliever and not having much success doing anything well. His problem is being a sinker ball pitcher and lacking command in the strike zone.

Cain, Matt • 4-10 (2-8 A)

The San Francisco workhorse finally gave in to the pain and had elbow surgery and has been slow to recover this spring, still having some “discomfort”. Cain as his record shows is typically a slow starter anyways and could be in worse shape to begin 2015.

Hamels, Cole • 4-8 (1-5 H)

The Phillies lefthander will not be on their roster the entire season as the Phils are waiting for the perfect deal to trade Hamels. His slow starts are mostly attributable to not having a feel for his complete arsenal of pitches in April and performs better when the weather heats up.

*Jackson, Edwin • 4-12 (2-6 H)

The Cubs are stuck with this veteran righty having given him a dumb contract back in 2013. Just think, how many pitchers would still be in the big leagues after 11 years with a career 84-104 record, an ERA of 4.63 and a WHIP of 1.46?

Volquez, Edinson • 5-11 (1-6 A)

Now with his sixth different team, the 31-year right-hander was 13-7 with a 3.04 ERA with Pittsburgh last year, his best season since 2008 and he signed a two-year free agent deal with Kansas City. His surprising campaign came when Pirates coaches noticed a rushed delivery was elevating his pitches and slowed him down, leading to last season’s results. Will Volquez stay the course or return to old habits?

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

2015 Season Predictions

The 2015 baseball season is here with plenty of new expectations and hope for all 30 teams. Our consensus of handicappers provides their annual predictions on their best season win total bets as well as American League and National League champions, along with World Series winners.

Many handicappers are high on the Mariners, Nationals, and Dodgers to hoist the trophy in October, but there are plenty of differing opinions on season win totals.

James Manos believes the Mets will finally break through this season with a solid young rotation and go OVER their posted win total. “I think the Mets outstanding spring record of 18-12 isn't a fluke. The Mets should be improved from last year and I expect a rebound season from OF Curtis Granderson, who underperformed for most of last season. They have a Gold Glove CF in Juan Lagares and RF Michael Cuddyer is an upgrade offensively over last year. Cuddyer likely won't hit the way he did in Colorado but if he can stay healthy there is no reason he can't put up numbers similar to or above what he posted in Minnesota.”

“I love the Mets rotation and SP Matt Harvey looks fully healthy as he was a beast in his spring training starts. If he remains healthy, he gives the Mets a Cy Young caliber #1 starter and the rest of their rotation is very good. #4 and #5 starters Zack Wheeler and Jacob deGrom have high ceilings and I think Jon Niese is undervalued. The Mets play in a division where a 2nd place finish is realistic,” Manos said.

Another NL East team that has high expectations this season is the Marlins, as handicapper Zack Cimini feels this club will be viable in the National League, “There is a lot of confidence down in South Beach with the 2015 Marlins. Jose Fernandez is set to return in June, and the team has added a plethora of roster additions. The headline move was retaining Giancarlo Stanton with a contract many did not believe the Marlins would offer the slugger. Last season, the Marlins flirted with Wild Card contention but could not overcome injuries and an offense that would slump for large stretches. Thirty-four losses either by extra inning or one-run will be an area this team needs to correct. They also had an ever-rotating pitching staff with Alvarez injured frequently and unreliable youth. A post All-Star trade for Jared Cosart may end up being the biggest difference in this team surpassing the mark of 83 wins. Veteran additions of Dan Haren and Matt Latos aren't stellar but bolster a pitching lineup that vastly needed depth and allows for Brad Hand to aid the bullpen.”

Matt Zylbert doesn’t see a lot of promise with the Rays, who will fall short in a transition season, "Simply put, this bet comes down to whether or not you think this year’s Rays club is better than last season’s squad, as the win totals are similar. Considering they still had their best player in franchise history, David Price, for the majority of ‘14, and their unparalleled longtime manager Joe Maddon is now also gone, how can they possibly be better? That, and they’re missing a handful of key bats like Ben Zobrist and Wil Myers. Plus some of their young starting pitchers are already banged up. There’s no way the current roster is superior to last year’s team that won 77 games."

Joe Nelson believes the Brewers will take a step back this season after a tough finish in 2014, “The Brewers led the NL Central much of last season before a brutal late season crash that left the team barely over .500. The 96-win 2011 season seems like a long time ago and the pitching staff for the Brewers will be banking on another big season from the erratic Wily Peralta as well as the continued breakthrough of Mike Fiers and youngster Jimmy Nelson. Ryan Braun did not resemble his MVP past last season and while the outfield looks promising, the infield for Milwaukee could struggle. Ultimately, the division looks incredibly tough with the Cardinals and Pirates likely contending for the playoffs again and the Reds and Cubs looking like potentially improved teams. Kyle Lohse and Matt Garza will need to have great seasons to keep Milwaukee in the mix as the rotation does not have a lot of fall back options. The bullpen could be respectable but the psyche of this squad after last year’s slide is certainly a question as well.”


2015 MLB Season Predictions

Handicapper Best Over Best Under AL Champion NL Champion WS Champion

Antony Dinero Chicago Cubs New York Mets Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

Bill Marzano Cincinnati Reds Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Bruce Marshall Oakland Athletics Boston Red Sox Seattle Mariners Pittsburgh Pirates Pittsburgh Pirates

Dave Cokin Boston Red Sox San Francisco Giants Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

Doc's Sports Los Angeles Dodgers San Diego Padres Seattle Mariners Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

Don Anthony Los Angeles Dodgers Tampa Bay Rays Oakland Athletics Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

James Manos New York Mets Oakland Athletics Boston Red Sox St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals

Jim Feist Baltimore Orioles Texas Rangers Los Angeles Angels Los Angeles Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers

Jimmy Boyd Cleveland Indians Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Joe Nelson Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Brewers Boston Red Sox St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals

Joe Williams New York Mets Cleveland Indians Boston Red Sox San Diego Padres Boston Red Sox

John Fisher Washington Nationals Chicago White Sox Los Angeles Angels Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Kevin Rogers Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Boston Red Sox St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals

Kyle Hunter Cleveland Indians Chicago Cubs Cleveland Indians Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Marc Lawrence Oakland Athletics San Francisco Giants Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Seattle Mariners

Mark Franco Miami Marlins Chicago Cubs Los Angeles Angels Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Matt Zylbert New York Mets Tampa Bay Rays Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Stephen Nover Colorado Rockies Philadelphia Phillies Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Washington Nationals

Vince Akins Detroit Tigers Seattle Mariners Detroit Tigers Washington Nationals Detroit Tigers

Zack Cimini Miami Marlins Cincinnati Reds Seattle Mariners Washington Nationals Seattle Mariners

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Blue Jays' youngsters off to good start
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

NEW YORK -- Though some veterans did some of the heavy lifting offensively for the Toronto Blue Jays, it was a good day for their youth movement.

The Blue Jays opened the season with six rookies on the 25-man roster and started two rookies in an Opening Day lineup for the fifth time in team history and first time since 1995.

In Monday's 6-1 win at New York, Canadian Dalton Pompey started in center fielder and Devon Travis started at second base. Pompey had his first hit at Yankee Stadium last September, and Travis made his first career hit a solo home run in the seventh inning.

"Amazing, it was a dream come true," Travis said. "I don't know if I have the exact words to explain it, just what a day."

When Travis hit the ball, he sped around the bases and encountered the silent treatment from teammates in the dugout.

"That was pretty cool," Travis said.

Earlier Travis set up Toronto's five-run third against Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka by drawing a walk on a 3-1 sinker that put two on with nobody out.

Defensively, Travis had a putout and three assists.

Also contributing was rookie right-hander Miguel Castro. Castro had 12 strikeouts without a walk in nine spring training outings and threw 12 pitches to get the final four outs.

The other rookies on the Toronto roaster are reliever Roberto Osuna and starting pitchers Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Norris. Sanchez will start in Baltimore while Norris starts Thursday against the Yankees.

Before Monday, Shawn Green and Alex Gonzalez were rookies for the season opener when the Blue Jays were still the two-time defending champions, a title worn even longer because of the 1994 World Series being canceled.

It also happened for Toronto in 1987 (Mike Sharperson and Fred McGriff), 1979 (Bobby Brown and Alfredo Griffin) and 1977 (Doug Ault, Steve Bowling, Rick Cerone and Gary Woods).

Of the four prior instances, 1987 was the only year that the Blue Jays were in serious contention. That year they took the Detroit Tigers to the wire before losing the AL East by one game.

--Right-hander R.A. Dickey will begin his third season with the Blue Jays Wednesday night in New York and will try to get off to a better start. He has posted nearly identical numbers in two seasons for Toronto with a 14-13 record in both seasons and earned run averages of 4.21 in 2013 and 3.71 last season. In each season, Dickey has started slowly. Last year he was 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA in April and two years ago Dickey was 2-4 with a 4.50 ERA in the opening month. Against the Yankees, Dickey is 3-2 with a 2.41 ERA over the last two seasons.

--Outfielder Michael Saunders has started running and taking swings as he recovers from knee surgery but is not cleared for full activity. Over the weekend, Saunders ran on a treadmill and was a designated hitter in minor league games. Saunders suffered a torn left meniscus in his left knee shagging fly balls at the minor league complex before spring training starter. He is eligible to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday but that appears unlikely. "It's going to be a couple of more weeks anyways before we see him but he's progressing," Toronto manager John Gibbons said before Monday's game in New York.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Red Sox rock Phils in opener
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

PHILADELPHIA -- Clay Buchholz combined with two relievers on a three-hit shutout, and the Boston Red Sox hit five home runs to batter the Philadelphia Phillies 8-0 in the season opener Monday afternoon.

Dustin Pedroia and Hanley Ramirez each hit two homers for Boston, with the second by Ramirez a ninth-inning grand slam off reliever Jake Diekman. Mookie Betts went deep of Phillies starter Cole Hamels (0-1).

Buchholz, making his first Opening Day start after going 8-11 with a 5.34 ERA in 2014, did not allow a hit until Ryan Howard doubled on an 0-2 pitch with two outs in the fourth. Philadelphia's Carlos Ruiz and Grady Sizemore also lashed back-to-back singles in the seventh, though Buchholz escaped the inning unscathed.

Red Sox relievers Junichi Tazawa and Tommy Layne each worked a scoreless inning in relief.

A's 8, Rangers 0

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Sonny Gray took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, and Ben Zobrist belted a two-run home run on his first swing for Oakland, helping the Athletics snap a 10-year losing streak on Opening Day.

Gray retired 21 of the first 23 batters he faced before Rangers left fielder Ryan Rua laced a two-strike single to right field to open the eighth. Playing with an entirely new cast behind him than in the 2014 opener with the exception of second baseman Eric Sogard, Gray was pulled with a 7-0 lead after he threw 98 pitches in eight innings. He allowed just the one hit and one walk while striking out three.

Stephen Vogt added a three-run, eighth-inning homer to boost Oakland's lead to 7-0.

Tigers 4, Twins 0

DETROIT -- David Price retired the first 13 batters he faced and fell one out shy of a complete-game five hitter, getting home run support from J.D. Martinez and Alex Avila in pacing Detroit to a victory over Minnesota.

Manager Brad Ausmus was booed when he came out to visit Price after the left-hander gave up a two-out single in the ninth, and he got booed again when he yanked the starter for closer Joe Nathan following an infield single by the Twins first baseman Joe Mauer.

Nathan got formers Tiger right fielder Torii Hunter to look at a called third strike to end the game and record the save.

Dodgers 6, Padres 3

LOS ANGELES -- Shortstop Jimmy Rollins hit a go-ahead three-run home run in the eighth inning, and Los Angeles rallied for a victory over San Diego.

Rollins, who was making his Dodgers debut, tagged reliever Shawn Kelly (0-1) by driving a pitch over the wall in right with one out in the eighth.

Dodgers reliever Joel Peralta (1-0) tossed a scoreless inning for the win. Chris Hatcher earned his first career save. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez also homered for Los Angeles.

Padres center fielder Matt Kemp, a former Dodger, went 2-for-4 and drove in all three San Diego runs.

Marlins 2, Braves 1

MIAMI -- Right fielder Nick Markakis drove in two runs, including the game-winner, as Atlanta defeated Miami.

Jason Grilli, Atlanta's new closer after Craig Kimbrel was traded Sunday, got the save, his first with the Braves. Grilli struck out Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton and first baseman Michael Morse in a 1-2-3 ninth inning.

Atlanta pushed across the winning run in the sixth, breaking a 1-1 tie. Center fielder Eric Young Jr. led off with a double, advanced on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Markakis' ground out to second baseman Dee Gordon. The speedy Young slid under the tag of catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Blue Jays 6, Yankees 1

NEW YORK -- Right-hander Drew Hutchison pitched six outstanding innings, and Toronto opened the season with a victory over New York.

Hutchison, the youngest Opening Day starter in franchise history, allowed a solo home run to left fielder Brett Gardner among three hits. After going 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in four spring training appearances, the 24-year-old struck out three, walked two and threw 57 of 93 pitches for strikes.

Former Yankees catcher Russell Martin had a two-run single, and first baseman Edwin Encarnacion slugged a two-run home run for Toronto, which scored five times in the top of the third inning against right-hander Masahiro Tanaka (0-1). Blue Jays rookie second baseman Devon Travis added his first career home run.

Rockies 10, Brewers 0

MILWAUKEE -- Corey Dickerson and Nolan Arenado homered, and Kyle Kendrick threw seven shutout innings as Colorado cruised to an Opening Day victory over Milwaukee.

Kendrick, a veteran right-hander in his first season for Colorado, scattered seven hits struck out six without a walk. He even chipped in on offense, scoring a run and accounting for a pair of the Rockies' 16 hits on the day.

Colorado wasted no time getting to Brewers right-hander Kyle Lohse, who gave up three first-inning doubles and found himself in a 4-0 hole after left fielder Dickerson smacked a 1-2 slider into the picnic area in right.

Orioles 6, Rays 2

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Chris Tillman took a shutout into the seventh inning, and Baltimore hit three home runs on the way to a win over Tampa Bay in the season opener.

Alejandro De Aza scored as the first batter of the season, then added a two-run home run. Steve Pearce and Ryan Flaherty also went deep for the Orioles. Tillman lasted 6 2/3 innings, giving up one run on four hits.

It was a disappointing debut for new Rays manager Kevin Cash, whose team committed an error on its first fielding chance and didn't get a hit until the fourth inning. Tampa Bay got a solo home run by Evan Longoria.

Mets 3, Nationals 1

WASHINGTON -- Bartolo Colon allowed one run in six innings, and New York beat Washington Nationals on Opening Day.

Colon allowed just three hits while striking out eight. He outdueled Washington starter Max Scherzer, who did not allow a hit in the first five innings. However, the Mets scored three unearned runs off Scherzer, as Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond committed two errors.

Mets first baseman Lucas Duda struck a two-run single in the sixth with two outs to give his team a 2-1 lead on New York's first hit of the season.

Royals 10, White Sox 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Yordano Ventura limited Chicago to one run in six-plus innings before leaving with a cramping right thumb as Kansas City beat the White Sox. The Royals snapped a six-game Opening Day losing streak.

Ventura allowed four hits -- one a solo homer Jose Abreu to lead off the seventh -- walked one and struck out two. He went down in agony after throwing a strike to Adam LaRoche in the seventh. He will be evaluated later in the week, but the Royals do not believe the injury is serious.

The Royals' offense included a three-run home run by Alex Rios, who went 3-for-4 in his Kansas City debut.

Mariners 4, Angels 1

SEATTLE -- Felix Hernandez turned in yet another dominating Opening Day performance, leading Seattle past Los Angeles. Hernandez improved to 6-0 with a 1.49 ERA in eight career openers, all with the Mariners.

Hernandez allowed two hits and one run over seven innings while striking out 10, walking one and hitting a batter. It marked the third time the Venezuela native recorded at least 10 strikeouts in an Opening Day start.

The Angels took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when center fielder Mike Trout, the reigning American League Most Valuable Player, hit a solo homer off Hernandez on the eighth pitch of the at-bat. In a matchup of two All-Stars, Hernandez went on to strike out Trout the next two times they faced.

Reds 5, Pirates 2

CINCINNATI -- Todd Frazier's tiebreaking, three-run home run in the eighth inning lifted Cincinnati past Pittsburgh on Opening Day. Right fielder Jay Bruce also homered for the Reds.

Cincinnati starter Johnny Cueto allowed just four hits in seven scoreless innings and fanned 10, a career high for Opening Day. Cueto was denied the victory when Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutcheon hit a two-run, game-tying homer in the eighth off right-hander Kevin Gregg.

However, with runners on first and third in the bottom of the eighth, Frazier crushed a 1-1 pitch from Pirates left-hander Tony Watson (0-1) and sent it sailing 432 feet to left field.

Astros 2, Indians 0

HOUSTON -- Dallas Keuchel worked seven shutout innings, and a revamped bullpen preserved his effort in Houston's win over Cleveland.

Keuchel allowed three hits and three walks while recording four strikeouts, including a critical whiff of Brandon Moss after Carlos Santana and Yan Gomes stroked consecutive singles to open the seventh inning. After he fanned Moss, Keuchel coaxed a pair of grounders back to the mound to strand Santana and Gomes, close the inning, and preserve his one-run lead.

Cleveland's Corey Kluber, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, gave up two runs on three hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. George Springer's sixth-inning single knocked in the first run, and Jake Marisnick's eighth-inning sacrifice fly capped the scoring.

Giants 5, Diamondbacks 4

PHOENIX -- Left-hander Madison Bumgarner gave up one run in seven innings, and center fielder Angel Pagan had three hits and two RBIs as San Francisco beat Arizona in the season opener for both teams.

Bumgarner, the 2014 World Series MVP, gave up six hits, struck out three and walked one in the first Opening Day start of his career.

Pagan had two doubles and a single, driving in runs in the third and fifth innings against Arizona right-hander Josh Collmenter (0-1). Giants second baseman Joe Panik had three hits and scored two runs, and shortstop Brandon Crawford had two hits and drove in two runs, helping the Giants take a 5-1 lead in the fifth.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Giants' Peavy to miss Tuesday start, Vogelsong in
Stephen Campbell

When the San Francisco Giants take on the Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday, it's going to be Ryan Vogelsong getting the ball for the reigning champs, per Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Jake Peavy was initially scheduled to make the start but said himself Monday that he's going to be skipped this time around. The veteran was roughed up in his final two Cactus League outings, allowing 13 runs over just 6 2/3 innings.

Vogelsong went 8-13 with a 4.00 ERA last season. Rubby De La Rosa will take the bump for the D-Backs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

15 AL Rookies to Watch
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Will right-hander Taijuan Walker, still just 22 years old, take the next step for Seattle? Can 24-year-old James McCann provide ample offensive and defensive cover as the Tigers new backup catcher? Can Baltimore's 23-year-old righty Dylan Bundy live up to the hype a year removed from Tommy John surgery?

These are just a few of the questions that will be answered this season as The Sports Xchange's network of baseball correspondents analyze each American League team's top rookie.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

HOUSTON ASTROS: RHP Asher Wojciechowski, 26, appeared on the brink of a roster breakthrough last spring before a lat injury derailed those aspirations. This spring he was healthy and performed splendidly (1-0, 1.08 ERA over five appearances, including two starts), and while he might not break camp with the club, he seems a sure bet to make his big league debut if one of the Astros' starters breaks down or backslides. For a franchise on the cusp of a bright future, Wojciechowski represents a potential rotation anchor, albeit one on the back end of that rotation. Whatever he contributes this season will serve as a foundation for his future.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS: INF Taylor Featherston has never played above Double-A, but is in the running to make the club as a utility infielder. He has hit .244 during camp, but most important to the club would be his ability to play shortstop. Featherston has played mostly second base in his professional career but was a shortstop at TCU. Also helping his cause is the fact that he's a Rule 5 player, meaning he must be offered back to his former team, the Colorado Rockies, if he doesn't make the team out of spring training.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS: RHP Kendall Graveman was all but unhittable during a dominant spring training, earning a spot in the A's rotation. Graveman went 3-0 with a 0.42 ERA in his first five starts with 11 strikeouts and just four walks over 21 1/3 innings. Graveman, 24, relies primarily on a nasty sinker and was a ground-ball machine in Arizona. Late last season, he made five relief appearances for Toronto and had a ground out/fly out ratio of 9 to 1. The A's acquired Graveman from the Blue Jays on Nov. 28 along with 3B Brett Lawrie, LHP Sean Nolin and SS Franklin Barreto for 3B Josh Donaldson.

SEATTLE MARINERS: RHP Taijuan Walker is only 22 years old, but it feels like he's been on the verge of superstardom for years. He's been the organization's top prospect since he was 19 years old and could finally be ready to make an impact with the Mariners. After getting some seasoning over eight starts with Seattle during 2013 and 2014, Walker looks like a good bet to make the rotation out of spring training. The presence of Felix Hernandez means Seattle won't be looking for Walker to be an ace, but the Mariners will need their future phenom to be a steady contributor if this rotation is going to thrive.

TEXAS RANGERS: LF Ryan Rua, 25, was one of the favorites to win the job in left, and after a slow start he did just that with a fast finish. Rua, a 17th-round pick in 2011, hit at every level in 2014 and that continued in his brief September stint with Texas. Rua batted .295 in 105 at-bats with the Rangers and capped a season in which he totaled 20 home runs and 88 RBIs in a season that began for him with a .300 average in 71 games in Double A.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

CHICAGO WHITE SOX: 2B Micah Johnson, 24, appears to have won a tight competition for the starting job at second base with fellow rookie Carlos Sanchez. Johnson, who stole 84 bases in the minors in 2013, was hampered on the basepaths at Triple-A Charlotte last season. A badly strained left hamstring ended his 2014 season in August, but he's recovered and has performed well for a second straight year in the Cactus League. Johnson hit .339 in 59 at-bats this spring, with a .391 on-base percentage, .865 OPS and three stolen bases in four attempts.

CLEVELAND INDIANS: SS Francisco Lindor, 21, is expected to recalled sometime before the All-Star break, completing his meteoric rise through the system after the Indians selected him with the eighth pick in the 2011 draft. Lindor, considered one of the top prospects in all of the minor leagues, will start the year at Triple-A Columbus, where he had only 165 at-bats last year. In 2014, he hit a combined .276/.338/.389 with 11 homers, 62 RBIs and 28 steals in 126 games in Double-A and Triple-A.

DETROIT TIGERS: C James McCann, 24, is being looked at on two levels this season. First, whether he's a more capable backup than last year's No. 2 catcher, Bryan Holaday, who was optioned to Triple-A Toledo on March 30. McCann hit .295 for Toledo last season and he has solid defensive and game-calling credentials. Regular C Alex Avila is in his walk season behind the plate and thus McCann will be evaluated all season to see whether he could be a No. 1 catcher if Avila leaves as a free agent.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS: OF Paulo Orlando is what manager Ned Yost terms a "late bloomer." Orlando is from Brazil, which is not a baseball hotbed. Orlando flashes good speed and his bat has developed. He hit .301 and stole 34 last season with Triple-A Omaha. His offense continued in the Venezuelan Winter League, hitting .319 with 15 doubles, eight home runs and 40 RBIs in 64 games. Orlando hit .333 in 23 spring training games and is in contention to open the season on the major league roster after nine minor league seasons.

MINNESOTA TWINS: 3B Miguel Sano will start the season in Double-A, but don't be surprised to see him reach the majors early this summer if he gets off to a quick start. Sano has impressive power, and although his body frame has raised questions about whether his long-term future is at third, Sano's epic power has made him one of baseball's top prospects. Sano missed all of last season after having Tommy John surgery, but in 2013, hit .280 and belted 35 homers in 123 games between Class-A and Double-A. He hit just .200 in 13 plate appearances during the spring, but hit two homers and reached base at a .385 clip. The Twins have several high-end prospects on the way, and Sano could be the first one to arrive in the Twin Cities.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

BALTIMORE ORIOLES: RHP Dylan Bundy, 23, could start his highly anticipated career at the major league level this season. Bundy, who is one of the franchise's most touted prospects, successfully returned from Tommy John surgery late last season and did not show any ill effects. He will start the season in the minors to work on his mechanics and gain strength, but he will likely be part of the Orioles' bullpen, or possibly even the rotation, at some point this season. Bundy already pitched in two games for the Orioles during the 2012 season and was not overwhelmed by the experience. The next time he arrives in Baltimore, Bundy is expected to help anchor the pitching staff for years to come.

BOSTON RED SOX: OF Rusney Castillo, who appeared in 10 games for the Red Sox after signing and playing in the minors last year, was supposed to battle Mookie Betts for the starting center field job. However, an oblique injury held Castillo back as Betts flourished. Then Castillo settled into a battle for right field with Shane Victorino, and a healthy Victorino won the competition. Castillo will start the season in Triple-A, but he figures to return sooner rather than later.

NEW YORK YANKEES: LHP Jacob Lindgren was the Yankees' first pick (55th overall) last season out of Mississippi State and ascended quickly through the farm system. By the end of last season, Lindgren rose from the rookie league to Double-A Trenton by striking out 48 hitters in 24 2/3 innings. In eight exhibition appearances, Lindgren had 10 strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings and was among the last cuts in spring training. While ticketed for the minors, if Lindgren pitches as well as last season or even better, he could make his major league debut this season.

TAMPA BAY RAYS: RF Steven Souza has just 23 at-bats in the major leagues but already has a highlight for the ages. His spectacular catch with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning preserved a no-hitter for Washington Nationals RHP Jordan Zimmermann last year on the final day of the season against the Miami Marlins. The Rays acquired Souza in an offseason trade and believe the 25-year-old's career is ready to take off after he hit .350 with 18 home runs and 26 stolen bases in just 96 games with Triple-A Syracuse last season.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS: CF Dalton Pompey leads an array of rookies. After a rapid rise through the system last year, the 22-year-old showed enough in a September trial to earn a shot at the regular center fielder's job this season, replacing CF Colby Rasmus, who signed with the Houston Astros. Pompey is a superb defensive player who also has a solid approach at the plate. He was batting .333/.390/.519 after 19 Grapefruit League games. Last season, he batted .317/.392/.469 at Class A Dunedin, Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo. That earned him a September trial at Toronto, where he hit .231/.302/.436 in 17 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the Diamond'

When a series of favorable baseball betting conditions emerge, the sports betting community takes notice. Such a case arises in Tuesday's matchup that has Dodgers Zack Greinke taking on the San Diego Padres and lefty Tyler Ross. The Dodgers' hurler heads to the mound with a solid 5-1 Teams Start Record vs Padres since his arrival in 2013. Greinke also hits the rubber with a near perfect 10-1 TSR in April tossing for Dodgers/Brewers. On the other mound, Ross has not been so lucky as he has seen Padres drop his last five starts against Dodgers and 5-of-6 since putting on a Friar uniform. MLB handicappers digging deeper will also find Dodgers thrive at home during April (11-2) while Padres struggle on the road the first month of play (2-8). Final few betting nuggets favoring L.A. The Dodgers have not only made their mark swinging away at a southpaw starter at home recently (6-2) but also have a sparkling 11-3 record last fourteen hosting Padres.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Baseball Betting: Streaks, Tips, Notes

St Louis at Chicago Cubs April 7, 08:00 EST

After dropping a 3-0 decision to the Cardinals in its highly anticipated season opener Sunday night the Cubbies look to get in the win column when they resume the series Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.

Cubbies send Jake Arrieta to the mound who's been tough on the Cardinals allowing three earned runs over 29 1/3 innings to go 2-0 in five starts (3-2 TSR). Cardinals counter with with Lance Lynn sporting a 7-3 Team Start Record vs Chicago and a smart 12-3 TSR during the month of April.

Lynn's numbers make it a challenge going against St Louis. However, Cardinals have not responded with the hurler in this situation. Cardinals are 1-6 in Lynn's last seven starts as a road underdog, 1-4 in game two of a series. Consider Chicago knowing Cubs have won 9-of-11 at home w/Arrieta following a team loss the previous effort.

 

[iromero89]

WiseguyNetwork

WTA Gallovits-Hall +5

53 NY Islanders -127

56 Ottawa Senators -114

58 Detroit/Kings ML Parlay -106

953 St. Louis Cardinals +114

954 St Louis/Cubs u6.5

955 Colorado Rockies +142

958 Arizona Diamondbacks +130

960 SD Padres +156

962 Tampa Bay Rays -104

964 Texas/Oakland u7.5

965 LA Angels +126

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds and Predictions: Tuesday, April 7 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

So you are the Golden State Warriors. You have nothing whatsoever to play for on Tuesday night in New Orleans. Do you rest some guys and “let” the Pelicans beat you to improve their chances of winning the No. 8 seed in the West? Maybe the Warriors would prefer to face New Orleans in the first round of the playoffs instead of having to deal with Oklahoma City and Russell Westbrook. I would think that’s the Warriors would much prefer the inexperienced Pelicans. We shall see. Here’s a look at every game on Tuesday.

Suns at Hawks (-8.5, 203)

Atlanta destroyed Brooklyn 131-99 on Saturday to tie a franchise record with its 57th win of the season. However, forward Paul Millsap, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, hurt his shoulder and will not play in this one. Backup point guard Dennis Schroder also could miss a third straight game with a sprained left toe. The Suns have faint playoff hopes and ended a five-game losing streak with Saturday’s 87-85 home win over Utah. Gerald Green led Phoenix with 24 points off the bench. Phoenix again played without center Alex Len and guard Brandon Knight, and neither is expected here. Phoenix lost 96-87 at home to Atlanta on March 13. Millsap led six Hawks in double figures with 23 points. The Suns led by eight entering the fourth quarter. Knight missed that one too.

Key trends: The Suns are 5-1 against the spread in their past six road games. Atlanta is 1-7 ATS in its past eight following an ATS win. Phoenix has covered five of its past six in Atlanta. The “over/under” has gone over in seven of Atlanta’s past eight on Tuesday.

Early lean: Suns and over.



Hornets at Heat (TBA)

Miami is 10th in the East, a game behind No. 8 Boston with Charlotte a half game behind the Heat but tied in the loss column. The Hornets come off a 92-91 escape on Saturday against Philadelphia. Gerald Henderson won it on a layup with six seconds left. Coach Steve Clifford said Henderson was actually the last option on the play. Charlotte played without center Al Jefferson, but I’d be surprised if he’s not back for this important game. Miami lost a fourth straight Sunday, 112-89 in Indiana. The Heat were without big men Hassan Whiteside (cut right hand) and Chris Andersen (bruised left foot). I expect them back here as well. The Hornets lead the season series 2-1, with all three low-scoring games.

Key trends: Charlotte is 0-5 ATS in its past five after a win. The Heat are 0-5 ATS in their past five Tuesday games. The over is 5-0 in the past five meetings in Miami.

Early lean: Wait on the status of the big guys.



Warriors at Pelicans (+4.5, 205)

New Orleans’ four-game winning streak ended Saturday, 99-90 at Portland. The Pelicans remain a half game back of Oklahoma City for the West’s final playoff spot. New Orleans hasn’t won in Portland since 2010. It’s possible that guard Jrue Holiday returns from his long injury absence on Tuesday. Golden State’s 12-game winning streak ended Sunday in San Antonio, 107-92, the Warriors’ amazing 32nd straight loss there. It honestly wasn’t even that close as the Spurs led by as many as 28. Warriors guard Shaun Livingston did not play, serving a one-game suspension for hitting Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki in the groin on Saturday night. Golden State leads the season series with New Orleans 3-0.

Key trends: The Warriors have covered seven of their past nine in New Orleans. The under is 6-2 in the past eight meetings overall.

Early lean: Pelicans and under.



Spurs at Thunder (+5.5, 217)

Oklahoma City lost a third straight Sunday, 115-112 at home to Houston. Russell Westbrook finished with 40 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds. It was his 11th triple-double of the season and the 18th of his career. His nine triple-doubles in a 20-game span are the most in such a stretch since Chicago’s Michael Jordan had 11 in 15 games from March 25-April 21, 1989. The Spurs are starting to look championship-caliber again, beating the Warriors by 15 on Sunday for their seventh straight win. Kawhi Leonard was the best player on the floor with 26 points and seven steals. Spurs center Tiago Splitter (tightness, right calf) sat out and is expected to miss the team’s next three games at least. The Spurs and Thunder have split two meetings. San Antonio just crushed OKC by 39 on March 25.

Key trends: The Spurs are 1-9 ATS in the past 10 in OKC. The under is 6-1 in the past seven meetings there.

Early lean: Smells like a letdown game for San Antonio.



Timberwolves at Kings (TBA)

Sacramento lost a fifth straight Sunday, 101-95 to Utah despite 26 points and 12 rebounds from DeMarcus Cousins. Rudy Gay missed third consecutive game with a concussion, but he’s close to returning. Minnesota dropped a sixth straight Friday, 97-84 to Orlando. Kevin Martin returned from a six-game injury absence, but the injury-ravaged Wolves had just eight players healthy. Minnesota was missing Ricky Rubio, Kevin Garnett, Gorgui Dieng, Shabazz Muhammad, Anthony Bennett, Gary Neal and Nikola Pekovic because of injuries. Couple of those guys are done for the year. The Kings lead the season series 2-0.

Key trends: The road team is 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings. The over is 11-3 in the Kings’ past 14 after a loss.

Early lean: Kings will win.



Lakers at Clippers (-16.5, 207)

The Lakers lost a third straight Sunday, 106-78 to these Clippers. If it matters, the Lakers were the home team then and the Clippers the road club. The Clippers led by as many as 43 in handing the Lakers their franchise-record 56th loss. It was the Clippers’ sixth straight win over their Staples Center co-tenants. The Lakers have lost 10 of their past 11 games against the Clippers after winning 143 of the first 192 meetings. Clippers guard Jamal Crawford missed a 17th straight game with a bruised calf Sunday but it does look as if he will return Tuesday.

Key trends: The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 4-1 in the Lakers’ past five against teams with a winning record.

Early lean: Hard to imagine the Lakers playing that lousy a second straight against their rivals. Take the points and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cappers tell you how to safely bet early-season MLB

Baseball is here, firing the starting gun on what is a marathon for bettors that stretches the spring, summer and fall. The MLB season is filled with peaks and valleys, however, if those valleys come too soon into the schedule, you won’t even have a shot at hitting those peaks.

Navigating the early baseball schedule is one of the toughest tasks for sports bettors, and in order to help you survive April and May we’ve asked some of Covers Experts’ sharpest MLB handicappers to share their best tips for betting early-season baseball:

Sean Murphy – “Don’t get caught playing big favorites on a nightly basis. Even the best teams lose close to 40 percent of their games. It’s a major cliche, but the MLB season is a marathon – not a sprint. Try to grind out profits by playing undervalued underdogs and you’ll find the 162-game grind far more enjoyable.”

Marc Lawrence – “Among my early baseball betting strategies is charting pitchers form coming out of Spring Training. While the effort in spring isn’t a true barometer of a pitcher’s ability, it often points to those who are sharp and those who are not. Pitchers with WHIPS at or below 1.00 tend to be around the plate. Those with WHIPS at or above 1.80 are not. Couple the good WHIPS with commanding K/W’s and you generally have an arm you can rely on. On the flip side, those with lousy WHIPS and bad K/W’s are early fade material.

Nick Parsons – “Be patient. Wait for teams to go through the rotation once. Even in that small amount of time, you can glean a lot of information – not only about the starters, but also the pen, the closers and the team itself. MLB gamblers should wait a week and a half before making any serious bets.”

Ben Burns – “Some handicappers ignore spring training entirely. Not me. In fact, I spent last spring in the Clearwater/Tampa area taking in Grapefruit League action and this spring in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, checking out the Cactus League. I pay particular attention to starting pitchers that have shown improvement throughout the spring and who are coming off a strong outing in their final tuneup.”

Steve Merril – “When handicapping the first few weeks of the MLB season, pay attention to how the starting pitchers performed in Spring Training. Players that struggled often have it carry over into the start of the regular season. Many times it is a player who is out of shape or maybe recovering from an injury or just hasn’t gotten rid of the offseason rust. Regardless of the reason, be careful of backing a struggling player, especially a starting pitcher, until you see them turn things around in regular games.”

Jesse Schule – “I find that often one of the most important stats in handicapping baseball games is a pitcher’s numbers in day and night. There are so many examples of Major League pitchers that are Jekyll-and-Hyde depending on the time of day. I think this is often overlooked, and I recommend paying close attention to these stats.”

Doc’s Sports – “One of the keys to betting early season baseball is to be very cautious and wait for only the best opportunities. It can be difficult to get a good read on each team early on, but if you can find the teams that seem to be swinging a hot bat or who have a starting pitcher in a nice early groove, then you’re ahead of the game. There aren’t a ton of these situations in the first few weeks, so it’s important to be patient and only get your money in when it makes sense. No one wants to start the baseball season in a huge hole by the end of April. It’s a long season and there will be plenty of chances to find good bets throughout. Be patient and pay close attention to which teams seem to be in mid-season form early on.”

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Spurs at Thunder

San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder (+5,5, 216)

San Antonio has posted seven consecutive victories and 17 in the last 20 games and is in sixth place in the West while trailing the fifth-place Los Angeles Clippers by a half-game. The Spurs drubbed the Thunder 130-91 on March 25 when they shot 58 percent from the field and made 13-of-21 from 3-point range. Oklahoma City can’t afford too many stumbles if it expects to hold off the Pelicans and coach Scott Brooks grasps the situation. “Every night has playoff implications but that’s been our mentality for seven years now,” Brooks told reporters. “You treat every game the same, you focus on every game and pay attention to detail.”

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT, FSN Oklahoma City (Oklahoma)

LINE HISTORY: Most shops opened the Thunder as 4.5-point road dogs and the total at 217. A few hours later, those numbers were sitting at +5.5, 216.

POWER RANKINGS: Spurs (-10.4) – Thunder (-7.5) + home court (-3.0) = Thunder -0.1

INJURY REPORT: Spurs – C Tiago Splitter (Out, calf).

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: “Here come the champs, who are peaking at the right time. They went 12-3 SU/11-4 ATS in March and every SU win, but one, came by double digits.” Bryan Power.

ABOUT THE SPURS (51-26): San Antonio’s 39-point beat down of Oklahoma City was the beginning of the seven-game winning streak that has seen each game decided by double digits. The Spurs have an average victory margin of 20.3 points during the stretch with the most recent win being Sunday’s 107-92 decision over the Golden State Warriors. Small forward Kawhi Leonard has been a standout with 20 or more points in four of the last five games and he tied his career high of 26 points against Golden State while recording a career-best seven steals.

ABOUT THE THUNDER (42-35): Backup guard Anthony Morrow has made six 3-pointers in two of the past three games and is averaging 22.3 points during the stretch. “He’s obviously on fire from 3-point range,” Brooks told reporters. “He gives you effort every night, he competes on both ends, that’s what you have to do. He’s making his 3s and Russell (Westbrook) and our guys are finding him.” Morrow’s sharpshooting on the perimeter has helped soften the loss of Kevin Durant for the season and he has scored in double digits in 13 of the past 14 games.

TRENDS:

* Under is 6-1 in the last seven meetings in Oklahoma City.
* Spurs are 1-9 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Oklahoma City.
* Spurs are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games overall.
* Over is 7-1-1 in Thunder last nine home games.

CONSENSUS: 52 percent of users are backing the Spurs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GoodFella | MLB Money Line Tuesday, 4/7/2015 7:10 PM

961 BAL vs 962 TAM
Analysis:
PERSONAL PLAY on BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Listed Pitchers

I am not very high on this ‘stripped down’ Tampa Bay club. These Orioles handled them yesterday with ease & did not have to use their top bullpen arms (much at all) either. I like Chen to limit this anemic Rays offense this evening & hand the ball over to the O’s best bullpen arms to close the game out. Again, the bottom line for me is (the price) and I have this game lined Baltimore -120 so VALUE for me here.

Note: Possible ‘upgrade’ to a premium client play later in the day, too.

 

[betandwin2323]

VegasLineReader

NBA Top Play: New Orleans Pelicans +5

MLB Top Play: Atlanta Braves ML +130