Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Wednesday
DIAMONDBACKS (De La Rosa) at PIRATES (Locke) 7:05 PM
Take: DIAMONDBACKS +108
Rubby De La Rosa has always had the big arm and lots of potential. Putting the pieces together for the Arizona righty hasn’t been so easy, and he’s endured some pretty rough stretches while wearing a few different uniforms. But 2016 might be the breakout for De La Rosa. He has displayed some substantial improvement in a variety of areas and while I don’t know that he’s ever going to be an ace, Rubby is establishing himself as a solid rotation piece for the Snakes. The big improvement for Rubby DLR has been his ability to handle lefty hitters, which had been a huge issue for him previously.
The same cannot be said for Pirates lefty Jeff Locke. I will be surprised if Locke remains in the Pittsburgh rotation for much longer as there are a couple of prime young prospects on the way. Locke just hasn’t been able to achieve any consistency and his 2016 numbers are simply lousy.
If you’re into the metrics, this is a pretty clear cut choice on the pitching front. De La Rosa is well more than one run better than Locke right down the line, pretty much regardless of what criteria one gives the most weight to, and yet he’s the underdog in this matchup.
There’s always something negative, it seems, and my one concern here is up the middle with Jean Segura certainly out for this game and I would suspect Nick Ahmed will be sitting it out as well. Hopefully, that won’t be the difference in this clash, although I certainly don’t like the idea of my side being without Segura, who is a real key at the top of the order.
The Diamondbacks were absolutely destroyed on Tuesday night, so I’m hoping that humiliation will get them charged up for some quick revenge tonight against the Bucs. Certainly there’s always the chance De La Rosa steps backward for an evening, or Locke could throw it well for a change. But on paper, there’s a big edge for De La Rosa against Locke and I’m catching a small plus on the money line to boot. I’ll give Rubby a roll here and will back the Diamondbacks tonight.
Bonus Play Wednesday
DIAMONDBACKS (De La Rosa) at PIRATES (Locke) 7:05 PM
Take: DIAMONDBACKS +108
Rubby De La Rosa has always had the big arm and lots of potential. Putting the pieces together for the Arizona righty hasn’t been so easy, and he’s endured some pretty rough stretches while wearing a few different uniforms. But 2016 might be the breakout for De La Rosa. He has displayed some substantial improvement in a variety of areas and while I don’t know that he’s ever going to be an ace, Rubby is establishing himself as a solid rotation piece for the Snakes. The big improvement for Rubby DLR has been his ability to handle lefty hitters, which had been a huge issue for him previously.
The same cannot be said for Pirates lefty Jeff Locke. I will be surprised if Locke remains in the Pittsburgh rotation for much longer as there are a couple of prime young prospects on the way. Locke just hasn’t been able to achieve any consistency and his 2016 numbers are simply lousy.
If you’re into the metrics, this is a pretty clear cut choice on the pitching front. De La Rosa is well more than one run better than Locke right down the line, pretty much regardless of what criteria one gives the most weight to, and yet he’s the underdog in this matchup.
There’s always something negative, it seems, and my one concern here is up the middle with Jean Segura certainly out for this game and I would suspect Nick Ahmed will be sitting it out as well. Hopefully, that won’t be the difference in this clash, although I certainly don’t like the idea of my side being without Segura, who is a real key at the top of the order.
The Diamondbacks were absolutely destroyed on Tuesday night, so I’m hoping that humiliation will get them charged up for some quick revenge tonight against the Bucs. Certainly there’s always the chance De La Rosa steps backward for an evening, or Locke could throw it well for a change. But on paper, there’s a big edge for De La Rosa against Locke and I’m catching a small plus on the money line to boot. I’ll give Rubby a roll here and will back the Diamondbacks tonight.
Jim Feist
Jim Feist's Comp MLB Pick, Wednesday, May 25, 2016 7:10 PM
(929) MIAMI MARLINS VS (930) TAMPA BAY RAYS
Take: Over
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Wednesday, May 25, 2016 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Miami Marlins and the Rays in Tampa Bay. This small park, great for hitters, and Miami picks up the DH for this series. Miami is fifth in baseball in on base percentage, but the pitching is young and suspect, No. 17 in team ERA. The over is 35-16-2 in the Marlins last 53 vs. a team with a losing record. Starter John Nicolino has failed to complete six innings in either of his past two starts Tampa Bay is home, on a 10-1-2 run over the total. Starter Matt Andriese allowed four runs on five hits, walking two and striking out three while lasting just 5.1 innings in a 7-5 win over Detroit on Friday night. And the Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Tampa Bay. Play Miami/Tampa Bay Over the total.
Jim Feist's Comp MLB Pick, Wednesday, May 25, 2016 7:10 PM
(929) MIAMI MARLINS VS (930) TAMPA BAY RAYS
Take: Over
Reason: Your Bonus Play for Wednesday, May 25, 2016 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Miami Marlins and the Rays in Tampa Bay. This small park, great for hitters, and Miami picks up the DH for this series. Miami is fifth in baseball in on base percentage, but the pitching is young and suspect, No. 17 in team ERA. The over is 35-16-2 in the Marlins last 53 vs. a team with a losing record. Starter John Nicolino has failed to complete six innings in either of his past two starts Tampa Bay is home, on a 10-1-2 run over the total. Starter Matt Andriese allowed four runs on five hits, walking two and striking out three while lasting just 5.1 innings in a 7-5 win over Detroit on Friday night. And the Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Tampa Bay. Play Miami/Tampa Bay Over the total.
Mike Lundin
Mets vs Nationals
5* MLB Free Pick New York Mets
The New York Mets have won six straight Steven Matz starts. I think they'll make it seven on the bounce as they take on the Washington Nationals in the rubber match of this three-game series between the two division foes Wednesday afternoon.
Matz (6-1, 2.81 ERA) will make his first start against the Nats and has allowed just a total of six runs in six starts since struggling through his season-debut. The left-hander was forced to skip a start due to elbow soreness but came back fresh as a dasiy in Friday's 3-2 win against Milwaukee with just two runs on three hits conceded with eight Ks over seven innings of work.
The Nats turn to Tanner Roark (3-3, 2.89) who has struggled with his consistency this season. Roark has surrendered four runs or more in four of his nine starts but just two in the other five. He was tagged with seven runs on eight hits in five innings of a 7-1 loss to the Fish his last time out in front of the home fans.
Roark followed that up by tossing 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball at Miami on Friday, but we can note that the Nationals are 0-8 in Roark's last eight starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Mets vs Nationals
5* MLB Free Pick New York Mets
The New York Mets have won six straight Steven Matz starts. I think they'll make it seven on the bounce as they take on the Washington Nationals in the rubber match of this three-game series between the two division foes Wednesday afternoon.
Matz (6-1, 2.81 ERA) will make his first start against the Nats and has allowed just a total of six runs in six starts since struggling through his season-debut. The left-hander was forced to skip a start due to elbow soreness but came back fresh as a dasiy in Friday's 3-2 win against Milwaukee with just two runs on three hits conceded with eight Ks over seven innings of work.
The Nats turn to Tanner Roark (3-3, 2.89) who has struggled with his consistency this season. Roark has surrendered four runs or more in four of his nine starts but just two in the other five. He was tagged with seven runs on eight hits in five innings of a 7-1 loss to the Fish his last time out in front of the home fans.
Roark followed that up by tossing 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball at Miami on Friday, but we can note that the Nationals are 0-8 in Roark's last eight starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Scott Spreitzer
ARI vs PIT
Bonus Play OVER 8.5
I'm recommending a play on the Over between the D-backs and Pirates on Wednesday. Pirate hurler Jeff Locke threw a decent game last time out, but that was against the lowly Braves. He went into the outing with a 5.45 ERA and still has a WHIP of nearly 1.60 on the season. Locke, a lefty, will face an Arizona lineup that's been at its best on the road. The Diamondbacks rank in the top-nine in MLB in road batting average, OBP, and OPS. They have also clocked southpaws all season, ranked in the top-six in the same three offensive categories. In fact, they have been dynamite at the plate against left-handers since the start of the 2015 season. Rubby De La Rosa counters for Arizona and will face one of the best offensive home teams in the game. The right-handers' road work has not been too hot since he start of the 2013 season, whether starting or coming out of the pen. We expect Pittsburgh to get to him in his first outing since May 15 (groin). Then there's the case of the Diamondback bullpen, which owns one of the highest ERA's in the entire league and will have to work at PNC, the park with the 9th highest OPS in MLB. Arizona has played to the Over in five straight road games, while the Bucs have sailed Over in seven straight Jeff Locke home starts. I'm recommending a play on the Over between the D-backs & Pirates on Wednesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
ARI vs PIT
Bonus Play OVER 8.5
I'm recommending a play on the Over between the D-backs and Pirates on Wednesday. Pirate hurler Jeff Locke threw a decent game last time out, but that was against the lowly Braves. He went into the outing with a 5.45 ERA and still has a WHIP of nearly 1.60 on the season. Locke, a lefty, will face an Arizona lineup that's been at its best on the road. The Diamondbacks rank in the top-nine in MLB in road batting average, OBP, and OPS. They have also clocked southpaws all season, ranked in the top-six in the same three offensive categories. In fact, they have been dynamite at the plate against left-handers since the start of the 2015 season. Rubby De La Rosa counters for Arizona and will face one of the best offensive home teams in the game. The right-handers' road work has not been too hot since he start of the 2013 season, whether starting or coming out of the pen. We expect Pittsburgh to get to him in his first outing since May 15 (groin). Then there's the case of the Diamondback bullpen, which owns one of the highest ERA's in the entire league and will have to work at PNC, the park with the 9th highest OPS in MLB. Arizona has played to the Over in five straight road games, while the Bucs have sailed Over in seven straight Jeff Locke home starts. I'm recommending a play on the Over between the D-backs & Pirates on Wednesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.
Art Aronson
ARI vs PIT
1* Bonus Play OVER D-Backs/Pirates
The visitors hand the ball to Rubby De La Rosa (4-4, 3.53 ERA) who had his last start skipped because of a groin strain. In his last outing De La Rosa gave up one run over seven innings in victory over the Rockies last Tuesday. De La Rosa has been as solid as Arizona could possibly hope for since he was put into the rotation, but if he’s had one weak spot this season it’s been his play on the road where he’s a poor 2-3 with a pedestrian 4.19 ERA. The home side counters with Jeff Locke (2-3, 5.00) who held the punchless Braves to two runs off six hits over seven innings in the eventual victory on Thursday. Note though that Locke owns a poor 5.23 ERA in all “night” games thus far. Consistency from game to game is something neither of these starters has demonstrated and that does indeed make the OVER worthy of a second look in this matchup.
AAA Sports
ARI vs PIT
1* Bonus Play OVER D-Backs/Pirates
The visitors hand the ball to Rubby De La Rosa (4-4, 3.53 ERA) who had his last start skipped because of a groin strain. In his last outing De La Rosa gave up one run over seven innings in victory over the Rockies last Tuesday. De La Rosa has been as solid as Arizona could possibly hope for since he was put into the rotation, but if he’s had one weak spot this season it’s been his play on the road where he’s a poor 2-3 with a pedestrian 4.19 ERA. The home side counters with Jeff Locke (2-3, 5.00) who held the punchless Braves to two runs off six hits over seven innings in the eventual victory on Thursday. Note though that Locke owns a poor 5.23 ERA in all “night” games thus far. Consistency from game to game is something neither of these starters has demonstrated and that does indeed make the OVER worthy of a second look in this matchup.
AAA Sports
Marc Lawrence
Orioles vs Astros
Play - Baltimore w/Wilson vs.McHugh
Edges - Orioles: Tyler Wilson 4-1 away career team starts; and 2-0 away with 3.75 ERA and 1.08 WHIP this season. Astros: Colin McHugh 0-3 team starts versus A.L. East foes this season, and 5.13 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP this season. With Houston just 11-22 at night this season, and the Orioles 21-10 under the lights at night this campaign, we recommend a 1* play on Baltimore. Thank you and good luck as always.
Orioles vs Astros
Play - Baltimore w/Wilson vs.McHugh
Edges - Orioles: Tyler Wilson 4-1 away career team starts; and 2-0 away with 3.75 ERA and 1.08 WHIP this season. Astros: Colin McHugh 0-3 team starts versus A.L. East foes this season, and 5.13 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP this season. With Houston just 11-22 at night this season, and the Orioles 21-10 under the lights at night this campaign, we recommend a 1* play on Baltimore. Thank you and good luck as always.
International Fr 27May 19:45
| Ireland | v | Holland |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| 12/5 | 11/5 | 6/5 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSIN IRELAND | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
HWALADHW*HWHD Most recent
|
| ALAWHLAWHLAW Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: This Holland side is a pale imitation of previous Dutch teams and they failed to qualify for Euro 2016, so Ireland have little to fear. The hosts have conceded just three goals in their last seven matches at the Aviva Stadium, displaying the defensive characteristics expected of an Martin O’Neil outfit, so expect another low-scoring game.
RECOMMENDATION: Draw
1
International Fr 27May 19:45
| N Ireland | v | Belarus |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| BBC2 | Evs | 2 | 10/3 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSIN N IRELAND | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
HDHWADHWADHW Most recent
|
| ALHWAWHDADAD Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: Northern Ireland begin preparations for their first major tournament in 30 years with what should prove a confidence-building run out against Belarus. Their success is built upon a sturdy defence and they conceded just three goals in five home qualifiers, while their visitors have not scored in their last three road trips.
RECOMMENDATION: Northern Ireland
1
International Fr 27May 19:45
| England | v | Australia |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| ITV | 2/9 | 5 | 12 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSIN ENGLAND | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
AWALHWAWHLHW Most recent
|
| AWALHWAWHWHW Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: Australia will arrive in Sunderland with a makeshift squad shorn of their players who ply their trade in Asia, meaning Tim Cahill and Nathan Burns are among those who are sidelined. Ange Postecoglou’s team also don’t tend to go well in friendlies so England should land a comfortable win.
RECOMMENDATION: England-England double result
2
REFEREE: STADIUM: Stadium of Light
Championship Sa 28May 17:00
| Hull | v | Sheff Wed |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| TBC | 6/5 | 11/5 | 12/5 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
HDHWALHWAWHL Most recent
|
| HDADHWALHWAD Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: Seven of the last 15 Championship playoff finals have finished 1-0, which could be the best correct-score pick at Wembley with Hull earning a return to the Premier League at the expense of Sheffield Wednesday. There is a lot of experience in the Tigers’ ranks and they can edge a tight contest.
RECOMMENDATION: Hull to win 1-0
1
REFEREE: Robert Madley STADIUM: Wembley
Champions League Sa 28May 19:45
| Real Madrid | v | Atl Madrid |
| HOME | DRAW | AWAY | ||||
| BTEU | 7/5 | 21/10 | 11/5 | More markets |
| RECENT FORM | LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT ALL VENUES | RECENT FORM |
|---|---|---|
AWADAWHWHWAW Most recent
|
| HWHWHWALALHW Most recent
|
EXPERT VERDICT: Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid meet in the Champions League for a third consecutive season and Atleti look ready to avenge two painful defeats to their city rivals. Atletico showed their defensive fortitude in crucial wins over Barcelona and Bayern Munich and they are bound to make life difficult for Real in the final.
RECOMMENDATION: Atletico Madrid
2
REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg STADIUM:
