8-12-20

Arizona Diamondbacks at Colorado Rockies

Pick: Diamondbacks ML (-108)

Is it finally time for the D-backs to put it together? After going down 4-2 in the fourth inning, Arizona put the beating on Colorado, with their lead getting as large as 8 runs in the seventh inning. It was another rocky (no pun intended) start for Luke Weaver, but the bullpen held it’s own. Arizona’s offense is starting to come alive with Kole Calhoun and David Peralta starting to raise their batting averages. I’ll be even more encouraged by the 2020 Diamondbacks when Robbie Ray gets back into form and Nick Ahmed and Eduardo Escobar remember how to swing the bat.

As long as I keep seeing the D-backs are dogs or short favorites, I will continue to hammer them in spots like this. The Rockies are clearly over-performing and the D-backs are in prime position to start turning around their season. It’s not too late for them or for my over on their win total (30.5)

Final: 13-7 Diamondbacks

Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Indians

Pick: Cubs ML (+110)

This was a great spot to grab the Cubs at plus money. The offense has been humming of late, especially C Wilson Contreras and OF Ian Happ. It’s encouraging to see these guys off to such hot starts and I am curious to see if they can sustain it. Hendricks has been incredible to start the season and we were able to take advantage of an undervalued spot. Hendricks is historically worse on the road and many are looking for some regression out of the Cubbies. However, the Indians have quietly been one of the worst offenses in the league, significantly helping a soft-contact guy like Hendricks. This line moved down from +115 or so, and closed much closer to PK. Nothing wrong with capitalizing on a clearly sharp spot.

Final: 7-2 Cubs

Kansas City Royals at Cincinnati Reds

Pick: Royals ML (+100)

Who told you that the Royals were going to be halfway decent in 2020? I DID! Another sharp spot on the card, with heavy money moving towards the Royals and pushing this line all the way up to -105/-110 in some spots. The Royals took a commanding 5-0 league in the 6th inning, until the bullpen turned it into a real sweat. The bullpen is the most concerning part of this team, but they have been pitching well enough to get by thus far. Trevor Rosenthal has solidified himself as the closer for the Royals, a nice rebound from his rocky decline since his back to back 40-save campaigns with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015/16. He walked three Reds in the ninth inning, making this one a nail-biter, but in the end, got the job done with a clutch double-play.

Final: 5-4 Royals

Other Picks:
Over 9 – White Sox/ Tigers (-115) Win
Athletics ML (-110) Win
Bruins ML (-130) Win