Most of the teams in MLB are still in the playoff mix with only a little more than a month remaining in the season. Each series, each game takes on more significance. I will look at four games on August 24, with the Cubs at the Diamondbacks in the headlined matchup.
Boston Red Sox versus Miami Marlins
Both teams enter third in their respective divisions. The Red Sox are 4-2 over the last six and “average up” on the Team Strength Oscillator, while the Marlins are 3-3 and “average” over the same stretch. The teams have been involved in games “over” the line in nine of the last 12, and the Red Sox have a large scoring differential edge of +97 to +15. Miami is very good at home with a 39-25 mark, while Boston is excellent on the road at 37-27. The Marlins are the more stable team, at +18 to +3 on the Team Volatility Oscillator, but the Red Sox are +20 to +15 on the Power Ranks Indicator. I like the Red Sox by a run or two in a game “over” the line.
Chicago Cubs versus Arizona Diamondbacks
The Cubs are in excellent position in the playoff race, but have struggled to 2-4 lately and “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Diamondbacks are far behind in the NL West, but have won two straight and “burning hot” status. Arizona is +25 to +22 on the Power Ranks Indicator, but the Cubs have a huge scoring differential edge of +99 to +13. The Cubs road record is 36-28 is nearly as good as the Diamondbacks’ record of 37-27 at home. The Cubs swept the Diamondbacks earlier this season, although Arizona is the more stable team at +7 to +3 on the Team Volatility Oscillator. The teams are trending on opposite sides of the “over/under” line. I like Arizona in this one to keep the Cubs reeling a bit, but will pass on the “over/under” bet.
Philadelphia Phillies versus Seattle Mariners
The Phillies come in as one of the hottest teams in the league, 6-0 over the last six and “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Seattle has also played well, “average up” status after a recent 4-2 stretch. The Phillies are +27 to +9 on the Power Ranks Indicator. The teams are trending in games “over” the line with a score prediction of 9-1 in favor of the Phillies with over 70 percent confidence. Philadelphia has a scoring differential edge of +16 to -45, and also has a better road record than the Mariners’ home record. They are also one of the most stable teams in the league, at +32 on the Team Volatility Oscillator. I like the Phillies to continue to ride their hot streak, in a game “over” the line.
Cleveland Guardians versus Los Angeles Angels
Here’s a story of two teams heading in opposite directions. Cleveland is “burning hot” and only 4.5 games out in the AL Central, while Los Angeles is “average down” and 14 out in the AL West. The teams are trending on opposite sides of the “over/under” line, while both teams are in the red in scoring differential. Peter Messick is scheduled to pitch for Cleveland. He is 9-8 and despite a 2.54 ERA is a poor bet, coming in at -$208 on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. The Guardians are even on the road, while the Angels are 29-36 at home. Cleveland swept Los Angeles at home earlier this season with a combined run total of only 20 over the three games. I like Cleveland to continue their streak over Los Angeles in a game “under” the line.
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