Four of the six MLB divisions have teams within two games of first place. As the final quarter of the season approaches, every series become increasingly important. Here’s some of the match ups for the weekend of August 17 – 19. Note that all information is for games played through August 14.
Chicago Cubs versus Pittsburgh Pirates
The Cubs hold a two-game lead in the NL Central, while the Pirates look to close the gap in the division. Chicago holds a +24 to +15 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Pittsburgh is 4-6 over the last ten games and are the ninth most unstable team in the league according to the Team Volatility Oscillator. Scheduled to start for the Cubs are Cole Hamels, Mike Montgomery, Jose Quintana. The Pirates intend to counter with Trevor Williams, Joe Musgrove and Jameson Taillon. Hamels, Williams and Taillon have all been good bets according to the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. Chicago has a better road record than the Pirates do at home. Combine that with the fact the the Cubs are the better team has me picking the Cubs to win the series two games to one.
Colorado Rockies versus Atlanta Braves
Colorado tries to keep pace with the Dodgers in the NL West and the Braves hold a two-game lead over the Phillies in NL East. The Rockies are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +19 on the Power Ranking Indicator, while the Braves are “average up” and +22. Betting for or against based on favorite/underdog status in this series is not wise, as both teams are among the most unstable teams in the league. All three schedule Rockies’ starters (Kyle Freeland, Chad Bettis, German Marquez) are in the green on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. Sean Newcomb, Mike Foltynewicz and Anibal Sanchez as scheduled to go for the Braves. Avoid betting on Sanchez, as he is -2040 on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. Colorado should go into Atlanta and take two of three.
Milwaukee Brewers versus St. Louis Cardinals
This battle features two teams fighting for position in the NL Central. The Cardinals are 9-1 over their last ten and are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator. They hold a +23 to +17 advantage over the Brewers on the Power Ranking Indicator, who are 5-5 over their last ten. Both clubs ranked among the most unstable teams in the league. Of the six scheduled starters this weekend, only Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta and the Cardinals’ Mike Mikolas are in the green on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. In a nearly even match up, either team could take this series with nearly equal probability. Having said that, neither team will sweep and I pick the Cardinals, holding home field advantage.
Houston Astros versus Oakland A’s
In the best match up this weekend, the Astros hold a one game lead over the A’s in the NL West. Houston is just 4-6 over their last ten and are “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. On the flip side, Oakland is “burning hot” thanks to an 8-2 stretch. The fifth most stable team in the league, one would be wise to look closely at the favorite/underdog status of the Astros this weekend. Somewhat of a surprise, of the scheduled starters this weekend, only Dallas Keuchel (+969) is a good bet according to the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. The Astros have the best road record in the league at 41-18. They will win this series, two games to one to maintain their lead in the division.
Los Angeles Dodgers versus Seattle Mariners
The Dodgers have lost five straight to drop to two games out in the NL West. They are “ice cold down” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Seattle is 6-4 over their last ten and hold a +28 to +15 advantage over the Dodgers on the Power Ranking Indicator. Rich Hill and Clayton Kershaw have been good bets, while the Dodgers’ scheduled starter for Friday, Walker Buehler has been mediocre at best on the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. Seattle is scheduled to start Wade LeBlanc, Erasmo Ramirez and Marco Gonzales, all in the green in terms of pitcher profit. Avoid looking at the favorite/underdog status for Los Angeles this weekend since they are the fourth most unstable team in the league. Seattle should walk away with a series win.
Toronto Blue Jays versus New York Yankees
Although the Yankees have the second best record in baseball, they are ten games out in the AL East. At 7-3 over their last ten, they are “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator and +27 on the Power Ranking Indicator. The Blue Jays are “ice cold up” and +8, respectively on those oscillators. Both teams are among the most stable teams in the league, which means betting on the Yankees as favorites this weekend is a smart move. Marcus Stroman is schedule on Friday and Ryan Borucki on Sunday for the Blue Jays, while the team is undecided for Saturday. Lance Lynn, Luis Severino and JA Happ are slated for the Yankees. Only Borucki and Happ have been solid bets according to the Pitcher Profit Oscillator. The Yankees just have too much and don’t be surprised to see a series sweep this weekend.
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