MLB Picks: New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox

Two plays in one here, as I like the Yankees in an ABC progression and the under in this game. I think the way New York is hitting, the under nine line looks good, expecting Kuroda to bounce back here. If not, we have Tanaka in a C bet if it gets that far, but statistically, even on the road, what are the odds the Yanks get swept here?

I think we have a nice statistical edge worth pursuing here. We start with a low confidence A bet, and chase through ...

MLB Picks: Arizona Diamondbacks at St. Louis Cardinals

This is a nice opportunity for a progression, though typically we like to save our aces for later in the series. We lead with Wainwright in the A bet and will chase with Wacha and Lynn if it comes to it.

The Dbacks are not very good on the road and the Cardinals are one of the most consistent teams in baseball. That’s good enough for me, despite limited line value and a tricky pitching matchup or two.

The computer disagrees and finds no value in this series. As such, we temper ...

MLB Picks: LA Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks, Progression

MLB Picks: LA Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks, Progression Opportunity

I don’t think any teams in baseball can beat the one-two punch of Zach Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. On the road, this line is dripping with value, and with a little computer support, I like a progression starting Friday in Arizona.

Greinke has been one of the most consistent pitchers this year, while the Dodgers have fended off sweeps with the best teams in baseball. The lineup can be a little streaky, so this ABC opportunity is certainly not without risk, but the opportunity to bankroll a quick and easy win ...

MLB Picks and Predictions: San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres

MLB Picks and Betting Tips: San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres

A while ago, I started a system for avoiding the slop of the MLB. We called it “Two Bad Teams No Bet”… it’s a personal theory of mine that when two poor rosters get together the game reaches a level of volatility and unpredictability that makes betting it not worth while.

This series is a perfect example of why we stay away. The same is true of the Twins’ sweep of the Royals last week. Errors, bullpen collapses, silent lineups… they all happen in unexpected ways when you ...

MLB Picks: Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox

Tricky game, and I’ve got no progression here. This is a lesson in my approach more than anything. With Sale and Paulino next in line, there is no statistical edge to this game. You can try to flat bet this once and beat the house, but our strength in baseball is monitoring match ups over the long term. I don’t like this game.

That said, on a day with little else, it’s a decent play to take the Indians here. They’re on the road, but there’s value in the line. The computer gives ...

MLB and NHL Picks Contest ($100): First Round Update Orioles at Yankees

NHL and MLB Picks Contest: First Round Standings Update – Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees

The Baltimore Orioles erupted and destroyed the New York Yankees. We had 26 participants and only a handful of winners, congrats to you guys listed below. It’s the first round of a long contest, keep trying! This should be a fun one as we combine our MLB and NHL Picks contest.

Remember to like both pages! Our MLB Picks page is here: https://www.facebook.com/ZcodeMLBpicks?ref=hl

And this is our NHL Picks page: https://www.facebook.com/ZcodeNHLpicks

One Win:

Jackson Fisher ...

MLB Picks Contest ($100 Prize): Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees

MLB Picks Contest (With NHL), Round One: Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees on April 8th

I’m posting slightly earlier than usual to try to bring some attention to the contest. It starts tomorrow. Simply comment on our MLB Picks page on the post pinned to the top.

Here is the Z-Code output for the game and my analysis. Formally, I’m not betting this game but my lean for the contest would be the Yankees. The computer agrees with me, but I have my hesitations.

With five-star support to the Yankees and a 58% chance to win, the computer likes ...

MLB Picks: San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers

We were right to stay away from this series, as this game represents a very dangerous sweep situation where the Dodgers have been heavily favored in each game and looked to be the better team all along. These intense divisional rivalries sometimes yield results like that, and sweeps are somewhat common with teams this familiar with so much hate involved. This should be an exciting one.

The way I see it, the Dodgers have “C bet” statistical edges here at home in one of the best rivalries in sports. While we ...

2014 MLB Predictions: Basic Strategy For Winning Baseball Picks

2014 MLB Predictions: Basic Strategy For A Winning Baseball System

When I first got to Z-Code, I was a little bit out of control. I was profitable each season, but I was leaving money on the table. I was placing a bet on every hockey game, sometimes as little as five dollars per play, and I was publishing a pick for all posts. I’ve since learned discretion, and it’s made me the proven, consistent handicapper I am now. We’re up 20 units in NHL this season as my forum comes to a close.

My baseball system evolved as well. I thought that progressions and chase systems were scams and I was determined to prove to the handicapping world that flat betting could be profitable as well. I did that, and posted profit each of my seasons of publishing bets. Last year, however, I decided to introduce ABC progressions to my traditional AB doubles and flat bets. I still posted profits ...

2014 MLB Predictions – National League: LA Dodgers Will Dominate

2014 MLB Predictions – National League: Dodgers Top Mediocre NL

I’ve always been an American League guy. It’s not that I think the DH makes for better games, but my favorite teams and rivalries have always been in the AL. This year, in an unbiased and professional way, I just don’t think the NL is nearly as competitive from top to bottom. I like a couple teams, but mostly, I think the elite will distance themselves quite easily from an abundance of mediocrity. Let’s have a look:

NL East:

1. Atlanta Braves (92-70): The loss of Medlen for the season is going to hurt an otherwise stacked pitching rotation, and the lineup is filled with the usual suspects. I think Heyward and Freeman are good enough to carry this team, but I had much higher hopes when the rotation was healthy. They’ll be good, but can they compete with the Dodgers for the pennant? I’m not sure they have nearly ...