MLB Picks: Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs, ABC Progression

MLB Picks: Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs

This series is a little bit tricky, because I do have some level of respect for the pitchers that the Cubs are going with. However, I don’t think Chicago has the roster to keep up with the Nats. Further, I think the Cubbies have been cold, even with these big arms.

I like the Nats to stay hot. I think they have to come to play here as they battle for midseason momentum and chase the Braves. Chicago is a weak team, and a sweep here would be a disaster. The Nats need a ...

MLB Picks Contest: Yankees Blue Jays Standing Update ($100 Prize)

MLB Picks Contest, $100 Prize: Yankees Blue Jays Standings Update

The Blue Jays are defending home field here and first in the AL East as the Yankees have really stumbled in this series. They got close, but they’re fading a bit and the lineup is ice cold. Hopefully my team can turn it around. Until then, here is a standings update for the contest. Remember, first to ten wins takes the $100 prize and all the glory that comes with being a Z-Code Facebook champion! haha.

Six Wins

Duane Atkinson

Five Wins

Alex Dionne ...

MLB Picks: Cincinnati Reds Vs Toronto Blue Jays

MLB Picks: Toronto Blue Jays at Cincinnati Reds

Surprised and disappointed by the eight-run collapse of the Cincinnati Reds in Game One, but I expect Game Two to go better. The computer has the same lukewarm feelings as it did in Game One, I still like the pitching matchup, and I sleep easy knowing Cueto is waiting for game three.

For me, Reds pitching combined with the cold bats of the Jays coming into this series makes a progression look good. The value in the line here makes it look great, and I think it’s best to continue with a ...

MLB Picks: Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays Progression

MLB Picks: Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays

I think the Rays have a pitching edge throughout this entire series, and they host one of the weakest teams in baseball. I recognize that a loss here in a progression likely means a $400 bet on game two with Price, but I’m confident they pull through.

The Astros have stumbled a bit lately and talk of them turning a corner seems to have been short lived. The pitching has faltered a bit, and they’re back on the road. I don’t think the worst team in baseball can take out these three pitchers ...

MLB Picks: Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves

Initially, we avoided this game because I didn’t like the way the pitching match ups shook up. I thought Atlanta was the much better team, but didn’t really see an edge in a progression-style wager in a series like this. These are divisional rivals, and the Braves lineup never amazes me. I think this is a dangerous series, and still a dangerous game, but I like the way this particular matchup shapes up after all the chaos of the first two games, and I expect this edge to carry through.

The Braves have ...

MLB Picks: Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates

MLB Picks: Cincinnati Reds Vs Pittsburgh Pirates

This is just a simple bet on a pitcher here for me. I think that Cueto is having a phenomenal year and he’s an ace and one of the best pitchers in baseball. He goes against a streaky lineup and there’s a good chance he shuts them down completely. The Reds may be the better team, but it’s close. What isn’t close is this distinct pitching edge and there’s some serious value in the line for a low confidence wager.

My worry is that there is not a strong signal from the computer ...

MLB Picks: LA Angels at Cleveland Indians

MLB Picks: LA Angels at Cleveland Indians, flat bet opportunity

I think the Angels are the better team, though they’re cold. The Indians have won two in a row and looked good with pitching edges to close out their last series, but I think this small element of momentum can be explained away. I’m on the Angels here, on the road, for the value in the line.

The Angels are the much bigger name and they bring their ace to a game that they would really like to stop the bleeding in. I think they have the deeper lineup for sure, and while I respect the potential of Bauer, I find Weaver to be a proven ace with a long track record of consistent pitching, even on the road.

I look for Weaver to control this game, and at -110 there’s too much value to ignore. Small bet for me here.

Angels 6 – Indians 3

MLB Picks: Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox Progression Opportunity

MLB Picks: Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox progression opportunity

There is great value here after a loss in Game One. The Tigers have the face of their rotation going and look to bounce back from a sloppy loss. They’re the better team and this line isn’t too bad. I like them here.

In my view, we’ve got a statistical edge here expecting the White Sox to not be able to sweep a team as deep and talented as the Tigers. Detroit has another pitching edge in this game, and I think they should be able to rally.

The computer doesn’t ...

MLB Picks: Pittsburgh Pirates at LA Dodgers

This game shapes up as a system pick for two reasons. First, I don’t think the Pirates can complete a four-game sweep against the LA Dodgers in Los Angeles in general. Second, I think the Dodgers are the better team and are in position with two of their best three pitchers going to close out this series. Against relative mediocrity, that’s a big edge with all things considered.

There’s value in the line and I think this is a good spot for an AB Doubler. The Dodgers should be able to turn things ...

MLB Picks: LA Angels at Seattle Mariners

I think the Angels are one of the greatest anomalies of our time. They have a great coach, an expensive lineup, a solid rotation, and what is supposed to be a decent bullpen. They still keep finding a way to lose games and miss the playoffs.

Of their expensive roster full of failures, the only players I really trust is Weaver. He takes the mound against a weak lineup on the road with some value in the line. I like this game, though I hate these teams and never seem to have ...