We're just doing what we do. Baseball still in progress -- could use that free Angels play for a sweep, as Cron first-pitch swinging with the bases loaded and Quintana struggling with command.
We're now 7-1-1 in NFL Preseason - NFL Packages are here.
We'll add thoughts later in the day -
951 ATL1.5 (-125) Pinnacle vs 952 CHC
Pirates-Giants: The Giants bats (headed to Thursday night) have gone cold, and now no Hunter Pence. Pirates are 41-19 at home and BOTH teams fare well against LHP's. Bumgarner's stock might never have been higher this year after two GCSO's - but that's four straight big pitch-count games and the last time he did that this season he was crushed at Washington. My biggest concern with Locke is that in five straight games he hasn't made it through the 6th inning. Aoki back for SF - the Giants have only seen Locke once, early last season, and hit him pretty hard. Tough not to take the Pirates as a home underdog.
Washington-Milwaukee: For as much as the Brewers have been a disappointment to themselves and my bankroll this season, this could be a tough spot for the Nationals. Flying back late from Colorado and losing two hours while the Brewers probably took in the Lincoln Memorial. Nelson is very tough on right handed hitters and not-so-much against LHH's - Washington's lineup is predominately right handed - save Harper. (there's you DFS guy) For all of Gio's issues the one thing he does do is keep the ball in the park - only five bombs allowed all season, and rested from the very short outing last week. Since the Brewers seem to have trouble stringing hits together, if the Scherzer keeps Washington's pen rested then this game should stay under, but being the first game back from a long West Coast trip, I reluctantly have to like Milwaukee.
Dodgers-Astros: Los Angeles is coming in rested and obviously get a DH playing in an AL park. Anderson is a ground ball pitcher extraordinaire who comes in off (for him) a high pitch count game and the Astros won't be rested, facing Archer Thursday. The downside for making an Astros case might be that LA has seen Fiers with the Brewers, but not nearly as much as I'd expected. The downside for making a case for the Dodgers is that they're bullpen is horrible - hence simply not something I can back on the road. All things being equal - having the "Dodgers" come to Houston might be the factor that gets the 'Stros even more motivated - so Houston it is, barring a Thursday night "something" that changes things.
Other games:
If we are going to back Arizona it's typically against a LHP. De La Rosa's been much better keeping the ball down of late and the Reds haven't seen him - D-Backs.
It seems cheap to take the Cardinals at only -125 in San Diego. I know it's Lackey who's struggled a bit lately, AND off a very high pitch count game - but it IS the Padres who have nothing to play for and the Cardinals who do. I have faded Cashner every chance I get - and this may be no exception. However, that total sitting at 6.5 is inviting. Most of the Cardinals saw Cashner for the first time back in early July when he beat them -