4/1 Phillies (Hammels)(+105) at Braves(Hudson)(-105)
I like the Phillies at this price. I think the time has come where we are going to see Hudson have a steep decline. He has lost a lot of arm strength and is getting by on location and junk pitches and I just don't think it can last much longer. Hudson has name recognition though which gives us value going against him. I am high on Cole Hammels and actually feel he is undervalued. Howard and Utley are healthy and have been hitting well this spring as has highly touted prospect Dom Brown. I think taking the Phillies in this spot at plus money is a solid bet.
OFFICIAL RECOMMENDATION: PHILLIES +105
4-1 Cubs (Samardzija) (+125) at Pirates (Burnett) (-135)
I think -135 is too expensive for the Pirates in this spot. I feel AJ Burnett is overvalued and I believe his struggles this spring are a sign of things to come. I know Samardzija is more of a number 3 starter than a 1 but I like his stuff and think he is somewhat undervalued by the market. Also keep in mind Smardzija was on an innings limit last year but the restrictions have been lifted for this season. I don't see the Pirates getting off to the hot start they did last year so I will grab the Cubs at what I believe to be a somewhat inflated number.
OFFICIAL RECOMMENDATION: CUBS +125
4-1 SEATTLE (Hernandez)(-103) at OAKLAND (Anderson)(-107)
I don't agree that the Mariners should be the dog in this game. Felix Hernandez is a legitimate ace and he will be motivated to impress after signing a major contract this off season. Felix has been quoted saying he believes this year's Mariners team will be good and surprise people and I tend to agree. If Smoak and Montero are hitting, which they have been this spring, then Seattle's lineup becomes tough, especially with the additions of Morse and Morales. I try not to read too much into spring training but I just don't like what I have seen from Brett Anderson on the mound. It could easily carry over into this one. I make Seattle a slight favorite here so I'm happy to be able to buy them at -103.
OFFICIAL RECOMMENDATION: MARINERS -103
For tracking purposes each play will be considered 2 units.