Run of the mill day, but the goal of not sliding after a big day was accomplished. One day at a time.......
Very adverse to MLs like this, so parlaying the A's/Over at +227;
Oakland Athletics (-148) ~ Neither starter was great in their opener, but not terrible either. Just believe that Brandon Moss may be the difference today.
Oakland Athletics/Minnesota Twins Over 8½ (-105) ~ Pelfrey facing six LHB and the three righties are all deep threats. Historically a slow starter and aside from some control issues he did manage them (LHBs) well in his first outing, though. He did give up a couple of gophers in 5.1 IP and feel he gives up a couple more here.
Chicago Cubs (+125 +/-) Mini ~ Like yesterday, I will stick with the shortened play. Until (IF) I regain some faith in the Chicago bullpen this is the only way I'll go. Looks like rain, so the full game may not get in anyway?
Miami Marlins +1½ (-110) ~ Really considered the season's first Howlin' Dog play and may still. We know what the Fish are capable of (especially facing top-level starters) and a -220 line for Strasburg is out of whack at this point in the season. Koehler hasn't sucked and Stanton has always loved him some Stras Burger. If Dietrich has another good game, I do believe the Fish steal this one.
Miami Marlins (+200) ½ unit ~ At 2/1 now, I have to take a shot. Strasburg showed nothing in his first start facing the Braves and for my money, the Fins are currently a much better-hitting team than Atlanta. In fact, without that game vs Stras I believe they'd be dead-last in MLB? Interesting note that the Nats are 0-6 in Strasburg's last 6 home starts vs a team with a winning record. Rarefied air for the Marlins, to be sure.
Cliff Lee allowing a whopping 21 hits in only 12 IP will keep me off the Phils for sure. Estrada can pitch. That is as far as I am going with this one for now. Lee is 2-0 with a 6.00 ERA? Isn't this the same guy that has NEVER gotten any run support.....ever? If the wind is blowing to LF, danger abounds for the Phils. Ryan Braun ~ the double-fisted goose I gave him the other day may haunt Lee today....LOL
Chicago White Sox (+122) ~ Something terribly amiss here. Danks was a premier LHP not too long ago. Despite the Tribe facing two lefties yesterday, the did not show enough for me to believe that those troubles are over. The Sox have been hitting and Salazar has been hit. I'm still not sold on him. This is one where I may actually consider the alternate line at -1½ (+220). After amassing a total of 3 runs in a doubleheader vs lefties at home yesterday they get another. Ah yes, they also traveled. A short distance, but still a disruption to their routines? Although I do believe that this one merits an upgraded play, I am going to look at it as "too easy" and keep my hands in my pockets.
I do believe that Dickey's first start was an aberration and that his last start will be closer to the norm. Not sure the Astros have the patience to hit him hard. Houston does have a couple of hitters with some past success, so I don't expect another shut-out.....but damn close. This likely one be much fun for a young LHP. Encarnacion looks about to break out and Bautista is already zoning in on those left-field bleachers. Could be ugly. The Jays' RL is -110 for a reason, but I am not biting.
**Arizona Diamondbacks/San Francisco Giants Over 7½ (-120) ~ Appears to be a trap, but no chance I pass it up. This one will likely upgrade? The Over is 11-1 in Giants' last dozen games with the total set between 7.0-8.5. Definitive lean to the Snakes at plus money.