Analysis:
I lost a play on the Pirates on Saturday, but gained some insight I believe will be of great valure for the remainder of the season.
The Pirates have plenty of talent, but right now this is a team on the verge of falling apart. If you've been watching this team recently, I think you know what I mean. They're just not sharp at all, with way too many mental errors being committed. I don't think it's an exaggeration to suggest the Bucs are kinda going through the motions right now.
The reason? This goes back to the trade deadline when Pittsburgh management basically punted on the season, in spite of the fact the team was very much in the playoff chase. Manager Clint Hurdle actually had to call a team meeting to try and keep the spirit of the players up, as there was apparently some displeasure with what management did by clearly lopping payroll rather than trying to add with a chance to make the playoffs for a third straight year. Based on what I've been seeing, and particularly what I viewed on Saturday, I'm going to be looking for spots to fade the Pirates.
This is one of those spots. Chad Kuhl has had some nice showings, but the rookie righty is up against a good LA lineup that can really beat up righties. Meanwhile, it's the return of Brett Anderson for the Dodgers. His rehab stint went pretty well, and while keeping Anderson healtny is always a task, the lefty can still pitch when he's right.
I have no problem witn the price here. It's not a huge bargain, but I made this line -160, and that's without factoring in what I believe are the potential attitude issues on the Pirates. I'm on Anderson and the Dodgers for my #1 Sunday play.
Pick Made: Aug 13 2016 9:01PM PST