Posted: 04/08/2025 9:11 PM

MLB Wednesday Preview + Best Bets — Full Transcript Analysis

This summary offers a comprehensive, structured review of the transcript from the "MLB Wednesday Preview + Best Bets" podcast hosted by Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner. It includes detailed speaker quotes with timestamps, game-specific analysis, player and team statistics, and betting insights.

? Opening & Final Four Recap (0:10–9:12)

Munaf Manji (0:10–1:32) introduced the show and co-host Griffin Warner, mentioning excitement for day baseball and teasing best bets and a Pregame.com promo code.

Griffin Warner (0:49–1:32) mentioned he's still chasing his first win of the season, referenced changes in pitcher lineups (e.g., Bryce Miller replaced), and commented on Justin Verlander's declining performance.

Analysis: Griffin hints at early-season unpredictability in pitching matchups and ongoing adaptation.

Munaf (1:32–2:45) and Griffin (2:46–4:07) shared their experiences at the Final Four in San Antonio. Griffin has attended four Final Fours, never the championship, emphasizing Saturday’s high energy.

Analysis: This crossover between sports events emphasizes fan culture influencing podcast rhythm and betting timing.

Griffin (4:21–7:18) explained Final Four ticket strategy, noting late drops and fluctuating prices (e.g., $260–$350 range), and crowd behavior during the games.

Munaf (7:53–9:04) added his Houston Cougars story—how he scored cheap hotel tickets and endured heartbreak after a late-game collapse.

Analysis: Sets a human tone, bridging personal experience with betting interest, showing community engagement and emotional rollercoasters.

MLB Game-by-Game Breakdown (9:12–1:11:10)

1. Cardinals at Pirates (10:33–13:56)

Pitchers: Eric Fedde (STL) vs. Mitch Keller (PIT)
Stats: Fedde had poor road performance (3 IP, 6 ER, 4 BB at BOS). Keller previously struggled against NYY.
Pick: Both hosts lean PIT as a home underdog. Fade Fedde on the road is Munaf's "system play".

2. Marlins at Mets (13:57–15:52)

Pitchers: Max Meyer (MIA) vs. Tyler McGill (NYM)
Stats: McGill (10.1 IP, 1 ER, 10 K), Meyer (6 IP, 3 ER vs. ATL).
Picks: Munaf recommends Mets F5 and full game run line. Both suggest Under 7 due to cold weather.

3. Yankees at Tigers (17:01–20:11)

Pitchers: Max Fried (NYY) vs. Jack Flaherty (DET)
Stats: Fried (5.2 IP, 1 ER), Flaherty (11.1 IP, 3 ER total).
Pick: Both favor Under 7 or F5 Under. Griffin leans DET as home dog.

4. Rangers at Cubs (20:12–24:55)

Pitchers: Tyler Mahle (TEX) vs. Shota Imanaga (CHC)
Stats: Imanaga (18.1 IP, 2 ER in 3 starts). TEX offense is underperforming.
Pick: Both like CHC to win, Munaf leans Imanaga outs over.

5. Padres at A’s (26:07–29:19)

Pitchers: Randy Vasquez (SD) vs. Oswaldo Beto (OAK)
Insight: Every game in Sacramento (A's temp stadium) has hit the over.
Picks: Both recommend Padres team total over and game over 9.5.

6. Orioles at Diamondbacks (29:20–32:45)

Pitchers: Dean Kremer (BAL) vs. Brandon Pfaadt (ARI)
Stats: Pfaadt has allowed 7 ER in 2 starts. Kremer unpredictable.
Pick: Both like Over 9 or F5 Over 5.5.

7. Reds at Giants (32:45–36:32)

Pitchers: Nick Martinez (CIN) vs. Justin Verlander (SF)
Stats: Martinez excels with low WHIP. Verlander shaky.
Pick: CIN +120 and F5 Under is the play.

8. Dodgers at Nationals (36:33–39:18)

Pitchers: Landon Knack (LAD) vs. Jake Irvin (WSH)
Stats: Irvin poor vs. ARI (5 IP, 4 ER), Knack unproven.
Pick: Over 9 and LAD TT Over. Nationals offense also hot.

9. Astros at Mariners (39:18–44:20)

Pitchers: Hunter Brown (HOU) vs. Luis F. Castillo (SEA)
Stats: Confusion over "Luis Castillo" variants. Brown has 15 Ks over 2 starts.
Pick: Griffin's Best Bet: Under 7.5. Munaf backs HOU ML -123.

Night Game Highlights (47:23–1:11:10)

10. White Sox at Guardians

Pitchers: Sean Burke (CWS) vs. Logan Allen (CLE)
Pick: Guardians in parlays. Avoid backing CWS.

11. Blue Jays at Red Sox

Pitchers: Kevin Gausman (TOR) vs. Tanner Houck (BOS)
Stats: Houck 9.2 IP, 7 ER. Gausman road-troubled.
Pick: F5 Over 4.5. Griffin favors BOS ML -121.

12. Angels at Rays

Pitchers: Yusei Kikuchi (LAA) vs. Ryan Pepiot (TB)
Stats: Kikuchi 5 BB vs. STL. Pepiot effective vs. Rockies/PIT.
Pick: TB ML -135 or TB -1.5 (+155).

13. Phillies at Braves

Pitchers: Taijuan Walker (PHI) vs. Grant Holmes (ATL)
Stats: Holmes (4 IP, 4 ER vs. LAD). Walker vs. COL only start.
Pick: Both prefer Over 9.

14. Twins at Royals

Pitchers: Joe Ryan (MIN) vs. Seth Lugo (KC)
Stats: Joe Ryan vs. KC: 6-0, 1.49 ERA.
Pick: Under 7.5 and possibly Twins F5.

15. Brewers at Rockies

Pitchers: Tyler Alexander (MIL) vs. Antonio Senzatela (COL)
Pick: Both like Over 10.5. Munaf also supports COL ML +122.

Best Bets Summary

Griffin Warner: Astros-Mariners Under 7.5
Munaf Manji: Over 9 Dodgers vs Nationals
- Bonus Pick: Padres-A’s Over 9.5

Final Notes

Promo Code: Use STRIKE50 on Pregame.com for $50 off MLB All-Star subscriptions.
Contest: Beat Andre Gomes' 2024 MLB record of +71.07 units to win $1,000.
Community Tip: For DIY -1 run lines, blend ML and -1.5 line bets.