Weather supposed to be clear with a 0% chance of precipitation.
Fairly strong wind blowing out to left.
Ump unknown, currently, as game #1 with the Diamondbacks travelling from home after
taking the down the excuse for an offense that the Dodgers have shown, so far, 3-0.
Cardinals coming in for their home opener after finishing off their series in Milwaukee
with a solid 6-0 win.
Wainwright getting the ball and I see no current signs that his recent hammy injury
should hamper him moving forward, beyond a possible limited pitch count for this one,
but this early in the season, especially, bullpens should be strongly considered. On the
bullpen front, until further results are established, I have the 2 bullpens rated even
coming into the season, and both should be reasonably fresh coming off of shutout wins
yesterday.
One problem that Robbie Ray has displayed over his past 2 breakout seasons has been
a propensity to give up the long ball. This continued in his 1st go, at home vs Rockies,
when he surrendered 3 over his 5 innings. Perhaps we need more time to assess this
recently installed humidor nonsense.
btw, # of at-bats separating the two clubs, so far, is 1 (Cards 209, D'Backs 210) and
the Cards have smacked 12 homers compared to the D'Backs 5. Goldschmidt has
been a no-show, so far.
A combination of the question of Wainwright's status and a healthy respect for Ray and
the D'Backs 5-1 start (Cards 3-3, 0-0 at home) appears to be keeping this line quite
reasonable for the Cards. I've seen as 'good' as -113.
I'm also considering a possible crazy run-line attempt at +179, maybe some combo
of the two.
Still undecided but just some words on the game.
Only other temptations, Thursday, are the other 2 late go's with the reds +136
(however, despite the good 1st start, Bailey is a huge risk and, while lefty Brault is
likely a stiff-in-the-making, Reds have been grim vs lefties for a few years now,
including an unsparkling 9-29 vs L in 2017).
Other one is the cubs at -108. Cubs not nearly as grim vs L and the Brew's Suter
is going to have to change my mind if I'm going to feel any inclination to back him.
Not sure what to expect from Lester, yet--mild drop-off last year but he's getting up
there in age; still has a propensity to keep the ball in the park, though, and Cubs are
going to warm up soon, I'm figuring. Brewers stayed home after that 6-0 loss to the
Cards while Cubs have had a couple of days to take some batting practice after their
last, a 1-0 loss for the Reds first W (Mahle was the real deal, in that game, btw).
GL
Take a look at the Canucks in the NHL. Recommended. Playing well, recently, and
this will be the Sedin twins last game at home (retirement). Priced as a dog against
the 'hot' Coyotes (they have been hot, but please...)
Freakin' Leafs highest point total ever, been 3rd place in the Eastern Conference all
season, and, due to the new playoff format, they will be rewarded by NOT having home
ice advantage in the 1st round AND having to travel to either Boston or Tampa Bay to
start the playoffs. Growl.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-t8W4X8Obo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Fairly strong wind blowing out to left.
Ump unknown, currently, as game #1 with the Diamondbacks travelling from home after
taking the down the excuse for an offense that the Dodgers have shown, so far, 3-0.
Cardinals coming in for their home opener after finishing off their series in Milwaukee
with a solid 6-0 win.
Wainwright getting the ball and I see no current signs that his recent hammy injury
should hamper him moving forward, beyond a possible limited pitch count for this one,
but this early in the season, especially, bullpens should be strongly considered. On the
bullpen front, until further results are established, I have the 2 bullpens rated even
coming into the season, and both should be reasonably fresh coming off of shutout wins
yesterday.
One problem that Robbie Ray has displayed over his past 2 breakout seasons has been
a propensity to give up the long ball. This continued in his 1st go, at home vs Rockies,
when he surrendered 3 over his 5 innings. Perhaps we need more time to assess this
recently installed humidor nonsense.
btw, # of at-bats separating the two clubs, so far, is 1 (Cards 209, D'Backs 210) and
the Cards have smacked 12 homers compared to the D'Backs 5. Goldschmidt has
been a no-show, so far.
A combination of the question of Wainwright's status and a healthy respect for Ray and
the D'Backs 5-1 start (Cards 3-3, 0-0 at home) appears to be keeping this line quite
reasonable for the Cards. I've seen as 'good' as -113.
I'm also considering a possible crazy run-line attempt at +179, maybe some combo
of the two.
Still undecided but just some words on the game.
Only other temptations, Thursday, are the other 2 late go's with the reds +136
(however, despite the good 1st start, Bailey is a huge risk and, while lefty Brault is
likely a stiff-in-the-making, Reds have been grim vs lefties for a few years now,
including an unsparkling 9-29 vs L in 2017).
Other one is the cubs at -108. Cubs not nearly as grim vs L and the Brew's Suter
is going to have to change my mind if I'm going to feel any inclination to back him.
Not sure what to expect from Lester, yet--mild drop-off last year but he's getting up
there in age; still has a propensity to keep the ball in the park, though, and Cubs are
going to warm up soon, I'm figuring. Brewers stayed home after that 6-0 loss to the
Cards while Cubs have had a couple of days to take some batting practice after their
last, a 1-0 loss for the Reds first W (Mahle was the real deal, in that game, btw).
GL
Take a look at the Canucks in the NHL. Recommended. Playing well, recently, and
this will be the Sedin twins last game at home (retirement). Priced as a dog against
the 'hot' Coyotes (they have been hot, but please...)
Freakin' Leafs highest point total ever, been 3rd place in the Eastern Conference all
season, and, due to the new playoff format, they will be rewarded by NOT having home
ice advantage in the 1st round AND having to travel to either Boston or Tampa Bay to
start the playoffs. Growl.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-t8W4X8Obo" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
