Drew Gordon
Today's Games...
1. 300,000♦ Chicago White Sox
2. 50,000♦ Orioles
3. 50,000♦ Spurs
1. Chicago White Sox- A lot of things to like about the surging White Sox in this one, but let's start with their recent play, winners of 5 straight, including Monday's 7-4 comeback win over the Twins. The hero of Monday's game was clearly red-hot Joe Crede, who's grand slam lifted the Sox to victory. Sox got 11 hits Monday, as Pierzynski and Dye (among others) have started the season hot, a big part of the reason they'll get the win here once again tonight.
Besides their winning streak, the White Sox also have a favorable pitching match up in this one, as they've had plenty of success against Minnesota's Scott Baker in the past. The Twins righty is 1-2 with an astronimical 9.14 ERA in 5 career starts versus the White Sox, and the way they've been swinging the bats lately... This one could get real ugly for Baker. True, the last time he pitched at U.S. Cellular he got the win, but in the process allowed 7 runs on 9 hits over 5 innings, so don't tell me he isn't vulnerable tonight!
Got to like the way southpaw Joe Danks started the season, allowing 1 earned on just 2 hits over 6 2/3 innings at Cleveland, despite not getting the decision. He held a formidable Indians lineup hitless for 5 innings, and all signs point to another strong start from the young lefty in this one. He had his troubles last season at home, but cut the youngster some slack, as you'll see a more mature and polished Danks this season.
Bottom line, not only are the White Sox playing great baseball right now, but they've got the pitching match up necessary to crush the Twins in this one. You can just hear the White Sox batters licking their chops thinking about Baker, who's been downright awful against the Sox in his career. While you can expect Danks will be looking to erase his woes at US Cellular with strong performance here tonight. White Sox roll!
Take the Chicago White Sox behind Danks over the Twins and Baker as your top-rated play of the day.
2. Orioles- This play is all about value, as the Orioles come into this contest being severely undervalued despite their hot start to the season. While many expected more of a rebuilding effort from this Orioles club, they've come out of the gate hot, losing their season opener, but then reeling off 6 straight wins, including a 4-game sweep of the Mariners!
I'll admit there's slight pitching edge for the Rangers with Gabbard on the mound, but not by nearly as much as you think. Veteran righty Steve Trachsel has been rock-solid for the Orioles, not giving up more than 3 runs in 7 straight starts for the O's. Not only that, but he was solid in his season debut, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits over 5 2/3 innings to the Mariners Friday.
Despite being terrible in the Spring, Gabbard started the season in impressive fashion, tossing 7 scoreless innings against a rock-solid Angels lineup. In two career starts against the Orioles, he's 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA, but let's not get carried away. Streaks are just as important in baseball as past history, what I mean is, the Orioles are rolling right now, and if you think Gabbard is just going to cruise to victory like he did against the Angels, you're dead wrong!
Finally, the Orioles most surprising/biggest edge has to be their bullpen, which has posted a minuscule 0.74 ERA, allowing just 2 runs over 24 1/3 innings this season! Texas's bullpen has been anything but consistent, posting a 6.61 ERA over their last 16 innings. Even if Gabbard can slow down the Orioles, when gets into the later innings, the Orioles have a huge edge in this one.
Bottom line, there's too much value to be had with this Orioles team right now, to side with anyone but Baltimore in this contest. Trachsel has been consistent, and their bullpen has been outstanding, all that's left is for the O's batting order to keep on delivering (note their batting .364 against lefties this season, in the early going).
Grab the plus money with the Orioles behind Trachsel over the Rangers and Gabbard in this MLB match up.
3. Spurs- Like clockwork every year, the Spurs finally decide its time to play, and they start dominating the opposition once again. Winners of 9 of their last 10 games, It all starts with defense, and right now, no one in the NBA is playing better D than San Antonio, allowing 86 ppg on 40% shooting over their last 11 games!
It gets even tougher in San Antonio, where the Spurs have won 12 of their last 13 games, and are absolutely thrashing foes. New Orleans, Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Golden State are just some of the teams they've beaten lately at home, and you can Phoenix to that list after tonight.
Let's use Golden State as an example, as they're the team that most resembles Phoenix's style of play. Think offense can trump defense? Well, the Spurs 116-92 destruction of the Warriors says otherwise! Note, not one opponent in their last 11 games has scored over 100 points, and if the Suns can't score, they can't win, plain and simple.
The last time these two teams played, the Suns took it to the Spurs 94-87 in Phoenix, but that was during a rough patch where San Antonio lost 6 of 7 games in mid-March. Since then the Spurs have regrouped and look like a championship team getting ready for an extended playoff run. With the top-seed in the West still up for grabs, there's little reason not to expect another "max-effort" from the Spurs in this one. Also, its important to remember the Suns have had trouble against the elite teams in the league on the road, losing at Detroit, at Boston, and at Denver in their last 10 games.
Bottom line, look for the Spurs to put the clamps on the Suns attack in this one, as they continue their run at the # 1 seed in the West tonight. Suns are a good team, but until they show they can win against tough competition on the road, I'm not convinced. Spurs get the solid home win and cover in this one!
Take the Spurs comfortably over the Suns in this NBA match up.