Thursday 3-29-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 06:49 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Fair Grounds - Race #9 - Post: 5:03pm - Claiming - 7.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 86

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 MIRACLE MOUNTAIN (ML=5/1)
#11 FINDLEY ISLE (ML=2/1)

MIRACLE MOUNTAIN - It looks like Graham had to know this colt on March 15th when riding him for the first time. Back on board again today. A winning percentage the likes of what Graham and Roussel have achieved together is good. I like the way this colt's finish positions have gotten better with each start recently. A sign of a racer coming into top form. FINDLEY ISLE - Owns the highest speed rating on the turf at this distance. Beschizza and Sharp have had fantastic success together over the last year. May be extremely hard to beat this steed on the turf today. In the last race scored a nice turf number, the highest of any of these animals. This gelding recorded a good speed fig of 92 in his last affair. That speed figure should be high enough to win this time around. This trainer brings horses to the grass fit and ready to go, winning over 20 percent of the time under similar conditions.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 HALIFAX (ML=3/1), #14 MIDNIGHT CANDLE (ML=6/1), #4 CHUCK'S QUEST (ML=8/1),

HALIFAX - The lack of workouts has to make one concerned despite the nice performance in the last race. MIDNIGHT CANDLE - This vulnerable equine didn't do much last time out finishing sixth. Don't see any hint of any betterment in today's event. The Brain cautions me to stay away from horses in sprint contests that haven't hit the board in short distance affairs of late. CHUCK'S QUEST - It looks like too much speed is signed up in this contest. This speedy one will most likely get cooked on the front end.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #9 MIRACLE MOUNTAIN to win if we can get at least 8/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [9,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
9 with 11 with [2,3,10] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 06:50 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Golden Gate Fields

Golden Gate Fields - Race 6

$1 Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta $1 Superfecta (.10 min) / $2 Rolling Double $1 Rolling Super High Five

Claiming $6,250 • 1 Mile • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 80 • Purse: $9,000 • Post: 2:58P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * NEAT N TEIDE: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. IRISH STREET SINGER: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. BONNIE'S RANSOM: Horse's win percentage at today's dis tance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. OVATION: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
2
NEAT N TEIDE
2/1

5/1
7
IRISH STREETSINGER
4/1

6/1
3
BONNIE'S RANSOM
5/2

7/1
4
OVATION
9/2

8/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
OVATION
4

9/2
Alternator/Stalker
72

70

97.6

63.5

59.5
2
NEAT N TEIDE
2

2/1
Alternator/Stalker
82

83

92.9

77.7

71.2
3
BONNIE'S RANSOM
3

5/2
Alternator/Stalker
80

76

70.6

73.0

66.0
7
IRISH STREETSINGER
7

4/1
Trailer
78

78

95.1

75.9

69.4
5
GOLDEN BUBBLES
5

10/1
Trailer
81

77

56.0

66.4

57.9
1
LITTLE MISS HOTTIE
1

6/1
Alternator/Trailer
78

77

71.0

71.0

58.0
6
COLONEL PEGGY SUE
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
70

60

71.4

52.0

42.0

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 06:51 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Gulfstream Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 10 - Optional Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $48000 Class Rating: 98

FOR STATE BRED FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF $16,000. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE OVER A MILE ON THE TURF SINCE FEBRUARY 28 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $12,500 OR LESS

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 BIG DARLING 6/1

# 1 MI CUAIMA 10/1

# 5 BITACORA 9/5

BIG DARLING appears to be the wager in here. Bettors should take a good look at this one as this mare has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this group. Profitable rider and trainer team, with a +51 return on investment. MI CUAIMA - Will likely be one of the leaders of the pack going into the halfway point of the race. The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Gonzalez running at this distance are the strongest in this group of animals. BITACORA - Has to be given a chance here on the basis of the numbers in the speed department alone. Ran a strong last race.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 06:51 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 5 - Claiming - 330y on the Dirt. Purse: $17500 Class Rating: 88

QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 2 OLDE MONEE 10/1

# 6 POPING MONEY 3/1

# 3 HOME BOY JAMES 10/1

OLDE MONEE appears to be the bet in here and could score at a price in here. Gamblers should probably take a good look at this one as this gelding has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this group. POPING MONEY - Ran a strong last race. Might best this field here, showing strong figures of late. HOME BOY JAMES - Wainscott ought to be able to get this gelding to break out early in this contest. Ought to be given consideration in here if only for the respectable speed figure put up in the last race.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 06:52 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #8 - Post: 3:47pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $40,000 Class Rating: 114

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 A RED TIE DAY (ML=5/1)
#2 DEFIANTLY (ML=6/1)
#1 SPANISH HOMBRE (ML=7/2)
#7 LUCKY BRYAN (ML=8/1)

A RED TIE DAY - Based on his last TrackMaster turf number alone, I'm going to play this horse. Solid average class rating on this horse. Should have the ability to run well on the turf. DEFIANTLY - You always have to be on the lookout for money generating jockey/conditioner combos; we have an instance right here. Look for this one to go all the way to the winner's circle at some decent odds today. Ran fourth in last race, but not more than 5 from the lead at the end. This gelding is the longer price of the 'split' entry from the barn of Baltas. The Baltas barn does well with horses off the claim. Just claimed this thoroughbred, expect an improvement 'Blinkers On' is a time-honored positive angle in handicapping the races. Came home fast last time out at Santa Anita. That type of move bodes well for his chances in today's race. SPANISH HOMBRE - In the last race, ran the last quarter in less than 25 ticks. To me, that's a good indication he can close well, and should be right there at the finish this race. 'Blinkers On' is a time-honored positive angle in handicapping the races. LUCKY BRYAN - Horse made up some ground down the stretch last time out on September 4th at Del Mar. That affair is better than it looked.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 CONQUEST TYPHOON (ML=3/1), #9 ROYAL ALBERT HALL (GB) (ML=9/2), #10 RONALD R (IRE) (ML=5/1),

CONQUEST TYPHOON - This chalk horse probably needs at least one race to get back into shape. Pass on him today. Finished second in his most recent performance with a mediocre speed figure. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this bunch. ROYAL ALBERT HALL (GB) - Hasn't been coming close at all lately. Notched a mediocre speed rating last time around the track in a $62,500 Optional Claiming race on Mar 4th. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that fig. RONALD R (IRE) - Could be tough for this entrant to beat this group off of that last speed figure. Not likely to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's class rating, so put him on the questionable contenders list.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - A RED TIE DAY - I have this filed away under my pet angles. Ranks numero uno on the TrackMaster Power Rating and is going to go off at a nice price.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #8 A RED TIE DAY on top if we're getting at least 9/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Skip

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 06:52 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Turfway Park

Turfway Park - Race 4

Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta / Daily Double Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6)

Claiming $7,500 • 1 Mile • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 81 • Purse: $7,100 • Post: 7:45P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE FEBRUARY 28 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $6,250 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES) (IF THIS RACE IS CONTESTED WITH 10 OR MORE BETTING INTERESTS EACH OWNER / PARTNERSHIP SHALL RECEIVE A $200 TENACIOUS TURFWAY PARK STARTER BONUS.).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds

Race Type: Lone Front-runner. MALEFICENT QUEEN is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * MALEFICENT QUEEN: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. JUST ANOTHER JOHN: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designat ion. SABBATARIAN: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. NAN'S PIERCE ARROW: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. TAVERNONTHECROW: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 da ys.
1
MALEFICENT QUEEN
6/1

6/1
7
JUST ANOTHER JOHN
15/1

7/1
5
SABBATARIAN
3/1

7/1
3
NAN'S PIERCE ARROW
4/1

8/1
9
TAVERNONTHECROW
4/1

8/1

P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
MALEFICENT QUEEN
1

6/1
Front-runner
76

69

70.2

69.0

58.5
4
CONVINCING
4

7/2
Stalker
70

65

62.0

26.9

9.4
7
JUST ANOTHER JOHN
7

15/1
Alternator/Stalker
82

76

73.4

69.6

60.1
9
TAVERNONTHECROW
9

4/1
Alternator/Stalker
80

76

59.4

65.3

61.3
5
SABBATARIAN
5

3/1
Trailer
85

74

64.0

76.2

71.7
3
NAN'S PIERCE ARROW
3

4/1
Trailer
76

83

58.8

71.6

64.6
6
INNOCUOUS
6

10/1
Trailer
75

75

44.4

57.6

45.1
8
REALITY
8

15/1
Alternator/Trailer
71

73

58.0

63.8

53.3
2
SIEGFREEDROESCH
2

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
76

61

76.8

61.6

48.1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 08:18 AM

Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018

28th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs suffered from the dreaded World Series hangover last season, but they still managed to win 92 games and get back to the National League Championship Series. Their quest for a second world championship in three years begins Thursday with the opener of a four-game road series against the Miami Marlins.

The Cubs have some new faces on the roster, including closer Brandon Morrow and right-hander Yu Darvish, who is slated to start the third game of the series on Saturday. They also figure to have a new leadoff hitter in Ian Happ, who hit seven home runs this spring after belting 24 in 115 games as a rookie last season. The Marlins stayed in the playoff race longer than expected last year but finished with a 77-85 record for their eighth straight losing season. They've since parted ways with several star players - including Giancarlo Stanton, Dee Gordon, Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich, leaving third-year manager Don Mattingly with a young, inexperienced club.

TV: 12:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (2017: 13-8, 4.33 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (14-7, 3.82)

Lester's ERA last season was his highest since 2012, but he had a solid spring, posting a 2.81 ERA over four starts. The 34-year-old is making his seventh career Opening Day start and his third straight with the Cubs. Lester is 1-2 with a 4.66 ERA in five turns against the Marlins and has allowed five runs over 14 innings in the last two meetings.

Urena had a breakout season in 2017, his first full campaign as a starter in the major leagues. The 26-year-old Dominican went 5-5 with a 3.21 ERA at home last year. Urena is 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three career starts against Chicago and won both meetings last season, allowing a total of three runs over 11 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Happ went 10-for-21 with two doubles and a home run against Miami last season, including 3-for-5 with a double and a blast versus Urena.

2. Marlins C J.T. Realmuto is expected to open the season on the disabled list with a bruised lower back, which he suffered on March 11.

3. Miami 3B Martin Prado also will start the campaign on the DL, meaning Brian Anderson is slated to begin the year as the starter at third base.

PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Marlins 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 08:18 AM

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018

27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin a new era without their MVP center fielder and No. 1 starting pitcher when they open a three-game interleague series Thursday at the Detroit Tigers, who are also in rebuilding mode. Perennial All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen was dealt to San Francisco while fire-balling right-hander Gerrit Cole was sent to Houston in the offseason as Pittsburgh hopes to retool quickly after two seasons without a playoff game.

"We've got young guys that are scratching, knocking on the door of their primes," Pirates 25-year-old first baseman Josh Bell, who belted 26 homers last season, told the Pittsburgh Gazette. "We've got to come up and capitalize on these opportunities, not let them pass by, because then we'll end up in the same as last year - trudging forward a bit and fizzling out." Ivan Nova gets the start in the opener for the Pirates and Detroit counters with fellow right-hander Jordan Zimmermann as both hurlers look to rebound from disappointing seasons. Ron Gardenhire takes over as manager for the Tigers, who have been picked to finish last in the American League Central Division by many experts but still have former MVP first baseman Miguel Cabrera and are expecting another big season from right fielder Nicholas Castellanos (career-high 26 homers and 101 RBIs in 2017). Rookie third baseman Jeimer Candelario is also a key for Detroit after a strong spring training as he registered seven doubles and a pair of homers.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (2017: 11-14, 4.14 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (2017: 8-13, 6.08)

Nova came to camp 10 pounds lighter and determined to improve on an up and down season that ended with a combined record of 1-6 over 10 starts in August and September. The 31-year-old Dominican Republic native gave up a career-most 29 homers over a career-high 187 innings in 2017 and had a tough time on the road (3-12, 5.02 ERA) while going 8-2 with a 2.80 ERA at home. Cabrera is 5-for-15 with a homer against Nova, who is 0-3 with a 7.04 ERA in six games (five starts) lifetime versus the Tigers.

Zimmermann won his fewest games since 2011 last season and posted the worst ERA of his career while allowing 29 homers in 29 starts, but he told reporters he is feeling strong. "He's our go-to guy," Gardenhire told reporters. "I don't worry about (Zimmermann) because we know who he is. He's an established major league pitcher when healthy, and that's our goal, to keep him healthy." Newcomer Corey Dickerson is 6-for-10 with a homer versus Zimmermann, who is 1-3 with a 3.96 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit DH Victor Martinez, who was limited to 107 games by cardiac issues last season, belted five homers in Grapefruit League action.

2. Pittsburgh CF Starling Marte moves to McCutchen's spot after playing just 77 games last season due to a PED suspension.

3. The Pirates won three of the four meetings in 2017 after the Tigers took the series 3-1 in 2016.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Tigers 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 08:18 AM

St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018

27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The New York Mets are bidding that a return to health, wise offseason investments and a different managerial voice will translate into better fortune this season. With new manager Mickey Callaway calling the shots, right-hander Noah Syndergaard hopes to have turned the corner on an injury-riddled 2017 as the Mets begin the season on Thursday afternoon with the opener of a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citi Field.

While New York failed to live up to expectations and limped to a 70-92 mark in 2017, the offseason brought about a loosening of the purse strings as outfielder Jay Bruce (three years, $39 million), third baseman Todd Frazier (two years, $17 million), left-hander Jason Vargas (two years, $16 million) and right-hander Anthony Swarzak (two years, $14 million) signed contracts. The 30-year-old Bruce belted team-best totals in homers (29) and RBIs (75) despite splitting the season with Cleveland while former Indian Asdrubal Cabrera batted .280 in 2017 for the Mets, who finished tied for 18th in runs (735), 19th in batting average (.250) and 21st in hits (1,379). New York was taken to task last season by Marcell Ozuna, who went 30-for-68 (.441) with five homers and 19 RBIs against the Mets before Miami's offseason fire sale landed the promising 27-year-old in the Gateway City. Ozuna joins an outfield that rivals the best in the majors, with Tommy Pham (.306, 23 homers, 73 RBIs, 95 runs scored, 25 stolen bases) and Dexter Fowler (.264, 18 homers, 64 RBIs) looking to help the Cardinals improve upon their 83-79 campaign in 2017.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (2017: 12-11, 3.64 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (2017: 1-2, 2.97)

Martinez receives his second consecutive Opening Day nod after leading the team in quality starts (20), innings (205.0) and strikeouts (217) last season. The 26-year-old hard-throwing right-hander was victimized by the home-run ball, however, as he tied now former teammate Lance Lynn after being taken deep a club-high 27 times in 2017. Martinez has limited the Mets to a .220 batting average, although Bruce has two homers among his four hits off the two-time All-Star.

Syndergaard missed approximately five months of last season with a partial tear in his right lat but showed no ill effects this spring, posting a 1.35 ERA while striking out 23 against just six walks in five Grapefruit League starts. The 25-year-old is anxious to make his second consecutive Opening Day start and first outing in general at Citi Field since April 20. "I think I forgot what it feels like to pitch at Citi Field and feel the electricity that the Mets faithful bring every game. I'm looking forward to it," Syndergaard told Newsday.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis IF Matt Carpenter batted a career-worst .241 last season, a full 30 points worse than his previous low and 77 points shy of his personal-best campaign in 2013.

2. New York OF Michael Conforto, who enjoyed a breakout season with 27 homers and 68 RBIs in 109 games, will begin the 2018 campaign on the disabled list as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery.

3. Cardinals IF Paul DeJong batted 11-for-30 with nine extra-base hits -- including four homers -- against the Mets last season.

PREDICTION: Mets 2, Cardinals 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 08:18 AM

Minnesota Twins vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018

27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Minnesota Twins made a surprising run to a wild-card spot in the American League last season and are looking for more with a maturing young roster. The Twins will try to get off to a strong start when they open 2018 by visiting the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday.

Minnesota added some thump to the lineup with slugger Logan Morrison, who hit 38 home runs for Tampa Bay in 2017, and bolstered the rotation with the additions of Jake Odorizzi and Lance Lynn. "We're going to bust our tail to win a championship this year. This year. We're all in," Twins second baseman Brian Dozier told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "My whole career here, people kept saying we need to rebuild, and then we shocked people with the fast-forward rebuild. To me, we showed that we're pretty dang good right now, and we've added from there. We've got the pieces in place to win this year." The Orioles would like to win this year as well with the future uncertain for franchise player Manny Machado, who will become a free agent at the end of the season. Machado is moving over to shortstop from third base with the departure of J.J. Hardy while Tim Beckham, who hit .306 with 10 homers in 50 games after being acquired from Tampa Bay last season, slides over to third.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (2017: 10-8, 4.14 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (2017: 13-9, 4.24)

Minnesota acquired Odorizzi from the Tampa Bay Rays at the beginning of spring training and took the Opening Day honor over Kyle Gibson and Jose Berrios. "I'm not going to view myself as a different pitcher now that I'm an Opening Day starter," Odorizzi told reporters. "(I'm) just ready to do my job and do it for the other 24 guys on the team." The 28-year-old went 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA in four starts against Baltimore last season, striking out 21 in 20 1/3 total innings.

Bundy will be making his first Opening Day start as well after making it through his first full season as a starter in 2017. "Obviously, I'm honored and humbled by it," Bundy told reporters. "Very excited. Going to have to control the emotions a little bit and just pitch my game." The 25-year-old lost both of his starts against the Twins last season, serving up a total of eight runs on 11 hits and five walks in 12 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins RHPs Phil Hughes (oblique) and Ervin Santana (finger) will both start the season on the disabled list.

2. Orioles RHP Alex Cobb, who did not sign with the team until earlier this month, will not break camp with the team and will slot into the rotation sometime in the second week of April.

3. Minnesota won five of the seven meetings last season.

PREDICTION: Orioles 6, Twins 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 08:18 AM

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018

28th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Astros begin the defense of the first world championship in franchise history when they visit the American League West-rival Texas Rangers on Thursday afternoon for the first contest of a season-opening four-game series. Making their second World Series appearance in October - and first as an AL team, the Astros outlasted the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games, winning the decisive contest on the road for the organization's first crown since joining the majors in 1962 as the Colt .45s.

Reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve is primed to provide Houston with another strong season as he looks to win the batting title for the third straight year and fourth time in five campaigns. The club also expects big things from Carlos Correa, who belted a career-high 24 home runs in 2017 for his third 20-homer effort in as many major-league seasons despite missing a chunk of time with a thumb injury. Texas went just 2-7 against Houston at home last year en route to a fourth-place finish in the AL West after winning back-to-back division titles. The Rangers are hoping a pair of former Cy Young Award winners can recapture their past magic and help strengthen the team's pitching staff, as the 44-year-old Bartolo Colon will start against Oakland on Monday while Tim Lincecum is being considered to fill the closer's role, although he will begin the year on the disabled list due to a blister on his right middle finger.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, ESPN, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (2017: 15-8, 3.36 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Cole Hamels (2017: 11-6, 4.20)

Verlander was sensational after being acquired from Detroit on Aug. 31, going 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA in five regular-season starts before posting a 4-1 record with one complete game and a 2.21 ERA in six postseason appearances (five starts). The 35-year-old former AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner is excited to be making his 10th Opening Day start in 11 years, telling the team's website, "It's something you always cherish. ... Everybody is so high on expectations and so excited about the upcoming season, the unknown, what's going to happen with their team. It's a unique atmosphere." Verlander is 11-6 with a 3.02 ERA and one complete game in 20 career turns against Texas.

Hamels will get the ball in a season opener for the fourth time in his career and second as a member of the Rangers. The 34-year-old former World Series MVP has excelled at Globe Life Park during his career, going 17-4 with one complete game in 35 starts after winning seven of nine decisions in 12 turns last season. Hamels owns a 7-4 record and 4.19 ERA in 16 career starts versus the Astros.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros OF prospect Kyle Tucker will begin the season in the minors despite hitting .409 with five homers and 21 RBIs this spring.

2. Texas LHP Martin Perez starts the year on the DL with lower back stiffness.

3. Houston will begin the season without 1B Yuli Gurriel, who is recovering from left hand surgery and may avoid a stint on the DL but will have to serve a five-game suspension regardless for making an offensive gesture toward former Los Angeles Dodgers RHP Yu Darvish in the World Series.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Rangers 1

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 08:18 AM

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018

27th March 2018 by Gracenote
In any other year, a new manager -- particularly one with no experience -- would be storyline No. 1 in the Bronx. Yet the hire of Aaron Boone has been overshadowed in the whirling vortex surrounding the New York Yankees, who unveil big-ticket offseason acquisition Giancarlo Stanton in Thursday's season opener at the Toronto Blue Jays.

Coming within one game of reaching the World Series a year ago is reason enough for supreme optimism, but forgive New York fans if they are almost giddy for having visions of Ruth-Gehrig and Mantle-Maris dancing in their heads with the pairing of Stanton and Aaron Judge, who slammed a combined 111 home runs in 2017. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has no qualms about turning the keys to a top contender over to Boone, drawing a similarity to "NASA and a space shuttle. ... The manager isn't the whole space program. I think that's the difference now," Cashman said. After making the playoffs in back-to-back years, the Blue Jays finished 10 games below .500 last season and enter 2018 with concerns over the left side of their infield -- oft-injured third baseman Josh Donaldson is dealing with general body soreness and shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is scheduled to see a specialist for a bone spur that sidelined him in spring training. Health is always a concern for second baseman Devon Travis, who missed the final 100 games last season, while the outfield will have a new look with National League imports Curtis Granderson and Randal Grichuk.

TV: 3:37 p.m. ET, YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (2017: 14-6, 2.98 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (2017: 10-11, 3.53)

Severino blossomed into the staff ace in his third year, finishing third in the American League Cy Young voting while nearly doubling his win total from his previous two seasons combined. The 24-year-old Dominican did not fare well against the Blue Jays, going 0-1 in two starts and allowing seven runs and 14 hits over 12 2/3 innings. Justin Smoak is 5-for-12 with a pair of homers and five RBIs against Severino.

Happ won 20 games in 2016 but he needed a strong finish last season, going 4-1 and allowing seven earned runs over his last five starts to reach double digits in wins for the fourth consecutive season. The 35-year-old won both his starts against the Yankees last season, limiting them to two runs and eight hits over 11 1/3 innings. Stanton and Judge each homered off Happ in nine and seven career at-bats, respectively.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees 1B Greg Bird is expected to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing ankle surgery Tuesday.

2. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales has 11 homers in 51 games against the Yankees.

3. Stanton is 6-for-11 with three home runs in three games at Rogers Centre.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 08:19 AM

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018

27th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Red Sox won the American League East last season but suffered a disappointing exit in the first round of the playoffs as their starting pitching let them down and a season-long lack of power was exposed. The Red Sox tried to address both of those issues in the offseason and will get started on another division title run when they open the 2018 campaign by visiting the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday.

Boston brought in the biggest slugger available on the free-agent market by signing J.D. Martinez to a five-year, $110 million deal after the start of spring training and made a greater effort to manage the workload of lefty ace Chris Sale in the offseason and spring training after he tired down the stretch. The biggest boost to the rotation could be a full season of former Cy Young Award winner David Price, who made only 11 starts last year but came through spring training strong. The Rays went through a bit of a rebuild in the offseason, trading away franchise icon Evan Longoria and trading or letting go of the top three home-run producers on the team in Logan Morrison (38 homers in 2017), Steven Souza Jr. (30) and Corey Dickerson (27). Tampa Bay, which also lost two of its top three starting pitchers in Alex Cobb and Jake Odorizzi, brought in veterans Carlos Gomez, Denard Span and C.J. Cron to supplement the offense and will use a four-man rotation.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (2017: 17-8, 2.90 ERA) vs. Rays RH Chris Archer (2017: 10-12, 4.07)

Sale led the majors with 308 strikeouts but finished second in the AL Cy Young voting after going 4-4 with a 4.09 ERA in August and September. The Florida native, who went 4-1 with a 2.66 ERA in six starts against Tampa Bay last season, was knocked from his final spring training outing after being hit in the hip by a line drive. "I don't see anything lingering from this," Sale told reporters. "Looked a lot worse than it really is."

Archer finished third in the AL in strikeouts behind Sale and Cleveland's Corey Kluber with 249 and struck out 13 in 16 innings this spring before leaving his final start after getting hit in the right forearm with a comebacker. The 29-year-old was able to go through his normal routine over the weekend and is expected to start Thursday with no restrictions. Archer struck out 18 in 15 1/3 innings against Boston last season but went 1-1 with a 5.87 ERA in those three starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox LHPs Drew Pomeranz (forearm) and Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) will open the season on the disabled list.

2. Rays RHP prospects Jose De Leon and Brett Honeywell will both miss the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

3. Boston closer Craig Kimbrel (personal) made his spring training debut on Sunday and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rays 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-29-2018, 08:19 AM

Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 03-29-2018

28th March 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Angels have added several pieces to their lineup in order help superstar Mike Trout, and one of those is hoping to make an impact as a two-way player. Japanese star Shohei Ohtani is expected to make his major-league debut on Thursday afternoon as the Angels visit the Oakland Athletics for the first contest of their season-opening four-game series.

The 23-year-old Ohtani is slated to be in Los Angeles' lineup as either the designated hitter or an outfielder several times a week while also filling a slot in the team's six-man starting rotation. Ohtani struggled in both roles during the spring, however, hitting .125 with one RBI and 10 strikeouts in 32 at-bats while allowing nine runs and nine hits - three homers - over 2 2/3 innings in two starts. The Angels also have added Ian Kinsler and Zack Cozart and will get a full season from Justin Upton when they begin the season against Oakland, which once again will be led by the powerful bat of Khris Davis. The 30-year-old slugger is coming off back-to-back 40-homer, 100-RBI seasons but entered the Athletics' final Cactus League contest with only six hits in 53 at-bats this spring.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (2017: 0-2, 2.28 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (2017: 6-4, 4.19)

After recording a career-high 15 victories in 2015, Richards has notched a total of one while make only six starts each of the last two seasons due to arm injuries. The 29-year-old Californian had a solid spring, allowing four runs and eight hits while registering 14 strikeouts over 12 2/3 innings in four starts. Richards, who is making his second career Opening Day start, is 2-4 with a 4.12 ERA in 16 career appearances (12 starts) against Oakland.

Graveman makes his second career Opening Day start after also getting the call against Los Angeles last season. The 27-year-old native of Alabama struggled this spring, surrendering 12 runs and 18 hits over 14 1/3 innings after being limited to 19 turns last season due to injuries. Graveman has made 11 career starts versus the Angels, going 2-2 with one complete game and a 3.96 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Trout drove in only 72 runs last year, marking the first time he finished with fewer than 83 RBIs in six seasons.

2. Oakland LHP prospect A.J. Puk likely needs Tommy John surgery after being shut down last week due to biceps soreness.

3. Los Angeles 1B/DH Albert Pujols owns a .433 lifetime average against Graveman with three homers and 10 RBIs.

PREDICTION: Angels 7, Athletics 3

Thursday 3-29-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Thursday 3-29-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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