Additional picks for 4/8/10

Randy Wells +165 @ Tommy Hanson -195, 8

The Braves have already lit up the Cubbies for 19 runs in 2 games (mostly thanks to Big Z, haha), and their offense is looking very potent. The Cubs have only mangaed 7 runs in those same 2 games, but their offense also has some firepower in it that has yet to show up. Atlanta's park has been a hitter's park for the past few seasons, and couple that with the fact that both bullpens have already logged more than a few innings, I can see the ball flying around the yard today. However, I am totally buying into the emergence of Tommy Hanson as a major league Ace. Basically he was unhittable last year when facing a team other than the Phillies or Milwaukee. And as a bonus stat, Randy Wells had a 2.08 era in 2 starts vs. the Braves last year. I don't think today is the day the Cubs break out of their slump, and if Wells can just contain the Braves offense, we could be looking at a lower scoring game than expected.

Pick: Under 4 in first 5 innings -110

Kevin Slowey +115 @ Joel Pineiro -135, 9.5

This will be Slowey's first start since his season was cut down prematurely last year by wrist surgery. He has always been a pitcher who relies on his command rather than his overpowering stuff. The way that the Angels have come out of the gate firing on cilinders makes me very weary of his getting back into the groove this early in the season. I've always felt that Pineiro was one of the more underrated pitchers in the NL when he was with St. Louis. Consider this more of a backing of Anaheim's offense though.

Pick: Angels -135

Royals-Tigers game

Well, Brian Bannister delivered on what I thought he was going to do, posting a nice line of 6 IP, 6 hits, 0 bb & only 1 ER (a Mag-pipes solo job). The thing that surprised me, however was that Dontrelle seemed to carry over some of that swagger from a good spring. While a 6 IP, 2 ER, 1.50 whip is not outstanding, I'm sure Tigers fans were thrilled to see it.

Through 7 innings, the Royals were holding onto a 2-1 lead, before they showed us exactly who they were..... the Kansas City Royals. Serves me right I guess.

While they can't all be winners, remind me to never say anything nice about Luis Mendoza. 5 ER in 1.2 IP?? Unbelievable.

I should have 1 more pick up before the day is done, hopefully I can get back to the winning ways.

Early pick for 4/8/10

Went 1-1 on Wednesday, but still netted a +35 day due to a big underdog win by Fausto and the Indians. Ricky-No pitched like I thought he would, but the bullpen gave up 4 runs, and this game eventually went into extras. The under never really had a chance though, as John Maine didn't pitch the way I had hoped he would. A couple HR by Hanley and Cantu, and the under was pretty much gone. Oh well, still made $!

For Thursday, there are 11 games, 6 of which qualify as "day" games. Before going to bed, my research gave me one pick that I want to mention now before I don't have time to post it tomorrow....

Dontrelle Willis -110 @ Brian Bannister -110

Despite Dontrelle having a pretty solid spring (2-0, 3.30 era), he has not had an ERA under 5 since 2006. His opponent, Bannister, has some very intriguing split stats that stood out to me. Brian Bannister is over an entire run better in ERA at home for his career, and is also almost a run better during day games. He had an ERA of 0.69 last April, so quick starts are in his past. Also, in over 38 IP in his career against Detroit, he is 4-2 with a 2.09 ERA. Dontrelle has never faced the Royals. I'm taking the home team, and playing the statistics on this one.

Pick: Royals -110

Yesterday's results: 1-1 (+35 units)

Year-to-date: 5-2 (+335 units)