RADIO
There’s a new game in town, and it’s baseball on Monkey Knife Fight. There are so many games, which means so many options to find value and matchups that can give you the edge.
Because there is a new starting pitcher every day, it changes the landscape constantly. It’s one thing to go against Justin Verlander, another thing altogether to face Andrew Cashner, and the opposition is going to play a significant role in determining whether value slides towards over or under on the props. And it’s going to change day after day after day.
Even though there were a couple of games in Japan, Thursday really feels like Opening Day for the 2019 season.
Here’s a trip through the Monkey Knife Fight baseball schedule, with one pick per game for your consideration.
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N.Y. METS-WASHINGTON
RAPID FIRE
Anthony Rendon -0.5 runs and RBI vs. Ryan Zimmerman – A couple of Nationals teammates facing a tough match-up against Mets starter Jacob deGrom, but Rendon is a 28-year-old in his prime while Zimmerman, at 34, is on the down side.
BALTIMORE-N.Y. YANKEES
BALTIMORE-YANKEES
OVER/UNDERS
Aaron Judge OVER 1.5 TOTAL BASES – When Andrew Cashner is starting, it’s time to get in on the big boppers on the other side and, hey, here’s Aaron Judge!
Jonathan Villar OVER 0.5 RUNS + RBI – The speedy second baseman went from a disappointing spare part in Milwaukee to a star on a bad team in Baltimore last season, combining for 52 runs plus RBI in 54 games for the Orioles.
ST. LOUIS-MILWAUKEE
OVER/UNDERS
Christian Yelich OVER 0.5 RUNS + RBI – Even if regression is due after last season’s insane finish, Yelich had 228 runs + RBI in 147 games. He should be able to pull together one against the Cardinals.
ATLANTA-PHILADELPHIA
OVER/UNDERS
Aaron Nola OVER 5.5 STRIKEOUTS – In 12 of 17 home starts last year, Nola had at least six strikeouts. One concern is whether he’s stretched out enough to get the required innings – he went less than six innings in his first couple of starts last season.
DETROIT-TORONTO
OVER/UNDERS
Justin Smoak OVER 0.5 RUNS + RBI – This is not so much a vote for Smoak as a vote against Jordan Zimmermann, who isn’t a typical Opening Day starter.
HOUSTON-TAMPA BAY
OVER/UNDERS
Justin Verlander OVER 7.5 STRIKEOUTS – One of the game’s premier strikeout pitchers, who whiffed 290 hitters last season, Verlander recorded at least eight strikeouts eight times in 15 road starts last season. Taking the over here is more a reflection of a shaky Rays lineup.
CUBS-TEXAS
OVER/UNDERS
Javier Baez OVER 0.5 RUNS + RBI – Not only is Baez a big bat, he’s even better against left-handers, putting up a .933 OPS against southpaws last season.
L.A. ANGELS-OAKLAND
RAPID FIRE
Mike Trout -0.5 runs + RBI vs. Matt Chapman – In the classic Trevor Cahill vs. Mike Fiers Opening Day start, it could be a big scoring game and might as well take the best player in the game.
ARIZONA-L.A. DODGERS
OVER/UNDERS
A.J. Pollock +0.5 runs + RBI vs. Max Muncy – Facing his former team, Pollock is a decent underdog in this category. Going against Zack Greinke, it could be tough to score, so all the more reason to take Pollock plus a half.
CLEVELAND-MINNESOTA
OVER/UNDERS
C.J. Cron UNDER 1.5 TOTAL BASES – While Cron put up 240 total bases in 147 games last season, he gets to face Corey Kluber to start the season and that’s a tough match-up for anyone, let alone Cron, who is better against lefties.
SAN FRANCISCO-SAN DIEGO
OVER/UNDERS
Buster Posey OVER 0.5 RUNS + RBI – Even with his game dropping off last season, the 32-year-old catcher should be able to get on the board against Eric Lauer, who had a 4.34 ERA and 4.55 WHIP last season, and the Padres.
COLORADO-MIAMI
OVER/UNDERS
Nolan Arenado OVER 0.5 RUNS + RBI – One of the most consistent offensive performers in the sport against a mediocre starting pitcher. That’s good for at least a run or an RBI.
PITTSBURGH-CINCINNATI
OVER/UNDERS
Jameson Taillon OVER 4.5 STRIKEOUTS – The rising star of the Pirates staff had at least five strikeouts in 32 starts, including 19 of 25, last season.
WHITE SOX-KANSAS CITY
OVER/UNDERS
Jose Abreu OVER 0.5 RUNS + RBI – Even with a bit of a down year last season, Abreu had 146 combined runs and RBI in 128 games last season. This is one of the least inspiring, between teams with no expectations, but Abreu should be able to contribute.
