Tag: Tampa Bay Rays

MLB AMERICAN LEAGUE CONTENDERS

Title: MLB American League contenders
Author: David Marotta
Date: April 6, 2022

Apr 2, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks (31) is congratulated by New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) as he scores a run s2i against the Atlanta Braves during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Here are the leading contenders for the American League Pennant, along with the odds according to BetMGM.

Toronto Blue Jays +450
Last season Toronto won 91 games but ended up being the team with the best record to not qualify for the postseason. Even though the Blue Jays lost some key players from last year’s squad, including Marcus Semien, Randal Grichuk, and Robbie Ray, the roster still has plenty of offensive firepower, led by triple crown threat Vladimir Guerrero. They also upgraded their bullpen, which was a weakness last season. Only time will tell if Toronto is worthy of being the AL favorite.

Houston Astros +475
The Astros are favored to win the American League West and will be in contention again for the AL crown. Houston lost Carlos Correa and Zack Greinke in free agency, but this team is still loaded. Houston led all of MLB in runs scored last season and returns seven of their top eight position players. Houston also re-signed Justin Verlander, who was impressive in Spring Training after missing the entire 2021 season.

New York Yankees +550
Every season is World Series or bust for the Yankees, and with the current roster built to win now, the trend of five straight playoff appearances should continue. The lineup is loaded, and the Bronx Bombers will head into the opening day with 16 pitchers, led by their ace Gerrit Cole.

Chicago White Sox +550
After losing their opening playoff series in consective years, the White Sox are favored to repeat as AL Central Division Champions, but with the current roster, the expectations are to win contend for the World Series crown. The White Sox are probably the most balanced amongst all the contenders. Chicago finished second in the AL in ERA last season.

Although they lost Carlos Rodon in free agency, with a rotation led by Dylan Cease, Lance Lynn, and Lucas Giolito, the White Sox will be a tough matchup for any team in the AL playoffs. Chicago’s offensive depth also rivals any team in the league,

Tampa Bay Rays +650
Regardless of what the roster looks like on paper, the Rays always find a way to contend. The Rays won 100 games during the regular season in 2021, and, with their young core still intact, Tampa Bay is a great value bet in what should be a competitive AL race.

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April 18 MLB Picks

    Recapping Picks from April 16 (2-1)

Colorado Rockies 4 at San Francisco Giants 3  (WIN +123)

The Giants continued to punish bettors have taken them this season, while the Rockies continue to reward as underdogs.

Washington Nationals 6 Philadelphia Phillies 4  (LOSS UNDER 8)

It looked good when the game went into the 8th inning with the Nats leading 3-1. It wasn’t until Bryce Harper’s two out three-run homerun in the bottom of the 9th that sunk our ship.

Chicago White Sox 3 Minnesota Twins 1  (WON UNDER 9)

The 9 runs which jumped up to 9.5 runs before game time was way too high for anyone paying attention to these teams so far.

April 18 Quick Picks:

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Detroit Tigers (+114.0) at Tampa Bay Rays (-114.0)  @ 7:10 PM EST 

 We like the Tigers here with underdog value. Detroit is 3-1 as an underdog this season and starter Micheal Fulmer only allowed one run over 14 total innings against the Rays last season with 21 strikeouts

The Tigers are 5-2 against the Rays in the last seven games at Tampa.

Miguel Cabrera is questionable, but I still like the Tigers Moneyline here.

Milwaukee Brewers (+161.0) at Chicago Cubs (-161.0) @8:05 PM EST

The Chicago Cubs are struggling and have dropped five out of their last six games overall and have been favored in every game this season.

The Brewers Brewers have won six out of last seven games overall and in five out of those six wins they were the underdog.

Both starting pitchers are off to good starts but Cubs started Brett Anderson is still a huge question mark to take the Cubs with -161 juice and Cubs bullpen is 1-4 with a 4.10 ERA so far.

I am taking the Brewers Moneyline.

Miami Marlins (-102.0) at Seattle Mariners (+102.0) @ 10:10 PM

Marlins starter Yovani Gallardo is 5-1 with a 1.90 ERA in eight starts against the Marlins in his career.

The Marlins are only 6-20 in last 26 road interleague games on the road.

The Mariners have won  eight of its last 11 interleague games at home.

Take the Seattle Mariners Moneyline.

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