Yesterday we had a couple of rain outs so doubleheaders will take place today. Make sure you check the tournament you are entering and it has the correct games that you want to play.
Today will be a big day in the Bronx, they have a doubleheader and are retiring Derek Jeter’s number 2. I wasn’t the biggest Jeter fan, in fact I liked A-Rod more than I liked Jeter. However there is no denying that Jeter is one of the most iconic baseball players of all time. He was a class act on and off the field. I read an article where the Yanks GM said the captainship of the Yankees should also be retired with number 2 because there will never be another one like him. In the long shot that you read this Jeter, I just wanted to say congrats, you deserve it all. Here’s to you number 2!
Low-Scoring Plays
Philadelphia Phillies @ Washington Nationals – GAME 2: 7:05 start- It is very important that you get the second game for this match up. The teams will get to the ballpark early and be spent by the time the second game rolls around, especially the Phillies. These days you see teams putting beds in their club houses for players to rest up for reasons like this. Teams aren’t putting these beds in for the away team so this will be a tough game for the Phillies. Not to mention, Max Scherzer is pitching for the Nationals. Scherzer has played great against the Phillies in his career. in 179 at bats he has only allowed 2 home runs and has struck out 47. Scherzer has held them to a collective batting average of .207. Depending on the first game this game could get out of hand, if the Nationals make the Phillies spend their bullpen in the first game, stack their batters for the second game. This game has huge potential for your lineup and could win you some big bucks.
Targets: Scherzer, Harper, Turner
New York Mets @ Milwaukee Brewers – deGrom is the only light the Mets have right now. I thought Harvey was going to bounce back, but I was wrong. He can’t go long into games and might be a bullpen play now that Familia is gone. deGrom has been striking out a ton of batters this year, it is just going unnoticed because Sale has a 20 strikeout lead on everyone. The Brewers strike out a ton which is understandable since they are a home run hitting team. The Brewers have minimal experience when facing deGrom, which makes me want to side with the Mets even more.
Targets: deGrom, Bruce
Houston Astros @ New York Yankees – Both Games – I like both games to be low scoring. The ballpark will be packed with fans honoring Jeter. In game 1 the Yankees are throwing Severino who is having a solid year. However I don’t think the Yankees will win the first game. The Astros will win this one in a close one look for it to finish around 5-3. The second game is where I like the game to go low. The weather isn’t going to be great again today in New York which will be a factor during a doubleheader. We all know on rainy days we like to lay around and watch baseball. I’m sure they would want to do the same thing instead of play it. I don’t think the Astros will be able to bounce back for a second game especially with Tanaka pitching. As for the Yankees, Aaron Judge has been quiet of late, which is natural seeing he is only a rookie – and still leads the league in home runs. It just seemed that he was hitting home runs at will two weeks ago. Anyway, in the second game I think the Yankees will win thanks to Tanaka keeping the Astros silent.
Targets: Castro, Tanaka
High-Scoring Plays
Tampa Rays @ Boston Red Sox – Drew Pomeranz will be on the mound throwing batting practice to the Rays. He has given up a first inning home run in more than half of his starts this season. Pomeranz is a back end of the rotation pitcher at best. Longoria has been silent for the Rays as his average has fallen into the .230 range. Longoria started this season hot, popping home runs left and right. Against Pomeranz, Longoria could find his way and get back on track to where he was earlier this season. The Rays haven’t scored much in the last two games so look for them to wake up today and take advantage of Pomeranz. As for the Red Sox they have been hitting the ball well. Sandy Leon is starting to have a pulse again, and Mookie Betts is swinging like a clean up hitter from the one hole. Bogaerts hit streak came to an end, but he did have an RBI yesterday. Boston is playing well but side with Tampa on this one.
Targets: Longoria, Beckham
Atlanta Braves @ Miami Marlins – Any time R.A. Dickey is pitching I’m going to take the other team big in that game. Dickey isn’t as bad as I make him out to be but for some reason he is on my list. If one of these knuckleballs doesn’t move the way it should, Stanton will send the ball through Dickey’s living room window – they are playing in Miami so that’s far. The Braves’ catcher had a hard time catching Dickey last game so look for Miami players to take extra bases on passed balls.
Targets: Gordon, Stanton
San Diego Padres @ Chicago White Sox – Jered Weaver takes the mound for the Padres who is 0-4 on the year. Usually I would side with a pitcher like Weaver and have him pick up his first win of the season. Neither team is that great on offense, but Chicago is the better team. Playing at home I think they should get to Weaver and put up 7-10 runs in this one. The White Sox are 2-8 in their last 10 games so they are due for a win.
Targets: Abreu, Cabrera