PREMIUM
AAA's ALL EARLY 3-GM MLB BLOWOUT PASS!
(MLB) NY Mets vs. Washington,
Money Line: -167.00 Washington (Home)
Result: Loss
Money Line: -167.00 Washington (Home)
Result: Loss
This is a 6* play on the Washington Nationals.
I chose the Nationals to win the National League pennant. Here is that analysis:
Assuming no injuries or trades, free agent prize Max Scherzer (18-5, 3.15 with Detroit) will replace Tanner Roark (15-10, 2.85) in Washington's rich-get-richer rotation. Jordan Zimmermann (14-5, 2.66) enters his walks year uber-motivated, and then there's Doug Fister, Steven Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez (they combined for 40 wins), guaranteeing the Nats a top-flight starter every game. Second-year manager Matt Williams will have some repair work to do in the bullpen, where basket case Drew Storen replaces Rafael Soriano as the full-time closer. Washington is hoping for a breakout year from oft-injured Bryce Harper, who moves from left to right. Face-of-the-franchise Ryan Zimmerman moves to first base, and newcomer Yunel Escobar takes over at second, which has been a sore spot, enabling emerging star Anthony Rendon to settle in at third. Escobar is a natural shortstop, and his acquisition was a warning shot at Ian Desmond, who is a free agent after this season and has shown little interest in returning. The Nats may not be able to win 98 games again this season, but in the National League East they won't have to. The Braves have given up, the Phillies should give up, the Marlines are a few years away and the Mets are the Mets.
For the most part MLB handicapping comes down to the starting pitching and in this case, I fully expect Scherzer to come in focused here as he looks to leave a good first impression in front of the home town crowd. Recent performance certainly always plays a part in my handicapping repertoire, and while for the most part I don't read too much into pre-season results, it's hard not to ignore 41 year old Mets' opening day starter Bartolo Colon's 0-3, 7.02 ERA spring finish. Conversely, Scherzer is coming off a spectacular pre-season, in his last outing he'd strike out nine over six scoreless frames, lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.35 in five spring starts. Some times a favorite is a favorite for a reason and in this case there's no doubt in my mind that the NATIONALS should be an even bigger one this afternoon.
AAA Sports
I chose the Nationals to win the National League pennant. Here is that analysis:
Assuming no injuries or trades, free agent prize Max Scherzer (18-5, 3.15 with Detroit) will replace Tanner Roark (15-10, 2.85) in Washington's rich-get-richer rotation. Jordan Zimmermann (14-5, 2.66) enters his walks year uber-motivated, and then there's Doug Fister, Steven Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez (they combined for 40 wins), guaranteeing the Nats a top-flight starter every game. Second-year manager Matt Williams will have some repair work to do in the bullpen, where basket case Drew Storen replaces Rafael Soriano as the full-time closer. Washington is hoping for a breakout year from oft-injured Bryce Harper, who moves from left to right. Face-of-the-franchise Ryan Zimmerman moves to first base, and newcomer Yunel Escobar takes over at second, which has been a sore spot, enabling emerging star Anthony Rendon to settle in at third. Escobar is a natural shortstop, and his acquisition was a warning shot at Ian Desmond, who is a free agent after this season and has shown little interest in returning. The Nats may not be able to win 98 games again this season, but in the National League East they won't have to. The Braves have given up, the Phillies should give up, the Marlines are a few years away and the Mets are the Mets.
For the most part MLB handicapping comes down to the starting pitching and in this case, I fully expect Scherzer to come in focused here as he looks to leave a good first impression in front of the home town crowd. Recent performance certainly always plays a part in my handicapping repertoire, and while for the most part I don't read too much into pre-season results, it's hard not to ignore 41 year old Mets' opening day starter Bartolo Colon's 0-3, 7.02 ERA spring finish. Conversely, Scherzer is coming off a spectacular pre-season, in his last outing he'd strike out nine over six scoreless frames, lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.35 in five spring starts. Some times a favorite is a favorite for a reason and in this case there's no doubt in my mind that the NATIONALS should be an even bigger one this afternoon.
AAA Sports
