Taking AUBURN here. I can guarantee you this. The Tigers will win this one tonight! Will gladly gobble up any points you want to send me on an SEC team that is capable of being in the playoffs this year. I know the Clemson Tigers are the defending champs. But these guys beat the Auburn Tigers last year in an ugly game. Points at premium.  I can't see a blowout. 5* Best Bet AUBURN 

Taking UNLV here. Man. How can we not play this team. We all know the story. 45pt home fave losses outright to a team they paid 600 grand to play. The jokes right themselves. Guess the coach didn't have his team ready for a Cam's little brother and the running style that chewed up the Rebels. But Idaho is a more conventional team. So, after a humiliating loss, and seeing themselves on every sports show, this team is coming with a chip the size of the Grand Canyon on their shoulders. 4* Money Maker UNLV 

Taking TCU. So this went from Frogs +1.5 to them laying a FG on the road. Hmm.. Is it all revenge angle from an OT 41-38 game. I like HC Patterson. This is an experienced team. I think the defensive can keep the Razorbacks in check. 4* Money Maker TCU

Taking MICHIGAN STATE here. Not a fan of low hanging fruit games. You know that. When things look like easy money, you are normally staring at a bad loss. But I have to bite on Sparty. This team fell off a cliff last year. I don't think it is lack of talent. I thought they would fail to cover last week with another low line. HC won't take anything for granted, especially against an in-state little brother out of the MAC. Speaking of which. Who had WMU hanging with USC? A lot of new faces on the sidelines and on the field. Yet, there they were. Trading blows with a PAC 12 favorite. But that also plays into why I like Sparty. WMU left a lot on the field last week. Tough to get up again, even against a state rival. Maybe for a half they compete. But I think Michigan State wears them down and pulls away into a double digit win. 4* Money Maker MICHIGAN STATE 

Taking MID TEN STATE here. I lost last week with the Blue Raiders, but will jump right back on them. So they are a FG home dog to an SEC team with a superior defense. Somehow they rate 10 points in the Dome? What am I missing here. Ok, Orange have some starters back. But this MDTNST offense should be able to put up some points. Their OC was fired from Syracuse's HC before taking over here. A little revenge will be on the plate for sure. 8* Sure Shot MID TEN STATE 

Taking UL here. Louisville was in for a tough game vs a coach who knew their playbook. Plus, Cards, even if they got off to a fast start wouldn't run it up on a former member. You figure the Heisman winner last year has few tricks up his sleeve that he didn't run last week. This NC team has a defensive unit that won't be able to slow down a mobile QB with an arm. Clemson up next for UL. But again, this Tarheels defense is terrible. 4* Money Maker LOUISVILLE 

Taking ARMY. Been looking at this most of the week. Last year, Buffalo won 23-20 as 13 point home dogs. Now they are close to the same line? Army is a tough, experienced team. I don't who you play. You put up 64 points with zero passing yards, you know how to run the ball. Buffalo in off a tough 17-7 loss to Big 10 Minnesota. I am sure they were very excited about possibly stealing a game there as the Gophers had a new HC bringing in new schemes. Give me the Black Knights with a big revenge win today. 4* ARMY 

Taking the CUBS here. I had been a believer in Milwaukee most of the year. I just can't see them overtaking Chicago now. They had their chance over the first half of the season while the Cubs struggled. They seem to have hit their groove as we play September baseball. I do like Nelson, which is why this line is where it is. Not a big fan of Lackey. But he has reeled off wins in 9 of his last 10 starts. Again, Lackey 4-4 4.02 ERA in 12 home starts. But, 3-0 2.48 ERA his last 5 at home. Again, coupled with the entire team turning things around. Everything comes together. Cubbies 8-3 last 11 overall. 8-1 last 9 at home. 9-1 in Lackey's last 10 starts. Brewers 2-5 last 7 on the road, 1-4 last 5 overall and 2-7 last 9 games with Nelson on the hill facing Chicago. 4* Money Maker CHICAGO CUBS 

Taking OHIO here. Let's not get carried away by Purdue covering vs UL last week. That was Brohm facing his mentor and his offense. Easy to coach when you know what is coming. Plus, you know that the Boilermakers had that game circled for their HC. Taking down a Heisman. Now they face a MAC team. Give me the dog any day of the week in this spot. Ohio taking on the Big Brothers. Bobcats 5-1 ATS last 6 vs Big 10. 8-1 ATS last 9 on the road. Purdue 2-8 ATS last 10 at home. Can't trust this team as any kind of favorite. 4* Money Maker OHIO BOBCATS 

4* Total Money OVER  Oklahoma Sate / South Alabama 

Taking the BRAVES tonight. Would have liked to see RL +170 with Atlanta here. But, I will just try to get in the win column with the ML. Look. I can't see how the Marlins are totally focused here, or this series in general. Miami is about to be pummeled. Families, homes, belongings. Also, can't forget a lot of these guys are from island nations. Marlins dropped 5 of 6 and 10 of 11. At this price, with Foltynewicz 5-0 last 5 starts at home vs Miami, and 6-0 his last 6 against them. Grabbing the home team tonight. 4* Money Maker ATLANTA BRAVES 

Taking the RED SOX. A rough start to the month for me people. Always the truth, win or lose. But even with some losers, I have been tracking teams and I feel really great heading into the first weekend of NFL action. So let's get back to grinding out winners on the bases tonight with Boston. Down a bit on Archer. Left his last start with a forearm problem. Not sure if that is something to play with with a pitcher 200 innings the last 3 years and is fast approaching that total again. Archer with a 4.23 ERA away from the Trop and is a pitiful 2-11 5.08 ERA in 18 starts vs the Red Sox. Pomeranz putting up a nice little year at 14-5 3.36 ERA over 27 starts. The stats play out pretty even as he is 7-2 3.26 ERA in 14 home starts. 4* Money Maker BOSTON RED SOX 

Taking the PATRIOTS tonight. I could probably make a case for KC. But I really like them more next week. Extra prep time for Andy Reid facing his old club. Eagles at Arrowhead, that will be a big game for the HC. Plus, they have division rival SD on deck. Patriots are the Patriots. Brady will do his thing. The loss of Edelman will be felt. Will it? This team continues to plug pieces on both sides of the ball and wins. Wins Big! Chiefs lost their best RB in preseason. WR Maclin is also gone. Poe and Howard were a big force on the DL. Can't see Alex Smith getting into a shootout with Brady. This should be a 10-16 point win for NE. 5* Best Bet NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

Taking the PADRES tonight. Not much on the board that I have been liking the last week or so in MLB. So I am not going to be forcing plays. But I can jump on the Padres at even money. STL streaking. Winners of 3 straight 7 of 10 and just 3 back in the wild card. I like the way Lamet has been throwing. He has allowed more than 2 runs just once in his last 8 starts! - 4-3 with a 3.88 ERA in 8 home starts. But the .189 BA Against and 1.03 WHIP really show he has been even better overall. 4* Money Maker SD PADRES

Taking ARIZONA here. Normally, not a fan of taking a team off a 13-0 win. Especially over the team with the best record in MLB playing on a epic pace. But how can we get in front of the DBack train that has won 11 straight and 13 of 16. They send their ace Greinke, who sports a 2.30 ERA in Dodger Stadium. LAD has been slumping having dropped 4 straight, and 9 of 10. 4* Money Maker ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS 

Taking OAKLAND tonight. Angels have seemed to be playing in some crazy games lately. 11-9 last night. 6-7, 7-4, 9-10, 10-8. That has to put a strain on a bullpen. Even bringing up extra September arms. What sticks out most is that 10-8 game. That was on August 30th, vs this same A's team. And against Kendall Graveman. He gave up 8 that game. Always like to back a guy after a team roughs him up in the previous start. The splits show us that at home, very effective. 2.70 ERA in 7 starts (6.75 ERA 7 road starts). Plus, another thing that I love to fade. A pitcher in his first start off the DL. In this case, Richards has been sidelined for 5 months last pitching in April. When healthy, the Angels were just 3-8 in Richards last 11 starts vs Oakland. I'll grab the dog here. 4* Money Maker OAKLAND A's

Going UNDER the total here. Vols with extra prep time for the triple option. That is huge to start a year. Not like getting ready for it in a week. GT also lost it's leading rushing from last year. They will still move the ball, but the clock will churn. Tennessee breaking in new QBs. Never a recipe for an offensive explosion. Just see a low scoring game with the first team to 24 winning. 4* Total Money UNDER Vols/Tech

Taking the BREWERS here. Now, most of the year I am avoiding the low hanging fruit and the line is way too low games. And most of the year I am taking the dog in these spots. But as we hit September, we have teams playing for their playoff lives. Yes, their is added pressure. But they wouldn't be in this spot if they weren't good. Milwaukee is a solid team. They are sending a pretty good starter in Anderson to the hill this afternoon. Since his DL return, he is averaging 5 innings 2 runs, 5Ks and 2 Walks. Not the sexiest of numbers, but Chase has been good all year giving up more than 4 runs just once. Bailey has been up/down all year. A good start, then a brutal one. The fact he is off a game and a half good start (3 innings then 6 innings) makes me believe he is ripe to give up 7 in two innings today. Can't have faith in him at all. Cincy 0-7 in Bailey's last 7 starts at home and 1-4 when facing the Brewers. Milwaukee has won 7 of the last 10 in the series. 4* Money Maker MILWAUKEE BREWERS 

Taking UCLA big. First. We have revenge angle from last years 31-24 in College Station. (we had A&M) Bruins had a terrible year after being picked to win the PAC 12 going 4-8. That is what happens when your NFL QB goes down injured. Well, Rosen is back and if his play equals his mouth this team is a playoff contender. I know that there is a new OC in town and UCLA's old OC is now on the Aggies. But A&M lost their 2 best defensive guys. Rosen, at home, should be a little more mature in the pocket. Texas A&M, as of this writing Friday hasn't said who their QB is. Whoever it is, it wasn't last years starter. So he won't have help from their top 4 WRs from last year who have all departed. UCLA needs Rosen to shine. A&M is such an underachieving bunch. UCLA 30-10 ATS last 40 at home vs non-conference teams. Bruins need a fast start to wipe out that bad season stench from LY. 10* Money Bomb UCLA BRUINS

Taking FLORIDA STATE tonight. You know I have no problem backing Bama. Though we did have Clemson ML in the Championship. I don't mind laying points with this guys. We opened up last year with them as a 10* Money Bomb beat-down over USC. But times are different. They don't have the Seminoles old HC working for them. They do bring in yet another OC to run the show. Look. Bama has NFL talent every year. Clearly the cream of the crop at recruiting. But this is an early game vs a very good team that is title contender. Both teams have top 5 defenses. I can't see the Tide getting what, another dozen defensive TDs this year. Have to grab the points for sure. 8* Sure Shot FLORIDA STATE 

Taking NEBRASKA here. Let's get it out there. HC Mike Riley needs a big win tonight. Oregon on deck. I can say Arkansas State is a dangerous Sun Belt team. 15-1 SU last 2 years in SBC play. But opening up the year, well not so good. Toledo 31-10 Auburn 51-14 Utah State 34-20 USC 55-6 Missouri 27-20 Toledo 37-7. We can go back to 2012 when Nebraska won here 42-13. They just do not show up to play in these early games. Cornhuskers have a Tulane transfer in Lee at QB who is on NFL radars. That, along with the Big 10 talent should be able to will us to a 14pt win. 4* Money Maker NEBRASKA 

Taking MID TEN ST here. Line has dropped a bit and that's fine. I think the Blue Raiders could win this one outright. They have the best QB in conference. The defense is has experience. They also bring huge revenge from last years 47-24 loss. I know Vandy brings the better defense, and this is SEC vs CUSA. But I don't mind taking shots with home revenge dogs with something to prove. 4* Money Maker MID TEN ST BLUE RAIDERS 

Taking GEORGIA SOUTHERN here. Pretty simple in my thinking. Auburn has Clemson up next. I can't see them getting really flashy with their offense. They need some surprises for the defending champs. The Eagles will be looking to run the ball all game, and that should chew some clock up for us. 4* Money Maker GEORGIA SOUTHERN 

Taking the PIRATES here. First. Let me say that with September baseball, we are going to see some huge lines coming down the pike. The 40 man, teams looking to youth and out of contention. Veteran teams playing out the string. We won't be having days of 5-6 plays on the bases ahead that is for sure. But we can still find some good spots for a big dog, or a RL fave. --  A tough loss last night as the Angels come back to tie it at 9 only for a wild pitch to cost us a chance at a win. I can live with a hit. But a wild pitch. brutal -  For Saturday night, we look to the Reds. We have made a decent coin backing Cincy in spots. Either on their totals or side. I like that Mahle is getting his second start vs the same team. He wasn't terrible in his first MLB game. 5 innings 5 Ks, but 4 walks with make life dangerous as he gave up 3 earned. Jitters gone, I expect the walks to be cut in half which helps. Pirates now have lost 14 of 19 and at 9.5 back, essentially out of the wild card hunt. Their ace got hammered last night. This is a spot of team that had playoff hopes just playing out the string. Add in that you have a young team looking to win any game, and head into the off-season on a positive ride, and we have a nice dog to cash tonight. 4* Money Maker CINCINNATI REDS  

Taking UMASS, again. A rough way to go down against Hawaii that's for sure. I think they bounce back though. If they were at home, I would be a more concerned laying a bigger number. This is Coastal's first year with the big boys. They have been a pretty decent FCS team. I would really have liked to be on them in this home opener spot. It isn't like UMASS is some Power 5 monster. What really sticks out for me is the amount of returning starters for Coastal, or lack of. 4 on offense, 6 defense. They are breaking in a new QB. And what I feel is most important, they are without their HC for 5 months out on medical leave. Maybe they rally in Game 1 and 'win it for the Gipper.' But I tend to like a team who has played at game, at real game speed and is ready to work out some kinks that cost them that last game. 4* Money Maker UMASS

Taking FLORIDA in this spot. Man. Want to go +140 ML with the Gators. I like McElwain. 2 straight SEC Title Games under his belt. This is his 3rd year. The offense is his. Should be able to catch how good the defenses have been here in Florida. 9 starters back on offense. Look Harbaugh recruits talent. But losing 11 NFL Draft Picks, plus regular graduates is a big hole to fill. Even if it is with other blue-chip talent. 1 returning starter on defense. 5 total starters back. This is a young team. Give me a little 41-7 Citrus Bowl payback! - 4* Money Maker FLORIDA GATORS 

Taking NOTRE DAME here. Will let it out right here in Game 1 for the Irish that I try to avoid, or go against ND simply because they are always laying a couple extra points because of their name. But in this case, I will swallow those because I think ND is vastly improved from last year, and Temple will be taking a step back. They are off b2b bowls but are now replacing their HC and have just 10 returning starters. They could be trotting out a true freshman behind center. All 4 QBs college states are 6-11 69 yards 1TD. Not exactly what you should be looking at if you are looking to back an underdog. Irish lost a bunch of NFL guys in 2016 and it reflected in their tough season last year. But with 15 starters back, opening up in South Bend, ND needs to score a big win to open the year. They have a pretty tough schedule and can't afford slip-ups as hefty faves. 4* Money Maker NOTRE DAME

Taking WYOMING here. You know I like this QB. We made some nice scores late in the year off these guys. And I like their chances here. I hate though that everyone else is on this team as a result of a possible #1 NFL QB behind center. Can't worry about that though. Let's take about Iowa. They lose their QB. So a conservative team gets even more conservative. Iowa is 13-22 ATS last 35 at home including 4-10 ATS as double digit favorites. They also have arch-rival Iowa State on deck. They lost last year here to North Dakota State. That is only the team that Wyoming HC built before taking over the Cowboys 4 years ago. A team that he won National Championship with. Safe to say he has the same, if not better players in position this afternoon. Cowboys on a 8-1 ATS run as dogs and Iowa is 3-10-1 ATS last 14 at home. 4* Money Maker WYOMING COWBOYS 

Taking NORTHERN ILLINOIS here. I know that BC is a defensive force. But I can't pass up a 9-2 ATS dog-role Huskies team. These guys started 1-6 last year and finished 5-7. They have been to the MAC Championship Game 6 of the last 7 years. You don't think they will be pumped to face a Power 5 team like BC? Eagles have the experience and have an ACC foe, Wake Forest, on deck. Tricky scheduling for them, and I won't be shocked to see the Huskies pull off an outright win here. 4* Money Maker NORTHERN ILLINOIS 

Taking the ANGELS. Well look who is right in the wild-card hunt. LAA made a couple late moves and is looking to continue their rise. Let's face it. You see Hamels as a dog at home and you think easy money as he is 24-6 last 30 here. But yet, he is a dog tonight. Rangers with other things on their mind as Texas is under water. 4* Money Maker LAA ANGELS 

Taking FLORIDA ATLANTIC. Gotta love some Lane Kiffen. But really. Do I see this line opened 21 in some spots. 17 others. Now this? Should probably go ML +280. This is an experienced Owls team for Lane. I think that the state of Florida is looking like a great football spot this year. Can't ever knock a Navy team that is a consistent winning program. Just think that this is too many points to lay on the road vs an energized team. 4* Money Maker FLORIDA ATLANTIC 

Taking the TITANS here and will grab the +150 ML also. KC with the really short week as they open up the regular season Thursday vs the Super Bowl Champs. We know Andy Reid doesn't play to win all that often in preseason. After that Patriots game, KC gets some nice extra prep time for Reid's old team, the Philadelphia Eagles. I will be all over the Chiefs as their HC is remarkable with rest. Back to preseason though. KC with nothing really to play for. Titans, still a struggle team looking for any and all wins. 8* Sure Shot TENNESSEE TITANS 

Going OKLAHOMA STATE. I really like these guys this year. Well, I liked them last year and they crushed me out of the gate in Game 2. The old Central Michigan debacle. Man, up 14-0 and I think we are going to have a blowout. They lose in crazy fashion. Which is why I absolutely love them today. Not a chance in hell that Gundy takes his foot off the gas for one second. Tulsa was explosive last year. They had 2 1000 WRs, 2 1000 RBs and a 3000 yard QB. Well everyone of those guys is gone except 1 RB. They hit Stillwater with a young QB vs a team that is loaded offensively. Rudolph, Hill and Washington could be the best QB-RB-WR trio in the land this year. This is a tough spot for a young Golden Hurricane team. These guys are a legit Championship contender. It starts tonight! 5* Best Bet OKLAHOMA STATE

Taking the RED SOX here. I will be the first to say I wasn't expecting much from CC this year. So obviously I am still waiting for some brutal outings from him. But as I said yesterday when we had Cleveland. This NY team looks to be running out of gas. Is this line so people jump on the Sox? CC has a 5.08 ERA at home in 9 starts. (2.81 road 12 starts) Rodriguez hasn't been sharp since his DL return like CC, but is 2-1 1.38 in 4 starts in the Bronx. He has a respectable .212 BA against and 1.07 WHIP in his road games. Yanks have been slipping since before the All-Star break. 4* Money Maker BOSTON RED SOX 

Taking FIU tonight. Might even sprinkle in some ML at over +700. Not sure why everyone is sleeping on this Panthers team. First off. I like Butch Davis. Guy can coach. And down the road we will see how great he is at recruiting. Go watch The U Part 2 for that. I like his experience over 2nd year Scott Frost on the other side for UCF. Obviously, huge bragging rights game for these two. Florida players all over the rosters. But again, 17 points. That is a lot for this experienced FIU team that was utterly humiliated at home last year 53-14. Give me the dogs here. 4* Money Maker FIU PANTHERS 

Taking the BLUE JAYS tonight. Almost went RL +150 especially with extra cash in our pockets off of last nights RL win on the Padres. But never know what we will get from the Jays. They never could recover from their bad start. But they have played better lately. Funny that Porcello (22) and Happ (20) were 1&2 in wins in the AL last year. Now I am looking at Porcello to get his league leading loss tonight. Just like Happ over the Sox at this price especially with a hittable Porcello opposite of us. 4* Money Maker TORONTO BLUE JAYS 

Taking the BREWERS here. I like me some Chase Anderson. Had him his time out vs LAD in a tough road loss. But now with b2b 5 inning starts off the DL (1-1 10 innings 10Ks 5BBs), I think we will a couple more innings this afternoon. With a 2.15 ERA at home, coupled with a .97 WHIP and .202 BA Against, I easily take the small home dog in this spot. I normally am a big backer of Carlos Martinez. But this isn't 2015/16. The numbers look almost the same except when we are looking at ERA and W/L. He is already passed his career high in HRs (7 mores) in 30 less innings. He is closing in on career highs in walks and strikeouts. Maybe we are getting some fatigue. Maybe hitters are just hitting in the clutch. Maybe regression is coming and the ERA gets lowers. Well, maybe doesn't cut it for me. CMart has allowed more than 5 runs 6 times.  I am going with home team. 4* Money Maker MILWAUKEE BREWERS 

This line is not up yet on this site --- 

Taking the INDIANS in Game 1. Bauer has had a nice August in 3 of his 5 starts. The Red Sox have his number as they pushed across 7 runs in 12 innings with 14 hits. But in in his 3 other starts, we have seen 20.1 innings of 2 run ball including allowing 1 in 7 to these Yankees. Jamie Garcia has not fared well in the AL since coming to the Twins, then NY. Cleveland 5-2 in Bauer's last 7 starts. And let's not forget. As good as NY has been, this was suppose to be the stepping stone to a big run next year. Indians are looking to get back to the World Series for a 2nd straight time, and this is a great price for a team that is 14-4 their last 18 games. NY is 10-8 over the same span. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND INDIANS

Going PADRES and looking for the extra payday on the RL. We can lay 110, 115, but lets try to pad our bankroll for our Best Bet in College Football Thursday night. Giants won 3-0 last night, and I think SD puts some runs up against Moore. He brings a terrible 6.71 road ERA in 12 starts to the hill tonight and opposing hitters are crushing him at a .313 clip, plus he sports a 1.75 WHIP. Giants are 3-10 in his last 13 road starts. Perdomo isn't the 2nd coming of Cy Young. Or anyone who has ever won the Cy Young for that matter. He is going to give us 6, 6+ innings. Normally he gives up 3-4 runs a game. SD took 3 out of 4 in SF a little over a month ago and all 3 wins would have cashed RL. 4* RL Money SAN DIEGO PADRES 

4* Total Money OVER Rays/Royals

Taking the INDIANS tonight. Have to grab Kluber at this price. Yes, we have a pair of aces and they both are working on some opposite numbers here. And by opposite I mean their home/away splits. Kluber, a pedestrian 3.51 ERA on the road in 9 starts. Severino a 4.14 ERA in 11 home starts. Indians are 4-0 in Kluber's last 4 starts vs the Yanks.  Kluber has been dealing going 9-2 with a 1.87 ERA since June 1st (16 starts). Severino, again, a not too shaby 6-1 last 7 starts with a 2.30 ERA. I just think that Cleveland, 8-2 last 10 on the road, and Kluber, are the better option in this spot. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND INDIANS 

Taking the BREWERS, again. Lost last night 3-1, but we are again on Milwaukee. Davies has solid road splits for us. 7-1 in 13 starts with a 2.33 ERA. A .239 BA against and 1.16 WHIP are decent. This is Stripling's first start. In his 37 games so far this season he has gone past 2 innings just twice. Again, as yesterday. Brewers solid value at this price. Milwaukee is 9-3 in Davies last 12 on the road.  4* Money Maker MILWAUKEE BREWERS 

Taking UMASS here. Couple things. One, I know that Hawaii has a little rest as this is their first game of the year. Not like they are coming mainland days a head of time. But this is a haul. Rainbows wrapped up a bowl bid LY in their final game beating these guys 46-40 scoring with under 4 remaining. I like that we have a nice Jr. QB. We have experience at the K and P position. That for me, is big here. These aren't a pair of monster teams. So when one team is traveling what, 10 thousand miles with a pair of freshman kickers, I have to lean home team. So as I am writing this weeks prior to the matchup, I am obviously assuming we don't get any crazy injuries to rattle us. So again. I like our upper-classmen experience and think that will give us the advantage to score an opening day win. 4* Money Maker UMASS MINUTEMAN

Taking COLORADO STATE. No problem opening up the College Football season with a Top 10*. This Rams team should be playing a bowl game on New Year's Day. The offense is going to punish a lot of defenses. Their own defense has 8 starters back and should be able to handle the Beavers. The schedule lines up for this guys to probably win the MWC. Oregon State, for me, is probably the 11th best team in the Pac 12. Yes, I think they are a bottom Power 5 team. I know they have 15 starters back off a 4-8 season. And they were pretty decent ATS wise covering 8 games. I just feel at this price. Rams home vs the bigger Pac 12. The crowd will be an advantage. Rams should cash this one by double digits. 10* Money Bomb COLORADO STATE 

Taking the BREWERS tonight. Dodgers are a beast for sure. But this is a spot that I look to fade most teams. Coming home off a road trip in their first game back. As I have written before. First games back are tough. You are bombarded by family and friends. You just want to sleep in your own bed. Now. It didn't pay off Monday when we had the Sox over the Indians. But it did in Game 2 as an even bigger dog on Boston cashed for us. That is what we are looking to do in this spot. We are catching a really good number with a decent team. I almost want to pull the trigger on the over again, but I just feel very good about this Brewers pick. Would hate to take any loss with a total when I think Milwaukee is winning this thing. 4* Money Maker MILWAUKEE BREWERS 

Taking the EAGLES here. Not that I go off the last performance of any team. I know that people have a what have you done for me lately kind of attitude. And the Dolphins looks down right awful last week. So Cutler will get some extended playing time. This guy was suppose to be in the booth, what, at the start of August. Gets the call to come play for his old coach. Familiar with the system or not, he is not in game shape. Next. Eagles are young and hungry. They want to take a big step this year with their stud QB and his new toys at WR. Winning, even in preseason gets this town involved and hyped up. Finally, this line. Whenever I see that 3.5 or 7.5, I know people think. Oh man, I want that extra hook. 3 and 7 are key numbers. But I think different. I think opposite. When I see 2.5 and 6.5, I can picture the average fan saying, no way they don't win by a FG (or TD). So sign me up for Doug Pederson's crew tonight. 4* Money Maker PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 

Going OVER the total here. So Rich Hill has a perfect game through 9. Loses the no-no on HR bottom 10. Trevor Williams with an 8 inning shut out, and the bullpen holds LA scoreless for 2 more. And that is why I am on the OVER. It is just one of those things for me. I see 2 teams totally dominated by pitching one day and feel there is a 4-4 game in the 3rd on tap. Ryu has a 3.19 ERA on the road. Kuhl with a 4.88 ERA at home. We will see some runs from these teams today. 4* Total Money OVER Dodgers/Pirates 

Taking the JAYS here. Have to grab Stroman at this price. Guy has a 2 ERA his last 10 starts. Though his road ERA is just a pedestrian 3.42 in 12 starts. He has allowed 3 or more runs in just 3 of those starts. 7 runs in Texas jacks the ERA a bit. The kid has been dealing. 2 months ago his ERA was 3.69. It is 2.99 now. That is what happens when you give up 15 runs in 66 innings. Pruit is one of those out of the pen guys now getting starts, 6 previous. His home ERA is over 5 with a BA against of .301 and a 1.47 WHIP. Just looking at his numbers tells me he will give up at least 3 runs today. That might be all Toronto needs behind Stroman. 4* Money Maker TORONTO BLUE JAYS 

4* Money Maker BOSTON RED SOX

4* Money Maker KC ROYALS

4* Money Maker WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Going OVER the total here. And how can we not? Homer Bailey has an ERA of 14.33 in 4 home starts. He has given up 6,8,2,10  in those 16 innings. I would normally say, hey, he gave up 6 runs and 5 walks in his last start against these same Chicago Cubs. He will be better this time around. Well he did that while striking out 10 in 5+ innings. So when he wasn't striking out a guy he was walking one and then giving up an RBI. He has gone over 100 pitches in 2 straight. He only had 69 in a 3rd August start because he gave up 10 runs 3.1 innings. 18 runs, all earned in his last 3 games, 14 innings, 14 walks and 18 Ks. A 2 + WHIP and a BAA of over .355! On to Lackey who has been at least a little respectable compared to Homer.  7-5 4.85 ERA 12 road starts isn't awful. Reds have gone over in 12 of their last 15. These series went over 3 of 4 barely a week ago with 2 games pushing across 20 and 23 runs. Maybe this is one of those, well it looks to easy games. So be it. I am on board. 4* Total Money OVER Cubs/Reds 

4* Money Maker MIAMI MARLINS

Taking the BREWERS here. I guess if we use yesterday's logic on taking the Padres over the Nats, we should be looking to the Giants here. Obviously the better team, on the road, laying almost even money. Though I liked Lamet's numbers much better. Stratton is easily off his best MLB game. This is only his 4th start, 7th game this year. He's tossed over 200 pitches his last 2 outings. Not sure how the young kid will respond. This pitchers are so babied nowadays. Davies has a 2.52 ERA on the road and is 7-0 in his 12 starts. Milwaukee still clinging to some playoff hopes. Brew Crew 16-6 last 22 with Davies on the hill and need another win from him if they want to be involved in October baseball. 4* Money Maker MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Taking the RED SOX. Normally, I am in a fade kind of mood with the Sox and Yanks after they face each other. But they were not the late Sunday night game. And in this spot, we have the Indians coming off a nice winning road trip. In hockey and MLB, I find that backing the road team against the home team is a profitable investment. These guys get back and have a family stuff to attend to. Even if you are single, just getting in your own bed is relaxing. We had the Tribe last Monday in a makeup vs the Sox that cashed and started a nice week for us. Rodriguez has a 4.09 ERA on the road. But his .214 BA Against and 1.07 WHIP tell me he is good a lot of the time, but has a bad inning somewhere. I am obviously looking to curb that tonight. Indians have been an under team most of the year, and again, this is a spot I think they are a bit flat. 4* Money Maker BOSTON REDS SOX 

Taking the PADRES. Team 25 games over .500 a Pk on the road with a guy on the hill who has a .43 ERA and is 3-0 his last 3 starts. Gio is having a super year. I guess we are all waiting on the regression. I know Nats have a bunch of guys out which puts the line into a bit more perspective. Maybe people are catching onto Lamet. The rookie has a 2.57 ERA his last 5 starts. I'll take a shot on the youngster this afternoon. 4* Money Maker SD PADRES 

Taking the YANKEES. Gray has been alright since joining NY. In his road starts, 12Ks in 12 innings. The 7 walks isn't a good sign, and I would be a lot if it was at 2 a game. That being said. He sports a .182 Road BA against which limits the damage of those said walks. I think he is better than Rick Porcello. That shouldn't even have to be mentioned. Their bullpen, even with hiccups from blowing the 6-3 lead Friday, is still a better unit that Boston. Porcello has an ERA over 5 in his 14 home starts with opposing hitters ripping him at a .307 clip. NY has some guys who can make contact. Yanks 4-1 last 5 games facing Porcello. 4* Money Maker NY YANKEES

Going UNDER the total here. 100% Certain that these guys play on 9/24. Not a chance that the Pats put out any kind of plays. Whenever I see team matched up in preseason and they meet in the regular season. It is always an auto play on the UNDER. When it is a coach like 'The Hoodie', fuhgedaboutit. Pats will get their wheels going next Week 3. For this one. I don't see them cracking 10 points. 8* Sure Shot UNDER Patriots/Texans 

Going OVER the total here. Reds have gone over in 11 of their last 13. This team packs a lot of pop, with 5 players crushing 20 or more HRs this year. And another going to get their with 17. Teheran has been terrible this year at home sporting a 1-8 record in 12 starts and 7.07 ERA as opposing hitters are hitting nearly .290 off him. Robert Stephenson has pitched primarily in the pen as this is just his 4th start of the year, 18th total appearance. You can say, well, his 6.64 ERA is skewed from a bad start. Not really. 5 in 5.1, 3 in 4.2 and 1 in 5.2 isn't really get hammered. In 4 of his 13 relief spots he gave up 3,5,4 and 7. 11 walks in his 3 starts over those 15+ innings. Those will help put runs on the board. 10 HRs in just 42 innings. 1.79 WHIP. This game should be at 10 runs by the 5th inning. 4* Total Money OVER Reds/Braves

Going UNDER the total. I guess the easy thing to do here would be to fade KC since they are a little 0-14 ATS run in Preseason Week 2s. But I think the UNDER holds the real value. We know that Marvin Lewis wants a better effort from his starters. They had a bend don't break game vs TB. But the coach is looking for better tackling. At home, I like the chances of a good overall defensive effort. Enter Andy Reid who says that the Chiefs are looking to run the ball in this game. 13 rushing attempts and 21 yards from your RB corps won't win you many games in any season. So the run game will churn the clock. The home team is looking to swarm on defense and tackle better. And we want nary a point. 4* Total Money UNDER Chiefs/Bengals 

Taking the TITANS here. Man oh man. Not that I tortured myself watching a Titans/Jets preaseason game. But 7-3! We knew the Jets were going to struggle on offense. But for Tennessee to allow 8 sacks. They will have to get another QB on the roster by the end of August if this keeps up. When a coach uses a word like 'catastrophic' when describing plays on defense. Even in preseason you have to take notice. Panthers scored a nice home win (we had the over) last Wednesday so they are well rested as the Titans played early Saturday. But they looked awful and I expect a better their coaches will be on them for a much better execution of plays today. 4* Money Maker TENNESSEE TITANS 

Taking the VIKINGS here. Might even go +140 ML like we did with SF the other night. Both teams in off wins. Minny on the road in Buffalo. Seattle spanking the Chargers in LA. Both of these coaches win in preseason. Zimmer is 12-2 since coming to the Vikes. He said he didn't like their performance last week. Guy is still punishing the team for going 3-8 after their 5-0 start! Pete Carroll is now 31-14-1 in preseason action. Now. It is tough to fade either one of these guys. I just think that getting points, we have to take the team with an unhappy coach who likes to win. As a final piece. We can't discount that Minny last played Thursday, while Seattle is on the short week playing Sunday night. 4* Money Maker MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Taking TAMPA BAY tonight. From everything I am reading and seeing, Winston is going to play the entire first half for the Bucs. Sign me up no questions asked. Then we might get Ryan Fitzpatrick for a bit. They lost their 3 starter Griffin so undrafted QB from Colorado Sefo Liufau will get a bunch of action. Jags have some QB problems. Man, I hate to say that since I like Bortles. But he is in real danger this year if he doesn't have huge improvement. That being said. We know that TB is going to roll out starters for nice stretch. Jags had some big, fluky type plays in their win over that Pats. Can't count on big plays like that every week. Bucs get it done for us. 5* Best Bet TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 

Taking the ROYALS here. I had KC in my free pick video yesterday. I will say this is one of those easy, lowing hanging fruit type games for me. The A's are bad. They are looking at the future. But does that future include a 36 year old pitcher? Chris Smith hasn't won a game since 2008! He has a 5 ERA in 3 home starts, 5.29 on the year 6 games, 5 starts. He doesn't strike out many, 19 in 34 innings, but also has 12 walks. Hammel will keep us in the game as he has allowed 3 or less in 11 of his last 12 starts. Royals still alive, hunting for the playoffs and the Central crown. He has 48Ks in 51 road innings. KC has won 3 straight and are in no position to lose to last place teams. 4* Money Maker KC ROYALS 

Going UNDER the total here. Houston in a slide the last couple weeks. The offense is sputtering along. Peacock has been a strike out machine. 112Ks in 88+ innings. Banda has 3 starts under his belt, and though not with overwhelming numbers. He does have 16Ks in 15+ innings so he misses bats. So we have a pair of guys who can K their way out of jams. Offenses missing some pop. (Correa, McCann, Gattis, Peralta) An afternoon getaway day game. I'm in. 4* Total Money UNDER Houston/Arizona 

Taking the INDIANS here. I like the Bruce trade. I think it will help them out in their playoff push. I think this team is pretty talented. We rode this guy throughout the playoffs last year. For this spot, have to fade the hot Sox though. Extra innings on Sunday night vs hated rivals. Huge series that saw the bullpen get used often. What is there to say about Doug Fister? He pitched an absolute gem by his 2017 standards 2 starts ago at Cleveland. Going into the 8th allowing 5 hits. I can not see that remotely happening tonight. Not for a guy with a 5 ERA on the year. Trevor Bauer has some bad road splits. No doubt about it. But he has pitched well his last 3 outings sporting a 1.23 ERA going at least 7 in each game allowing a run a start. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND INDIANS 

Going UNDER the total here. This is one of those days where I really can't find things I love. Some days, we get 3 or 4 even 5 games to cash on. Other times we are cherry picking. Now, you know right off the bat I am crossing out huge faves unless I see something with a dog. Again, not much for the taking for me today. We can look for regression plays on some guys, but the value on the opposing team isn't worth it. (Tigers Even) We can look to cash on a nice total trend. (Over Brewers 13-3-1 L17)  - That being said, I really just like this UNDER between the Angels and Mariners. Bridwell has been very effective for LAA in his 10 starts. He has a fantastic 1.80 road ERA with a 1.00 WHIP and a tidy .182 BA against along with a 2.76 ERA his last 5 starts. Seattle youngster Ariel Miranda counters with a strong 4-0 mark with a 2.61 ERA career vs the Angels. In 11 home starts he sports a .96 WHIP and .199 BA against. Let's close out this winning week strong! 4* Total Money UNDER Angels/ Mariners 

Taking the RAMS tonight. Will grab the points with these guys. We back another new HC in Sean McVay. Look. I know that Goff is their #1 pick and normally you are protecting guys in preseason. But McVay needs to see exactly what he has here. The guy turned Cousins into a 42 Million Dollar QB the last 2 years. Safe to say he can improve this kid. His OC worked with Matt Ryan. Again. Not a bad job. Let's not forgot old Wade Phillips running the defense. That is a nice experienced ear for the youngster to chew on. Cowboys scored a Hall of Fame Game win and I can see them being a bit more reserved here in their 2nd game. 4* Money Maker LA RAMS 

Taking SAN FRAN tonight. Man. I probably should go ML +160 with these guys. Look. We know that Andy Reid doesn't put much stock into preseason. Heck, the guy is 0-14 in Week 2. But in this spot, we are going large on the 49ers with their new HC. Kyle Shanahan takes over a putrid team. A new regime in charge. And with any new regime, you know they are going to come out firing. This is a down franchise right now. Shanahan is going to want a win and get that losing mentality off the team. Teams like this, and last nights play on the Browns included. These coaches need any Ws they can get so the players buy into them. With a new HC facing an old vet, I expect the hungry team gets it done and scores us an outright win. 5* Best Bet SF 49ers 

Going OVER the total. Over 11-2-1 last 14 in Milwaukee. Over 5-1 last 6 in the series. Nelson has gone 7-1-1 over his last 9 starts vs the Reds. Homer has gone 7-3 over his last 10 starts vs the Brewers. The Reds have cashed 5 straight overs. Their bullpen is terrible. Homer Bailey has a 8.86 ERA on the year. Only 5.47 on the road (14.33 at home) but hitters are slapping him with a .321 BA against and his 13K / 10BB ratio is wonderful for his 1.71 WHIP. Jimmy Nelson has been great at home with a 2+ ERA and 1.93 ERA vs Cincy this year. I just expect some runs. 4* Total Money OVER Reds/Brewers 

Taking the RED SOX tonight. What is up with this line? Am I missing something? Maybe they are pushing us to grab Boston. I can't see how NY should be favored. They have been up and down for sometime now with a 6 game win streak at the end of June. Both starters they acquired, Gray and now Garcia have been hit since joining the Bombers. Sox have reeled of 8 in a row and 10 of 12. Boston is 4-1 in Rodriguez's last 5 starts vs NY. 4* Money Maker BOSTON RED SOX 

Taking the METS here. NY now 13-4 in Lugo's last 17 starts. They have are 9-0 with him on the hill vs teams with losing records. The 42-70 Phillies fit that bill and they have Pivetta and his 5+ ERA on the hill tonight. The Mets are 33-15 vs Philly since 2015. Granted. NYM had a bit better pitcher and they were a playoff team. This team has sold off pieces. But they still are a better unit than the young Phillies. At this price, we will grab the low hanging fruit and look for Lugo to improve on his poor road splits vs a weak hitting club. 4* Money Maker NY METS

4* Total Money UNDER Broncos/Bears

Taking the BEARS here. Last year we had a nice NFLX winning 60% of our games for nearly a +500 profit. But this game was one of our losses. We had Chicago and Denver blanked them 22-0. Well I will jump back on Fox as he faces a club that he parted ways with. We know both teams have defenses that will play no matter where on the depth chart. I am also on the under here. I know that we have a QB battle going on in Denver. But we can't forget that the Broncos have a new HC. I can't see him playing Lynch and Siemian extended time. Siemian seems to be pulling ahead in their battle as of this writing (8/6). I will take the veteran coach on the sidelines looking to score a win vs his former employer. 4* Money Maker CHICAGO BEARS 

Taking the BROWNS here. Last year Cleveland went 0-4 in pre-season getting outscored 92-44. They proceeded to go 1-15 in the regular season. Hue Jackson is 0-8 in NFLX. The guy is 1-19 as HC of the Browns. I don't care if it is pre-season, regular season or the 4 Seasons. This dude needs to notch a win. Cody Kessler and Deshone Kizer are battling for the starters spot. You have Brock looking to show anything. I would think that at home, in front of suffering Dawg Pound fans they would come out looking for a win and not just getting reps. This team is in no position to just ' go through the motions.' Saints won't play Brees or AP for long if at all. (writing this Sunday 8/6) - This team is not looking to prove anything. New Orleans problems have been on defense. We will also be on the under 38.5 here. 4* Money Maker CLEVELAND BROWNS 

4* Total Money UNDER Saints/Browns 

Going OVER the total here. For whatever it's worth. Carolina's Ron Rivera has gone over 5 straight Game 1s in NFLX.  Just think that Texans QBs are going to come out throwing. Savage and Weeden have NFL experience. One of them will get some extended time. I liked Watson in college. I think if he gets time vs back-ups, he will have success. Cam Newton won't play. Anderson is the #2 and will get a short look. I always like Joe Webb in preseason. He is good for some excitement. Not sure if Garrett Gilbert even plays. I am sure he was just signed with Cam being banged up. 4* Total Money OVER Texans/Panthers 

Going OVER the total here. I know these guys have been playing under the last week and a half. But I gotta look to the over in this spot. One. We have Odorizzi coming off the DL. Any other TB pitcher and we would be on the Rays vs Porcello. But back to Odorizzi. He will give up runs. He has allowed 15HRs here at home. His ERA in 4.63 in those 10 starts. He has had 1 start in his last 9 where he has given up fewer than 3 runs. The guy, when he was going good, will give up 3 in 5 innings. And we know Tampa has some bullpen issues. Onto Porcello. This guy was 22-4 last year. Cy Young winner. 22-4 to 5-14. Wonder if a reigning Cy Young winner, a 20 game winner, ever followed it with a 20 loss season? He has cleaned things up a bit but still sports some average to ugly splits. I look for some offense tonight. 4* Total Money OVER Sox/Rays 

Taking the GIANTS here. I know I always talk about the 'low hanging fruit' and how some games look 'too easy.' Case in point MadBum as a small home dog. Now. Hendricks season numbers aren't awful. And this line is probably based on the fact the Cubs offense is starting to come around a bit more after a long World Series hangover. But after 2 average starts returning from the DL, Bumgarner has been very sharp. 3 runs in 19 innings with 18Ks and 4 walks and 16 hits allowed. 4* Money Maker SF GIANTS 

Taking SEATTLE here. Normally we are the fade train when we Gallardo's name pop up in a pitching match-up. But I will make an exception this afternoon. I think that Seattle is the better team and they are fighting for a wild card. So even on a get away day, I expect a solid effort. They aren't in position to lose any games. And we have Gallardo's 2017 numbers vs the A's. Not to shabby as he has logged 17 innings 4 earned and 16Ks - 5 walks in 3 games, 2 starts. Then we toss in Jharel Cotton and his 7.56 ERA at home in 8 starts. A 7.90 ERA his last 3 starts giving up 12 earned in 13.2 innings. M's offense should be able to carry the day. 4* Money Maker SEATTLE MARINERS 

Taking the ROYALS tonight. It would be easy to fade KC again after winning with STL in a rout last night. And it would be easy to fade Vargas as he has been brutal since his 12-3 2.33 ERA run through June and his 6.98 ERA last 5 starts. He's still has solid home numbers. 7-2 2.71 ERA in 11 starts. He had those back to back games to start July giving up 12 runs that really pumped the ERA. I still have faith. Wacha is having a pretty good season himself for the underachieving Cardinals. But if we are talking Vargas regression, how about Wacha's? A 2.12 ERA last 8 would think it was on the horizon. He couldn't get to the 5th last game. (81 pitches). Maybe a little fatigue is setting in. The road split of 1-3 5.19 ERA in 8 starts helps the home team tonight. He allowed 5 or more runs in half those starts. KC is 23-8 in Vargas' last 31 starts, 20-7 at home. 4* Money Maker KC ROYALS 

4* Total Money OVER Brewers/Twins 

Taking the BLUE JAYS here and almost went +150 on the RL. Only thing that stopped me from pulling that trigger is CC's road splits. A 2.29 ERA in 10 starts (6-2). This is his 4th start this year vs the Jays. 11 runs in 15 innings. Obviously getting beat up at home. And I know the Yanks have huge edge in the bullpen. They really need CC for 5 with yesterday's off day. But I can see him digging that 4-0 hole early. Happ has really had a good run since the start of June. He allowed 5 runs that first start. And 7 two starts ago. He had a game with 6 runs, but only 2 earned. So in 8 starts he allowed what he basically gave up in those 2 bad starts. I can get behind a guy like that tonight. He went 6 striking out 6 giving up 1 run vs the Yanks on July 4. Toronto 7-1 in Happ's last 8 starts vs Yanks. Yanks 2-7 in CC's last 9 starts vs Jays. Toronto 10-3 last 13 at home vs NY. 4* Money Maker TORONTO BLUE JAYS 

Taking the CARDINALS tonight. Could go RL for +130, but we have had some tough late game losses this week so we will just go for the straight play. Royals off a double dip and a lot baseball yesterday. I know this is a night game, but that is a long day at the ballpark. CMart is having a down year in my eyes and the entire STL team has underachieved. I still like him vs Ian Kennedy though. 4* Money Maker STL CARDINALS 

Taking the BREWERS here. Man. Santana is off his 5th CG of the year! He leads the league. Please show me the guy who saw that coming. Now. I would think some kind of regression would be coming for him. But it is now August and he shows no signs of slowing down. But we have a couple things working in our favor tonight.  He has had trouble at home. 4-5 in 11 starts with a 4.09 ERA. On the road a much better 2.52. Santana has 4 of his worse 5 outings at home. He is going to give up runs tonight. Prior to his last start, he had given up 4 or more runs in 3 of his last 5 starts. And let's not sleep on the Brewers. Suter has put together a nice little season. He has a 2.55 ERA in 35 innings as a starter. Twins on a 2-10 run vs lefties and this is a guy they have limited info on.  4* Money Maker MILWAUKEE BREWERS 

Going PIRATES and taking the RUN LINE. Pitt laying 150-160 is probably my peak number I would lay with any team. But I am looking to star the week with a nice little payday on the RL. ZImmerman brings a road ERA of 5.95 to the hill tonight, and hitters are slapping him to the tune of a .315 average in those 12 road starts. He is off a gem in the Bronx going 7 and giving up 0 runs. Trevor Williams is just a reliable guy who is going to keep us in the game. 4* RL Money PITT PIRATES 

4* Total Money UNDER DBacks/Giants

Taking the PHILLIES here. Actually. We are taking Nola. The sole reason to really ever back Philly. The kid is off an impressive July going 3-1 1.32 ERA in 5 starts with a .94 WHIP and .134 BA against. Unlike Urena for Miami who I mentioned in the other write up, Nola seems to be getting better as the season progresses. Hoffman has doubled his innings from last year and we see the ERA going up monthly. 3.29 May, 4.40 June, 8.00 July and a 5.38 on the year. It is even worse at home as he is 2-2 7.04 ERA in 8 games, 7 starts. .303 BA against 1.72 WHIP. He needed 101 pitches last games. The last time he went over 99 pitches he allowed 9 earned in 3+ at home vs Arizona. Looking for the Phillies to break through. 4* Money Maker PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES 

Taking the BLUE JAYS, again! Yes. Another team we cashed with yesterday. Just like Stroman a lot more than Fiers. Houston has been struggling a bit lately, dropping 6 of 8. These guys match-up in Toronto and Stroman got the best of Fiers and the Astros. I look for the same result this afternoon. 4* Money Maker TORONTO BLUE JAYS 

4* Total Money UNDER Padres/Pirates

Taking the BRAVES, again. We won with these guys yesterday and will go back to the well again this afternoon. Urena is having a nice season. But his ERA has grown every month, up to a 4.78 in July. That is what happens when you can't get out of the 5th inning in 4 of 6 starts. He is a perfect 6-0 on the road in 11 games, 8 starts. So it is tough to go against him. But he is past his innings from last year so maybe there is a bit of a fatigue factor coming into play. This is Sims 2nd career start. Marlins don't have much of a book to go on. The fact this line has moved like it has done, has me liking our chances. 4* Money Maker ATLANTA BRAVES

Taking the REDS again. Our lone loser yesterday, we will look to Homer Bailey to figure things out and get us the win. Wainwright in his first start off the DL. As you already know, I normally fade on guys in this spot. Reds had 5 of the last 6 in this series coming into yesterday. Bailey in off a good start and hopefully he can build on that vs a weak hitting Cards team. 4* Money Maker CINCINNATI REDS 

Taking the YANKEES here. A pair of pretty good pitchers take the hill today. But Severino has been super of late. 3-0 with a .47 ERA his last 3. Carrasco at 5.79 his last 3 and couldn't get out of the 2nd inning his last start giving up 5 earned. He's given up 5 runs in 2 of his last 4 starts. For me, this comes down to the bullpen. Yanks clearly with the edge in that department. That could be the difference maker. 4* Money Maker NY YANKEES

Taking the REDS here. Nearly went Run Line to take back that +170. This line makes you scratch your head a bit. Lynn is having a solid season, and of course STL will always get public money over a bad Cincy team. Yet here we are with the Reds sitting 20 games under .500 favored. Castillo has been solid in his rookie campaign. 8 starts with a 3.62 ERA 1.19 WHIP and more than a K an inning. STL is 2-6 in Lynn's last 8 road starts and 1-4 his last 5 starts in Cincy. I'll grab the small home fave. 4* Money Maker CINCINNATI REDS 

Taking the BRAVES tonight. Will grab Folty at this price. Kid has been solid on the year. 6-1 with a 3.80 ERA since the start of June. If you take out an 8 run 3 inning game and his last 5 runs against the Phills, the guy hasn't given up more than 3 runs in those 9 starts. In fact those 13 runs match almost the 14 runs he allowed in those other starts. I know Straily has made us money this year. But his road ERA of nearly 5 makes me a bit leary of backing him in this spot. Miami 0-4 in his last 4 starts. Braves are 9-1 in Folty's last 10 starts. Atlanta also 5-0 in his last 5 starts vs Marlins. 4* Money Maker ATLANTA BRAVES 

Taking the BLUE JAYS. These guys got hammered last night. I will nearly always back a team off of allowing 16 runs. That is flat-out awful. Estrada has looked better his last couple starts. Won't be shocked if he is dealt by the end of August to someone. Perhaps this Astros team? This Jays team has pop and veterans. Can't see them sitting on their heels and packing it in. Not this early. If this was some September game I would understand. Grabbing the dog. 4* Money Maker TORONTO BLUE JAYS 

Taking the YANKEES today. NY went down with their shiny, new starter last night. But they also picked up a sneaky good veteran in Garcia that isn't as flashy. Yanks stymied last night by Kluber, but Bauer is not like him. I expect Yanks bats to tag him for 5 runs by the 4th and with the bullpen ready, close the door on threat should one arise. Not shocked at all to see 6+ from Garcia tonight. 4* Money Maker NY YANKEES

Taking the ORIOLES tonight. Gausman has been absolutely dealing lately. I know that Verlander has turned the corner in his starts also. O's though a much better offense and a superior bullpen. And that bullpen will be the difference maker. 4* Money Maker BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Taking ARIZONA here. We know that Jason Garrett is 8-17 ATS in pre-season. We know that everyone likes to play their "A" games vs Dallas. Pre-season is no different. Arizona off a down year. Cowboys off a huge one. Starters won't see much if any action. We already know that Carson Palmer won't be playing at all. Maybe we get a huge swath of Blaine Gabbert. He's flamed out during real NFL, but could really exploit youngsters. Just like a team with depth, and that are hungry. Arizona gets it done tonight. 4* Money Maker ARIZONA CARDINALS

Taking the GIANTS and going RUN LINE tonight. Have to say, this is an ugly day of MLB for me. There are a lot of big faves. We have a lot of close lines. And some of the match-ups. Man, I don't even look at in depth numbers, I just cross games off the list. So as I write this Tuesday night, this game is just about to get under way in Oakland. So tomorrow, either the A's will have won 4 straight or the Giants have snapped a 4 game losing streak. Neither team going anyway. But the veteran Giants should be a bit more prideful as the season goes on. I always like Moore in Tampa. Maybe it's because I picked him for 2 starts in 2013 in fantasy baseball and he went on to have a 17-4 season. This is his worse season in the bigs. But he has been improving as the season progresses. His home splits aren't that bad. A 4.38 ERA in 10 home starts isn't horrific. 4 of his last 5 starts have been decent. Oakland is in another rebuild. They trot out a 24 year old with a 5.74 ERA in 9 career starts. I guess you can say he is better on the road than at home since hitters are at .272 BA against as opposed to .323. But the road ERA is a tad higher 5.84, to 5.64 at home. These are 2 last place teams. But for me, the value lies with a veteran home team playing for pride. You could lay -125, 130. I just need to go after the extra money if I am backing bottom tier teams. 4* Run Line Money SF GIANTS 

Taking the MARINERS again. Cashed with these guys last night and will come back for more. Rangers have sent up the white flag on the season. Mariners still grinding away. Now just 2.5 behind KC for that last WC spot. Ramirez doesn't  have any special numbers for us, He was traded to a team that is looking to contend and made off season moves to win this year. Martinez for Texas, again, nothing special with his numbers. But we have Texas trading away two big cogs in Lucroy and Darvish. They lose late after blowing a 4-0 lead last night. I think the Rangers will be in a funk for a bit. 4* Money Maker SEATTLE MARINERS