Cubs OVER 82.5
Maddon is not even a consideration but the acquisition of Lester combined with the progress shown by the Cubs in the second half last year and the help on the way in Bryant, Russell and Baez make the Cubs a front runner in a strong division where the best that can be said for their opponents is that they solidified, but didn’t really improve or “go for it.”
Rockies UNDER 71.5
Unbelievable. The Rockies not only signed Kyle Kendrick (57.4 rating versus MLB average 68.6, Kershaw 88.9) but they moved him to the top of the rotation and gave him the opening day start. Don’t put your faith in offense with this bunch, they may score a lot, especially at home, but will get beaten anyway, and slaughtered on the road.
Mariners OVER 86.5
The fans always fall in love with position players but the guy that will put the Mariners over the top is Taijuan Walker. Versus the MLB average rating of 68.6 for starters he popped Spring Training with a remarkable 91. He raises the Mariners starting staff to comparability with the Nationals and that is not an easy comparison to make.
Athletics OVER 81.5
Billy Beane sandbags and bushwhacks a bunch of bettors every year and this is another. He does not care about the public (you) perception of his guys or their “star” rating. He reminds me of another successful Oakland guy, Al Davis. None of the public perception matters, “Just win on Sunday, Baby.”
BOL