Free Picks Today 08-06-2015

Free Picks Today 08-06-2015

 

Jimmy Boyd

  

Atlanta Braves -109

Atlanta is showing some great value here at basically a pick'em at home against the slumping Marlins. Miami has lost 3 straight and 8 of 10 overall. Atlanta hasn't been a whole lot better, but are a respectable 27-22 at home, while the Marlins are a mere 17-35 on the road.

The key here is the starting pitching matchup. Atlanta's Matt Wisler comes in with a below-average 4.44 ERA and 1.393 WHIP in 8 starts, but has gone a perfect 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA and 1.035 WHIP in 3 starts at home. Miami will counter with Jose Urena, who is 1-5 with a 4.06 ERA and 1.443 WHIP in 8 starts and 0-2 with a 4.32 ERA and 1.560 WHIP in 3 road starts.

Atlanta swept the most recent series between these two teams in Miami and the Marlins are a dismal 0-7 in their last 7 when revenging 2 straight loss as a home favorite. Atlanta is a strong 14-7 in their last 21 home games off a loss and 6-1 in their last 7 home games when listed as a favorite. Take Atlanta!

Will Rogers  

Toronto Blue Jays -175

The Toronto Blue Jays are inching closer to the top of the NL East, gaining ground on the Yankees last night. They are now just 4.5 games back, and they host the Twins tonight with a chance to complete the sweep. The Twins have dropped seven of their last eight on the road.

Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - Mark Buehrle will be on the mound for Toronto, and he's held the opposition to three earned runs or fewer in each of his last 10 starts. He was a little unfortunate in his last two outings, losing close games at home to Kansas City and on the road in Seattle. The way the Jays are swinging the bats, he should get better support here tonight. The Twins counter with Kyle Gibson, who is 3-4 with a 3.67 ERA in nine starts on the road.

2. Batter vs Pitcher - The Blue Jays haven't seen a lot of Gibson, but they've hit a combined .295 with a pair of home runs in 44 at bats.

3. X-Factor - Toronto is 7-3 in Buehrle's last 10 home starts.

Jim Feist

Boston Red Sox +136

Reason: Your free play Thursday, August 6, 2015 is in the MLB contest between the Boston Red Sox and Yankees in New York. Boston is going with a lot of kids now and they producing, adding some hunger to a team that has lacked it much of the year. The Red Sox are 8-3 in their last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

The Red Sox go with their best pitcher, Eduardo Rodriguez (6-3). The team is 6-2 his last eight starts. New York is home but has washed up C.C. Sabathia (5.54 ERA, 4-8) going. The Yankees are 2-5 in Sabathia's last 7 starts vs. American League East. Sabathia suffered from dehydration following his start Thursday, forcing him to the hospital following Thursday's game against the Rangers. He has allowed 5 runs in each of his last two starts covering 10+ innings. Opponents are hitting .302 off him this season. This is a tough park to pitch in and Sabathia has a losing home record in 2015 with a 6.80 ERA. And the Yankees are 2-5 in Sabathia's last 7 home starts vs. Red Sox. Play the Red Sox.