Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) - 7:05 PM EDT Premium Pick Pick: Money Line: -134 Los Angeles Dodgers Rating: 9* Mike's MLB Attention Grabber (WIN) The mushes got the best of us yesterday after winning 7 in a row. Tonight, the game that has caught my attention focuses on an NL East-West matchup. New found Phillies' pitching gem Kyle Gibson may LOOK the part with early wins over the Pirates & Mets since coming over from the Texas Rangers. However, he still remains 0-2 lifetime versus the Dodgers with an 8.04 ERA. Gibson previously lost 7 of 8 before coming over to the senior circuit. Remember, Philadelphia comes in not faring too well versus the class of the NL (NL West) @ 8-17. Analytics also show Los Angeles' strong suit are Game 2's of a series as they come into this one winning 38 of their last 52. Besides going 17-7 versus the NL East, the Boys from Chavez Ravine have taken 8 of their last 11 from the Fighting Phils. My bottom line points to several things. The Dodgers not only have one of the top 7 bullpens in the majors (Philadelphia is 20th) and hold the BEST overall ERA in the majors (Phillies are 18th), its hard to ignore a team with the TOP run production in the major leagues (Phils have a -10 run differential). Enter into the picture LHP David Price going for LA. Tonight, I feel Price will benefit from his team's built momentum (won 3 straight) & get the usual run production the Dodgers are noted for. Price's last visit to this venue was a 3-2 win when he was with Tampa Bay 9 seasons ago. In addition, while Philadelphia may RULE (26-13 in day games), they've been challenged @ night dipping to 33-41. On the flip side of that coin, LA's been solid after dark turning in a nifty 49-33 slate. Let's go to Citizens Bank Park to play the LOS ANGELES DODGERS as my 9* MLB Attention Grabber Play! Friday, August 13, 2021 Chicago Cubs vs. Miami Marlins (MLB) - 7:10 PM EDT Premium Pick Pick: Money Line: -115 Miami Marlins Rating: 8* Mike's Road Tanker Play (WIN) Manager Don Mattingly & his Miami Marlins are just 48-67 heading into this one. When they play in their home confines they're quite a different story @ 27-27. Their overall record may just be 19 games under .500 but numbers show their actual record should be 56-59 as in 8 games better. They now take on a Cubbies squad (thank GOD Harry Carey isn't alive to see this!) who are losers of 8 straight & are a struggling 21-37 taking to the road. The Marlins are the better rested bunch coming off an off day here Chicago played last night. Even though Marlins' LHP'ing starter Jesus Luzardo (came over from the Oakland A's) has a very high ERA, he hasn't faced the Cubs' make-shift lineup that ranks 28th in the majors in batting average & WORST in the NL! As far as bullpens go, Miami's ranks 5th in the major league with Chicago 12th. I trust the home team gets to Chicago RHP Adbert Alzolay (has an ERA over 5) whose watched his team lose 9 of his last 10 starts this season. My bottom line points to other factors as well. Miami took 2 of 3 from the Cubbies in Chicago around mid-June when they out-scored them 21-5. That's when Wrigley's Finest had all their lineup intact. The analytics show that Chicago is an absurd 14-38 on grass, is 4-13 versus LHP & is a perfect 0-6 versus a starter with a +1.30 WHIP. Are you ready? I'm ready to go to Loan Depot Park in the state where athletes love to play (for less taxes) & grab the MIAMI MARLINS as my Road Tanker Play! Mike Handzelek's 2021 MLB Record last 53: 36-17 for 68% Last 9 (8-1 for 89%)
 

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