For the first time in 2015, I am coming in on positive streaks in both Streak based games. The Dodgers needed 10 innings last night to upend the Mariners. Adrian Gonzalez and Matt Kemp played twinsies with their identical 1-for-4s. I will be doubling down again today on Beat the Streak and have a three pack of picks over at Streak for the Cash. Without further adieu, let's get to the picks!
I tried to keep a theme yet again on Beat the Streak. That may not ultimately be that great of strategy to win, but it gives me something to write about at least. Two second basemen are my selections for today: Jose Altuve of the Astros and Dee Gordon of the Marlins. The reigning AL batting champion Altuve draws the Oakland A's and starting pitcher Kendall Graveman. I sadly bought into the strong spring showing from Graveman and it doomed me in two fantasy leagues. He was lit up against Texas for 8 runs (7 earned) and wasn't able to escape the fourth inning. I don't expect him to be that miserable again versus the 'Stros but I believe Altuve can scratch out at least one base knock. Dee Gordon and the Marlins will face Trevor Cahill and the some how 6-1 Atlanta Braves. The Braves have looked sharp early but Trevor Cahill looked anything but that his last couple years in Arizona. Gordon should double my money today against the soft tossing right hander.
Over on Streak For The Cash, I am hoping to progress to the precipice of a red star. I am starting the day off with some UEFA Champions League soccer in the Madrid Derby. Atletico Madrid will host inter-city rivals Real Madrid in a rematch of last year's Champions League final. As with most first legs in Champions League play, they play one leg in each team's home stadium, I expect this to be a cagey affair. A draw is where I am seeing it going most likely. However, if an early goal leaks in on either side, it will be a much different contest. I can see it on either end of the spectrum, 0-0 or 5-3. Either way, I win the prop that neither team wins by just one goal. My two MLB picks are expected bounce back performances after underwhelming Monday showings. The Nationals, especially Jordan Zimmermann, took a shellacking from the Red Sox in the Boston home opener on Monday. Stephen Strasburg and my preseason #1 Nats will right the ship and beat Justin Masterson and the BoSox at 6:10. Hopefully that game doesn't pull a typical Red Sox and finishes under four hours. There I will be picking the defending World Series champion Giants to defeat the Colorado Rockies. The Giants squandered several prominent chances against the Major League walks leader Eddie Butler. They should push some runs past Christian Bergman tonight in support of Tim Hudson. HAPPY STREAKING EVERYBODY!!
Image Credits: Altuve/Gordon BTS (mlb.com), Streak picks (espn.com)