Pencil Storm will be shutting down the offices early today to celebrate opening day at the legendary Bier Stube bar in Columbus, Ohio. In the meantime, CD92.9 Morning Show host Brian Phillips has some ideas for you gambling types out there. Enjoy!
It's a whole new ballgame here in Ohio with legal wagering for the first time. Read this as it is intended. For fun. I'm no expert, but here are five pre-season props I'm eying. (Numbers from Draft Kings sportsbook as of March 30, 2023.)
1. Seattle Mariners: AL West winner at +320.
Listen, I get it. This is my team and I'm biased. It's been a long time since I had this kind of optimism going into a new season. The playoff win over Toronto helps, and the fact that the club did play the Astros tighter in 2022. The Mariners have quite possibly the best pitching staff in the American League, a solid bullpen and some guy named Julio Rodriguez. They added Teoscar Hernandez from the Blue Jays and I'm hopeful about Jarred Kelenic as he seems ready to take a step forward. The Astros lost Verlander and Jose Altuve will miss half the season. It could be enough and the +320 is a real value for what will be a nice club in 2023.
2 Seattle Mariners: between 91 and 96 wins. +330.
They won 90 the past two seasons. What's one more at least. I'll be happy to lose if they cross that 96 number.
3. Kyle Tucker: over 31.5 home runs. -105.
He's 26 and has hit 30 dingers two straight seasons. He hits with such a violent uppercut and seems to be just coming into his own as a power bat.
4. Spencer Strider: Over 206.5 strike outs. -105.
Have you seen this kid pitch? Cripes. The Braves do it again. He struck out 202 in just 131 2/3 as a rookie in 2022. I spent a good chunk of money at the auction table on him for my fantasy squad for a reason. Future Cy Young winner. Maybe this year.
5. Mike Trout vs Aaron Judge: Head To Head Home Runs.
As I write it's clear the public is all over Aaron Judge coming off his record setting season and are also concerned about Mike Trout's health. I got news for ya, Judge has had his own injury-plagued seasons. I'll take Trout at +115 over Judge's -140 counting on negative regression from a total Judge will never equal and hope Trout can stay healthy enough to beat him. Should be fun.