MLB Picks Monday 4/4/2016 – TOR vs. TAM

Pick #1 – Tornoto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays​

Well its the official opening day of Major League Baseball 2016 and sports fans and betters alike could not be more exstatic. While we are of course starting with a clean slate for the new MLB season we can always turn to historical trends in the beginning to carry us through until the current numbers start building up. The great part about this Tornoto Blue Jays (1-0) versus the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) is that these two teams were one of only three games yesterday so we get some recent data to find value and extract conclusions from. Starting with the historical trends we see that The total has gone OVER in three of the Blue Jays' last four games against the Rays. This is a great indication that these two teams play high powered offensive baseball when they meet regardless of who is pitching. In addition to this nice trend the The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games at home and the total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games on the road so we are really gaining some momentum towards an easy justification of taking the OVER here for value. One aspect of this game we really have to like is that fact that both of the teams ace pitchers pitched yesterday and the total still went OVER. The simple fact is these two teams produce when they meet and the general public must feel the same way as the consensus for this MLB total is 71% and the highest out of any bet on the board. Over the 1 game season so far the two teams combine for 8 runs so we have to really like our chances at this going OVER due to the pitching matchups as well as the strength of each teams offense. The weather in Saint Petersburg is a really nice 75 degress with a 4 – 7 mph hour wind so the ball should be flying with plenty of pop. This should be a revenge game for the Rays as well since they lost the home opnener so we can best believe the bats will be focused and ready to produce. The total over/under spread for this MLB game opened at 8 and has stayed there and lets get it at that number before it moves a half point on us. One great sign is that they are charging -115 for this OVER which is a great indicator this one should roll our way. One great final point to this pick is the fact that starting Toronto Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey had 2-8, 4.83 ERA record on the road in 2015 really highlighting the fact that this knucleballer really struggles when away from Canada and his woes should continue today against a hungary Rays team and a hot hitting Blue Jays team. The Rays need to win by a solid -1.5 here so we can certainly expect some runs from both sides if that cover has any chance of being met. Lets feel confident in our first 2016 Major League Baseball opening pick and happily take the OVER 8 and enjoy the popcorn and hot dogs as we watch the runs come in and our bankrolls go up.

Game Time:
Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays - Monday, April 04, 2016 7:10 PM

Spread:
969 Toronto Blue Jays +1½
970 Tampa Bay Rays -1½

Total:
969 Toronto Blue Jays Over 8
970 Tampa Bay Rays Under 8

Betting odds provided by 5Dimes

The Pick:
Over 8 (2 Units)

As always bet within your means and bankroll. Enjoy the games and be responsible when betting!

Picks By TexasMatt