Chris Jordan
My free play is such a longshot, but I've been known to take them longshots, and roll hard with my underdogs. Today it's a near $2-underdog on the Boston Red Sox with Henry Owens, as the left-hander makes his MLB debut in the one place every Little Leaguer dreams of pitching: Yankee Stadium.
The Crimson Hose and Bronx Bombers renew their rivalry, and Owens gets his first-ever big-league start against the first-place New York Yankees.
Not the pressure is on, or anything.
Boston's No. 5 prospect bring a low-90s fastball, a deceptive changeup and a delightfully tantalizing curveball that disappears upon arrival. But the true scouting report won't be known until after this game is played, which is why I love playing pitchers in their MLB debuts.
You never know what to expect, and he will be at his best to prove he is worthy. Owens, who logged a 3.16 ERA with Triple-A Pawtucket this season, is a value play at this price.
2* BOSTON
Brad Wilton
My comp play for Tuesday is to expect another high-scoring game at Coors Field.
Last night the Mariners and Rockies were able to combine for 15 runs, and that was with Felix Hernandez wearing the starting shoes for Seattle.
Tonight Vidal Nuno gets the spot start after J.A. Happ was traded to Pittsburgh. Nuno has worked exclusively out of the bullpen this season, and for his career as a starter stands at 3-13 with a 4.08 ERA.
Colorado sends prized prospect Jon Gray to the mound for his big league debut tonight. I am sure Gray will be just fine in his major league career, but I am also sure Seattle will love to get a look at a rookie in the thin air of Coors Field.
The Mariners have played 4 of their last 7 games Over the total, while the Rockies have been Over the total in 6 of their last 9 overall.
Expect the Over to be the play on Tuesday at Coors.
2* SEATTLE-COLORADO OVER
Gabriel DuPont
Free play for tonight: Seattle at COLORADO (-105)
The SMART INTANGIBLE for my play today - The Seattle Mariners continue their road series tonight in Denver, where Colorado's Jon Gray will make his MLB debut. Last night the Mariners outlasted the Rockies in an 8-7 marathon. And what I took from that game was the confidence Colorado must have gotten from tagging Seattle-ace Felix Hernandez. That will carry over in this game.
The X-FACTOR in making this choice on this game - My x-factor is Gray, the team's top pick in the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft. The hard-throwing, right-hander can reach the upper 90s, but comfortably sits in the 93-95 mile per range - where most pitchers strive to be with their fastball. He reportedly has done a good job in developing his slider and changeup at Triple-A Albuquerque, and will bring his best stuff to Mile High tonight.
In SUMMARY, why this is the SMART PLAY with this game - I know the Rockies are bringing up the rear in the N.L. West, but the Mariners aren't much better out in the A.L. West, just a couple games in front of last-place Oakland. This is a good spot for the Rockies, as their youngster will get the money in his MLB debut.
2* COLORADO