April 21st NL Free Pick
Did the Cubs Use Up All Their Runs Last Night or Are the Rockies In Trouble?
Last night the Cubs proved that they can actually produce some offense when every other game isn’t cancelled due to snow, rain, cold, tsunami’s, etc. Chicago put 16 runs on the board at Coors Field in game one of the series and tonight have Yu Darvish (0-1. 6.00 ERA) up against Tyler Anderson (0-0, 4.74 ERA). The 4/21 MLB free pick would seem like an easy one in Chicago’s favor, but at CHI -125 are oddsmakers just baiting us in?
Can the Cubs Keep the Offense Going?
Chicago fans have been wondering all year where their offense is. Yeah the Cubs are off to just a 9-8 start but it’s hard to get into a rhythm when three of four games were postponed because of the weather. When Chicago does get to play, it’s in 30 degree weather so to quote arch-rival Aaron Rodgers from a few years ago maybe Cubs fans should just R-E-L-A-X. The Cubs bats proved last night that when they actually get to play they’re pretty alright, putting up 16 runs on 18 hits in a series opening win. Albert Almora, Javy Baez, and Kyle Schwarber combined to go 11-16 last night with 2 HR, 2-2B, and 9 RBI!. Is there more where that came from for the 4/21 MLB free pick?
What Chicago fans really wonder before Saturday night’s contest is what they’re going to get from starting pitcher Yu Darvish. The high priced free agent has been up and down this year, allowing 5 ER in 4.1 IP in his first start against Miami and 4ER in 4.2 IP the last time out against Atlanta. Sandwiched in between those games however was a 6 inning 2 hitter against Milwaukee. Darvish has allowed a HR in all three starts this year and 7 straight games dating back to last year which doesn’t bode well with Coors Field looming.
Is There Good Value On Colorado Tonight?
Yes the Chicago offense looked good last night but every Cubs fan in every sports bar around the world said the exact same thing – “save some for tomorrow night.” 16 runs is impressive but you have to remember that it’s Coors Field, the #1 hitter friendly park in baseball especially when the weather warms up a bit. It’s a chillier night in Denver on Saturday with game time temps expected to be barely above 40 degrees. Let’s not forget that this is a Rockies team that features Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado, DJ LeMahieu, Trevor Story and others. Colorado has minimal experience against Darvish (37 AB) but they can unload at any given time.
Bettors aren’t worried about the Rockies scoring in the 4/21 MLB free pick, it’s more about how few can they limit the opposition to? Tyler Anderson is making his 5th start of the year for Colorado and he’s been pretty good.The left hander’s 2018 resume includes 3 ER allowed total over his last 3 starts (16.2 IP) but also a 7 ER shelling in 2.1 IP in his first start of the year. Much like Darvish, the Cubs exposure to Anderson is limited but they have gone 6-14 (.429) of the six players who have faced him.
4/21 MLB Free Pick Betting
Colorado should be better so far in 2018, but their 11-10 record is what it is. Perhaps whats more concerning is the fact that the Rockies are just 2-5 at home. Are visiting teams reaping the benefit of the high altitude when the home team is more worried about the free Coors Light? With the way Darvish has pitched lately, this game could easily go in Colorado’s favor but at a minimal +115. Anderson has pitched well for Colorado, but Chicago’s offense continues to click tonight.
Free Pick: Chicago Cubs -125
