Hope springs eternal is the saying around Major League Baseball at this time of year when the Washington Nationals have the same record as the Houston Astros. New rule changes and players in different locations make the 2023 season one of the most anticipated in recent memory. The 162-game, six-month grind begins on Thursday, March 30 with every team scheduled to play. I say scheduled because every season at this time weather plays havoc with games postponed and rescheduled for later in the year. That makes placing bets a tricky proposition. Maybe you can bet on how many games will be PPD?
The defending champion Astros are favored in the futures market to repeat and they host AL Central hopeful Chicago White Sox in the opener. One thing that separated Houston from the rest of the American League and MLB for that matter was their bullpen. The Stros had the best bullpen ERA in the majors and that’s an area that will get plenty of work at the beginning of the season with starters throwing fewer pitchers. Wagering on games early in the year is always a crapshoot but there appear to be some solids out there so let’s see if we can start the season off on a good note with our MLB parlay picks for Thursday, March 30.
Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros
I briefly mentioned the Astros above and for those reasons I’m backing them in the opener. They capped off their 106-win regular season by going 11-2 in the playoffs en route to the World Championship. Every season is different so expecting the same is out of the question. But the Astros have one of if not the most balanced team with excellent starting pitching, a dependable bullpen and plenty of sluggers in the lineup. They will miss Jose Altuve, but Yordan Alvarez is a MVP in waiting. He posted a 1.019 OPS and 37 homers last season and could do more. Thursday’s starter Framber Valdez went 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA last season clinching the World Series with a sparkling 6.0 innings of two-hit ball in a 4-1 win over the Phillies. After struggling last season the expectations for the Sox were lowered. With Jose Abreau off to Houston there’s a void in the middle of the lineup and that will be exploited early in the year.
MLB Parlay Pick: Houston Astros / UNDER
Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics
It wasn’t a plan to stay in the AL West that’s just how the wagers worked out. For the first time in a few years the Angels have expectations of not only compiling a winning record but also reaching the postseason. They’ve built a roster with guys who can play multiple positions to offset the injury issues that have plagued them. The good news is that Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon are starting the season in the lineup and they should take care of the Athletics before taking a seat on the injured list. Here’s hoping for Halos’ fans that doesn’t happen again. Oakland’s roster reminds me of the movie Major League when fans would ask themselves, “who are these guys.” There are few recognizable names and the Moneyball era is done since the prospects don’t even rank highly. It’s going to be a long season in Oakland and if the Angels have any hope of making the playoffs wins over the A’s are essential.
MLB Parlay Pick: LA Angels ATS
New York Mets at Florida Marlins
A pair of former Cy Young Award winners will duel in this matchup with three-time winner Max Scherzer taking the bump for the Mets against reigning NL winner Sandy Alcantara. I typically don’t put much stock in starting pitching at the beginning of the season but this one is an exception. Both hurlers like to throw a lot of innings and won’t be saddled with restrictions other pitchers might face. Alcantara led the majors in innings pitched and tossed six complete games, which is nearly unheard of in today’s game. He subsequently faced the most batters and was one of the best at preventing runs sporting a 2.28 ERA. Though he’s pushing 40 Mad Max still has it going 11-5 with a 2.29 ERA and 0.91 WHIP last year. The Marlins aren’t going to score many runs and the offense will be challenged against the stronger arms in the game. Scherzer is one of the best setting this one up to be a low-scoring affair.
MLB Parlay Pick: Mets / Marlins UNDER
