I kicked off my MLB expert picks with a new spring strategy earlier this week (home dogs), and we went 2-1 to start things off.
The sportsbooks aren't giving us quite as many underdog lines today, but I've still got two picks for some MLB Spring Training action:
MLB Expert Picks: March 1st, 2024
You can jump directly to today's picks here:
Game 1: Rockies (-105) vs Mariners
Game Time: 3:10 PM ET
There aren't many home underdog options for us to work with today, but this Rockies pick 'em is about as close as we'll get.
The Rockies are 2-1 in home spring training games so far, with wins over the Diamondbacks and Angels. They have also played two road games in the last three contests, with most regulars not getting significant playing time. Today's game is an opportunity to trot out the best hitters they've got, alongside solid starter Kyle Freeland.
The Mariners' spring complex is on the other side of Phoenix, which suggests to me they won't travel too many regulars to face the Rockies.
Game 2: Blue Jays (+135) vs Yankees
Game Time: 6:35 PM ET
I know I said I was honing in on home underdogs, but I think there's some value here with Gerrit Cole hosting the Blue Jays.
On paper, this is a terrible matchup for Toronto, but there are a very reasons I like the odds. For starters, this is Cole's first start of the spring, so I doubt he pitches more than an inning or two. As well, New York's stadium is in Tampa, not far from Toronto's spring home in Dunedin, Fl. So, while this would seem like a home game for the Yankees, I bet the Jays travel a decent lineup.
New York deserves to have the edge here, but probably not by as much as they do.
