Griff's Picks: May 13

Here's my picks for Wednesday, May 13: (run lines from SportsPlays.com)

St. Louis Cardinals (+1.5) vs. Cleveland Indians

First off, before I even looked at the pitching matchup I noticed that the Cardinals were the underdogs in this matchup. They're only the best team in Major League Baseball right now, but the oddsmakers have decided that last year's AL Cy Young Winner should dictate otherwise. Corey Kluber has had a rough start to this season, and I don't think he's going to have a bad year. This is a tough matchup for Kluber to climb back up the ladder though, so I'm taking the Cards as the underdogs.

Detroit Tigers (-1.5) vs. Minnesota Twins

Minnesota right-hander Ricky Nolasco squares off against Tigers' lefty Kyle Lobstein in Detroit on Wednesday. Nolasco has shown some good stuff this season, but that powerful Tigers' offense will get the best of him in this matchup.

Tampa Bay Rays (-1.5) vs. New York Yankees

Okay, so I'm crazy for this one right? Nathan Karns is winless against the Yankees in two starts against them this year, but he hasn't pitched awful against the Bronx Bombers either. The Yankees will start righty Adam Warren, who's had a tough time against the Rays' hitters this season. If you play daily fantasy, you might want to check out Tampa's James Loney as an option for tomorrow. Loney has five RBI's in just seven at-bats against Warren.

As always, thanks for reading! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @griffaldo.

Griff's Picks: May 7

Here's my picks for Thursday, May 7: (run lines from SportsPlays.com)

Detroit Tigers (+1.5) vs. Chicago White Sox

The Tigers start Kyle Lobstein against Jose Quintana at U.S. Cellular Field, which is very friendly to hitters. As I said in yesterday's picks, anytime the Tigers are underdogs, I like to pick them. This matchup is particularly pleasing to me because the Tigers have been very successful against Quintana.

St. Louis Cardinals (-1.5) vs. Chicago Cubs

John Lackey faces Jake Arrieta in the series' finale. I like the Cardinals' bats against Arrieta, as that lineup tends to turn itself over during the afternoon games.

Cincinnati Reds (+1.5) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Reds' hitters have faired well against Pirates' starter A.J. Burnett, and Thursday's not going to be any different. Cincinnati has driven the ball extremely well against Burnett, and with Anthony DeSclafani pitching for the Reds, you'll be fine taking the underdog here.

As always, thanks for reading! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @griffaldo.

Griff's MLB Bets: April 23

Here are my picks for Thursday, April 23: (run lines based off of SportsPlays.com)

Atlanta Braves (+1.5) vs. New York Mets

Oddly enough, the Mets are the hottest team in the Majors right now. Bartolo Colon has had an amazing three first starts, but it's about time for his numbers to start looking a bit a normal. I like Atlanta to cover here with Julio Teheran on the mound.

Oakland A's (+1.5) vs. Los Angeles Angels

Kind of an odd pitching matchup between Jesse Chavez of the A's and Nick Tropeano, who was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake to make this start against the Angels. Even though Chavez has been somewhat dicey as a starting pitcher, I'll take the A's in this one.

Chicago White Sox (-1.5) vs. Kansas City Royals

Chris Sale has looked just awesome in both of his starts this season. U.S. Cellular Field is a favorable ball park for offense, and the White Sox have historically hit the ball well against Yordano Ventura. Ventura has a 4.67 ERA when facing the White Sox, and this could be a tough outing for him.

As always, thanks for reading! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @griffaldo.