It’s Free Line Up Friday Here at Sporfolio, but before we get to the games let’s take a look at Fight Night. No I am not going to break down, Mayweather- McGregor, but the Yankees and Tigers got into a brawl yesterday. It all started with a Sanchez home run, which followed up with him getting hit his next at bat. The Yankees then retaliated by throwing behind Miguel Cabrera. The ump didn’t like it and tossed the Yankees starter. No warnings were given before that but the ump had a short leash. As Chapman warmed up Romine and Cabrera got into an argument and it was on after that. This wasn’t a normal baseball fight there were haymakers thrown, bullpens cleared and shots throw every where. There will be multiple suspensions from this game but if there is someone that needs to be suspended the most it’s Betances. Betances came upstairs on McCan and put a 98 MPH fastball to his head. He apologized immediately but that was for hitting him in the head, he was trying to hit McCann there is no doubt about that. That is what happens when you try and hit players sometimes you miss and could lead to serious injury. A terrible decision by Betances, he should be suspended along with catcher Gary Sanchez, and a couple of others.
We have a full slate of games today with some big series, you’ll find my line up at the bottom of this so let’s get to it.
Low-Scoring Plays
Detroit Tigers @ St. Louis Cardinals – This could be the last time that we see Justin Verlander in a Tigers uniform. He is now linked to the Dodgers as well as the Astros for potential trade partners. I believe it will be his last game because it will be a good one and one of these teams will realize that they need him to make a run. The Cardinals don’t have the firepower like other teams, their home run leader is Dejong at 20 home runs. The play here is Verlander and he is my favorite pitcher on the day.
Targets: Verlander, Upton
Baltimore Orioles @ Boston Red Sox – Porcello hasn’t lost a game in the month of August, coming off a July where he didn’t win a game. Porcello will be a key part of the this Red Sox run at the title, if he pitches well, the Red Sox can go far. Home against the Orioles I like the play of Porcello. The Red Sox have been swinging the bat well so the runs will be there for Porcello. If the Red Sox sweep this series, the Orioles season is just about over.
Targets: Porcello, Nunez, Devers
High-Scoring Plays
New York Mets @ Washington Nationals – Down goes Conforto, and the Mets season is almost comical at this point. A team that thought they would have a shot at it all is one of the worst teams in baseball. deGrom gets the call for the Mets, and like Sale yesterday, I don’t like that play. He is a lot of money and the Nationals are due to beat down a team. Who better than the Mets to do it. Murphy KILLS the Mets and so does Rendon.
Targets: Rendon, Murphy
Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia Phillies – Quintana, gets the call for the Cubs who I believe is the turning point for the Cubs season. Ever since the Cubs picked him up they gained steam and have taken over the NL Central. The Phillies are the worst team in baseball which makes me love the Cubs in this game. Rizzo is always a great play, Schwarber is hit or miss, but tonight I love him in this game.
Targets: Rizzo, Schwarber
My Line Up
SP-Verlander-DET
SP-Sabathia-NYY
C-Ramos-TB
1B-Moreland-BOS
2B-Murphy-WAS
3B-Rendon-WAS
SS-Baez-CHC
OF-Stanton-MIA
OF-Bautista-TOR
OF-Dickerson-TB
Check out our MLB Breakdown Spreadsheet and our Pitcher Breakdown Spreadsheet (these picks – all over/unders – are now at 57.6% accuracy since June 30) where you can compare key statistics and numbers for today’s games.