Free Baseball Pick for Wednesday August 16th The free pick run is 52-42 after the Rangers bullpen forgot how to throw. Tonight, the Braves bounce back and hammer the Nationals. John Smoltz says he is treating each of his remaining starts like a playoff outing. He is 10-5 with a 3.41 ERA has won his last six decisions, including Friday''s complete-game, 2-1 victory over Milwaukee. The 39-year-old right-hander has a 2.93 ERA in 11 starts since his last defeat at Florida on June 13. I would say that is lights out wouldn't you? Absolutely. The Billy Traber you saw beat the Mets in his last start is not that good. Trust me on that. It is the guy who was 1-1 in two starts back in April with an era of over 9. He will get destroyed by the Braves and destroyed early. He is 2-1 this year with an era of 5.14 and the Braves might get 5 by the 3rd innning. All Braves and Smoltz tonight. ( based on 1 to a 10 ♦ Ratings ) 5♦ BRAVES
__________________ Who is Jeff Benton? I've been gambling my entire adult life. Understanding the mindset of coaches and players, and the situations they find themselves in daily, is the key to my success. That is what over a decade in this business will do for you. Make you understand the little things. Look, you've got to realize something about athletes, both collegians and pros: They don't give their all every single game. They just can't. Whether it's a lookahead game, a letdown game, a travel situation or a dozen other scenarios, the situation often dictates a less than 100% effort. As a handicapper, you've got to be able to spot those mismatches - no matter the sport - and that's why I've got the winning edge. Bottom line: My knowledge of the game is unmatched in this industry. To be a successful handicapper, not only must you know the game, but you must understand exactly what teams are trying to do, and know whether or not they will be able to do it. |