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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB and CONCACAF Gold Cup Previews and Odds - 07/24/2021

by Big Al Staff

Saturday, Jul 24, 2021

The Saturday sports card features action in MLB and the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Fifteen games are on the MLB docket, with two games starting in the afternoon. The Chicago Cubs host Arizona at 2:20 PM ET. The Cubs send out Alec Mills as their starting pitcher against the Diamondbacks Merrill Kelly. Chicago is a -150 money line favorite (all MLB odds from DraftKings). Boston plays at home against the New York Yankees on FS1 at 4:05 PM ET. The Red Sox pitch Nathan Eovaldi against the Yankees’ Jameson Taillon. Boston is a -165 money line favorite with the total set at 9.Philadelphia is at home against Atlanta at 6:05 PM ET. Vincent Velasquez pitches for the Phillies against the Braves Drew Smyly. Philadelphia is a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 95. San Diego visits Miami in the third game of their four-game series at 6:10 PM ET. The Padres pitch Ryan Weathers against the Marlins’ Ross Detwiler. San Diego is a -135 money line road favorite with a total of 8. Washington plays at Baltimore in Game 2 of their weekend series at 6:35 PM ET. Max Scherzer pitches for the Nationals against Matt Harvey of the Orioles. Washington is a -210 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9.5.Seven games start at 7:10 PM ET. Tampa Bay visits Cleveland in the third game in their four-game series on FS1. Jean Carlos Mejia pitches for the Indians against a starting pitcher yet to be named. The Rays are a -125 money line road favorite with a total of 9. Houston is at home against Texas as a -195 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. The Astros pitcher Framber Valdez against the Rangers Kyle Gibson. Milwaukee is at home against the Chicago White Sox as a -125 money line favorite with a total of 7. Corbin Burnes pitches for the Brewers against Carlos Rodon of the White Sox. Minnesota hosts the Los Angeles Angels as a -130 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Twins pitch Jose Berrios against the Angels Patrick Sandoval. Toronto is at New York to play the Mets as a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 8. Hyun Jin Ryu pitches for the Blue Jays against Taijuan Walker of the Mets. Kansas City plays at home against Detroit as a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 10. The Royals pitch Carlos Hernandez against the Tigers’ Carlos Mize. Cincinnati is at home against St. Louis as a -180 money line favorite with a total of 9.5. Luis Castillo pitches for the Reds against Jake Woodford.San Francisco hosts Pittsburgh at 9:05 PM ET. The Giants pitch Kevin Gausman against the Pirates Will Crowe. San Francisco is a -280 money line favorite with a total of 8. The Los Angeles Dodgers are at home against Colorado at 9:10 PM ET. Tony Gonsolin pitches for the Dodgers against Kyle Freeland of the Rockies. Los Angeles is a -255 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Oakland plays at Seattle at 10:10 PM ET. The A’s pitch Chris Bassitt against the Mariners Logan Gilbert. Oakland is a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 7.5.The CONCACAF quarterfinals begin on Saturday with two matches at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. El Salvador plays Qatar on FS2 at 7:20 PM ET. Qatar is a -0.5 goal line favorite with an over/under of 2 at MGM. Honduras plays Mexico on FS1 at 10:30 PM ET. El Tri is a -1 goal line favorite with a total of 2.5.

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2021 CFL Preview: Calgary Stampeders

by Sean Murphy

Friday, Jul 23, 2021

We'll wrap up our 2021 CFL West Division team previews with a perennial Grey Cup contender in the Calgary Stampeders. Here's what you can expect from the Stamps this season.The sky is the limit for Calgary after it went 12-6 and finished second in the West Division in the face of plenty of adversity in 2019. The Stamps were forced to go without QB Bo Levi Mitchell for an extended period and when he returned it was too little, too late as they fell to the eventual Grey Cup champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West semi-final. Mitchell is back healthy and ready to guide an explosive, albeit new-look Stamps offense in 2021. There's reason for concern on the offensive line, which is nothing new in Calgary. With such a prized talent like Mitchell under center, the Stamps need the o-line to be better than just 'good enough' and certainly made a move to bolster that line with the acquisition of center Sean McEwen. As the anchor of the Argos o-line, McEwen played in all 18 games in each season from 2016-2019. RB Ka'Deem Carey will be tasked with taking over the backfield duties from Don Jackson who was lost to free agency. Carey had gotten off to a fine start in 2019 before breaking his arm and missing the remainder of the season. There may not be a lot of household names, but the Stampeders wide receiving corps is brimming with talent. WR Markeith Ambles will make his long-awaited return to the fold after missing the entire 2019 season due to an undisclosed injury. SB Kamar Jorden also missed the bulk of the 2019 season due to an ACL tear but did return for the playoffs. Back in 2018 he racked up 944 receiving yards and caught 10 touchdown passes. No fewer than three former Stampeders defensive starters have moved on to the NFL so there will be plenty of turnover on that side of the football entering 2021 as well. That's not to say the cupboard is bare, however - far from it, in fact. Calgary still boasts plenty of veteran talent led by the likes of SAM LB Jamar Wall, LB Cory Greenwood and DL Derek Wiggan. There are some question marks in the secondary but if the Stamps can apply as much pressure on opposing quarterbacks as we think they can, that defensive backfield should hold up just fine. Despite the roster shake-up, Calgary is being given the benefit of the doubt by most sportsbooks, currently priced around 6-1 to win the Grey Cup. 

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2021 CFL Preview: Winnipeg Blue Bombers

by Sean Murphy

Friday, Jul 23, 2021

In our fourth installment of 2021 CFL team previews, here's a look at what to expect from the defending Grey Cup champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers this season.Interestingly, the Blue Bombers narrowly avoided disaster in 2019, finishing the regular season 11-7 before catching fire in the playoffs and running the table on their way to an improbable Grey Cup championship.The Bombers are well positioned to challenge for the Grey Cup again this season with the nucleus from that championship team remaining intact and still under the guidance of head coach Mike O'Shea. In keeping with CFL tradition, the Bombers welcome a former starting quarterback to take over the reins as offensive coordinator with Buck Pierce getting the nod. Pierce takes over from Paul LaPolice, who is now the head coach in Ottawa. LaPolice squeezed every bit of production he could out of this dare-I-say middle of the road offense talent-wise. Can Pierce continue the offense on the same path in 2021?QB Zach Collaros and RB Andrew Harris return to the fold to lead the offense. Both do have plenty of miles on them at this point of their careers, however, and the Bombers will obviously need them to stay healthy to contend in a crowded West Division. I would suggest that Winnipeg doesn't have quite the same wealth of talent at the wide receiver position as perhaps the Lions, Riders and Stampeders possess. Defensively, the Bombers have few weaknesses, keyed by what should once again be one of the league's most-feared pass rushes. That unit is anchored by Willie Jefferson, the league's reigning Most Outstanding Defensive Player after leading the CFL in sacks and forced fumbles in 2019. A number of Bombers defensive players trained together in the offseason - you might not find a closer-knit defensive group in the league. Despite serving as defending champions, the Bombers actually enter the 2021 campaign with a chip on their shoulder thanks to some considering their 2019 Grey Cup title a 'fluke'. Of course, the truth is that their title run was anything but a fluke and this team ranks as one of the league's most complete squads heading into the new season.Winnipeg is currently priced around 6-1 to repeat as Grey Cup champions. 

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 07/23/2021

by Big Al Staff

Friday, Jul 23, 2021

The Friday sports card features action in MLB. Fifteen games are on the MLB docket. One game is on the afternoon MLB slate. The Cubs play at home in Chicago against Arizona at 2:20 PM ET. They pitch Zach Davies against the Diamondbacks’ Zac Gallen. Chicago is a -135 money line favorite (all odds from DraftKings). Two games start at 7:05 PM ET. Philadelphia hosts Atlanta at 7:05 PM ET. Zack Wheeler pitches for the Phillies against Max Fried of the Braves. Philadelphia is a -145 money line favorite with the total set at 7.5. Washington visits Baltimore in the first game of a three-game weekend series. Patrick Corbin pitches for the Nationals against the Orioles Pablo Lopez. Washington is a -140 money line road favorite with an over/under of 10. Five games have scheduled the first pitch for 7:10 PM ET. Tampa Bay plays at Cleveland in the second game of their weekend series. The Rays pitch Rich Hill against the Indians Zac Plesac. Tampa Bay is a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 8.5. San Diego is at Miami in Game 2 of their weekend series. Joe Musgrove pitches for the Padres against Zach Thompson of the Marlins. San Diego is a -165 money line road favorite with an over/under of 8. The New York Yankees play at Boston in the second game of their four-game series. The Yankees pitch Gerrit Cole against the Red Sox’s Eduardo Rodriguez. Both teams are listed at -110 with a total of 8.5. Cincinnati is at home against St. Louis in the opening game of their three-game series. Tyler Mahle pitches for the Reds against Wade LeBlanc of the Cardinals. Four games start at 8:10 PM ET. Houston begins a three-game series at home against Texas. The Astros pitch Jake Odorizzi against the Rangers Kolby Allard. Houston is a -240 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. The Los Angeles Angels play at Minnesota in the second game of their four-game series. Alex Cobb pitches for the Angels against J.A. Happ of the Twins. Los Angeles is a -130 money line road favorite with a total of 10. Milwaukee hosts the Chicago White Sox in the opening game of their three-game series. The Brewers pitch Freddy Peralta against Lucas Giolito of the White Sox. Milwaukee is a -125 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5. Kansas City plays at home against Detroit in Game 1 of their three-game series. Kris Bubic of the Royals pitches against Wily Peralta of the Tigers. Kansas City is a -130 money line favorite with a total of 10.5. San Francisco hosts Pittsburgh in the opening game of their three-game series at 9:45 PM ET. The Giants pitch Johnny Cueto against the Pirates Chad Kuhl. San Francisco is a -180 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5. Two games close out the MLB card at 10:10 PM ET. Oakland plays at Seattle in the second game of their four-game series. Frankie Montas pitches for the A’s against Yusei Kikuchi of the Mariners. Oakland is a -115 money line road favorite with a total of 8. The Los Angeles Dodgers play at home against Colorado in the first game of their weekend series. The Dodgers pitch David Price against the Rockies’ Chi Chi Gonzalez. Los Angeles is a -335 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5.

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Five NFL Sleepers That Could Win Super Bowl LVI

by Oskeim Sports

Friday, Jul 23, 2021

If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers repeat as Super Bowl champions, it wouldn’t surprise many NFL fans. Should Kansas City find its way back to the big game and win a second Super Bowl in three seasons, that would not surprise many fans either. If Indianapolis won this coming season’s Lombardi Trophy, you can bet that would shock the NFL world.  The Colts are among five teams that could surprise everyone by winning this year’s Super Bowl. Here’s a look at the candidates.   INDIANAPOLIS COLTS  They have the best offensive line in the NFL. The Colts have a running game that punishes opponents and that will make it much easier for new quarterback Carson Wentz to have success in the passing game. Remember, Colts head coach Frank Reich was the Eagles offensive coordinator when Wentz enjoyed his best seasons in Philadelphia.  Indy also has one of the better defenses in the league. The Colts were second against the run (90.5 yards per game) last season and allowed 22.6 points per game (10th overall). With a strong defense, an outstanding running game, and an improved Wentz at quarterback; the Colts have all the makings of a Super Bowl contender.   ARIZONA CARDINALS  It’s make-or-break time for Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona. The former Texas Tech head coach who made an unprecedented leap to the NFL needs to make it happen in Year 3. Last season, Kingsbury and the Cardinals were 6-3 after nine games and right in the thick of the NFC playoff race. Then, they finished 2-5.  The talent is there. QB Kyler Murray is outstanding and now he’ll have even more weapons on offense. The Cardinals signed A.J. Green in the offseason and added former Purdue star Rondale Moore in the draft. J.J. Watt comes in to add to a defense that drafted Zaven Collins out of Tulsa. The biggest problem for Arizona is simply their division. The Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers are all potential playoff teams. So are the Cardinals.   LOS ANGELES CHARGERS  The Chiefs continue to dominate the AFC West, but this is the year the Chargers begin to fight back. The biggest reasons for the Chargers' ability to get to a Super Bowl are the play of QB Justin Herbert and the hiring of new head coach Brandon Staley.  Herbert was the Chargers' first pick in last year’s draft. He won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2020. The young Chargers QB has all the makings of a bona fide NFL stud at the position. Without an elite quarterback, teams do not have a chance at winning it all. The Chargers have one, but it’s not just about the quarterback.  Staley brings with him the defense that led the NFL last season in almost every category. Staley was the Rams' former defensive coordinator who has some serious talent in L.A. if he can keep them all healthy. DE Joey Bosa is an All-Pro as is safety Derwin James. The Chargers need to improve on the 27 sacks they recorded in 2020, but Staley will take care of that. If he does, don’t be surprised if the Chargers find their way to the Super Bowl.   DALLAS COWBOYS  Yes, the Cowboys went a disappointing 6-10 in 2020, but remember, they lost starting QB Dak Prescott in Week 5. With Prescott back in the lineup – and with his new four-year, $160 million contract – the Cowboys' offense should once again be among the best in the NFL. Before going down with his injury last season, Prescott had thrown for 450 yards-plus in three consecutive games. In 2019, he finished second in the NFL in passing with 4,902 yards.  Dallas will have to improve on defense, but that is highly likely in 2021. The Cowboys hired new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and brought in players like No. 1 draft pick Micah Parsons, Keanu Neal, Kelvin Joseph, and more. The defense shouldn’t finish 31st against the run in 2021 or 23rd overall and that difference is what can propel the Cowboys to Super Bowl LVI.   CLEVELAND BROWNS  The Browns and the Super Bowl are two things that just don’t go together. Cleveland is one of just four franchises – Detroit, Jacksonville, and Houston are the others – that has never even played in a Super Bowl. This year could be different.  Cleveland went 11-5 last season and won a playoff game in 2020. The Browns have an outstanding running game led by RB Nick Chubb and a roster that is built for the postseason. The club added Jadeveon Clowney in the offseason and will return WR Odell Beckham Jr. who tore an ACL in Week 7 last season. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has all the tools needed to take the Browns a couple of steps further in 2021.  

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MLB - 2nd Half Predictions

by Power Sports

Thursday, Jul 22, 2021

Well, we’re basically a week removed from the All-Star Break, so I thought it would be an appropriate time to make some second half predictions. Some of these takes will be right in line with what I said two months ago. Others (like Milwaukee) have since changed. So here’s what I’m predicting for the second half of the MLB season.At least two teams from the AL East are getting into the postseason. It could be three if Toronto gets its act together. The Blue Jays have the division’s best run differential (+83). The first place Red Sox actually have the third best differential (+63). Tampa Bay is in between, closer to Toronto, at +81. We probably also shouldn’t forget about the Yankees, who have a very similar record to Toronto. But their run differential is way below the other three teams. Thus, I’m not nearly as sold on the team wearing pinstripes.A big key in handicapping this race is that the Blue Jays will resume playing home games in Toronto beginning July 30th. Playing in Dunedin and Buffalo, they’ve averaged a MLB high 5.9 runs per game at home this season, but went only 22-22 in those games. Expect scoring levels to drop at Rogers Centre where in 2019 they averaged just 4.4 rpg. It’s interesting that the Jays are 22-11 in day games and 13-2 in Interleague Play. There are only two American League teams that they have winning records against - Baltimore and Texas. So maybe we shouldn’t totally buy into that run differential? Chicago will run away with the AL Central. Book it. They probably will end up being the first team to clinch a playoff spot in either league. There will be no Wild Card from the Central.I predicted months ago that Houston would run away with the AL West. Right now, they only lead the A’s by three games but that gap is going to get bigger. The Astros are the highest scoring team in baseball and the highest scoring road team. They have the AL’s best run differential and are a playoff lock.Elsewhere in the West, Seattle WILL fall off and finish below .500. They have a -51 run differential entering Thursday’s action. The tremendous luck they’ve experienced in one run games and extra innings is something I’ve previously written about. It has continued, but I sense those records will eventually start to regress. The Mariners hit only .203 at home! They can’t sustain a better than .500 pace with an offense that is that bad.Over in the NL, both Wild Cards will be claimed out West. I’ve been adamant about this from the start of the season. The Dodgers, Giants and Padres are the three best teams in the Senior Circuit. It’s a major dropoff after that. I’m not just speaking about the division, but the entire league. All three teams are in the top five of my power ratings.  Milwaukee has really turned the Central upside-down and could be poised to run away with things. They are the only team in that division to currently have a positive run differential. Their pitching is superb (top five in runs allowed). I do think they are poised to win the division, which is not something I would have been confident in saying a month ago. But a 7.5 game lead seems pretty safe.The NL East remains the most difficult division to handicap in either league. My gut says the Mets, who have been in first place for a while now, are going to take it. But Atlanta now has the best run differential in the East, though they are going to be without Ronald Acuna Jr the rest of the way. The Mets having allowed so few runs gives them the edge though. But continue to monitor Jacob deGrom’s forearm. He’s obviously the predominant reason the Mets are #2 in MLB in runs allowed. It’s a good thing the Mets give up so few runs per game. Because their offense is ranked 29th (2nd worst) in rpg! I still say they make the playoffs though.Put a gun to my head (please don’t!) and I’ll tell you that Astros vs. White Sox is the most likely ALCS matchups. In the National League, the West will cannibalize itself due to the playoff format. The Dodgers are still the team I favor to win the World Series. Top Teams to Bet On (through 7/21):San Francisco +24.5 unitsSeattle +20.3 unitisBoston +15.7 unitsDetroit +13.4 unitsTampa Bay +12.5 unitsWorst Teams to Bet on (through 7/21)Arizona -32.4 unitsMinnesota -24.9 unitsBaltimore -18.1 unitsYankees -16.2 unitsTexas -14.1 units

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 07/22/2021

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Jul 22, 2021

The Thursday sports card features action in MLB. Nine games are on the MLB docket. Detroit hosts Texas in the final game of their four-game series in this getaway game at 1:10 PM ET. The Tigers have won six straight games after beating the Rangers yesterday, 4-2. Texas has lost eight in a row. Detroit pitches Tyler Alexander against Texas’ Mike Foltynewicz. The Tigers are a -135 money line favorite with the total set at 9 (all odds from DraftKings). Atlanta travels to Philadelphia to begin a four-game weekend series at 7:05 PM ET. The Braves have lost four of their six games after dropping the first game of their seven-inning doubleheader at home against San Diego, 3-2, on Wednesday. They were trailing to the Padres by a 5-4 score before the game got suspended due to rain. The Phillies lost their second game in a row after their 6-5 extra-inning loss in New York to the Yankees yesterday. Charlie Morton pitches for Atlanta against Matt Moore of the Phillies. The Braves are a -145 money line road favorite with an over/under of 9. Tampa Bay visits Cleveland to begin their four-game weekend series at 7:10 PM ET. The Rays lost their second game in their last three after a 5-4 loss to Baltimore yesterday. The Indians won their third game in their last five with a 5-4 victory at Houston on Wednesday. Tampa Bay pitches Luis Patino against the Indians’ Cal Quantrill. The Rays are a -145 money line road favorite with a total of 9.5. San Diego travels to Miami to begin a four-game weekend series at 7:10 PM ET. The Padres have won three of their last five games after winning the afternoon opening half of their doubleheader with the Braves. The Marlins ended a four-game losing streak with a 3-1 win at Washington yesterday. Blake Snell pitches for the Padres against a starting pitcher yet to be named for Miami.Boston plays at home against the New York Yankees in the opening game of their four-game weekend series. The Yankees won their fourth game in a row with their extra-innings victory against the Phillies on Wednesday. The Red Sox won their second in a row with a 7-4 victory at Toronto yesterday. The Yankees pitch Jordan Montgomery against Boston’s Tanner Houck. The Red Sox are a -120 money line favorite with an over/under of 10.St. Louis plays at home in the final game of their four-game series with the Chicago Cubs at 7:15 PM ET. The Cardinals won their fourth game in their last five with a 3-2 victory in extra innings yesterday. Chicago lost for the third time in their last five. Kwang Hyun Kim pitches for St. Louis against Adbert Alzolay of the Cubs. The Cardinals are a -135 money line favorite with a total of 8.5.Minnesota is at home against the Los Angeles Angels in the opening game of a four-game weekend series at 8:10 PM ET. The Twins ended a two-game losing streak with a 7-2 win at Chicago against the White Sox yesterday. The Angels have lost three in a row after a 6-0 shutout loss at Oakland on Tuesday. Los Angeles pitches Andrew Heaney against Minnesota’s Kenta Maeda. The Twins are a -140 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.Oakland visits Seattle to begin a four-game weekend series at 10:10 PM ET. The A’s won their fifth game in their last seven after their win against the Angels on Tuesday. The Mariners' two-game winning streak ended with a 6-3 loss at Colorado yesterday. Sean Manaea pitches for Oakland against Chris Flexen of Seattle. The A’s are a -135 money line road favorite with a total of 8. The Los Angeles Dodgers are at home against San Francisco in the final game of their four-game series. The Giants won their second game in their last three games with their 4-2 victory in Game 3 yesterday. The Dodgers lost their third game in four. Anthony DeSclafani pitches for San Francisco against Walker Buehler for Los Angeles. The Dodgers are a -165 money line favorite with an over/under of 7.5.

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PGA 3M Open Preview: TPC Twin Cities

by Big Al Staff

Thursday, Jul 22, 2021

PGA 3M Open Preview: TPC Twin CitiesThe PGA Tour moves to Blaine, Minnesota, this week for the third edition of the 3M Open at the TPC Twin Cities. This is an Arnold Palmer-designed course consisting of 7431 yards. The Par 71 track features water on 15 of the 18 holes. Matthew Wolff won the inaugural event in 2021 with a 19-under-par. Michael Thompson lifted the trophy last year with a 21-under-par score.Dustin Johnson is the favorite at +700 (all odds from DraftKings). The world’s number one player comes off his best performance in five months by finishing tied for eighth place at the British Open last week. Johnson opened with rounds of 65 and 67 before taking a step back by shooting 73 on Saturday. He rebounded with a two-under-par 68 on Sunday. He shot a 78 in his one round at this tournament last year before withdrawing. Tony Finau is the co-second favorite at +1400. He comes off a tie for 15th place at the British Open, where he finished tied for third for greens hit in regulation. He finished tied for 23rd place in the first 3M Open before improving to a third-place tie last summer.Louis Oosthuizen makes his debut at this event with +1400 odds. He comes off a tie for third place at the British Open last week, his 13th straight-made cut. The South African has a three-second place finishes this season. Patrick Reed is the fourth favorite at +1600 odds. Captain America missed the cut at the British Open last week after shooting three-over-par in the first two rounds. He won the Farmers Insurance Open earlier this year. He finished tied for 23rd place in his lone visit to this event two years ago.Cameron Tringale is priced at +2500 to win the tournament. Tringale finished tied for 26th at the British Open last week. He has two top threes this season at the RSM Classic and the Valspar Championship. After finishing in 42nd place at the 3M Open two years ago, he finished in third place last year. Robert MacIntyre is listed at +2800. He finished seven under par at the British Open, good for a tie for eighth place. MacIntyre has three top-ten finishes this season. He makes his debut at the 3M Open. Matthew Wolff is priced at +2800 odds. This is his first tournament since a tie for 58th place at the Rocket Mortgage in Detroit at the beginning of the month. Wolff won the inaugural event at TPC Twin Cities before finishing tied for 12th place last year. He has averaged a 66.63 score in his eight rounds. Keegan Bradley has +3500 odds to win. He missed the cut at the British Open last week after shooting two-over-par. His best result this season is second place at the Valspar Championship. He finished 46th at the 3M Open in 2019 in his only trip.Bubba Watson is at +3500. The lefty registered his fifth and sixth top-20 finishes in the last four months with a tie for 19th place at the Travelers Championship before a tie for sixth in Detroit at the Rocket Mortgage to begin the month. Watson missed the cut in his only appearance at the 3M Open last year. Emiliano Grillo has +3500 odds. He comes off a tie for 12th place at the British Open, where he led the field putts per green in regulation. Grillo has four top-10s this season, headlined by a tie for second place at the RBC Heritage Open. He finished tied for third place at the TPC Twin Cities in his lone trip last year. Sergio Garcia is listed at +3500. The Spaniard finished tied for 19th place at the British Open last week with a four-under-par score. That result was his ninth top-20 finish this season. He won the Sanderson  Farms Championship in October. This is his debut at the 3M Open.

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2021 CFL Preview: Saskatchewan Roughriders

by Sean Murphy

Wednesday, Jul 21, 2021

As the third installment in our series of 2021 CFL team previews, here's a look at perennial West Division contenders the Saskatchewan Roughriders.The Riders topped the West Division in 2019, posting a 13-5 record on the strength of a potent offensive attack led by dual-threat QB Cody Fajardo. He remains the focal point of the offense heading into 2021 but will need to adjust to a new offensive coordinator in former Edmonton head coach Jason Maas. There's little reason to anticipate any growing pains, however, as most of the key pieces at the skill positions are back including wide receiver Shaq Evans and RB William Powell. We will see a new-look Riders offensive line but that's not necessarily a bad thing as for every departure there was a solid addition. As long as that group can mesh together in short order, this offense has the potential to find its way among the league leaders in yards per game and scoring average with an aggressive play-caller like Maas at the helm. Defensively, the Riders boast studs all over the field with cornerback Ed Gainey (who signed a new contract earlier this year) serving as the anchor. The Riders are looking to build a 'no fly zone' of sorts in the secondary as they prepare to face some of the league's best quarterbacks who happen to reside in the West Division (Bo Levi Mitchell of the Stampeders and Mike Reilly of the Lions come to mind). It will be a different looking Saskatchewan defense, however, with Solomon Elimimian retiring and Charleston Hughes bolting for Toronto. All told, the Riders lose four starters on the defensive side of the football. Changes are really nothing new for the Riders though as they welcomed a new coordinator in Jason Shivers in 2019, taking over for mastermind Chris Jones. Not only that but the Riders were also forced to replace a number of key cogs on the field that year as well. All Shivers did was shape the defense into one of the league's most dominant units and I'm confident he can do the same with the 2021 edition. The Riders are currently priced around 6-1 to win the Grey Cup, slotting in between the Tiger-Cats and Stampeders in the league's projected top three teams.

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Big Al's Daily Angle: MLB Previews and Odds - 07/21/2021

by Big Al Staff

Wednesday, Jul 21, 2021

The Wednesday sports card features action in MLB. Fifteen games are on the MLB docket. Tampa Bay hosts Baltimore at 12:10 PM ET. The Rays have won two of their last three games after a 9-3 victory on Tuesday. The Orioles had their three-game winning streak end with the loss. Michael Wacha pitches for Tampa Bay against Keegan Akin of the Orioles. The Rays are a -165 money line favorite with a total of 8 (all odds from DraftKings). San Diego plays at Atlanta in the first game of their seven-inning doubleheader at 12:20 PM ET. The Braves have won two of their last three games with their 2-1 win on Tuesday. The Padres have lost four of their last six. San Diego pitches Chris Paddack against the Braves’ Kyle Muller. The Padres are a -160 money line road favorite with an over/under of 7.5. The New York Mets conclude their road trip to Cincinnati at 12:35 PM ET. The Reds ended a four-game losing streak with a 4-3 win on Tuesday. The Mets have lost four of their last six games. Chris Paddack pitches for the Mets against Jeff Hoffman of the Reds. New York is a -135 money line favorite with a total of 10.5. Milwaukee hosts Kansas City at 2:10 PM ET. The Royals ended a two-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory on Tuesday. The Brewers had their three-game winning streak end with the loss. Milwaukee pitches Eric Lauer against Kansas City’s Brad Keller. The Brewers are a -165 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5. Seattle visits Colorado at 3:10 PM ET. The Mariners have won three of four after their 6-4 victory against the Rockies yesterday. Colorado has lost three of their last four games. The Rockies pitch Austin Gomber against a Seattle pitcher yet to be determined. The Mariners are a -135 money line road favorite with a total of 12.Pittsburgh visits Arizona at 3:40 PM ET. The Diamondbacks have won three in a row after an 11-6 win last night. The Pirates have lost three in a row. Arizona pitches Madison Bumgarner against a Pittsburgh starting pitcher yet to be named. The Diamondbacks are a -130 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.The second game of the Padres/Braves doubleheader takes place at 5:20 PM ET. Reiss Knehr pitches for San Diego against Bryse Wilson of Atlanta. The New York Yankees host Philadelphia at 7:05 PM ET. The Yankees have won three in a row after a 6-4 win against the Phillies on Tuesday. Philadelphia had their two-game winning streak end with the loss. Asher Wojciechowski takes the ball for New York against a starting pitcher yet to be determined for the Phillies. The Yankees are a -155 money line favorite. Washington plays at home against Miami at 7:05 PM ET. The Nationals won their third in a row with their 6-3 victory against the Marlins yesterday. Miami has lost four in a row. Washington pitches Erick Fedde against a starting pitcher yet to be named for the Marlins. The Nationals are a -115 money line favorite with a total of 8.5.Boston plays at Toronto at 7:07 PM ET. Their contest yesterday got postponed. The Red Sox’s Garrett Richards is expected to have his start pushed back against a rested Robbie Ray for the Blue Jays. Detroit plays at home against Texas at 7:10 PM ET. The Tigers have won five in a row after their 4-1 victory against the Rangers yesterday. Texas has lost seven straight. Matt Manning pitches for Detroit against Jordan Lyles of the Rangers. The Tigers are a -115 money line favorite with an over/under of 9.5.The Chicago White Sox are at home against Minnesota at 8:10 PM ET. The White Sox have won four of five with their 9-5 victory against the Twins Tuesday. Minnesota has lost five of their last six. Chicago pitches Dylan Cease against Minnesota’s Michael Pineda. The White Sox are a -145 money line favorite with a total of 9.Houston plays at home against Cleveland at 8:10 PM ET. The Astros have won four of their last six games after a 9-3 victory against the Indians yesterday. Cleveland has lost three of five. Lance McCullers pitches for Houston against Eli Morgan of the Indians. The Astros are a -250 money line favorite with an over/under of 9. St. Louis hosts the Chicago Cubs on ESPN at 8:15 PM ET. The Cardinals had their three-game winning streak end with a 7-6 loss to the Cubs on Tuesday. Chicago ended a two-game losing streak with the victory. The Cardinals pitch Adam Wainwright against the Cubs Kyle Hendricks. St. Louis is a -125 money line favorite with a total of 8.The Los Angeles Dodgers are at home against San Francisco at 10:10 PM ET. The Giants have won five of seven after their 6-5 victory over the Dodgers on Tuesday. Julio Urias pitches for Los Angeles against Logan Webb of San Francisco. The Dodgers are a -185 money line favorite with an over/under of 8.5.

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MLB Baseball: Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays Prediction, Odds and Preview - 07/20/2021

by Al McMordie

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2021

Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays Prediction, Odds and Preview - 07/20/2021Game Time: 7:07 pm ET, Tuesday, July 20, 2021Venue:  Sahlen Field, Buffalo, New YorkWhere to Watch:  SportsnetSeason-to-Date Record:Boston Red Sox:  56-38 (1st, American League East)Toronto Blue Jays:  48-42 (3rd, American League East)Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks:DraftKings:  Moneyline odds:  Blue Jays -155; Over/Under:  10.5 runsBet365:  Moneyline odds:  Blue Jays -145; Over/Under 10.5 runsBetRivers:  Moneyline odds:  Blue Jays -150; Over/Under 10.5 runsKey Injuries:Boston:  Danny Santana (quad) Probable; Marwin Gonzalez (hamstring) Out; Christian Arroyo (hamstring) OutToronto:  Corey Dickerson (foot) OutRecent Lineups:Boston Red Sox:Hernandez (2B)Verdugo (LF)Martinez (DH)Bogaerts (SS)Devers (3B)Renfroe (RF)Duran (CF)Vazquez (C)Arroyo (1B)Toronto Blue Jays:Semien (2B)Bichette (SS)Guerrero, Jr. (1B)Springer (CF)Hernandez (LF)Grichuk (RF)Biggio (3B)Gurriel, Jr. (DH)McGuire (C)Statistical Leaders:Boston Red Sox:Batting Average:  Bogaerts (.321)Hits:  Bogaerts (105)Home Runs:  Devers (22)RBI:  Devers (74)Stolen Bases:  Vazquez (8)Wins:  Eovaldi (9)Saves:  Barnes (19)ERA:  Whitlock (1.38)Toronto Blue Jays:Batting Average:  Guerrero, Jr. (.332)Hits:  Guerrero, Jr. (108)Home Runs:  Guerrero, Jr. (31)RBI:  Guerrero, Jr. (78)Stolen Bases:  Bichette (12)Wins:  Ryu (9)Saves:  Romano (7)ERA:  Romano (1.93)Managers:Boston Red Sox:  Alex Cora (3rd season)Toronto Blue Jays:  Charlie Montoyo (3rd season)Recent Form:The Boston Red Sox lost two of three games last weekend at the New York Yankees, and have dropped six of eight, overall.  Still, Boston is 56-38 (+12.7 games on the moneyline) on the MLB season, and sits in first place in the AL East standings, with a half-game lead over the defending AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays.  If you've been betting on Boston this season, you've made a lot of money, especially given that the Red Sox odds to win the AL East coming into the season were long!  The Red Sox have a balanced home and away record this season, as they are 28-19 at Fenway Park, and also 28-19 on the road.  In the Red Sox’s 9-1 loss to the Yankees on Sunday, starter Martin Perez lasted just 4 innings, as he gave up 3 runs and 5 hits, including a home run to Gleyber Torres.  The Yankees’ starter, Jameson Taillon, went 5 1/3 innings to earn the win, and gave up just 4 hits.  For the game, Boston managed just five hits, and left 9 men on base.The Toronto Blue Jays swept the 3-game series vs. the Texas Rangers over the weekend, and extended their win streak to 4 games with a 10-0 shutout win on Sunday.  Steven Matz threw 5 scoreless innings, while the Blue Jays belted out 8 hits, including Lourdes Gurriel, Jr.’s 11th home run in the 1st inning, and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr.’s 31st round tripper in the 2nd.  The Blue Jays have won 15 of their last 22 games, and are 48-42 (+0.1 games on the moneyline) on the season.  Toronto is currently in 3rd place in the AL East, ahead of the Yankees by 1 game, and the Baltimore Orioles by 19 games.The Red Sox have played 6 unders and 3 overs (with 1 push) over their last 10 games.  And the Red Sox’s Over/Under record is 43-48-3 this season.The Blue Jays have played 4 of their last 6 games under the total, and their Over/Under record this season is 43-46-1. The two teams opened the series last night in a clash which pitted Boston's Nick Pivetta vs. Toronto's Ross Stripling.  The Blue Jays odds were -124 in that game, with a total of 10.5, and Boston won that affair in a blowout to snap their losing streak, and Toronto's winning streak.  After tonight's game, the AL East rivals will meet on Wednesday night to conclude this 3-game series.Series History:The Red Sox and Blue Jays have met 9 times since April, with Boston winning 5 of the 9 games (and 5 of the 9 going under the total).  Over the last 3 seasons, Boston is 21-17 vs the Blue Jays (including 10-6 at Toronto), and the Over/Under record is 20-17-1 (including 9-6-1 at Toronto).  Statistical Comparison:The Red Sox’s strength is on the offensive side, as they rank 5th in Major League Baseball with 5.0 runs per game; 4th in Batting Average (.257) -- with Xander Bogaerts leading the way at .321 -- and 11th in On Base Percentage (.321).  Boston’s pitching ranks 14th with an ERA of 4.11.  Similarly, the Blue Jays have one of the best slugging offenses in MLB.  Toronto is scoring 5.21 runs per game (3rd), while hitting .265 (2nd) and having an On Base Percentage of .328 (7th).  Like Boston, Toronto’s pitching is middle-of-the-pack, with a 3.89 ERA (12th).Red Sox vs Blue Jays Game Preview:The Red Sox will hand the ball to veteran RHP Garrett Richards on Tuesday.  Richards is 5-5 on the season, and comes into Tuesday's game off a win on July 9 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.  The Red Sox won that game, 11-5, behind a 5-inning, 7-hit outing from Richards.  Richards has done his best work on the road this season, where he has a 3-2 record, with a 1.48 WHIP, which compares favorably to his overall marks of 4.91 and 1.68.  This will be the fourth time Richards has faced the Blue Jays in 2021, as he's 1-1 in those three prior games, and has given up 10 earned runs, 22 hits and 12 walks in 16 2/3 innings.  For his career, Richards' ERA vs. Toronto is 5.23, while his WHIP is a poor 1.76.Toronto will start rookie RHP Alek Manoah on Tuesday night here at Sahlen Field, in Buffalo (the Blue Jays' home games have been split between Buffalo and Dunedin thus far).  Manoah will be making his second career start vs. Boston.  In his first appearance vs the Red Sox, on June 14, he pitched very well, and gave up just one run, four hits and one walk over six innings.  The Red Sox won the game the last time he pitched against them, 2-1, so Manoah would like to avenge that defeat tonight.  After the Blue Jays won his first three career starts, they've alternated wins and losses since, including a 7-1 defeat at Tampa Bay on July 9.  Still, his numbers are impressive for a rookie, as he has a 2.90 ERA over eight starts, with a terrific 1.06 WHIP.  And he's also done his best work at home (2.20 ERA; 1.04 WHIP).Notable quotes:Alex Cora (after Sunday's 9-1 loss to the Yankees):  We haven't hit.  We've been chasing pitches.Charlie Montoya (after Sunday's 10-0 victory vs. Texas):  The only way you can get winning streaks is if your starters give you a chance....It's all about pitching and the starters were outstanding.Trends:Boston:The Red Sox are 21-11 (+15.3 games on the moneyline) as an underdog this season.The Red Sox are 14-5 in Garrett Richards' nighttime starts the past two years.The Red Sox are 22-12 (+9 games on the moneyline) vs. AL East division rivals this year.Toronto:The Blue Jays are 88-109 (minus 16.6 games on the moneyline) at night.The Blue Jays are 66-51 (minus 7.1 games on the moneyline) as a favorite.The Blue Jays are 37-27 (+8 games on the moneyline) vs. right-handed starters.Blue Jays Red Sox Prediction:  Our MLB Pick for Tuesday's game is Tor 6 Bos 3 Don't miss our champion handicappers free picks and expert baseball picks today.  Get off to a hot start this week, and get all of the daily expert picks on tonight's slate of MLB games.  And if you enjoyed this Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays prediction, be sure to drop by every day for our daily MLB projections and previews.

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2021 CFL Preview: Edmonton Elks

by Sean Murphy

Tuesday, Jul 20, 2021

It's the start of a new era in Edmonton as the franchise formerly known as the Eskimos becomes the Elks. After managing only eight wins in 2019, they'll be looking to make their presence known in a crowded West Division this season. Here's a look at what to expect.Of course, the big change for the Elks comes on the sidelines with Jamie Elizondo replacing Jason Maas as head coach. Elizondo will also serve as the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach as he looks to reignite an offense led by veteran QB Trevor Harris. Elizondo already has a good relationship with Harris from their years together in Ottawa. The Elks offense is well-positioned to put up big numbers this season with one of the league's best wide receiving corps' featuring Derel Walker, Greg Ellingson and Armanti Edwards, with the latter coming over from the Argos to add another level to this passing game. Replacing C.J. Gable at running back will be no easy feat but James Wilder is an experienced back capable of shouldering the load. He'll only be asked to do enough to keep opposing defenses honest and relieve some of the pressure on Harris. I certainly don't expect the Elks ground game to be among the league's best. Defensively, the Elks will have a new man in charge in coordinator Noel Thorpe. Again, there's plenty of continuity there as Thorpe worked with Elizondo the last two seasons in Ottawa. Standout defensive tackle Almando Sewell will need to replaced after he bolted for Montreal. There's plenty of returning talent, however, and pass-rusher Kwaku Boateng is a star in the making after serving as Edmonton's nominee for most outstanding defensive player in 2019. Edmonton has just one returning starter in the secondary, but that's not necessarily a bad thing as it brought in a number of key free agent acquisitions to bolster its pass defense. All indications are that the new-look secondary has been making life extremely difficult on the offense during training camp. If the new faces on defense can mesh in short order, the Elks could turn out to be one of the league's biggest surprises in 2021. Most books have the Elks priced around 9-1 to win the Grey Cup. 

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