Will Rogers Handicapping Review & Free Picks Page

The set-up: The Rockies had lost eight in a row and 12 of 13 before last night’s 6-2 win. However, I think the hard-hitting Phillies will bounce back here and take advantage of this “on again, off again” Rockies offense. I think the starters a wash today, with Vince Velasquez going for Philadelphia and German Marquez heading to the hill for the home side.

The pitchers: Marquez (2-1, 2.00 ERA) has been a bright spot for Colorado and for the most part he’s been decent vs. Philly throughout his career, going 2-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three career starts, allowing seven runs over 19 innings opposed.

Velazquez (0-0, 2.25) is 2-1 with a 5.23 ERA in six career starts vs. the Rockies. Note that Philadelphia has won all three games in which he’s pitched so far this season.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Philadelphia is 10-5 (+3.7 units) vs. right-handed starters this year, while Colorado is just 3-7 (-5 units) in the same position. Consider the visitors in this one.

FREE PLAY

The set-up: Chicago had Thursday off and it’s won seven of ten. The Cubs come in with considerable confidence after sweeping the Fish on the road. So far Kyle Hendricks has struggled for Chicago, but I think the veteran will bounce back here in this favorable matchup. The Diamondbacks have also been rolling, but after a three-game sweep in Atlanta, including a 4-1 win on Thursday afternoon, I think the visitors take a step back here with Merrill Kelly on the hill.

The pitchers: Hendricks (0-3, 5.40 ERA) has completed only five innings once in three starts this year. He is however 2-1 with a 2.49 ERA in four career starts vs. the D-Backs, allowing 17 hits over 25 1/3’s frames opposed, striking out 25 and walking six.

Kelly (1-1, 3.79) has been decent, striking out 17 and walking three over 19 innings so far this year. Clearly he faces a stiff test in this difficult road venue this afternoon though.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Arizona is still only 3-6 (-2.3 units) this year vs. right-handed starters, while Chicago is 69-48 the last two years after allowing two runs or less in its previous contest (shut out the Marlins twice in its series sweep.) Lay the price.

Chicago Cubs

10* play

The set-up: Do or die for the No. 1 seed. Colorado leads 3-1 and if Calgary doesn’t find a way to win this one, it’ll become the second top seed in the Western Conference in three years to be ousted in the first round of the playoffs. Philipp Grubauer managed a Game 2 win for the Avs in Calgary, but overall he’s just 1-2-0 North of the border. “We’re not done yet,” Flames’ captain Mark Giordano to the Calgary Sun. “We have a big home game coming up and then get it back here.”

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Colorado is still just 18-27 (-6.5 units) vs. teams with winning records, while Calgary is 23-15 (+4.9 units) this season in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent. With the home town crowd behind them, I expect the Flames to step up and produce their best effort of this series. Look for the Avs to pack up their tents early as they head home for Game 6.

Calgary Flames

10* play