Dave Cokin
Bonus Play Tuesday 10:10 PM MLB
(959) SAN DIEGO PADRES at (960) LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Take: (959) SAN DIEGO PADRES +115
No, I don’t think the San Diego Padres are a legitimate playoff contender. But what I think doesn’t matter. The Padres are seven games out of the wild card with 39 games remaining. That means they’re in the race, and more importantly, the players on the team absolutely believe that have a chance to get to October.
It really doesn’t make much sense, but that’s the beauty of sports. What we “experts” think is supposed to take place simply doesn’t. The Friars are a perfect example. This team just grinds like crazy. If you watch their games, and I catch almost all of them, the team has some real chemistry, and I don’t think there’s any question this is what’s enabling the Padres to play above their collective talents. Make no mistake, on paper this is a team that should already be making vacation plans. But they don’t play the games on paper.
The Dodgers have loads of talent, but they can’t get away from what has been an unending run of injuries and consequently, they’re really not playing particularly good baseball. As a result, a team that was supposed to be a playoff cinch has had to turn to making minor deals just to round out their starting rotation. The Dodgers are still atop the NL West, but I don’t think there’s anyone who is viewing them as a powerhouse based on how they’ve played for the last few weeks.
The Padres have the edge on the hill tonight with Adam Kennedy opposing Kevin Correia. The Dodgers are supposed to have the better offense, but strange as it is, that’s not the way it is right at the moment. The current form chart also gives the bullpen advantage to San Diego, in spite of the fact they moved their closer and should have gotten considerably weaker.
I wouldn’t say there’s any particular value here based on the price. The number on the game is a reflection of how the teams are playing right now and the fact the better pitcher tonight toils for the Padres. Perhaps getting just small plus money with the Friars will turn bettors off, and make the Dodgers as cheap chalk seem enticing. I’d rather side with the little engine that could and I’ll go the Padres way tonight.
w-thumbs!^
