Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner break down MLB Friday from a betting perspective. best bets as always.
Munaf Manji and Griffin Warner hosted the MLB podcast focusing on Friday's games. They began by reflecting on their recent 2-0 best bets streak, expressing confidence heading into the weekend. The first highlighted game was the Chicago rivalry at Wrigley Field, where Shane Smith starts for the struggling White Sox against Cade Horton of the Cubs. Griffin noted Horton's limited pitch mix might still overpower the weak Sox lineup. Munaf emphasized the Cubs' rest advantage and the Sox's fatigue after a loss in Cincinnati.
Next, the Guardians face the Reds in the "Battle of Ohio." Griffin was cautious about Tanner Bybee as a road favorite, pointing out the hitter-friendly park and Brady Singer's vulnerability to home runs. Munaf countered, citing Bybee's strong recent performances, including seven innings against the Phillies, making him lean toward the Guardians' money line.
In Philadelphia, Andrew Haney's inconsistency was likened to an unpredictable night out, while Ranger Suarez's solid home record made the Phillies a favored pick, especially on the run line, with Munaf highlighting Haney's poor career numbers against the Phillies.
For the Mets vs Yankees, Griffin leaned toward the Mets due to their bullpen strength and skepticism of the Yankees' offense, while Munaf preferred betting the over, expecting home runs from both sides at Yankee Stadium.
Griffin selected the Orioles over the Nationals as his best bet, trusting Baltimore's bullpen despite their shaky start to the season. Munaf agreed, noting Cade Povich's prior success against the Nationals.
In Toronto, Griffin doubted the Tigers' offense despite their strong start, while Munaf leaned under 8.5, noting Flaherty’s rough patch and Francis's vulnerability.
In the Braves vs Red Sox matchup, Griffin was hesitant to back Chris Sale and wary of the Braves' underperformance. Munaf praised Crochet's early season form and leaned towards under eight, expecting a pitching duel.
Regarding the Astros vs Rangers, both analysts favored the Rangers due to Ivaldi’s dominance and McCullers Jr.'s limited pitch count. Munaf stressed the under, given the Astros' offensive struggles and Rangers' home under trends.
In Milwaukee, Griffin was cautious about backing the Brewers despite Chad Patrick’s solid form, while Munaf pointed out the absence of Buxton and Correa for the Twins, making the under eight a strong play.
For the late games, they mocked the Rockies' dire situation in Arizona, where Corbin Burns' Diamondbacks were massive favorites. Munaf joked about backing the D-Backs team total overs. In San Diego, Munaf leaned over eight and a half in the Mariners vs Padres game, noting Koenig’s regression potential after his shutout of the Rockies. Griffin, however, was hesitant.
The Dodgers vs Angels featured Dustin May against Jack Kahanowitz. Both hosts dismissed the Angels’ chances, advising bettors to focus on Dodgers team totals.
In the Giants vs A’s game, Griffin acknowledged JP Sears' surprising stability but warned about his fly-ball tendencies in San Francisco's pitcher-friendly park. Munaf favored Logan Webb’s strong home splits and suggested a Giants win by multiple runs.
Finally, the best bets were set: Griffin chose Orioles ML at -108, citing bullpen strength and home field, while Munaf selected Phillies -1.5 at -108, pointing to Suarez's home form and Haney’s frailties.
Throughout the podcast, both hosts balanced data and playful commentary, giving special attention to pitching matchups, team fatigue, and offensive inconsistencies, emphasizing the significance of situational factors like park dimensions and team travel schedules.
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