Sports Handicapper William Burns's Picks & Predictions

(#955) St. Louis Cardinals | ML | . 

Michael McGreevy (0-1, 2.53 ERA) vs. Miles Mikolas (0-2, 14.46 ERA) .

While Miles Mikolas has been pretty awful to begin the season, it's pretty hard to imagine him keeping up these horrific numbers. However, I'm still going to believe that until he proves me wrong, he's going to continue to allow at least a couple of runs against most opponents in the MLB. 

Michael McGreevy hasn't had the luck of winning any games yet, but he's actually pitched very well. As a matter of fact, he owns a phenomenal 0.84 WHIP through two starts and that sometimes tells you more than the ERA tells you. If a guy is limiting baserunners, that's ultimately going to help a ton in the long run. St. Louis hasn't pitched well in this series and have split the first two games. With a strong outing today, look for STL to win this series. 

Burns' Prediction: 7-3 Cards.

(#560) San Antonio Spurs | ATS | . 

I know that Victor Wembanyama/Stephon Castle are doubtful for this evening's contest. But, this Spurs team is much more than just Wemby/Castle. The Spurs have had to play without the big man for quite a few games this season already and have continued to have success. With excellent guard play still, and a system that relies on depth and a team brand of basketball, I'm expecting San Antonio to continue the winning, even without those guys. Portland is still expected to be without Shaedon Sharpe. Even though the Blazers are probably one of the best non-playoff teams, if not the best, I think that this is a case of the Spurs just wanting the game more. Being at home, look for Fox to help carry SAS to another win. 

Burns' Prediction: 126-109 Spurs.

(#969) Detroit Tigers | ML | . 

Framber Valdez (1-0, 0.75 ERA) vs. Bailey Ober (0-0, 6.75 ERA) . 

Detroit's been struggling and although I had it yesterday in a loss, I'm still high on the Tigers for the remainder of this season. During the offseason, they went out and got Framber Valdez who's been elite since joining so far. Over two starts, he's allowed just one run and I expect more damage to be done from him on Wednesday. 

Yes, Taj Bradley was able to out-perform Tarik Skubal yesterday. But, don't expect Bailey Ober to be able to accomplish a similar feat here today for the Minnesota Twins. The Twins righty was 2-6 w/ a 5.12 ERA at home last year. Give me the Tigers to finally start playing like they are expected to on Wednesday. 

Burns' Prediction: 6-2 Tigers.

(#975) Houston Astros | ML | . 

Cristian Javier (0-1, 12.96 ERA) vs. Michael Lorenzen (0-1, 14.73 ERA) . 

Houston's struggling to contain its opponents and it all starts with the pitching. There's no doubt that it's got some credible names to its pitching staff, including Cristian Javier. But, it's time to perform. With bad numbers to begin the season, expect Javier to respond here on Wednesday. He's not likely to be perfect, as nearly nobody is when playing at Coors. But, I expect him to be much stronger than what he's shown. Michael Lorenzen had a great WBC. But, he didn't get any favors thrown his way when he got signed by the Rockies. I don't expect his bad numbers to carry on throughout the season either. But, going up against the MLB's top lineup so far this year, give me Houston on Wednesday. 

Burns' Prediction: 9-4 Astros.

(#963) Baltimore Orioles | ML | . 

Kyle Bradish (0-2, 6.23 ERA) vs. Sean Burke (0-1, 3.60 ERA) . 

Baltimore managed to win yesterday's game with Gunnar Henderson's big blast in the top of the eighth. With Bradish on the bump on Wednesday, I believe that the Orioles should be in good shape to complete the sweep of the White Sox. I know that Bradish has lost his opening two starts. But, this is a guy that's posted an ERA below 3.00 in each of the past three seasons. 

Sean Burke, on the other hand, had a 4-11 record a season ago. No, his ERA wasn't as inflated as you'd maybe think. But, playing on the White Sox, he's going to have trouble getting wins to his name. This is a bad matchup for him. The O's are gonna be hungry. Give me Baltimore to finish with the series sweep. 

Burns' Prediction: 5-1 Orioles.