Practice Pick 4: LAA (-140) vs. TOR

You have to go with the hot hand here and that belongs to Jose Soriano.  The Halos veteran is out to a hot start.  He is missing bats, racking K's and winning games.

Jose Soriano (5-0) starts for Anaheim.  The righty has posted a 0.28 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP in 32.2 innings pitched and has been at his very best early this season.

Eric Lauer starts for the Blue Jays.  Lauer was initially out of the Blue Jays plans, relegated to a bull pen role with newcomers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce filling up the rotation but injuries have struck Toronto.  Ponce is out for the season.  Berrios is back on the IR.  Bieber and Yessavage have yet to return from their injuries.  

The lefty Lauer (1-3) gets the ball today.  He has posted 5.0 BB/9 and 2.0 HR/9 and those marks have led to a 7.13 ERA in 17.2 innings pitched this season.

The Angels offense does two things very well.  They hit dingers and they draw walks.  It can be a very potent combination.  As a team, Anaheim has scored 5.0 runs a game and that mark has them as the ninth best offense in MLB.  

Trout, Adell, Soler, O'Hoppe and Peraza all swing from the right-hand side.  All have good power.  I'm looking for a home run ball or two against the lefty Lauer.  

I like this matchup today.  The Blue Jays bullpen is cooked.  Hoffman, Rogers and Varland will all likely be unavailable for today's game. The Angels bullpen, they don't have elite arms, but they are well rested and that is an advantage. 

I'm taking the Halos and I like the price at (-140).  

----------------------Sunday, April 19--------------------

Today's Pick: ANA (-140) vs. TOR

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It's still the preseason.  1-2 in my practice picks.  A win evens me up at 2-2.  It would be nice to post a winning record heading into the live action.  

I'm Trout-of-here, back with the Postgame report later this afternoon.