Ben Burns

I'm playing on SF. (10* PERS FAV, Listed Pitchers) The Padres took last night's game but I fully expect the Giants to bounce back this afternoon. Suarez could easily be better than 1-2 through five home starts, as he's got a superb 0.853 WHIP (3.41 ERA) here. A closer look reveals a 29/3 K/W ratio. Lyles may be off a decent start (still lost) but lets not forget that he's got an ugly 6.75 ERA through three June starts overall OR that he's 30-52 for his career.  Additionally, he's 1-3 (team 2-5) with a terrible 7.53 ERA vs. the Giants, over his career. Suarez, meanwhile, pitched very well (4 hits, 2 runs, 7 innings) in his lone start vs. SD. The Padres continue to struggle vs southpaws and they've been terrible in the role of small/med. sized underdogs for as long as anyone can recall. Giants roll. 

I'm playing on GERMANY (6* MAIN EVENT). The Swedes are no joke. However, the Germans are in a class of their own. Many feel that, on paper at least, they're even stronger than the team which won the last Cup. Off their opening loss against Mexico, they're obviously going to be in an angry and determined mood here. Backs to the wall, expect the champs to rise to the occassion, digging deep and coming away with the critical victory. 

I'm playing on MINNESOTA (8* BREAKFAST CLUB). Odorizzi should be happy to see a different team than Cleveland. In 11 of 12 starts, against teams other than the Indians, he's allowed three or fewer earned runs. Odorizzi should also be pleased by the early start time. He's got a 2.28 ERA in the day this season, compared to a 5.54 mark during the evening. Gallardo was recently recalled from Triple-A. His first start didn't go well, as he allowed five earned runs in five innings. In four overall (big league) appearances this season, he's got a horrible 15.95 ERA and 2.86 WHIP. True, thats a very small sample size. However, consider that he was 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA last season, after going 6-8 with a 5.42 mark in 2016. Throw in the fact that Odorizzi is 4-0 with a 2.02 ERA and 0.981 WHIP in six starts vs. Texas and this line could easily be higher. Twins roll. 

I'm playing on MEXICO (10* BREAKFAST CLUB). Off their monumental win in their opener the Mexicans are full of confidence. That victory was no fluke either. Sure, the Germans had plenty of chances but the Mexicans were dangerous on theirs, as well. Now, they step down in class considerably and I don't expect any sort of a letdown or complacency. Mexico's Marco Fabian noted: "We reached our first target and have beaten Germany, but we can't sit back." The Koreans know that they need to go for it; after losing against Sweden (and with Germany on deck) a tie won't cut it for them. Expect that to leave them vulnerable, surging Mexico taking full advantage. 

I'm playing on Calgary/Toronto OVER the total (10* GAME OF WEEK). With both teams finishing below the number in Week 1, we're getting a relatively low number to work with for Saturday's Grey Cup rematch, one which has come down from its opener. I believe it'll prove to be too low. Consider that this number is far lower than it was when these teams played in the snow last November. Both offenses remain extremely capable. The Stamps moved the ball well last week and are very difficult to stop. They're going to be on a revenge mission here. Meanwhile, the Argos are going to want to prove their victory wasn't a fluke and they're going to be determined to protect/defend their homefield. Look for both teams to put up a fairly big number, the final combined score proving higher than many will be expecting.