Johnny’s Quick Picks March 31, 2024
JOHNNY’S QUICK PICKS MARCH 31, 2024
MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Happy Easter! He Is Risen! Rejoice in the Savior!
Well, Saturday was a downer, with the Penguins blowing a two-goal lead to lowly crap-o Columbus and then losing a sudden death shootout. On the MLB side, Houston blew its third lead in three games, and open the season 0-3 for the first time since 2011 when they lost 106 games. They’ve lost seven straight home games since last season’s ALCS. Hard to fathom.
Meanwhile we have more March Madness today!
Shout out to our editor and senior contributor Dan Angell — his Ottawa Senators have reeled off five straight wins, coming from behind to topple a very good Winnipeg Jets team on the road.
On another note, I can hardly wait until Monday’s Women’s Hoops rematch between Iowa and LSU. What will LSU coach Kim Mulkey wear? I loved her throwback disco outfit on Sunday. For the record, the WAPO hit piece on her was a joke. She’s a successful woman. Who cares about her personal relationships? What was the point of the piece? To take her down? Get a life WAPO sports.
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Read below for Johnny’s Quick Picks for March 31 2024
MLB BABY!
Braves (-145) at Phils
Atlanta is blasting the already suspect Phillies pitching staff. Why stop now? Chris Sale can give you a solid five innings coming out of a dead sleep, and the Braves can feast on the Phillies’ weak bullpen. I’m riding the A-Train until somebody cools them off! Their bats are on fire.
Pick: Atlanta (-145)
Angels at O’s (-150)
Oh my. Poor Ron Washington and his beleaguered Angels had a private team meeting after yesterday’s 12-3 drubbing, which followed Thursday’s 11-1 blow out. This team has lost its way and is having meetings after two games. No thanks.
Pick: O’s (-150)
Related: Jack’s MLB Best Bets for Sunday March 31
Bucs at Fish (+135)
Pirates are hot and go for the sweep. Remember, this is one of my two sleeper teams this season. I’ll fade the Fish until they win a game. This Pirates team can win the division.
Pick: Pirates (+135)
Nats at Reds (-170)
The Reds are my second sleeper team behind Pittsburgh. The Nats came back last night and stole a game on the Ohio river. Reds win the series with Nick Martinez today.
Pick: Reds (-170)
Tigers (-145) at ChiSox
I’m going for the Detroit road sweep here with newly acquired Jack Flaherty. The White Sox are a sorry, hapless bunch staring down the barrel at a 100 loss season.
Pick: Tigers (-145)
Twins (-115) at KC
I like the Twins Bailey Ober, who threw well all spring. He struck out 35 percent of the batters he faced, and his velocity was up. Poor Royals don’t look very good so far.
Pick: Twins (-115)
Cubs at Texas (-135)
Jon Gray at home at -135 is a nice value play. He’s always tough in Arlington and the Cubs have not come out of the gate very well. Texas gets out the brooms and could have a 3.5 game lead over Houston after the first weekend!
Pick: Texas (-135)
Cleveland (-120) at Oakland
The A’s might lose 120 games and break the 1962 Mets record.
Pick: Cleveland (-120)
Rocks at D-Backs (-200)
So Colorado won a game. Whoop de-doo. This team is pitiful.
Pick: D-Backs (-200)
College Hoops
Purdue (-3.5) Vs. Tennessee
This is simple. Purdue is the better team. The Boilers have blown a slew of these games to prevent them from getting to the big Final Four weekend. This is it. We can give stats — which Dan did in his full write-up — but they are worthless today. You win and play Saturday or go back to campus tonight.
