MLB Spring Training Thursday 3/5/20 - Best Bets, Odds, Prediction, & Picks

There are 15 games on the slate for March 5th, with 6 games being split squad.  Let's take a look and see which 3 games you should keep your eye on.

Pittsburgh Pirates (2-8) @ Tampa Bay Rays (6-4)

The Pirates have gotten off to a horrid start, but it is Spring Training.  However, the Pirates traded most of their key players, leaving Josh Bell as the notable veteran left in the lineup.  The Pirates aren't expected to make much noise in the NL Central this season.  The Rays have been fine to this point, while currently leading the Blue Jays in a game that is in progress. Tampa Bay trade a big prospect in Matthew Liberatore to St. Louis.  In exchange the Rays got slugger Jose Martinez and OF Randy Arozarena.  Martinez will be able to jump in and help this Tampa lineup that does have power.  The Rays are 3-1-1 in their last 5 and have the ability to score a lot of runs.  Pittsburgh has given up 37 runs combined in 4 of their last 5 games.  I'll side with the Ray offense to take advantage of a weak Pittsburgh rotation. 

Pick: Tampa Bay Rays ML -170

San Diego Padres (9-1) @ Seattle Mariners (3-7)

This is a clash between two teams that have gone in opposite directions in Spring Training.  The Padres have been great and it is hard to ignore their dominance thus far.  San Diego has had no trouble winning 5 games in a row, while the Mariners have dropped 3 in a row and 4 of their last 5.  The Padres have seen success out of Edward Olivares, Wil Myers, and Greg Garcia to name a few thus far.  San Diego is batting .272 through 10 games. Seattle doesn't have anyone tat has hit more than 1 home run to this point.  Tim Lopes is hitting .533 in 15 at bats.  Until a team shows the weaknesses of the Padres in the Spring, it will be hard to not side with San Diego. 

Pick: San Diego Padres ML -105

Arizona Diamondbacks (2-8) @ Texas Rangers (7-4) Split Squad

It can be hard at times to get a read on certain teams in Spring Training, the Diamondbacks have been one of those teams.  Arizona is off to a slow start, but this should change as more games come and go.  The Diamondbacks acquired Starling Marte in the offseason and this will help their outfield once the regular season gets here.  This is a split squad game and the Texas rangers don't have a great farm system.  However, the Diamondbacks rank 8th in their farm system, with 4 players ranking in the "Top 100 Prospect list".  Arizona should have more talent sprinkled around in this split squad game, compared to the Rangers.  I'll side with the Diamondbacks to snag a win in this split squad game.  

Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks ML