The set-up: I think Marco Gonzales and the Seattle Mariners have much more than just a punchers chance in this one. Both pitchers had strong spring trainings. Gonzales has been a consistent bright spot for the Mariners for a while now, going 13-9 with a 4.00 ERA in 2018 and 16-13 with a 3.99 ERA in 2019.

The pick: Verlander was 21-6 with a 2.58 ERA last year and he's once again predicted to be among the best in the league by most experts. He isn't getting any younger though. Regression is imminent at some point obviously. Regardless, I expect Gonzales to easily match Verlander inning for inning to open this contest and in a scenario like that, I'll absolutely jump on this hungry and under-valued underdog.

9* SHOCKER on the Seattle Mariners.