Will Rogers Free Pick
(MLB) Texas vs. Kansas City,
Money Line: -156.00 Kansas City (Home)
Result: Loss
1* free play on the Kansas City Royals...
The Kansas City Royals have lost seven of their last nine overall, but a home series versus Texas might be just what they need to get back on track. Texas will send a rookie pitcher to the mound in Game 1, and I think the price on the Royals is more than fair.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - Chi Chi Gonzalez will make his second start of the season for Texas, and he was a winner in his debut. The 23 year old right-hander allowed just a pair of hits over 5.2 innings, but issued five walks in a home win over Boston. The Royals counter with Edinson Volquez, who has been quite consistent so far. Volquez (4-3, 2.95 ERA) gave up three runs on nine hits with nine strikeouts in 5.2 innings in a win over the Cubs at Wrigley in his last start. He's 4-1 with a 2.19 ERA in six starts in Kansas City so far.

2. The Bullpens - The Texas bullpen hasn't done it any favors, ranking 25th in the majors with a 4.05 ERA. The Royals bullpen is still the best in the majors with a 1.82 ERA.

3. X-Factor - The Rangers will be without a couple of big bats, as Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre have recently landed on the DL.

Selection: This is a play on the Kansas City Royals (Free)