KingPin.pro MLB Preview: Cardinals vs. Marlins - February 26, 2023

The St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins will square off on February 26, 2023, in a Spring Training game at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, FL. Both teams are looking to get off to a strong start this season, and this game will provide an early test for both squads. Here's a preview of the matchup, including analysis of both teams, betting trends, public betting data, and our prediction and pick for the game.

Analysis - St. Louis Cardinals:

The Cardinals are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2022 season, in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The team made several moves in the offseason to bolster their roster, including the acquisition of outfielder Starling Marte and the re-signing of shortstop Javier Baez. The team also added depth to their starting rotation with the signing of veteran pitcher Johnny Cueto.

Cueto is slated to start for the Cardinals in this game, and he'll be looking to get off to a strong start. He's a proven veteran who has had success at the major league level, and his experience could be an asset for the Cardinals this season. The Cardinals also have a strong lineup that includes sluggers like Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt, so they should be able to put up some runs in this game.

Analysis - Miami Marlins:

The Marlins are coming off a solid 2022 season in which they finished with a record of 83-79. The team has a young, talented roster that includes players like outfielder JJ Bleday and shortstop Jazz Chisholm Jr. The Marlins also made a splash in the offseason with the acquisition of third baseman Austin Riley, who is expected to be a key contributor for the team this season.

The Marlins are sending right-hander Miles Mikolas to the mound in this game. Mikolas missed most of the 2022 season due to injury, so he'll be looking to bounce back and prove that he can still be an effective pitcher at the major league level. The Marlins also have a solid lineup that includes players like Bleday and Chisholm, so they should be able to put up some runs against the Cardinals.

Betting Trends:

The Cardinals are slight favorites in this game, with a money line of -104. The total is set at 7.5 runs. The betting public is split on this game, with 50% of the bets coming in on the Cardinals and 50% on the Marlins. The over has been a popular bet, with 62% of the bets coming in on the over.

Public Betting Data:

The public betting data shows that this game is expected to be a close one, with the Cardinals and Marlins receiving an equal amount of support. The over has also been a popular bet, which is not surprising given the offensive talent on both teams.

Prediction:

This game should be a close one, with both teams boasting solid lineups and competent pitching staffs. While the Marlins have a talented young roster, the Cardinals have more experience and a deeper roster overall. We predict that the Cardinals will come out on top in this game, thanks to their strong lineup and the veteran presence of Cueto on the mound. The Marlins will put up a fight, but we expect the Cardinals to win by a score of 5-3.

Pick: St. Louis Cardinals (-104)