Published Mar 12, 9:55pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Mar 12, 9:55pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Mar 12, 9:55pm ET
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| Colorado Rockies | +113 |
| Texas Rangers | -133 |
Jacob Latz, soon to be 30, finally established himself as a big leaguer with the Rangers in 2024. He was used primarily as a reliever. But now, under new manager Skip Schumaker, Texas is giving him a chance to start.
He's been effective in that role in the minors.
So far this spring, he's made 3 starts, tossed 8.1 innings, allowed 7 hits, 5 earned runs, walked 3, and struck out 4. Since Texas is retooling this year after cutting salary and is iffy to be a contender, it gives pitchers like Latz an opportunity to establish themselves.
At the plate, center fielder Wyatt Langford is off to a blazing start batting .455 with a 1.455 OPS and 3 homers. Infielder Josh Smith is hitting .345 with 2 homers and a 1.062 OPS. Veteran Tyler Wade is trying to make the club and is hitting .524 in 24 plate appearances.
The Rockies are starting all over again with new President of Baseball Operations Paul DePodesta. Despite his questionable resume as a top baseball executive in a failed tenure with the Dodgers and a criticized run with the NFL's Cleveland Browns, this is a good spot for him in that there's nowhere to go but up after losing 119 games in 2025.
Part of that is bringing in quality veterans and creating a positive atmosphere as they develop young talent. Currently, the Rockies are not a desirable team to play for except for those who want the chance to showcase themselves to contenders or need a job.
Veteran lefty Jose Quintana starts for Colorado against Texas. He is trustworthy and his style as a sinkerballer who throws strikes could be effective in Denver's homer-friendly confines.
So far this spring, the 37-year-old has made 1 start and only tossed 1 inning. He's slowly ramping up for the season.
At the plate this spring, TJ Rumfeld is batting .367 with 4 homers. Charlie Condon is at .414 with 3 homers. Kyle Karros (Eric Karros' son) is hitting .417 with 2 homers and a 1.231 OPS. Veteran Mickey Moniak is batting .417 with 2 homers.
These are two teams in different situations for the 2026 season and that is reflecting on their spring training strategies. The Rangers hope to make a playoff run despite wholesale changes up and down the organization in the offseason. The Rockies made major changes, but they are starting over, again.
Quintana is a solid starter, but don't expect him to be in the game too long. Latz is trying for a rotation spot, so he will be motivated to pitch well.
The Rangers should take the win in Scottsdale.
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Pick
Texas Rangers -133
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