Three strikes: Micah Roberts’ MLB win-total picks

THREE STRIKES

Micah Roberts, an analyst for The Linemakers on SportingNews.com and a former sports book director, makes three win-total predictions for the baseball season:

■ Los Angeles Dodgers (Under 92)

The Dodgers won 92 games or more the past two seasons, yet there are plenty of reasons to suggest they won’t win as many this year. Their starting pitching will be just as good, but their offense will let them down. They lost 25 homers and 89 RBIs by trading Matt Kemp, lost another 71 RBIs with the departure of Hanley Ramirez, and lost Dee Gordon’s 64 stolen bases. To top it off, the competition in the National League West just got better with the Padres’ loaded starting pitching plus the addition of Kemp and others.

■ Boston Red Sox (Under 86)

The Red Sox lineup is imposing, with the additions of Ramirez from the Dodgers and Pablo Sandoval from the Giants, but their downfall will be starting pitching. Most of their wins are going to be of the 8-5 variety, and on days when they face an opponent’s No. 1 or No. 2 starter, they are going to have some problems. The big free-agent signing was right-hander Rick Porcello, who comes off a career year as Detroit’s No. 5 starter. After Clay Buchholz and Porcello, Boston has all kinds of question marks.

■ Oakland Athletics (Over 82)

After losing 53 homers and 179 RBIs with the departures of Brandon Moss and Josh Donaldson, it’s easy to understand why many are down on the A’s. Oakland also lost starters Jon Lester and Jeff Samardzija. But during the Billy Beane era, the A’s reload and seem to come back stronger. If spring training is any indication, Scott Kazmir, Drew Pomeranz and Kendall Graveman will be strong starters. Look for Oakland to battle with the Angels and Mariners for the American League West title and a wild card.