MLB Expert Pick: Chicago White Sox @ Minnesota Twins o9.0 (-115)
Wed April 30 ’08 1:10p – Click Here for MLB Betting Odds
Middle reliever Nick Masset gets the spot start for Chicago this afternoon because Ozzie Guillen declined not to use Mark Buehrle or John Danks on three days rest after they played a doubleheader against the Orioles on Saturday. This will be the second start of his young career after making his first against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley field last season. Look for Masset to work no more than 75 to 80 pitches, and probably no more than five innings.

Opposing him will be the Twins Nick Blackburn who’ll be making his sixth start of the season. He comes into this start sporting a 1-1 mark with a 3.45 ERA and 1.37 WHIP. He’s allowed 39 hits and 12 ER’s with an impressive K/BB ratio of 15/4 in a shade over 31 total innings pitched. He’s thrown better than his 1-1 mark, but he’s had trouble avoiding the big inning in two of his last three starts. He faced the White Sox earlier this month, but got tagged with a no decision after they roughed up his bullpen to pull out the 7-4 come from behind victory. He threw five innings of two-run ball striking out five while walking two, and could better those marks at home where he’s 1-1 with a miniscule 0.69 ERA in two starts this year.

The White Sox are a moneymaking 9-1 in day games this season, while the Twins have only brought home the cash in 3 of their 9 day games this season. The White Sox have played to the over in 7 of their 12 games against divisional opponents, and it’s 10-6 this year when they’ve squared off against a right-hander. The over is also 5-2 the L/7 times these clubs have squared off in the Metrodome.

Mike Rose is a Professional Handicapper at Touthouse.com – Click Here to Buy His Expert MLB Picks