MLB Odds & MLB Baseball Betting Picks for August 6th 2008
Cleveland Indians @ Tampa Bay Rays u8.0 (-115) MLB Odds – Wed August 6th ’08 12:40p
Scott Kazmir of the Tampa Bay Rays has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this year, and even the maligned Jeremy Sowers has pitched better lately, so look for the offenses to struggle in this early afternoon matinee. Kazmir has a 2.89 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 17 starts this season, with the Under going 12-5 in those contests. He has allowed two runs or less in four of his last five starts, and he has been virtually unhittable at home, where he is 5-1 with an outstanding 1.87 ERA in nine starts, with the Under going 7-2. Now Sowers was one of the worst pitchers in baseball earlier this season, but he has not allowed more than four runs in any of his last four starts. This streak started when he allowed just two runs and three hits vs. these Rays in Cleveland. It is also worth noting that despite his early season trouble, the Under is still 8-4 in all Sowers starts. Of course much of that has to do with what had been an inept Cleveland offense, and the Indians are hitting a pathetic .208 vs. left-handers on the road this season. Also, the Rays have not exactly scorched the ball lately either, batting a modest .246 as a team the last 10 games. Finally, the Under is 7-3 in the last 10 Tampa Bay games and 4-1 in the last five Cleveland games, and we look for those streaks to continue. MLB Free Pick: Indians, Rays Under 8 (-115)
New York Yankees (-125) – Wed Aug 6 ’08 8:05p
The New York Yankees wasted a gem by Sidney Ponson while losing 1-0 to the Los Angeles Angels last week, but look for them to give him better support as they try and avoid a sweep at the hands of the Texas Rangers tonight. Ponson tossed seven scoreless innings vs. the Angels, marking the fourth time in six starts since returning to the Yankees that he has allowed three runs or less. In fact, this was also the third time in this stretch that Ponson allowed one run or less. Ponson also has some added incentive here, pitching at Texas for the first time since the Rangers released him earlier this season. He did allow three runs or less in four of his six starts in this stadium before his release. The Rangers counter with young Tommy Hunter, who was hit hard while allowing six earned runs and eight hits in just five innings in his first major league start vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. If Hunter struggled so badly vs. the normally punchless Jays, what do you expect from him vs. this Yankees lineup in his second start in the big leagues? We do not think it will be pretty, so look for the Yankees to salvage a win in this series here. MLB Free Pick: Yankees -125
Los Angeles Dodgers (-110) – Wed Aug 6 ’08 8:15p
The LA Dodgers behind a new look offense that features all star Manny Ramirez look like viable wagering options tonight as they prepare to tee off the Cardinals Joel Pineiro (3-5, 5.04 ERA). The native of Puerto Rico has looked bad in his last four starts, allowing 10 hits each time out, while garnering a ugly 8.31 ERA. Meanwhile, his pitching opponent, right hander Derek Lowe (8-9, 3.70), is 3-1 in his 5 starts along with a stable 3.06 ERA, and despite of a sub par .500 record this season, almost always gives his team a chance of victory. The Dearborn , Michigan native biggest problem during his current campaign has been run support, however, with the red hot bat of Ramirez backing him, I am predicting that problem will be put to rest. Final notes & Key Trends: Ramirez in his career vs Pineiro is 11 for 26 (.423 BA). Play on the Dodgers.
