Hot Lines: Today's best MLB bets
Los Angles Angels at Boston Red Sox (-162, 9.5)
It won’t be goodbye. More like, “See you later”.
The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels wrap their three-game series Thursday but have a sinking feeling they’ll be seeing each other very soon – like in October.
The Angels hold the AL West lead and the Red Sox are the frontrunners to land the AL Wild Card, setting up a divisional series between these two clubs for the third straight year. Last season, Boston knocked off Los Angeles 3-1. In 2007, the BoSox rolled the Halos in three straight en route to a World Series title.
The one common theme in those postseason meetings was the Red Sox's ability to shut down L.A.’s lineup. They’ve held the Angels to under 2.5 runs per game in the past two playoff series.
Boston was in postseason form against the Angels in Monday’s series opener. They limited Los Angeles to just one run on six hits, getting a great start from the returning Daisuke Matsuzaka. It was the third time in the past four meeting these teams have played under the total, heading into Wednesday Game 2.
Pick: Under 9.5
Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers (-110, 7.5)
Kansas City wishes every month could be September.
The Royals are rolling into the offseason with another red-hot late-season run, winning seven of their last eight games heading into Wednesday’s Game 2. Fresh of a four-game sweep of the Tigers last week, Kansas City is in Motown sticking it to the AL Central leaders for 11 runs in Tuesday’s series opener.
This current stretch has improved the Royals’ September record to 8-5 this season (as of Tuesday’s win) and gives K.C. a 26-13 count in the final month of the season over the past two years. The Royals have earned 8.55 units over the last eight contests.
“You’re seeing a team that ain’t going to give up,” right fielder Willie Bloomquist told the Kansas City Star. “It’s our obligation to win as many games as we can. That being said, we’re starting to get a few breaks here and there and come out on top.”
This current streak has been fueled by the Royals offense. On top of that 11-run explosion Tuesday, Kansas City is hitting a collective .304 and scoring more than 5.5 runs per contests over the past week.
Pick: Kansas City +102
Los Angles Angels at Boston Red Sox (-162, 9.5)
It won’t be goodbye. More like, “See you later”.
The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels wrap their three-game series Thursday but have a sinking feeling they’ll be seeing each other very soon – like in October.
The Angels hold the AL West lead and the Red Sox are the frontrunners to land the AL Wild Card, setting up a divisional series between these two clubs for the third straight year. Last season, Boston knocked off Los Angeles 3-1. In 2007, the BoSox rolled the Halos in three straight en route to a World Series title.
The one common theme in those postseason meetings was the Red Sox's ability to shut down L.A.’s lineup. They’ve held the Angels to under 2.5 runs per game in the past two playoff series.
Boston was in postseason form against the Angels in Monday’s series opener. They limited Los Angeles to just one run on six hits, getting a great start from the returning Daisuke Matsuzaka. It was the third time in the past four meeting these teams have played under the total, heading into Wednesday Game 2.
Pick: Under 9.5
Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers (-110, 7.5)
Kansas City wishes every month could be September.
The Royals are rolling into the offseason with another red-hot late-season run, winning seven of their last eight games heading into Wednesday’s Game 2. Fresh of a four-game sweep of the Tigers last week, Kansas City is in Motown sticking it to the AL Central leaders for 11 runs in Tuesday’s series opener.
This current stretch has improved the Royals’ September record to 8-5 this season (as of Tuesday’s win) and gives K.C. a 26-13 count in the final month of the season over the past two years. The Royals have earned 8.55 units over the last eight contests.
“You’re seeing a team that ain’t going to give up,” right fielder Willie Bloomquist told the Kansas City Star. “It’s our obligation to win as many games as we can. That being said, we’re starting to get a few breaks here and there and come out on top.”
This current streak has been fueled by the Royals offense. On top of that 11-run explosion Tuesday, Kansas City is hitting a collective .304 and scoring more than 5.5 runs per contests over the past week.
Pick: Kansas City +102
Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
Streaking
John Danks (12-9, 3.71 ERA), Chicago White Sox
This lefty is as dependable as they come. Danks has delivered quality starts in seven straight outings. The Sox have only won four of those games, but they were dogged or short faves each time.
Danks solid performances could be tied in with his giving up chewing tobacco. He complained of not being able to grip the ball as well early in the year and trainers believed his tobacco intake was affecting his blood circulation.
“I think it’s something that it probably didn’t help, but I’m over a month now without a dip and it was something I wanted to do even before the finger problem,” Danks told MLB.com. “But definitely it’s a battle for me to quit, but I fell like I’m past the worst, and it really is a big accomplishment for me to be able to quit.”
Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.19), Kansas City Royals
The Royals are finally starting to take advantage of Greinke’s brilliance. Kansas City has won three of his last four starts and, because of his long winless streak before, his odds have been much more reasonable. He hasn’t been priced higher than -142 since the first week of August.
He owns a sparkling 0.38 ERA over his last three starts and he’s pitched at least seven innings in each of his last seven trips to the mound.
The under is also 5-0-1 in his last six appearances.
Slumping
Edwin Jackson (12-6, 3.22), Detroit Tigers
It’s not that Jackson is pitching awful, it’s just bettors expect much more from him because of how well he’s pitched this season.
The fireball righty has just one quality start in his last four appearances, but the Tigers are still 2-2 those games.
The Jays knocked him around for five runs and three dingers in his last trip to the bump.
“They were ready for the fastball all night,” Jackson said following the 8-6 loss.
Streaking
John Danks (12-9, 3.71 ERA), Chicago White Sox
This lefty is as dependable as they come. Danks has delivered quality starts in seven straight outings. The Sox have only won four of those games, but they were dogged or short faves each time.
Danks solid performances could be tied in with his giving up chewing tobacco. He complained of not being able to grip the ball as well early in the year and trainers believed his tobacco intake was affecting his blood circulation.
“I think it’s something that it probably didn’t help, but I’m over a month now without a dip and it was something I wanted to do even before the finger problem,” Danks told MLB.com. “But definitely it’s a battle for me to quit, but I fell like I’m past the worst, and it really is a big accomplishment for me to be able to quit.”
Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.19), Kansas City Royals
The Royals are finally starting to take advantage of Greinke’s brilliance. Kansas City has won three of his last four starts and, because of his long winless streak before, his odds have been much more reasonable. He hasn’t been priced higher than -142 since the first week of August.
He owns a sparkling 0.38 ERA over his last three starts and he’s pitched at least seven innings in each of his last seven trips to the mound.
The under is also 5-0-1 in his last six appearances.
Slumping
Edwin Jackson (12-6, 3.22), Detroit Tigers
It’s not that Jackson is pitching awful, it’s just bettors expect much more from him because of how well he’s pitched this season.
The fireball righty has just one quality start in his last four appearances, but the Tigers are still 2-2 those games.
The Jays knocked him around for five runs and three dingers in his last trip to the bump.
“They were ready for the fastball all night,” Jackson said following the 8-6 loss.
Rob Vinciletti
MLB | Sep 17
New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves Total
8½ un-120 at BOOKM > 18h.
On Thursday night the Bonus Play is on the under in the Mets at Braves game. Rotation numbers 955/6 at 7:10 eastern. In this series in Atlanta 17 of the last 24 games have stayed under the total. The Braves have gone 0-4 to the under as a home favorite in this range. Tonight they have J.Jurjens taking the mound. Jurjens has a solid 2.76 home era and 2.05 in his last three starts. In his last three starts vs the Mets he has allowed just 4 runs in 19+ innings. The Mets have gone under in 9 of 13 times as a road dog from +225 to +250. NY. has averaged just 3.3 runs per game over the past week, as their offensive woes have continued. On Thursday Nelson Figueroa makes the start in Atlanta. The Mets have stayed under the total in all three of Figueroa road starts and he has a fine 2.08 road era. Congrats to those who jumped on the Wednesday 5 star Mlb totals winner. On Thursday I have the Thursday night game of the year in college football. This game is backed with a 16-2 college system and 3 different Power angles. Jump on this big one and make some cash tonight. bol RV.
MLB | Sep 17
New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves Total
8½ un-120 at BOOKM > 18h.
On Thursday night the Bonus Play is on the under in the Mets at Braves game. Rotation numbers 955/6 at 7:10 eastern. In this series in Atlanta 17 of the last 24 games have stayed under the total. The Braves have gone 0-4 to the under as a home favorite in this range. Tonight they have J.Jurjens taking the mound. Jurjens has a solid 2.76 home era and 2.05 in his last three starts. In his last three starts vs the Mets he has allowed just 4 runs in 19+ innings. The Mets have gone under in 9 of 13 times as a road dog from +225 to +250. NY. has averaged just 3.3 runs per game over the past week, as their offensive woes have continued. On Thursday Nelson Figueroa makes the start in Atlanta. The Mets have stayed under the total in all three of Figueroa road starts and he has a fine 2.08 road era. Congrats to those who jumped on the Wednesday 5 star Mlb totals winner. On Thursday I have the Thursday night game of the year in college football. This game is backed with a 16-2 college system and 3 different Power angles. Jump on this big one and make some cash tonight. bol RV.
Jim Feist
MLB | Sep 17
Cleveland Indians vs. Oakland Athletics Oakland Athletics
-105 at BOOKM > 21h.
Surprising to find a team like Cleveland a road favorite so far from home. Justin Masterson (4-7, 4.25 ERA) is better suited to relieving, as he struggles against lefties with that sidearm delivery. His control is also an issue, walking 13 in his last 3 starts (17 innings). That's more walks than Ks in those starts. The indians just lost 7 of 8 games and they've never faced Oakland starter Clayton Mortensen before. Play the Oakland A's.
MLB | Sep 17
Cleveland Indians vs. Oakland Athletics Oakland Athletics
-105 at BOOKM > 21h.
Surprising to find a team like Cleveland a road favorite so far from home. Justin Masterson (4-7, 4.25 ERA) is better suited to relieving, as he struggles against lefties with that sidearm delivery. His control is also an issue, walking 13 in his last 3 starts (17 innings). That's more walks than Ks in those starts. The indians just lost 7 of 8 games and they've never faced Oakland starter Clayton Mortensen before. Play the Oakland A's.
Axiumsports.com
September 17th 2009
*-Weekly System Picks. Please follow the system and do not increase your starting bet until you at least triple your account. -*
Current Bankroll=$1,258.68
Pick #4- MLB
4)Bet 16.24 to win 14.76 on Chicago/Seattle UNDER 8.5 -110
Pick #5- MLB-
5a)Bet 16.43 to win 14.54 on Cleveland/Oakland UNDER 9 -113
5b)Bet 34.10 to win 30.18 on Cleveland/Oakland UNDER 9 -113
September 17th 2009
*-Weekly System Picks. Please follow the system and do not increase your starting bet until you at least triple your account. -*
Current Bankroll=$1,258.68
Pick #4- MLB
4)Bet 16.24 to win 14.76 on Chicago/Seattle UNDER 8.5 -110
Pick #5- MLB-
5a)Bet 16.43 to win 14.54 on Cleveland/Oakland UNDER 9 -113
5b)Bet 34.10 to win 30.18 on Cleveland/Oakland UNDER 9 -113
Dave Cokin
(963) TAMPA BAY RAYS
(964) BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Take "(964) BALTIMORE ORIOLES"
Wade Davis had a spectacular debut for the Rays, but his second start was a rude awakening to life in the major leagues for a young pitcher. Davis has the tools to be a good one, and I'd already rate him as superior to Orioles starter Mark Hendrickson. But the Rays have little life right now, and they've been less than stellar on the road. I'll side with Baltimore to capture the series finale.
(963) TAMPA BAY RAYS
(964) BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Take "(964) BALTIMORE ORIOLES"
Wade Davis had a spectacular debut for the Rays, but his second start was a rude awakening to life in the major leagues for a young pitcher. Davis has the tools to be a good one, and I'd already rate him as superior to Orioles starter Mark Hendrickson. But the Rays have little life right now, and they've been less than stellar on the road. I'll side with Baltimore to capture the series finale.
Wunderdog
Pick: 5 units on Georgia Tech +5.5 (-110) (risk 5 to win 4.6)
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson was criticized when he said he would make the option offense work in the ACC as many of his detractors said you can't run that offense in the ACC. The ACC was supposed to have the team speed to defeat it. But, his Yellow Jackets put up nine wins last year and opened the season by scoring 24 points on a tough Clemson defense in the first 20 minutes of their ACC opener. They gained over 300 yards on the ground in the process. Georgia Tech only beat Clemson by 3 points however on a late field goal you say? Don't let that fool you. That was a misleading final score. The Yellow Jackets jumped out to a 24-0 lead. After that, the young kids let up and let Clemson close the gap. The reality is, Tech should have won that one by double-digits and because they did not, we get some line value here. Miami pulled off a big underdog upset win at home in their opener vs Florida State. But, as good as that win initially looked for the Canes, it now doesn't look so hot after Florida State, as a 34 point favorite, was losing to Jacksonville State last week with 35 seconds to go! Maybe it was a letdown game for the Noles, but gaining 77 yards on 26 carries at home vs. a team like Jacksonville State says a bit more than that. Miami needed 21 fourth quarter points to win their game vs. the Seminoles, so there is cause for concern for Miami backers here. The Yellow Jackets have been a strong road team with a 6-1 ATS mark in their last seven away games. Miami has not embraced the role of a favorite as they are a pathetic 1-10 ATS in their last 11 as a favorite of 3.5-10 points and the home field advantage has not been present here for quite some time as the Hurricanes are just 10-31 ATS in their last 41 at home. Georgia Tech is 4-0 SU and 4-0 ATS vs. Miami in ACC meetings, including two outright upsets. And Paul Johnson coached teams are 15-5 ATS as a road underdog. I like Georgia Tech in this one
Pick: 5 units on Georgia Tech +5.5 (-110) (risk 5 to win 4.6)
Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson was criticized when he said he would make the option offense work in the ACC as many of his detractors said you can't run that offense in the ACC. The ACC was supposed to have the team speed to defeat it. But, his Yellow Jackets put up nine wins last year and opened the season by scoring 24 points on a tough Clemson defense in the first 20 minutes of their ACC opener. They gained over 300 yards on the ground in the process. Georgia Tech only beat Clemson by 3 points however on a late field goal you say? Don't let that fool you. That was a misleading final score. The Yellow Jackets jumped out to a 24-0 lead. After that, the young kids let up and let Clemson close the gap. The reality is, Tech should have won that one by double-digits and because they did not, we get some line value here. Miami pulled off a big underdog upset win at home in their opener vs Florida State. But, as good as that win initially looked for the Canes, it now doesn't look so hot after Florida State, as a 34 point favorite, was losing to Jacksonville State last week with 35 seconds to go! Maybe it was a letdown game for the Noles, but gaining 77 yards on 26 carries at home vs. a team like Jacksonville State says a bit more than that. Miami needed 21 fourth quarter points to win their game vs. the Seminoles, so there is cause for concern for Miami backers here. The Yellow Jackets have been a strong road team with a 6-1 ATS mark in their last seven away games. Miami has not embraced the role of a favorite as they are a pathetic 1-10 ATS in their last 11 as a favorite of 3.5-10 points and the home field advantage has not been present here for quite some time as the Hurricanes are just 10-31 ATS in their last 41 at home. Georgia Tech is 4-0 SU and 4-0 ATS vs. Miami in ACC meetings, including two outright upsets. And Paul Johnson coached teams are 15-5 ATS as a road underdog. I like Georgia Tech in this one
Tom Freese Blue Line Club- Thursday, September 17
Cleveland at Oakland (10:05pm)
Cleveland is 34-15-6 OVER their last 55 games as road underdogs and they are 11-4-4 OVER their last 19 road games vs. righty starters. The Indians are 5-2 OVER their last 7 games vs. AL West teams an they are 4-1-2 OVER when the Total is 9.0 to 10.5. Cleveland starter Justin Masterson has more walks than strikeouts in his last 3 starts. Oakland starter Clayton Mortensen has more walks than strikeouts in his last 3 starts. Mortensen has allowed 13 runs in 17 innings of work this year. The Athletics are 5-1 OVER their last games as home favorites and they 4-0-1 OVER in Game One of series. PLAY ON 'OVER' (Mortensen vs. Masterson)
Cleveland at Oakland (10:05pm)
Cleveland is 34-15-6 OVER their last 55 games as road underdogs and they are 11-4-4 OVER their last 19 road games vs. righty starters. The Indians are 5-2 OVER their last 7 games vs. AL West teams an they are 4-1-2 OVER when the Total is 9.0 to 10.5. Cleveland starter Justin Masterson has more walks than strikeouts in his last 3 starts. Oakland starter Clayton Mortensen has more walks than strikeouts in his last 3 starts. Mortensen has allowed 13 runs in 17 innings of work this year. The Athletics are 5-1 OVER their last games as home favorites and they 4-0-1 OVER in Game One of series. PLAY ON 'OVER' (Mortensen vs. Masterson)
Bobby Maxwell
Tonight's FREE winner comes courtesy of the Angels as they wrap up a series in Boston against the Red Sox.
Tough way for the Angels to lose Wednesday night in Boston as they had two outs in the bottom of the ninth and gave up a couple lousy infield singles and then the home plate umpire made sure the Red Sox at least tied the game with a horrible missed third strike that would have given Los Angeles a victory.
The Angels were fuming when they left the field after the winning single and you know that anger is coming out today. You'll see it in the offense as they light up Red Sox ace Josh Beckett (15-6, 3.82 ERA).
Beckett had a spell of five games when he looked very shaky, allowing three runs or more in each and giving up 12 homers in the first four games of that stretch. He's had just one win in the last month and the Angels have certainly had his number the last few years. Boston is 0-4 in his last four starts against them, including two at home last year when he allowed a combined 11 runs in 10.1 innings of two losses, including a 5-4 loss in the playoffs.
Ervin Santana (7-8, 5.52) is on the hill for the Angels and while they have dropped each of his last four starts, they won five straight prior. He's held the opponents to three runs or less in six of his last seven outings and he beat the Red Sox back on May 14 when he gave up three runs in five innings of a 5-4 win.
The Angels are 39-14 in the third game of a series, 28-10 on Thursdays and 4-0 when Santana starts as a 'dog. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are just 2-5 when Beckett starts against a team with a winning record. Love the Angels to come out angry and deliver a big victory.
4♦ L.A. ANGELS
Tonight's FREE winner comes courtesy of the Angels as they wrap up a series in Boston against the Red Sox.
Tough way for the Angels to lose Wednesday night in Boston as they had two outs in the bottom of the ninth and gave up a couple lousy infield singles and then the home plate umpire made sure the Red Sox at least tied the game with a horrible missed third strike that would have given Los Angeles a victory.
The Angels were fuming when they left the field after the winning single and you know that anger is coming out today. You'll see it in the offense as they light up Red Sox ace Josh Beckett (15-6, 3.82 ERA).
Beckett had a spell of five games when he looked very shaky, allowing three runs or more in each and giving up 12 homers in the first four games of that stretch. He's had just one win in the last month and the Angels have certainly had his number the last few years. Boston is 0-4 in his last four starts against them, including two at home last year when he allowed a combined 11 runs in 10.1 innings of two losses, including a 5-4 loss in the playoffs.
Ervin Santana (7-8, 5.52) is on the hill for the Angels and while they have dropped each of his last four starts, they won five straight prior. He's held the opponents to three runs or less in six of his last seven outings and he beat the Red Sox back on May 14 when he gave up three runs in five innings of a 5-4 win.
The Angels are 39-14 in the third game of a series, 28-10 on Thursdays and 4-0 when Santana starts as a 'dog. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are just 2-5 when Beckett starts against a team with a winning record. Love the Angels to come out angry and deliver a big victory.
4♦ L.A. ANGELS
Jeff Benton
For Thursday’s Bonus Play, I’ll take the Tigers-Royals game UNDER the total in early afternoon action.
Pretty low number here, obviously, but for good reason, as All-Star right-handers Edwin Jackson (12-6, 3.22 ERA) and Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.19 ERA) are opposing one another. Of the two, Greinke’s been the much hotter pitcher of late, giving up just two runs (one earned) in his last three starts covering 24 innings (0.38 ERA) and just three earned runs in his last four starts covering 32 innings (0.84 ERA), with 34 strikeouts in those 32 innings.
Going back to the final week of the 2008 season, Greinke has faced the Tigers five times and allowed a grand total of five runs (four earned) in 38 innings, good for a ridiculous 0.95 ERA. The final scores of those five games: 5-0, 6-1, 6-1, 3-1 and 1-0, all five staying UNDER the total. In fact, the UNDER has hit in each of Greinke’s last nine starts against Detroit, with the right-hander allowing one or no runs in six of those contests!
As for Jackson, yeah, he’s struggled a bit lately (5.47 ERA last four starts). But he’s still been dominant at home this year (7-1, 3.44 ERA), and he’s owned the Royals the last two years (2.84 ERA in four starts).
Finally, this is a day game after a night game on getaway day, meaning we’re going to see two lethargic offenses going up against two dominant, hard-throwing, strikeout-capable right-handers – both of whom are likely to go deep into this contest. Barring lapses on defense, we’re not going to see many runners crossing home plate at Comerica Park this afternoon, so play it UNDER the total.
3? ROYALS-TIGERS UNDER (BASED ON A 1? TO 10? SCALE)
For Thursday’s Bonus Play, I’ll take the Tigers-Royals game UNDER the total in early afternoon action.
Pretty low number here, obviously, but for good reason, as All-Star right-handers Edwin Jackson (12-6, 3.22 ERA) and Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.19 ERA) are opposing one another. Of the two, Greinke’s been the much hotter pitcher of late, giving up just two runs (one earned) in his last three starts covering 24 innings (0.38 ERA) and just three earned runs in his last four starts covering 32 innings (0.84 ERA), with 34 strikeouts in those 32 innings.
Going back to the final week of the 2008 season, Greinke has faced the Tigers five times and allowed a grand total of five runs (four earned) in 38 innings, good for a ridiculous 0.95 ERA. The final scores of those five games: 5-0, 6-1, 6-1, 3-1 and 1-0, all five staying UNDER the total. In fact, the UNDER has hit in each of Greinke’s last nine starts against Detroit, with the right-hander allowing one or no runs in six of those contests!
As for Jackson, yeah, he’s struggled a bit lately (5.47 ERA last four starts). But he’s still been dominant at home this year (7-1, 3.44 ERA), and he’s owned the Royals the last two years (2.84 ERA in four starts).
Finally, this is a day game after a night game on getaway day, meaning we’re going to see two lethargic offenses going up against two dominant, hard-throwing, strikeout-capable right-handers – both of whom are likely to go deep into this contest. Barring lapses on defense, we’re not going to see many runners crossing home plate at Comerica Park this afternoon, so play it UNDER the total.
3? ROYALS-TIGERS UNDER (BASED ON A 1? TO 10? SCALE)
Karl Garrett
Winner last night on Seattle, now 5-1 the last 6 days with my Bonus Plays.
G-Man has to believe the Angels are going to avoid the sweep in their series with Boston.
This could be a preview of the first round of the playoffs once again, and I feel after losing the first 2 games of this 3 game set, it is way more important for the Angels to leave Beantown with the win than it is for the Red Sox to break out the broom.
Ervin Santana has done his best work away from the Big "A", as he is 6-3 away from home, as opposed to 1-5 at home.
His counterpart Josh Beckett made some strides his last time out, allowing just 1 run in a 5 inning win over Tampa Bay, but the fact he pitched just 5 innings is a definite red flag in my mind. I am just not sure Beckett is close to being the dominant pitcher he was at the start of the year, and the fact remains, he is 0-3 the last 3 times he has faced the Angels, allowing 15 runs in 19 innings of work.
I will take LA to avoid the collar.
3? LA ANGELS
Winner last night on Seattle, now 5-1 the last 6 days with my Bonus Plays.
G-Man has to believe the Angels are going to avoid the sweep in their series with Boston.
This could be a preview of the first round of the playoffs once again, and I feel after losing the first 2 games of this 3 game set, it is way more important for the Angels to leave Beantown with the win than it is for the Red Sox to break out the broom.
Ervin Santana has done his best work away from the Big "A", as he is 6-3 away from home, as opposed to 1-5 at home.
His counterpart Josh Beckett made some strides his last time out, allowing just 1 run in a 5 inning win over Tampa Bay, but the fact he pitched just 5 innings is a definite red flag in my mind. I am just not sure Beckett is close to being the dominant pitcher he was at the start of the year, and the fact remains, he is 0-3 the last 3 times he has faced the Angels, allowing 15 runs in 19 innings of work.
I will take LA to avoid the collar.
3? LA ANGELS
Sports Gambling Hotline
Our Bonus Play run stands at 34-19-3 coming into Thursday.
Well, after last night's OVER, that makes 4 of the last 6 games played this season between likely first round playoff foes having gone OVER the posted price.
Let's look for the series finale to feature a few runs scored, and for another OVER between the teams.
Ervin Santana has been pitching much better down the stretch, but he still has allowed 17 runs - 15 earned - in just under 37 innings of work, so he is hittable.
Josh Beckett will counter, and while his last 2 starts have been homer-free, we are still not convinced that his mechanics are all worked out, as the fact remains he has allowed 28 runs in his last 36-plus innings of work.
Play on the OVER in the series finale.
2? OVER
Our Bonus Play run stands at 34-19-3 coming into Thursday.
Well, after last night's OVER, that makes 4 of the last 6 games played this season between likely first round playoff foes having gone OVER the posted price.
Let's look for the series finale to feature a few runs scored, and for another OVER between the teams.
Ervin Santana has been pitching much better down the stretch, but he still has allowed 17 runs - 15 earned - in just under 37 innings of work, so he is hittable.
Josh Beckett will counter, and while his last 2 starts have been homer-free, we are still not convinced that his mechanics are all worked out, as the fact remains he has allowed 28 runs in his last 36-plus innings of work.
Play on the OVER in the series finale.
2? OVER
Stephen Nover
The worry isn't so much Josh Beckett. He's been very tough at Fenway Park this season going 9-1 with a 3.42 ERA. Closer Jonathan Papelbon should be available if needed after sitting out Wednesday's game.
Beckett may not have to worry about slugger Vladimir Guerrero, who is questionable after taking a pitch to the ribcage last night.
The concern about going under is more with Angles starter Ervin Santana. He was plagued with health problems earlier this season, so his ERA is a rather fat 5.52. However, Santana is pitching better lately. He's allowed two earned runs or less in three of his past four starts.
Santana probably won't have to face Kevin Youkilis either. He's doubtful with a sore back.
The Angels are 19-8-1 to the under in their last 28 games. The under has cashed in seven of their past eight away matchups.
Jeff Kellogg is slated to be the home plate umpire. He's been one of the best under umps this season with 20 of his 29 games going under the total. Kellogg is likely to have his usual generous strike zone, too, after the Angels felt that Thursday night's home umpire, Rick Reed, squeezed closer Brian Funentes in the ninth inning contributing to the Red Sox coming from behind to win.
2♦ UNDER ANGELS/RED SOX
The worry isn't so much Josh Beckett. He's been very tough at Fenway Park this season going 9-1 with a 3.42 ERA. Closer Jonathan Papelbon should be available if needed after sitting out Wednesday's game.
Beckett may not have to worry about slugger Vladimir Guerrero, who is questionable after taking a pitch to the ribcage last night.
The concern about going under is more with Angles starter Ervin Santana. He was plagued with health problems earlier this season, so his ERA is a rather fat 5.52. However, Santana is pitching better lately. He's allowed two earned runs or less in three of his past four starts.
Santana probably won't have to face Kevin Youkilis either. He's doubtful with a sore back.
The Angels are 19-8-1 to the under in their last 28 games. The under has cashed in seven of their past eight away matchups.
Jeff Kellogg is slated to be the home plate umpire. He's been one of the best under umps this season with 20 of his 29 games going under the total. Kellogg is likely to have his usual generous strike zone, too, after the Angels felt that Thursday night's home umpire, Rick Reed, squeezed closer Brian Funentes in the ninth inning contributing to the Red Sox coming from behind to win.
2♦ UNDER ANGELS/RED SOX
