MLB Interleague play offers great pitching match-ups for baseball bettors
Posted on 6/16/2008 5:28:27 PM
By T.J. Kendrick
Sports bettors get to enjoy a rare twist when making baseball picks this week thanks to MLB Interleague play. There should be plenty of interesting pitching match-ups to choose from in a few series pitting top contenders against each other.
Boston Red Sox at Philadelphia Phillies (June 16-18)
This series is a possible preview of a World Series match-up. The Red Sox (+300 World Series odds) are currently trying to hold off Tampa Bay for the AL East crown. Boston had won four of five heading into Monday's action, including two straight wins over Cincinnati over the weekend. Bartolo Colon, Jon Lester and Justin Masterson are expected to throw for the Sox. They're without their best hitter in David Ortiz, though, after “Big Papi” was put on the DL with a wrist injury. He was second on the team with 13 home runs and 43 RBIs.
The Phillies (+1000 World Series odds) have raced out to a great start this year, owning one of the best records in the National League. Philadelphia can really rack up runs quickly, especially in hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park, but they're struggling lately. The Phillies are 2-4 in their last six games, though they did pour 20 runs on St. Louis in a Friday win. Philly plans to send Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer and Kyle Kendrick to the mound against Boston.
Chicago White Sox at Chicago Cubs (June 20-22)
The Cubs are enjoying one of their best seasons in recent memory, tearing their way through the NL to the league's best record. The Cubbies entered the season as one of the favorites (+450 World Series odds) and have delivered thanks to excellent pitching and a potent offense. The offense just took a hit, though, when Alfonso Soriano went down with a broken hand. The rangy outfielder exploded for 10 homers and 29 RBIs in May. The rest of the lineup should step up, but it's tough to replace that kind of production. Still, they're on fire right now, winning 16 of 20 heading into Monday's action.. The Cubs will rely on expected starting pitchers Jason Marquis, Ted Lilly and Ryan Dempster against the White Sox.
The Sox have surprised just about everyone, racing to a hot start and solid lead in the AL Central. The team wasn't expected to do much damage in '08 (+1800 World Series odds), but the pitching has been surprisingly effective (Chicago ranked first in ERA and second in WHIP as of Monday). Youngster Gavin Floyd has been particularly impressive, though it's a big gamble to assume he and the team can maintain this pace all season. The White Sox rely on the long ball offensively and are led by Carlos Quinten's 16 homers. The team was trapped in a big skid as of Monday, losing two in a row and five of six overall. Against the Cubs, they're expected to send John Danks, Jose Contreras and Javier Vazquez to the hill.
With MLB Interleague play getting underway, sports bettors have a rare treat when making baseball picks this week. Get in on the action with BetOnline.com.
T.J. Kendrick is the biggest baseball nut and a
brilliant MLB handicapper. His love of the game borders on obsession, and he
takes every chance he gets to make excellent predictions, frequently
contributing to industry handicapping sites as well as BetOnline.com. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
