MLB playoff betting – White Sox vs Rays odds
Posted on 10/1/2008 1:49:46 PM
By T.J. Kendrick
White Sox vs Rays odds: Chicago sneaks into playoffs to battle Tampa Bay
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WHO: Chicago White Sox vs Tampa Bay Rays
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WHAT: MLB playoff betting, American League Divisional Series
- WHEN: Thursday, October 2 at 2:30 p.m. ET (best-of-five series)
- WHERE: Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay); Cellular Field (Chicago)
- KEY STATS: Tampa Bay has won six of 10 meetings with Chicago this season
- PICK: Tampa Bay in five
The ascent of the Tampa Bay Rays was a massive surprise to the online sportsbook community, as they overcame many doubters to claim the American League East. On Thursday, the Rays will continue their quest for the pennant when they host the Central-winning Chicago White Sox. White Sox vs Rays betting favors Tampa Bay at -170.
The Rays are the youngest playoff team at 27.4 average years per player. The pitching staff matured way ahead of schedule, posting a 3.82 ERA, second in the American League behind only Toronto.
The starters, led by James Shields with 14 wins, all earned at least 11 victories each, thus swinging White Sox vs Rays lines in their favor. The only concern is the health of aging closer Troy Percival.
In the lineup Evan Longoria should run away with the Rookie of the Year award despite missing a month late in the season with a broken wrist, while Carlos Pena adds a power stroke to the lineup.
The White Sox made the postseason on the strength of a one-hit gem from John Danks in a one-game playoff against Minnesota for the Central title, but the entire Chicago staff is solid, posting a 4.06 ERA which was sixth in the league.
Gavin Floyd and Mark Beuhrle round out a solid rotation, while Bobby Jenks is still a dependable closer. That should make Chicago bettors feel a little better about White Sox vs Rays odds.
Offensively, the White Sox have veteran talent in Ken Griffey Jr., Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye, but rookie Alexei Ramirez may be the sparkplug in Chicago’s lineup, as he brings defense and power. This can make up for the absence of Carlos Quentin, who was an AL MVP favorite before breaking his wrist.
TJ’S PICK: The Rays took six of 10 meetings with the White Sox this season, and White Sox vs Rays odds have made Tampa Bay the favorites at -170. Both teams are solid at home, so the Rays’ homefield advantage plays right into their hands.
Offensively, the edge would probably go to Chicago’s veteran-laden lineup, but the Rays’ young staff has been brilliant this season; they pitch fearlessly and usually their best when their back is against the wall. This series should go the distance, but bet on the Tampa Bay Rays for your White Sox vs Rays picks.
Check out BetOnline.com for the best online sportsbook in the business, and visit the Bettor’s Edge for more analysis and tips on Dodgers vs Cubs odds, Red Sox vs Angels betting, Brewers vs Phillies lines, or White Sox vs. Rays odds.
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.
