MLB Betting Preview - American League wild-card hunt dominates week in MLB
Posted on 8/11/2008 11:26:48 PM
By T.J. Kendrick
2008 MLB Betting
This week's sports betting action in Major League Baseball focuses on the chase for the American League wild card, as the top four teams in contention will be facing each other in midweek action.
New York Yankees at Minnesota Twins - August 11-13 at the Metrodome
These two clubs will kick off a three-game set at the Metrodome on Monday, with the Yankees trailing the Twins by 2.5 games heading into the series. The Yankees were swept in Los Angeles on the weekend by the Angels, while the Twins won two of three in Kansas City. The best pitching match-up of the series should come on Tuesday, when 18-year veteran Mike Mussina of the Yankees takes on Minnesota's Nick Blackburn, who is only in his second season in the big leagues. The Yankees have been struggling with injuries as of late, with the ailing shoulder of Joba Chamberlain taking the spotlight. Meanwhile, the Twins enter this series with a spectacular 39-21 record at home.
Head-to-head: New York has won five of seven meetings with Minnesota in 2008 (as of Monday)
Pick: Minnesota to win two of three
Texas Rangers at Boston Red Sox - August 12-14 at Fenway Park
The Red Sox are in the driver's seat for the wild-card spot as they hold a six-game lead over the Rangers, who would be more of a legitimate contender if their pitching was even half-decent. Texas has scored the most runs in the majors, but they have also allowed the most. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are fourth in runs scored, but also fifth in fewest runs allowed. Boston has lost two of four in Chicago while Texas managed to avoid a sweep in Baltimore with a win on Sunday. The match-up to watch in this series will be in the finale on Thursday, when Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka will be going for his 14th win of the season against the Rangers' Vicente Padilla, who will be aiming for his 13th victory.
Head-to-head: The Red Sox swept the Rangers in a four-game set at Fenway back in April
Pick: Boston for another sweep
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.
