Angels vs Yankees Odds - Yankees' experience the difference maker in dead-even matchup
The Angels vs Yankees odds feature two teams ready to break through after several years of scuffling in crunch time. Arguably, both the Angels and Yankees are fielding their best teams in years. What happens in MLB betting when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
Angels vs Yankees Odds: Better bullpen, clutch hitting give Yankees tiny edge
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Angels vs Yankees odds maker breakdown: Hitting lineup
It’s very difficult to distinguish between these two lineups; whereas the Yankees have the big names, the Angels have a quietly efficient lineup. Statistically, New York and L.A. ranked first and second in the majors in runs, batting average, and hits. Each of these teams can rake. With the game on the line, I’d still give a slight edge to the Yankees, as they have more power from top to bottom than any lineup in the league. Even the bottom of their lineup features power hitters and proven playoff performers like Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada. The Angels have no easy outs either, especially with Kendry Morales and Torii Hunter leading the way, but the bottom of their order, featuring Erik Aybar and Howie Kendrick or Maicer Izturis, doesn’t scare pitchers the way the Yankees can. Betting Edge: Yankees
Angels vs Yankees odds maker breakdown: Starting pitching
The Yankees’ rotation is top-heavy, anchored by flamethrowers C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett and strengthened by Andy Pettitte’s years of big-game experience. However, the Bronx Bombers’ rotation is thin, if not weak, after that. Chad Gaudin? A totally out of sorts Joba Chamberlain? The Yankees don’t even deny their depth issues; they are openly considering a three-man rotation for this series. The Angels don’t have the huge-name talent but have a much deeper rotation and a sportsbook edge. John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, Scott Kazmir, Ervin Santana – they ain’t perfect, but No. 1 through No. 5 can take the ball any day and provide a quality start. Betting Edge: Angels
Angels vs Yankees odds maker breakdown: Bullpen
Brian Fuentes saved a truckload of games for L.A. this year, but it was a bumpy ride for him and online sports betting sharps. He and the rest of the Angel bullpen got lit up plenty; the Angels relievers ranked sixth in the majors with a 3.71 ERA last year and slipped to 23rd with a 4.49 mark this season. All you need to know about the Yankees is that they have the greatest closer in MLB playoff history in Mariano Rivera. Betting Edge: Yankees
Angels vs Yankees odds maker breakdown: Defense
Because their lineups are laden with veterans, neither team is the picture of defensive prowess. For every Robinson Cano and Derek Jeter, there’s an aging Johnny Damon or Vladimir Guerrero on the field. Since the Yanks arguably have better infield defense with Alex Rodriguez, Jeter, Cano and Mark Teixeira, I give them a tiny edge. Betting Edge: Yankees
Angels vs Yankees betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
It’s safe to say this series will be a war. Both teams have major offensive firepower and some big arms; whereas the Yankees have the slight hitting advantage, the Angels have a deeper rotation. That makes the ALCS a borderline coin flip. In a series this close, I like the team with home-field advantage, more playoff experience and a better closer. Pick the Yankees. DALE’S PICK: Yankees in seven
The Betting Edge at BetOnline.com has sports betting tips for every MLB playoff game this season. Also, check out our world-renowned sportsbook for full Angels vs Yankees odds. Dale Lalonde is BetOnline.com's MLB expert.
