Tigers vs Indians odds - Indians sliding out of the AL Central race
So far in 2009 baseball betting, the American League Central has flipped on its head compared to the projected standings among those who play sport betting online. The Indians, picked by many baseball betting pundits to win the division, have struggled while the Tigers are slowly rounding into form. The Tigers visit Progressive Field for a divisional clash this weekend. Will they climb to the top of the Central or will the Indians get back into the race?
Tigers vs Indians odds: Tigers trying to join Royals as top Central contenders
- Justin Verlander is born again
- Top Tribe prospect LaPorta getting his shot in the Show
- Curtis Granderson continues to blossom
Friday, May 8, 7:05 p.m. ET: Justin Verlander (2-2, 5.66) vs Cliff Lee (1-4, 3.92)
Baseball betting fans are in for a real treat with Game 1 of the Tigers vs Indians odds, which pits the aces against each other. Justin Verlander had an erratic start to the 2009 MLB betting odds, but his velocity was up – way up – suggesting he would return to form, and that’s what’s happened over the last few weeks. In his last two starts, he has 20 strikeouts and one earned run in 14 innings. His 11-K performance against the Indians last week shows he’s ready to handle their order again. Cliff Lee has hardly looked like a flop so far, but he faces some tough righty hitters and should fall to Verlander. Bet on the Tigers to win the opener.
Saturday, May 9, 7:05 p.m. ET: Edwin Jackson (1-2, 3.08) vs Fausto Carmona (1-3, 6.11)
The MLB lines will likely favor the Tigers’ sportsbook odds in this one. Boy, have things changed for both starting pitchers. Jackson, a former top prospect, looked like a bust but found himself in Tampa Bay and is really growing as a Tiger. He’s solid against the Indians in his career, but Cleveland has a wild card. They recently called up Matt LaPorta, the top power-hitting prospect in the minors, and he could take Jackson for a ride with the Tigers knowing little about him. Carmona looks nothing like the dynamic rookie sinkerballer he was a few years ago, and red-hot Curtis Granderson’s .423 lifetime average against him doesn’t bode well. Pick the Tigers again as they start a baseball betting streak.
Sunday, May 10, 1:05 p.m. ET: Pitching matchup TBD
The Tigers vs Indians odds will culminate while many golf betting fans have their eyes glued to the Players Championship odds. Sports betting fans don’t know the matchup yet but it’s likely to be Anthony Reyes vs Rick Porcello. The rookie Porcello has been solid more often than not, but the Indians will be hungry to rebound and he’ll still take his lumps in baseball betting this season. Bet on the Indians to pull out a win.
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Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
