Category Archives: MLB Baseball

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MLB Betting Picks: New York Yankees visit Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday

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All it took was a date with the Baltimore Orioles for the New York Yankees to cure their early season woes. New York won its first game on Monday, an easy 6-2 victory that helped the franchise avoid its first 0-4 start since 1973. The Yankees have posted a 13-5 record against Baltimore in each of the past three seasons.

Starting pitching was the key to the Orioles’ early success, surrendering only one run in 23 innings to open with a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins. But lefty Brian Matusz was shelled in Monday’s loss, and Baltimore batters are now just 6-for-33 (.182) with runners in scoring position. Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter continued his hot start to the season with a 4-for-4 effort to boost his average above the .400 mark.

 Yankees Orioles Betting

When: 7:05 PM ET, Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Where: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MY9 (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

The Opening Line is: New York Yankees -135 Run line -1.5 (+125) Total 9.5 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Freddy Garcia (2011: 12-8, 3.62 ERA) vs. Orioles LH Wei-Yin Chen (first career start)

Garcia enters his 14th career season and had a bit of a bounce-back year in 2011. The 35-year-old has played for five different teams since 2004, but last year was his first with a sub-4.00 ERA since 2005. He earned a spot in the rotation when Michael Pineda went down with a shoulder injury.

Chen will make his major-league debut after signing a three-year, $11.3 million deal with the Orioles over the winter. The 26-year-old was 36-30 with a 2.48 ERA over 117 games with the Japan Central League’s Chunichi Dragons. Chen went 2-2 with a 3.60 ERA in five spring outings.

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1. New York hasn’t lost a season series against Baltimore in the past 14 years.

2. Jeter leads all active players in games (253) and runs scored (194) against the Orioles, and he’s second with 125 RBIs.

3. The Yankees are 23-9 in their last 32 games in Baltimore.

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MLB Baseball Betting: St. Louis Cardinals against Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday

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If St. Louis Cardinals misses the presence of departed slugger Albert Pujols, the defending World Series champions are not showing it on the field. The Cardinals have won four of their first five games, and showed in Monday’s 7-1 victory they do not lack for power with Pujols now playing in Los Angeles. Cincinnati is trying to jump-start an offense that has been inconsistent during its 2-2 start. The Reds have scored 14 runs in four games.

Rookie shortstop Zack Cozart is hitting .500, but the rest of the Cincinnati Reds’ lineup is scuffling for hits. Far more concerning is leadoff hitter Brandon Phillips’ health. Phillips left Monday’s game with a hamstring injury. St. Louis has scored 31 runs in five games, and has won its past three games by a combined total of 27-9. The Cardinals rocked the Reds with three first-inning homers on Monday.

Cardinals Reds Betting

When: 7:10 PM ET, Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Midwest (St. Louis), Fox Sports Ohio (Cincinnati)

The Opening Line is: St. Louis Cardinals -105 Run line -1.5 (+150) Total 9 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PITCHING MATCHUP: St. Louis RH Kyle Lohse (1-0, ERA 1.23) vs. Cincinnati RH Mike Leake (2011: 12-9, ERA 3.86).

Lohse shined brightest in the first game of the season on U.S. soil, no-hitting the Marlins for six innings and allowing just one run on two hits in 7 1/3 solid innings. Lohse did not walk a batter, striking out three and using pinpoint control to keep the Miami offense at bay. Leake gave up earned runs in all five of his spring starts, but allowed more than one just once. The Reds’ leader in wins last season, Leake posted a 3.33 ERA in the second half of the season.

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1. Phillips recorded his 1,000th hit as a Red during Sunday’s victory over Miami.

2. Cardinals’ first baseman Lance Berkman played Monday despite a sore hand.

3. The Reds beat the Cardinals five times in six games at Great American Ball Park last season.

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MLB Picks and Predictions: Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs

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The recurring theme in all three Chicago Cubs losses this season has been shaky bullpen work. The Cubs’ relief corps allowed the game-winning run to score for the third time in four games this season in Monday’s 7-5 loss to Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers’ relievers did not exactly have a smooth time on Monday, either. Closer John Axford pitched around two errors in the bottom of the ninth to earn the save.

Two days after setup man Kerry Wood and closer Carlos Marmol could not escape a disastrous eighth inning in a loss to Washington, Shawn Camp and Lendy Castillo allowed four runs in 2 2/3 innings. After starting the season by losing two out of three at home to St. Louis, Milwaukee pounded out 11 hits to open a seven-game road trip, but committed three errors.

Brewers Cubs Betting

When: 8:05 PM ET, Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Milwaukee), CSN (Chicago)

The Opening Line is: Milwaukee Brewers -113  Run line -1.5 (+145) Total 8 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PITCHING MATCHUP: Milwaukee LH Chris Narveson (2011: 11-8, ERA 4.45) vs. Chicago LH Paul Maholm (2011: 6-14, ERA 3.66).

Narveson has reached double digits in wins the past two years, but slumped toward the end of spring training, allowing 10 earned runs in his final three appearances. The left-hander is 6-1 lifetime against the Cubs. Maholm makes his Cubs debut, but he already has plenty of success at Wrigley Field, going 6-2 in 11 starts in the Friendly Confines as a member of the Pirates. Maholm struck out 16 in 14 2/3 innings while posting a 1.84 ERA in spring training.

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1. Milwaukee outfielder Corey Hart, who had knee surgery in spring training, is hitting .417 with three homers in four games.

2. Chicago first baseman Bryan LaHair had two hits Monday. Recovering from a back injury, LaHair is 4-for-9 with a homer and two doubles.

3. Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker called Monday night’s game after attending a memorial service earlier Monday for his son. Steve Uecker passed away on Friday.

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Boston Red Sox against Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday: MLB Gambling

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After opening the schedule 0-3, due to a bleeding bullpen, the Red Sox picked up their first win of 2012 thanks to some solid work from their relievers. Boston rallied with three runs in the ninth inning to steal a 4-2 win over Toronto in the series opener Monday. The Toronto Blue Jays, who tied for the most blown saves in the American League last season (25), try for their first home win Tuesday.

Boston Red Sox calmed the nerves of Red Sox Nation, which suffered through a 0-6 start last year. Former AL MVP Dustin Pedroia was the spark plug for the offense, recording his second double and home run of the season Monday. Kelly Johnson is swinging the hot bat for the Blue Jays, going 5-for-12 with three walks and three RBIs.

Red Sox Blue Jays Betting

When: 7:07 PM ET, Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Where: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, SN, TVA (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

The Opening Line is: Boston Red Sox -120  Run line -1.5 (+130) Total 9.5 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Daniel Bard (2011: 2-9, 3.33 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Kyle Drabek (2011: 4-5, 6.06 ERA)

Bard is moving into the rotation after thriving in Boston’s bullpen for three seasons. However, with the Red Sox’s recent struggles in the pen, some are questioning manager Bobby Valentine’s move to install Bard as a starter. He’s 0-2 with a 4.07 ERA in his career versus Toronto.

Drabek is keeping a spot in the rotation warm with an injury to Dustin McGowan. He struggled in his first season in the majors, including going 0-1 with a bulky 12.00 ERA in two stints versus the Red Sox last year. He looked solid against the New York Yankees in the spring and boasted a 3.14 ERA in Grapefruit League play.

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1. After going 3-for-4 with a home run on opening day, Toronto slugger Jose Bautista is just 1-for-12.

2. Boston third baseman Kevin Youkilis is 0-for-12 with five strikeouts to start the season.

3. The Red Sox bullpen was 0-2 with a collective 7.94 ERA through the first three games of the season. Boston’s relievers gave up only one hit and struck out four in four innings Monday.

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MLB Baseball Predictions: Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros on Tuesday

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In the 50th anniversary of the franchise’s first game, the Houston Astros will wear their old Colt .45s uniforms for their matchup with the reeling Atlanta Braves. Bob Aspromonte, who scored the team’s first run in 1962, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Houston, off to a surprising 3-1 start, dealt Atlanta its fourth straight loss to open the season on Monday night.

Braves third baseman Chipper Jones is expected to be activated from the disabled list before the game, and right now the team needs all the offensive help it can get. Atlanta has scored just 10 runs in losses to the New York Mets and now the Astros to fall four games out of first place in the National League East. Jones, who turns 40 this month, had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Braves Astros Betting

When: 8:05 PM ET, Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Where: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South (Atlanta), Fox Sports (Houston)

The Opening Line is:  Atlanta Braves -18o  Run line -1.5 (-105) Total 7.5 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Tommy Hanson (0-1, 1.80 ERA) vs. Astros RH Kyle Weiland (2011: 0-3, 7.66 ERA)

Hanson gave up only one run in his first start this year but was bitten by Atlanta’s offensive ineptitude in a 1-0 loss at New York. He’s been nearly unbeatable in three career starts at Minute Maid Park, surrendering just one total run for a 0.41 ERA.

Weiland made seven appearances — including five starts — as a rookie with the Boston Red Sox last season. He struck out 13 and walked 12 in 24 2/3 innings, but the 25-year-old went 2-1 with a 2.86 ERA in the spring to make a surprise appearance in the starting rotation.

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1. Dating back to last season, Atlanta has now lost nine in a row.

2. The Braves are hitting just .151 with a .238 on-base percentage.

3. Hanson is 3-0 with a 0.97 ERA in five career starts against Houston.

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MLB Baseball Lines: Seattle Mariners visit Texas Rangers on Tuesday

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Just one day after ballyhooed Japanese import Yu Darvish managed a win in his major league debut, former closer Neftali Feliz makes his first career start for the defending American League champion Texas Rangers, who overtook Seattle for first place in the American League West with Monday’s 11-5 win. The Mariners jumped on Darvish early but could not hold on to their early 5-2 lead.

Seattle Mariners came into the four-game series leading the majors in runs scored, but it was beaten at its own game by the Rangers’ lineup, which slugged four home runs. The unimpressive start by Darvish was a departure from the outstanding pitching Texas got in its first three games, when it allowed a total of six runs to the Chicago White Sox.

Mariners Rangers Betting

When: 8:05 PM ET, Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Where: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports (Seattle), Fox Sports Southwest (Texas)

The Opening Line is: Texas Rangers -240 Run line -1.5 (-110) Total 9.5 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Blake Beavan (2011: 5-6, ERA 4.27) vs. Rangers RH Neftali Feliz (2011: 2-3, ERA 2.74)

Beavan had an up-and-down rookie campaign, giving up 13 home runs in 15 starts and striking out just 42 hitters in 97 innings, but he was solid in two starts against the Rangers, splitting a pair of decisions but yielding just three runs in 14 2/3 innings of work (1.84 ERA). He threw eight shutout innings against Texas on Sept. 16, scattering four hits without a walk.

After serving as the Texas closer for the last two seasons, collecting 72 saves in 81 chances, the hard-throwing Feliz has been moved into the rotation. His innings may be monitored, since his last start came in the minors three years ago. The Mariners have been almost literally unable to touch Feliz in the past, going 0-for-48 with 21 strikeouts over his 17 relief appearances (16 innings).

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1. The Rangers have won six straight against the Mariners and 16 of 20 dating back to the start of last season.

2. Current Texas hitters are a combined 9-for-51 (.176) against Beavan. No Ranger has more than one hit against the Seattle right-hander.

3. Texas has won 37 of their last 52 games against AL West teams dating back to last year, while Seattle has now lost 15 of their last 21 division games.

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Tuesday MLB Betting: Arizona Diamondback at San Diego Padres

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The Arizona Diamondbacks did exactly what the division favorite should do in its first series, sweep its direct competition. The Diamondbacks jumped on the vaunted pitching staff of the San Francisco Giants and squeezed out three straight one-run wins to get an early leg up. The San Diego Padres were not as sharp at the start, dropping three of four to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres, who finished last in the NL West in 2011, lost 11 of 18 meetings with Arizona last season but went 5-4 in the series at Petco Park.

The Diamondbacks staff held San Diego Padres to an average of 2.7 runs in 2011. The Padres managed only 12 hits for a .126 batting average in their first three games but recovered on Sunday, when Chase Headley’s grand slam sparked an 8-4 win. Arizona, which led the majors with 48 come-from-behind wins in 2011, battled from six runs down to win on Sunday.

Diamondbacks Padres Betting

When: 10:05 PM ET, Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Where: Petco Park, San Diego, California
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSAZ (Arizona), FSSD (San Diego)

The Opening Line is: Arizona Diamondbacks -109 Run line -1.5 (+165) Total 6.5 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Trevor Cahill (2011: 12-14, 4.16) vs. Padres RH Edinson Volquez (0-1, 3.60 ERA)

Cahill priced himself out of Oakland over the winter and was sent in a trade to Arizona. The 24-year old sinkerballer is a year removed from an 18-8 campaign but struggled with his command in 2011, issuing 82 walks and posting a 1.43 WHIP. Cahill has never faced the Padres but is 7-3 with a 2.85 ERA in 12 career starts against NL opponents.

Volquez, who came over from Cincinnati in the offseason, is also no stranger to command issues and walked four while striking out seven over five innings on opening day. The Dominican native is 0-1 with a 5.19 ERA and 11 walks in three career starts against the Diamondbacks.

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1. Headley’s grand slam snapped an 0-for-12 start to the season.

2. Arizona did not use closer J.J. Putz or setup man David Hernandez on Sunday after each had worked an inning in the first two games.

3. Diamondbacks RF Justin Upton is a career .333 hitter with 14 home runs against the Padres.

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MLB Baseball Odds: Kansas City Royals vs Oakland Athletics on Tuesday

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The Kansas City Royals’ hot bats were completely baffled by a relatively unknown starter on Monday night, so they’ll look to get back on track against the Oakland Athletics. A’s lefty Tommy Milone threw eight scoreless innings in a 1-0 victory in the series opener, as the Royals went without a hit for the final six innings.

Kansas City, which features a ton of young talent in the lineup, has already been shut out twice this season. The first time came in the season opener, when Angels starter Jered Weaver silenced the bats in a 5-0 loss. Leadoff man Alex Gordon had the night off, but he struck out as a pinch hitter in the ninth to fall to 0-for-14 this season. Oakland rookie Yoenis Cespedes went hitless in three at-bats after homering in three straight games.

Royals Athletics Betting

When: 10:05 PM ET, Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Where: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Fox Sports Kansas City, CSNCA (Oakland)

The Opening Line is: Oakland Athletics -116 Run line -1.5 (+175) Total 7.5 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (2011: 4-8, 5.64 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Graham Godfrey (2011: 1-2, 3.96 ERA)

Duffy, a highly regarded prospect who struggled mightily in his first season, hopes to cut down on his control issues in 2012. The 23-year-old lefty had 51 walks in 105 1/3 innings last season, but he recorded 20 strikeouts to just four walks in 21 innings during the spring.

Godfrey has never faced the Royals, but he made five appearances — four starts — as a rookie for the A’s last season. The 27-year-old earned a spot in the rotation after posting a 3.09 ERA over his final three starts of the spring.

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1. Oakland is batting just .225 as a team in its first five games.

2. Duffy’s first major-league victory came at Oakland Coliseum on June 14, 2011.

3. Cespedes has struck out nine times in five games.

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MLB Baseball Gambling: St. Louis Cardinals vs Milwaukee Brewers

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St. Louis at Milwaukee Betting

When: 4:10 PM ET, Friday, April 6, 2012
Where: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Opening Money Line is: Milwaukee Brewers -125 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: The World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals won their season opener against Miami and will try to continue their momentum against the Brewers, who they defeated 4-2 in the NL Championship Series last season. Former manager Tony La Russa retired in the offseason and Albert Pujols signed with the Angels in free agency, leaving St. Louis without two of its most recognizable faces. Still, there’s plenty of talent left over from last year’s team, which finished 90-72 en route to its second championship since 2006. Milwaukee Brewers , which won the NL Central in 2011, also lost a star to free agency when Prince Fielder signed with Detroit. Fielder hit 38 home runs and 120 RBI last year. The Brewers’ biggest offseason signing was Aramis Ramirez, a 33-year-old third baseman who hit 26 home runs and 93 RBI with the Cubs.

St. Louis won 23 of its final 31 games last year before breezing through the playoffs. The Cardinals went 4-5 at Miller Park, but were the only team in the league to sweep the Brewers at their home stadium. Milwaukee ace Yovani Gallardo has struggled historically against the Cardinals, posting a 1-7 record and 5.66 ERA in 11 outings.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Midwest (St. Louis), FSN (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (2011: 13-7, ERA 3.56) vs. Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (2011: 17-10, ERA 3.52)

The Cardinals will depend on Garcia as Adam Wainwright returns from a right elbow injury that kept him out all of last season and Chris Carpenter tries to recover from a bulging disk in his neck. Last year, Garcia allowed two earned runs or less in 19 of his 32 starts. However, the left-hander rarely made it through the seventh inning, and the Cardinals will need him to pitch deeper into games this season. Garcia is 3-2 with a 3.27 ERA in seven career starts against the Brewers.

Gallardo had career highs in wins (17), strikeouts (207) and ERA (3.52) last season for the Brewers, who went 20-13 in games he started. While his numbers were strong, his early-season performance wasn’t. Gallardo had a 5.70 ERA through the first month last season and gave up four or more runs in four of his first six starts overall.

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1. Milwaukee went 57-24 at Miller Park in 2011, the best home record of any team in the league.

2. The two teams split the regular season series last year at 9 apiece.

3. St. Louis led the NL in runs scored with 762.

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MLB Baseball Betting Lines: Chicago White Sox visit Texas Rangers

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Chi. White Sox at Texas Betting

When: 2:05 PM ET, Friday, April 6, 2012
Where: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

The Opening Money Line is: Texas Rangers -180 Click here to Bet at Bovada

PREVIEW: After coming within an out of the World Series title in 2011, the Texas Rangers will take the first step toward getting back to baseball’s grand stage on Friday when they open their season against the visiting the Chicago White Sox. Slugger Josh Hamilton has been in the news this offseason due to his struggles with alcohol, but the 2010 American League MVP is as solid as they come at the plate.

Faced with a stern test in his managerial debut, Chicago’s Robin Ventura will look to get Adam Dunn and Gordon Beckham untracked after disappointing 2011 seasons. Ironically, Ventura will make his debut against a team owned by Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, with whom he had a memorable – and painful – exchange on the diamond 19 years ago.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), FSH (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH John Danks (2011: 8-12, 4.33 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Colby Lewis (2011: 14-10, 4.40 ERA)

Signed to a five-year, $65 million deal in the offseason, Danks will look to improve his luck against the team that selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2003 draft. The Texas native has posted a 1-4 career mark versus the Rangers, losing one outing and receiving a pair of no-decisions in 2011. Danks saw his numbers dip across the board last season – most notably seven wins less than his 2010 total.

After the Rangers picked up his $3.25 million option in the offseason, Lewis will look to reward the club’s faith in him when he makes his first opening day start. Lewis struck out seven and scattered five hits in a complete-game shutout of the White Sox on May 16. He split 10 decisions at home and accumulated a 1.28 WHIP last season.

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1. Texas catcher Mike Napoli has struggled versus Danks, collecting just four hits while striking out 10 times in 21 career at-bats.

2. First baseman Paul Konerko will be looked to provide consistent offense for the White Sox this season. He has struggled versus Lewis, however, amassing just three singles in 19 career at-bats.

3. Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz is day-to-day after he was hit by a pitch twice over the last week. Cruz was hit on the elbow during Tuesday’s exhibition game against Mexico City.

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