Game 2 Baseball Championship Series Is a Can’t Miss Bet

Baseball Championship Series

Championship Series Betting Breakdown – Powerful Texas in Desperation Mode for Game 2

BetOnline MLB baseball bettors need to know one very important thing before the start of tonight’s Game 2 matchup of the 2011 Championship Series.

After losing Game 1 3-2 to the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals (98-76 SU, 93-75-6 O/U, 83-91 RL), the Texas Rangers (103-70 SU, 91-73-9 O/U, 99-74 RL) and their collection of powerful hitters are in absolute ‘desperation mode’ as they get set for tonight’s Game 2 showdown.

However, it is that desperation – and Texas’ collection of gifted hitters – that makes me believe tonight’s Game 2 matchup is closer to a lock than the nail-biting affair the two teams staged on Wednesday night.

2011 Baseball World Series
Game 2: Live from Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO
Oct. 19, 8:05 PM ET
TV: FOX

The Texas Rangers are favored to win this year’s World series, but they were also favored to beat the San Francisco Giants last season and that didn’t happen, so nothing is ever a given in the world of professional sports.

Besides, the more I think about it, the Cardinals remind me a lot of last year’s Giants, with their underappreciated lineup that consistently overachieves. Nevertheless, I think last year’s experiences will help the Rangers this time around. 

The Cardinals took Game 1 as Chris Carpenter out-dueled C.J. Wilson in a fairly tight and interesting ballgame.

Mike Napoli went 1-for-2 at the plate with one walk and blasted a two-run jack for Texas. Ian Kinsler and Adrian Beltre each added two hits in the loss, thought Texas recorded just six total hits overall.

Lance Berkman went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and Allen Craig added another RBI that turned out to be the game-winner as St. Louis was also held to just six hits.

MLB Game 2 Odds
Texas Rangers -1½ +140 -120
Colby Lewis – L
St. Louis Cardinals +1½ -160 +100
Jamie Garcia – L
Over 8 -115
Under 8 -105

Analysis: Tonight, Texas will hand the ball to talented right-hander Colby Lewis (15-11, 4.37 ERA) while the Cardinals counter with left-hander Jamie Garcia (13-9, 3.72 ERA).

Lewis has gone 2-1 with a solid 3.57 ERA over his last three starts while Garcia has gone 0-2 with a high 5.74 ERA over the same span.

Lewis limited Tampa Bay to one run in six innings in his only appearance in the ALDS but gave up four runs on eight hits in 5.2 innings of a 5-2 loss to Detroit in the ALCS.

Garcia gave up three runs in seven innings in his only appearance against Philadelphia in the NLDS before getting pounded by Milwaukee for six runs on six hits – including two home runs – in just 4.0 innings of a 9-6 loss to the Brewers. Garcia did look a lot better in holding the Brewers to one run in 4.2 innings in his last start, though he did give up a whopping seven hits during the brief stint.

The Texas Rangers should have a good shot to even the Series tonight as they’ve gone 7-40 on the road this season, nearly an identical mark to St. Louis’ 49-38 home record this season.

I also like the fact that Texas’ Colby Lewis has been rock-solid on the road this season. Lewis recorded nine of his 14 wins on the road this season while posting an ERA nearly two runs lower than his home ERA (3.43 ERA in 17 road starts). Lewis has been rock-solid in the month of October the last two seasons, going 4-1 with a stellar 2.37 ERA during the span.

The good news for baseball bettors that like St. Louis is the fact that Jamie Garcia has gone 9-4 with a fine 2.55 ERA in 15 home starts this season.

Still, I like the Rangers to get the narrow SU win tonight by getting a few runs off of Garcia and a few more off of the Cardinals’ overachieving bullpen.

Texas is 4-0 in its L/4 playoff games as a favorite and 6-1 in their L7 games against a left-handed starter. The Rangers are 10-3 in Colby Lewis last 13 starts as a favorite and 4-1 in the right-hander’s L/5 starts as a road favorite.

St. Louis won’t go quietly into the night, having gone 9-2 in their L/11 games against a team with a winning road record and 19-7 in their L/26 games against a right-handed starter.

St. Louis has also gone 11-1 in Jamie Garcia’s last dozen home starts against a team with a winning record, but once again baseball bettors, I like the ‘sheer desperation’ factor to play a big role in Texas winning tonight!

MLB Pick: Texas Rangers SU Win  

ALCS – Texas Only a Game Away

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ALCS:  Texas a Game Away From World Series Berth

Texas Rangers is a game away from their second straight Title series berth.  1 to 4 losers to San Francisco in 2010, they will be hoping for a different outcome in 2011 if they can shut the door on Detroit Thursday, October 13.  After Mike Napoli scored the go ahead single, the Rangers’ Nelson Cruz blasted a 3 run homer in the top of the 11th inning in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series.  The Tigers had no answer in the bottom of the inning and the Rangers put one foot across the line into World Series territory.

Detroit is hoping for a different Game 5 outcome.  The Tigers have a shot to gain a game in the series as they send their ace to the mound on Thursday night, Justin Verlander.  Verlander is 24 and 5 with a 2.40 ERA.  The Rangers did, however, beat Verlander 3 to 2 on October 8, breaking his streak of 15 straight games without a loss. 

So far, baseball handicappers don’t believe that Verlander will see his second loss in the past five days, as the Tigers are a hefty -155 favorite to take down the Rangers and secure their second victory of the series.  70% favor the Tigers to beat Texas on October 13, but it’s not like the 30% backing the Rangers have no hope at all.

Starting pitcher C.J. Wilson is 16 and 7 with a 2.94 ERA.  Not only that, but although he didn’t pick up the victory against Verlander five days ago, Wilson pitched decently allowing only 6 hits in 4.2 innings.  If Wilson is on his game, Texas could pick up the fourth victory in this series and garner their second straight ALCS trophy.  The Rangers have to be considered an attractive wager at +135 in Thursday night’s game.

Even though baseball handicappers are all over the Tigers in Game 5, it doesn’t mean that they believe Detroit has an actual chance to win the series.  Texas is going off at -900 to take home the American League Pennant as opposed to Detroit who is offering +550 odds.  If Detroit does win Game 5, Game 6 will be played in Texas on October 15.      

NLCS – Can Wolf Pack It In For Milwaukee

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St. Louis scored all 4 of their runs in the first inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday.  Luckily for them, those 4 runs were all that they needed.  After the Brewers climbed to within a run in the third inning, St. Louis put the clamps down on Milwaukee’s high scoring offense, and won Game 3, 4 to 3, to take a 2 to 1 NLCS series lead.  

The Milwaukee Brewers send pitcher Randy Wolf to the mound in an attempt to even the series against rival St. Louis on October 13.  The left-handed Wolf dropped a game to the Arizona Cardinals in his last on October 5 when pitching only 3 innings.  Wolf allowed 7 runs off of 8 hits.  The pitcher also gave up 2 home runs in the game and is, overall, 13 and 10 with a 3.69 ERA.

Brewers’ fans aren’t expecting too much out of Wolf on Thursday night and neither are the odds makers.  Milwaukee is a +120 dog to beat St. Louis and even the series.  But the baseball handicappers are only separated by 6% points in this contest.  47% favor Milwaukee while 53% favor the Cardinals.

St. Louis sends Kyle Lohse to the mound to counter the struggling Wolf.  Lohse hasn’t been all that effective lately, either.  He lasted only 5 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies on October 1 when allowing 6 runs off of 7 hits including, like Wolf, 2 home runs.  Lohse also hasn’t pitched in 12 straight days.  Many baseball handicappers question whether or not the 12 days is too long of a layoff for a pitcher like Lohse.

As opposed to the ALCS, where Texas is a clear favorite, the National League Pennant is still somewhat up for grabs in the minds of the betting public.  St. Louis is a -260 favorite to win the NLCS while Milwaukee is going off at +200 odds. 

Game 5 takes place in St. Louis and is scheduled for Friday.  Milwaukee will start Zack Greinke who beat St. Louis on October 9.  Greinke’s teammates weren’t short of support on that day, scoring 9 runs for their pitcher in a 9 to 6 Brewers’ victory.  St. Louis counters Greinke on Friday with pitcher Jaime Garcia.  Garcia has lost his last two outings, the first to Philadelphia, 2 to 3, on October 4 and then to Greinke on St. Louis on October 9.  If a Game 6 is needed, it will take place on Sunday, October 16.  

NLDS – Both Series Come Down To Friday Night

NLDS Comes Down to Friday Night

Three of the four MLB playoff series hinge on a fifth and deciding game, making the start to the 2011 MLB playoffs a rather exciting one for fans and MLB bettors that appreciate white-knuckle adrenaline-buzzing action at BetOnline.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

From the start Milwaukee vs. Arizona was expected to be a competitive series, so it is no surprise that they are mired in a Game 5 battle, winner take all. The Brewers though started the series as the solid favourites and the second best bet in the NLDS, after the Philadelphia Phillies and began the series playing up to that standard. That is until Game 3, when they were on the verge of a series sweep only to miss the opportunity to deal the final blow.

Game 3 was pivotal for the Diamondbacks; it saw a clear momentum shift in their favour. Now, they are very much alive and with a good shot to advance into the next round. The wave of optimism they are riding after back-to-back wins has to send them into the fifth and deciding game with confidence. That psychological edge over the Brewers could be what tips the balance in their favour on the pitch.

The bookies predictably tip the Brewers as the solid faves at -150 while listing the Diamondbacks at a whopping +130. It seems the expectation is that the Brewers will right the ship and finally get the job done. Despite the psychological edge, back the home favorite to get it done.

MLB Betting Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Few would have predicted at the onset of this series that Philadelphia would struggle to push past the St. Louis Cardinals. The Phillies were heavily favoured not only to win the pennant but also the World Series. Yet, round one and the Philadelphia juggernaut could ‘potentially’ be halted abruptly by the unexpected St. Louis Cardinals, the hefty underdogs of this division.

‘Potentially’ because the expectation is that the Phillies will bounce back to win game 5 after a botched attempt to wrap-up the first round in game 4. Chalk it to a bizarre night, a case of nerves or just simply it being the playoffs and St. Louis rising to the occasion.

Speaking of the Cardinals, one has to give them a whole lot of credit for making it a tight series; twice coming back from a game down to level the series. But time is running out on them; this time they have to take the initiative or more likely than not the Philadelphia Phillies will advance.

So the question that must be asked: Can the St. Louis Cardinals mastermind the unthinkable, a series win over the heavy faves?

If market response were an answer:  Cardinals tipped a long shot bet at +160 against the runaway favourites Philadelphia, listed at -190, it would be a loud and clear, No.

MLB Betting Pick: Philadelphia Phillies

ALDS Series Comes Down to the Wire

ALDS Preview – Down to the Wire

With the series deadlocked at 2-2, it is down to the wire as the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers head into game 5. The winner of this series will play the Texas Rangers who are already through after routing the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1.

As far as MLB playoff betting markets are concerned, the New York Yankees, who started as the favorites in ALDS markets to win outright, remain (as expected) the hot favorites to win Game 5 and advance, listed at -165 on the money line at BetOnline.

The Detroit Tigers meanwhile are the significant underdogs (at +145) for tonight’s match, something that isn’t surprising when it is an extension of the initial overarching outlook on the series by bookmakers. Despite this market forecast, not everybody is writing them out of the playoff script just yet.

Why? Because it would be perverse to do so. I mean, it is Game 5 of the series. This is it. Everything is on the line. The proverbial do-or-die moment in a highly charged series that has gone above and beyond expectation. The Tigers are as much in the battle, despite market casts, as are the New York Yankees.

Fact: the Tigers have made their presence felt in this series, even looking convincing to eventually pull off the upset after stringing back-to-back wins in Games 2 and 3. Granted, they are after a setback – blowing a 2-1 series lead in the last game – and it remains to be seen whether they can pull it all together, on this last chance. But one thing is certain: they do have the depth and quality to do it. They just need to fire at all cylinders and Doug Fister will need to pitch the game of his career.

Of course, the Yankees are flush off a victory and that swings the momentum in their favour ever so slightly.

Importantly, the Yankees looked very convincing on Tuesday night when they thumped the Tigers 10-1 and that bodes well for a berth in the ALCS, what would be their third consecutive appearance in the ALCS and they have a real chance of accomplishing the feat on home turf.  In truth, they are the smart bet.

The Tigers haven’t been into the ALCS round since 2006, when they won the pennant but lost the World Series. To accomplish the return they will have to beat the Yankees in New York. They did manage a win at Yankee Stadium in Game 2, and although Game 5 is going to be a whole different ball game altogether – the atmosphere hostile and intense, the pressure enormous – making it quite a tough ask of the Tigers, I still believe they can bounce back and give the Yankees a really good run for their money. Make no mistake, this is a long shot bet but well worth the risk the way this series has gone, if you ask me.

MLB Betting Pick: Detroit Tigers to upset New York Yankees

NLCS Preview – Who Will Win the NL Pennant?

NLCS Preview – Who Will Win the NL Pennant?

The baseball regular season is done and dusted and in the books. Now, it’s all about the playoffs and winning the title and true to form, BetOnline has a whole slew of baseball betting options for such a major event.

Let’s look closely at the NL Pennant and preview the teams to determine the best bets in the bunch to win this divisional pennant.

BetOnline Odds to Win National League Pennant – Click here to Bet
Philadelphia Phillies      -175  
Milwaukee Brewers      +450  
Arizona Diamondbacks      +650  
St Louis Cardinals      +650 

The Phillies are runaway faves in this group and for good reason. Widely considered the greatest team in Phillies history, manager Charlie Manuel has cultivated a team ethos that has players putting the team before any individual ego. Such fundamental makeup is a winning formula in any sport.

It is very tempting therefore to back the winning horse in this bunch and wager on the Phillies at a solid -175 to advance into the title series. Even use them in multiple combinations found under ‘odds to meet in the World Series.’ In these cases, Phillies vs. Yankees is listed at +190 (decent value) while Phillies vs. Rangers tipped at +450 (great value).

However, the playoffs are an entirely different ball game and it’s quite likely that such a strategy can backfire. The pressure is entirely on them to come through on market expectations and that could reveal a few weak links, such as Roy Oswalt, who – let’s face it – isn’t as great as he once was.

Milwaukee Brewers are considered the second faves in this bunch and a good alternative bet to conventional wisdom that dictates a bet on the Phillies. They are a solid team that can beat anybody on any night, especially with home ground advantage. Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder are tough customers and Yovani Gallardo and Shaun Marcum (amongst several others) can combine to give Philadelphia a run for its money.

Undoubtedly, the Brewers loom as the best sleeper bet in this group and their value only gets better in the next round with combinations ranging from +800 to +1600 based on the matchup from this divisional round vantage point. A bet to consider, if you ask me.

As far as the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals go, remuneration is at par – both priced at +650 to reach the World Series. Frankly, I am not sold on the Cardinals at this price. They were lucky to come up against the worst Houston Astros to secure the Wild Card spot but still needed a helping hand from the Braves, which they supplied on the back of a complete collapse in the final game of the season.  The Diamondbacks meanwhile are seriously underrated considering they clinched a spot on their own merit. They could be the right underdogs that would shake things up in this bunch. Still it is a stretch considering Milwaukee stands in their way.

Baseball Betting Pick: Phillies over St. Louis and Milwaukee over Arizona in round one and Milwaukee to stop the Phillies juggernaut.

ALCS Preview – Who Will Win the AL Pennant?

American League Betting Preview and Picks

Baseball fans are gearing up for what promises to be a highly competitive race to the title, particularly in the AL, where the race is wide open for the most part.
Here is a quick rundown of the contenders and the odds they roll in on in round one.

BetOnline Odds to Win AL Pennant
 New York Yankees      +130  
Texas Rangers      +350  
Detroit Tigers      +350  
Tampa Bay Rays      +350
 
The New York Yankees are considered the runaway favourites for the Pennant, listed at a solid +130. They have an impressive offensive line-up with Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, and Nick Swisher, to name a few –the envy of many a team. Where weakness can be found is in pitching. Not enough of it. Ivan Nova has pitched well enough in C.C. Sabathia’s stead. But is he poised to breakout in the playoffs? I’m not sure that I would put all my eggs into their basket.

The Texas Rangers at +350 are an attractive alternative. Reeking of depth and quality with the likes of Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, Mike Napoli and Ian Kinsler they can fire at all cylinders. Pitching was an issue last season though and that could be a problem again in these playoffs.

The Detroit Tigers, tipped also at +350, have a superstar in the making in Justin Verlander, making them a great value bet baseball betting, especially if Verlander rises to the occasion. Moreover, as closers go Valverde is one of the best. However, where the Tigers can come up short is on team ethos: they don’t always play as a solid unit –something that is evinced in an ERA that sits at 4.04 as a team.

The Tampa Bay Rays are the quintessential underdogs in this group but you wouldn’t know it based on the price tag of +350, putting them at par with the Rangers and Tigers. Nonetheless, the Rays secured the wild card in sensational style, rallying from a 7-0 deficit to send the Boston Red Sox out of contention in tears. Such an epic win should send the Rays on a wave of optimism into the playoffs and there is no telling what else they might have up their sleeves. They may be a long shot bet, but then again it wouldn’t be the baseball playoffs if not for a Cinderella run from someone.

AL betting picks: Tampa Bay Rays over Texas Rangers and New York Yankees over Detroit Tigers in round one. Rays over Yankees in round 2.

‘Desperate’ ChiSox Host Red-Hot Rangers in MLB Series of the Week

Cashing in on MLB baseball likely won’t get much easier than it will this weekend when the Chicago White Sox host the red-hot Texas Rangers in a three-game set that is this week’s BetOnline MLB Series of the Week.

As usual, baseball bettors everywhere will get the insight they’ll need in order to make a plethora of bankroll-boosting wagers on this series matchup all weekend long, so let me get started.

Game 1
Friday, Aug. 19, 8:10 PM ET at U.S. Cellular Field
Radio: TEX: 103.3 ESPN CWS: WSCR 670, WRTO 1200
TV: TEX: TXA-21 CWS: WCIU

Analysis: Texas had its six-game winning streak snapped in Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Angels but they will be taking on a ChiSox team that has dropped two straight coming into tonight’s matchup.

Not only will the Rangers be looking to get back in the win column in  a big way tonight, but they’ve posted a scorching 7-1 record in their last eight road games that could spell trouble for Chicago tonight.

However, Chicago will have ‘desperation’ on its side as they currently sit in third place in the AL Central just four games behind division-leading Detroit.

Tonight, the Rangers will hand the ball to left-hander Matt Harrison (10-8, 3.19 ERA) while Chicago counters with right-hander Jake Peavy (5-5, 4.69 ERA).

Matt Harrison (10-8, 3.19 ERA) had pitched at least six innings in 11 consecutive starts  but got smacked senseless in allowing six runs against Oakland on Sunday. Nevertheless, the young hurler has won five of his last seven starts and has posted a fine 2-0 record with a 3.04 ERA in four career starts against Chicago.

White Sox veteran Jake Peavy (5-5, 4.69 ERA) allowed four runs against Kansas City in his last start but tossed eight shutout innings against Minnesota in his previous start. Peavy has made two career starts against the Rangers while going 0-1 while with a 7.71 ERA.

The Pick: I know the Texas Rangers are the better ballclub here, but I think desperation, combined with the fact that Jake Peavy is still one helluva’ pitcher, will give the Rangers their second consecutive loss tonight.

The Rangers will almost certainly be exhausted after playing a night game in Los Angeles on Thursday and flying into the Windy City around 5:00 AM ET on Friday.

I like the ChiSox for the narrow SU home win here.

MLB Pick: Chicago Money Line Win

Game 2
Saturday, Aug. 20, 7:10 PM ET at U.S. Cellular Field
Radio: TEX: 103.3 ESPN CWS: WSCR 670
TV: TEX: FSSW CWS: WGN

Analysis: Right-hander Alexi Ogando (12-5, 3.33 ERA) takes the mound for Texas in this Game 2 matchup, but that may not be such a good thing for the Rangers and their betting backers.

Ogando has been smacked around to the tune of 10 earned runs over his last two starts covering just nine total innings. Despite getting a win over the Angels on Monday, Ogando has allowed at least three earned runs in four of his last five starts overall. Ironically, the young hurler did manage to throw a five-hit shutout against Chicago in a 4-0 victory. on May 23

White Sox left-hander John Danks (5-9, 3.95 ERA) took a no-hitter into the sixth inning the last time out before eventually allowing two earned runs on four hits in six innings to get the win over Kansas City. Danks had also allowed four earned runs in each of his previous two starts but is also 6-1 in his last seven home starts.

The Pick: Once again MLB betting enthusiasts, the Chicago White Sox are not a better ballclub than the Texas Rangers, but I’m going with them to take the second game in this series by getting a solid effort from John Danks and tagging Alexi Ogando just enough to make a narrow, one-run win stand up for the Money Line win!

MLB Pick: Chicago White Sox Money Line Win

Game 3
Sunday, Aug. 21, 2:10 PM ET at U.S. Cellular Field
Radio: TEX: 103.3 ESPN CWS: WSCR 670
TV: TEX: FSSW CWS: CSN

Analysis: Texas left-hander Derek Holland (11-4, 4.23 ERA) limited the Angels to three earned runs in his last start to get the win after getting saddled with a pair of no decisions in his previous two starts. The really good news for the Rangers and their betting backers is the fact that Holland has compiled a perfect 5-0 record with a 2.63 ERA over his last eight starts, including a stellar 6-2 mark with a 3.39 ERA on the road this season. Holland has held the opposition to two runs or less in three of his last five starts overall.

Veteran White Sox’ right-hander Gavin Floyd (10-10, 4.66 ERA) allowed five earned runs on five hits in just 5.2 innings of an 8-7m loss to Cleveland the last time out.

Floyd has also allowed at least three earned runs in each of his last three starts, including a whopping 10 earned runs against the Yankees on August 3.

While Chicago has gone 5-1 in the right-hander’s last half-dozen starts, I’m going to urge  MLB gamblers to back the Rangers as they pound the snot out of the mediocre Floyd to avoid the sweep!

Texas is 7-1 in their L/8 road games and 4-1 in their L/5 road games against a team with a losing record and I just don’t see them losing this contest! Play the mighty Rangers to get the emphatic Run Line win over Chicago in this one!

MLB Pick: Rangers Run Line Win

Red Sox Looking to Stretch Narrow Lead in AL East at Lowly Mariners’ Expense

The Boston Red Sox (72-44 SU, 59-57 RL, 55-53-8 O/U) have the best record in the American League. Unfortunately, they’re just one game ahead of the New York Yankees in their own division, the perennially-powerful AL East as they both steamroll toward the stretch run of the 2011 MLB regular season.

The BoSox will look to increase their lead over the Yankees and the rest of the AL when they travel across the country to take on the lowly Seattle Mariners (50-66 SU, 54-62 RL, 48-58-10 O/U) in a three-game set that gets underway with tonight’s series opener.

Before I get started, let’s take a look at some of the key statistics for both ball clubs.

The Red Sox are leading all of baseball in hitting with a collective .281 batting average while Seattle is ranked dead last with a .229 team batting average.

However, when it comes to pitching, the Mariners surprisingly have a better team ERA than Boston. The Mariners rank eighth in pitching with a 3.62 team ERA while Boston ranks 17th with a 3.91 team ERA.

Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez leads the AL in hitting with a .348 batting average while Jacoby Ellsbury ranks 13th (.314) and Dustin Pedroia, 20th (.309).

Ichiro Suzuki leads the Mariners in hitting with a career-low .268 average. And just two players have reached double digits in home runs this season with catcher Miguel Olivo currently sitting at 18 long balls and first baseman Justin Smoak totaling a dozen.

Seattle ranks 29th in the majors in home runs with just 69 wile ranking dead last in every other significant offensive category.

Boston is first in batting average, runs per game (5.44), OPS (.809) and second in home runs (141).

Okay, let’s get started with a look at each game in the three-game set.

Game 1
Friday, Aug. 12, 10:10 PM ET at Safeco Field
Radio: BOS: WEEI 850, WWZN 1510 SEA: 710 ESPN
TV: BOS: NESN SEA: ROOT SPORTS

When the Red Sox get to Seattle the will get to see a team in the midst of a massive overhaul up close and personal.

On Wednesday, Seattle trotted out a lineup that featured a whopping five rookie position players in right fielder Casper Wells, left fielder Trayvon Robinson, first baseman Mike Carp, second baseman Dustin Ackley and third baseman Kyle Seager.

The Mariners will hand the ball to another one of their prized rookies when right-hander Blake Beavan (3-2, 2.83 ERA) takes the mound opposite Boston right-hander John Lackey (10-8, 6.14 ERA).

Beavan has been nothing short of outstanding since joining the M’s, holding the opposition to three runs or less in each of his first six big league starts while lasting at least 6.1 innings each time out.

While Beavan has been surprisingly consistent for the Mariners’ Boston’s John Lackey has pitched more like a nervous rookie in this his 10th season in the big leagues.

Lackey has allowed at least three earned runs in each of his last three starts while allowing at least four runs in four of his last 10 starts overall. Lackey got a win over the Yankees in his last start but has allowed five runs or more in three of his last 10 starts.

The Pick: I like the way the mariners played on Wednesday to snap a three-game losing streak and I believe they are going to show up in this contest and surprise the powerful BoSox.

John Lackey has been mediocre at best this season while Seattle rookie starter Blake Beavan has been as cool as the other side of the pillow every time out.

I smell a big upset here so I say play the Mariners to pick up the narrow home win.

Game 2
Saturday, Aug. 13, 10:10 PM ET at Safeco Field
Radio: BOS: WEEI 850, WWZN 1510 SEA: 710 ESPN
TV: BOS: NESN SEA: ROOT SPORTS

On Saturday, Boston right-hander Josh Beckett (9-4, 2.17 ERA) takes the mound looking to continue his impressive pitching. The veteran hurler has allowed two runs or less in two consecutive starts and five of his last seven starts overall. Beckett held the Yankees to one run in six strong innings on Sunday.

The Red Sox will get to face Seattle staff ac right-hander Felix Hernandez (10-10, 3.31 ERA) in this one.

Hernandez held the Angels to two runs in his last start but couldn’t get the run support he needed in a narrow loss, but the 2010 Cy Young award winner has allowed two runs or less in three straight starts, including a masterful performance against the Yankees in which he gave up one run in seven overpowering innings.

Could it be the Mariners will take two in a row from the BoSox? I think they could, but I’m just not confident enough in their bullpen to make that pick. I like the Red Sox to get the narrow road win, but I also believe the best play is to take the Under here.

Game 3
Sunday, August 14, 4:10 PM ET at Safeco Field
Radio: BOS: WEEI 850, WWZN 1510 SEA: 710 ESPN
TV: BOS: NESN SEA: ROOT SPORTS

On Sunday, veteran knuckle baller Tim Wakefield (6-4, 4.92 ERA) will try to get career win No. 200 for the fourth time after allowing three earned runs in each of his last trio of starts.

Young left-hander Charlie Furbush (1-1, 7.20 ERA) got smacked around in his last start as the Texas Rangers pounded him for seven runs (six earned) in just four innings. The rookie hurler allowed seven hits and four walks en route to getting tagged with the loss.

I like the Red Sox to take this series finale and get Tim Wakefield his long-awaited 200th career win by smacking around Charlie Furbush and getting another solid performance from their veteran knuckle baller.

The 2011 MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby in 82nd Annual Mid-Summer Classic

BREAKING NEWS: Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies and Jered Weaver of the Los Angeles Angels will be the men on the mound when Tuesday’s All-Star game gets underway.

Baseball fanatics everywhere that enjoy wagering on the annual MLB All-Star Game and all of its star-studded happenings will be in all their glory when the festivities for the 82nd annual MLB Mid-Summer Classic get underway this week.

On Sunday, July 10, the Taco Bell All-Star Sunday kicks off at Chase Field with the XM All-Star Futures Game at 6:00 PM ET followed by the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at approximately 9:30 PM ET.

The real action for MLB bettors gets underway on Monday, July 11, at 8:00 PM ET with the Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Chase Field featuring the State Farm Home Run Derby.

One day later, on July 12, 2011, the 82nd annual MLB All-Star game gets under way at 8:00 PM ET.

Okay, with all of the particulars out of the way, let me get started with my expert MLB breakdown on both events, starting with Monday’s Home Run Derby.

MLB Home Run Derby Monday, July 11, 8:00 PM ET
Chase Field: Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks
TV: ESPN

Participants

Beloved Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (.301, 17 HR, 49 RBI) and Milwaukee Brewers’ power-hitting first baseman Prince Fielder (.299, 21 HR, 69 RBI) will serve as captains of the American League and National League for this year’s event.

The two most recent winners of the yearly Home Run Derby will head up their respective ‘teams’ in this year’s new format. As part of the new Home Run Derby, both past champions picked three other participants to compete on their teams.

NL
Milwaukee Brewers teammate, second baseman Rickie Weeks (.277, 15 HR, 34 RBI), will join Fielder, the 2009 Derby winner, on this year’s team, along with St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday (.316, 10 HR, 40 RBI) and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, who is tied for the National League lead with 22 home runs.

AL
Joining Ortiz, the 2010 Derby winner, will be Red Sox first baseman and teammate Adrian Gonzalez, (348 batting, 16 HR), MLB Home Run leader, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder/third baseman Jose Bautista, (27 home runs) and last but not least, New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (.294, 14 HR).

While the odds for this year’s Derby weren’t posted at the time of this writing, baseball betting enthusiasts should know that this will be Ortiz’s fifth career Derby and the third for both Fielder (2007, 2009) and Holliday (2007, 2010). Adrian Gonzalez will make his second appearance (2009) while this year’s event will be a first for Bautista, Cano, Kemp and Weeks.

The Pick: I’m going to urge MLB bettors to go with one of three players, starting with Prince Fielder with the big man having smacked 10 home runs in June. I also like MLB home run leader Jose Bautista and sweet-swinging power hitter Adrian Gonzalez.

Now, let’s move on to the annual MLB All-Star Game.

In 2010, the National league beat the American league 3-1 to take an overall lead of 41-38-2 and snap the AL’s seven-game winning streak following the incomprehensible 7-7 tie in 2002, thanks to Bud Selig.

Prior to 2002, the AL had also won five straight All-Star contests to take 12 of 13 prior to last year’s NL win at Angel Stadium. Gifted Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann will have a shot to win consecutive all-star MVP awards after taking home last year’s MLB All-Star MVP hardware.

Here is a look at both All-Star starting teams.

AL Starters
Pos – Player
C – Alex Avila, DET
1B – Adrian Gonzalez, BOS
2B – Robinson Cano, NYY
3B – Alex Rodriguez, NYY
SS – Derek Jeter, NYY
OF – Jose Bautista, TOR
OF – Curtis Granderson, NYY
OF – Josh Hamilton, TEX
DH – David Ortiz, BOS

NL Starters
Pos – Player
C – Brian McCann, ATL
1B – Prince Fielder, MIL
2B – Rickie Weeks, MIL
3B – Placido Polanco, PHI
SS – Jose Reyes, NYM
OF – Ryan Braun, MIL
OF – Lance Berkman, STL
OF – Matt Kemp, LAD

This year’s all-star game features several perennial all-stars such as Derek Jeter (12th annual game), Alex Rodriguez (14th), David Ortiz (seventh), Brian McCann (sixth consecutive), Lance Berkman (sixth) while Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Hamilton and Ryan Braun will all make their fourth straight all-star appearance. Only four of this year’s starters started in the 2010 version in Jeter, Braun, Hamilton and Robinson Cano.

Seven players will make their first career all-start starts in Gonzalez, McCann, Curtis Granderson, Alex Avila, Matt Kemp, Rickie Weeks and Jose Bautista. Last year’s voting leaders, St. Louis Cardinals’ first baseman Albert Pujols and Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer will both miss this year’s event.

This year will present an MLB All-Star ‘first’ with the designated hitter being used in an NL ballpark. Texas Rangers skipper Ron Washington will lead the AL while San Diego’s Bruce Bochy will lead the NL.

On Thursday, July 7, the All-Star Game ‘Final Vote’ will be announced with five players in the running for each league squad.

American League Pitching Staff
The AL pitching staff consists of starters Josh Beckett (Red Sox), Gio Gonzalez (Athletics), Felix Hernandez (Mariners), David Price (Rays), James Shields (Rays), Justin Verlander (Tigers), Jered Weaver (Angels) and C.J. Wilson (Rangers). Relievers Aaron Crow (Royals), Brandon League (Mariners), Chris Perez (Indians), Mariano Rivera (Yankees) and Jose Valverde (Tigers) also made this year’s team.

AL Reserves
The 2011 American League backup position players start with catchers Matt Wieters (Orioles) and Russell Martin (Yankees). Up next, are infielders Adrian Beltre (Rangers), Asdrubal Cabrera (Indians), Miguel Cabrera (Tigers) and Howard Kendrick (Angels), followed by outfielders Michael Cuddyer (Twins), Jacoby Ellsbury (Red Sox), Matt Joyce (Rays) and Carlos Quentin (White Sox). Designated hitter Michael Young (Rangers) rounds out the group.

National League Pitching Staff
The National League pitching staff consists of starters Roy Halladay (Phillies), Cole Hamels (Phillies), Cliff Lee (Phillies), Matt Cain (Giants), Jair Jurrjens (Braves), Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers), Tim Lincecum (Giants) and Ryan Vogelsong (Giants); and relievers Heath Bell (Padres), Tyler Clippard (Nationals), Joel Hanrahan (Pirates), Jonny Venters (Braves) and Brian Wilson (Giants).

NL Reserves
The NL’s reserves includes catcher Yadier Molina (Cardinals), infielders Chipper Jones (Braves), Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies), Brandon Phillips (Reds), Starlin Castro (Cubs), Gaby Sanchez (Marlins) and Joey Votto (Reds) and last but not least, outfielders Carlos Beltran (Mets), Jay Bruce (Reds), Matt Holliday (Cardinals), Hunter Pence (Astros) and Justin Upton (D-backs).

The Pick: I’m going to keep my expert MLB All-Star pick here short and sweet by simply saying that I like the NL to win their second straight All-Star contest, mostly because I like their pitching staff a bit more than their AL counterparts.

While all three Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants starters will almost certainly not appear in this contest, I still expect the NL to get some stellar innings from at least two of each teams’ trio of aces.

Outside of Josh Beckett, David Price and Felix Hernandez, I’m not floored by any of the American League’s remaining starters.

I also like the ‘revenge’ factor here with the NL really going all out to secure home-field advantage in the World Series and stem the onslaught on AL wins that have taken place over the last 14 years.

Go with the NL in another squeaker as the senior circuit’s fantastic starters mostly silence the American League.

Go to the sportsbook to Bet NOW!

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