Brian Gabrielle Sports
Oakland A?s at New York Yankees
The Pitchers: Athletics starter Justin Duchscherer is 10-5 in 16 starts covering 108.2 innings with 66 strikeouts, 23 walks and an amazing ERA of 1.82.
Yankees starter Andy Pettitte is 10-7 in 20 starts covering 125.0 innings with 91 strikeouts, 30 walks and a 4.03 ERA.
Analysis: I?ll keep this pick short and sweet for the BetUS MLB online sports wagering community by saying that the high-priced Yankees should take a cue from the much younger, but extremely competitive Oakland A?s, whose entire payroll could probably be absorbed by the Yankees several times over.
Roster salaries aside, I like the A?s, behind Justin Duchscherer to narrowly beat the Yankees and Andy Pettitte despite playing on the road. In a worst case scenario, I say take the A?s to cover the Run Line.
Oakland 4 New York 3
Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox
The Pitchers: Royals starter Brian Bannister is 7-8 in 19 starts covering 115.0 innings with 69 strikeouts, 34 walks and an ERA of 5.24.
White Sox starter John Danks is 7-4 in 19 starts covering 114.2 innings with 94 strikeouts, 31 walks and an amazing ERA of 2.67.
Analysis: I?ve liked Royals? starter Brian Bannister since he made his big league debut in 2007 and generally think he?s got a bright future in front of him, but tonight?s matchup goes to the Chicago White Sox and impressive started John Danks.
White Sox 6 Royals 2
New York Mets at Cincinnati Reds
The Pitchers: Mets starter Pedro Martinez is 3-2 in nine starts covering 44.2 innings with 34 strikeouts, 18 walks and a 6.25 ERA.
Reds starter Edinson Volquez is 12-3 in 19 starts and just one relief appearance covering 117.2 innings with 126 strikeouts, 56 walks and a 2.29 ERA.
Analysis: While the New York Mets have been playing much better baseball recently, I like the Cincinnati Reds, behind the overwhelming Edinson Volquez, to beat the Mets narrowly, thanks to another stellar pitching performance from Volquez.
Reds 4 Mets 2
Pittsburgh Pirates at Colorado Rockies
The Pitchers: Pirates starter Zach Duke is 4-6 in 19 starts covering 110.1 innings with 44 K?s, 33 walks and a 4.40 ERA.
Rockies starter Aaron Cook is 11-6 in 20 starts covering 138.2 innings with 67 strikeouts, 31 walks and a 3.57 ERA.
Analysis: Since the Colorado Rockies are playing at home in this matchup and have the better starter on the mound, they are undoubtedly the right pick to win this contest. I say take the Rockies to cover the Run Line while going ?Over? the set O/U line if it isn?t more than 10 runs.
Rockies 6 Pirates 4