Posted on 5/1/2008 2:28:02 PM

MLB Baseball Betting – Desperate Rangers Turn To Ponson to Beat Royals

By Eric Williams

After years of unwisely placing so many great expectations on gifted young starter Zack Greinke, (3-0, 1.25 ERA), the Kansas City Royals, (12-15, 10-17 O/U) are finally seeing the fruits of their labors with the young right-hander who was the sixth overall pick in the 2002 MLB Draft.

Greinke has been absolutely spectacular for the online betting rollercoaster Royals this season and is coming off a commanding performance in his last outing as he limited the Toronto Blue Jays to just one run on five hits in seven innings in leading the Royals to an 8-4 win on Friday.

"It was just nice especially to get us out of a little funk," Greinke said after that game. "Hopefully, it creates momentum."
While the Texas Rangers, (10-18, 16-10-2 O/U), are getting their own spectacular production from a player that greatness was once predicted for, former 1999 No. 1 overall draft pick, outfielder Josh Hamilton, who has rejuvenated a career derailed and nearly destroyed by drugs, the Rangers pitching staff is so dismal that they are turning to another major leaguer who has had more than his share of off-field troubles in veteran right-hander Sidney Ponson, (0-0, 1.69) who is making his second start for the Rangers after the team purchased the beleaguered hurler’s contract from the minors on Saturday, the same day, Ponson allowed five runs, (only one earned),  in 5 1/3 innings of Texas' 12-6 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Despite Ponson ’s apparent decline in skills, Hamilton is currently hitting .330 in the BetUS Sportsbook with six homers and a major league-leading 32 RBIs and blasted his first career grand slam as the Rangers beat the Royals (12-15) 11-9 on Wednesday night.

"I don't think I really realized what I've done," said Hamilton, who has 11 RBIs in his last five games. "I've never played a full season, so I'm just coming to the park every day and doing what I have to do to get ready."
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and MLB Free Picks.

The Royals are 5-1 in Greinke’s last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
The Royals are 4-1 in Greinke’s last 5 starts on grass.
The Rangers are 16-7 in their last 23 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
The Rangers are 16-7 in their last 23 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
The Under is 4-0 in Greinke’s last 4 Thursday starts.
The Over is 7-0-1 in Rangers last 8 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.

Analysis: Take the Royals to jump all over Ponson while getting another solid performance from Zack Greinke as they cruise to victory tonight.

MLB Free Picks: Royals 6 Rangers 3

02:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Kansas City Royals
Zack Greinke - R -1½ +110
Texas Rangers
Sidney Ponson - R +1½ -130
Over 9½ -115
Under 9½ -105
American League

Go to the BetUS sportsbook today and take a swing at Major League Baseball online betting. We have the most current baseball odds and lines, as well as player, game and series props throughout the MLB baseball season. To help you bet on sports, check out the Free Picks section of the Locker Room for sports betting free picks and predictions. Join BetUS to experience the best in online sports betting action!