Posted on
5/2/2008 2:31:36 PM
MLB Baseball Betting Action – Kansas City at Cleveland
By Eric Williams
While the Cleveland Indians, (14-15, 14-15 O/U) entered the 2008 MLB season expected to be among the best teams in the American League – and all of baseball for that matter, the young Kansas City Royals, (12-16, 10-18 O/U) were just hoping to improve on last year’s promising season while taking another step closer toward respectability.
After just over a month of baseball, the Royals have surprised while the Indians are still looking to fins their stride.
Tonight, the Royals, who have dropped their last two games in the BetUS Sportsbook, will turn to young starter Luke Hochevar (1-1, 5.91 ERA), the first overall selection in the 2006 draft who is making his third major league start since being called up from Triple-A Omaha.
"I think he's ready to stay consistent in the rotation," Royals manager Trey Hillman told the team's official Web site.
Hochevar looked every bit of the talented hurler that he is in his last outing, limiting the Toronto Blue Jays to one run on six hits in six innings as the Royals won 2-1 on Saturday.
The Indians, who have won two straight over the Seattle Mariners, including a 3-2 win on Thursday, will counter with 2007 AL Cy Young award winner C.C. Sabathia, (1-4, 7.88 ERA) who seems to be getting back on track after a miserable start to the regular season.
Sabathia is coming off an overpowering performance in his last outing as he limited the New York Yankees to just one run on four hits in eight innings on Sunday despite the fact that the Indians lost 1-0. Ironically, Sabathia has not gotten more than one run of support from his teammates when he has taken the mound in four of his last five starts.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Wagering Free Picks:
The Royals are 2-8 in their last ten games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
The Royals are 1-5 in their last six vs. American League Central.
The Indians are 7-1 in Sabathia’s last eight starts vs. American League Central.
The Indians are 6-1 in Sabathia’s last seven starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
The Under is 35-16-3 in Royals last 54 during game one of a series.
The Under is 13-6 in Royals last 19 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
The Over is 4-1 in Sabathia’s last five starts following a team loss in their previous game.
The Over is 4-1 in Sabathia’s last five home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
The Indians are 9-2 in Sabathia’s last eleven starts vs. Royals.
The Indians are 4-1 in Sabathia’s last five home starts vs. Royals.
Analysis: This is a simple pick here MLB bettors. Despite the fact that the Royals Hochevar has a chance to be a very special pitcher in a few years, the Cleveland Indians and their Cy Young award winner are the correct pick tonight. Take the Indians to give C.C. Sabathia some decent run support on their way to victory.
MLB Free Picks: Indians 5 Royals 2
07:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Kansas City Royals
Luke Hochevar - R +1½ -120
Cleveland Indians
C.C. Sabathia - L -1½ EV
Over 9 +105
Under 9 -125
American League
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