posted April 2, 2008 at 13:02 in MLB Articles
MLB Baseball Wagering Odds – Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers
After beating the highly-publicized Detroit Tigers 5-4 in their season opener on Monday, the Kansas City Royals, (1-0) come in to today’s contest against the Tigers looking for their second consecutive win in what they hope will be their best season in years.
The Tigers, one of the most publicized teams in all of baseball this season, will start 43-year-old veteran Kenny Rogers as they look to pick up their first victory of the season.
"I just want to be healthy all year," Rogers, who made 11 start last season because of injury, told the Tigers' official Web site. "If I can stay healthy, I'll find a way to figure the rest out."
Rogers will face one of the Royals best young pitchers in Brian Bannister who went 12-9 season in 27 starts with a 3.87 ERA while striking out 77 batters and walking 44.
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"He's been through the league for a year now so he knows how to pitch to guys better," Royals pitching coach Bob McClure told the team's official Web site. "His stuff is sharper and that comes with confidence and more of an idea of what you're trying to do to a hitter. He's ahead of last year."
Rogers was 3-4 last season in those eleven starts, striking out 36 and walking 25 with a 4.43 ERA.
The Tigers' lineup is expected to be one of the best in all of baseball after acquiring Miguel Cabrera, Edgar Renteria and Jacque Jones.
However, the Royas were impressive in their opening day victory as Carlos Guillen went 3-for-5 with a home run while third baseman Alex Gordon, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 draft, hit a two-run homer for the Royals.
"This guy is a big-time player waiting to happen," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said of Gordon. "He's got a tremendous swing. I think he'll be a star in this league before it's over with."
The Tigers are trying to avoid their first 0-2 start since 2003 while the Royals are looking for their first 2-0 start since the very same season.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my MLB Betting Picks.
Key Royals Trends
The Royals are 17-35 in their last 52 games vs. a team with a winning percentage below .400.
The Royals are 20-44 in their last 64 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
The Royals are 36-80 in their last 116 games vs. a left-handedstarter.
Key Tigers Trends
The Tigers are 5-0 in their last five games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Tigers are 11-5 in their last 16 home games.
The Tigers are 17-36 in their last 53 home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600.
Key Totals Trends
The Under is 4-0-1 in Royals last five games following a win.
The Under is 5-1 in Royals last six road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of less than .400.
The Under is 9-2-1 in Royals last 12 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
The Under is 7-1 in Tigers last eight games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
The Over is 4-1 in Tigers last five games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Under is 4-1 in Tigers last five Wednesday games.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Over is 5-0 in Rogers' last five starts vs. Royals.
The Over is 10-3-1 in the last 14 meetings in Detroit.
The Under is 5-2-1 in the last eight meetings.
Analysis: While I think Bannister is going to have a fine season for the Royals this year, I think Rogers and the Tigers will find a way to win this contest while avoiding an 0-2 start. It’s going to be close, but I say the Tigers win behind a solid performance from Rogers.
MLB Free Picks: Tigers 5 Royals 3
01:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Brian Bannister - R +1½ -110
Kenny Rogers - L -1½ -110
Over 9½ -105
Under 9½ -115
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