Posted on
4/25/2008 4:50:22 PM
MLB Online Baseball Betting – 3-Pack Free Picks
By Dave Golokhov
Houston Astros @ St. Louis Cardinals
The Houston Astros will be sending two of their top three pitchers to the mound in their weekend series against the National League Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals but that might not be enough to get them at least two of the three wins.
Roy Oswalt, Brandon Backe and Shawn Chacon head to the hill but only Oswalt is the one that will strike fear into his opponent.
But even Oswalt hasn’t been himself this year. He’s already given up seven home runs five starts and has allowed less than three earned runs only once.
Oswalt will matchup with the Cards’ ace Adam Wainwright on Saturday. Wainwright has only allowed 3 earned runs in his last 14.2 innings pitched. The Cards will also throw Braden Looper and Kyle Lohse, both of whom have surprisingly pitched well to start the season but labored in their last outing.
Free Pick: St. Louis
Baltimore Orioles @ Chicago White Sox
If you like to shop for brand names, then the Chicago White Sox would be your pick in this series.
Their three pitchers will be Mark Buehrle, John Danks and Jose Contreras while the Orioles will send Brian Burres, Steve Trachsel and Jeremy Guthrie.
Buehrle is the biggest name is this group but he hasn’t pitched so well this season. The White Sox have lost three of their last four starts, allowing 15 earned runs in 22.2 innings pitched. Contreras has been a little bit better but he has a lofty ERA of 4.68 and has allowed four earned runs in three of his four starts.
Surprisingly, Danks has been the White Sox hottest pitcher. In his last two starts, he has allowed zero earned runs while posting a 12-2 strikeout-walk ratio in 14.2 innings.
After winning five of six, the White Sox lost two of three to the New York Yankees in their most recent series. Look for them to regain their footing against the Orioles, who are 4-5 away from Camden Yards.
Free Pick: Chicago White Sox
Colorado Rockies @ Los Angeles Dodgers
When the Colorado Rockies made a World Series run last year, the main reason for it was improved pitching. The Rockies have always had the bats but their pitching has been spotty.
It appears to be a problem once again this year.
After closer Manny Corpas blew three of his last four save opportunities, the Rockies were forced to make a switch to Brian Fuentes. But on top of struggles in the bullpen, the Rockies starters haven’t been supportive.
The three starters that will pitch for them in their three-game weekend set with the Dodgers all have ERA’s of 4.64 or higher.
Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Mark Redman, who combined for a record of 23-13 last year, have a cumulative record of 3-5 this year.
The Dodgers have the pitching advantage with Hiroki Kuroda, Brad Penny and Hong-Chih Kuo slated to throw.
Free Pick: Los Angeles
Visit BetUs for more baseball odds and news.
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!