posted March 31, 2008 at 13:21 in MLB Free Picks

BetUS MLB betting odds: N.Y. Mets -260, Florida +220, Total 8 (Under -115, Over -105)

The New York Mets (88-74 in 2007) break out their major off-season acquisition as they open the season at Dolphin Stadium against the Florida Marlins (71-91 in 2007) as the 2008 schedule begins. The first pitch is set for 4:10 PM ET.

For the Mets, it's Johan Santana, arguably the best lefty in the big leagues, while Florida counters with big left-hander Mark Hendrickson.

At BetUS Sportsbook, the Mets are listed as a -260 favorite, with a total of eight runs (Under -115, Over -105).

Here are some of the MLB betting trends as they relate to this matchup:

(NOTE: These trends also revert back to the 2007 season)

* NY has lost six of its last seven games

* NY has played 12 of its last 15 games OVER the total

* NY has won four of its last five road games

* NY has played six of its last seven road games OVER the total

* FLA has won five of its last six games

* FLA has won six of its last nine home games

* FLA has played 12 of its last 18 home games OVER the total

In the HEAD-TO-HEAD baseball betting trends:

* NY has won four of the last six meetings

* Seven of the last nine meetings have gone OVER the total

* NY has won 10 of the last 11 meetings as the visitor

* Four of the last five meetings in Miami have gone OVER the total

The big issue with the Mets, of course, is getting over the dreadful memories of losing a seven-game lead with just 17 games to play, as the Phillies slipped right by them and into the playoffs. And there are some Mets nicked up a bit, including Carlos Delgado (also Moises Alou is out).

All eyes will obviously be on Johan Santana, who comes off what for him was an off-year, with a record just two games over .500 (15-13) and an ERA of 3.33. Santana won just one of his last six starts. Santana made a start against the Marlins last year while with Minnesota, and gave up one earned run and five hits in six innings, with eight strikeouts.

The Marlins didn't really gut their team, but in trading Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera to Detroit, management made it clear that winning wasn't necessarily a major priority, as if they hadn't already done it the season before by running manager Joe Girardi out of town after winning the Manager of the Year award. But let's not forget that this is a team just a year removed from contending for a wild card into September with a slew of rookies.

As for Mark Hendrickson, his 6.13 ERA was obviously nothing to be impressed with, and he is symbolic of a shaky rotation that will keep Florida on the south side of the .500 mark. And the Mets hit .285 against lefties last year.

Is there enough of a price to go against Santana here? No, not yet. Let's side with the Mets, the -260 favorite in the BetUS Major League Baseball betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: N.Y. METS

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(Charles Jay of http://www.eBookies.com touches all the bases as a regular contributor to the BetUS Locker Room)