Posted on
4/4/2008 5:24:31 PM
MLB Sportsbook Baseball Wagering – Cleveland Indians at Oakland A’s
By Eric Williams
While the Cleveland Indians, (2-1),have been mentioned as a legitimate contender to win the American League Pennant this season, the Oakland A’s, (1-3), are looking at the 2008 season as the first step in a rebuilding plan that they hope will have them back in contention to win the AL inside the next couple of seasons.
The Indians come into tonight’s matchup off a close 2-1 win over the Chicago White Sox in the BetUS Sportsbook on Thursday while the A’s are riding a two-game losing streak including a 5-0 shutout at the hands of the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday.
Despite his admission that he used human growth hormone to overcome an injury, veteran Indians starter Paul Byrd went a solid 15-8 last season in 31 starts, striking out 88 strikeouts while walking just 28 batters and compiling a 4.59 ERA.
Byrd won two postseason starts last year, posting a solid 3.60 ERA and getting rewarded when the Indians picked up his option for $7.5 million.
"Looking at his on-field contributions and the teammate he's been in our clubhouse ... the last two years, it was a decision we were very comfortable with," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said.
A’s starter Justin Duchscherer went 3-3 last season in zero starts and 17 relief appearances, striking out 13 batters and walking eight with a 4.96 ERA.
The A’s will need to give their young hurler better run support as they’ve scored just one run in their last two games combined, getting just four hits against the Red Sox
on Wednesday.
Duchscherer, who is making his first start since Sept. 20, 2003, though he was an All-Star reliever for the A's in 2005, is excited about his move into the starting rotation.
"I don't know that excited is a strong enough word," Duchscherer told the team's official Web site. "It was what I've wanted my whole career."
Here’s a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my MLB Betting Picks.
Key Indians Trends
The Indians are 12-2 in their last 14 during game one of a series.
The Indians are 4-1 in their last five Friday games.
The Indians are 12-4 in their last 16 games following a loss.
Key Athletics Trends
The Athletics are 5-2 in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Athletics are 4-11 in their last 15 Friday games.
The Athletics are 7-20 in their last 27 after scoring two runs or less in their previous game.
Key Totals Trends
The Over is 4-0 in Indians last four games following a loss.
The Over is 5-0-1 in Indians last six road games vs. a right-handed starter.
The Over is 5-0-1 in Indians last six road games.
The Under is 5-0 in Athletics last five when their opponent scores two runs or less in their previous game.
The Under is 5-0 in Athletics last five games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Under is 4-0 in Athletics last four when their opponent allows two runs or less in their previous game.
Key Head-to-Head Trends
The Over is 6-2-1 in the last nine meetings in Oakland.
The Indians are 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
The Indians are 1-5 in the last six meetings in Oakland.
Analysis: This pick is pretty simple MLB bettors. The Indians have the better pitcher on the mound tonight and the better lineup by far. Take the Indians to march into Oakland and hand them a spanking similar to the one the Red Sox put on them in their last game.
MLB Free Picks: Indians 6 A’s 3
10:05 PM EST MLB Odds
Cleveland Indians
Paul Byrd - R -1½ +120
Oakland Athletics
Justin Duchscherer - R +1½ -140
Over 9 EV
Under 9 -120
American League
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