posted April 24, 2008 at 13:42 EST in MLB Free Picks

MLB betting is all about finding value and that's exactly what the Kansas City Royals (9-11) deliver in Thursday's middle contest of a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians (8-12) at Kauffman Stadium.

This is a make-up game after being postponed on Wednesday due rain. Start time for this matchup has been rescheduled for 6:10pm EST as Game 1 of a twi-night doubleheader.

The Royals are listed at +150 in the BetUS MLB odds, which isn't exactly the value to send you into retirement, but it's a nice return and sound investment if you bet on MLB.

As the -170 favorites, Cleveland sends Fausto Carmona (2-1, 1.96 ERA) to the mound following Tuesday's 15-1 thrashing of the Royals in the series-opener, which was the Indians' highest run production since scoring 15 on May 15 against Minnesota.

Following an offensive outburst a team will often be flat at the plate in its next outing after burning up all its lumber in the previous game. Cleveland will prove that on Thursday.

The Indians are 1-4 in their last five contests after scoring five runs or more in their prior game. Add in the fact Cleveland is 1-5 in their last six games following a win, and you have to feel good about the chances of a Kansas City payday.

Carmona isn't as strong when pitching during the evening, owning a career mark of 12-15 in night games compared to a 10-4 record manufactured in day outings.

The Indians are 4-0 in right-hander's last four starts versus the Royals, and their starters have a sharp combined ERA of 1.57 in the last four games, but Cleveland has found a way to lose two of the games during the span.

The Royals have dropped five straight but will stop the bleeding with right-hander Brett Tomco (1-2, 3.60) climbing the hill and umpire Jim Joyce calling balls and strikes.

In three lifetime starts against Cleveland, Tomko is just 1-1 with a 4.81 ERA. However, with Joyce behind home plate, the Indians are 0-6 in their last six games.

That gives Tomko and the Royals a stellar chance to turn a profit for the MLB wagering community in Kansas City investing in their club on Thursday in Game 1.

MLB Free Picks: Kansas City Royals (+150)

Robby's 2008 MLB Record - 4-5 (-$195.00) All plays based on $100 money-line wagers.

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!