MLB Games of the Week: (5-26 through 6-1)

Written by Red Coffman on June, 3rd 2008 | 0 Comments

Week 10 MLB Baseball Betting Odds

Strictly pitching match-ups that have me rolling this week - one good and one that could knock your socks off, or blow-up the scoreboard in Boston. Either way, check these games out and enjoy the show!

Seattle Mariners @ Boston Red Sox:
3:55pm EST: 6-7-2008 on FOX

Probably Starters: Miguel Batista (R) vs. Tim Wakefield (R)

Records/Recent Action: The Mariners are a horrendous 21-37 and have a money line of -1798 on the season. The Mariners are 7-20 on the road this year. The Mariners have the 27th worst ERA in baseball, despite playing half their games in pitcher-friendly Safeco. They have lost 7 of their last 10, and can’t seem to buy a run. After getting swept by the Athletics, the Red Sox lost a 3 game series with the Mariners, 2-1. But, the Sox fought back well and took a 4 game series in Baltimore 3 games to 1. But with Big Papi out indefinitely, Dustin Pedroia struggling with the bat, and Manny nursing a hamstring problem, the Red Sox look like a team that could continue to struggle (just 4-6 in their last 10 games). The Sox are 35-25 SU. They are an amazing 21-5 at home. Boston has a +741 money line.

Significance: This game is in my games of the week, because with these two pitchers on the mound, any amount of runs is possible. You give Timmy a day where his knuckle isn’t moving too well, and all of a sudden he’s throwing batting practice, and even the Mariners can hit and score. And Batista, if he’s not locating very well, the Red Sox are going to hit at least 5 HRs, and that’s without Big Papi in the lineup. Then again, both of these hurlers could be on top of their games and we’re once again talking about how the Mariners can’t put runs on the board, and the Red Sox are really missing Ortiz. Anything is possible and it’s that raw excitement that has me excited. 

Hot Bats: Jose Lopez leads the Mariners with a .300 batting average while Adrian Beltre’s 13 home runs are a team best. Raul Ibanez has knocked in a team high 37 RBI. Ortiz had 13 HRs and 43 RBI to lead the team before he went out, now Manny has 12 ad 39, most amongst starters. Kevin Youkilis is batting .305 to lead the team and has 9 HRs himself. Jacoby Ellsbury leads the league with 27 stolen bases despite just 180 at bats.

Kansas City Royals @ New York Yankees:
1:05pm EST: 6-8-2008

Probably Starters: Joba Chamberlain (R) vs. Zach Greinke (R)

Records/Recent Action: The Royals just recently snapped a 12 game losing streak by beating the Indians. And then they did it back-to-back nights. They were swept by Boston, Toronto, and then Minnesota. They are 23-34 on the season with a money line of -766. The Royals are just 11-18 away from home. The Royals are 22-35 O/U this season. They rank 30th in runs with just 3.6 per contest. The Yanks won 8 of 10 before dropping two straight to the Twins to let Minnesota tie up their 4 game series and drop the Yanks under .500 yet again. They are 28-29 going into Tuesday’s game against Toronto. The Yanks have a money line of -941 and an O/U of 20-35-1 on the season.

Significance: This is a pitchers duel I can’t wait to see. Neither team is hitting real well, though the Yankees are bound to jump out and start raking. However, Greinke is a stud, one of the better young pitchers in the game, and he might just come steal the show in Joba’s 2nd start in the majors. Yes, this will be Joba’s second outing of the week, and he only has to deal with the Royals. With all eyes on the Yankees young phenom, don’t be surprised if the lesser known youngster in KC puts on a nice little performance. 

Hot Bats: Jason Giambi’s latest hot streak has him leading the team with 11 HRs, but A-Rod’s 8 dingers (in limited at bats) puts him 2nd. Hideki Matsui leads the team with a .328 batting average. Bobby Abreu’s 36 RBI lead the team, he’s the only Yankee with 30+. Jose Guillen has been hitting the ball very well of late for KC, and he now leads the team with 7 HRs and 38 RBI. Mark Grudzielanek has a team-best .296 average amongst those that qualify with at least 177 plate appearances. 

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