Free MLB Picks and Odds: Toronto Blue Jays at LA Angels Favorite, Moneyline, Total and Predictions 4/8/11: Well, now it is time for the Toronto Blue Jays to prove their road critics wrong. The ‘Northsmen’ head south to California to open up their first road series of the young season. It will be interesting to see if they can take their bats with them as the club has perennially faltered in scoring on the road. Thus far, the Jays’ have proven that there offense is next to none and they will be leaning on the special teams a lot more in this campaign. Stealing bases was never a forte’ of incumbent manager Cito Gaston, but John Farel believes that it is the special teams that were lacking in Toronto for the past few years. Rajai Davis was brought in this past offseason to provide exceptional speed on the bases and utility players like Mike McCoy, and John MacDonald will be used more often then not to steal a few bases. Last years home-run champ Jose Bautista has picked up from where he left off, the Jays’ slugger has 2 already and his swing is in fine form. Kyle Drabek (1-0, 1.29) will get the starting nod on the mound in the opener tonight. The young pitcher, who was acquired in the trade with the Phillies for Roy Halladay, was absolutely lights out in his first big leagues start. He took a no-hitter into the sixth inning last Saturday afternoon and he forced the Twins into 17 ground ball outs. He has an aggressive approach and analysts believe he has the skills and requisites to become the next big thing.
The L.A. Angels rebounded nicely from an ugly start to the season and have rattled off consecutive wins over the Tampa Bay Rays. Run support was the main issue in K.C. on opening weekend, but 10 runs in their last two outings have quieted the critics for now. Pitching, which was a huge concern coming into this season, has been adequate to this point. Ervin Santana (0-0, 4.05) will take to the mound tonight against the Jays’. He was roughed up by the Royals’ bats in his last outing but he showed poise and got out of a few jams. It will be the first time Vernon Wells has seen his old club since his departure this off-season. So far, the center fielder has struggled mightily at the plate, going .111 and no ‘over the fencers’ to date. His fielding also has been woeful, he has an error to date and he looks unsettled in his new confines. For the Angels to be successful in 2011 they will need to rely on steady pitching and aggressive play calling. Unless something changes or a few acquisitions are made they just do not have the power at the plate to win ball games.
The Jays have taunted before and they always seems to collapse on the road. Everyone is saying that the new regime in Toronto has instilled a new atmosphere, but I just do not see it at this point. Kyle Drabek is a wonderful talent, but he is raw and needs many more outings to become a legitimate concern. The Angels are a great home club and I expect them to muscle their way to victory tonight. Special teams will be a showcase tonight as base runners will be at a minimum tonight with the two pitchers on the hill. We will consider an Angels win tonight to open up the three game set. Cheers!
Free Pick: L.A. Angels -125 (Moneyline)
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Toronto Blue Jays (4-2) at LA Angels (3-3)
Time: 10:05 PM EST
TV: RSN, FSW
Vegas Odds – Favorite: LA Angels -125(moneyline) Total: Over/Under 7.5
Starting Pitchers: Toronto: Kyle Drabek (R) Angels: Ervin Santana (R)
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