Tigers @ Angels Odds, Lines, Free Picks and Predictions – Free MLB Picks 7-6-11

Free MLB Picks, Tips and Odds: Detroit Tigers @ Los Angeles Angels Favorite, Moneyline, Total and Expert Predictions 7/6/11: The Detroit Tigers are wrapping up their first half of the season in the least desirable of ways. They have lost 4 of their 5 games in the month of July and are currently on a two game skid. Last night saw the Tigers offensively strapped as they dropped the game by a 1-0 tally and Justin Verlander picked up his fourth loss on the season. The Tigers have not afforded Verlander run support all season long, if the all-star hurler was in better circumstances there is no reason not to believe he could be in the area of 14-15 wins already. At 45-42, the Detroit Tigers will most certainly be in the mix and be battling down the stretch when the 2011 season continues following the break, but there are definite holes that either need to be addressed internally, or filled externally. The Tigers would be wise to pick up another heavy bat to round out this inconsistent, sometimes dead offense. Two names come to mind that should be available come the trading deadline, Aaron Hill of the Blue Jays and Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins. Both Hill and Ramirez are without contracts following this season and both of their respective clubs have not made any attempt to resign them. Both posses strong offensive fortitude and their defensive awareness is next to none. The Tigers boast a strong, competitive line-up, but to win in October and down the stretch in August and September they need the depth to facilitate the entire club.

After last nights shutout of the Tigers, the Angels moved into a tie with the Texas Rangers for tops in the American League west division. After a rather slow start to the 2011 schedule, the Angels have transformed into a club that relies on consistent pitching and timely hitting. No longer are they a club that will swing with you until the ninth inning, but rather they are now a team that focuses on special teams and key calls to push them to victory. Dan Haren pitched a shut out last night that raised his season total of victories to 9 and dropped his ERA to 2.65. Haren is the uncontested ace of the young pitching staff of the Angels, but it his work off the mound in coaching up the young arms of the Angels that has been the storyline to follow. The Angels 3.34 team ERA is 3rd in the American League ranks and the pitching staff looks to remain strong for sometime to come. It will be interesting to see what the Angels do with their slumping centre fielder in Vernon Wells after the all-star break. After a blockbuster trade with the Toronto Blue Jays this past summer, Wells has played well under expectations and his huge contract might be something that Angels management might look to pass on at the trading deadline. He no longer is a threat at the plate and his fielding has been sub-par, to say the least, this season.

Tonight we will recommend a play on the L.A. Angels to finish up the sweep of the slumping Tigers. Last night was case in point that the Detroit Tigers need another, if not two, offensive weapons inserted into their line up. They did not boast any substantial threat to the Angels all night and Dan Haren pitched a rather effortless game. The Tigers send Brad Penny to the mound this afternoon, he will be looking to pick up his sixth win on the season and improve upon his 4.43 ERA. Penny, who actually has been improving in his last 3 starts, is still a wildcard on the mound and is nowhere near the pitcher he once was for the Dodgers. He consistently finds himself in threatening jams and he does not posses a full ensemble of high-class pitches to keep batters guessing. The LA Angels are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games and are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Detroit. Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road and is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Angels. We will consider the Angels earning the sweep this afternoon and adding more misery and disarray to the Tigers road record. Cheers!

Free MLB Picks and Expert Tips: Play LA Angels -120(Moneyline)

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