Blue Jays @ Rays Odds, Lines, Free Picks and Predictions – Free MLB Picks 8-2-11

Free MLB Picks, Tips and Odds: Toronto Blue Jays @ Tampa Bay Rays Favorite, Moneyline, Total and Expert Predictions 8/2/11: As the season slate of games is starting to run thin the Toronto Blue Jays know that every game is a must win situation if they have any aspirations of October ball. While many would say this club has no chance of pulling things close the clubhouse of Toronto seems upbeat and ready for the haul towards the end of the season. General Manager Alex Anthopolous did his club a long time favor last week when he picked up the potential packed Colby Rasmus from the St. Louis Cardinals in a multi-player trade. Rasmus, who reportedly did not have a favorable relationship with Cardinals skipper Tony LaRussa, is a young player who has the potential to be a “5-tool” player. He has excellent technique and form when fielding, he can hit to all sides of the field, and he has speed to excel on the bags. Rasmus should blossom under new elements and a refreshing new start, his potential is sky high and he should be a fan favorite in the T Dot. The Blue Jays paid homage to their illustrious history when they hung the number 12 to the rafters of Rogers Centre in honor of Roberto Alomar. The Blue Jays organization has never, and most likely will never, have a second basemen like Alomar again. Roberto Alomar changed the way the second basemen position was ought to be played and he was the catalyst behind the Jays championships in 92’ and 93’.

The Rays are also in the same seat as the Blue Jays at this point in the season in that they are attempting to make up significant ground in hopes of being in the mix when the season ends in two months time. Tampa Bay is coming off of a series victory over the Seattle Mariners this past weekend as they took 2 of the 3 games and now trail the Red Sox by 10 games in the American League East. The Rays were one of the more quiet clubs at yesterdays non-waiver trading deadline and management seems quite content riding with their current line-up to the finish line. It will be imperative for the club to lock up Evan Longoria and David Price this off-season, they are the unquestioned leaders of the club and they still are on the up swing of their careers. The Rays, who were long time losers in the AL East ranks, are having an easier time now convincing top notch players to stick around because of their strong nucleus of young players and their commitment to win now.

Tonight we will recommend a play on the Toronto Blue Jays in the first game of this three game set in Florida. The Jays send their ace in Ricky Romero to the mound this evening, he will be looking to pick up his 9th win on the season. The Jays seem to be more upbeat and lively since their acquisition of centre fielder Colby Rasmus, the club has gone 3-1 since he has donned the black and blue. Jose Bautista will look to add on to this league lead in homers tonight, he has gone homerless in over a week now. As detailed in previous Jays previews, Toronto excels in the first game of series’ and always look to gain a leg up. I expect Toronto will come out swinging against a tough Rays hurler in David Price and look for them to be in the stealing mood as runs will be at a premium tonight. Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games and is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road. Tropicana Field has long been a fortress for the Rays and a stumbling ground for most clubs but this year has proven the reverse, Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home. We will consider the Blue Jays picking up a hard earned victory against one of the games best young hurlers tonight in what should be a spirited affair. Cheers!

Free MLB Picks and Expert Tips: Toronto Blue Jays +135(Moneyline)

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