Free MLB Picks and Lines: Toronto Blue Jays @ LA Angels Free Pick, Moneyline, Total, Preview – MLB Betting 4/9/11: Early season MLB games can be tough to predict. Batters don’t have their timing, a lot of quality hitters are just slow starters, and some pitchers struggle with their breaking stuff in the cooler weather. The moral of the story is that first impressions aren’t always a good indication of which team will be contenders and which will be pretenders. That being said, it doesn’t mean that bettors can’t take advantage of how each team is playing in the here and now to make a little cash.
A juicy matchup for bettors on the Saturday slate of games has the Toronto Blue Jays getting 1 ½ runs on the road against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Jays have come out of the gate strong and are off to a 5-2 start, while the Angels have been a rather lukewarm 3-4. A quick look at the numbers makes it pretty clear that the Blue Jays should have the edge in this contest.
Both teams have been hitting the ball well in 2011, but the Jays have pushed nine more runs across the plate. More importantly, the Toronto pitching staff ranks is among the three best in baseball in both ERA and WHIP, while the Angels’ staff ranks in the middle of the pack in both categories.
There is no question that Saturday’s pitching matchup heavily favors the Jays. Brett Cecil will take the mound for Toronto, and he is coming off a 15-win season in his first full year at the big league level. He will face Matt Palmer – a career reliever that was recalled from AAA Salt Lake after starter Scott Kazmir suffered an injury earlier this week. I’ll take the established pitcher over the emergency starter any day.
The Jays have plenty to love on offense as well. Jose Bautista has avoided a post-50 home run season hangover, and Adam Lind and Aaron Hill are both bouncing back from dismal 2010 campaigns. Unexpected contributions from rookie catcher J.P. Arencibia and shortstop Yunel Escobar has been icing on the cake.
The Angels have had some pop in their lineup as well with Howie Kendrick and Bobby Abreu both off to strong starts. However, the team’s big offseason acquisition Vernon Wells has been a bust. He has just three hits in 31 at bats and is leading the team with 10 strikeouts. Ironically, Wells came to the Angels from the Blue Jays during the offseason.
Toronto is firing on all cylinders at the plate and one the mound. The Jays were able to knock off 17-game winner Ervin Santana 3-2 in the series opener Friday, and they should have no problem beating an emergency starter in this one. Bettors can take Toronto and the runs or take them straight up. Either way, they should pocket some cash.
Free Pick: Toronto Blue Jays +1.5(Run Line)
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Toronto Blue Jays (5-2) at LA Angels (3-5)
Time: 9:05 PM EST
TV: RSN, FSW
Vegas Odds – Favorite: LA Angels -105(moneyline) Total: Over/Under 9
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