MLB tips / Nick Shiambouros / 04 September 2010 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

With only a month left in the regular season, the pressure is mounting for several teams with playoff aspirations. Below is a preview of three crucial games that will be shown live on ESPN America this Labor Day weekend.

Saturday September4
Chicago White Sox v Boston Red Sox

Gavin Floyd has the pitching assignment for Chicago. He has a record of 9-11 and an ERA of 3.66 but these figures are slightly misleading as he has had virtually no help from his bullpen. He only gave up two runs against the Yankees on Sunday night.
　
Veteran John Lackey gets the call for Boston. He comes in to this game with a record of 12-8 and an ERA of 4.60. Lackey is one of the elite pitchers in the game. He is an excellent strikeout pitcher and has a decent fastball.
　
This is without doubt the game of the week. The White Sox are only 3.5 games behind Minnesota in the AL Central and will take the field with the great Manny Ramirez who joined the team earlier this week from Los Angeles Dodgers.

I think Chicago could cause the upset in this one. If Gavin Floyd can hold Boston to three or fewer runs, Ramirez and company will do the rest.


Sunday September 5
Atlanta Braves v Florida Marlins

Mike Minor will be making his fifth career start in the big leagues for Atlanta. He has a record of 3-0 and an ERA of 3.91. Minor has a bright future ahead of him and can only get better with experience. He has plenty of heat in his fastball which is a huge asset at this level.
　
The Marlins start rookie Alex Sanabia who has a record of 3-2 and an ERA of 3.98. Sanabia has a little more experience than Minor and that could be a big factor in this game.
　
The Braves are clinging on to first place in the NL East .They hold a slender two game advantage over the Philadelphia Phillies.

I like Florida's chances of Florida in this important game. They are certain to swing the bat in the early going against Minor and this young guy may struggle to hold on against the free-hitting Marlins.


Monday September 6
Texas Rangers v Toronto Blue Jays

Tommy Hunter will start for the Rangers. He has a record of 12-2 and an ERA of 3.64.Hunter has been on fire this year and comes into this game full of confidence. He has a great two-seam fastball and a fantastic change-up which is difficult to hit. Hunter is pitching at a very high level and could easily dominate the Blue Jays.

The Rangers hold a ten game advantage over Oakland in the AL West. They show no signs of letting up and should win the division.

The Blue Jays are having another poor year but outfielder Jose Bautista offers some hope for next season. He leads the AL in five offensive categories and has launched 43 homers for good measure.
　
I think the over total runs market is the value bet in this game. The hard-hitting Rangers should run up the score against the disappointing Blue Jays.

Recommended Wagers:
Saturday back Chicago at odds of [2.0] or better
Sunday back Florida at odds of [1.8] or better
Monday Texas v Toronto back over total runs market