MLB Weekend Tips: Playoff pressure builds

MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 27 August 2010 / Leave a Comment

Matt Garza in action

"I think Chicago could be in for a very long night against New York. The Yankees could smash the weakened White Sox bullpen all over the park in the latter stages of the game."

There are some very important games with playoff implications taking place this weekend. Nick Shiambouros previews three games that will be shown live on ESPN America.

Saturday August 28

New York Yankees v Chicago White Sox
The great CC Sabathia will be looking for his fifth win an a row for New York. He has a record of 17-5 and an incredible ERA of just 3.02. Sabathia is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. He has a sizzling fastball combined with excellent control. If he brings his best stuff he will make short work of Chicago.

The White Sox start John Danks who has a record of 12-8 and a superb ERA of 3.31.Danks threw 112 pitches in six innings against Kansas on Sunday. He is having a great season and is one of the reasons Chicago is still in with chance of making the playoffs.
　
This is a crucial game for both teams. The Yankees are tied with Tampa at the top of the AL East while the White Sox are only 3.5 games behind Minnesota in the AL Central.

As I mentioned in my article earlier this week the Chicago bullpen is missing set-up man Matt Thornton and reliever JJ Putz.

I think Chicago could be in for a very long night. The Yankees could smash the weakened White Sox bullpen all over the park in the latter stages of the game.


Los Angeles Dodgers v Colorado Rockies

Chad Billingsley has the pitching assignment for Los Angeles. He has a record of 10-7 and an ERA of 3.70. Billingsley likes to throw the ball down in the zone which leads to a high percentage of groundouts. He has plenty of stamina stemming from his high school days when he threw 180 pitches in one game.

The Rockies start Jhoulys Chacin who has a record of 6-9 and an ERA of 3.96. He has been pitching a lot better than his losing record suggests. This rookie dominated Arizona last Sunday, allowing just three hits.

I really like the chances of Colorado in this divisional clash. They are on a four game winning streak and still have a chance of making the playoffs. I have been impressed with Chacin who has a bright future ahead of him.


Sunday August 29

Boston Red Sox v Tampa Bay Rays
John Lackey is on the hill for Boston with a record of 12-7 and an ERA of 4.51. Lackey is one of the elite pitchers in the game. He is a tremendous strikeout pitcher and has excellent control. He will be very tough to handle.
　
The Rays start Matt Garza who has a record of 13-7 and an ERA of 3.62. This young man took his place in history earlier this year when throwing a no hitter against Detroit. Garza has a great variety of pitches including an excellent offspeed pitch that works very well.
　
This is a huge divisional game for both teams. The Rays are leading the AL East and hold a 5.5 game lead over Boston.
　
This is a very difficult game to predict. I think the safest option by far is to back the under total runs market. Both starting pitchers are in great form and as low scoring affair is on the cards.
　
Recommended Wagers:
Saturday back New York Yankees at odds of [1.7] or higher. Back over total runs market
Saturday back Colorado at [1.9] or higher
Sunday Boston v Tampa Bay back under total runs market