MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 25 September 2009 / Leave a comment

The Yankees are already through but, in front of their home fans this weekend, they will be keen to beat their AL East rivals. Meanwhile, the value could be in the AL Central on Monday...

"I like the chances of Minnesota against Detroit and they are my best bet of the weekend."

The New York Yankees were the first team to make it to the post-season by defeating the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. It was just another day at the office for New York and nobody was in the mood for celebrating. This was hardly a surprise as this team fully expects to win the World Series and this was just the first step.

The Yankees can clinch the AL East with five more victories but face the Boston Red Sox in a three game series at Yankee Stadium this weekend. These two bitter rivals face off one last time before the play-offs in a fascinating series.

On Sunday the experienced Andy Pettite starts for New York and has a record of 13-7 and an ERA of 4.15. Pettite has been suffering with a shoulder problem so he is not certain to last the distance. At this late stage of the season the Yankees will not take any chances with him and it may pay to oppose them in this one.

Paul Byrd is on the hill for the Red Sox and is 1-2 for the year. This right handed pitcher has a wealth of experience and his current ERA of 6.04 does not reflect his ability. New York will be heavily favoured on Sunday but I think the Red Sox can cause the mild upset.
　
On Monday night the resurgent Minnesota Twins visit the Detroit Tigers in a must win game for both teams. The Twins have been on fire this month and are only two and a half games behind the Tigers in the AL Central. Detroit have led the division all year but face a strong challenge from a determined Minnesota team.

Nick Blackburn will have the responsibility of pitching for the Twins and has record of 11-11 for the year. Blackburn has a good variety of pitches and I think he will give the Tigers plenty to think about. All the pressure will be on Detroit in this game and if Blackburn can settle down in the first couple of innings he will be very tough.

The Tigers like to swing the bat at every opportunity and will try to knock out Blackburn in the early innings. They have some real power hitters like Carlos Gruillen and lead-off man Ryan Rayburn.There is no question that the Tigers can score a lot of runs but they lack and can swing at almost any pitch if they fall behind in the count.

I like the chances of Minnesota in this game and they are my best bet of the weekend. The race for the AL Central could go all the way down to the last game of the season. This is one game certainly worth staying up for.
Both games are scheduled to be shown live on ESPN America which is now on Sky (430).
　

Recommended wagers:

Sunday 6pm back Boston
Monday 12.00am back Minnesota

Tags: Baseball betting, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, MLB Betting, New York Yankees, US Sports betting