MLB / Nick Shiambouros / 15 October 2009 / Leave a comment

Our baseball betting expert brings you suggested bets for Phillies v Dodgers and Angels v Yankees

"As expected the Yankees start the sensational CC Sabathia in Game One. This big man appears to have iced water in his veins with his cool and calculating accuracy. If anyone is worth a contract of $160m then it has to be CC."

The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Colorado Rockies 5-4 on Monday to send them in to the National League Championship Series. The Rockies were leading 4-2 in the eighth inning but the Phillies staged a remarkable rally in the ninth scoring three runs. In another astonishing game Colorado traded at the bottom price of [1.01] on Betfair before they collapsed in the final inning. I am afraid Colorado closer Huston Street must bear most of the responsibility for the loss. He pitched very poorly in the ninth and his team paid the price.
　
The Phillies play the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL Championship in a best of seven format starting in LA on Thursday. This is a rematch of last year's NLCS which saw Philadelphia win in five games on their way to the World Series.
　
Cole Hamels is on the hill for the Phillies tonight but as previously reported I do not think he is the dominant pitcher of last year. In addition Hamels left the team last week to attend the birth of his child. I do not think his personal situation will affect his mind on the mound, but he will need his best stuff to take down LA.

The Dodgers start Clayton Kershaw who pitched very well against the Cardinals last week. Kershaw is only 21 but he has a superb fastball which he will need against this hard hitting Philadelphia offense.

I think the Dodgers could have the edge in Game One in what promises to be a great series. There is no question that LA need to get off to a good start if they are to beat the Phillies but my money will be with LA tonight in this all important first game.
　
On Friday night the New York Yankees play host to the Los Angeles Angels in the AL Championship Series. New York are heavily favoured to win the AL at [1.52] but I am expecting a very close series.

As expected the Yankees start the sensational CC Sabathia in Game One. This big man appears to have iced water in his veins with his cool and calculating accuracy. If anyone is worth a contract of $160m then it has to be CC.

John Lackey will start for the Angels and he will be formidable. Lackey was in sparkling form against the Red Sox in the AL Division series. This talented pitcher will not be intimidated by the occasion and has a wealth of experience.

I just favour New York in this opening game but I am not rushing out to take the [1.58] on offer. With so much power in the Yankee rotation I think the over 8.5 runs at [1.94] is the way to go.

Recommended wagers
Thursday: Back Los Angeles @ [1.76]
Friday: Back the over 8.5 runs New York v Los Angeles @ [1.94]

Tags: AL Championship Series, CC Sabathia, Clayton Kershaw, Cole Hamels, John Lackey, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, National League Championship Series, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies