Monday AL Picks: June 3, 2013
With only three games at AL ballparks today, there may be less action on the diamond to bet on, but it also means that bettors can focus their attention and wagers on some select American League battles, which happen to be dandies as well. Here are the teams we like on the lines today in the AL!
Cleveland Indians +1.5 at New York Yankees -1.5
The banged-up New York Yankees will get one of their key members back on Monday as they look to keep things rolling in the right direction against the Cleveland Indians.
Coming off the DL, Andy Pettitte will hope to pick up where he left off, while the Indians – who have also surprised so far this season – aim to continue their winning ways in The Bronx.
Justin Masterson, who gets the ball against Pettitte, has been outstanding for the Indians so far this year with an 8-3 record and a 3.07 ERA. He’s struggled a bit against left-handed hitters – which the Yankees have plenty of – but as long as he keeps locating the way he has recently, it should be another smooth outing for the righty.
Take the Indians to win this one, covering +1.5 behind Masterson.
Houston Astros +1.5 at Los Angeles Angels -1.5
As disappointing as the Los Angeles Angels have been this season, it’s hard to top the ineptitude of the Houston Astros, who have the worst record in the league. However, amazingly, the Angels have topped them by losing the first three games of their current four-game set with the Stros at home!
The Angels will try to avoid the sweep today, but things aren’t looking very promising with Joe Blanton – who is 1-8 on the season – toeing the rubber against a team that has already defeated him once this year.
I suppose it doesn’t matter how bad of a team you are when you run into a team that is struggling like the Angels are right now. I’m not sure if the Angels can beat anyone with the way they are currently playing, so look for the Astros to keep their nice streak going and earn another win, covering +1.5.
Chicago White Sox +1.5 at Seattle Mariners -1.5
As losers of seven straight road games, the Chicago White Sox are in desperate need of something to cheer about and they may very well find it today against the similarly struggling Seattle Mariners.
The Sox have dominated the Mariners recently – as many MLB teams have – winning 26 of the last 31 meetings over the past three years. And even better news for the Sox is that starter John Danks has his own incredible personal level of success against the Ms, as he’s gone 7-0 with a 1.31 ERA in his last eight starts against Seattle.
Even though Chicago isn’t playing particularly well at the moment, I wouldn’t go against those trends. Take Chicago to earn the win and cover +1.5 against Seattle.
