MLB ALDS Betting Lines & Predictions
* The post below is our article on the 2010 MLB ALDS series’. When we get to the 2011 ALDS we will update this post with the latest money lines, run lines, and over/under odds from the top online sportsbooks.
This year the American League was very competitive and the strongest division in baseball went right down to the wire. The Tampa Bay Rays ended up edging out the New York Yankees in the American League East and will be playing against the Texas Rangers in the 1st round. The Minnesota Twins will be playing against the Yankees in the other ALDS series, which could be a really interesting matchup.
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Tampa Bay Rays –155 vs. Texas Rangers +125
The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Yankees by 1 game in the AL East this season and will take on the Texas Rangers, winners of the AL West. The Rays had a 96-66 record this season while the Rangers boasted a 90-72 record. Both teams are even on paper and this series should be really interesting although I think the Rays will edge out the Rangers in 4-5 games. Texas played slightly below .500 baseball on the road this season and the Rays have home field advantage in this series.
Cliff Lee will start the series for the Rangers while the Rays will send David Price to the mound. Price had a better season then Lee, but Price has also struggled against the Rangers in his 2 starts against them. I’d say the Rays have the better pitching and their bullpen is coming into this series on fire. The Rangers have plenty of hitting power including Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz and Jorge Cantu although the Rays aren’t without power either. The Rays have plenty of young talent including Carl Crawford, Evan Longoria, Carlos Pena and B.J. Upton.
One advantage for the Rays going into this series is the MLB-leading 172 stolen bases. Texas had trouble throwing out base stealers all season long, and if the Rays can move runners into scoring position it’ll surely give them a huge advantage in this series. Small ball could be the difference.
I don’t think Texas has quite enough to beat the Rays, so I’m going with the Rays at -155.
Bet on this Series at Bodog.com
New York Yankees –180 vs. Minnesota Twins +150
I would say that the Yankees are an easy bet to win this series, but there isn’t much value at –180. The Yankees have the advantage on the mound and on the field against the Twins. New York will be sending Sabathia to the mound in the 1st game and will follow up with Phil Hughes, Andy Pettitte and A.J. Burnett. The Twins will be sending Liriano, Pavano, Duensing and Blackburn to the mound in this series.
Minnesota doesn’t possess much home run power and they’ll be relying on Young, Thome and Kubel to drive in runs. The Twins will rely on small ball in this series and pitching will play an important role. If the Twins can make it late into games with a small lead they may be able to close it out with Capps who they picked up at the trade deadline. I still think the Yankees win this series, but it won’t be 3-0 like last year, as I figure it’ll take 4 games for New York this year.
Looking forward a bit, I’m taking the Yankees to meet up with the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2010 ALCS. Check out our homepage for the latest MLB betting lines.
At -180 for the Yankees, I’m not placing any bets on this series. This is baseball, and anything can happen. At -180 I don’t see the value. If you disagree, or want to bet on the Twins, you can do that at Bodog.com.
