With just about five weeks remaining until the All Star Break, there has been some significant movement in the Odds To Win the 2018 World Series.
At the Orleans the Yankees headed the list at 4-1, followed by Boston at 5-1, Cleveland at 6-1, the Cubs at 7-1 and the Dodgers and Nationals, 8-1. Rock bottom were the White Sox, Orioles, Rangers, Reds, Royals, Marlins and Padres at 200-1.
My Best Bet releases were 2-0 last week and 14-6 for the season. Now for this week’s top plays.
Tuesday
Houston -1.5 over Oakland: Believe it or not, Daniel Mengden owns a better ERA (3.45) in his 13 starts than does Lance McCullers (3.94) in his 13 turns. But that’s about the only statistic Oakland has over Houston. The Astros have dominated the A’s this season, taking five of the six meetings, including the last five – all by at least two runs. Even with a better ERA, Mengden has had trouble with the Astros, losing both starts this year. McCullers won his only start vs. the A’s in 2018. Houston is 24-8 in the last 32 meetings vs. the A’s including 13-4 at Oakland, and 4-1 in McCullers’ past five matchups. ASTROS -1.5
Wednesday
Boston -1.5 over Baltimore: Despite a pedestrian 5-4 record, Chris Sale’s numbers are off the charts. The LH has fanned 120, in 89 IP. Andrew Cashner is not a power pitcher, which is needed when facing the deadly Boston offense (5.17 RPG, .264 Team BA, 95 HR’s, 49 SB’s). The RH has only 62 K’s in 72.1 IP, possessing a 2-8 record and 4.98 ERA.
The Red Sox have owned the Orioles, winning six of seven this season, and nine of the past 10, including five consecutive victories at Camden Yards. Baltimore is riding a 0-6 skid at home. BOSTON -1.5