Tuesday night marks the second time in the 2011 MLB betting playoffs, that all four divisional matchups, are being played on the same day. However, the difference between tonight’s action and the first time all eight teams played on the same bookie software day, is that two teams may be going home tonight. Of course, if all goes according to plan, all eight teams will remain in the playoffs after tonight. Here is preview and pick for each series.
Texas Rangers At Tampa Bay Rays (Texas leads two games to one) – The Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays have had one of the most exciting price per head sports playoff series of all time. After winning the AL Wildcard in dramatic fashion last Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Rays stormed out of the gate, taking game one against Texas by a score of nine to nothing. However, the Rangers have stormed back on the bat of catcher Mike Napoli to take a two games to one lead heading into night’s game.
Napoli the former Angel and Blue Jay, has been a diamond in the rough for the Texas Rangers, as he has gone from a bench player to a vital piece of the Rangers success. In the last two games, Napoli has accumulated four RBI with two home runs. On the defensive side of the ball, his play calling behind home plate has helped settle the nerves of a youthful Rangers pitching staff. Pick: Texas appears ready for another run at the World Series, look for the offense to torch Rays rookie Jeremy Hellickson and win the series in four games.
New York Yankees At Detroit Tigers (Detroit leads two to one) – Hoping to avoid elimination, the Yankees will send inconsistent flamethrower AJ Burnett to the mound to take on one of the most exciting offenses in the second half of the 2011 fishing games season. At the same time, the Tigers will counter with 22 year old Rick Porcello who appeared as inexperienced as his age would suggest, when he pitched Saturday against New York.
On paper, the youthful Tigers appear better then the veteran Yankees in all aspects of the game, from offense to pitching. The only real question mark for Detroit is closer Jose Valverde. After converting 49 of 49 save opportunities in the regular season, Valverde has come back to life in the playoffs, as he has looked shaky in both of his outings. Pick: Detroit Tigers. The Tigers have been one of the hottest teams since the beginning of August and have taken their game to another gear.
Milwaukee Brewers At Arizona Diamondbacks (Milwaukee leads two to nothing) – Looking for the sweep on the road tonight in Arizona, the Brewers will be facing their Achilles Heel in Diamondbacks rookie pitcher Josh Collmenter. In two career appearances against the Brewers, Collmenter has pitched 14 innings of shut out ball. Can he duplicate that success in the post season? Pick: Milwaukee Brewers. The duo of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder has exploded this series, and does not look to be settling down any time soon.
Philadelphia Phillies At St. Louis Cardinals (Series tied at one) – No matter how you feel about the St. Louis Cardinals, you have to admit that the never say die attitude amongst the team and coaching staff is impressive. The Cardinals climbed all the way back after being 10.5 games out of the wildcard at the All Star Break, and then had to face the Phillies in the first round of the playoffs. Nevertheless, the Cardinals have found success against the Phillies pitching staff and could end up winning another World Series. NFL Pick: Philadelphia. Having said all of the above about St. Louis, we still feel like Philadelphia gets the job done, as they are just too good of a team to crumble in the first round of the playoffs.
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