Hollywood Sports
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
NL All Stars at AL All Stars
Prediction: Under
FOR THE LARGEST SELECTION OF FREE SERVICE PLAYS VISIT THESPREAD.COM
Whether it is one of the ramifications of the (supposed) post-steroid era or just the result of years of catch-up major league franchises have had to do in drafting more pitchers to compensate for expansion, the pitchers are getting the upper-hand over the hitters this season. National League batters are hitting .257 this season -- as compared to the collective .259 batting average in the NL last season. The OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) differences are more significant as the NL OPS this season is down to .729 from its .739 mark in '09. The AL changes are even more telling. While the AL produced a .267 batting average last season, AL hitters are batting only .262 this year. The OPS differences are even starker as the AL's .741 mark is much lower than last season's .764 OPS. Both sides will have the services of some dominating starting pitchers: Josh Johnson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Tim Lincecum and Adam Wainwright highlight the NL's staff; David Price, C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Jon Lester and Jered Weaver (who is dominant at home in Angels Stadium) look good for the AL. Finally, Angels Stadium is a pitcher's park with its spacious outfield that is 330 feet away at each pole while 365/370 in right center and 387 in left center. Homeruns in many parks are long flyball outs in Anaheim. The Under is the smart play here.
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Posted : July 13, 2010 8:10 am