Yankees vs Jays Series Preview May 12 - 14
By Sportspic
The Toronto Blue Jays don’t get sportsbook fanfare south of the border – the Preakness odds probably draw more interest – but they’ve been good enough long enough that baseball betting fans have finally taken notice. At 22-12 through 34 games, they still have the American League’s best record. The big question on everyone’s mind – whether or not the success can last – will be answered this week as the Jays host the Yankees at the Rogers Center.
Tuesday, May 12, 7:07 p.m. ET: A.J. Burnett (2-0, 5.26) vs Roy Halladay (6-1, 3.29)
Oooh, baseball betting matchups don’t get much more exciting than this. Burnett, who opted out of his Toronto contract to sign with the Yankees, faces the Jays for the first time since skipping town. Ironically, he should get a passionate Bronx cheer Tuesday night, but don’t expect him to crumble. MLB odds treat him well at the Rogers Centre, where he’s 22-8 in his career. He’s only faced the Jays once but his strong history against Boston suggests he’s cool under pressure. The problem isn’t that Burnett will flop – it’s that his counterpart, Roy Halladay, will shine. Doc saves his best stuff for the Yankees; he’s 15-5 with a 2.86 ERA against them. The Jays’ ace will treat Tuesday like a playoff game and bear down to beat Burnett in a pitcher’s duel.
Baseball betting pick: Blue Jays
Wednesday, May 13, 7:07 p.m. ET: Andy Pettitte (2-1, 4.38) vs Scott Richmond (4-1, 3.29)
Game 2 will have less sportsbook hype but should be just as tight, except the bats should take center stage this time. Andy Pettitte is 12-5 at the Rogers Centre but his ERA is north of 4.00 and Vernon Wells has his number – to the tune of s sparkling .429 career average. Rookie Scott Richmond hasn’t faced a test like the Yankees’ lineup and may take his lumps, but the Jays’ bats – which still haven’t cooled off – will outslug New York’s as the Toronto wins again.
Baseball betting pick: Blue Jays
Thursday, May 14, 7:07 p.m. ET: C.C. Sabathia (2-3, 3.93 vs Brian Tallet (2-1, 4.95)
The stage is set for the Yanks to bounce back here and MLB odds followers shouldn’t expect any sportsbook surprises. Sabathia’s last start – a shutout against a solid Orioles offense – suggests his typical early-season struggles are behind him. Even if he doesn’t have his way with the Jays, he’ll get enough run support to win. Tallet has been “fine” for the Jays, but he’s only really faced one potent lineup – the White Sox, who rocked him for 10 earned runs in four innings. It’ll be a long night for Tallet and the Jays odds.
Baseball betting pick: Yankees