Saturday’s MLB Picks
Our team of writers and handicappers hand out their MLB picks and predictions for Saturday, April 25.
Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians, 7:05PM ET
Carl Pavano has yet to record a victory as a member of the Cleveland Indians, but he appears to be getting closer.
Still hoping to revive his career, Pavano looks to help the Indians avoid a second straight loss to the visiting Minnesota Twins on Saturday night.
Pavano (0-2, 9.69 ERA) has gradually improved in three starts for Cleveland (6-11). He made a huge stride in his last outing against the New York Yankees, the team that declined the option on his $39.95 million contract after four miserable years.
After giving up 13 runs over seven innings in his first two starts, he allowed a run and four hits in six innings during his first start in New York since the Yankees let him go. Pavano, though, didn’t factor in the decision after the Indians’ bullpen couldn’t hold a two-run lead in the 7-3 loss Sunday.
MLB Free Pick: Minnesota – View Game Matchup | Best Line: +120 SBG Global
Philadelphia Phillies at Florida Marlins, 7:10PM ET
A sweep in their most recent series took a little luster off the Florida Marlins’ fast start, but it’s safe to say the ninth inning of their opener against the Philadelphia Phillies ranks as the team’s most disappointing moment thus far.
A seven-run Phillies’ ninth ruined the Marlins’ shutout attempt and cost them the game, and Florida will try to avoid a fifth straight loss Saturday as the teams continue their three-game set at Dolphin Stadium.
The Marlins (11-5) were the talk of baseball after rolling to 11 wins in 12 games – all against the NL East – but stumbled in their first series outside the division, getting swept in Pittsburgh.
Florida appeared to be on its way to getting back on track when the Phillies (7-8) came to town Friday, as it looked like Dan Uggla’s first inning three-run homer would hold up. But seven three-hit innings from Josh Johnson were wasted by closer Matt Lindstrom, who allowed seven runs – including two homers – in the ninth to seal a 7-3 loss.
MLB Free Pick: Florida – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -135 SBG Global
New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox, 4:10PM ET
Games over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 17-19 (-1.1 Units) against NY YANKEES over the last 3 seasons
20 of 35 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+4.5 Units)
Games this season
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
All games at BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
NY YANKEES is 9-9 (+1.2 Units) against BOSTON over the last 3 seasons
12 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+5.9 Units)
MLB Free Pick: Boston – View Game Matchup | Best Line: -135 SBG Global
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Posted: 4/25/09 1:15 AM ET
