MLB Series Wagering- Red Sox at Angels

Under normal circumstances the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim would be really fired up, having been eliminated from the playoffs three times by this weekend’s opponent in the last five years, including the last two. However, the tragic event that occurred Thursday morning changes everything.

Nick Adenhart was the Angels best minor league pitching prospect and due to injuries to other starting pitchers, was forced into action to start 2009 season. Adenhart gave a very good opening performance against Oakland, with six shutout innings and at 22-years old, the world was all ahead of him. A senseless tragedy took the life of Adenhart and how the Angels will react is anyone’s guess.

The Angels will turn to Jered Weaver to stem the tide of consecutive losses suffered against Oakland. This is an important season for the 26-year right-hander. Believed at one time to have No.1 starter ability, the last two years have not shown such progression and his stuff is now considered just above average. This spring after shoulder stiffness, his velocity returned according to scouts, throwing in frequently in the mid-90’s. When he’s on, he throws sinking off-speed pitches. At 6’7, his mechanics are prone to be unreliable and can walk two batters at the drop of a hat. Manager Mike Scioscia needs a stellar effort, as the early returns of bullpen have been disastrous, with 9.72 ERA.

Boston will understand the somber tone of the opener at the Big A, and starts Tim Wakefield, now in his 15th year. The knuckle-baller will try to end the Red Sox own two-game losing streak as Boston plays first road game. Wakefield is second in the major leagues in continuous service with one team (Mariano Rivera first) and lifetime is 9-12 against the Halos.

Betjamaica.com has the Angels -108 money line favorites with the total at nine. Weaver and L.A. won five of his last six home starts in 2008; however he has not been a great opening starter with team just 4-9 in Game One’s. Including the season opener, Boston is 14-3 in series openers, but just 3-9 in Wakefield’s road starts. Going to lean with Los Angeles, having 18-4 record after two or more consecutive losses. Watch the total as well, with Weaver and L.A. 21-8 UNDER after a loss over the last two-plus seasons.

Game 1 Edge: Angels

Saturday’s contest will be afternoon affair, with Brad Penny making his Boston debut. Penny hopes to find the form that made him an All-Star in 2006-07 and not the injury-plagued year that left him at 6-9, with an ERA over six. Penny would appreciate if Kevin Youkilis brought his hot bat to La-La Land, with eight base-knocks in first dozen at bats. Because of turmoil with starting staff, Shane Loux will start in Game 2. Loux was one-time prospect in Detroit organization, who throws strikes and depend on ground-ball outs. After being out of baseball in 2007, the 29-year old was the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Year with Salt Lake last season. The BoSox will be the favorite and best choice, even though the Angels have won seven of last eight as underdog.

Game 2 Edge: Boston

The series finale should be a fine pitching matchup with Josh Beckett (1-0, 1.29 ERA) facing Joe Saunders (1-0, 0.00). Beckett was in top form on Opening Day, chucking seven strong innings, with 10 strike-outs and one run and two hits allowed. Last season, Beckett was very solid on the road with 7-5 and 2.85 ERA, though he is being watched closely after velocity dip late in the season. If Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is known as Mr. October, than Saunders is emerging as Mr. April, based on his early season efforts the last few years. He limited Oakland to just three hits this past Monday, raising his record to 8-0 in April starts. He’s kept the Boston batting order in check with 4-0 record in six starts, with 2.89 ERA. The Halos are 25-8 against the money line when the lefty starts since the beginning of last season.

Game 3 Edge: Angels

A lot of this series depends on the mental state of the Angels. Skipper Scioscia not only has to be manager, but father figure as well, since each player will react differently about what happened. Because of the unknown, have to stick strictly with facts. Seeing the Angels do have revenge motive and have won nine of last 10 regular season meetings, and five of last six at Angel Stadium, have to play the underdog for this series wager.

Series odds: Boston -145, L.A. Angels +115

3Daily Winners Pick: L.A. Angels