Baseball Series Betting- Kansas City at Minnesota

With the exception of Cleveland, the American League Central standings are tighter than a pair of Mariah Carey jeans. Two of the teams in the division will be going toe-to-toe for three games when first place Kansas City tries to hold on to slim lead over .500 Minnesota. The Royals roll into the Twins Cities taking three of four against Toronto and are feeling pretty good to start May with 12-10 record, since they have been without their closer Joakim Soria. The right-handed fire-baller has not pitched since April 22 at Cleveland because of stiffness in the back of his right shoulder. Manager Trey Hillman said, “I’d say we'll have him back for the Minnesota series, that’s what I’m hopeful of." Kansas City has a few missing pieces due to injury, however they have survived on pitching, allowing the fewest runs in the American League at 3.7 per game.

Minnesota doesn’t feel too bad to be in their position, without one its big bats in the lineup. Catcher and reigning AL batting champion Joe Mauer is scheduled to make his 2009 debut. Mauer started the season on the disabled list and is key component to the Twins offense. Minnesota is 23rd in runs scored at 4.2 per game and manager Ron Gardenhire understands Mauer’s value. “When he’s not in the lineup and not in the field handling the running game and everything, you miss those things,” Gardenhire said. “He’s an All-Star, and, you know, probably the best hitter in the league. So, yeah, you miss that a lot.”

In the first game, Bookmaker.com has Minnesota with a decided edge, making them -170 money line favorites with a total of Ov9. The reason is Kevin Slowey (3-0, 4.44 ERA) of the Twins is facing Sidney Ponson (0-3, 5.79 ERA). Slowey started slowly, but has only given up three runs in last two starts over 15 innings. The righthander does not throw heat, nonetheless has excellent arm motion, making his pitches difficult to detect. The Twins off a day of rest are 16-4 in next outing.

Ponson was brought into Kansas City to hopefully be fifth starter and innings-eater. He’s only had one real bad game among his four starts and pitched six innings or more in three of his outings. Though seldom associated with winning, Ponson and former teams are 32-18 in May during his career. Against the Twins, Ponson is 11-3, his most wins against any club, with a 2.69 ERA. But he's just 5-7 at the Metrodome, including a 1-4 mark the one year he pitched for the Twins.

Slowey is 3-0 with a 2.16 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) vs. Kansas City and Minnesota is 26-11 at home when playing against a team with a winning record.

Game 1 Edge: Minnesota

The second game has a compelling pitching matchup. The Royals Brian Bannister had a horrible 2008 (9-16) campaign and spring training proved to be more of the same and was sent to Triple-A Omaha. Since being recalled, Bannister has been lights out with 2-0 record with miniscule 0.69 ERA. Bannister’s stuff is a little above average, but as he proved in 2007, he’s capable of having winning record. He will be opposed by Glen Perkins (1-2, 2.48). The Twins lefty lacks overpowering pitches, but to date has solved the long ball conundrum, allowing no home runs in four starts after surrendering 25 a season ago. Perkins has pitched eight innings (all at home) three times already this season keeping hitters off-balance. Kansas City is 12-4 in Game 2’s, but have lost last five Saturday starts by Bannister. The Twinkies have won last four of Perkins starts against winning teams and are 9-1 if he pitches the middle game of the series.

Game 2 Edge: Minnesota

Coming into the series, the Royals were 8-1 against teams with winning home records and they are keeping fingers crossed Gil Meche (1-2, 3.77) can make scheduled start. The K.C. ace lasted just 3 2/3 against Toronto, suffering from lower back stiffness, which caused his pitches to be up and was riddled for five runs on seven hits. Meche has said his back has been bothering him since March and it was significantly worse in last outing. Scott Baker (0-2, 9.82) has had a miserable start to the season, giving up seven home runs over 8 2/3 innings in his first two starts of the year. Against Tampa Bay, he kept the ball in the yard and struck out season high of seven, but still suffered the loss. Watch for how K.C. does in Saturday’s contest, with Minny 10-21 if opponent scored five or more runs in previous game.

Game 3 Edge: Kansas City

Contacted Hurricane Bill of Playbook.com to get his feelings on the series. “This should be a low scoring-series with both teams averaging just around 4 runs per game. Nice advantage for the Twins not having to face Greinke (pitched Wednesday) and possibly not having to face Meche (Sunday start is in question due to sore back). Also, All-Star closer Joakim Soria (sore right shouder) still may not be 100% (one appearance since 4/13) and that could come into play in a low-scoring series. Huge pitching mismatch for the hosts in Game 1 of this three-game set as the underrated Kevin Slowey hooks up with the pathetic Sidney Ponson.”

Would have to agree with Hurricane Bill, and see Twins taking opener and like the fact Perkins pitches so well in the Metrodome. Take Minnesota in series wager for upcoming weekend.

Bookmaker.com series odds: Kansas City +140, Minnesota -180

3DW Pick: Minnesota

2009 Record – 1-2