The New York Yankees hold down first place in the AL East; however, that will be only one of the things they will have on their minds as Boston comes to town for a four-game series. New York is zero for 2009 against the Red Sox, having lost all eight games. If ever there was a time to break the slump, bettors believe it is tonight in New York, as over 90% of players at Sportsbook.com are backing the Yankees.
With the Yankees having been outscored 55-31 by the Bo Sox this season, manager Joe Girardi framed succinctly what these games mean. “You want to get that zero, that goose egg out of there,” Girardi said. “We’re going to be asked about that goose egg as long as it’s there, so you want to get that out of the way as soon as possible.”
After playing sloppy baseball the first three games in Chicago, New York won the last contest against the White Sox and swept Toronto 2-0, including taking down Yankee-killer Roy Halladay. This has to give Girardi’s club a mental boost and they are 14-2 after six or more consecutive road games this season.
Boston (62-44, +3 units) limps into the Big Apple, after losing two to Tampa Bay, falling further behind the Bronx Bombers and letting the Rays narrow the gap for the wild card to three games. The Red Sox offense has been inconsistent all season on the road, scoring 4.8 runs per game, but tending to do it bunches. This accounts for 27-27 record and they are only 18-29 playing against a team with win percentage of 54-to-62 percent in the second half of the season since last year.
Boston will be at another disadvantage, as pickup John Smoltz (2-4, 7.12 ERA) has been totally ineffective. In his last three starts, Smoltz has ERA of 9.18 and has been tagged for six home runs, not exactly recipe for success at long ball-friendly Yankee Stadium. Though the former Atlanta hurler didn’t walk a batter, he is 1-8 after allowing no free passes over the last two seasons. (Team’s Record)
The Yanks Joba Chamberlain (7-2, 3.58 ERA) by contrast has been amazingly effective. He’s come up with several big performances when New York has needed them the most. In his last three starts, he has a 0.83 ERA over 21 innings, surrendering just eight hits while posting three wins. Chamberlain and his pin-striped teammates are 14-3 in his last 17 starts in the Bronx.
The early bettors are pounding the New York money line at Sportsbook.com, so much that it is now up to -200 after opening at -170. The total, on the other hand, is relatively stable at Un10. T
The Red Sox should have confidence based on this year’s results and are 22-7 vs. AL teams scoring 5.2 or more runs a game on the season. Meanwhile, the Yankees are 20-6 off a victory and have won 27 of their last 37 encounters. Additionally, they have had their way with right-hand starters with sensational 17-4 record.
First pitch is set for 7:05 Eastern so be sure to log on to Sportsbook.com to get all of the up to date numbers. With Daily Dime Lines, the Walk-Off Wednesdays promotion and Daily Money Back Specials; it is no wonder that Sportsbook.com baseball bettors are having their most profitable season in years.
