Minnesota Twins vs. Tampa Bay Rays MLB Betting Preview
Starting Pitchers: Minnesota (Pavano) vs. Tampa Bay (Shields)
Date/Time: April 21, 7:10 p.m. EST
MLB Gambling Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Tampa Bay (-178) Twins (+168)
Runline: Rays -1.5 (+115) Twins +1.5 (-135)
Total: 7.5
It was just a few short years ago that the Minnesota Twins were the dominant team in the AL Central. It appears those days are gone for the time being. Minnesota is coming off a 63-99 season, and they are off to another slow start. Tampa Bay has had an up and down season so far, but they are still right in the thick of the AL East race.
Minnesota has gotten just two quality starts out of their starting pitchers all season. The Twins pitching staff has an ERA of 5.54. Carl Pavano is technically the Ace of this staff, but he isn’t a true number one pitcher. In fact, that Pavano got the start on day one for the Twins is very telling of how far their pitching staff has fallen.
Josh Willingham has been the Twins best hitter so far this year. Willingham was picked up in the offseason, and he has been red hot so far in 2012. He has a .340 average and 5 home runs, both of which are team best marks. Justin Morneau got to rest last night, but he should be in the lineup for this one. The Twins need a big season from him and Joe Mauer.
Tampa Bay was expected to have one of the best pitching staffs in the majors, but they have been very disappointing so far this year. The Rays staff has a 5.35 ERA, and they have a major league worst WHIP of 1.57. James Shields is off to a pretty good start again this year, and he has been a very reliable pitcher for the Rays the past couple years.
The offense has carried this team to many of its wins this year. Carlos Pena returned to Tampa Bay this year, and he has a .333 average and 12 RBI’s to lead the team. Evan Longoria is healthy and hitting the ball well. Ben Zobrist and Desmond Jennings are two guys that the team needs to get more production from.
The Rays are 8-0 in Shields’ last 8 home starts. Tampa Bay has the edge all around in this one. After losing the series opener, look for the Rays to take of business in this one.
MLB Free Pick: Tampa Bay ML
