MLB Betting: New York Yankees @ Detroit Tigers
C.C. Sabathia (4-1) v. Justin Verlander (3-2)
Sabathia vs. Tigers Hitting
Sabathia hasn't been his particular dominant self this year, but an above average Sabathia is still better than most pitchers in the league. Sabathia has gone 4-1this season with a 3.08 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. He has thrown a few gems, but also a couple of stinker to go along with them. Sabathia's last start was a wash-out…literally. He went 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs, including two homers. Then the rain came down hard in Boston, stalling the game and ending Sabathia's night.
Since he spent most of his career in the AL Central, Sabathia has a long history with the Tigers. He's started 28 games against Detroit, boasting a 14-10 record and a 4.50 ERA. Sabathia's biggest rival on the Tigers has been Magglio Ordonez. Ordonez is hitting .262 against the hefty lefty (16-for-61) with three home runs and 17 RBI's. Not fantastic, but Ordonez can hit off of C.C. if he has too. Those who bet on MLB know Miguel Cabrera has been the Tigers top hitter this season; he has a .377 average, seven home runs and 33 RBI's.
Verlander vs. Yankees Hitting
Justin Verlander started the season off slow, but has really picked it up as of late. Verlander was winless in his first three starts, allowing 13 runs in just 17 innings pitched. Since then, the righty has won three of four and has allowed over three runs in a game just once. His best start came on May 2nd against the LA Angels. Verlander pitched 8 1/3 innings, allowing just a single run while striking out seven and walking none. He followed that with a nine-strikeout performance against Cleveland. His current record sits at 3-2 with a 4.50 ERA.
Against New York, Verlander has been…what's the proper word for "meh"? He's made six starts against the Bronx Bombers, going 3-2 with a 4.36 ERA. Derek Jeter has the best numbers against Verlander, hitting .400 (6-for-15), but not hitting any homers or driving in any runs. Nick Swisher is the only hitter with any extended experience against the righty, and he has been soundly shut down. Swish leads the Yankees with 24 RBI's so far this season, but for betting sakes, he is hitting a paltry .184 (7-for-38) against the Detroit ace.
Bullpen Comparison
These teams showcase two of the most dominant closers in the AL this season. Mariano Rivera continues to defy father time, and is experiencing one of his most impressive starts to a season. He's pitched nine innings this season, has seven saves and has yet to give up a single run. On the Tigers side, Jose Valverde is having a fantastic start to the season. He's only given up a single run in over 14 innings of work and has recorded nine saves. Joel "Guitar-Hero-Injury" Zumaya is also having a fine start to the season; he has 24 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.
Outlook
The recent re-emergence of Mark Teixeira is bad news for the rest of the American League. Held quiet for the first month of the year, Tex has been on a tear in May and looks very much like the dominant offensive force he was most of last season. The Yankees are tops in AL-East for a reason; the Tigers are no slouches, but those who bet sports agree they're not going to be able to beat the Yankees ace in this one.
Pick: New York Yankees
