World Cup betting has captivated much of the world's attention, but there is still an interesting betting angle being played out with the Atlanta Braves. When the season started the Braves starting rotation was too young, their bullpen was too inconsistent and their power at the plate was suspect at best. Because of all of that the Braves were given +2000 odds of winning the World Series in 2010.
After the season started, the MLB betting suddenly had to re-adjust itself as the Philadelphia Phillies are not proving to be the power of the NL East. The Atlanta Braves are in first place in the NL East followed closely by the re-surging New York Mets. The Braves are 19-7 at home this season, and their climb to the top of the NL East has pushed their World Series odds up to +900.
The Tampa Bay Rays are a different story in the AL East. When the season started the Rays battled with the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the division. Expectedly the Blue Jays fell away, leaving the Rays alone atop the AL East. Recently the Yankees have started to turn on the heat and have taken over first place from the Rays. But the Rays still have the talent to take their division lead back.
The World Cup contest has provided plenty of excitement so far, and this game between the Rays and the Braves sets up to be just as exciting. What makes this particular game interesting is the pitching matchup that it will feature.
James Shields started the season at 5-1, and he looked to be on his way to a Cy Young season for the Tampa Bay Rays. He has amazing control and is smart enough to get himself to the late innings of a game and spare the Rays' bullpen. But Shields has lost his last four decisions, and he needs to re-establish himself in this game as the ace of the Rays rotation.
The Braves send their veteran ace Tim Hudson to the mound for this game. Hudson has posted a 6-2 record this season with a 2.43 ERA. He is far and away the best pitcher on the Braves rotation and he has not allowed more than three earned runs in any start this season.
The Rays are getting their groove back at the plate, and they will pose quite a challenge for Hudson and the Braves defense. In the last seven days the Rays have hit 10 home runs and have put up 36 RBIs. The Braves have had a power outage lately only hitting five home runs in the last seven days and bringing across 25 RBIs. The only way the Braves win this game is if Hudson can keep the Rays bats quiet, and that will prove to be no easy task.
Pick: Tampa Bay Rays 4-2
