Is there anything better than playoff baseball to wet the appetite during the week before you start blowing that bankroll on football? It’s not Tuesday night MACtion but you’ll be hard pressed to find more drama in a short amount of time. Joe Buck’s commentary won’t even be able to turn you away, so let’s get to making money.
The full MLB playoff schedule can be found here via espn.com
American League Champion Odds
Indians (Even), Astros (+260), Red Sox (+450), Yankees (+600), Twins (+2200)
National League Champion Odds
Dodgers (Even), Nationals (+350), Cubs (+400), Diamondbacks (+600), Rockies (+1200)
World Series Champion Odds
Indians (+225), Dodgers (+250), Astros (+600), Red Sox (+900), Cubs (+1000), Nationals (+1000)
Yankees (+1400), Diamondbacks (+1400), Rockies (+3000), Twins (+5000).
Wild Card Round
Tuesday October 3: Twins (+220) at Yankees (-250) Total: 7.5
Wednesday October 4: Rockies (+160) at Diamondbacks (-170) Total: 8.5
American League Wild Card Preview
This is a battle of two teams that exceeded expectations this season, so it’s fitting that they go up against each other. Luis Severino will take the mound for The Yankees against Ervin Santana in Yankee Stadium. The line here is a bit out of control if you want to bet The Yankees however I don’t have a problem advocating an open parlay piece if your shop will take such action if you must pick a side here.
My best bet for this game is actually going in another direction, and the good news for you degenerates is that it will be over one way or another quickly. Luis Severino has emerged as the true ace of New York, carrying a 3-0 record and 2.10 ERA from September. Severino also hasn’t allowed a run in the first inning in September including a game against The Twins on September 20th.
Ervin Santana also brings a 2-1 record with a 3.31 ERA from September, allowing 3 first inning runs in 6 games in September. Luis Severino gives us a huge leg up in this bet basically eliminating one half of this bet by being elite in the first inning. With nerves at a premium for a young Yankees team, i’m banking on Santana’s vast experience here and expect a lower scoring game early. I’m playing NO Score 1st inning.
National League Wild Card Preview
There’s no doubt about it, the pitching advantage in this one lays with Arizona who sends Zack Greinke to the mound at home to oppose Jon Gray. The key here is that Colorado isn’t at home, but Arizona is a hot box in of itself. The thing is Jon Gray actually pitches better at Coors Field with a 3.13 ERA at Coors and 4.06 ERA on the road.
Gray has pitched very well in Citi Field to the tune of a 2.77 ERA over 13 innings. However digging a little bit deeper, he’s allowed 14 hits and 1 walk in those outings, meaning he’s getting a bit lucky stranding runners on base. Zack Greinke has been lights out at home this season to the tune of 13-1 record and a 2.87 ERA.
Greinke has pitched a ton against Colorado this season, actually pitching over 34 innings against them with a 3.41 ERA. At home against Colorado, he’s let up 3 runs, 2 runs, and 2 runs, but the bullpen has given it away each time. If you’re inclined to back Arizona, I would do so in the first 5 innings variety, but this one is a bit of a toss up to me, so I’ll be passing.
Official Bet: Yankees / Twins No Score 1st Inning
