Bet D-Backs to dump Dodgers
Game Time: 06/26/2007 09:40 PM -
By: Al McMordie | bigal.com
After dropping last night's game 8-1 to Los Angeles, look for Arizona to bounce back strong this evening and even the series. Take the Diamondbacks to top the Dodgers in the desert tonight.
Our Tuesday MLB selection is on the Arizona Diamondbacks over the Los Angeles Dodgers, a series that is turning into quite a rivalry.
Last year when these two teams played 15 games, the series was tied at seven games apiece going into the final contest on September 24 which the Dodgers won. This year, although going into last night's game LA had taken four of five from the D-Backs, the run totals were exactly the same at sixteen runs apiece. Los Angeles has now won five of six after their 8-1 win on Monday.
Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley, a starter for most of last season, had been used exclusively as a reliever in 2007, but the recent season-ending injury to Jason Schmidt has necessitated a return to the rotation for the 22-year-old. The Diamondbacks will counter with their own version of a young right-hander who has pitched primarily as a reliever this season in 24-year-old Edgar Gonzalez. Gonzalez has punched his ticket back to the rotation in much the same way that Billingsley has -- as a fill-in for a veteran starter. In this case, it's Randy Johnson, who, unlike Schmidt, could be back in the rotation before the All-Star break, thereby making Gonzalez's stint as a starter potentially a short one.
But Gonzalez is a talented pitcher who has been a starter throughout his professional career, so there is little doubt that he will eventually secure a starting spot in the majors. He has every reason to make the most of opportunities like the one facing him this evening. Take Arizona.
Free Pick: Diamondbacks -102
Game Time: 06/26/2007 09:40 PM -
By: Al McMordie | bigal.com
After dropping last night's game 8-1 to Los Angeles, look for Arizona to bounce back strong this evening and even the series. Take the Diamondbacks to top the Dodgers in the desert tonight.
Our Tuesday MLB selection is on the Arizona Diamondbacks over the Los Angeles Dodgers, a series that is turning into quite a rivalry.
Last year when these two teams played 15 games, the series was tied at seven games apiece going into the final contest on September 24 which the Dodgers won. This year, although going into last night's game LA had taken four of five from the D-Backs, the run totals were exactly the same at sixteen runs apiece. Los Angeles has now won five of six after their 8-1 win on Monday.
Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley, a starter for most of last season, had been used exclusively as a reliever in 2007, but the recent season-ending injury to Jason Schmidt has necessitated a return to the rotation for the 22-year-old. The Diamondbacks will counter with their own version of a young right-hander who has pitched primarily as a reliever this season in 24-year-old Edgar Gonzalez. Gonzalez has punched his ticket back to the rotation in much the same way that Billingsley has -- as a fill-in for a veteran starter. In this case, it's Randy Johnson, who, unlike Schmidt, could be back in the rotation before the All-Star break, thereby making Gonzalez's stint as a starter potentially a short one.
But Gonzalez is a talented pitcher who has been a starter throughout his professional career, so there is little doubt that he will eventually secure a starting spot in the majors. He has every reason to make the most of opportunities like the one facing him this evening. Take Arizona.
Free Pick: Diamondbacks -102