Baseball Battle in Los Angeles – Angels vs Dodgers

Los Angeles bragging rights will be on the line in this weekend’s baseball betting odds, as the Dodgers host the Angels for a three game set. Who’ve you got in your baseball bet?

Despite the Angels dominating the AL West for a number of years, it’s the Dodgers who come into the weekend in first place in their division. And it’s because of their offense, it’s no secret that there isn’t a more balanced offense in all the National League.

Leading the way is the power of first baseman Andre Ethier and outfielder Matt Kemp. Either’s numbers are impressive, as he’s tied with Kemp for the team high in home runs (11) to go with 40 runs batted in.

Los Angeles Angels (33-30 SU, 34-29 R/L, 30-31-2 O/U) at Los Angeles Dodgers (36-24 SU, 29-31 R/L, 33-26-1 O/U)

Sunday, June 13: 4:10 p.m.

Los Angeles Angels: (Jered Weaver-R)

Los Angeles Dodgers: (Carlos Monasterios-R)

What makes things even more impressive though, is that he’s only played in 43 of the Dodgers 60 games through the weekend because of injury. Kemp too is impressive, balancing his home run power with 33 RBI, and a Dodgers high nine stolen bases.

The man that will be asked to shut down this potent offense is Jered Weaver, who many consider to be LA’s best pitcher. Weaver so far has had a good, but not great year, as he is 5-3 currently with a 3.20 ERA.

However heading into the weekend, he also ranks third in the MLB in strikeouts with 89. Weaver’s earned run average is also a bit deceptive, as it jumped close to a half a point after a six inning, six earned run, outing against Oakland earlier this week.

Opposing Weaver on the bump will be little known Carlos Monasterios. The 24-year-old Venezuelan has split time between the bullpen and the rotation this year, but has been effective from everywhere. His record stands at 3-0 with a 2.17 ERA.

As for the Angels offense he’s facing, it’s not nearly the juggernaut of years past. Obviously losing Chone Figgins in the offseason hurt, however Kendry Morales- who went down with a broken leg a few weeks ago- is the player that’s truly irreplaceable. Even having not played in two weeks, Morales is still the Angels leader in home runs and batting average. There is no true replacement.

However, even with the absence of Morales, the Angels should still be your Sunday afternoon baseball bet. Why, you ask? One reason: Jered Weaver.

The righty has been absolutely masterful through the early part of 2010, and if it weren’t for two bad starts (in which he gave up 13 of his 29 earned runs), we’d be talking about him as a Cy Young contender.

Expect Weaver to pitch deep into this ballgame, and shut down the impressive Dodgers lineup. Look for his teammates to get him just enough run support, for the Angels to sneak out a money MLB line win.

Aaron’s Pick: Angels Money Line