Baseball Picks – Angels vs Red Sox

Both the Boston Red Sox and the Anaheim Angels have been postseason regulars for the better part of the last decade. But for that trend to continue, they’ll both need to turn things around, starting in Monday’s nights baseball betting odds.

Los Angeles Angels (12-14 SU, 10-16 R/L, 11-14-1 O/U) at Boston Red Sox (11-14 SU, 5-20 R/L, 12-11-2 O/U)

Monday, May 3: 7:10 p.m.ESPN

Betting Odds:
Los Angeles: +1 ½, -135, +150
(Joe Saunders-L)
Boston: -1 ½, + 115, -170
(Clay Buchholz-R)

Total Runs:

Over 10: -110
Under 10: -110

After years at the top of their respective divisions, both find themselves below .500, entering the second month of the season.

Starting on the mound for Boston on Monday, has been arguably their top pitcher in 2010, youngster Clay Buchholz. Buchholz is of course famous for throwing a no-hitter in his second career start back in 2007, but it has taken him all the way until now to emerge as a consistent Major League pitcher. On the young season, Buchholz’s record stands at just 2-2, but his 2.19 ERA is the best for any starter on this staff. In his last two starts, he’s allowed just four earned runs in over 14 innings of work, and both have played “under,” in the run totals.

Opposing Buchholz will be the Angels lefty, Joe Saunders. Saunders has been very good the last two years, winning 33 combined games. However 2010 has been nothing short of a disaster, as the 28-year-old is 1-4 with a 5.74 ERA. Saunders has pitched past the sixth inning just once this season, and three of his last four starts have played over.

Regardless of which team wins in Monday night’s betting odds, each will need to better going forward offensively. The Red Sox- once known for a powerful lineup- are embarrassingly meager on offense. Don’t let their 4.56 runs per game fool you, as a general rule, they have trouble putting runs on the board. In four of their last five games they’ve scored four runs are less, and are coming off a sweep to the worst team in baseball, the Baltimore Orioles. Ouch!

As for Anaheim, while their offense is better, and slightly more balanced, they too are struggling, as their 3.92 runs per game ranks them 25th out of 30 Major League teams. Kendry Morales leads this squad with six home runs, but hasn’t hit one in the Angels last six games.

So with two struggling offenses, who should be your Monday night baseball bet? Make it the Red Sox.

As much as Boston has struggled, it’s important to note that Buchholz has emerged as their best starter so far in 2010. He finally seems to be fully harnessing the talent that made him one of baseball’s top prospects over the last few years, and seems finally read to emerge as the ace many have projected him to be.

Behind the big right arm of Buchholz, and just enough offense, make the Red Sox your play in Monday’s baseball betting odds.

Aaron’s Pick: Boston -1 ½, + 115