Mets vs Marlins – MLB Betting Odds from Florida

There are few divisions in baseball right now tighter than the NL East. Two teams trying to catch up to first place Philadelphia will do battle in Friday night’s baseball betting odds, when the New York Mets visit the Florida Marlins.

New York Mets (18-17 SU, 24-11 R/L, 17-16-2 O/U) at Florida Marlins (17-18 SU, 15-20 R/L, 18-17 O/U)

Friday, May 14: 7:10 p.m.

Betting Odds:

New York: +1 ½, -165, +120
(Oliver Perez-L)

Florida: -1 ½, +145, -140
(Anibal Sanchez-R)

Total Runs:

Over 9: -120
Under 9: Even

Coming into this game, neither team is playing particularly well, although the Marlins were able to eek out a 2-1 victory in Thursday night’s opener against New York. Let’s start with the Mets.

They’ll send lefthander Oliver Perez to the mound, a pitcher who Mets fans aren’t quite sure what to make of. Perez is an absolute wild card, some nights he’s awesome, other times he’s painfully bad. His last start was one of those bad one’s, as he managed to last just 3.1 innings, allowing three runs, on two hits and seven walks. And that will always be Perez’s biggest problem, his control. On the season, he’s walked 25 men in 30 innings pitched.

Perez will be opposed on the mound in Friday night’s betting odds by Anibal Sanchez, a righty who has come on strong of late. Sanchez’s record currently sits at 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA, although those numbers are a bit misleading. The truth is, that Sanchez had two really tough starts to open the season (nine earned runs total), but hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in an outing since. He is one of Florida’s hottest starters.

Offensively, the Mets seemingly have the advantage, with a veteran and experienced lineup. Despite there being several big names like David Wright and Jose Reyes, it is actually the little guys who are stepping up big. Catcher Rod Barajas actually leads this team with nine home runs, and first baseman Ike Davis has emerged, with three home runs in his young career. With Wright (seven home runs) starting to heat up, this is a truly potent lineup.

The same can’t really be said for Florida, who comes into this game with just one clear superstar on offense, and a lot of uncertainty around him. That superstar is Hanley Ramirez, who is batting .284 with seven home runs and 18 RBI. Jorge Cantu has added 29 RBI as well.

So as you look over the Friday night baseball betting odds, who should be your pick? The wise money would be on the Marlins.

It’s not that Florida is the better team, the records will tell you that. But with Oliver Perez on the mound for New York you just never know what you’re going to get. He could pitch seven innings of one hit ball, or two innings and give up 10 earned.

That’s why the safe bet is Florida. Sanchez is much more consistent, and has been pitching will of late. It will be enough to get Florida, and you a victory Friday.

Aaron’s MLB Free Pick: Florida +145