MLB Friday Free Picks – Giants Give Zito A Crack At Oakland A’s

When Barry Zito left the Oakland Athletics at the end of the 2006 MLB betting season, the fans were disappointed to see one of their better pitchers leaving in his prime. The former USC Trojan has pitched nearly his entire adult life in the state of California, and the Giants are certainly seeing some of his best stuff this season. The move north to San Francisco has been troublesome for the first two years, but this season Zito is becoming a strong lock for MLB free picks.

The 32-year old lefty has averaged a 2.15 ERA this season, allowing just 39 hits and 13 earned runs in 54.1 innings. The Giants have gone 6-2 SU when Zito starts at the mound, and he has earned a 6-1 SU record. He is proving, even with age, that he can still be an iron man at the hill.

Sitting just 1.5 games back of the Padres in the NL West, the Giants are hoping that Zito can prove to his former team that he was worth the major money they spent to acquire him. Considering how well he’s been pitching lately, the Athletics are in for a stern reminder that they should’ve never let him go.

San Francisco Giants (22-18) vs. Oakland Athletics (20-22)
Friday, May 21st — Oakland Coliseum — 10:05pm EST
MLB Betting Lines:
SF – Barry Zito (L) -1.5 +140 -115 O 7.5 -105
OAK – Trevor Cahill (R) +1.5 -160 -105 U 7.5 -115

Trevor Cahill will counter for Oakland, and the Athletics are seriously hoping that the 22-year old can somehow replace the void Zito left in 2006. Oakland has some very strong pitching and Cahill has to prove he belongs. He’s young, but hope for the future leaves much room for doubt in the present.

In four starts starting in late April, Cahill has gone 1-2 SU with a 4.37 ERA in four starts. The Athletics are 2-2 SU in those starts for Cahill, and the pitching in Oakland isn’t always the issue. Run support has been a major problem.

Where To Watch: MLB.TV

MLB betting is all about starting pitching for the most part, and when you ask yourself whether you trust Zito or Cahill to get this game off to a good start for their teams, the answer is very simple. Zito has struggled in years past against the A’s, posting a 9.22 ERA but the Giants’ bats will show up to support him. The moneyline is skewed only because of Zito’s past against Oakland.

This is a new season, and Zito has proven to be a very sturdy MLB free pick starting pitcher. He gets my vote despite some poor stats against his former team in the past.

Furious MLB Free Pick: Oakland ML Only (UNDER)

In case that wasn’t enough for your baseball betting palette, we’re continuing a new feature right below! Along with your daily MLB free picks, I’m adding a parlay recommendation along with it. The following is not for the weak of heart. You’re getting two for the price of one now, might as well double up your pleasures in MLB betting too.

Warning: for tough guys only!

Tough Guy Parlay Pick: Oakland +160 ML and Dodgers -190 ML

MLB Betting Lines:
Detroit Tigers Dontre Willis (L) +160
LA Dodgers Chad Billingsley (R) -190
Game Time: Dodgers Stadium — 10:10pm EST

MLB Betting Trends

• Detroit is 4-1 SU in last 5 games
• Detroit is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games against Dodgers
• Dodgers are 10-1 SU in last 11 games
• Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home