MLB Tipping Sheet: Lay LA! Lay LA!

LA Dodgers coach Don Mattingly feels the pressure

That's the message from Federico Farcomeni as he once again previews three eye-catching fixtures from the MLB schedule

Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees
The Yankees are still without Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez and, as seen in yesterday's 2-1 victory, much will be again expected from CC Sabathia. One wouldn't notice he was starting for the first time since August 8 as he only conceded one run, four hits and struck out nine. Sabathia has an impressive record against Toronto as he is 8-0 with a 2.48 ERA in nine starts against them since 2007. The Yankees will need similar performances from their pitching staff if their depleted offense doesn't improve. Manager Joe Girardi said: "We struggled in Chicago and Cleveland to score runs. But you go through those offensively, and our pitchers picked us up. If you're going to make it to the playoffs and make any noise, you have to have pitching." No need to say that the stress will again be on defence tonight.

Atlanta Braves at San Diego Padres
This season's head-to-head offers a huge clue to tonight's match-up. In all six games between the two, we have seen less than 7.5 runs scored. Petco Park has even proved to be less prolific, with only five runs being scored in the two games played there this week. Considering Tommy Hanson's pitching record against the Padres and Eric Stults' recent form, this last game of the season between the two doesn't promise to be more entertaining than the previous ones.

LA Dodgers at Colorado Rockies
We have often mistakenly backed the Dodgers in this column. They might return to winning ways tonight and the price for their victory at 1.824/5 certainly seems tempting. The point is we just can't see it coming. Matt Kemp, one of their best players, crashed into the outfield fence while trying to catch a ball in the first inning last night. He was forced to abandon the game with a knee contusion and manager Don Mattingly already said that Kemp will be out of the line-up for this game. Worse still, while laying on the ground, every team-mate simply stood where they were, without even worrying to go and check on Kemp's condition. And this just underlines lack of team spirit. The new arrivals from Boston haven't managed to switch their mind-set from underachievers to title challengers just yet and the whole team is struggling.

In contrast Colorado are in real shape, having won 11 of their last 15 games since August 13. They have managed to beat the Dodgers in their last two games with six rookies in the starting line-up and with a 69.7 million dollars differential in their respective combined salaries. Additions such as Josh Rutledge (23 extra-base hits in 39 starts) are benefiting the team, while starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz has been effective in his last two starts against the Dodgers.

Recommended Bets
Back Under 8.5 runs @ 2.0621/20 in Toronto at NY Yankees
Back Under 7.5 runs @ 1.834/5 in Atlanta at San Diego
Lay LA Dodgers @ 1.855/6