MLB Betting: Tigers can roar to success in World Series

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After another grueling 162-game season, the 2012 MLB Playoffs are finally here. Nick Shiamboros previews the A/L match-ups, including the Wild Card...

American League Division Series

Wild Card
Baltimore Orioles v Texas Rangers

The Orioles grabbed a Wild Card berth, after an epic struggle with the Tampa Bay Rays in the final week of the season. Baltimore surprised everyone this season by finishing with a record of 93-69. Make no mistake: the Orioles are for real.

Baltimore will start lefty Joe Saunders, who has a record of 9-13 and an ERA of 4.07.

The Texas Rangers gifted Oakland the AL West after losing seven of their final 10 games. They now find themselves in a win-or-go-home situation against a plucky Baltimore team.

Yu Darvish will start for Texas. This talented right-hander is 16-9 with an ERA of 3.90. Darvish has been rock solid all season, and I fully expect him to have a big night.

The Rangers clearly have the edge on experience, and I expect them to prevail and play against the New York Yankees on Sunday.

New York Yankees

The Yankees won the A/L East with a record of 95-67. This is by no means a vintage Yankee team, but they got the job done once again.

I think New York is in big trouble, whomever they face on Sunday. The Yankee infield is pretty banged up with injuries. First baseman Mark Teixeira and shortstop Derek Jeter are both nursing injuries and may not start in the opening game.

The pitching rotation also gives me cause for concern. C. C. Sabathia has not had a good year and may struggle in the postseason.

Detroit Tigers v Oakland Athletics

The Tigers staged a late season rally to win the AL Central with a record of 88-74. The big news from Detroit this season is Miguel Cabrera's Triple Crown. No hitter since 1967 has led the league in home runs, batting average and runs batted in.

This team is coming good at the right time and are serious World Series contenders. They show few weaknesses and have the brilliant Justin Verlander anchoring the pitching rotation. They are a decent value at 8.27/1 to win it all.

The Athletics won the AL West with a record of 94-68. This young team has an outstanding pitching rotation that includes Jarrod Parker and Tommy Milone.

Oakland has performed well beyond expectations this season, but I think it is the end of the road for them in this series.

Recommended Bets

Back Texas Rangers at 2.01/1 with -1.5 runs handicap
Lay New York Yankees up to 2.47/5 against Texas Rangers or Baltimore Orioles in ALDS.
Back Detroit Tigers at 8.27/1 to win the World Series