MLB Baseball
2012-07-17 - Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
United States: Major League Baseball
Tuesday 17 July 2012 - First Pitch 7:05pm ET
12:05am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The New York Yankees (55-34) extended their lead in the American League East with a win last night over the Toronto Blue Jays (45-45) and today they get back their ace pitcher, CC Sabathia, who comes off the disabled list and pitches for the first time since the end of June.
The Yankees can thank a Grand Slam effort from Raul Ibanez at the bottom of the eighth for their 6-3 win last night and they will be looking to close out a series win by taking the second game of a three game set.
Sabathia has been looking forward to returning to the starting rotation and actually helping his team to more victories following his first stint on the DL in six years. He has a 9-3 record this season and a 3.45 ERA and only missed two scheduled starts while on the disabled list.
The pitcher probably couldn't have asked for a much better opponent for his first game in a little over two weeks. He has a 7-0 record against the Blue Jays in his last eight starts against them and he holds a 2.73 ERA in those games.
While Toronto have struggled against Sabathia, their cause will not be helped by the injury sustained to Jose Bautista- the big hitter did a little damage to his wrist yesterday and there is currently no timescale for a return as he goes in for a MRI check today.
The Blue Jays will counter by sending Brett Cecil to the mound who has a 2-1 record and a 6.75 ERA this season. Cecil was tagged for seven runs in his last start, the second time he has allowed at least seven runs in his last three starts, although he did escape the decision loss thanks the batting line up who scored eleven runs.
It won't get any easier for Cecil as he faces the Yankees for the first time this season after going 0-2 and a 7.36 ERA in his two starts against them in the 2011 season.
Head to Head
Toronto now lead the season series between the teams 2-1 thanks to the New York win last night.
The Yankees have actually won 6 in a row at home against Toronto and improved to 8-1 in the last 9 here in the Bronx.
New York are 28-17 at home this season, Toronto are 20-25 on the road.
Prediction
I am going to stick with the same pick that was successful yesterday and take the New York Yankees to win this one by a couple of runs at the least.
CC Sabathia may have spent time on the disabled list, but it seems it was more precautionary as he feels he was good to go by June 26th. With the All-Star break, the Yankees probably figured it was a good time for him to get a little rest.
Sabathia has also performed very effectively against Toronto in his last few starts against them, and he may also be provided a number of runs if Brett Cecil's recent form and record against the New York Yankees comes into play.
New York remain one of the most powerful batting line ups in the Major Leagues and they will be licking their lips at facing a pitcher that has allowed at least seven runs in two of his last three contests. Add in to the mixer the performances of Cecil against the Yankees last season and I think the Yankees may just make enough hay to cover the run line.
The Pick :
New York Yankees 5-2 Toronto Blue Jays
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the New York Yankees - 1.5 Runs @ 1.92
