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MLB Betting: Astros vs. Phillies Free Pick

Free Preview and gambling pick including updated MLB Runline and LIVE betting odds for the Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies Friday MLB Baseball gambling matchup…

MLB Free Pick/Preview: Houston Astros vs Philadelphia Phillies

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

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MLB Betting – Astros vs. Phillies Preview & Pick
Date: Friday, April 1, 2011
Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Broadcast: ESPN
Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies Betting Lines from Sportsbook.com
Money Line: Phillies (-260) Astros (+220)
Over/Under: 7

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Houston Astros (0-0)
Brett Myers (2010: 14-8, 3.14 ERA)

Not much is expected of this Houston Astros team in 2011. The Astros have a solid starting rotation, but other than that they have some serious problems. The bullpen is full of guys who are unproven, and is severely lacking.

The National League Central is a decent division, but it is far from stacked. The Reds and the Brewers are the favorites, but no one is expected to run away with this division. The problem for the Astros is they will likely have a hard time keeping up with anyone consistently on the scoreboard this year.

This is the first year the Astros have started the season without Lance Berkman in the middle of their lineup. Carlos Lee will be counted on to have a bounce back season offensively, but he is probably past his prime. Hunter Pence is the team’s most consistent offensive player, but he’ll need some help.

Brett Myers has the stuff to be an ace, and he was terrific last year. The Astros better hope he shows up with his best stuff on Friday afternoon.

Philadelphia Phillies (0-0)
Roy Halladay (2010: 21-10, 2.44 ERA)

While the Astros don’t have many expectations to try to live up to, the Phillies probably have the highest expectations of any team in baseball. They landed Cliff Lee in the offseason and now they easily have the best starting rotation in all of baseball.

It’s tough for opponents when the Phillies are able to run out Halladay, Lee, Hamels, and Oswalt in four straight games. Once we get to the playoffs, the Phillies won’t even need a fifth starter, and they’ll essentially be using a number one starter each time out.

The single biggest concern the Phillies have going into this season is definitely injuries. Chase Utley is out for an indefinite amount of time, which really hurts the middle of their lineup. In the bullpen, closer Brad Lidge is expected to miss three to six weeks with a shoulder injury. It is unclear who will be the closer in the interim. Sports Betting at Sportsbook.com

The lineup isn’t tremendous without Utley, but it is still very good. Remember, this is still a team that has Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, and Raul Ibanez. The Phillies will still be one of the better hitting teams in the league, and with the amazing pitching they have, this team will be tough to beat.

Trends:

HOU are 3-9 in their last 12 overall.
HOU are 3-9 in their last 12 games on grass.
Over is 11-5-1 in HOU last 17 overall.
PHI are 20-7 in their last 27 Fri. games.
PHI are 38-16 in their last 54 home games.
PHI are 54-23 in their last 77 overall.

The Pick:

I think the Phillies will win this game, but I don’t like laying (-260) on the moneyline ever in baseball. I think the better way to play this game is the under. Myers should be fired up to face his old team, and Halladay should shut down this Astros lineup quite easily.

Astros vs. Phillies Prediction: Phillies 3 Astros 1

Kyle Hunter sports picks – A degree in finance and a great ability to follow important trends and statistics set him apart from the rest. Check out his plays today.

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By Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter sports picks – A degree in finance and a great ability to follow important trends and statistics set him apart from the rest. Totals are Kyle's specialty, so look for a lot of totals picks from NBA, NCAAF, & the NFL. Check out his plays today.