The Oakland Athletics have shown a bit of fight lately, winning three straight games through August 9, but let\u2019s not pretend that they\u2019re still in the American League West hunt. <\/p>\n
MLB Betting \u2013 Athletics vs Blue Jays Preview & Pick<\/strong> Oakland Athletics (52-63 through August 9)<\/strong> That\u2019s between the Rangers and Angels now. Like the Mariners, the A\u2019s are just playing out the string.<\/p>\n They\u2019ll send right Guillermo Moscoso to the hill on Thursday afternoon. He had a sexy 2.16 ERA in the first half but teams have really figured him out since the All-Star break. In four second-half starts, he\u2019s 1-2 with a putrid 7.40 ERA and pathetic eight strikeouts in 20.2 innings. He\u2019s 1-5 on the road this season with a 4.17 ERA.<\/p>\n Toronto Blue Jays (58-57 through August 9)<\/strong> The Toronto Blue Jays are building a solid young core with hopes of challenging the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays in the American League East. It isn\u2019t time yet but the Jays have at least shown promise this season, remaining competitive and treading water around .500. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/p>\n The nerves are calming for trade-deadline arrival Colby Rasmus, who has hit safely in six straight games after a slow start. Rookie J.P. Arencibia is already one of the most powerful catchers in baseball. Ricky Romero and Jose Bautista are All-Stars. Yunel Escobar looks like a fixture atop the order. And megaprospect Brett Lawrie has arrived for his first taste of the bigs.<\/p>\n The back end of Toronto\u2019s rotation is a bit unclear going forward. Brad Mills will continue his audition for a future role on Thursday. He\u2019s been serviceable enough over two outings, allowing five total runs over 12.1 innings, though his walks are a bit concerning.<\/p>\n Over is 20-3-4 in OAK last 27 overall. Though he lost his first start of 2011, Mills looked very comfortable as a lefthanded pitcher at home against some potent righthanded Texas Ranger bats. I think he\u2019ll handle the popgun A\u2019s just fine. Meanwhile, Moscoso has been terrible of late and is a worse pitcher on the road. The Jays make plenty of sense as a pick here.<\/p>\n
\nDate: <\/strong>Thursday, August 11, 2011
\nVenue: <\/strong>Rogers Centre
\nBroadcast: <\/strong>RSN
\nOakland Athletics at Toronto Blue Jays Betting Lines from Sportsbook.com<\/strong>
\nMoney Line: Blue Jays -138<\/strong>
\nOver\/Under: 9<\/strong>
\n CLICK here for INDEPTH MLB ATS Stats for this matchup —><\/strong><\/a>
\n Bet now at BETONLINE —><\/strong><\/a>
\nTalk smack about MLB Baseball Today In Our Forums –><\/strong><\/p>\n
\nGuillermo Moscoso (4-6, 3.69)<\/p>\n
\nBrad Mills (1-1, 3.65)<\/p>\nMLB Trends<\/h3>\n
\nOver is 6-1-2 in OAK last 9 road games.
\nOver is 5-2-1 in OAK last 8 Thu. games.
\nTOR are 8-3 in their last 11 home games.
\nOAK are 4-12 in the last 16 meetings in Toronto.
\nOAK are 8-19 in the last 27 meetings.<\/p>\nMLB Free pick: <\/h3>\n