MLB Betting – Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees
Brandon Morrow (10-6) vs. Ivan Nova (1-0)
Morrow vs. Yankees Hitting
This will be Morrow’s final start of the season; the Blue Jays know their postseason chances are zilch and are looking to preserve the arm of one of their most promising young pitchers. Morrow has exceeded expectations in 2010, winning in the double-digits and, in limited action, being near the top of the AL in strikeouts. He’s been absolutely spectacular in the month of August, going 2-0 in four starts, not allowing more than two runs in any of them. He has more than 9 K’s in three of those outings. I’m betting he’ll want to finish his season in similar fashion.
[adinserter block=”2″]However, three of Morrow’s last 10 starts have come against the Yankees, and while he hasn’t lost any of them he hasn’t exactly been throwing gems His most recent start against New York (6 IP, 2 ER, 12 K’s) was fantastic, but he allowed five runs in six innings in each of the two starts preceding it. The Yankee offense is well-known as one of the best of baseball, and they have had success against Morrow.
Nova vs. Blue Jays Hitting
Ivan Nova is making just his third career start in the majors and fifth career appearance. He won his first career game in his most recent outing, allowing just one run in 5 2/3 innings while striking out seven. In limited action Nova has put up some pretty strong numbers, sporting a 1.93 ERA with 11 K’s in 14 IP. Too early to make any real predictions, but his numbers should stay strong with such a good team around him.
Nova’s first career start came against the Blue Jays last week. It was a solid outing, allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings. Both runs came by the home-run bat of Jose Bautista, the major league leader in four-baggers. Bautista has been Toronto’s best hitter this season, and in hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium, his success against Nova could very well continue. If you’re one who bet on MLB games, assume a good outing by Mr. Bautista.
[adinserter block=”1″]Bullpen Comparison
A solid, if unspectacular, group of relievers make up the Toronto Blue Jays bullpen. Scott Downs and Shawn Camp each sport sub-3.00 ERA while pitching their fair share of innings. Closer Kevin Gregg has 30 saves, but his 3.55 ERA and 1.32 WHIP correctly suggest his outings are rarely lacking in the drama department.
Somehow, Mariano Rivera is having one of his best seasons in 2010. His 1.13 ERA is otherworldly, and his 27 saves are nothing to sneeze at as well. However, it’s the rest of the ‘pen that has issues. Joba Chamberlain, Dustin Moseley and David Robertson have all had their struggles, giving New York a shaky bridge to the rock that is Mariano Rivera.
Outlook
While Morrow may have the recent hot streak and motivation to win in his final start, I’m betting it won’t happen. Both of Morrow’s recent poor outings against the Yankees came in New York, as will this game. In fact, Morrow has been pretty shaky on the road all season. There’s no real reason to believe either trend will be broken in this matchup.
MLB Betting Pick: New York Yankees
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