Friday Fantasy Baseball and MLB Betting Preview

Here are news and notes, plus pitcher report card info for Friday baseball betting. Units are based on one unit per bet, plus or minus the juice.

Also, key injuries for fantasy baseball and bettors alike are featured.

Red Sox-Rays

Tampa is 3-11 this year in virtual pick ‘em games (line 125 or less either way) in 2009.

Indians-Tigers

Cleveland is 5-13 -10.3 units to right-handed starters this year.

Mets-Phillies

New York is 3-9 -8.8 against teams with a winning record. Mets first baseball Carlos Delgado is probable, while Phillies closer Brad Lidge is doubtful.

Astros-Braves

Mike Hampton is 25-46 -25.7 units since 1997 to NL teams that average 4.3 or fewer runs. The Astros are a splendid 14-6 +14.9 units on the road versus a starting pitcher who gives up 5.5 or fewer hits per start. 

Derek Lowe is 3-9 as home favorite of 150-200. Astros closer Valverde is on the DL.

Pirates-Reds

Pittsburgh has been 10-1 +11.1 units the last two years after a game in which they had four or fewer hits. Reds third baseball Juan Encarnacion is on the DL.

Cardinals-Nationals

St. Louis is 11-3 +8.2 units in virtual pick ‘em games (line 125 or less either way). Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick is probable, while shortstop Khalil Green is out.

Angels-Yankees

Andy Pettitte is 5-12 as a favorite of 125-175 -12.7 units the last two years. The Angels are 34-19 +22.6 units the last two years as an underdog.

Marlins-Cubs

Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez is doubtful, as is Cubs third basemen Aramis Ramirez.

White Sox-Rangers

White Sox DH JIm Thome is probable.

For more information: Tonight’s baseball picks are at OffshoreInsiders.com. The latest MLB odds are in real-time.