Free MLB Picks: Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays Betting Odds: July 3rd 2009

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Free MLB Picks: Tampa Bay Rays -140 betting odds - July 3rd 2009
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Scott Kazmir shows a 4-4 record and a 7.28 ERA. He’s a lot better than those numbers indicate though and his first start since coming off the disabled list indicates that he’s ready to “return to normal.” Kazmir looked sharp in holding the Marlins to just two earned runs in his first start May 20th. Now Kazmir’s second start is also drawn up well for success, as the Rays southpaw is 4-0 (team is 7-0!) with an impressive 2.09 ERA and a .201 BAA in seven career starts against the Rangers.

Also, even though he pitched while hurt earlier this season, Kazmir still has managed to go 3-1 on the road with a 4.29 ERA so far this season. On grass Kazmir is 3-0 with a 2.12 ERA this season. At Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Kazmir is 2-0 in three starts with a 2.70 ERA.

While one thinks of Texas being the better offensive club, it’s Tampa Bay’s offense which is ranked #2 in the majors for both slugging percentage and batting average. The Rays lead the majors in runs scored. On the other hand, the Rangers offense has struggled recently and their .257 batting average is among the worst in the American League. The Rangers’ struggles at the plate are likely to continue against an old nemesis, Kazmir.

On the other hand, the Rays hot hitting should continue against Tommy Hunter. While he’s been respectable in two starst this season, Hunter is still 0-3 in his MLB career (five starts). Hunter has a 9.93 ERA and has a .356 BAA in his first five big league outings. Left-handers have been particularly troublesome, as he’s got more walks than strikeouts against lefties plus he has a .385 BAA versus left-handed hitters. Note that the Rays will have a few lefties and a few switch-hitters in their lineup on Friday night.

The Rays are 31-20 (+7.7) units against right-handed starters this season and they’ve won 11 of their last 18 (+3.9) vs. Texas. Consider Tampa