MLB Betting Lines: Washington Nationals vs. San Diego Padres Pick: May 28th 2010

Washington Nationals vs. San Diego Padres
Free Pick: Washington Nationals +142 odds
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We are only just over a quarter of the way into the season but the fact that Washington is still sitting at .500 is very impressive. The Nationals did not win their 24th game until July 4th of last season which just shows the incredible turnaround that is taking place. As mentioned, it is early but Washington is just three games back in the Wild Card standings and while it means little at this point, it does mean we are getting a solid price with a solid team. The Padres may be an even bigger surprise as they are leading the National League West by two games over the Dodgers. They had their four-game winning streak snapped last night by the Cardinals as the offense was once again shutdown. San Diego fifth worst in baseball in average, ninth worst in on-base percentage, fourth worst in slugging percentage and ninth lowest in runs scored. San Diego is not going to win many games with that anemic offense and so far it has been the pitching that has carried it. For how long though? Clayton Richard is a name few know about but he is having a very solid season since coming over in the Jake Peavy deal. Richard has a 2.73 ERA on the season as he has allowed three runs or fewer in all nine of his starts. That is exceptional but what has been unexceptional is his 1.36 WHIP. He has been allowing a lot of baserunners but he has been fortunate to not get into more trouble. He goes up against John Lannan who has been up and down so far this year. Only three of his nine starts have been quality outings but looking at the opposition tells the story. Two-thirds of his starts have come against teams ranked in the top half of baseball in average so he has been victimized by bad scheduling. He was great in his first two full seasons in 2008 and 2009 and he is much better than what his numbers may show. Those numbers are getting better and he now faces a poor offense and one that he has posted a 3.12 ERA in four career starts against. 3* Washington Nationals