Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays Odds & Pick: September 10th 2010

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Pick: Toronto Blue Jays -125 odds
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Tonight’s series opener features Brett Cecil taking on Scott Shields. Its true that the Rays have been tough against left-handed starters. That said, the Jays’ starter is currently in much better form.

Despite facing a trio of tough teams, (the Yankees, Rays and Yankees again) Cecil is 2-1 with an impressive 2.95 ERA and 1.219 WHIP over his last three starts. For the season, he’s now 12-7 with a 2.95 ERA and 1.219 WHIP. The Jays are a profitable 15-9 (+8.7) in his starts.

Shields hasn’t been as good lately. Last time out, he gave up six runs in 4 1/3 innings. He’s got a 5.82 ERA and 1.529 WHIP his last three starts. For the season, he’s just 12-12 as a starter, posting a 4.95 ERA and 1.409 WHIP.

Shields’ only start vs. the Jays this season was here at Toronto, on 8/7. He lasted only four innings and he gave up six home runs! The Jays won 17-11. The previous day, in his most recent home start vs. the Rays, Cecil tossed seven innings, outpitching Garza, and earning a 2-1 victory.

Interestingly, the Rays are an awful 4-17 (-24.6) on Fridays. The Jays, on the other hand, are 15-6 (+12.4) in their Friday games. Consider Toronto