MLB Playoff Betting Lines: Divisional Series Free Picks

We are off to a stellar start (9-1) with our October Free Picks, including a 6-2 record during the MLB 2011 postseason play. All four Divisional Series will be contested on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, and three of them could (will) come to an end today!

Today’s baseball schedule is as busy as it’s going to get for the rest of the playoffs. After today, we won’t have more than two games, on any given day, during the rest of the 2011 MLB Playoffs.

>>> Bet On MLB Playoffs At BetOnline <<<

Rangers Trying To Finish Off The Pesky Rays

With a win over the Tamp Bay Rays, during matinee action on Tuesday, the Texas Rangers can punch their ticket to the MLB 2011 American League Championship Series.

After getting blown out 9-0 by the Rays in Game One, Texas stormed back with an 8-6 win in Game Two, and then held on for a 4-3 win on Monday to take a 2-1 series lead. Rays RHP Jeremy Hellickson (13-10 2.95 ERA) will start against Rangers LHP Matt Harrison (14-9 3.29).

Even though a Game Five would be held in Texas, the Rangers want to end this series today. They probably don’t want to face the Rays pitching phenom Matt Moore again. Not after he shut them down, and then out, in Game One of this series – in Texas!

It’s a pressure packed spot for Hellickson who, despite pitching 36.1 innings late in the 2010 season, is still considered to be in his rookie season. Hellickson has had control problems lately as he has walked 16 batters in his last four starts. You can’t give free passes to the powerful Rangers lineup.

>>>Take TEX over TB at +103 with the BetOnline Money Line <<<

Phillies Fly To St. Louis: Tied With The Cardinals

After Philadelphia pummeled the Cards 12-7 in Game One, and had a 4-0 lead after the second inning during Game Two, we are a little surprised that this series is tied at a game apiece. We say a little surprised, because we respect the Cardinals bats, but we’re shocked that Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee didn’t slam the door shut on the Cards.

Cardinals LHP Jamie Garcia has owned the Phillies lately as he gave up just one run, in 15 innings of work, against Philadelphia during the 2011 MLB season. LHP Cole Hamels (14-9 2.79 ERA) will start for the Phillies today. Hamels lost 5-0 to the Cards during the Phillies September swoon.

While we’ve been impressed by the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia is still our choice to represent the National League in the World Series. We see Hamels being sharp in this contest – along with the Phillies bats doing just enough to cover the Money Line in this one.

>>>Take PHI over STL at -135 with the BetOnline Money Line <<<