Prospects of the St. Louis Cardinals occupying many pundits 2011 World Series Predictions pages will be remote with the club's winning odds currently at +3000, only third best of their National League Central rivals. Today, the Cardinals will be looking to prove naysayers wrong as they begin their 2011 season home at Bush Stadium (4:15 pm ET) for a weekend series with the San Diego Padres. Oddsmakers don't expect the Red Birds to have much problem with the Padres listing them -250 odds favorites.
With left-handed ace Adam Wainwright on the DL, it's no surprise to betting fans that Cards manager Tony LaRussa will give the ball to his ace right-hander Chris Carpenter to make his sixth Opening Day start. The former Cy Young winner didn't have a great year in 2010 but still managed a 16-9 record with a 3.22 ERA in 35 starts. Countering for San Diego in this one is right-hander Tim Stauffer. Last season Stauffer went 6-5 in over 32 appearances with a 1.85 ERA.
Today's MLB Lines for the series opener show the Cardinals installed as -178 moneyline favorites with a OVER/UNDER total of 7-runs. Padres backers are getting +168 ML odds. Runline prices has the Cards (1 1/2) at +120 while the Padres (+1 1/2) are giving -140. For action to count, Carpenter and Stauffer must start the game.
The Cardinals have enjoyed success against the Padres regardless of who's pitching going 12-1 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against San Diego. The Cards have also won four of its last five SU when playing the Padres at home or on the road.
There are some totals trends that should give the bettor something to think about. The total has gone OVER in 8 of St. Louis's last 10 games when playing at home against San Diego but has gone UNDER in five straight home games against anybody, dating back to last year.
My MLB Picks for this game are easy; I love the OVER 7 and the Cardinals will win SU with Carp on the mound.
