Tigers vs Yankees Game 1 MLB Playoffs 2011 Odds: Out of all the first round, MLB Playoff series going on around baseball, I must say this is by far the most intriguing one! Speaking of intriguing, what could be more fascinating than having LHP CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.00 ERA) and RHP Justin Verlander (24-5, 2.40 ERA) going head-to-head in Game 1 of the MLB Playoffs 2011?
Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NY, will be the site for Game 1 of this best-of-five series between the AL East champions, (97-65) New York Yankees [-129 ML] taking on the AL Central winners and MLB Picks Underdogs , (95-67) Detroit Tigers [+119 ML]. The OVER/UNDER for this terrific pitching matchup, which gets underway at 8:37 PM ET on TBS, is set at a combined total of 8 runs scored.
It’s hard to believe that a number that crooked will go up with Sabathia and Verlander toeing the rubber on the same night. Even though both guys have had sensational years for their respective clubs, one has to believe Verlander is without question the Cy Young Winner in the American League and potentially an MVP.
“If you expect greatness,” Verlander says, “greatness shouldn't surprise you.”
Verlander will be facing an experimental lineup Joe Girardi seems to want to test out against righties. After moving switch-hitting first-baseman, Mark Teixeira to the fifth spot due to his struggles batting from that side, the dangerous Robinson Cano will see more at-bats from the third spot.
This means that the top of the lineup for the MLB Point Spreads favorite Yankees in Game one should consist of: 1st (SS) Derek Jeter; 2nd (CF) Curtis Granderson; 3rd (2B) Robinson Cano, 4th (3B) Alex Rodriguez, and 5th (1B) Mark Teixeira.
“I think we're going to see how it works; I don't see why it wouldn't work,” said Tex. “We're trying to win games. And putting Robbie, the hot hand, in the third spot, it's a great idea.”
