Online betting players have been treated to a thrilling World Series so far, complete with pitching duels, historic offensive performances and sloppy bullpen work. It’s going to come down to a seventh game, so MLB wagering fans should strap in for an exciting week of baseball as the season comes to a close in St. Louis with a Cardinals’ victory.

Game 5 – Monday, October 24th, 8:05 PM ET – The Ballpark, Arlington, TX

Chris Carpenter (3-0, 3.52) didn’t have his best stuff in Game 1’s 3-2 win at home, but he managed to get by, giving up a pair of runs on five hits over six innings of work. C.J. Wilson (0-3, 7.17) had trouble with his command, walking six and striking out four, but he only allowed three runs on four hits. It’s been an inconsistent postseason for the 30-year-old Wilson, and this is his first appearance at home since Game 1 of the ALCS against Detroit. You have to remember that this is only his second year as a starter and Wilson threw 223.1 innings in the regular season, along with 21.1 innings in the postseason, so fatigue is definitely a factor.

Carpenter is built for this and even when he doesn’t have his best stuff, he does enough to keep the Cardinals in the game, and even though he has a 6.99 ERA in five starts at the Ballpark, he has a 2-2 record. You also should count on the St. Louis bats to wake up after a disappointing 4-0 loss in Game 4, and as a +113 MLB betting underdog on Monday night, they would be a smart bet.

Betting Edge: St. Louis Cardinals

Game 6 – Wednesday, October 26th, 8:05 PM ET – Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO

Colby Lewis (1-1, 2.95) should be familiar with going out on the road as all three of his starts in the playoffs have been away from home, and he pitched 6.2 solid innings in Game 2’s 2-1 win for the Rangers, allowing a run on four hits with four strikeouts and a walk. Jaime Garcia (0-2, 3.97) was on the other side, tossing a three-hitter over seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and a walk, but he was let down by Jason Motte, who blew the save in the 9th inning. That was his second straight no-decision, even though he has settled down since getting off to a rough start in the postseason.

Strangely, something similar will happen in this game as well as the Rangers try to stave off elimination with a big performance. Look for the Texas bats to come alive late in the game and in particular, one of their big bats, like Nelson Cruz or Josh Hamilton, who is battling what he thinks is a sports hernia. The Cardinals will probably be favored, but Texas is the MLB betting play on Wednesday night.

Betting Edge: Texas Rangers

Game 7 – Thursday, October 27th, 8:05 PM ET – Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO (If necessary)

The Rangers’ Matt Harrison (1-1, 502) and the Cardinals’ Kyle Lohse (0-2, 7.82) have been penciled in as the starters for Game 7, and neither pitcher made it out of the fourth inning in a 16-7 win for St. Louis in Game 3, which was highlighted by Albert Pujols’ three-homer performance. Harrison gave up five runs (three earned) on six hits over 3.2 innings, while Lohse gave up three runs on five hits over three innings of work in a game for the offensive fans. It’s doubtful that the two will have that type of game again in Game 7, especially in St. Louis where the games have been relatively low-scoring due to a few factors, but most likely the weather. It has been cold and damp in St. Louis, which makes the ball heavier. In Texas, the ball is much easier to hit and the Ballpark has always been known as a “hitter’s park”.

This is going to be up in the air and again, the bullpens will probably come into play as Harrison doesn’t have much postseason experience and the Rangers are asking him to pitch a Game 7 in the World Series. Lohse, well, he isn’t a very good pitcher and definitely pitched above his weight during the regular season. But at home, in a Game 7 setting and a managerial edge with St. Louis’ Tony LaRussa, St. Louis is the sports betting pick to make here.

Betting Edge: St. Louis Cardinals

In a season where not one but two teams completed a pair of the most improbable comebacks to earn their respective league Wild Card spots, another team filed for bankruptcy in the same year they reached the ALCS, and another team showcased the antics of one of its star outfielders and one of the breakthrough personalities of the year, there is one common MLB betting theme that has prevailed: Not everything happens the way that it is expected to happen. The same can be said about the respective championship series, as both continue to wind down on Monday.

St. Louis Cardinals @ Milwaukee Brewers
Sunday, 4:05 PM ET

There could not have been a better ending to an NLDS than Nyjer Morgan pumping one in to the outfield for a walk off victory, and it will be interesting to see if the Brewers can provide their fans with another incredible finish. Milwaukee earned the chance to finish the series at Miller Park where they led the majors in home wins this season, and they got the pitching matchups that they wanted as well. Whether or not they can now turn those advantages into something tangible and end the Cardinals’ improbable run only time will tell, as players like Albert Pujols fight with everything they have in what could be their final game in a Cardinals’ uniform. Pujols is among a couple of potential free agents on the roster, and if he is going to go out then he might as well go out in style. The Brewers however have taken nothing for granted and have persevered every step of the way, and it wouldn’t be a major surprise if St. Louis’ magical MLB betting run ends in Milwaukee.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Detroit Tigers @ Texas Rangers
Sunday, 8:05 PM ET

It is no surprise that if it reaches game seven the Tigers will want to give the ball to Doug Fister, who pitched them to a memorable sports betting bonus win in game seven of the ALDS against the New York Yankees, and proved that he can handle the pressure. Texas will counter with Colby Lewis if it gets to that decisive game, although the Rangers would be happy to put it away in six if they can get the job done in the first of consecutive games at home. The Tigers have proven to be a worthy opponent so far, but Texas has been here before and have every intention of getting the job done. The way that players like Nelson Cruz have delivered in the clutch just makes you believe that this is a team of destiny, although Delmon Young and company may have something to say about that. The Rangers and Tigers both deserve their chance in the World Series but only one team can advance, and in this case experience and home field advantage will make the difference.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Texas Rangers

MLB Betting players who follow Milwaukee last saw the Brewers in the World Series in 1982, when they were in the American League and they lost to St. Louis. Now, the National League Central champions will look to send their Central rivals packing in the NLCS, and they should be able to put the Cardinals away in a close series.

What: MLB Betting
When: October 9th-17th (Check best sportsbook for start times)
Where: Games 1, 2, 6, 7 (Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI); Games 3-5 (Busch Stadium, St. Louis, MO)
Free Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Why Bet On St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have the most momentum of any team left in the postseason as they battled hard to put pressure on Atlanta, who collapsed down the stretch, then they managed to hold off Philadelphia, the World Series betting favorites, complete with a 1-0 win on the road in Game 5 in which Chris Carpenter outdueled Roy Halladay. St. Louis has a solid group of veteran players, led by Carpenter and Albert Pujols, who have been here before and relish the pressure of the playoffs. The hitting carried the team in the regular season as the Cardinals led the National League in runs scored and average, and there are few teams in the majors who can boast a mid-lineup order of Pujols, Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday. That isn’t to say that their pitching is awful, as Carpenter, Jaime Garcia (despite a rocky Game 1), Edwin Jackson and Kyle Lohse can get the job done, especially the first two. Octavio Dotel, Arthur Rhodes and Marc Rzepczynski have bolstered the bullpen in middle relief, and they were very good down the stretch. The Cardinals have put Jason Motte in the closer’s role for now, but they can always fall back on Fernando Salas as well.

You have to wonder how much the Cardinals have left in the tank after their massive run to the playoffs, especially a veteran team that has battled some injuries this season. Two months ago, most MLB betting players put the Cardinals out to pasture and they expended a lot of energy just to get here. It actually may be beneficial to play the Brewers, a heated division rival with whom the Cardinals have been physical with, so it should be easy for them to get up for Milwaukee. Also, the bullpen is a worry as it was well below average for most of the season.

Why Bet On Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers have homefield advantage, and this is huge for Milwaukee, who won an MLB-high 57 games at home in Miller Park during the regular season, then won all three of their home meetings with Arizona in the NLDS, and then Game 1 against the Cardinals. We know that homefield advantage plays a big role in most sports, but this Milwaukee team is like two different squads when they’re home and away. While the Cardinals have their power trio in the middle of their lineup, the Brewers may have the best one-two punch in the game in Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, and there is potential power throughout the lineup with Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks, who is finally healthy, and don’t count out Yuniesky Betancourt. The Brewers can swing the bat with anyone in the majors, and that means they’re never out of a game. But they got to this point by improving their starting rotation with Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum, picking them up to go with Yovani Gallardo, who is one of the most underrated hurlers in the major leagues. Milwaukee also has a deadly late-inning duo in Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford, and their middle relief is effective as well. The Brewers feel like they’re a team of destiny, and one that may be broken up due to financial issues after this year, so they’re playing with urgency.

But that can backfire on the Brewers, who can’t let their emotions get the best of them, especially against their division rivals. The Brewers have the edge in talent over the Cardinals, but it’s all about keeping their heads and not trying to do too much, especially away from home. Milwaukee’s trouble on the road is a head-scratcher, which puts a lot of pressure on them to maintain their perfection at home. If they dropped a game in Miller Park, can they get it back in St. Louis?

How It Will Play Out

Milwaukee should be the MLB betting favorites, and Game 1 was the 19th time that these two have met in 2011, so there aren’t many secrets left between them. It’s been almost even as the Brewers are 10-9 against the Cardinals this year, with 10 games coming in under the posted total (along with a couple of pushes).

This has seven games written all over it, and the Brewers need to be able to take at least one game in St. Louis, where they’ve lost six of their last 10. They should be able to snatch a game on the road and send their bitter rivals packing after a wild series. The Cardinals will make it interesting with their experience, but the Brewers have too many weapons and will break through to reach the World Series. Take Milwaukee with your online betting baseball picks.

Cardinals Brewers Betting Free Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Online betting players should be treated to a fantastic matchup in the ALCS as Detroit and Texas battle for the right to represent the league in the World Series. These two are very similar and there isn’t a lot between them, but the Rangers’ experience from last year should give them an edge.

What: MLB Betting
When: October 8th-17th (Check best sportsbook for start times)
Where: Games 1, 2, 6, 7 (The Ballpark, Arlington, TX); Games 3-5 (Comerica Park, Detroit, MI)
Free Pick: Texas Rangers

Why Bet On Detroit Tigers

The Tigers’ “upset” of the New York Yankees wasn’t a major surprise to those who have been watching Detroit all season; they were fourth in the American League in runs scored and third in batting average, led by batting champ Miguel Cabrera (Victor Martinez was fourth). Their hitting makes up for a lack of speed on the basepaths, but they’ve even showed in the postseason that they’re not just a power team. They also have the best pitcher in the majors in Justin Verlander, who struggled in Game 1, but he’ll be back in Game 5 at home as manager Jim Leyland doesn’t like to throw his ace out on short rest. However, it’s not just Verlander as Doug Fister has been an excellent sidekick for the probable Cy Young winner. We also can’t forget about Jose Valverde, who was successful on all 49 of his save opportunities in the regular season and he has two more in the playoffs, although he was shaky in one game against the Yankees. The Tigers are well balanced and hungry, and that is a dangerous combination.

But MLB betting players still have some questions to ask of the Tigers, and it starts with the rotation after Verlander and Fister; can they trust Max Scherzer and Rick Porcello to hold up the bottom of the group? He tossed a great Game 2 against the Yankees, but it is still his first playoff experience and we all know the 22-year-old Porcello can be inconsistent. The Tigers have a 5.37 ERA so far in the postseason, but seem to be getting away with it due to timely hitting. Also, Detroit hit .226 against the Yankees, but they have to pump up their bats a little more to beat the Rangers. 

Why Bet On Texas Rangers

After a 9-0 blowout at the hands of Tampa Bay in Game 1 of the ALDS, the Rangers recovered to win the next three, followed by a Game 1 win over the Tigers and they have now won three straight by a single run, which sounds like a team that has been there before. You should believe that Texas’ experience in losing the World Series to San Francisco last year is something that they have fed off all season, and it’ll especially come in handy in the playoffs. We all know the Rangers can hit as they led the American League in average and they were third in runs scored (Texas was second in the league in homers, five spots ahead of Detroit). But they’ve scored just 19 runs in the postseason so far, tied with the Tigers, and they’ve been getting by on their pitching, which has a 3.80 ERA. The starters have been fine, but the key to it all may be rookie Alexi Ogando, who was an All-Star, but had a terrible second half and was sent to the bullpen, where he has looked to regain his focus, and he has four holds and a win so far. He is a perfect bridge to closer Neftali Feliz and that gives manager Ron Washington confidence that he can go to the bullpen after seven innings.

Like Detroit, the Texas bats have to wake up because it’s going to be tough to win when Josh Hamilton is hitting .211, and the trio of Michael Young, Elvis Andrus and Nelson Cruz are batting .111. They have been a bit fortunate to draw the Tigers, who are also having problems at the plate, but it also puts more pressure on their rotation, which is better from top to bottom than the Tigers, but they would like to make it easier on their starters.

How It Will Play Out

The Rangers should be the MLB betting favorites, given that this is their second ALCS in a row, and of course, Texas won Game 1 3-2 on Saturday to get off to a good start. Counting Game 1, the Rangers are 4-6 in 10 meetings with the Tigers in 2011, with five games falling under the posted total (along with a pair of pushes).

The two teams are relatively similar, but this is going to come down to pitching, which it usually does in the postseason, and the Rangers are more complete, especially with their rotation and setup men. Ogando coming back down the stretch and in the playoffs is huge if the Rangers are going to continue to win close games. Make Texas your sports betting pick to return to the World Series.

Tigers Rangers Betting Free Pick: Texas Rangers

With the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox not competing in this year’s ALCS and that leaves the chances wide open for the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. The Rangers are the 2010 defending AL Champions and would love a shot at a second World Series appearance in a row. The Tigers were AL Champions in 2006 when they went to the World Series and lost to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Rangers want the chance to prove that last year was not a fluke (if it hasn’t been proven already) and the Tigers would love a rematch of the 2006 World Series, provided the Cardinals beat the Phillies in game five of the NLDS.

Why Bet on Detroit

The Tigers are favored to win game one of this series, and Detroit also stands as the favorite to become AL Champions. The betting sites consider that a neat trick when you remember that the Tigers were chasing the Cleveland Indians for half the season for the AL Central title. Detroit wasn’t even a playoff favorite at the All-Star break. But there are plenty of good reasons to bet on the Detroit Tigers to win the AL pennant.

The Detroit Tigers come into the playoffs with the hottest pitching staff in baseball. It is more than just Cy Young candidate Justin Verlander (although he is a huge part of the reason why Detroit beat the Yankees). But there are other starters such as Doug Fister and Max Scherzer that also helped put the beat down on the Yankees. Detroit’s offense did not really help as it only scored 17 runs in the five games of the ALDS. But the pitching in Detroit should help carry the Tigers far.

Why Bet on Texas

The Rangers did not make it easy on themselves by getting blown out in the first game of its ALDS series against the Tampa Bay Rays 9-0. But the online wagering crowd in Texas relaxed when the Rangers’ starting pitching finally clicked in for the playoffs. The Rangers do not have the convenience of calling on a Cliff Lee to win games in the post-season. But the young Ranger pitching staff that enters the playoffs have shown that it is more than capable of winning big games.

How it Will Play Out

The Rangers’ young pitching staff has shown that it can respond to big games and make a difference in a series. After the game one blowout against the Rays, the Rangers’ staff settled in and allowed only 12 runs in the next three games before clinching the series. But questions still remain about the ability of the Rangers’ staff to be World Series-caliber.

The Tigers are really rolling both on the mound and on offense. Detroit came into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams down the stretch, and maintained its momentum into the playoffs. It will be a tall task to ask a young Rangers team to stop Detroit.

Free Pick: Detroit Tigers

It would have seemed ludicrous at the time that they were considered the consensus World Series favorites, but the Boston Red Sox will not be in the American League postseason in 2011. Thanks to one of the most improbable sports betting comebacks in the history of the sport, the Tampa Bay Rays made it in ahead of Boston, and will now have the even tougher challenge of rallying against the defending AL champion Texas Rangers. Game three in that series will be played Monday back in Tampa Bay, where that final day of the regular season was carried out last Wednesday, while game thee between the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers will also go Monday.

Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays

Monday, 5:07 PM ET

The biggest handicap that the Rays faced heading in to this MLB betting series was the fact that needing a win in each of the final few days before the end of the regular season did not allow them to set up their starting rotation to be ready for the ALDS. That included All Star David Price getting the call in the finale against the Yankees, which meant that he would have to wait until this game three to have a chance to start. Tampa Bay was forced to go with rookie Matt Moore and James Shields though the first two contests, but will finally get their ace on the mound in hopes that they can take this one at home. The Rangers have been among the most consistent teams all season and have power in every aspect of the game, so the Rays need to capitalize on intangibles such as momentum if they are going to overcome once again. Tampa Bay has no business winning this series, but the same could have been said about them even getting in ahead of Boston.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Tampa Bay Rays

New York Yankees @ Detroit Tigers

Monday, 8:37 PM ET

The Tigers will return home knowing exactly what they need to do to close out this series, and it continues with Max Scherzer on the mound against the veteran Freddy Garcia. If there is one MLB betting bonus area of this series where Detroit is projected to have the edge, it is the depth in the starting rotation, and they will need to take advantage of that here. Scherzer finished the regular season with a 15-9 record and 4.43 ERA, and he allowed more than four runs only twice over the final two months. He will need to bring his best stuff to the park on Monday to hold off a powerful Yankees’ offense, and prevent the veteran Garcia from stealing one on the road. Garcia and Bartolo Colon were two key signings for New York in the offseason that have really panned out better than expected, and if he can steal one here in this position, it will go a long way for the Yankees not only in this series but in the longer run.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Detroit Tigers

The way that the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals got in to the postseason was nothing short of impressive, but now comes the even tougher task of making an impact in the playoffs against two of the best teams in the majors in the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies respectively. Both teams have the weapons to make an impact, but will be in tough to continue their improbable runs after spending a ton of gas just to get to the big MLB Betting dance. Here is a quick look at this Saturday’s games.

Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers
Saturday, TBS

The Diamondbacks’ broadcasters had a sense of uneasiness in their voice when they talked about preparing to face Milwaukee in the NLDS on Thursday, and it could be because of the way that the Brewers have dominated this season. With the All Star trio of Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, and Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee will look to flex its muscle at home against an Arizona team that was able to win games despite not playing at an elite level in the NL West, and unless Ian Kennedy can carry out the unlikely task of shutting down the Brewers’ offense they will have a tough time opening the series with a win.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Detroit Tigers @ New York Yankees
Saturday, TBS

The Yankees’ biggest problem heading in to this MLB betting season was a lack of pitching depth in their starting rotation, an area that Ivan Nova’s development has been crucial in. Nova goes second for New York behind CC Sabathia at the top of the rotation, and will counter veteran Doug Fister for Detroit as the pinstripes look to improve their standing in the series before the series shifts to the Motor City.

MLB Betting Free Pick: New York Yankees

Tampa Bay Rays @ Texas Rangers
Saturday, TBS

The Rays will never stop believing after the incredible sequence of events that unfolded on the final day of the regular season, and if they can somehow work with the momentum and continue to play the way that they have as a unit, they do have a chance at an upset. Matt Holland will start the series for Texas with Tampa Bay expected to release their official decision sometime on Friday. The Rangers have unfinished business in the AL, and have no intention of letting the Rays’ Cinderella story continue.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Texas Rangers

St. Louis Cardinals @ Philadelphia Phillies
Saturday, TBS

The Cardinals fought with everything that they had to complete the comeback and catch the Braves, but now face the even more daunting task of matching up with the Phillies in the NLDS. Philadelphia will have the edge in every pitching matchup as expected, and it may take another sports betting bonus miracle for St. Louis to rock the boat in these beginning with Roy Halladay on the mound Saturday against Jaime Garcia for the Cardinals.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Philadelphia Phillies

It would have seemed ludicrous at the time that they were considered the consensus World Series favorites, but the Boston Red Sox will not be in the American League postseason in 2011. Thanks to one of the most improbable sports betting comebacks in the history of the sport, the Tampa Bay Rays made it in ahead of Boston, and will now have the even tougher challenge of rallying against the defending AL champion Texas Rangers. Game three in that series will be played Monday back in Tampa Bay, where that final day of the regular season was carried out last Wednesday, while game thee between the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers will also go Monday.

Texas Rangers @ Tampa Bay Rays

Monday, 5:07 PM ET

The biggest handicap that the Rays faced heading in to this MLB betting series was the fact that needing a win in each of the final few days before the end of the regular season did not allow them to set up their starting rotation to be ready for the ALDS. That included All Star David Price getting the call in the finale against the Yankees, which meant that he would have to wait until this game three to have a chance to start. Tampa Bay was forced to go with rookie Matt Moore and James Shields though the first two contests, but will finally get their ace on the mound in hopes that they can take this one at home. The Rangers have been among the most consistent teams all season and have power in every aspect of the game, so the Rays need to capitalize on intangibles such as momentum if they are going to overcome once again. Tampa Bay has no business winning this series, but the same could have been said about them even getting in ahead of Boston.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Tampa Bay Rays

New York Yankees @ Detroit Tigers

Monday, 8:37 PM ET

The Tigers will return home knowing exactly what they need to do to close out this series, and it continues with Max Scherzer on the mound against the veteran Freddy Garcia. If there is one MLB betting bonus area of this series where Detroit is projected to have the edge, it is the depth in the starting rotation, and they will need to take advantage of that here. Scherzer finished the regular season with a 15-9 record and 4.43 ERA, and he allowed more than four runs only twice over the final two months. He will need to bring his best stuff to the park on Monday to hold off a powerful Yankees’ offense, and prevent the veteran Garcia from stealing one on the road. Garcia and Bartolo Colon were two key signings for New York in the offseason that have really panned out better than expected, and if he can steal one here in this position, it will go a long way for the Yankees not only in this series but in the longer run.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Detroit Tigers

The way that the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals got in to the postseason was nothing short of impressive, but now comes the even tougher task of making an impact in the playoffs against two of the best teams in the majors in the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies respectively. Both teams have the weapons to make an impact, but will be in tough to continue their improbable runs after spending a ton of gas just to get to the big MLB Betting dance. Here is a quick look at this Saturday’s games.

Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers
Saturday, TBS

The Diamondbacks’ broadcasters had a sense of uneasiness in their voice when they talked about preparing to face Milwaukee in the NLDS on Thursday, and it could be because of the way that the Brewers have dominated this season. With the All Star trio of Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, and Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee will look to flex its muscle at home against an Arizona team that was able to win games despite not playing at an elite level in the NL West, and unless Ian Kennedy can carry out the unlikely task of shutting down the Brewers’ offense they will have a tough time opening the series with a win.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Detroit Tigers @ New York Yankees
Saturday, TBS

The Yankees’ biggest problem heading in to this MLB betting season was a lack of pitching depth in their starting rotation, an area that Ivan Nova’s development has been crucial in. Nova goes second for New York behind CC Sabathia at the top of the rotation, and will counter veteran Doug Fister for Detroit as the pinstripes look to improve their standing in the series before the series shifts to the Motor City.

MLB Betting Free Pick: New York Yankees

Tampa Bay Rays @ Texas Rangers
Saturday, TBS

The Rays will never stop believing after the incredible sequence of events that unfolded on the final day of the regular season, and if they can somehow work with the momentum and continue to play the way that they have as a unit, they do have a chance at an upset. Matt Holland will start the series for Texas with Tampa Bay expected to release their official decision sometime on Friday. The Rangers have unfinished business in the AL, and have no intention of letting the Rays’ Cinderella story continue.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Texas Rangers

St. Louis Cardinals @ Philadelphia Phillies
Saturday, TBS

The Cardinals fought with everything that they had to complete the comeback and catch the Braves, but now face the even more daunting task of matching up with the Phillies in the NLDS. Philadelphia will have the edge in every pitching matchup as expected, and it may take another sports betting bonus miracle for St. Louis to rock the boat in these beginning with Roy Halladay on the mound Saturday against Jaime Garcia for the Cardinals.

MLB Betting Free Pick: Philadelphia Phillies

The MLB betting is getting down to the wire in MLB as the regular season comes to a close and both wild card races are still up in the air. Some of the pennants have been clinched while others wait patiently for the lead teams to reach their magic number. This week is the last full week of the regular season and it should be a fun one to watch.

Monday – September 26, 2011
Boston Red Sox @ Baltimore Orioles – 7:05PM EST
The only thing keeping the Boston Red Sox in the playoffs is the fact that the Tampa Bay Rays cannot beat the New York Yankees. The Red Sox have only beaten the Baltimore Orioles once in the month of September, but yet this is the second series the two teams have played against each other in the last two weeks. Boston needs to figure out a starting pitching rotation and determine what happened to its offense if it wants to find success in the playoffs.
Free Pick: Baltimore Orioles

Tuesday – September 27, 2011
Texas Rangers @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim – 10:05PM EST
As of late last week, the Texas magic number to beat out the Angels for the AL West pennant was two games. But the Angels have been hanging in there and a head-to-head series against the Rangers is just what the Angels need. But many MLB betting experts feel that the Angels are just putting off the inevitable as opposed to being in control of its own destiny.
Free Pick: Texas Rangers

Wednesday – September 28, 2011
Pittsburgh Pirates @ Milwaukee Brewers – 8:10PM EST
If the Brewers have not clinched the NL Central pennant by this time, then this should be the game where it happens. The Brewers’ magic number over the St. Louis Cardinals is two, and the Cardinals seem to be more wrapped up in the NL wild card race with the Atlanta Braves. The Pirates were a playoff contender prior to the All-Star break, but they have been a doormat ever since.
Free Pick: Milwaukee Brewers

Wednesday – September 28, 2011
St. Louis Cardinals @ Houston Astros – 8:05PM EST
The St. Louis Cardinals have this one last game of the season to try and lay claim to the NL wild card spot. While the Atlanta Braves spend its last series of the season battling with the Philadelphia Phillies, the Cardinals get the worst team in baseball in the Houston Astros. If the Cardinals want to stay in the World Series betting then they will have to win out and the Braves will have to keep losing. Considering how poorly the Braves have played in the stretch, it is not out of the question to think that the NL wild card could come down to this final day of the season.
Free Pick: St. Louis Cardinals

Wednesday – September 28, 2011
Philadelphia Phillies @ Atlanta Braves – 7:10PM EST
The only thing going for the Braves in this game is that it is at home. Atlanta has allowed a sizeable lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL wild card race to shrink to two games. The Phillies are playing for real as it gets ready to enter the playoffs and that is just something that the Braves may not be able to handle.
Free Pick: Philadelphia Phillies