Los Angeles Angels vs. Kansas City Royals
MLB Prediction: Over 8.5 -110 odds (May 23rd 2013)
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I look for a slug fest tonight between the Los Angeles Angels and the Kansas City Royals. This is a battle between two of the best lineups in baseball from top to bottom.

The Royals may cover this OVER by themselves as they tee off against Los Angeles’ Joe Blanton. The right-hander has been atrocious in 2013, going 0-7 with a 6.62 ERA and 1.967 WHIP through nine starts.

Blanton is also 0-2 with an 8.04 ERA and 2.106 WHIP in his last three starts. That includes a start against Kansas City on May 13th just 11 days ago. Blanton surrendered seven earned runs and 12 hits over 4 2/3 innings of a 4-11 home loss to the Royals.

While Ervin Santana has posted solid numbers this season, he’s at a big disadvantage being a former Angel. Los Angeles has the perfect scouting report on him. Plus, Santana has struggled of late, going 0-2 with a 4.19 ERA in his last three starts.

Los Angeles is 37-16-2 to the OVER in its last 55 games overall. The Angels are 12-2 to the OVER vs. an excellent bullpen whose ERA is 3.00 or better this season. Kansas City is 59-39 to the OVER vs. an average bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 to 4.50 over the last 3 seasons. Bet the OVER in this game Thursday.

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Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings
Betting Pick: Detroit +133 odds (May 23rd 2013)
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With Chicago surprisingly down two games to one in this series, the pundits-the linesmakers and public now believe the mighty Blackhawks will be set to bounce back and tie this series. I , on other hand take a contrarian look at this tilt, and feel that Motown will once again come out flying and make things difficult for the Hawks. The Hockey town USA crew may have not dominated or out skated Chciago in game 3, but they played virtually mistake free hockey. You have to rememeber the Blackhwaks never really had any prolonged slumps during this shortened season, so dont be surprised if its now slump time and this series continues to spiral downwards and turns into a major fiasco for Chicago hockey fans and the franchise vs a Wings side that must not be underestimated.Detroit has won seven consecutive home playoff games against Chicago and betting number 8 is on the way. Final notes & Key Trends: Red Wings are 35-17-1 in their last 53 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600 and 355-158-16 in their last 529 home games.Blackhawks are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Coach Quenville of Chicago is 0-5 all-time series against the Red Wings in the postseason.

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Oakland Athletics vs. Texas Rangers
Prediction: Oakland +108 odds (May 22nd 2013)
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The Rangers haven’t been swept in a series at home since July of 2010, so it’s understandable that they’re listed as the favorite in Wednesday’s series finale against the A’s.

That doesn’t mean that I agree with the line, however.

Oakland has caught fire once again, reeling off five straight wins to pull within 4.5 games of the A.L. West-leading Rangers.

Over their last 10 games, the A’s pitching staff has really picked up the pace, particularly their bullpen, as they’ve posted a collective 1.59 ERA over that stretch.

Meanwhile, the Rangers staff is ravaged by injuries with Alexi Ogando, Matt Harrison, Neftali Feliz, Colby Lewis, and now Nicholas Tepesch sidelined. That’s forced them to give journeyman minor leaguer Ross Wolf an emergency start on Wednesday.

The A’s will hand the ball to a rejuvenated Jarrod Parker, who is coming off back-to-back strong outings, allowing only seven hits and four earned runs over 13 1/3 innings pitched against the Mariners and Royals. Oakland went a perfect 3-0 in Parker’s three starts against the Rangers last season.

The Rangers have yet to lose three games in a row this season, but that’s not a sustainable trend. The A’s are a confident bunch right now, and I look for them to find a way to get it done again on Wednesday afternoon in Arlington. Take Oakland (1*).

Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels
MLB Pick: Angels -175 odds (May 22nd 2013)
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Not including another easy complimentary winner, I was 4-1 on Tuesday. That included a 12-0 blowout winner with the Angels over the Mariners.

While the price is admittedly a little steep, all signs indicate that the Angels should have the edge again this evening.

Wilson should be pleased to be opposed by someone other than Chris Sale. He’s been matched up against Sale each of his last two starts. He pitched well in both those games but was outduelled by Sale, who didn’t allow a run in either game.

Wilson, who is 12-5 vs. Seattle, has now allowed three or fewer earned runs in seven straight games. Be sure to take advantage of Ben Burn’s premium MLB picks for May 22nd 2013 at Touthouse.com.

Wilson figures to finally get some run support here as Maurer is 2-5 with a 5.75 ERA. He averages five innings per start, allowing a home run per outing. He’s walked eight batters in his last three starts, a span of 15 innings. Opposing batters are hitting .295 against him for the season.

The Angels bullpen is well-rested. Not only did LA get eight complete innings from Williams last night, the previous day was an off day. On the other hand, the M’s played an extra inning game Monday, then traveled across the country. They also only got 3 2/3 innings out of Harang, last night’s starter.

The Angels also have a far better (and hotter) lineup, one which exploded for 15 hits last night.

With yesterday’s victory, the Angels are now 14-7 the last 21 times they were a host in this series. Consider laying the wood.