Although they haven’t performed as well in 2011 as they did during their 2010 World Series championship run, the San Francisco Giants will be well represented at this year’s All Star game. Former Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum will be flanked by Giants’ closer Brian Wilson and Ryan Vogelsong at this year’s midsummer classic, as the NL pitching looks to make sure they do what they have to do to put together consecutive MLB All Star game wins.2011 MLB All Star Game
American League vs. National League
Tuesday July 12, 2011 – 8:00 PM ET
MLB Betting Odds: American League – 110
The NL side ended their skid of 13 straight losses at the All Star game a year ago, allowing just one run in a close 3-1 decision that surprised more than a few fans in attendance that day. Pitching will once again by the key to their success in 2011, and they undoubtedly have the arms to get the sports betting job done.
MLB Betting Preview: American League
The American League will be led by a heavy dose of the AL East, with Toronto Blue Jays’ slugger Jose Bautista at the front of the line after setting a record with 7.4 million votes. The reigning home run king was back out in front of the pack again in 2011 with 28 home runs with a week to go before the All Star game, and has shown no signs of slowing down. Six of the other eight starters are from the AL East as well, including four players from the New York Yankees. Mark Teixeira and Curtis Granderson blasted their way into the voting, while Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter’s appearances may be based more on their sports betting bonus resume.
MLB Betting Preview: National League
Lincecum will be among the top NL starters, with three pitchers from the Philadelphia Phillies flanking him, including reigning NL Cy Young award winner Roy Halladay. Halladay is joined by teammates Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels as members of what is undoubtedly the deepest and most talented pitching staff in baseball. The offense will come largely from a trio of Milwaukee Brewers, with Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks joined by Ryan Braun. The NL side has one of the game’s hottest hitters in New York Mets’ shortstop Jose Reyes, and they should be able to muster enough offense to compliment the strong MLB pitching.
MLB Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
One year after ending their 13-game skid, the NL is looking to flex its muscle again with Lee back on their side. Last year’s team scored just enough runs to help out a pitching staff that was dominant in the sports betting win, and that will undoubtedly be the goal again as a talented group looks to slow down a powerful side from the AL.
BSNblog Pick: National League + 110
