With the UFC 102 fight card still more than a week away, let's turn our attention to the pennant races in Major League Baseball for now. Can Boston or Texas gain the upper hand in the American League Wildcard hunt on Tuesday night?
Boston Red Sox @ Toronto Blue Jays
Tuesday, August 18, 7:07 p.m. ET
Josh Beckett (14-4, 3.10) vs Ricky Romero (10-5, 3.70)
Cy Young candidate Josh Beckett faces off against Rookie of the Year candidate Ricky Romero in a game that clearly matters more to the Red Sox. Beckett has been a machine of late, sporting a 2.25 ERA since the All-Star break, but he hasn't faced the Jays this season and, for whatever reason, they have his number. He's 3-5 all-time against them and has a 6.85 ERA with nine homers allowed in 23.2 innings at the Rogers Center. Maybe he'll break Vernon Wells out of his slump; Toronto's overpriced center fielder has five homers in 28 at-bats against Beckett.
Despite Beckett's struggles, I'd still pick Boston if you're betting online this week. The Red Sox have hammered Romero for nine runs in 8.1 innings over two outings -- both at the Rogers Center. Beckett should pitch better than normal in Toronto versus a group of guys with nothing left to play for this season.
Baseball pick: Red Sox
Minnesota Twins @ Texas Rangers
Tuesday, August 18, 8:05 p.m. ET
Carl Pavano (10-9, 5.16) vs Scott Feldman (12-4, 3.90)
Say what you want about Scott Feldman, but he gets it done. The big righty doesn't miss bats and he's a hittable, but he has solid control. He has nine quality starts in his last 10 outings, so he's a safe bet to keep Texas in the game. According to betting software stats, that won't be too difficult since Carl Pavano is pitching for the Twinkies. Earlier this season, he allowed nine runs -- NINE! -- in one inning against the Rangers. Even if he cuts that number in half, he'll get rocked. Bet on the home team.
Baseball pick: Rangers
Boston Red Sox @ Toronto Blue Jays
Tuesday, August 18, 7:07 p.m. ET
Josh Beckett (14-4, 3.10) vs Ricky Romero (10-5, 3.70)
Cy Young candidate Josh Beckett faces off against Rookie of the Year candidate Ricky Romero in a game that clearly matters more to the Red Sox. Beckett has been a machine of late, sporting a 2.25 ERA since the All-Star break, but he hasn't faced the Jays this season and, for whatever reason, they have his number. He's 3-5 all-time against them and has a 6.85 ERA with nine homers allowed in 23.2 innings at the Rogers Center. Maybe he'll break Vernon Wells out of his slump; Toronto's overpriced center fielder has five homers in 28 at-bats against Beckett.
Despite Beckett's struggles, I'd still pick Boston if you're betting online this week. The Red Sox have hammered Romero for nine runs in 8.1 innings over two outings -- both at the Rogers Center. Beckett should pitch better than normal in Toronto versus a group of guys with nothing left to play for this season.
Baseball pick: Red Sox
Minnesota Twins @ Texas Rangers
Tuesday, August 18, 8:05 p.m. ET
Carl Pavano (10-9, 5.16) vs Scott Feldman (12-4, 3.90)
Say what you want about Scott Feldman, but he gets it done. The big righty doesn't miss bats and he's a hittable, but he has solid control. He has nine quality starts in his last 10 outings, so he's a safe bet to keep Texas in the game. According to betting software stats, that won't be too difficult since Carl Pavano is pitching for the Twinkies. Earlier this season, he allowed nine runs -- NINE! -- in one inning against the Rangers. Even if he cuts that number in half, he'll get rocked. Bet on the home team.
Baseball pick: Rangers
