Barry Zito will make his eighth start of the 2008 season tonight in San Francisco. This may sound crazy when you consider that Zito has lost all seven of his starts this season, but I think he is a great bet in tonight's game.
The opposing pitcher is Roy Oswalt, normally a sure winner and he has won his past three decisions. Still, he is only a slight favorite over Zito at -137 on the money line. Granted the game is in San Francisco which would explain Oswalt not being a more overwhelming favorite, but when you consider Zito hasn't won a game all season and the Astros have been red hot lately you have to wonder why the odds aren't bigger.
It is possible that Oswalt has something a bit wrong with him also? He has given up 11 homers already this season He only gave up 14 all of last season. That many dingers in the first month or so of the season is never a good sign. Perhaps odds makers know of something regarding Oswalt on this matter.
Another interesting money line to ponder would be the Toronto Blue Jays with A.J. Burnett on the mound. He is a +127 underdog to Fausto Carmona and the Indians. The game is in Cleveland which will present the usual problems, but Burnett is capable of shutting down any lineup, so he is worth taking a chance on.
I certanily wouldn't have too much faith in Carmona because of one number: 31 walks issued. Carmona made quite a name for himself last year, but that name might have him a bit overrated for a while. He is 3-1 with a 2.95 ERA, but 31 walks is horrendous and cannot be overlooked.
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