The Hall of Fame game odds in the NFL are still another week away, so baseball gets center stage for another weekend of online betting. What does Friday have in store in Major League Baseball?

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Atlanta Braves
Friday, July 31, 7:35 p.m. ET
Jason Schmidt (1-1, 7.88) vs Tommy Hanson (5-1, 2.95)

Jason Schmidt, who was a Tommy Hanson clone a decade ago, tries to get his career back on track Friday in Atlanta. After not pitching at all in 2008, Schmidt has labored through a rocky return to the bigs this season, getting knocked around in each of his starts. There’s no point reviewing his splits or history against the Braves, as it’s better betting management to treat Schmidt as a different pitcher than he ever was in the past.

Tommy Hanson’s ERA is higher at home than it is on the road, but he’s yet to lose at Turner Field. Power-pitching rookies usually perform well when facing teams for the first time, so even the mighty Dodgers may not have an answer for him. Go with the Braves.

Pick: Braves

Philadelphia Phillies @ San Francisco Giants
Friday, July 31, 10:15 PM ET
Joe Blanton (7-4, 4.11) vs Ryan Sadowski (2-3, 4.81)

Similar to what bettors will face when making picks for UFC 101 betting, anyone handicapping the Phillies and Giants on Friday has to choose between trusting early or recent history. Joe Blanton has an ugly track record against the Giants in his career but has been scintillating this month, going 3-0 with a 1.21 ERA. Meanwhile, rookie Ryan Sadowski dominated when he arrived but has been knocked around in recent starts, allowing 13 earned runs in his last 11.1 innings.

I say trust recent history. Blanton’s on a roll and Sadowski faces arguably baseball’s deadliest lineup. Bet on the road team.

Pick: Phillies

NBA and NHL finished, Lakers and Penguins won!!!

We be back when new season starts.

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