Ala Hann Sport picks

MLB Betting – Chicago White Sox @ Detroit Tigers

Edwin Jackson (6-10) vs. Armando Galarraga (3-3)

Jackson vs. Tigers Hitting

Edwin Jackson will be making his glorious return to the American League in this matchup, and he’s not entering on a high note. Since his eight-walk, zero-hit performance on June 25^th, Jackson has been a very sub-par pitcher. In five starts he’s gone 1-5 and has allowed at least four runs in each outing. He didn’t pitch through the seventh inning in any start. The White Sox didn’t give up that much to acquire Jackson at the deadline, but he’ll be expected to produce much better than he has been.

Jackson is lucky to be facing his former team while they’re experiencing a host of injuries. Magglio Ordonez, Brandon Inge and Carlos Guillen are out, while Johnny Damon is day-to-day and may not be ready to play. Jackson still has to deal with MVP-candidate Miguel Cabrera and super-rookie Austin Jackson, but after that there is a drop off in legit offensive talent. A slumping Jackson couldn’t have picked a better time to pitch against the Tigers.

Galarraga vs. White Sox Hitting

Armando Galarraga has been nursing a hurt ankle since his last start, as he was hit by a ball and forced to leave the game, though he is expected to be healthy enough to pitch against the White Sox. Galaragga hasn’t won a game since June 24^th, and is 0-2 in five starts since. He hasn’t been pitching horribly, but isn’t giving his team enough chances to win games. His low strikeout-to-walk ratio and high WHIP isn’t helping the Tigers climb back into contention in the AL Central.

There is definitely offensive talent in Chicago, but there is a reason why management pushed hard for Adam Dunn at the trade deadline. Outside of Paul Konerko, Carlos Quentin and Alex Rios, there is a lack of legitimate offensive prowess on the team. While Galaragga has had his way with Quentin (0-for-8 lifetime) and Rios (3-for-11 lifetime), but if you’re betting online make sure you look at Konerko. The first baseman is 4-for-8 lifetime with three RBI’s and five walks.

Bullpen Comparison

The Bobby Jenks roller-coaster continues in Chicago. Last week Jenks blew two straight saves and received a temporary demotion from the closers role. Then he goes out and converts two straight saves, looking like the all-star reliever the White Sox like to see. His inconsistency will hurt the White Sox; however bullpen talent like Matt Thornton and J.J. Putz can step in nicely if needed too.
Detroit boasts a solid bullpen loaded with an elite closer and a bunch of solid arms. Jose Valverde, despite a recent slipup, remains one of the most dominant closers in the American League. Phil Coke is enjoying his role as a set-up man, but after him the talent level drops a bit. The rest of the bullpen is littered with high-ERA’s and low-strikeout rates.

Outlook

Jackson pitched poorly in his time with the D-Backs, and the track record for struggling NL-pitchers switching to the AL is not a very good one. In the long run that may be true with Jackson, but in this game he’s facing a reeling Detroit team desperate to stay in contention. I’m betting Jackson pulls out a gem and beats his former team.

Pick: Chicago White Sox