Ala Hann Sport picks

Like Denver’s NFL odds after the Jay Cutler trade, the Red Sox’s World Series hopes have taken a turn for the worse. OK – they’re not that bad. But the Red Sox were humiliated in New York last weekend and could slide out of a playoff spot if they don’t get hot. How will they fare in the last two games of their four-gamer at home to Detroit?

Wednesday, August 12, 7:10 p.m. ET
Armando Galarraga (6-10, 5.23) vs Josh Beckett (13-4, 3.12)

If you’re betting on the Tigers tomorrow, you may as well bet on Rich Beem’s PGA Championship odds, as you must think you have a large horseshoe you-know-where. There’s almost no chance Josh Beckett and the Red Sox lose Wednesday. In addition to shutting out opponents five times in his last 10 starts, Beckett blanked Detroit for seven innings on June 3 and has a 2.67 ERA against the Tigers in his career. He’s also 7-0 at Fenway Park this season. Need you any more reasons to pick Boston in your MLB predictions?

Pick: Red Sox

Thursday, August 13, 1:35 p.m. ET
Justin Verlander (12-6, 3.45) vs Clay Buchholz (1-2, 5.33)

Here’s where the risk-takers can have some fun. Because of Justin Verlander’s road struggles, he and the Tigers should be slight underdogs on the road Thursday afternoon. While it’s true that Verlander hasn’t been at his best lately (that shouldn’t be a surprise, as his career second-half ERA is 4.79) he still has a shot on Thursday. Even when Verlander is mediocre, his stuff remains electric; that’s why he still manages to hang around .500 away from Comerica Park. He could contain a Red Sox offense that has struggled mightily of late and was held scoreless three times in four games against the Yankees last week.

Clay Buchholz hasn’t shown yet that he belongs in the big leagues permanently. He’s walked 16 guys in 25.1 innings this season and, even though he held the Yankees to two runs in his last start, handicapping software would tell you he’s lucky, as he walked five.

Go with the more proven Verlander and the Tigers to take one back from the Red Sox.

Pick: Tigers