With just a couple of games and few days left in the 2010 baseball odds action the playoff field has been more or less set.
In the American League the suspense ended months ago as the AL East leading Tampa Bay Rays (94-65) and New York Yankees (94-65) clinched spots in the post season in late summer. Similarly the Texas Rangers (89-70) have owned the AL West since day won’t and enjoy an 11.0 game lead over the Angels why the Twins (93-66) clinched last month robbing the last shred of suspense from the AL playoff baseball betting odds competition.
In fact, the only race that is still alive heading into the weekend and the first few days of October is the NL Wild Card. The San Francisco Giants (91-68) are just one win away from clinching the NL West and that should happen in the next day or two.
The Atlanta Braves (90-69) have the inside track on the NL Wild Card and in a worst case scenario must win 2 of their next 3 games to clinch if the San Diego Padres (88-71) win out. That’s not likely to happen and if the Braves can win at least one more game they’re probably in the post season baseball odds action.
But against the NL East champion Phillies (95-64) nothing comes easy and the Braves will have their work cut out for them.
In Saturday’s matchup Atlanta will start the red hot Tommy Hanson (10-11, 3.41 ERA) whose given up just 1 earned runs over his past two starts (13.2 innings) and just 9 runs over his past 6 starts.
Philly has yet to name a starter which is a good sign for the Braves. The Phillies have already clinched the division and home field advantage and are simply looking to rest their top arms for the post season baseball odds action. Most likely the Braves will see a called up pitcher with very little experience in the majors, or unsuccessful experience at the very least.
Atlanta should win this game and perhaps even lock up the NL Wild Card with the victory –depending on what San Diego does. And that would be awfully interesting considering it would set up a playoff matchup between these two teams in the coming week.