A’s at Twins – Free MLB Pick and Preview 8-18-08
August 18, 2008
The Twins are a clear choice on Monday to pick up yet another home win. Minnesota is currently locked in a first-place tie with the Chicago White Sox for the American League Central pennant. This should be enough motivation in itself to get them past the A’s, but there’s plenty more to like about this match up.
How about the A’s motivation? On a scale of 1 to 10 I’d put Oakland’s drive to win this game at a 1. At 20.5 games out of first in the AL West and no shot whatsoever at earning the AL Wild-card spot, what do the A’s really have to play for?
The Twins are doing everything they can to finish out their season ahead of Chicago and the biggest reason they are in this position is their play in Minnesota. They’ve won 40 of their last 56 home games and are currently on an 11-1 run at home against teams with an overall losing record. Not bad at all.
I’ve already mentioned the lack of motivation for the A’s in Monday’s game, but here are some solid numbers to help back that claim up. Oakland currently has a 17-36 record in their last 53 games overall, they have only won 6 of their last 26 games on the road, and they’ve lost 6 in a row when tonight’s starter, Justin Duchscherer, starts for them.
There are several more, similar trends that work against the A’s or for the Twins, but this game really boils down who wants to be there and who needs to win. I don’t see Oakland as one of those “spoiler” teams that are out to play their tails off to try and keep someone from winning the division. One, they aren’t really good enough to seriously spoil anything for anyone, and Two, I don’t think they really care at this point. The Twins have once again slipped into contention without anyone really noticing. Well, we’ve noticed and we are ready to ride the Twins on what should just another win at home for them.
OAKLAND A’S @ MINNESOTA TWINS
J. Duchscherer (10-8, 2.59), N. Blackburn (9-6, 3.73)
Monday’s Free Pick: Minnesota Twins -136 (list both starters)
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