SPORTS N STUFF

When the Toronto Blue Jays match up against the Cleveland Indians this weekend, they will have to be wishing that they had the good fortune of playing in the American League Central, where the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays wouldnt perennially squash any hope of reaching the postseason. The Indians have played well to get to the top of their division in 2011, but they as much as anyone know there is still a lot of work to be done if they are going to clinch the top sports betting bonus spot.

Toronto Blue Jays @ Cleveland Indians

Thursday, 7:05 PM ET

The Blue Jays think that they have found a legitimate pitching star in 27-year old Carlos Villanueva, who is 5-1 with a 3.24 ERA on the season. Villanueva earned his spot in the starting rotation with some solid work in relief, and is now considered among the top arms on the club. Hell line up against Zach McAllister for his ninth start of the season, and will actually have the edge in experience as this will be the first start of 2011 for the Indians hurler, who is expected to head back to Columbus after replacing the injured Fausto Carmona in this spot appearance.

MLB Betting Pick: Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays @ Cleveland Indians

Friday, 7:05 PM ET

Considering the struggles of Mitch Talbot so far this season, the Indians may not be that much better served with a veteran on the MLB betting mound. Talbot allowed six earned runs in just four innings of work against the Cincinnati Reds in his last start, which ballooned his ERA up to 5.60 on the year. Talbot will throw against JoJo Reyes for the Blue Jays, and while the latter hasnt performed that much better he has been a lot more consistent.

MLB Betting Pick: Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays @ Cleveland Indians

Saturday, 7:05 PM ET

The Indians wont feel the need to panic after consecutive losses, especially with Josh Tomlin and his 10 wins on the mound for the Indians in the third game of this series. Tomlin hasnt allowed more than three runs in any of his past four starts, and he should be able to ensure that his sports betting team gets back on track against Brandon Morrow and the Blue Jays.

MLB Betting Pick: Cleveland Indians

Toronto Blue Jays @ Cleveland Indians

Sunday, 1:05 PM ET

As long as he isnt facing the defending AL champion Texas Rangers or current AL-leading New York Yankees, Cleveland doesnt have any problem with young Carlos Carrasco. The 24-year old has been one of the bright spot for the Indians this season, and is 8-5 with a 3.95 ERA. Carrasco gets the nod for the finale over Reyes and his 6.37 ERA as Cleveland earns the split in the series to hold on to the top spot in the AL Central heading into the All Star break

MLB Betting Pick: Cleveland Indians