Jason Storm
Free Picks Newsletter Lead Researcher
165-112-1 Overall Record

MLB Predictions: Toronto Blue Jays (-138) at Minnesota Twins (+130) Over Under 8.5

This is the first of a few times this year the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Minnesota Twins this 2012 season but while things are looking good for the Jays not the same can be said about the Twins. Both teams are headed in different directions so early in the season it almost feels like after the All-Star Break. Toronto heads into this game winner of 6 games out of the last 10 and the Twins have lost 7 of their last 10. Not really much to be bringing into this match up but you’d be surprised, The Blue Jays really need these small wins to keep pace with the rest of the AL East, which for the first time since May 1st, 1994 the Yankees and Red Sox are in last place. The Rays and Orioles keep winning games against big names. Since Toronto can keep pace why not take a few road wins on a team that isn’t doing to hot.

The troubles for the Twins don’t just come out of anywhere. The ownership cant afford to spend much money setting up new guys or pay big names to come, mainly because the city hasn’t helped out fan wise. Some say that goes both way but with very little gems in Minnesota you got to at least cheer for someone at home, even if it is the opposing team. The poor Twins are 8-22 (4-10 at home) and cant get a rhythm going at all. They have the absolute MLB worst pitching rotation and batting isnt anything golden either. Hopefully Jason Marquis brings it in this game hard or hes gonna be devoured by the batting of Toronto.

Hes pitched only 23.1 innings with a 5.40 ERA. Garbage. He is 2-1 so thats got to count for something right?

The Blue Jays however are knocking balls outta every place they travel. 39 HRs already and although they arnt the best they certainly know when to kick it up. Averaging 4.71 Runs a game also isn’t the best in the big leagues but its getting the job done. The hitting squad of Encarnacion, Lawrie, and Bautisia has been really good when it needs to be in a tight clutch win. When the game is on the line they step up. The batting average is fairly low but only because most of the walking and strikes they take. Swing for the fences Jays.

Henderson Alvarez is coming into the matchup 2-2 with an ERA of 2.83 and a WHIP barely over 1.0. He knows how to get calls he needs for the win.

I dont see the pitching or bullpen stepping up against the Blue Jays so I’ll say this will be an easy slugfest for AL East Toronto. I see atleast 2 HRS off of such a pitcher as Marquis.

Pick: Toronto Blue Jays (-138)