One of the games on Fox television for Saturday afternoon in baseball lines has the New York Mets visiting the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies are the favorites to win the National League again this season and they are favored in baseball odds in this matchup against New York. Baseball lines almost always favor the Phillies when they are at home. Philadelphia is getting more respect this season and they are oftentimes favored no matter where they play. The Phillies have had a lot of success against the Mets recently. Before this series began they had won 13 of the last 20 meetings. The Phillies really dominated the Mets in Philadelphia a year ago, winning seven of the nine games. Six of those games went under the total in baseball odds.
Part of the problem for the Mets this season in baseball lines has been a lack of offense. It would really help if they could get Carlos Beltran back into the lineup. He has been out all season as he recovers from knee surgery. The Mets were hoping to have him back by now but it could be a few more weeks. “That’s kind of unfortunate,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel said.
The Phillies have looked like the best team in the National League again this season vs. the baseball lines. They have the best pitcher in the league in Roy Halladay and a very potent offense. They are not without concerns though in baseball lines as Ryan Madson has struggled in the closer’s role. “I know what I’m doing wrong,” Madson said “I just don’t want to say.” Last year between Brad Lidge and Madson, the combo blew 17 saves. The Phillies got away with it last year but with the Braves looking like a contender this season, the Phillies may not be able to blow as many games in 2010. Madson has an ERA of just above three overall in his career but in save situations his ERA is well above nine. He is a little better as the closer but still his ERA is above four. Those are not closer type numbers. “I think the ninth inning is a different beast,” pitching coach Rich Dubee said. “He’s under control some games, and he’s not in control some games. It’s a different beast. That’s why the guys who can do it on a regular basis, year in and year out, are special. Those are special guys. It takes some guys longer to get over that hump. Some never get over the hump. Some are more comfortable in the seventh and eighth for whatever reason.”