MLB Lines: The Tampa Bay Rays have long been a team that has exceeded the expectations of baseball experts and handicappers as the ultimate “Moneyball” team. The Rays have been perennial post season contenders despite having no fan support and a low payroll. For the 2014 season, however, it has finally all caught up to the Rays as they have been the biggest money loser on the board as the last place team in the American League East. The Detroit Tigers have maintained their pattern of last year as they lose money as a consistent overlay despite leading the American League Central. The Detroit Tigers will host the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night with coverage on ESPN starting at 7:08 PM ET.
No Rays of Hope
Tampa Bay was a MLB worst -2770 units overall and -2589 on the run line. The Rays were 15-24 on the road and ranked 28th for run production and 27th for quality starting pitching.
Tigers Lose While Winning
Detroit led the AL Central but was -114 units on the betting board. The Tigers ranked 5th for run production, 2nd for both OPS and batting average, and 8th for home runs.,
The Pick
The Tigers have dominated the cashier’s cage in this head to head series with 14 wins in their last 20 games against the Rays as just 2 out of the last 18 games between the Tigers and Rays have gone over the total. The Tigers have won 8 out of their last 10 home games with the Rays as just 1 out of the last 7 games between the Rays and Tigers at Comerica Park have gone over the total. Detroit and under is the call!
